Rewind: Belle Starr’s foot stompin’ show in Halifax

This trio of fiddlers came together after crossing paths on the Canadian music highway. Miranda Mulholland (she of the fiery hair) is a member of Great Lake Swimmers. Kendel Carson (blond hair) has performed with The Paperboys and Spirit of the West and works with Chip Taylor of Wild Thing. Stephanie Cadman (brunette) has won awards for fiddling and step-dancing — which she does as part of their act.  Together, they form Belle Starr.

They played on Sunday night at the Carleton in Halifax to a sizeable audiencem, which was probably a slightly older crowd than the shows Mulholland would play with Great Lake Swimmers (not sure if this was because it was a Sunday night show or if that’s their usual fan base). Never-the-less, the group has a lot to appeal to listeners of all ages.

Their first album was chock full of covers, but not the ones you’d expect from a trio of fiddlers. The Talking Heads and Springsteen flow nicely with traditional-style instrumental pieces. The album is great, but the live show is best. At this show, the three were at ease, calling it a “hometown show.”

“We walk down Argyle street and see everyone we know — which is, I guess the point of Argyle street,” Mulholland said.

This folk-country group has finessed their sound. Last time I heard them was with a full band at Ottawa Folk Fest in 2012. They had a similar set up for their album release tour earlier this year, but in their most recent tour (with Aussie Jordie Lane, who is not to be missed), they’ve flown trio and had Carson switching off on guitar and fiddle. The percussion comes from Cadman’s stellar step dancing, elevating the show and whips the crowd into gleeful foot-stomping. I’m serious. You can’t help but grin. (See what I’m talking about on our instagram feed.)

Some live video for you, of Belle Starr’s cover of Justin Rutledge’s “Be A Man,” which you can also find on their album. The songs has special significance for Miranda. Here’s the story, from the Belle Starr website:

A song I brought to the table and that really resonates with me is ‘Be A Man.’ I have a good friend who I play with sometimes – a brilliant musician named Justin Rutledge. He co-wrote this particular song with one of my favourite authors, Michael Ondaatje. It leaves enough space lyrically to leave some interpretation up to the listener and has some truly beautiful poetry in it that I never get tired of singing. I think there is something really compelling too about three women softly singing the words, “be a man about this.” (Mulholland)

Belle Starr have tour dates upcoming with Jordie Lane across Ontario this month.

Photo: Supplied