Duckpond
House Concert No.18
The Mae Trio
9 May 2014
We've had a long association with the Rigby family. Andy, James and James'
wife Jane Thompson played at our wedding,
Andy, James, Jane and Bruce played at our 10th wedding anniversary, and it
was Jane who first suggested to us
that our home would be particularly suited to putting on house concerts. Also,
James and Jane,
and Andy and his wife Polly Christie, have played house concerts here over
the past two years.
So, we thought it fortuitous when James and Jane's daughters Maggie and Elsie,
together with Anita Hillman,
agreed to play a house concert here on 9 May 2014. Known collectively as The
Mae Trio,
these three young women have been taking the music world by storm,
collecting awards wherever they go, including the Maton Award for Emerging
Talent at Port Fairy Folk Festival
and Folk Album of the Year at the National Folk Festival for their CD 'Housekeeping'.
We always begin our evening by feeding artists, house guests and family.
I was too slow to photograph the six wonderful pizzas (on my wonderful bases)
that Jonni created
for dinner tonight. By the time I grabbed my camera - this was all that was
left!
 |
 |
 |
|
Elsie Rigby
fiddle, ukulele & vocals |
Maggie Rigby
guitar, banjo, ukulele & vocals |
Anita Hillman
cello, bass & vocals |
Although we've known Maggie and Elsie since they were toddlers, we have been
somewhat remiss in following
their musical careers of late. It wasn't until we heard, and read, all the
wonderful reviews they have been receiving
that we decided to get them to fill our 'Rigby quota' for this year. And what
fabulous singers and musicians
they have become, as also is Anita, whom we hadn't met before. Between the
three, an atmosphere of unity
is evident, both on a personal level and in their beautiful harmonies.
This was the first time we've had the pleasure of hearing a cello at the Duckpond,
and it sounded fabulous. Although we've had fiddle/violin previously, I don't
think we've had it played
quite like Elsie does. Thank you to one of our first time patrons, Jose Garcia,
for taking this photo.
Maggie did complain that she was severely distracted by the size of the egg
light next to the little
wooden duck and remarked that, if that duck produced that egg, it would have
been a very difficult birth!
They are very talented, as well as charming, young women, and all three have
that most essential
ingredient of all - the ability to engage with the audience and tell good
stories, giving background
to their songs. For such young artists, their songwriting has an powerful
maturity which will take them far.
Indeed, they are back off to the UK and Europe for the northern summer music
festival circuit.
We'd love to have them back again - but with talent like this we may not be
able to afford them!
You can find out more about The Mae Trio, and listen to their music on their
website at
www.themaetrio.com
As Jose Garcia was kind enough to take this photo, I can mention my
little 'kitchen shop' where I had some of my 'Leaf Magic' prints and books
for sale.
More about these 'one of a kind' prints can be found at:
www.leafmagic.com.au