Steve Earle, National Concert Hall, Wednesday July 27th

Steve Earle solo at The National Concert Hall, last Wednesday night. Photo opportunities were limited. Could I just say that, aside from classical concerts (which I don’t attend very often) the NCH must be one of the worst venues in Dublin, for any other genre of music, and especially for ‘rock’n’roll’. Between the photo police, and the drink police, and the general sterile, air-sucked-out-of-it atmosphere, it’s a less than ideal place for laying a groove down, or enjoying it. That said, Steve played well, and I dare say everyone went home happy. Oh, and it seems he’s getting divorced – again!

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino at The Button Factory, August 11th, 2014

From Salento, in Puglia, the very heel of Italy, one of my favourite places in the world. A fantastic night, their music a mix of all the influences you find in Puglia: Arabic drones and percussion, Greek buzuki melodies, Italian romantic ballad. Brilliant musicians, the night culminated in a stage invasion by Dublin-resident Puglinese dancing girls, and two spontaneous encores (after the one official encore). Like many traditional and folk musics, much of this material has its origins in healing rituals and dance. If you're anywhere near Kilkenny, catch them at the Arts Festival there tomorrow night.

Mick Turner at Whelan's, Friday, August 8th.

Mick Turner doing a set without his friends in The Dirty Three, Warren Ellis and Jim White. Colourful and inventive, even if you miss the bottom end.