In 2015, I only
attended a few Celtic Connection Nights, but enjoyed them all.
The first show I went to was called "From Scotland with Love", this was a film by BBC Scotland, with the soundtrack supplied by King Creosote (Kenny Anderson ). The band played live at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, whilst the film played on a screen above their heads. It was testament to how good the band played and were in "Sync" with the film, that after a while, you were absorbed by the images and sound, taking you back to bygone eras from Scotland, to the point that you forgot they were on stage.
I saw Jimmie MacGregor and friends, perform at the Mackintosh Church in Maryhill, Glasgow. For a man in his eighties, he more than complemented a fitting setting. It certainly was a good start to the Festival.
I also took in a Sunday afternoon session called Hazy recollection, featuring a set from 5 artists, the following opinions are purely mine.
The first show I went to was called "From Scotland with Love", this was a film by BBC Scotland, with the soundtrack supplied by King Creosote (Kenny Anderson ). The band played live at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, whilst the film played on a screen above their heads. It was testament to how good the band played and were in "Sync" with the film, that after a while, you were absorbed by the images and sound, taking you back to bygone eras from Scotland, to the point that you forgot they were on stage.
I saw Jimmie MacGregor and friends, perform at the Mackintosh Church in Maryhill, Glasgow. For a man in his eighties, he more than complemented a fitting setting. It certainly was a good start to the Festival.
I also took in a Sunday afternoon session called Hazy recollection, featuring a set from 5 artists, the following opinions are purely mine.
- Harvey & Fleetwood ...... Hmmm, what can I say , other than, things can only get better. The front man had the charisma of a cardboard box, and had zero rapport with the audience. Their standard barely reached mediocre, at best, characterised with a "song" that lasted about two minutes, and mainly involved madly plucking at the strings in no particular order. In fact I could probably have done the same thing, and I will qualify that statement by confirming that I indeed, have zero musical talent.
- Gordy Duncan Jnr .... Was okay, his playing was decent, although the vocals did not always match the sentiments of the song, Used high and low pitch changes in his voice, that never seemed to totally work with his songs. Certainly had a much better interaction with the audience.
- Fish & Bird ........ They were quite good, thought they might have been more upbeat and quicker than they in fact turned out to be, still a good display.
- Findlay Napier ...... Now this is the main man who organises this event, and was a terrific all round performer. Was easily the best of the afternoon and moved the bar up to a place where everyone else should be aiming for. Excellent with the audience. Great set.
- Skinny Dipper ..... A female dominated band, who again were decent performers, who finished off the afternoon session with a reasonably competent set.