Joseph Chester – Fragments of Lucia – Smock Alley, Dublin – Live Review
by Killian Laher

– 8:15pm, 27  JAN – Boys’ School

Smock Alley was the venue for Joseph Chester’s performance of his newly released musical tribute to Lucia Joyce.  The musician has moved through Ten Speed Racer, A Lazarus Soul and his singer songwriter material to what’s best described as a classical guitar recital.  There was much anticipation as literary buffs mixed with music heads to witness the show.  Chester played practically all of the album solo, without string accompaniment, accompanied by images and videos projected onto the wall of the small theatre.  The music is intricate, and seriously impressive.  Alternating between two guitars, for someone who taught himself classical guitar during lockdown, his technique is spellbinding.  As well as some flamenco-style flourishes, at times his playing was reminiscent of Vini Reilly, on the more impressionistic pieces like Nuvoluccia In Her Light Dress.

Remaining silent until after the album run through, after a brief few words of thanks he finished off with a piece by Turlough O’Carolan.  Although a relatively brief show, it felt like a special night.  Joseph Chester has just released an extraordinary album, and it felt like a privilege to see him perform it.