Lunch with Barleycorn

A BIT OF IRISH: Irish-influenced Gisborne band Barleycorn are Colin Olsen (left), Judy Paulsen, Sarah Olsen and Brendon Gill, and will perform at St Andrew’s Church next week as part of the 2017 St Andrew’s Lunchtime series. Picture supplied

A SMALL but perfectly formed fan club has built up around Irish-influenced folk band Barleycorn so, by popular request, the four-piece will perform in the 2017 St Andrew’s Lunchtime series on Wednesday.

“We seem to be rather popular,” says bass guitarist-singer Brendon Gill. “They keep asking us to come back.”

New material in the band’s repertoire include sea songs, and among them is an unaccompanied sheet shifting shanty Haul Away Joe that Gill will perform.

Barleycorn is two-thirds of the way through recording a CD of sea songs and sea dance tunes called Barleycorn All at Sea. The recording follows an earlier release that has sold well, A Little Bit of Blarney.

From the western isles of Scotland comes the Mingulay Boat Song.

“This is one we picked up, modified and made more into our style.”

Colin Olsen will perform The Rocky Road to Dublin, a slip jig in 9/8 time.

“It’s a devil of a thing to sing,” says Gill.

“It’s hard to sing in 9/8 time but when you accompany yourself as well it’s even more challenging.”

The St Andrew’s Lunchtime Concert Series presents Irish-influenced band Barleycorn at St Andrew’s Church on Wednesday at 12.30. Admission free but koha for performers welcomed. Tea/coffee at door. Bring your lunch.