a music blog
‘I can still sing,’ Lucinda Williams said on stage during her show on Monday night, a defiant reminder that despite a stroke she still has her voice. As a singer and lyricist she’s always turned the broken and fragile parts of her life into songs, and they felt even more vital and powerful after all she’s been through to get back on tour again.
Continue reading “Live Review: Lucinda Williams @ Celtic Connections 23/01/2023”
On a freezing January evening there is nothing more restoring to the soul and the spirit than a night of brilliant music, courtesy of the wonderful Celtic Connections festival. Returning to Glasgow after many covid postponements Sierra Hull and Rachel Baiman brought the best of Nashville musicianship to Scottish shores and were greeted warmly by a sold-out and appreciative crowd of folk music lovers.
Continue reading “Live Review: Sierra Hull & Rachel Baiman @ Celtic Connections”
After three long and turbulent years C2C festival finally made its welcome return to Glasgow this past weekend. Two years ago it suffered from being the first of the major covid cancellations. Last year’s festival was also postponed, since the date hit right during the second wave. Many fans still had tickets from two years ago – for a completely different line up. The fact that this 2022 festival went on without a hitch is a miracle. Credit to all involved for bringing us Scottish fans a much needed booster dose of country music. Continue reading “Live Review: Miranda Lambert & Country to Country Festival, Glasgow Hydro 13/03/22”
Rarely has such an evening of musical collaboration and connection been more needed or gratefully received – by artist and audience alike. Transatlantic Sessions began over twenty years ago to celebrate and forge links between traditional Scottish, Irish and North American musicians. After Omicron wiped out the Americana portion of the Celtic Connections programme, the only remaining North Americans who traveled to Glasgow for the festival were those on stage for this traditional evening of shared stories and songs. A rare moment of light in a bleak winter. Continue reading “Live Review: Transatlantic Sessions @ Celtic Connections, 06/02/22”
Last year Brittany Howard stepped away from her band Alabama Shakes and went out on her own, releasing the album Jaime to widespread critical acclaim. After a triumphant performance as part of the BBC 6 music festival in London she stopped off in Glasgow to play a stunning sold out show at the Old Fruitmarket. Continue reading “Live Review: Brittany Howard @ The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow”
On the last night of Celtic Connections a sold out crowd at Oran Mor were delighted to welcome Shovels and Rope back to Scotland for the first time in a couple of years. Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst were on a short European tour to promote their excellent recent album By Blood. Continue reading “Live Review: Shovels & Rope @ Celtic Connections”
There were so many brilliant shows on offer on Saturday at Celtic Connections, the only problem music fans had to face was deciding which one to attend. The lucky among us who chose The Lone Bellow were treated to a masterclass in vocal power and harmony that sent everyone home shaking their heads in awe. Continue reading “Live Review: The Lone Bellow @ Celtic Connections”
As she took to the stage for a rare live show in the UK, Iris DeMent admitted she was worried no one would turn up on a Monday night. Thankfully the Celtic Connections audience knows that such a trailblazing talent is one not to be missed. Continue reading “Live Review: Iris DeMent @ Celtic Connections”
‘This is a really special show,’ Caroline Spence announced during her set in Glasgow’s Glad Cafe on a chilly Friday evening. She was being self-deprecating after fluffing a few chords, but the warm response from the crowd proved that it really was the truth. Continue reading “Live Review: Caroline Spence with Roseanne Reid @ The Glad Cafe, Glasgow”
Highway Queens 