Richard Thompson Old Fruitmarket 2009

Richard Digs Deep
Richard Thompson @ Old Fruit market Glasgow 15th September 2007
I enjoyed seeing Richard, who recorded so many unforgettable folk/rock songs in the 70s, such as his well loved 'Bright Lights' album with Linda, back on form rocking with the songs from his new 'Sweet Warrior' Album. The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow's Merchant City area, is a recently refurbished venue and strung with coloured fairy lights along it's wooden balcony, offered an old-worldly feel. Richard 'digs deep' and always keeps it real, with expressive guitar and voice and lyrics that draw colourful stories, characters and emotive melodies. He eschews the 'commercial' and has always sought his own musical path. He played with Fairport Convention in '67 and took folk into an edgier folk-rock sound. Richard explored religious themes in the 80s and eventually settled in LA, where he re-married and continued his furious output of outstanding songs.

Richard also enjoys to rock it up and started his set with the full band, then took it jazzier, and next offering his acoustic songs - Persuasion, I Still Dream, his expressive guitar accompanying. His guitar and voice ache and sweep, then charge with clear anger, hurt or compassion.

Coldplay entranced the SECC

Coldplay entranced the SECC Glasgow 9th Dec 2008

Classic songs - ’Yellow’ and ‘The Scientist’. Great colours and effects.

This was such a feel good gig, with memories of large yellow balls dancing above the audience and lots of singing - while a slightly middle class, middle aged kind of gig. I went with my lovely daughter, Coldplay were the first band she was ever keen on. Their rapport to the audience was top class and Martin especially, who connected with a highly energetic interaction as he enjoyed leaping across the stage

He gave the audience time to sing and certainly their songs are very singable! They even took to the back of the stage and busked for one song. 

I enjoyed the gig hugely – it was full of life with vibrant energy and hope. When we left everyone was singing their 'La Vida'!

Some moving songs – ‘Fix You’, ‘Those Who are Dead Are not Dead, they are simply living in my head’. 

The support slots were awful though with some guy on electric keys. I said to my daughter what on earth kind of music is that – she replied ‘rubbish!’

The Sundowe Inverness

  *THE SUNDOWE - Eden Court theatre Inverness, 30th Nov 2007

The Sundowe is a musical written by Edinburgh writers and performers John, James and Gerry Kielty, and their band The Martians. Originally written as a radio show, and later as a television pilot, The Sundowe eventually became the basis for a modern musical. The storyline centres on The Martians themselves, as their street busking is interrupted by vampires, the local council and the return of dead souls. The Sundowe spins a spooky tale of ghostly happenings and betrayals - and yet never takes itself too seriously. Set in the backdrop of the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, Greyfriars graveyard, and the Scottish parliament. It is part comedy, part pathos, and with references to modern Scottish politics, Greyfriars Bobby, street busking & Scottish history.

The Sundowe went into rehearsals in October, and was performed in Eden Court theatre Inverness in November 2007. It was produced by Eden Court and the Cameron Mackintosh foundation.

Kilsyth festival 2007

- August 2007

Colzium park is an intimate park for a festival, with people dotting the grassy slopes down towards the main Colzium, stage. There was a Japanese tea ceremony in the Walled garden, an enclosed area for dancers and drummers, the waterside stage surrounded by stalls and rides and the Acoustic stage. KIC was set on 4 stages and fortunately the rain held off. The colourful fun festival provides something for everyone. There were colourful dancers energetic drummers, young rock bands and lots of fun events for families. Billed as a day out for families it attracts a good turn out.

Headlining was in demand Ceilidh band the Peatbog Faeries. 

A highlight is the Parade from the Colzium house and down through the park, including Rhythm Wave drummers, Pipers, dancers and Majorettes. The festival was very pleased to be able to bring over from Africa ‘Gandawi’ from Ghana, who proved a highlight of the day, bringing their African culture to Scotland.

The Peatbog Fearies ended the day’s entertainment with a blistering set of tunes. They mix Celtic and jazz, with a full brass section. They have an energetic fiddle player, and vary this with the flute. The crowd were on their feet dancing to end a fun and colourful festival.