So. . A few weeks late in writing. . My apologies – was hoping to have a new website up and running by now and was going to keep the review until then, but I can’t wait any longer! Either way. . Hello, and welcome to February’s blog entry about Acoustic Edinburgh and there’s a lot to be said.
Other news before I get started. . Is that my colleague Adam Bell and I are planning a new website. . Which will incorporate all of my reviews, his photography and various other exciting stuff. . So I shall post an update within the week and let you know how its going! Also had a chat with John Paul – one of the founders of Clashmusic.com who was in Uni earlier today, was a very valuable chat – learned a lot!
Without further delay. . Acoustic Edinburgh!
As with January’s gig, co-organiser Paul Gilbody opened the evenings music with some of his own music – and as with January’s gig, I was extremely impressed – and as colleague Adam Bell (who had never been to AE) said: “Why isn’t he headlining?”
Paul was followed by one Hamish Campbell, who, after being introduced, stated that he counted himself a very lucky man for being invited back .. That said, he was an extremely entertaining act. . The guitar was slightly tinny, which detracted somewhat from the quality of the set, but as he said – he was a singer first and foremost, which was clear from the word go. Being able to hit certain notes that others from the evening weren’t , and the ability to sustain them seemed to come at a certain level of ease. Would I like to see Hamish again? Yes, definitely, one of the highlights of the evening. . Mix of good music, excellent vocals and a good sense of humour.
The next musician on stage was one Rob Sproul-Cran, who was joined by guitarist Jonny Hugh (see January’s review). This set comprised of three songs. . Two mellow songs and one.. Slightly louder piece – now maybe its just me being partial to the more mellow songs, but I loved the first two, they weren’t what I was expecting at all, their last piece was a really good song though not quite suited to the evening. All in all, I really enjoyed the set; soothing guitars and excellent contrast between guitarists and vocals.
Next on stage were Miasma, well, half of them – Alex (guitar) and Mike (piano). These guys impressed me with their well incorporated vocals and mellow music – the only let down was their instruments, one of which I will forgive. Due to space constraints a keyboard was used in place of a grand piano – understandable – but instead of an acoustic guitar there was an electric – perhaps something to think on. It was clear that these two were somewhat nervous, but they managed to keep a good strong stage presence, without overcompensating and coming across OTT. The music itself I really enjoyed, and am definitely looking forward to seeing them again.
Headliners Andy Tucker and the Scattered Family were a wonderful performance – really nice contrasting folk music. One bitter note that I need to get out of the way – if you’re not performing, please don’t try to be the centre of attention, it only annoys other audience members and I can only imagine how the musicians feel… The set consisted of some really sentimental lyrics, well contrasted music between the guitar and mandolin, very strong vocals and great opportunity for the audience to become members of the scattered family! That’s all I’m saying – apart from this; if your in anyway interested in acoustic or folk music – check these guys out!!
Hope to see you all in Medina for the next instalment of Acoustic Edinburgh on March 2nd.
If you would like me to review a gig and have it photographed, email me on e.greensmyth@hotmail.co.uk or Adam on adam_j_bell@hotmail.co.uk and we’ll see what we can do!
