Live music venues

Yeah, I like me some live music

bruceonthefringe 2025, Bands, Edinburgh music scene, Live music venues Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Saturday evening, six o’clock and it’s already almost dark, bah. I’ll be heading out soon, the Louis Crosland Trio are on at Stramash at seven, but there’s just enough time to catch you up, well, it’s been such a great week music wise.

Wednesday evening I was in need of a pick-me-up, a quick scroll found one in the form of Jed Potts at The Jazz Bar early evening. One leisurely half and a set of Potts and I was restored! There were plenty of people in, well, all the tables had folk at them, oh, I was fine standing (swaying along) at the back, but I was also ready to swoop in when a couple left.

Thursday evening I trundled down to Leith Arches where Messrs Marah and Rough, in LC mode, were supporting Native Sun over from New York on tour. There were two more bands playing but I missed the first and just caught part of the second, they were quite psychedelic, not bad, music for an indie movie soundtrack. Hey, I was there to see Logan’s Close and the boys did not disappoint!

Babe Station started the set in style, so lush; for me, one of their best, the intertwining vocals towards the end send me every time. The newish Costume Changes was next up, a moody tune, with flits of foreboding and melancholy. After Hot Blondes we were treated to a brand new tune, they didn’t mention it’s name, so I’m calling it Giddy Up until I hear otherwise. Half and Half had a notch more echo on Scott’s vocals, oh wow, and combined with Carl’s Gretsch, chillingly atmospheric (I’m thinking an Edgar Wright film soundtrack).

Gouching On The 33 had the crowd singing and swaying along, and on into Heart-Shaped Jacuzzi too; that was meant to be the final song but of course, the crowd called out for more and from the way the guys were debating, they hadn’t planned for another, they asked for suggestions, oh my heartses, we got Merry-Go-Round!! I’ve not heard a duo version before, I’ve wondered how they’d do the long instrumental part, I think they were still wondering about that too, haha. I reckon the acoustic version should just wander off on its own track there, do it’s own thing, it’s such a different creature to the studio showpiece. Whatever, I do hope it’ll start appearing on Scat Rats set lists.

After that, the headliners Native Sun were good, but honestly, the evening had already peaked for me, I did enjoy them, the lead singer sure has it. I would see them again, if they’re ever back in Edinburgh.

That’s how far I got writing (and rewriting) bits of this on Friday and Saturday early evenings; the hour between six and seven is much shorter than any other hour of the day! Hence, on Friday evening the Scat Rats first set was nearing it’s end by the time I strolled into Stramash. So I was a little freaked to realise that yes, once again, it was that spell of summoning, Babe Station being played! Scotty clocked me and looked equally bemused. As Stu from Logan’s Close was in, Hot Blondes had extra harmonies, yay (like they’d have let the opportunity go to waste!).

It was back to Stramash, the back of seven, on Saturday for the Louis Crosland Trio, yes, this time they were playing! But only as mentioned on Instagram at the start of the week, the poster and website both showed Safehouse, who, incidentally, were the band that played instead of LC3 the previous Saturday (hmmm). Sorry, but it is a bugbear of mine, the poster, okay, but why not correct the website, huh?

And that’s been my week for music so far. So far – I’m tapping this out on a megabus heading to Newcastle. Turns out that pub that Carl Marah is playing in at four this afternoon has a fine selection of real ales and decent ciders! It’s Station East just over the bridge in Gateshead. Well, why not? It’s actually my first time on a megabus, not only is it cheap, the views from the top deck, travelling down the coast have been excellent!

Next week is not nearly as good as this has been. On the other hand, the week after does have Mr Marah doing his thing in the Voodoo Rooms, with a full band too! You really should go if you’re in Edinburgh, really.

Toodle pip!

More on Marah

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And the world keeps turning – into what it’s difficult to say but it’s not looking very pretty right now, unlike Mr Marah who’s continuing to delight audiences across the UK with his Siren Song Single Tour. This week it’s been Birmingham on Tuesday, down to London town on Wednesday, tonight it’s Round The Corner in Liverpool, a circuitous route home! Next weekend he heads back up north to Inverness and then over to Ullapool on the west coast – if the weather’s good that will be a stunning drive! But for now, last week…

Last Wednesday evening Carl Marah took his solo show over to Glasgow, a venue called the Red Door Club. Put the name into Google and it takes you to a pub called The Old Toll Bar, a bit confusing initially (especially when you’re glancing through the details without your reading specs!) The pub itself is a real gem with the original Victorian decor and a good range of beers, while the club is down in the basement with a wee stage and walls covered with murals of famous Scots, though it’s a tad odd to have Billy Connelly constantly looking over a performer’s shoulder at you!

See what I mean? It’s a tad distracting

It was originally Julen Santamaria as the support, but he had to pull out (a shame as I’d been looking forward to seeing him playing solo), so instead it was one Adam Thom who I thoroughly enjoyed, a worthy replacement. A great voice, some cracking lyrics and a country sound, all nicely set up a warm vibe in the room; and after another drink up in the pub, it was back down for the man.

Really, I’m looking at this thinking, but what can I actually write about it? Yes, I know that sounds daft, but for me Carl’s music is so right, the sound grabs me, swamps me, defying me to describe it adequately. I can’t but here’s a few moose musings….. first off, his voice has such wonderful tone and timbre, occasionally reminiscent of Bobby Goldsboro. And when Carl performs You’re Always Right it’s like hearing an old Gilbert O’Sullivan song, sweet, quirkily honest with a teensy plaintiveness. Lost and Found would make a great second single, at least a studio recording (on an album?), it is rather scrumptious; Cat’s Eyes would be a fine edition to anyone’s driving playlist, especially in summer, hint, hint!

On a more serious note, Carl’s song 39 is his tribute to the 39 Vietnamese nationals who were found dead in a refrigerated trailer in Grays, Essex in 2019. Such a beautiful song, Carl’s poignant lyrics will still you, and the ending, the room paused, before a warm applause. How to follow that and bring the mood back up? A harmonica, apparently sales have soared since a certain recent biopic in the cinemas! And Mr Marah couldn’t possibly not play some blues, come on, so there’s I Don’t Wanna Love You No More (potentially an LC song when it was first written some years back, when the boys were beatniks) with some juicy, snappy lyrics along with some shredding.

A big favourite of mine is Stags and Hens another fine example of Carl’s lyric-writing, it may be based on Edinburgh pubs but the pictures he paints will be familiar in many towns (I did find that particular song popping in my head a lot as I walked around Newcastle on Saturday). Siren Song is like the cherry on top of the icing on top of the cake by the end. Yes, this show is too good not to be seen a third time – I went to Newcastle at the weekend.

I’ve only ever been to Newcastle once before (passed through plenty times on the train), that was many years ago to see Stevie Ray Vaughan at the City Hall. Time for another visit, cheapest trains there and back, a bunk in a hostel, breakfast, just about sixty quid; oh, and Nando’s before the gig, sweet. Had a great time wandering round, admiring the architecture, browsing in shops, chancing upon Newcastle’s vampire rabbit. Yup, a vampire rabbit!! How have I not heard of it before?! How is it not famous, or infamous? Neither was I particularly aware that there’s a castle in Newcastle, well, the keep and gatehouse are still there, worth a look round.

Behold, the Vampire Rabbit!

The gig was in the Head of Steam a fine boozer close by the train station. Again, like in Glasgow, the gig room was in the basement. Support was AJ Potter, a good northern lad complete with flat cap and a pocketful of great tunes, one of which I’ve found on Spotify One Night, loving the studio arrangement! Interestingly, two other bands, from London and Spain, who had been due to play at a sister pub to Head of Steam were shifted over and played after Carl, four bands in one evening! The London band were good, a tad eclectic for me, they didn’t seem to gel right to me, they seemed to be off in different directions at times, but it was fascinating to watch. Unfortunately the final band had the drums way, way too loud which was a shame as the female singers/guitarists were all very enthusiastic and bubbly, it would have been nice to hear them.

It was another fine performance from Carĺ. This time it was the catchy World Keeps Turning that really snuck into my head, snippets of it still keep popping out! I love the in-between patter of musicians, when some bits will be almost word for word the same every time and other stories may be expanded on or cut to barely more than the title; this is the mark of a relaxed, self-assured performer, this is the Carl Marah who’s worked hard to get to where he is. The lad’ll go far.

Toodle pip!

Holy Moses!

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I’d pondered on how much I’d enjoy the Amos Moses sound; did a change in lead singer also point to a change musically? Ha, never fear, the lads are every bit as cracking as they were before, different but still the same.

Whistlebinkies was fairly quiet when I rolled in, the band were just setting up, em, not quite all the band, they were one short, one guitarist. No matter, Colm stepped up and played a mixture of both guitar parts. Oh, it was grand, basking in that late 70s rock sound again. It fair took me back to another place and time of heads down, no-nonsense, mindless boogying; friends long gone felt very close by.

The usual Tuesday night eleven o’clock one set suited Amos Moses for a run through of their set on the High Fade tour. The lads were quite obviously enjoying being back in Binkies, almost as much as I enjoyed having them back?! I had thought it would be my one opportunity to see them (not being a big fan of HF I hadn’t bought a ticket), but, well, sometimes, just being my own sweet, unassuming self can bring unexpected joy – reader, I got to see them again on the Friday night in Sneaky Pete’s!

How good was that? Amos Moses before The Scat Rats late Tuesday night in Binkies, then early Friday evening Amos Moses in Sneaky’s before popping along to The Caves for Logan’s Close!! Oh, my heartses!! Manuel arrived in town from Argentina on the Wednesday in time for the HF gigs, so it was a complete Amos Moses that I saw on the Friday. Oh boy, that was such fun! So exhilarating! Some mighty fine rockin’ and rollin’ going on there; really, if you get the chance to see them live, go!!

I couldn’t leave without buying their new cd Live At Oran Mór (from another AM/HF gig in Glasgow last year). Six live tracks to keep me going ’til next time, including my favourite of the band’s new stuff The Lobster it’s a whole heap of fun, I was pleased to see it on there (maybe the next single? Hmm?!) Oh, and new on Spotify is Amos Moses‘ latest single Rock n’ Roll, a great song for that, just waitin’ on summer playlist.

Toodle pip! Next time, that Elsie gig.

Best laid plans of mice and moose

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After my last post a week ago, I fully intended to knuckle down and write every other day about my European wanderings, and make a serious start on this year’s Fringe programme. Unfortunately the gods had other ideas and laid the moose matriarch low, very low, so everything went out the window. It’s been a busy, taut time; thank god for the NHS, they’ve been brilliant. I’m in Edinburgh for just a couple of days to sort some things out, a wee chill out, then back down to Yorkshireland tomorrow.

I arrived yesterday at noon, so was able to trot along to the Farmers Market to stock up on some good quality frozen meats to take back down (for some good, quality, hearty frozen dishes for mother’s freezer). Co Co Co. were at the Market with another new chocolate, Strawberries & Cream, well, I had to, and a packet of Crème Brûlée (mother’s favourites).

Later in the afternoon the R&R really began when I popped in Whistlebinkies to catch Jed Potts and Nicole Smit doing their thing, just what the doctor ordered! Washed down with some Olicana, Stewart’s latest brew. I’ve since checked out their tasting notes, Stewart’s say mango, grapefruit and passionfruit; I say peapod. Honestly, the first sniff was like opening a bag of peapods, the taste did nothing to change that thought. Oh, I did like it in some weird way, but I couldn’t drink a lot of it.

There’s a film in cinemas at the moment with Austin Butler, Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy, oh my heartses. The Bikeriders is one hell of a movie with a soundtrack to match (currently playing on my Spotify). The writer/director Jeff Nichols was inspired by a photo book by one Danny Lyon who took photographs and tape recordings of a chapter of outlaw motorcyclists between 1963 and 1967. Apparently the recordings Lyon made of Kathy, played by Comer in the film, are still around to listen to, gonna have to check them out. All three of the leads are mesmerising to watch, and another accent nailed by Comer! Hopefully I’ll get to see it again before it disappears from the big screen.

Time for my bed, still got a lot to do tomorrow before I hit the road south. Still no sign of a drought in Yorkshireland this summer….

G’night!

Sorry, second class mail!

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I should have written and posted this card a couple of days ago, but well, erm, I was busy?! Not really, hey ho. Dresden is sooo nice. I would definitely be happy to go back again, maybe see in some of the museums next time (especially the one of military uniforms).

Once I’m home and can sort through everything, no doubt deleting half the photos I took, then I shall collect together my thoughts and put them down. Oh, and the photos will find their way on to Facebook and Instagram.

Currently in Prague, a very wet Prague today, but I think the rain should be easing soon. The lads are playing at Cafe V lese tonight; I wonder how they’re holding up? How smelly is the van by now? Are they all still mates or is there murder being plotted?! I might find out tonight.

Just a few choice pics for you….

I’d tell you where this is, but all I’ve got is Dresden
They all begin with the letter C?!
A bike for a family of three, seriously!
Oh my lord! This takes me back! Anyone else?

Toodle pip!

Strictly rock’n’roll

bruceonthefringe 2024, A good audience, Bands, Dancing, Live bands in Edinburgh, Live music venues, Logan's Close Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Oh lordy, what a sweet, crazy evening! Oh, yes, last night in Dunbar was as well, but I’m referring to this evening in Stramash. I trotted up there at the back of seven to see The Scat Rats, it was fairly quiet as it usually is at that time, folk just sitting watching the band. Then a couple got up to dance, and how!

I’m not sure who we were all applauding after the number, but the Rats were very appreciative of the dancers; a bit of banter was definitely called for, they were Australian. Well, once Carl started he decided that the group on the other side of the room should show off some dance moves, haha. They didn’t oblige ’til much later but were clearly having a great time.

A few tunes later and Carlos got chatting to the crowd again, the group were from Brazil, as were another table, next two he asked were from Glasgow (oh well, never mind). At the back were a French couple from Paris, but they won’t be there when the Close are playing. Ah yes, that news I knew before – after Logan’s Close play Trento in Italy they’ll be heading to Rome and Paris to support Kula Shaker!!

Now on a definite tour plug, was there anyone in from Germany? Yes! Ah, Frankfurt, not on the tour but not that far from Mannheim where LC are playing on May 5th. No Danes in, he didn’t ask about Italians, how remiss! And back to the music, the aussies were still up to nearly every song, I must say, it is truly a joy to watch a couple dancing and enjoying themselves as much as they were. Oh, to dance like that!

As usual it was John Mackie on sound and lighting, he got a few mentions from Carl. Actually, come to think of it, Carlos may have been a tad drunk, hmm, yeah, he was on the beer tonight (usual for Scotty but not Carl); and there was the shots from the Glaswegian guy. Not that it would ever impair his playing, Paint It Black was particularly excellent tonight. Well, it’s all great but some shine brighter. It all came to a bittersweet end with the usual Bo Diddley cover, of course, the beauty of live music, there’s always sweet little differences and nuances to the playing ❤️

After a spirit deflating day that was a wonderful hug for the soul. I’ll leave you with a lovely pic taken this morning as I headed home from a walk in the park…

Let the music play

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Where there’s a will there’s a way for a band to play. If you read my previous post you’ll know I had a sweet evening lined up on Thursday. Those rock’n’roll larrikins Ol’Times were back in Edinburgh playing the Mash House, well they were until a power failure late afternoon! If only there was somewhere else nearby ……. like down the steps and along the alleyway?

Half six, tea demolished, I checked my phone for the latest update – the gig had been switched to Stramash, ah well, I was heading there around seven anyway (originally intending to catch the Scat Rats first set). Haha, yes, that hunk of Irish, Kai (see pic alongside) was stood by the corner of Stramash at bottom of the alley leading up to the Mash House to catch any folk unaware of the change of venue. A quick chat with him and other band members revealed that the Scat Rats had been sent up the road to Whistlebinkies, naturally I followed on.

Once in Binkies with a tasty pint of Stewart’s beer in front of me, I spotted that the sound and lighting wizz John Mackie was also up from Stramash; of course, musical chairs all round! The Rats had a new cover (or one they rarely play?) of Funnel of Love by Wanda Jackson, a beautiful understated number, another class choice by the boys. Oh, there’s a short reel of it on my Instagram if you’re wondering how it goes. A quick chat after the set, I was told the latest Logan’s Close news and oh boy, wow, it’s a real doozy, that’s all I’m saying.

Nice timing back to Stramash, another pint of Stewart’s, found a good spot to park myself, Ol’Times strolled on stage, perfect. Oh, the exhilaration of pure, timeless rock! Their sound harks back to rock bands of the late 70s and I definitely heard a nod to Thin Lizzy in one number, nothing wrong with that! Lead singer Gabriele Scarale is just brilliant, high-octane with a wink and a smile, reminds me of the likes of Bon Scott and Dave Lee Roth.

Thursday was the first night of a nine date UK tour that goes all the way down to Brighton. If you like your rock old school then join Ol’Times on a Midnight Ride – you’ll be dancing in the moonlight all the way home.

A last note on the evening, hats off to whoever chose the music selection after Ol’Times finished, I mean, Bad Company’s Rock’n’roll Fantasy!! Wow, I haven’t heard that in years and a few tracks later XTC were Making Plans for Nigel, oh my giddy aunt! Enough to wonder if we did all travel back to 1979?!