The Fruitmarket is one of the most atmospheric venues with its old world wooden balconies, where one feels as if we may be transported to Victorian times. I always enjoy my visits here during Celtic, although I notice there are no images lining the walls now. I chose to see Gilmore as I enjoyed her at the Dylan concert at Celtic last year.
Kris Drever supported, with Eamon (Salsa Celtica) on banjo and Megan Henderson (Breabach) on fiddle. Kris has a rich vocal and he is a top rhythm guitarist. He sang among other songs Burn’s Parcel of Rogues and they also performed a few upbeat reels. They proved an accomplished band and I enjoyed their set.
Gilmore is a quiet performer with a beautiful voice. She was supported by Nigel Stonier (her long-time collaborator, producer, husband and co-songwriter) and a full band that included cello and violin strings. She has recorded an album of Sandy Denny songs called Keep On Singing and she has put music to Denny's lyrics. One of my favourite songs ever is Denny’s ‘Who Knows Where the Time Goes’, she has a voice with subtle natural depth and highs. Gilmore does a convincing job as to emulate an iconic voice such as Denny’s is a very brave task! I particularly enjoyed her moving versions of Long Time Gone, Georgia, and Goodnight.
She is releasing the song London as a single.
Fife’s King Creoste and John Hopkins were performing the same night at the ABC Glasgow and as I have enjoyed his mercury nominated album Diamond Mine and I would have enjoyed seeing him too. This is often the way at Celtic with too many events on at the one time!
Thea Gilmore is a British singer songwriter. She began her career working in a recording studio, where she was discovered by her now long-time collaborator, producer, husband and co-songwriter Nigel Stonier. Gilmore released several albums and made a breakthrough with the release of Avalanche in August 2003, which became her first album to break into the Official UK Album Chart. In 2004, folk singer Joan Baez invited Gilmore to open for her during her US tour. Gilmore returned to recording with the release of Harpo's Ghost in August 2006. In 2008 Fruitcake Records released Liejacker, Gilmore's eighth album featuring contributions from Joan Baez, Dave McCabe and Erin McKeown.
