Blue Rose Code at Celtic Connections 2018

A restless torn soul

Blue Rose Code, (aka Ross Wilson) Scottish singer-songwriter, performed a concert at Celtic Connections 2018 to support Beth Orton. Ross commanded the ABC stage as he sang with a full band line up. 

His band consisted of Lyle Watt on guitar, Ian Sloan on Pedal Steel, Angus Lyon on keys, Graham Coe on Cello, Nico Bruce on bass and with drums and brass, trumpet and sax. He played dynamic guitar and the kind of set to get lost in. He performed songs from his new 2017 album ‘Water of Leith’, as well as other fan favourites.

In some memorable songs he has connected to his Scottish roots (thankfully) – and brought in the lovely Gaelic voices of Kathleen McInnes and Julie Fowlis on some of his best songs – Sandaig, Passing Places, Where the Westlin Winds Do Carry Me, Edina - more of this please!  He also performed the soothing Nashville Blues (minus guitar), followed by the optimism of Grateful.

The drama of his voice and songs have soul and hope filled emotional surges. His voice is engaging and expressive alongside his pounding guitar. His sound mixes Celtic soul with smooth rhythms informed by the soul and blues of John Martyn and Motown .

I would have enjoyed to hear Ross on a couple of songs solo to take the tempo down a little. The ABC audience was here to hear the headliner - subtle songstress Beth Orton - and sometimes less can be more too. I first heard Ross on his previous sold out visit to the folk club for more intimate gigs and was highly impressed with both his strong performance and music and also with the enthusiasm of the fans.  

Ross is an exciting young talent and I look forward to his future songs. He was great fun to shoot, with the engrossed fun energy he puts into his set!   https://bluerosecode.com

He sang of the cries of freedom all along the west coast

Rab Noakes at Celtic 2017

Rab always enjoys looking back and treated us to special songs of the past and along with Kathleen he sang an emotional full stop song for his encore with the 1947 song ‘Tennessee Waltz’, which had the Fruitmarket audience on its feet and it was clear his emotion.

Noakes sings with an American twang he picked up listening to radio back in the days. At the time there were American ships in Glasgow and America was the dream place with music fans here in the thrall of the American blues and rock. Times they are a changing recently…

Noakes is unassuming, genuine, and a keen observer of life. It was clear he had put a great deal of consideration into the song choices for his concert. A memorable night.

Blue Rose Code Milngavie folk club

It was a thrill to hear this exciting Scottish talent

Ross charmed and beguiled us with his soul-filled voice and songs from his 2017 album, Water of Leith along with some of his best loved songs as fans filled the intimate MFC setting

He performed along with his quality band that included Andy Lucas on keys who also played the opening support, and is a strong singer songwriter in his own right, and with accomplished guitarist Wild Lyle Watt. Its encouraging to see such outstanding younger talent when so many on the folk circuit are not so young anymore and are well into their sixties.

SET

His set ranged from blues ballads Nashville Blues to the upbeat rhythms of One Day at a Time, and Ebb and Flow. He sang his older favourites – Rebecca O, One Day at a Time, In the morning, My Heart The Sun, Where the Westlin Winds do Carry Me, Silent Drums,

I was particularly impressed with his new songs, such as Passing Places, Sandaig, 

He sang his very moving interpretation of Davie Stewart’s Scotland Yet.

We were treated to top vocals on Edina, followed by an impassioned Child and a jazzy I am Grateful. And for his encore he sang a welcome version of John Martyn’s, ‘I don’t know about Evil I only want to know about love’. (Martyn’s renowned double bass player Danny Thompson played on BRC’s album the Ballads of Peckham Rye.)

He sang of the cries of freedom all along the west coast.

His sound mixes Celtic soul with smooth rhythms – clearly informed by the blues of Van Morrison and other guitar legends such as Paul Simon or John Martyn – and as he says left alone with some Motown records! No wonder I’m a fan then! (While I might also choose to hear a little of bob Dylan in there too.)

I first heard Ross on his previous sold out visit to the club last December and was heartily impressed with both his strong performance and music and also with the enthusiasm of the fans.  

I met him before the gig when we spoke of the legend Dick Gaughan, who has been unwell.

I thought of his chat between songs. He told stories of the songs he sung – of the injustices he wanted to shine lights on.  His "What You Do With What You'e Got, The Yew Tree and of course his Westlin Winds. 

Celtic Connections 2018 are holding a concert for Dick Gaughan.

https://bluerosecode.com

On his new album Water of Leith BRC is joined by Julie Fowli and Kathleen McInnes.

Ross’s voice enriched our souls and I’m grateful too for his gift of music! Ross sings of how to love, the soul of Scotia, how to reach new horizons. 

Siobhan Wilson's 'There are No Saints'

Rolling Stone review – ‘One of the most stunning collections of songs to be released in a long time.’

Siobhan releases her second album 2017, 'There are No Saints' to top reviews.

I’ve heard Siobhan Wilson at two vastly different – but equally perfect and apt settings – the first at the Speigel tent at EIBF (Edinburgh book festival) and the second under colourful and hippy-like décor at Mugstock festival.

She appears a child of nature with a captivating and engrossing magical voice. Her songs on this album area address issues such as loss, morality and faith. While producer McGory gives space and lightness to the overall sound. Highly recommended. 

Siobhan Wilson is from Moray, spent five years busking at open mics in Paris and is now studying composition at the RSC. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/siobhanwilson
https://www.amazon.co.uk/There-Are-Saints-Siobhan-Wilson/dp/B071DR94D4