Did someone put the heating on? It’s like spring has finally arrived, even the wind hasn’t been so icy. There’s still been plenty of rain this week, rather curtailing my park rambles, bah. Enough about the weather, what’s the moose been up to this week?

Tuesday night those two Scat Rats were back in the midnight slot at Whistlebinkies, needless to say, another fine time was had by all. That was the last time they’ll be playing at Binkies for a couple of months or so, but they will be at Stramash for the next two Sundays, so there’s chance for a fix before Messrs Marah and Rough head over to the continent.

Tuesday was also cinema night, a double too – two action movies, okay, so one was animated but hell, better than some kung fu films I’ve seen! Yup, Kung Fu Panda 4 rocks, one of the few film series where the sequels haven’t gotten progressively worse. Great voice cast as usual, and hey, I recognised Awkwafina within seconds, a perfect choice for Zhen; Viola Davis played the villian with a wonderfully droll archness.

It was actually my second time seeing it, yes it’s that good. The artwork and animation are just the best, I love watching the fight sequences (really, they need a big screen), but the bit that made me really laugh out loud was recognising part of the soundtrack was Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne but with an Asian twist, brilliant! I reckoned that Kung Fu Panda 4 would be a good light counter to the second film of the evening (a real juxtaposition) Monkey Man; like I said, another action film but the action here is the dark brutal vengeance variety.

Monkey Man is the creation of Dev Patel (most known for Slum Dog Millionaire) as in he co-wrote, directed and co-produced it; it’s “a film that young 14 year old Dev would be proud and excited to see”. Er, okay, it’s an 18 certificate but when has that ever stopped a teenager?! The film encompasses Indian mythology, history and culture, making for a fascinating and enthralling plot-driven film; action and plot in one film? More please, Mr Patel!

Wednesday this week saw the sad announcement that The Jazz Bar on Chambers Street has closed down after almost twenty years. A tragic loss for local and not so local musicians and music lovers. Many will know it as a mainstay of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival as well as a venue for jazz and blues shows during the Edinburgh Fringe. It is a real shame for the town to lose such an institution.

On a brighter note, Thursday saw the return of The Buccaneers to Stramash and boy oh boy, what a night! Truly Carl Marah was in the zone, methinks he was needing this again, this side needed letting loose to run wild. No keyboards this time, Simon Gibb was having plenty of fun on the drums and Ewan Gibson was back on bass. I will mention as well the awesome lighting and sound management of John Mackie, he knows how to bring a little extra to The Buccaneers sets.

Friday I was back at Whistlebinkies early evening for Jed Potts and Nicole Smit doing their thang. Was just me or was Nicole even sassier than usual? She was definitely feeling good, such a beautiful smile and a sparkling light delivery. Jed Potts was pretty damn fine too! What a great week for music, but there’s more, oh yes….

I’ll shortly be hopping on a train over to Dunbar to see Logan’s Close doing a Special Acoustic Performance in Dunbar Parish Church Hall. It’s gonna be a goodie! So I shall bid you adieu and go get something to eat.

EDIT: Didn’t actually publish this before I went out. Wow! The lads were sooo good – and Mr Marah can play the flute! One pic for you….