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BAPTISTE TROTIGNON Sometimes the setting is everything, and for one of the real Edinburgh Jazz Festival highlights this year, the programmers have taken the ingenious step of putting French pianist Trotignon in the hallowed environs of Rosslyn Chapel. Trotignon has shown his versatility in the past, conquering everything from the sublime flurries of Debussy to the raging dynamics of The Bad Plus on the piano and this solo performance in this most atmospheric of sites is sure to be pretty special. ■ Rosslyn Chapel, 473 2000, 8 Aug, 8pm, £16. 5QUESTIONS
Channelling the spirits of Ray Charles and Sammy Davis Jr in his singin’, dancin’ and joke-packed shindig, Movin’ Melvin Brown could battle with his late namesake, James, for the title of the hardest working man in show business. Here he shows the capital some love 5 words to describe your show Soulful, upbeat, entertaining, energetic, magic. 4 shows you’re looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh this August Soweto Gospel Choir, Flamenco Jazz Late Night, Stephen K Amos, Mervyn Stutter. 3 things you love about Edinburgh in August Possibility of sunshine, possibility of 5-star reviews, possibility of finding great shows. 2 things you hate about Edinburgh in August Cold, rain. 1 word that sums up how you feel about performing Excitement. ■ New Town Theatre, 7–30 Aug (not 17), 8.15pm, £12–£13 (£11–£13). Previews until 6 Aug, £7.50.
Hitlist FESTIVAL MUSIC *
✽✽ David Byrne Even without Talking Heads in tow, the multi- faceted Byrne is a beguiling live prospect, as this Edge Festival appearance will attest. Playhouse, 08444 999 990, 8 Aug, 7pm, £35. ✽✽ Billy Childish A special poetry/solo blues set from England’s singular Stuckist art rebel. See preview, page 44. Gilded Balloon, 622 6552, 9 Aug, 12.30am, £12. ✽✽ Isa and the Filthy Tongues A chance to witness Edinburgh’s most wanted, sleazy power pop with a ragged edge, as part of the Bang Bang Club. Gilded Balloon, 622 6552, 8 Aug, 12.30pm, £10. ✽✽ The Time (less) Machine Polish art/music deviant Sambor Dudzinski blows minds with his home made musical beast. See preview, page 42. EICC, 0844 847 1639, 6-23 Aug, 7pm, £9–£11 (£7–£9) previews 6-7 Aug, £7; Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 346 1405, 25–30 Aug, 5.45pm, £9–£11 (£7–£9). ✽✽ Shooglenifty A fresh take on Scots folk melodies injected with considerable contemporary swagger and funk. See preview, page 46. Queen’s Hall, 668 3456, 12 Aug, 10pm; 27 Aug, 7pm, £15, £13. ✽✽ Rough Cut Nation A series of intimate live gigs showcases some of Scotland’s finest DJs and new sounds. See previews, page 46 & 67. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 624 6200, 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 Aug, times vary, free. ✽✽ Steven Severin The former Siouxsie and the Banshees man soundtracks The Cabinet of Dr Caligari. See preview, page 44. Gilded Balloon, 622 6552, 7, 14, 21 & 28 Aug, 12.30am, £10. ✽✽ The Stranglers and Alto Elite New wave veterans show why their still a drawing a crowd 33 years after their inception with local rising stars in support . HMV Picture House, 08444 999 990, 7 Aug, 7.30pm, £23. For venue addresses see index page 80
6–13 Aug 2009 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 41