2005, It was a very good year..........
The British Saints (and below a review of the Irish Saints!)
Legends of Irish Folk 29/12/2005 Vicar Street, Dublin
Ronnie Drew, Paddy Reilly, Finbar Furey, Liam Clancy
Four Artists on stage for four nights with an accumulated age of 250+ years.
First on was Ronnie Drew, perhaps not the best voice in the world but certainly distinctive and full of Dublin wit - this man knows how to liven a crowd. A healthy mix of traditional songs including The Auld Triangle and Raglan Road with a few more recent numbers – the runaway highlight being a haunting a cappella rendition of The Pogues’s ‘The Dunes’.
Such vocal genius led logically to Paddy Reilly's unique tenor voice as a perfect foil for his selection of purely traditional, including Foggy Dew and Dirty Old Town. He also managed to drag back the haunting doomed romance of ‘The Fields of Athenry’ from the East End of Glasgow Rebel Rousers.
The second half of the evening’s proceedings had a more international feel. The consummate musician Finbar Furey displayed his talent with a dynamic and impassioned set: perhaps a vindication of his superior performance he was the first (and only) artist of the evening to play more than 5 tracks. From the Lonesome Boatman to the Green Fields of France, his was almost a Furey's medley performed by the backbone of the former band.
Liam Clancy wrapped up the solo performances - having been suitably built up by presenter Jim McCann - he did not disappoint. His tirade against the Bush regime and its war in Iraq was a bit predictable, but nevertheless proved that no genre in music seems to escape this -least of all folk. His anecdotes on Dylan and the 60's in general piqued the interest of the younger sections of the audience; whilst his story of Jean Raskin, gave rise to the biggest sing along of the night with Those Were The Days.
The ultimate finale saw all four legends, plus Jim McCann, treating us to a medley of, as Liam Clancy comically quipped ‘our hit’, with, amongst other things - Sweet 16, Red is the Rose (Loch Lomond), the Shoals of Herring plus of course 7 Drunken Nights - but amazingly no encore, despite a very appreciative crowd. ‘Leave them wanting more’ – and the performers did.
© James Masterson
Christy Moore and Declan Sinnott
Royal Concert Hall Glasgow
Tues 14-Jun-05
Centre front – great view as with all seats in this venue.
An overcast evening in Glasgow’s plush Royal Concert Hall was a far cry from Christy Moore’s humble beginnings in smoky folk clubs across the country. A point not lost on the man himself. The Irish troubadour charmed all with his simplistic but passionate style of singing complimented by Declan Sinnott’s solid support on lead guitar and vocals.
The old traditional favourites such as Ride On and Black is the Colour were greeted with rapturous applause, but the ebullient crowd failed to be roused into a sing-along despite Christy’s prompts. The humourous, idiosyncratic songs of Reel in the Flickering Light and the perennial favourite Lisdoonvarna, were a light relief to the impassioned and overtly political theme of the night. The appreciative audience howled in delight for Viva le Quinte Brigada and an obviously pleased Christy obliged a request by playing the beautiful Moving Hearts protest song No Time for Love, where Declan Sinnott’s lead guitar was electrifying. Morrissey’s America, You are not the World was even given an airing with the slightly more forgiving title of America. I Love You!
A sixty-year-old Christy Moore, who seems to mature with age, has obviously not yet passed his prime and enthralled this enthusiastic Glasgow crowd.
© James Masterson
Paul D’Ianno
An Evening Of Iron Maiden
Friday 10th June
The eXchange, Edinburgh
Centre Front and sweaty!! (albeit in a crowd of about 30 maidenittes!)
Tribute bands featuring old timers who have been living off two albums for 25 years never draw the biggest of crowds, but this venue was barely a quarter full.
D’Ianno started the evening with a petty tirade about this not being an Evening of Iron Maiden and insisted he play a few solo tracks. This would have been acceptable if the gig had not been marketed as an Evening of Iron Maiden and his backing band (and support Act) had not been an Iron Maiden tribute act - the very professional 'Maiden Scotland'.
The band ploughed straight into Prowler, followed by Wrathchild and of course Murders in the Rue Morgue. His own songs proved less popular – where previously everyone has sung all the words - there was silent stares for Impaler.
D’Ianno hardly works for his money, performing the popular tunes off the first two albums with energy and obvious enjoyment but in between walking off during two elongated band instrumentals.
However, no member of the crowd could possibly stay still for the final onslaught - of Phantom of the Opera, Sanctuary and Running Free.
To the devoted crowd this evening was their opportunity to see a man instrumental in two of the best albums of a genre.
All in all a great flashback, but don't get too carried away with black tinted metal sun glasses.
© James Masterson
Ben Folds
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Front Right of stage, great view of the trio!
Tuesday 7th June
Albeit exactly 6 months after the original date, the wait for this student favourite proved to be every bit worthwhile. Intelligent, humorous and always able to carry a crowd in the palm of his hand, Ben Folds and his two musicians (bass and drums) gave us hits including tracks from the new album. The support [Clem Snide] had put us in the mood with tirades against Bush and the war (surprise surprise), before Ben Folds gave us his anti American observations in 'All you can Eat' . Sounding, as ever, a healthy mix of Brian Wilson and Jools Holland, he combines self deprecation, cynicism and wit in equal measure. Even down to his choice of cover version - Dr. Dre Bitch’s ain't Shit as well as his own Bastard gave a colourful twist to the evening. But it was at Counterpoint that he rose the all seated crowd to their feet, singing along. Brick and Rockin the Suburbs, were obvious crowd pleasers, but the highlights were the less obvious choices such as the beautiful Gracie and I Go to Sleep. Tributes to, amongst others, Elliott Smith as well as close friends past and present – gave this evening an intimate feel.
Always the consummate professional, this sell out gig was full of power and performance.
© James Masterson
Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen
Queens Hall, Edinburgh
Friday 3rd June
View: Back Right, Ground floor. Great view of Chris, obscured view of Herb.
After a soulful set from former 'Goodson', Michael Weston-King , Former Byrd [CH] on Mandolin and Former Desert Rose [HP] on Guitar gave us a modern day Everly's, in the vein of Song's our Daddy Taught Us. Their understated, humble entrance was soon blown away by a blistering collection of tracks old and new, from their own vaults and a few favourites further afield. True Love and Love Reunited set the tone early on, but sat comfortably alongside classic tracks such as If I could only Win your Love (HP& Emmylou Harris '75) and Devil In Disguise. However, perhaps not surprisingly, it was classic Byrds Turn, Turn, Turn, Mr. Tambourine Man and 8 Miles High that proved most popular.
Chris appears young and energetic for his years, whilst Herb nervous and almost uncomfortable - but both engaged the crowd with humour and reminiscences as well as tracks from the new album.
Heaven is my House and the title track of the new album [The Other Side], his first in 7 years, both proved popular albeit more unadulterated country than most. This was an evening of celebration of artists and songs and it was fitting that one of the highlights was Hillman’s tribute to Gene Clark - Tried so hard to Please. He succeeded tonight.
© James Masterson
The Furey’s and Davey Arthur
Queens Hall, Edinburgh.
Thursday 19th May 2005
View: Centre back
"The reunion that never finished" - Fun on stage, tempered by sadness with the recent death of their brother Paul. It is perhaps not surprising that The Fureys and Davey Arthur’s gig at the Queen’s Hall was interlaced with songs of grief and remembrance.
The lonesome It’s a Long Way From Clare to Here opened the show, followed closely by an ode to the Fureys’ father My Old Man.
The old sentimental favourites such as Steel Away, The Red Rose Café and, of course, When You Were Sweet Sixteen were presented alongside beautiful and tuneful new material including This One’s for You – a heartfelt dedication to Paul and Mammy Furey. Davey Arthur gave us some highlights with his dexterous fingers on banjo and his strong and harmonious voice. The two anti-war songs On the Shores of Gallipoli and The Green Fields of France struck a strong emotional punch. While nods to Alan Taylor, Hoagy Carmichael and Tom Paxton livened this slightly sentimental, but emotional and musically satisfying concert.
© James Masterson
The Dubliners
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Monday, 18th April 2005
View: Centre Back
After forty years John Sheehan and Barney McKenna are still going strong and obviously enjoyed playing their only Scottish gig this year. Ably assisted by other stalwarts of Irish folk – Paddy Reilly, Seán Cannon and Eamon Campbell – The Dubliners ploughed straight into the old favourites The Foggy Dew and Dublin in the Rare Auld Times. Never letting up, the fine vocal of Paddy Reilly was, however, marred by poor sound quality and bad feedback for the initial few songs.
Not surprisingly, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser proved to be The Fields of Athenry. But this usually bustling anthemic tune was stripped of all its pomp and presented in its beautiful, heart-felt, simplistic true form. Another emotional highlight was Phil Coulter’s The Town I Loved So Well. The Wild Rover and Molly Malone were fitting finales for this hoary and hairy bunch from good auld Dublin town.
The usual mix of humour and bawdy songs were well in evidence and a good night was had by both band and audience.
© James Masterson
Dougie Maclean
Live at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Sunday 29th January 2005
Location Centre Back - but anywhere in GRCH allows perfect sound and clear vision.
Celtic Connections favourite son, closed another successful year for the event.
He opened this years set with 6 tried and tested favourites, followed by a second half collection of “Rural Images” - a new symphony written by Dougie for the event. Top songs such as Ready For The Storm, along with their usual introductions made the tunes immediately familiar, never formulaic.
The highlight perhaps being the intricate but robust guitar of Mary Queen of Scots.
After the interval, in the symphony in four parts (Earthstone, Watershine, Weathereye and Lifelight), 20 musicians gave us a competent hour and half of new but recognizable Dougie Maclean songs.
Although skirting a fine line between farce and fantastic the tunes which moulded Rock, Pop, Blue Grass, Jazz and Funk were never a poor imitation. The greatest weakness being the centre point and focus of the stage - 4 pointless, out of place, contemporary dancers in front of an interactive rural images backdrop. But then the music and ultimately the main reason for watching this folk genius, remained unfaltering and of the highest calibre.
© James Masterson
Billy Bragg
Live at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Tuesday 25th January 2005
Location Centre Back - but anywhere in GRCH allows perfect sound and clear vision.
On Burns night in Glasgow, how better for England’s greatest living folk popularist to be marched on stage than by a lone piper? We are then treated to a haunting electric version of The World Turned Upside Down. With the vein of the night set - Billy was in great voice and in the space of just over 2 hours crammed in nearly 25 tracks and an equal number of prolonged, fascinating introductions and monologues:
Old (There is Power in the Union) new (St. Monday), borrowed (Raglan Road) and blue (in the form of his rants about modern day TOTP and most specifically those increasingly hated Bedingfields!!). Now affluent and middle-aged, he may appear to preach armchair socialism, but his sentiment and devotion to the working man, on top of giving a value for money performance, are never in doubt. A superb night of head nodding to Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Luke Kelly and Martin Carthy, with whom he threatened to form a Cockney Connections, bring it on!
© James Masterson
Shane MacGowan and the Popes.
Live Barrowlands Friday 14th January 2005
view : Centre middle (yes, even as he came on stage and the crowd went wild!)
The Pogues reunion had played here only a month before to much hype and a far bigger crowd. With the Barrowlands only a third full, the biggest tragedy is the contrived nature of every Shane MacGowan event nowadays. The ‘Will he won’t he’ make it to the stage alive propaganda perpetuates the wasted myth. The Popes even asking the audience if they are drunk enough for him yet……….
Doors opened at 8pm, but MacGowan had to be ushered on stage at 11.30 pm, pitifully walked on by a ‘helper’, handed a drink and propped up at the mike. All part of the myth he propagates.
Still as passionate yet more incoherent, MacGowan's performance was just what was expected. Unfortunately due to his excessively late appearance the bouncers had already ejected a large percentage of the inebriated audience - stamping on problems as they arose: the myth has it’s down side.
But one thing about the small crowd was their unabated enthusiasm as MacGowan blasted through old favourites and new versions of old standards. the highlight being a resounding version of Dirty Old Town.
Garbled and slurred throughout, the redemption of a gig or event like this is the seeing of an icon, even if they are now pitiful overweight parody of their former selves. Terrible Beauty in the extreme.
© James Masterson
Dr. John
Live at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Thursday 13th January 2005
Location Centre Back - but anywhere in GRCH allows perfect sound and clear vision.
Striding onto the stage in a confident manner and impeccable white suit, the Doctor never fails to command an audience. Dr. John is primarily a performer not a song writer, and tonight is no different - we are treated to an hour and half of disparate covers alongside a few original numbers.
He mourned the fact that Elvis was back at number one, whilst making his first tune a fine, slow rendition of Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On - “before Jerry got his hands on it!” Tonight was for Creole and the New Orleans juke joint, heavy on molasses, low on rock n’ roll.
Alone with a piano Mac Rebbenack was indeed All By Hisself as he indulged us with blues: from Blue Monday to Blue Skies in the space of a few tracks. Constantly paying homage to his mentors and peers, no Dr. John gig would be complete without a tipping of the hat to Professor Longhair, but it was his tight rendition of Dave Bartholomew’s The Monkey that was the highlight of the gig, perhaps the greatest weakness of the evening being the lack of trumpet that complements his studio version of this song. Perhaps not surprising we had Tipitina and Accentuate the Positive as well as the clever One 2am Too Many. In true Dr. John manner we had nods to Irish folk through to African vibes, as well as to his mother (My Buddy) and the whole New Orleans scene (My Indian Red).
© James Masterson
Ronnie Drew, Paddy Reilly, Finbar Furey, Liam Clancy
Four Artists on stage for four nights with an accumulated age of 250+ years.
First on was Ronnie Drew, perhaps not the best voice in the world but certainly distinctive and full of Dublin wit - this man knows how to liven a crowd. A healthy mix of traditional songs including The Auld Triangle and Raglan Road with a few more recent numbers – the runaway highlight being a haunting a cappella rendition of The Pogues’s ‘The Dunes’.
Such vocal genius led logically to Paddy Reilly's unique tenor voice as a perfect foil for his selection of purely traditional, including Foggy Dew and Dirty Old Town. He also managed to drag back the haunting doomed romance of ‘The Fields of Athenry’ from the East End of Glasgow Rebel Rousers.
The second half of the evening’s proceedings had a more international feel. The consummate musician Finbar Furey displayed his talent with a dynamic and impassioned set: perhaps a vindication of his superior performance he was the first (and only) artist of the evening to play more than 5 tracks. From the Lonesome Boatman to the Green Fields of France, his was almost a Furey's medley performed by the backbone of the former band.
Liam Clancy wrapped up the solo performances - having been suitably built up by presenter Jim McCann - he did not disappoint. His tirade against the Bush regime and its war in Iraq was a bit predictable, but nevertheless proved that no genre in music seems to escape this -least of all folk. His anecdotes on Dylan and the 60's in general piqued the interest of the younger sections of the audience; whilst his story of Jean Raskin, gave rise to the biggest sing along of the night with Those Were The Days.
The ultimate finale saw all four legends, plus Jim McCann, treating us to a medley of, as Liam Clancy comically quipped ‘our hit’, with, amongst other things - Sweet 16, Red is the Rose (Loch Lomond), the Shoals of Herring plus of course 7 Drunken Nights - but amazingly no encore, despite a very appreciative crowd. ‘Leave them wanting more’ – and the performers did.
© James Masterson
Christy Moore and Declan Sinnott
Royal Concert Hall Glasgow
Tues 14-Jun-05
Centre front – great view as with all seats in this venue.
An overcast evening in Glasgow’s plush Royal Concert Hall was a far cry from Christy Moore’s humble beginnings in smoky folk clubs across the country. A point not lost on the man himself. The Irish troubadour charmed all with his simplistic but passionate style of singing complimented by Declan Sinnott’s solid support on lead guitar and vocals.
The old traditional favourites such as Ride On and Black is the Colour were greeted with rapturous applause, but the ebullient crowd failed to be roused into a sing-along despite Christy’s prompts. The humourous, idiosyncratic songs of Reel in the Flickering Light and the perennial favourite Lisdoonvarna, were a light relief to the impassioned and overtly political theme of the night. The appreciative audience howled in delight for Viva le Quinte Brigada and an obviously pleased Christy obliged a request by playing the beautiful Moving Hearts protest song No Time for Love, where Declan Sinnott’s lead guitar was electrifying. Morrissey’s America, You are not the World was even given an airing with the slightly more forgiving title of America. I Love You!
A sixty-year-old Christy Moore, who seems to mature with age, has obviously not yet passed his prime and enthralled this enthusiastic Glasgow crowd.
© James Masterson
Paul D’Ianno
An Evening Of Iron Maiden
Friday 10th June
The eXchange, Edinburgh
Centre Front and sweaty!! (albeit in a crowd of about 30 maidenittes!)
Tribute bands featuring old timers who have been living off two albums for 25 years never draw the biggest of crowds, but this venue was barely a quarter full.
D’Ianno started the evening with a petty tirade about this not being an Evening of Iron Maiden and insisted he play a few solo tracks. This would have been acceptable if the gig had not been marketed as an Evening of Iron Maiden and his backing band (and support Act) had not been an Iron Maiden tribute act - the very professional 'Maiden Scotland'.
The band ploughed straight into Prowler, followed by Wrathchild and of course Murders in the Rue Morgue. His own songs proved less popular – where previously everyone has sung all the words - there was silent stares for Impaler.
D’Ianno hardly works for his money, performing the popular tunes off the first two albums with energy and obvious enjoyment but in between walking off during two elongated band instrumentals.
However, no member of the crowd could possibly stay still for the final onslaught - of Phantom of the Opera, Sanctuary and Running Free.
To the devoted crowd this evening was their opportunity to see a man instrumental in two of the best albums of a genre.
All in all a great flashback, but don't get too carried away with black tinted metal sun glasses.
© James Masterson
Ben Folds
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Front Right of stage, great view of the trio!
Tuesday 7th June
Albeit exactly 6 months after the original date, the wait for this student favourite proved to be every bit worthwhile. Intelligent, humorous and always able to carry a crowd in the palm of his hand, Ben Folds and his two musicians (bass and drums) gave us hits including tracks from the new album. The support [Clem Snide] had put us in the mood with tirades against Bush and the war (surprise surprise), before Ben Folds gave us his anti American observations in 'All you can Eat' . Sounding, as ever, a healthy mix of Brian Wilson and Jools Holland, he combines self deprecation, cynicism and wit in equal measure. Even down to his choice of cover version - Dr. Dre Bitch’s ain't Shit as well as his own Bastard gave a colourful twist to the evening. But it was at Counterpoint that he rose the all seated crowd to their feet, singing along. Brick and Rockin the Suburbs, were obvious crowd pleasers, but the highlights were the less obvious choices such as the beautiful Gracie and I Go to Sleep. Tributes to, amongst others, Elliott Smith as well as close friends past and present – gave this evening an intimate feel.
Always the consummate professional, this sell out gig was full of power and performance.
© James Masterson
Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen
Queens Hall, Edinburgh
Friday 3rd June
View: Back Right, Ground floor. Great view of Chris, obscured view of Herb.
After a soulful set from former 'Goodson', Michael Weston-King , Former Byrd [CH] on Mandolin and Former Desert Rose [HP] on Guitar gave us a modern day Everly's, in the vein of Song's our Daddy Taught Us. Their understated, humble entrance was soon blown away by a blistering collection of tracks old and new, from their own vaults and a few favourites further afield. True Love and Love Reunited set the tone early on, but sat comfortably alongside classic tracks such as If I could only Win your Love (HP& Emmylou Harris '75) and Devil In Disguise. However, perhaps not surprisingly, it was classic Byrds Turn, Turn, Turn, Mr. Tambourine Man and 8 Miles High that proved most popular.
Chris appears young and energetic for his years, whilst Herb nervous and almost uncomfortable - but both engaged the crowd with humour and reminiscences as well as tracks from the new album.
Heaven is my House and the title track of the new album [The Other Side], his first in 7 years, both proved popular albeit more unadulterated country than most. This was an evening of celebration of artists and songs and it was fitting that one of the highlights was Hillman’s tribute to Gene Clark - Tried so hard to Please. He succeeded tonight.
© James Masterson
The Furey’s and Davey Arthur
Queens Hall, Edinburgh.
Thursday 19th May 2005
View: Centre back
"The reunion that never finished" - Fun on stage, tempered by sadness with the recent death of their brother Paul. It is perhaps not surprising that The Fureys and Davey Arthur’s gig at the Queen’s Hall was interlaced with songs of grief and remembrance.
The lonesome It’s a Long Way From Clare to Here opened the show, followed closely by an ode to the Fureys’ father My Old Man.
The old sentimental favourites such as Steel Away, The Red Rose Café and, of course, When You Were Sweet Sixteen were presented alongside beautiful and tuneful new material including This One’s for You – a heartfelt dedication to Paul and Mammy Furey. Davey Arthur gave us some highlights with his dexterous fingers on banjo and his strong and harmonious voice. The two anti-war songs On the Shores of Gallipoli and The Green Fields of France struck a strong emotional punch. While nods to Alan Taylor, Hoagy Carmichael and Tom Paxton livened this slightly sentimental, but emotional and musically satisfying concert.
© James Masterson
The Dubliners
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Monday, 18th April 2005
View: Centre Back
After forty years John Sheehan and Barney McKenna are still going strong and obviously enjoyed playing their only Scottish gig this year. Ably assisted by other stalwarts of Irish folk – Paddy Reilly, Seán Cannon and Eamon Campbell – The Dubliners ploughed straight into the old favourites The Foggy Dew and Dublin in the Rare Auld Times. Never letting up, the fine vocal of Paddy Reilly was, however, marred by poor sound quality and bad feedback for the initial few songs.
Not surprisingly, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser proved to be The Fields of Athenry. But this usually bustling anthemic tune was stripped of all its pomp and presented in its beautiful, heart-felt, simplistic true form. Another emotional highlight was Phil Coulter’s The Town I Loved So Well. The Wild Rover and Molly Malone were fitting finales for this hoary and hairy bunch from good auld Dublin town.
The usual mix of humour and bawdy songs were well in evidence and a good night was had by both band and audience.
© James Masterson
Dougie Maclean
Live at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Sunday 29th January 2005
Location Centre Back - but anywhere in GRCH allows perfect sound and clear vision.
Celtic Connections favourite son, closed another successful year for the event.
He opened this years set with 6 tried and tested favourites, followed by a second half collection of “Rural Images” - a new symphony written by Dougie for the event. Top songs such as Ready For The Storm, along with their usual introductions made the tunes immediately familiar, never formulaic.
The highlight perhaps being the intricate but robust guitar of Mary Queen of Scots.
After the interval, in the symphony in four parts (Earthstone, Watershine, Weathereye and Lifelight), 20 musicians gave us a competent hour and half of new but recognizable Dougie Maclean songs.
Although skirting a fine line between farce and fantastic the tunes which moulded Rock, Pop, Blue Grass, Jazz and Funk were never a poor imitation. The greatest weakness being the centre point and focus of the stage - 4 pointless, out of place, contemporary dancers in front of an interactive rural images backdrop. But then the music and ultimately the main reason for watching this folk genius, remained unfaltering and of the highest calibre.
© James Masterson
Billy Bragg
Live at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Tuesday 25th January 2005
Location Centre Back - but anywhere in GRCH allows perfect sound and clear vision.
On Burns night in Glasgow, how better for England’s greatest living folk popularist to be marched on stage than by a lone piper? We are then treated to a haunting electric version of The World Turned Upside Down. With the vein of the night set - Billy was in great voice and in the space of just over 2 hours crammed in nearly 25 tracks and an equal number of prolonged, fascinating introductions and monologues:
Old (There is Power in the Union) new (St. Monday), borrowed (Raglan Road) and blue (in the form of his rants about modern day TOTP and most specifically those increasingly hated Bedingfields!!). Now affluent and middle-aged, he may appear to preach armchair socialism, but his sentiment and devotion to the working man, on top of giving a value for money performance, are never in doubt. A superb night of head nodding to Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Luke Kelly and Martin Carthy, with whom he threatened to form a Cockney Connections, bring it on!
© James Masterson
Shane MacGowan and the Popes.
Live Barrowlands Friday 14th January 2005
view : Centre middle (yes, even as he came on stage and the crowd went wild!)
The Pogues reunion had played here only a month before to much hype and a far bigger crowd. With the Barrowlands only a third full, the biggest tragedy is the contrived nature of every Shane MacGowan event nowadays. The ‘Will he won’t he’ make it to the stage alive propaganda perpetuates the wasted myth. The Popes even asking the audience if they are drunk enough for him yet……….
Doors opened at 8pm, but MacGowan had to be ushered on stage at 11.30 pm, pitifully walked on by a ‘helper’, handed a drink and propped up at the mike. All part of the myth he propagates.
Still as passionate yet more incoherent, MacGowan's performance was just what was expected. Unfortunately due to his excessively late appearance the bouncers had already ejected a large percentage of the inebriated audience - stamping on problems as they arose: the myth has it’s down side.
But one thing about the small crowd was their unabated enthusiasm as MacGowan blasted through old favourites and new versions of old standards. the highlight being a resounding version of Dirty Old Town.
Garbled and slurred throughout, the redemption of a gig or event like this is the seeing of an icon, even if they are now pitiful overweight parody of their former selves. Terrible Beauty in the extreme.
© James Masterson
Dr. John
Live at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Thursday 13th January 2005
Location Centre Back - but anywhere in GRCH allows perfect sound and clear vision.
Striding onto the stage in a confident manner and impeccable white suit, the Doctor never fails to command an audience. Dr. John is primarily a performer not a song writer, and tonight is no different - we are treated to an hour and half of disparate covers alongside a few original numbers.
He mourned the fact that Elvis was back at number one, whilst making his first tune a fine, slow rendition of Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On - “before Jerry got his hands on it!” Tonight was for Creole and the New Orleans juke joint, heavy on molasses, low on rock n’ roll.
Alone with a piano Mac Rebbenack was indeed All By Hisself as he indulged us with blues: from Blue Monday to Blue Skies in the space of a few tracks. Constantly paying homage to his mentors and peers, no Dr. John gig would be complete without a tipping of the hat to Professor Longhair, but it was his tight rendition of Dave Bartholomew’s The Monkey that was the highlight of the gig, perhaps the greatest weakness of the evening being the lack of trumpet that complements his studio version of this song. Perhaps not surprising we had Tipitina and Accentuate the Positive as well as the clever One 2am Too Many. In true Dr. John manner we had nods to Irish folk through to African vibes, as well as to his mother (My Buddy) and the whole New Orleans scene (My Indian Red).
© James Masterson