Music Folk
Saturday 24
Glasgow ■ Christy Moore and Declan Sinnott Barrowland, Gallowgate, 552 4601. 7pm. £24.50. See Fri 23. ■ Ewan MacColl Memorial Concert Centre for Political Song, Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road. 2pm. Singer, songwriter, and folklorist Ewan MacColl, celebrated on the 20th anniversary of his death. Performances and anecdotes from Peggy Seeger, Geordeanna McCulloch, Anne Neilson, Bob Blair, Brian Pearson, Frankie Armstrong, Sandra Kerr, John Faulkner, and Jimmie McGregor – plus new political songs from young Scots/American David Ferrard. More details at: www.gcal.ac.uk/politicalsong ■ The Gaither Homecoming Tour SECC: Clyde Auditorium, Finnieston Quay, 0870 040 4000. 7.30pm. £24–£28. Southern gospel performed by the Gaither Vocal Band, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Gordon Mote, Janet Paschal, Kevin Williams and more. Edinburgh ■ Green Ceilidh Dance St Peter’s Church, Lutton Place, 667 4016. 7pm. £5–£10. Informal ceilidh dance with the Robert Fish Band. ■ Slaid Cleaves The Pleasance Cabaret Bar, Pleasance, 650 2458. 7.30pm. £13. Personable Austin-based rootsy, country singer/songwriter.
Sunday 25
Glasgow ■ The Unthanks Oran Mor, Great Western Road, 357 6200. 7pm. £15. Vibrant Tyneside all-women quartet sing traditional music. Edinburgh FREE Footstomping Whiski, High Street, 556 3095. 9pm. Traditional Scottish fiddle music/session.
Stirling FREE Hui and Haggis: Scotland – New Zealand Reception Council Chambers, Viewforth, Pitt Terrace, 556 9579. 5–6.30pm. A civic reception for Maori storyteller Rangimoana Taylor and the New Zealand Society Scotland. Hear some of the traditional stories and songs of the island nation, 65% of whose population now claim Scottish ancestry, and celebrate the links between the two countries. Attendance is free but places must be booked through the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, by Oct 19. Part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2009.
Monday 26
Glasgow ■ Orquestra Buena Vista Royal Concert Hall, Sauchiehall Street, 353 8000. 7.30pm. £26.50–£28.50. The world famous Buena Vista Social Club stalwarts in a 13-piece band, direct from Havana. Edinburgh ■ The Unthanks The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street, 556 7060. 7.30pm. £15. See Sun 25.
Tuesday 27
Glasgow ■ Guitar Music from Around the World Ramshorn Theatre, Ingram Street, 548 2558. 1.15pm. £4. Ben Kearsley takes a musical trip to Spain and Italy, finishing off in the USA with Andrew York’s Sunburst. Edinburgh ■ Jenny Gustafsson & Ingrid Storlimo Leith Folk Club, The Village, South Fort Street, 07502 024852. 7.30pm. £6. Two exciting, creative and skilful musicians with roots in Scandinavian folk, American fiddle and classical music. ■ Ceilidh Club The Lot, Grassmarket,
80 THE LIST 22 Oct–5 Nov 2009
225 9922. 8pm. £6. Ceilidh dance and callers to lead you through the steps, with live music from Heeliegoleerie. ✽✽ Julie Fowlis The Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street, 353 8000. 8pm. £15. Award-winning Gaelic singer/piper and whistle previews new material from her forthcoming third album. See preview, page 63. ■ Mr McFall’s Chamber St John’s Church, Princes Street, 668 2019. 8.30pm. £10 (£8). The brilliant string group, formed around a core quartet from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, push back more musical boundaries as they launch their CD of music by Gavin Bryars. FREE Footstomping Whiski, High Street, 556 3095. 9pm. See Sun 25. Stirling ■ Benny Gallagher Tolbooth, Jail Wynd, 01786 274000. 7.30pm. £15. The West of Scotland songwriter whose songs have been covered by Bryan Ferry, Don Williams, Garth Brooks, Phil Everley and Simon & Garfunkel, and who also worked for Apple Publishing back in their heyday. Hear some of the many stories he has to tell, along with songs old and new.
Wednesday 28
Glasgow ■ Simon Thacker and Nava Rasa Ensemble: Inner Octaves The Old Fruitmarket, Candleriggs, 353 8000. 8pm. £12.50. See Sun 25. Edinburgh ■ Orquestra Buena Vista Usher Hall, Lothian Road, 228 1155. 7.30pm. £28.50. The famed Cuban star band. See Mon 26. ■ Elbow Jane Edinburgh Folk Club, Cabaret Bar, The Pleasance, 650 2458. 8pm. £8 (£7). The English lads play bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, keyboards and percussion, all sing, and have just got a new album out on Fellside.
gaylidh in aid of Gay Mens Health. Part of Glasgay!. ■ Andy White Woodend Tennis & Bowling Club, Chamberlain Road, 959 1428. 8pm. £tbc. Politics and wit from the perennially likeable Irish folk rocker/songwriter. Edinburgh ■ Scots Music Group Ceilidh St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, 346 1405. 7.30pm. £8–£10 (£6–£7). Crowdie House provide the live music at this night of traditional music and dancing. ■ Dunfermline Folk Weekend Various Venues, 01383 725872. Times vary. Prices vary. See Thu 29.
Sunday 1
Glasgow ■ The Coal Porters and The Seventeeth Century rel, 39--43 Ashton Lane, 342 4966. 7.30pm. £7. Melodic bluegrass originals from this five- piece acoustic outfit, fronted by Sid Griffin.
Edinburgh ■ All Saints’ Day: Global Connection St Andrew’s and St George’s Church, George Street, 556 9579. 2.30–4pm. Admission by donation. Celebrate All Saints’ Day with stories, songs and music inspired by those who opened up creative and cultural channels between different faiths around the world. Suitable for adults and children aged 7+. Part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2009. Dunfermline ■ The Poozies Carnegie Hall, East Port, 01383 602302. 7.30pm. £12 (£10). Imaginative treatments of traditional and contemporary songs and tunes, vocal harmony and powerful instrumental chops from the all-women pan-British roots band.
Thursday 29 Tuesday 3
Edinburgh ■ Fred Morrison Trio Brunton Theatre, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh, 01309 691170. 7.30pm. £13.50 (£11.50). Hebridean Morrison has an astonishing, powerfully exuberant, highly improvisational style. ■ Ceilidh Club The Lot, Grassmarket, 225 9922. 8pm. £6. Ceilidh dance and callers to lead you through the steps, with live music from Free Range.
Classical
Events are listed by date, then city. Submit listings at least 14 days before publication to suzanne@list.co.uk. Listings are compiled by Suzanne Black and Carol Main. ✽✽ Indicates Hitlist entry
Thursday 22
Glasgow FREE Glasgow Music Festival Prizewinners 2009 Glasgow University Concert Hall, University Avenue, 330 4092. 1.10pm. A showcase of the skills of pianist Sarah Ayoub and flautist Helena Gourd in a programme of works by Debussy, Liszt, Liapunov and Fauré. ■ Cello Masterclass RSAMD, 100 Renfrew Street, 332 5057. 2pm. £3 (£2). Benefit from the expertise of acclaimed cellist Anner Bylsma.
Edinburgh FREE Organ Recital: Isolde James-Griffiths and Michael Harris St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile, 226 0673. 12.15pm. Retiring collection. The soprano and organ duo performs Mozart’s Laudate Dominum and works by Bach, Haydn and Handel. ■ Scottish Chamber Orchestra: German Romantics The Queen’s Hall, 87–89 Clerk Street, 668 2019. 7.30pm. £8.50–£26 (concessions available). Spohr and Weber were pioneers of the German Romantic movement and great composers in their day; the orchestra performs the former’s Symphony No 2 and the latter’s sparkling Clarinet Concerto, with clarinettist Maximiliano Martin. Lastly, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No 1. Perth ■ RSNO: The Firebird Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, 01738 621031. 7.30pm. £8.50–£22. Conductor Stéphane Denève opens with the rich sonorities of Henri Dutilleux’ Symphony No 1. Star Norwegian pianist Lief Ove Andsnes, whose performances of Rachmaninov’s piano concertos have won widespread critical acclaim, performs the passionate fourth, and Stravinsky’s lush Firebird delivers an exhilarating finish.
Glasgow ■ Elbow Jane St Andrew’s in the Square, St Andrew’s Square, 559 5902. 8pm. £10 (£8). See Wed 28. Edinburgh ■ Rantum Sanctum The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street, 220 4298. 5pm. Donation. See Thu 22. ■ The Felsons Guilty Lily, Bonnington Road, 554 5825. 7.45pm. £tbc. Scottish country as Dean Owens and Calais Brown from The Felsons perform songs from The Felsons new mini album Good to Be Back and their back catalogue, plus material from Owens’ solo albums.
Paisley ■ Benny Gallagher Paisley Arts Centre, New Street, 887 1010. 7.30pm. £17.50. See Tue 27.
Friday 30
Edinburgh ■ Archie Fisher and Barbara Dickson The Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street, 668 2019. 8pm. £tbc. Live performances from Traditional Music and Song Association patrons Fisher and Dickson (the Scottish lass started off as a folk singer, and recording partner with Archie) plus special guests and young musicians. ■ Festival Club: James Spence Waverley Bar Upstairs, St Mary’s Street, 556 9579. 9.30–11pm. Suggested donation £3. A cosy session for sharing stories, songs, rhymes and riddles, led by Borders storyteller James Spence. Part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2009.
Saturday 31 Glasgow ■ Hallowe’en Ceilidh St Andrew’s in the Square, St Andrew’s Square, 552 7575. 8pm–midnight. £10. Spooky
Wednesday 4 Friday 23
Edinburgh ■ Ceilidh Dance Classes Bruntsfield Primary School, Montpelier, Bruntsfield, 555 7688. 7pm. £6 (£3). Informal dance traditional Scottish dance classes, no experience necessary (over 16s). ■ Fred Morrison Edinburgh Folk Club, Cabaret Bar, The Pleasance, 01309 691170. 8pm. £8 (£7). Scottish piper Fred Morrison has carved himself an international reputation with his powerfully exuberant, highly improvisational style.
Thursday 5
Glasgow ■ Outside Track St Andrew’s in the Square, St Andrew’s Square, 559 5902. 8pm. £9 (£7). Four young women and one guy take harp, guitar and accordion, fiddle, flute and harmony vocals and whip up some tasty Scots/Canadian music. Edinburgh ■ Rantum Sanctum The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street, 220 4298. 5pm. Donation. See Thu 22. ■ Homage to Hamish Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, 556 9579. 7.30pm. £8 (£6). Nancy Nicolson hosts a night dedicated to the influence of the late Scottish folklorist, socialist, poet and songwriter, Hamish Henderson. Part of the Carrying Steam Festival.
Glasgow ■ RSAMD Brass RSAMD, 100 Renfrew Street, 332 5057. 1pm. £9 (£6). An all British programme, including RSAMD Principal John Wallace’s fanfares written especially for the tenth anniversary of the Scottish parliament. FREE Scottish Opera: The Italian Girl in Algiers Unwrapped Theatre Royal, 282 Hope Street, 0870 060 6647. 6pm. If the thought of sitting through a full-length opera fills you with trepidation, or even if you’re a seasoned opera-goer, this hour-long taster is a perfect introduction to the workings behind the scenes and the principal characters and plot. ■ Scottish Chamber Orchestra: German Romantics City Halls, Candleriggs, 353 8000. 7.30pm. £11–£24 (concessions available). See Thu 22. Edinburgh FREE Organ Recital: John Green Reid Concert Hall, Edinburgh University, Bristo Square, 650 2427. 1.10pm. The organist performs works by Georg Muffat, Gibbons, Bach and more. ■ Edinburgh University Singers Old St Paul’s Church, 39 Jeffrey Street. 7.30pm. £7 (£3). John Kitchen conducts Rheinberger’s Mass in E flat as well as works by Mendelssohn, Brahms and more. Tickets are available on the door.