www.list.co.uk/music
WOMEN IN HARMONY: ANNIE GRACE, CORRINA HEWAT AND KARINE POLWART
Good things come in threes
Three haunting voices. harp. guitar. whistle and pipes. beautifully blended. Annie Grace (pipes/vocals). Corrina Hewat (vocals/harp) and Karine Polwart (guitar/vocalsl. are three seriously talented musicians in their own right — each with their own solo careers. Their love for traditional Scottish music and innovative harmony led to a performance in 2006. which they thought would be 'just a brief encounter. now evolved into something we are running a wee bit further. because we are having so much fun'.
The members bring their own influences — country. jazz. African and eastern European music — to the mix. ‘There‘s the odd American song in the set. some very contemporary numbers and a few vintage ones. plus a few real surprises with a Scottish folk touch. When we get together we SOLlnd — well — a bit like we are! Lilting and lovely sometimes: bolshy and bawdy at others; and both dark and discordant and hopeful and happy!‘ (Heshani Sothiraj Eddlestonl I Acoustic Music Centre (a? St Brides. 346 7405. 27 Aug. 7. 75pm; 22 Aug. 9pm. £72 (£70).
JOE ACHESON QUARTET A soundclash of electronics meets jazz can’t be beat
Edinburgh‘s favourite sound bending quartet has collaborated with visual artist and filmmaker. lvan Torres Hdez.
pioneer
The eclectic and innovative Mr
creating visuals that he manipulates live on stage for each individual track. Their cinematic effect is enhanced by two drum kits conversing in rhythm at the forefront of the stage. This creates an utterly enveloping audiovisual experience. and makes a refreshing alternative to the crotch of the singer/front man that composes the visual focus for most bands. Having recently played the T Break stage at T in the Park. they are ready to release their debut single. ‘Dust'. on fledgling online music venture TenTracks.co.uk. It's well worth grabbing the chance to experience the full force of their live vibe at the Voodoo Booms. or at the Drill Hall. for their experimental acoustic set where samples and textures will be arranged around. above. below and through expressive piano. bass and drums. (Katherine Adam) I Voodoo Rooms, 29 Aug, 556 7060, 7 7 pm. £5; The Drill Hall, 555 7 707. 5 Sep, 8pm, £7 (£40 fora table of 6).
MR MCFALL’S CHAMBER PRESENT AYE, AN AFFIRMATION OF MARTYN BENNETT
Fitting tribute to a Scots music
McFall's Chamber will be gracing the Spiegel Tent with their own particular interpretation of the music of the late Martyn Bennett who died tragically in 2005 leaving an inspirational musical legacy. Consisting of a core string quartet from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. McFall's maverick
ensemble combines many of the finest exponents of Scottish jazz. classical and folk music to create a genre-straddling crossover of contemporary and classical sounds. The group will be performing their own interpretation of Bennett‘s Gaelic-inspired dance music alongside original compositions by celebrated piper Fraser Fifield. By mixing the traditional bagpipes and fiddles with electronic beats. Bennett created his own unique sound, the feeling is that Bennett had only begun on his sonic explorations when he was snatched away prematurely by cancer. With collaborators including leading jazz drummer Tom Bancroft and Shooglenifty percussionist James Mackintosh. this promises to be an intriguing evening of excitement and enlightenment. (David Armstong) I The Spiege/ Garden, 667 8940. 26 <2 27 Aug, 8.30pm, £72 (£70).
MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS
Aussie trio hit the disco highway
In the past few months, the globetrotting Midnight Juggernauts have toured with Bloc Party. been featured in stroppy lifestyle bible Vice and even cooked for Justice — friends in high places to be sure.
While not the latest act to attempt to infuse rock swagger with a dance aesthetic. their combination of dreamy synths and live-wire drums have put them on the lips of some of the industry's most influential trend- setters. Debut album Dystopia has already topped several ‘Best of the Year' lists. and a rigorous touring schedule has forged a live show of cosmic propertions. Catch them here at The Edge before they go extra- galactic. (Oliver Farrimond)
I Cabaret Voltaire, 08444 999 990, 22 Aug, 7pm, £8.
JLTSREASONS 70 co SEE
Festival Music
TAM WHSTE 8: THE DEXTERS
‘3 They’re an Edinburgh Institution The mere mention of the name brings a warm glow to the hearts of Edinburgh music fans of a certain vintage. The band's legendary residencies at the Preservation Hall and Platform 1 (both now gone as music venues) back in the 803 are still talked about today.
2 Tarn has a voice you won’t forget Gravelly is how the singer is usually described. but while that is the definitely at the root of his appeal, his artistry lies in the nuances of colour and expression that he works in and around that irresistible blues growl.
3 It's a good-time feel The Dexters like to party, big time. Tam’s renditions of classic blues, R88 and jazz songs are backed up by a killer rhythm section, great guitar work from Jim Condie, and a full—on horn section playing great arrangements. 4 Tarn White is blues royalty Tam's pop career looked set to make him a big star, but went off the rails. Blues and jazz were the winners when he cleaned up his act and re-emerged as one of the best bluesmen in the business. in settings ranging from acoustic trio through to belting big band
5 You don’t get the chance too often Tam isn't performing so much these days. so grab the chance to catch the man in a prime setting while it's going.
(Kenny Mathieson)
g The Spiege/ Garden, 667 8940, 30 Aug, 8pm, £15 (£13).
9 - 30 August 2008
Edinburgh
24 lunchtime and evening concerts featuring classical, jazz, film music and more!
Free entry for children, students and unwaged!
or visit www.nayo.org.uk
Wofifififl mm
Central Hall, Tollcross,
For details call 0131 221 1927
21 Aug—4 Sep 2008 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 89