New England Celtic Arts will present Scottish-born Canadian songsmith David Francey on his CD release tour of “Empty Train” at One Longfellow Square in Portland on Tuesday, May 10; and at North Church Concerts with the Farmington Historical Society in Farmington on Wednesday, May 11. Curtain times are 7 p.m. at both locations. A jam session and pie social will begin at 6 p.m. in Farmington.

 

Francey’s appearance lauches New England Celtic Arts second Celtic/Roots series. Ten concerts are planned in the collaboration this year. Other artists featured this year will include: Tomato/tomato from NB; Barrule from the Isle of Man; Makem & Spain; Dallahan from Scotland; The Gothard Sisters; The East Pointers from PEI; and Outside Track from Ireland, to mention a few.

 

It’s the ultimate pastime of the introvert, spending time alone in a crowd contemplating the dynamics of the characters around you, reflecting on their emotional lives, reflecting on your emotional life. With “Empty Train”, three-time Juno winner David Francey elevates the practice to high art.

 

The long-time manual laborer-turned-singer-songwriter, populates “Empty Train” with the lonely faceless patrons of a Yukon night club in“Mirror Ball;” hospital patients who might get home but you never know in “Hospital”; working class heroes in the form of sailors, signalers and stokers in“Crucible;” and women seeking to escape their circumstances through the sex trade in “Blue Girl.”

 

Long-time collaborators Mark Westberg guitars, Chris Coole banjo and guitar, and Darren McMullen mandolin, bouzouki, among others provide beautifully spare accompaniment on the CD. Additionally, fiddlers John Showman, New Country Rehab, and Rachel Davis (Còig) guest, along with Francey’s son, Colin, who contributes some guitar and backing vocals on the album.

 

One Longfellow Square is located at 181 State St. Call 207-761-1757 for reservations or go online: https://onelongfellowsquare.com/event-registration/?ee=520 ; North Church is located at 12 High Street. Call 207-778-2006 for reservations orwww.necelticarts.com