Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Blue Rose Code Martyn tributes at Celtic Connections 2025



Blue Rose Code is led by Ross Wilson who was on top form and gave an assured and joyous performance of his heartfelt and rhythmic songs. They are a top quality band and tonight were celebrating their sixth studio album. Their influences include folk, Americana, jazz, soul and contemporary. 

The concert was a tribute to Wilson's musical hero John Martyn. Fifteen years after Martyn’s Glasgow gig to start his 2010 tour, his concert inspired Wilson to head for London to pursue music. He grew up in Leith Edinburgh and he talks of his troubled time growing up. For those of us who have known difficulties, music can offer a life line and Wilson’s soothing soul voice often hits the right notes and tone.  


Wilson sang his popular songs - ‘Grateful’, ‘Love a Little’, ‘Red Kites’ ‘Love is Action' and ‘Stardust.” He performed an expressive Jackson Browne cover ‘Something Fine’ and a moving, poignant and soulful ‘Amazing Grace’. 





He wished us peace in our hearts with an encore song, his colourful interpretation of Martyn’s ‘Over the Hill’.

He was well supported by Rhona McFarlane, on piano and guitar and with her excellent band.  Her debut album “As the Chaos Unfolds’ out 25th January 2025.  

Rhona McFarlane