Lau Glasgow City Halls Celtic Connections 2014

The stage at the City Halls was set with a line of glowing lights and the sign on Martin Green's keyboards, which was set on it's side, proclaimed 'I Love The NHS'. Lau of course is an Orcadian word that means 'natural light.' 

Lau are an award-winning folk band who have been gaining attention last year for their music of traditional folk voices and traditional folk song themes mixed with contemporary influences. They played on the BBCs Jools Holland show in 2012. The band are - respected singer songwriter and guitarist Kris Drever, acclaimed fiddler Aidan O’Rourke and an innovative accordionist Martin Green.  

 

They played mostly instrumental tunes and also some songs. Kris sang with his warm voice the songs Ghost and Midnight Feast.  Martin said their Ghost EP was about social migration and documented how we are stronger through our diversity.  

During the concert tonight Lau played one of the first performances for the UK's first New Music Biennial as part of Glasgow 2014 Events - 'The Bell That Never Rang.' 
The piece was commissioned by Celtic Connections and PRSF and composed and performed along with the contemporary experimental strings of the Elysian Quartet.  The music was carried through with Drever’s subtle guitar, while the layering textures and challenge of Lau’s traditional folk sound worked perfectly with the classical musicians.

Kris often leans forward on his guitar and they pull their energies together. Aidan is a powerful fiddler who moves a lot as he plays. While Martin experiments with varied soundscapes, and on one tune he played the soothing sounds of the sea

Lau are an experimental outfit and also work on Lau-land mini festivals and on other collaborations and they are taking folk in new directions and crossing boundaries with their music.

Quote Aidan O'Rourke on Lau's website - the band's music makes excursions into jazz, world, Gaelic and classical music and fiddling to the fore of another magnificent supergroup, Kan. “We’re folk musicians but firstly we’re musicians with a love of different styles and we don’t think we’re cheating on anybody by drawing on that. We all love and play a wide range of music but what we have in common is a deep love of hardcore traditional music.”

They were well supported by Canadian Annabelle Chvostek, who was previously with the Wailin Jennys. She had a silky soft-toned voice and played country folk tunes with echoing violin and electric bass.    

I saw several other faces from the Scottish music scene at the concert, such as Louis Abbot of Admiral Fallow (Lau supported his band at the Queens Hall Edinburgh last year).

The event was preceded at the City Halls by the press launch for the UK's first New Music Biennial as part of Glasgow 2014 Events. (funded by PRSF for music)

http://www.lau-music.co.uk/

New Music Biennial

Lau at the City Hall's premier

New Music Biennial
There was a press launch at the Glasgow City Halls 30th January for the Premiere of 'The Bell That Never Rang' by Lau w/ Elysian Quartet.

The event was funded by PRSF For Music for the UK's first New Music Biennial as part of the Glasgow 2014 program.  It consists of 20 pieces of music from composers and performers across the UK which have been inspired by an international collaboration of idea. 
 
All the new pieces will be performed at two showcases over one weekend - one at London's Southbank Centre (4-6 July) and Glasgow Concert Halls (1-2 August). These performances will also be available to listen to on BBC Radio 3.  
Aims - To explore the connections between audiences and artist and to take art to new places and new audiences.
The projects are also about how people view Scotland - how people see us, what we value. 

The launch was presented by Vanessa Reid - Executive Director PRS for Music Foundation, who praised Glasgow’s creative spirit and commented that the city never tires of experimenting. 
oundation, who praised Glasgow’s creative spirit and commented that the city never tires of experimenting. 
http://www.newmusicbiennial.com/lau-premiere/ 

Imelda May Old Fruitmarket Celtic Connections 2014

May rocked the Old Fruitmarket.  

She sparkled on stage and moved and shimmied with a free energy as she bounced her mic, clapped and appeared to enjoy her set of upbeat dance tunes.

May has a fine set of vocal pipes, as well as loads of personality.   

She performed songs from her forthcoming new album due in 2014 and also older favourites - such as the songs Mayhem and Here Comes Johnny.  

For her encore she sang along to only a ukulele, a song Dreams Are Free, and then with full band she sang Breakdown.
 

 

 

There was lots of clapping along to the songs and the packed hall was full of both younger and aging rockers eager to relive fun times! 

Imelda Mary Higham, from Dublin has had amazing success and she clearly fills a niche for rockabilly and rock n roll nostalgia. 

RM Hubbert Concert Hall Celtic Connections 2014

Guitarist and singer songwriter RM Hubbert supported Glasgow band Mogwai at the Glasgow concert hall. I had read that Hubbert's 2013 album had won the SAY (Scottish Album of the Year Award) 2013, so I came with some expectations to this concert. Even so, some artists take you off guard and as I have followed music over many years it can be all too easy to become jaded hearing samey songs.

Hubbert appeared genuine and unassuming musician, whose music was all about his guitar.

He played mostly instrumental tunes. For his second song he played his own very good interpretation of I Once Loved a Lass, a favourite folk song of mine. His next tune had moody beating drums guitar and a husky voice. He showed a clear understanding that music is firstly about what moves us and secondly about techniques and using those skilled to best ability.

He played his tunes with unexpected subtleties, strong strumming, dancing fingers, slow pauses, hesitant steps guitar strings plucking and questioning notes. He also managed to hold the packed concert hall attention throughout with both his informal chat and well crafted tunes.

On one particularly emotional tune, entitle For Joe, he spoke first about his parents death and that he felt able to speak to an audience - and I guess he gets to speak through his music too. This tune had talking guitar and expressed the many complex feelings of grief and loss – from  missing you to happy memories and returned to missing you feelings.

 

The singer Aiden Moffat joined Hubbert on stage of Car Song which was another highlight.    

I was truly impress and even bought the CD - this doesn't happen a lot! 

Hubbert is a member Scottish post rock band El Hombre Trajeado, and also a member of the Glaswegian DIY music scene since 1991.

Mogwai and RM Hubbert Concert Hall Celtic Connections 2014

 

Mogwai were the main event at this concert hall night. The band have recently released their studio album Rave Tapes to excellent reviews and with the album making the top ten UK.  I had heard of Scottish indie rockers or post rock band Mogwai but had never managed to see them live. 

It made a change to see a standing packed concert hall full of a younger crowd. Mogwai played a wall of blistering power driven guitar and synthesizer rock (or post rock).  The band played a few songs with vocals but mostly instrumental tracks.

Their music was heavily atmospheric with driving beats, long walls of sound alleyways, thunderous bass and strong dynamics - sometimes dark moody skies, forgotten places. They also took the tempo up for clearer skies too!.

It appeared that the band were lead by guitarist Stuart Braithwaite who played his guitar with a deep strength. They played energetic percussion and steady beats. They performed a slower song with only guitar, slow paced drums and hypnotic voice. For their encore set they added an electric violin.  

SET LIST here - http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/mogwai/2014/royal-concert-hall-glasgow

Their sound reminded me of futuristic films such as the iconic Blade Runner. They also sounded somewhat like Icelandic band Sigor Ros who I saw live here a few years back. I went to look up what 'post rock' is and sure enough Sigor Ros are also post rock!   

This was the loudest gig I've ever been to at the concert hall!  I am certainly not sure the Celtic connections of their music except they are one of the biggest Scottish bands - so far removed from an acoustic singer songwriter or those fiddle reels!  I was also proud too of the evening, both of the high quality and diversity of music we have coming out of Scotland these days.   

RM Hubbert was the support for Mogwai - he was so good I am posting a separate review for him.  
Photos and Review Pauline Keightley - http://pkimage.co.uk/

Burns International Concert The Hydro Glasgow Celtic Connections 2014

This was the festivals first weekend of Hydro events and tonight’s concert was colourful and diverse with top quality music - both Burn’s songs and artist’s own compositions.  When other big concerts were being held on the same night, it said a lot that the festival can also draw a crowd to the new Hydro venue. The RSNO (Royal Scottish National Orchestra) provided a wonderful backing for the songs.  

The concert showcased some of Scotland’s best loved folk artists that included singer songwriters – Dougie MacLean, Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, and bands Capercaillie and Salsa Celtica.  

Dougie MacLean sang Burn’s Ca' The Yowes To The Knowes and his own song This Love will Carry Me. Karine Polwart performed beautifully one of Rabbie's best loved ladies love song Green Grow The Rashes O.  I'm a big fan of both Dougie and Karine's music.

International artists included - India’s Ragu Dixit Project who played a lively set along with colourful Indian dancers  and The Mae Trio from Melbourne, who sang perfect harmonies the Burns song John Anderson My Jo.

A highlight of the night with Greece's answer to Dougie MacLean with Alkinoos Ioannidis's expressive voice - he performed 

one of his own compositions which was sung as a duet with Polwart. The young ensemble Fèis Rois finished the first half 

with a fine set of tunes. 

Rachel Sermanni, who won the Danny Kyle stage a few years ago, sang Burn's best known love song My Love is Like a 

Red Red Rose and it is wonderful when a voice and guitar can hold a large audience spellbound - another perfect voice. 

She appeared puzzled by the depth of the orchestra behind her and this was likely her first time performing with an 

orchestra.    

Capercaillie performed Donald Shaw award wining composition for the BBC tv series, Hebrides: Life on the Edge and Karen Matheson sang a favourite Burns love song Ae Fond Kiss. They were celebrating thirty years together and are led by festival director and composer Donald Shaw and his beautiful wife singer Karen Matheson.  

South Africa's Mahotella Queens who sing a close-harmony version of jazzy mbaqanga township music, headlined the night with colourful dancing and songs and had the audience dance along to their sunshine rhythms!  I might have wished for more upbeat ceildih music from the folk bands, then again this was an evening for  Burns songs.   
  

There were mentions of inspirational poets and Irishman John Spillane read the poem A Birl for Burns, by the celebrated Irish poet Seamus Heaney, who died last year. Bongani Tembe gave a moving tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Participants spoke of how Burns had influenced them. Alkinoos Ioannidis said it was by knowing each others poets that we might better understand other places.

Perfect folk voices along with the orchestra and ceilidh folk instruments wove music magic at this concert and were interspersed with Burns poetic words. A night Burns would have been proud of!    

The evening was supported by Homecoming Scotland.
Photos and Review Pauline Keightley  -  http://pkimage.co.uk/

 Burns wrote for everyman and believed that all men were created equal. Today his words ring as true as ever as his message continues to cross boundaries - both social and racial divides.  Quote: 'And man to man the world over shall brothers be for all that.'  

The Big Dish supported Del Amitri

Another cool support slot was The Big Dish who supported Del Amitri at The Hydro Glasgow Celtic Connections 2014. 
I can't find anything online for this band though !

 

Guitarist RM Hubbert

Sometimes the support artists are as interesting as the main artist at a gig. Such was the case for last night’s concert when guitarist and singer RM Hubbert took to the concert hall stage in support of Glasgow band Mogwai, Celtic Connections 2014,  (full review to follow)

Del Amitri Reunion Gig The Hydro Glasgow

This reunion gig after a twelve year break, with one of Glasgow's favourite bands was Celtic Connections biggest show so far and it’s first at the shiny new Glasgow Hydro. The show was the start of a 12 date UK tour for the band and drew a crowd of over 8,000. In fact Curran seemed somewhat surprised by the size of his audience and he said one of his mates had bought seven tickets! 

The excitement in the air for this return gig was palpable as the band took to the Hydro stage. Successful Scottish 80s band Del Amitri delighted fans with a return to their 80s favourites and with the entire floor of the vast Hydro on its feet, the audience sang along with gusto and with calls of 'brilliant' and 'We've missed you!! 

They started the show with some of their best known - The Last To Know, Kiss This Thing Goodbye and then the driving rhythms of The Ones That Lead You Nowhere. Curran and Harvie's songs are full of both optimism and regrets.  

Other songs - Driving With the Brakes on, Being Drunk in a Band, Not Where It's At and Hammering Heart,  In The Frame. 

 

Fiddler player extraordinaire Aidan O'Rourke (from Lau) joined them on stage for several songs adding that extra Celtic magic for a lovely take on the songs - This Side Of The Morning, Sleep Instead of Teardrops and Be My Downfall. 

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Tell Her This was sung acoustically which gave the enthusiastic crowd a chance to vent their vocal energy and resulted in some of the biggest cheers of the night.

There was also singing for their other hits such as - Nothing Ever Happens, Roll To Me (top ten UK Billboard), Driving With the Brakes on and Spit In The Rain - which is apparently a Glasgow taxi drivers favourite song! 

The band played rockier numbers and also took the pace down for the insightful poignancy of their acoustic songs in the folk idiom, with Be My Downfall, What She Sees and Driving With the Brakes on. 

Encore Songs -  In The Meantime, Here and Now, Just before you Leave, Move Away Johnny Blue,

The band were on top form as Currie's rich vocals and their tight harmonies rang out over the vast arena. Del Amitri's songs have emotional rhythm and country soul, with sensitive guitar and words that ring true.

The band centre on Justin Currie and Iain Harvie who are sensitive story tellers and have a way with words that leaves them hanging in the air. With words such as.... 

Freezes up from time to time. Lonely tonight and lonely tomorrow. Hard to say you love someone. My one girl once again tonight, till we find someone new.....

 

 

The marrying of rock and Scottish lyricisms gives Scottish bands an added uniqueness and honesty on their music.  I was over in the States when all these Scottish bands came to the fore - Deacon Blue and Simple Minds, and I remember Simple Minds on MTV. 
There was a revival of Scottish arts and music in the 80s after we lost the vote because not enough people voted, so some (not all) of their songs were new to me - and I am certainly now a newly converted fan!
This really was a great feel good concert! I loved it.

They were well supported by The Os from Dallas and The Big Dish, another first rate Scottish band reunited just last year.  

Del Amitri , Scottish alternative rock band, formed Glasgow 1983. Justin Currie (bass and vocals), Iain Harvie (lead guitar), Bryan Tolland (guitar) and Paul Tyagi (drums). Currie and Harvie are the only band members to remain and were the songwriters. The band had several top ten albums UK - . http://delamitri.com/

Roaming Roots Revue Celtic Connections 2014

I was at a Laurel Canyon concert Sunday, such great songs came out of this era – and this concert was about the young people keeping this groove alive today….

The concert was a journey through the California sounds of Laurel Canyon with some of the newer Scottish and American artists along with those summer breezes -  both nostalgia and looking forward and proved a real treat for both aging hippies and younger fans!

Forty years ago in the early 1970s when the music in New York became too corporate, many young musicians seeking artistic freedoms and sunshine took off for LA – The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Jackson Browne. It was a time of longer hair and flowing skirts, peace signs and flower power dreams. I chose this concert because last years inaugural event received top reviews and also because the early 70s produced so many top albums  and some of my all time favourite sounds.

Scottish singer songwriter Roddy Hart and his quality band The Lonesome Fire opened this colourful and varied concert with the Byrd's song So You Want to Be A Rock n Roll Star.

Idlewild front man Roddy Woomble sang Neil Young’s Out On The Weekend and then a sons written by himself and Roddy Hart, Love Steals Us From Lonliness. Next James Taylor and Joni Mitchell look-alikes and sound-a-likes Zervas and Pepper performed Ghost Writer and Mitchell’s Woodstock. After which respected folk band Lau with Kris Drever on vocals, performed James Taylor’s Fire and Rain. 
The beautiful Webb Sisters sang their close subtle harmonies on  Everything Changes and Linda Ronstadt’s Heart Like a Wheel. Then Roddy Hart and The Lonesome Fire were joined on stage by lead man from California’s The Dawes for an excellent rendition of Jackson Browne’s After The Deluge. Frank Reader then sang a moving interpretation of a Judee Sill song, The Kiss. A treat to end the first half was a return of Cory Chisel and Adriel Harris, who both looked and sounded the part in casual American style and they sang Times Won’t Change and the Eagles Hotel California.

Second Half. Roddy Hart and The Lonesome Fire began with a rocking version of Jackson Browne’s Running on Empty. A highlight was dramatic American country singer Lindi Ortega with her song Cigarettes and Truckstop and the Eagles Desperado. After which we had new and top Scottish trio, Clark, Mitchell, Reilly, with Helpless (CSNY). Young Glasgow singer songwriter Siobhan Wilson sang her song All Dressed Up and then, with Tommy Reilly on piano, one of my all time favourite songs, A Case of You, with a beauty of voice and interpretation that captured the essence of the song and held the audience silent.  
The Webb Sisters sang Judee Sill’s song Jesus Was A Crossmaker, followed by Roddy Woomble and Lau with Roll Um Easy (Little Feat). An LA band The Dawes were another highlight with their songs Most People, A Little Bit Of Everything and Desperados Under The Eaves (Warren Zevon) plus an encore. Hart is clearly both a Jackson Browne and Dawes fan!

The cast of players finished on stage with some of Laurel Canyon’s biggest hits – Love The One Your With (Stephen Stills), Take It Easy (The Eagles) and California Dreaming (The Mamas and The Papas).

Quote Rolling Stone – 'It's about the vibe man and free jamming … Goldberg.‘ They want to be loose.. to have the freedom to groove their own groove.’    Photos and Review Pauline Keightley -  http://pkimage.co.uk/

Roddy Hart has pulled together and compared another top quality concert that offered the audience breadth, diversity and quality. Hart also organised Celtic’s "Forever Young: A 70th Birthday Tribute To Bob Dylan" Celtic Connections 2011, and were house band for Gerry Rafferty concert (2012) broadcast on BBC 2 Scotland. The concert drew on Celtic festival’s success with melding American and Scottish sounds to offer interesting cross overs and highlight the links between the Celtic music of the British Isles and the American States. -   http://www.roddyhart.com/