Live Review: Rosie Doonan and Ben Murray at The Salutation, Doncaster

Rosie Doonan and Ben Murray are a wonderful duo who can rival anyone on the planet as far as their individual vocal (as well as close harmony) talents go. It runs in the family I suppose. Rosie comes from a long line of well known Doonan folkies including her grandad the late John Doonan and her dad Mick Doonan, a well known figure from the Seventies folk scene and member of the popular northern band Hedgehog Pie. Ben's dad was also a member of Hedgehog Pie and is currently in the Doonan Family Band with Mick and so it's very much a family affair. Some of that raw talent has rubbed off onto young Rosie and Ben and they are currently creating a steadily growing following up and down the country.

Tonight the duo played a relaxed set, a few mistakes, a few moments of 'what the hell' but that could be down to the quiet audience. They craved a bit of attention and got a few murmers back. I suppose the hot sticky evening didn't help, but having said all that, I still think the gig was astounding. It was less polish granted, but a naturalistic performance is always more interesting. I sensed a bit of sneering going on between the duo as well, so that's all fun and games isn't it? That's what we are supposed to crave as chronic people watchers, fun and games on stage. How often do you see the female member of the duo whisper into the mic 'I f****** hate you' whilst the male tunes his guitar? Oh okay, I mean besides Richard and Linda Thompson.

Sharing duties on both piano and guitar, Rosie and Ben played just about all of their beautiful debut album including Next Time, Innishcarra, Holding On, Gypsy Davy and  Seal Maiden, which they played twice, the second time as an encore because they had run out of material.

I have to say, even though they are probably already after me for divulging too much here already, that I absolutely adore these two. They are really lovely, with infectious personalities. They need to get together, get more material and get noticed, soon.