Carl Marah

A pint and a hug, please

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Happy New Year! Oh, the ninth day of 2026 has just begun as I finally get round to writing something. So, circling back round to 22nd December 2025 as promised last post, I went over west to see Logan’s Close at The Hug and Pint in Glasgow for their usual Christmas gig. There were plenty of familiar faces in the bar by the time I arrived, grabbed a pint, a few hugs and headed downstairs to the venue where the crowd were enjoying the Raeburn Brothers, also over from Edinburgh (yes, I quite enjoyed them too). It turned out that one of them was on a double shift, as keyboard player (and occasional percussion!) for Logan’s Close. I wonder, did the guys get the gig then LC went oo, actually, while you’re there, could you, or did they get the gig with that already in mind? Anyhoo, a fine choice, the Raeburn Brothers had the crowd nicely warmed up for LC taking to the stage; I say stage, it wasn’t much higher, more a performance area.

The lads opened with a brand new song Crystal Ball, Scott and Stu looking sharp in suits, Carl had already lost his jacket (it was definitely going to get hot), Gavin was way back in the gloom (shame), while the keyboard guy took the prize for coolest shirt (sadly I didn’t get a pic of it). From there, straight into Babestation, the first of seven songs from Heart-Shaped Jacuzzi; newish songs Chillz and Costume Changes were there, both of which occasionally pop up in Scat Rats setlists, so well-known to some.

The brand new song I presumed to be called Giddy Up, Baby at Leith Arches was there and it is; a stark, sparse song, Scott put down his guitar, picked up his drink and donned a cowboy hat, plenty keyboards in the mix on this one (I have to say it was the LC sound is better with keyboards rather than Carl juggling between instruments). After some outstanding singing from the gathered, along to more Heart-Shaped Jacuzzi numbers (a grand sound!), we were treated to another brand new bouncing baby of a song, Not Love (the prospect of another album is starting to get exciting).

Carl, Scott and Stu in harmony

The guys didn’t bother to leave the stage between the “last” number and the first encore, which was, yay, Lonely This Christmas by Mud. This is one of my favourite christmas songs and have previously loved the Rats doing it, but the full LC treatment, and the crowd all singing, oh, my heartses! Only something big with grandiose could follow it, so that would be Mock Marble Linoleum then. Love that bass riff and Carl gets to have fun with his theremin to emblemish Scott’s tale of a sad loser. A class ending to the evening, well, mine. I know there were plans for where folk would continue drinking after the gig but I headed back to the subway into the centre, happily fuzzed up.

I had hoped to hear Lonely This Christmas once more by the Scat Rats the following evening in Stramash but, well, it was a solo Carl Marah instead! I’m saying nothing. Except that the crowd loved him, Carl was in fine voice (the overall sound was excellent, beautifully rich, well done, whoever was on the buttons). From where I was sitting, I could see a number of folk going over to check the poster of the month’s listing to see who he was. His penultimate song for the evening was the full version of American Pie, well, it’s been so long since I’ve heard it, I had to make that my final advent calendar clip.

It’s now very late, or early?! Time I toddled off to bed. I’ll share this on Instagram tomorrow along with videos of LC in action. I did put one up shortly after the gig but it seems the sound has gone, if it was ever there, I’m sure it was!

Goodnight, sweet dreams!

And the crowd went wild

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Oh boy, that was a great evening last night! I knew the early part would be good but expected to be home by ten-ish, ha. First port of call, Whistlebinkies to catch the first set from Jed Potts and Nicole Smit, mighty fine as usual. Just a shame that once again there were a couple of very loud folk spoiling the music, so good on Jed for his public service announcement that there were other areas of the bar for people who just wanted to natter. They didn’t bother to move but at least they quietened down. They did leave after the first set, but so did I, I had a ticket for Sneaky Pete’s.

The headline was Callum Ford but my ticket was primarily to see Carl Marah on second support. My timing was just nice to get down there, grab a pint and manoeuvre into a good spot (Sneaky’s was heaving, it wasn’t sold out it was very close to it!) Marah and moustache took to the stage (I mention his moustache because, it’s there, a double-taker on first meeting, I think it might be staying around awhile), no fancy looping this time, just straight forward man with a guitar.

What a cracking set! Opened with the wonderful Roll the Dice and ended with the awesome Cats Eyes. In-between, Carl gave Cold Cold Christmas one more play, the crowd joined in the dah-dah-dahs to Oban, while Stags and Hens somehow sounded better than ever (how is that even possible?). There was more, but I wasn’t taking notes, didn’t video much either, I just blissed out on the sound, especially Cats Eyes at the end, oh, my heartses.

To be honest I wasn’t sure earlier if I’d hang around for the headline band but being there, yeah, plus it was a fairly quick changeover. Callum Ford and his band were worth staying for, engaging and witty songs; with a fiddle-player and one song set in Captains Bar, definitely a folky leaning. The crowd had been lovely and enthusiastic with Mr Marah, now they were turned up to ten and buzzing. Oh my, when the band started the final song the place went wild, Fairytale of New York no better to end a gig at Christmas, the band and audience gave it everything.

Back out on the Cowgate just going home didn’t seem right, so I decided I’d pop back to Whistlebinkies for one more pint. The second band should gave been on at that point, nope, huh? Ah, they’d double booked themselves or something and Binkies took second place, who could they call on? Oh yay, the Louis Crosland Trio, how sweet could one evening get?! It may have been because Max, who occasionally plays drums with LC3 was working behind the bar so only two more bodies were needed.

The man himself, Louis Crosland turned up first, the room started to fill more as folk wanting some live music rolled in. A cheer like a mexican wave heralded the arrival of bassist Rob Henderson to the stage, no time to waste, the band cracked on and the crowd, yes, indeed, did go wild. Wow, I’ve seen LC3 plenty of times, that was one of the best, kind of like a giddy joie de vivre from unexpectedly playing; it definitely put Max in top spot of my favourite of the band’s various drummers. The evening really could not have ended any better, well, unless the final band had cancelled too and the Scat Rats were called in, oh yeah (hey, I can dream!)

I’ll be seeing the Rats tomorrow midnight, yes, it’s one of those Tuesdays, I can survive til then. It’ll be a very late night, so maybe having no definite plans for Hogmanay is a blessing, after all, I’ll want to be doing my usual scamper up to Arthur’s Seat bright and early New Year’s Day. I was up there on Christmas Day, I did mean to put something on here about it, just like I’ve been meaning to say how totally epic Logan’s Close were in Glasgow. I’ll circle back round to that next.

Toodle pip!

I’m beginning to feel christmassy

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It’s late on a Tuesday evening, not one of those Tuesdays, last Tuesday was meant to be, but it didn’t happen as Mr Rough was unwell, the next of those Tuesdays isn’t ’til the 30th, boo; but the Scat Rats are playing Stramash at the more reasonable time of 9.30pm on Tuesday 23rd, yay. The night before, Marah and Rough will be in Glasgow with the rest of Logan’s Close at the Hug and Pint for the band’s annual Christmas bash; I’ll be there too, of course. Just one downer (apart it being in Glasgow), sadly it’s the same night as Blue Christmas 2025, a wonderful evening of blues, r’n’b and rock’n’roll festive tunes performed by Jed Potts (curator of the event) and a bunch of his friends (honestly, the amount of talent in that one room, wow, only for LC will I miss it). It’s like a warm fuzzy hug of Christmas cheer (and it’s happening at La Belle Angele off the Cowgate, Monday 22nd).

Aw sweet, the night before again (so that’s Sunday 21st), the Louis Crosland Trio are on the midnight slot at Whistlebinkies, well, that’s what the poster says. Oh, but that would be a great three night run of great music, please Binkies, don’t screw it up! At least I know they’re definitely playing Stramash on the 18th, but not as a trio, no, there’s gonna be keyboards too! I’m looking forward to it, I’m intrigued. Up until then things are a tad quieter, no bad thing, I’m recovering from a bad cold and there’s a number of films I want to see. Oh, I may wander into Binkies on Saturday afternoon for Louis Crosland solo; I wonder if there’ll be any Bob Dylan covers. Instagram says the Moanin’ Bones are playing there this Sunday midnight, go on, I’ll believe them.

There’s four films that I want to catch before they disappear from the big screen, The Running Man is a definite, being Edgar Wright’s latest, well, I’ve loved everything else he’s done. It could be good, it could be awful, but I’m willing to give Fackham Hall a shot. The cast looks fun, but will it be funny or a tad cringey? Would I go see it if I didn’t have an Unlimited card? Probably not. Another that I’ll see just because I can is Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, I enjoyed the previous films, how will this one measure up? Annoyingly, Benoit Blanc’s latest investigation, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is not on at Cineworld (I’m so not impressed), but it’s still a definite for me. There’s a second Five Nights at Freddy’s coming out on Friday, the first was okay, I thought about it but then I looked it up on Rotten Tomatoes, hmmm, don’t think I’ll bother. Fitting the four in will be interesting enough.

In other pre-christmas news, I’ve finally made jam from this year’s harvest of park brambles, my fridge freezer needed defrosting so it made sense. There’s also new batch of bramble wine just started fermenting! That made sense too. I’m a tad nervous about the jam but my previous attempts have always been well received, so hopefully this lot will be just as delicious. It’s the frozen plate test bit that never works for me, but afterwards the jam sets perfectly well anyway!?

I’m doing another Advent Calendar of music from the last year on Instagram, it’s fun going back over stuff, picking out what to include has been fine so far but I know it’s gonna get harder, too many to choose from, too few days! Haha, I just can’t help going in deep with my silly notions. They’re all still available to view in my highlights, including a clip of Carl Marah singing his new Christmas tune at the Auld Hundred last week! I’m looking forward to hearing it in all it’s full glory!

Anyhoo, it’s very late, I must away to my bed. I’ll leave you with a pic….

My box of jars is now somewhat depleted

What happened to November?!

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Last post was all about Carl Marah‘s latest Voodoo Rooms gig, yeah, that post almost three weeks ago, oops; you can now see an eight minute video from said gig on his YouTube channel featuring You’re Always Right and It Takes One To Know One. Oh, and while you’re there do check out the Live at Everyman Cinema video filmed in August, see why I love Carl’s song Cat’s Eyes so much! That’s on there along with Roll the Dice, well worth a peek. You want more? Check out his latest posts on Instagram, I particularly like the ones where the camera is looking down on the piano keyboard, yes, the lad’s tickling the ivories with his tunes! Nice to see a proper old piano being played.

The dark evenings are bringing folk into the pubs earlier now, I’m used to wandering into an almost empty Stramash at the back of seven for the Scat Rats, but now it’s miserable and colder outside, all the best views are already taken by the time Babe Station lures me in (despite my determination to be in before the Rats started on Friday evening, once again I made my entrance to it, haha). They’re playing Stramash again next Friday, can I make it in earlier?!

I also caught Jed Potts and Nicole Smit both times they played at Whistlebinkies this month, always a delight, and oo, they’re back in Binkies next Saturday afternoon (two Saturdays in a row, great stuff!). Jed was back there this evening with his new band Power Denim, yeah, I gave it a miss just to catch you up, but I will be trotting up the way soon for the Louis Crosland Trio at midnight, third time this month. It has been a pretty fine month for me music-wise, I just won’t think about the rest of it.

I’m determined to get back on top of things next month, er, tomorrow. After a lull in my Park meanderings I’ll have to get back out there more, get into practice for going all the way to Arthur’s Seat for New Year’s Day, and probably Christmas Day before that; yes, I’m staying here in my moose cave this year!

Anyhoo, time to toddle off. Toodle pip, mes amis!

Mr Marah Plus Two

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Wednesday evening in the Voodoo Rooms was awesome. There may have been fireworks going off outside for Bonfire Night, but inside the atmosphere was sparkling and crackling with fine vibes. Local musician Jack Hinks was support for the evening, some rather lovely tunes there, and a gorgeous voice, rich but not too much (I know what I mean). Tone for the evening nicely set, drink in hand from the bar, good position to see, ready!

Of course, this was the first gig where Carl Marah has played his solo music with a band, which added to the anticipation, not just one man and an acoustic guitar anymore. On drums was Gavin Lamont, like who else was it gonna be? As lovely as he is talented, no 5/4 timings could throw this chap. On bass and occasional backing vocals was one Simon Toner; he and Gavin are in a band Sekoya with Luke Cunningham, who played keyboards with The Buccaneers (oo, how good to have the three of them with Carl some time? make that happen!). A very promising line-up, and how!

It was a gentle start with You’re Always Right and how right was the sound – just perfect. On to Lost and Found, gorgeous but I did find myself contemplating whether, lovely as the band version was, the acoustic solo version had something extra for being less for me. World Keeps Turning next is a tune that’s already one of my accidental hums (oh, I can hum unaware that I’m humming for ages), a cracking song, definitely up a notch with the extra punctuation from the drums.

The setlist was thirteen songs in total, all known to the faithful to some degree. James Gilhooly, the go-to cameraman, was around filming the proceedings. At the start of Long Way To Oban I noticed the array of drumsticks Gavin had to hand, but then I guess that’s how he always gets just the right sound; Holidays with the brush sticks was luscious. The poignant 39 was sooo beautiful, a moment to reflect.

Song of the night for me has to be Cat’s Eyes, oh my heartses. I’d just popped to the loo and came back out into the little hidden area to the side of the stage, it seemed a perfectly good spot to watch the band as the music drove along, taking corners, foot down on the straights. Oh, I’m already there, Cat’s Eyes on the stereo driving along the A702 in the dark, can’t wait! Only Don’t Wanna Love You No More could have followed that, yay, Carl getting down and bluesy, always fine with me!

As it’s the latest single Roll the Dice finished the evening. Yeah, right. Encore! One more song! Hmmm, something that really would really show the whole band off, something by one of Carl’s favourite artists? Paul Simon? 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, yay, what a way to end, excellent choice. What an evening, I’m looking forward to next time already, hopefully it won’t be too long. Meanwhile, Mr Marah can be seen in the pubs of Edinburgh singing to the stags and hens and mooses.

Such a great gig really deserved better pics for my blog than I could manage with my mobile – many thanks to @hateinacageonfilm for letting me use some of his photos, what a guy!

Carl Marah looking suave with his Movember tache
Gavin Lamont
Simon Toner

Sounds and visions and pies

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Last time I wrote I was on a bus down to Newcastle, well, ultimately Gateshead to see Carl Marah doing his solo thing at Station East, the lad did not disappoint, and neither did the pub! Station East is only just on the other side of the Tyne, and definitely worth a wander over. It’s a smashing pub, the bar staff were great, plenty of beers and ciders, and a fridge full of pies!! Okay, it being a Sunday the fridge wasn’t full but there was still plenty of choice. A couple of hours in, I refuelled myself with an Aberdeen Angus Steak Mince & Onion pie, oh my lord! It was sooo good. I had fancied a Mexicana but was warned that it was quite spicy, yeah, no.

Local musician AJ.Potter (he played support when Carl was last down in Newcastle) was in and delighted the crowd with a few of his tunes before Carl stepped up to the mic. Sunday afternoons don’t come better than this! Seven songs, including a new one Fountain of Youth, then two favourite covers (one by Squeeze, natch), a short break, then plenty more, with a couple of brand new songs in the mix. All the while I was enjoying the great range of ales on offer, and a couple of halves of cider, it was an interesting trek to the train station afterwards! Oh yeah, I bought one of the Mexicana pies to take home, had it with a yoghurt dip to cool it down, definitely the right thing to do! Do try a Pitman Pie if you’re ever down that way, bloody tasty.

I did said at the end of that last post that the following week wasn’t looking up to much, how quickly things change! Louis Crosland posted about three gigs on Instagram, yay, then Carl Marah was playing the Three Marys in Leith (I’ve never been in there, so it seemed like a good reason to go), and Power Denim playing Binkies on the Friday evening turned out to be another of Mr Potts’ sidelines (just the band name had my moosedar tingling with suspicion). There was also a few films that I fancied catching on the big screen …. I took myself off to see the Bruce Springsteen biopic on Wednesday evening, hmmm. It was okay-ish, very long, the actor playing Springsteen was very good, but it was for the more ardent fans, methinks. Roofman and Good Fortune were both way more my thing, hey, two out of three, you know. It’s great having an Unlimited card! The new Emma Stone film will be next.

Halloween had the town packed with all manner of weird creatures, but none so strange as seeing Jed Potts on stage sans guitar! I surely wasn’t the only one mumbling, what? huh? wow, really? Yes, Power Denim had Jed centre stage with just a microphone (I wonder if he kinda felt naked without his guitar?), oh, and a guitarist, bassist and drummer, playing classic rock; they’ll be back in Whistlebinkies at the end of the month, or so the gig guide says. I left after the first set to catch a number 14 down to Leith to see Carl at the Three Marys, what a lovely bar! It wasn’t very busy so, yay, more Marah’s Originals in the mix, sweet. The weekend saw Louis Crosland out twice with his trio and once with the Moanin’ Bones (two of those in one evening), naturally I was out to catch the vibes.

And now I’m about to pop out again, it’s nearly midnight, on a Tuesday – if you don’t know where I’m going you haven’t read enough of my musings! Time for another Scat Rats top-up fix, it’ll take me through nicely to tomorrow evening when Mr Marah takes to the stage in the Voodoo Rooms with a band too! It’s gonna be bloody, bloody brilliant, oh, my heartses.

Toodle pip!

Yeah, I like me some live music

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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!

Music to soothe the soul

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I had no tickets booked for yesterday, just as well, seeing as the night before I was in Whistlebinkies right until the bouncers started herding everyone towards the exits. The Louis Crosland Trio were playing from midnight, three sets, I couldn’t bring myself to leave! Yeah, Friday morning didn’t happen much apart from the absolutely necessary stuff. Some washing up was done, well I needed a few clean mugs and a clean wok for another stir-fry tea. It really wasn’t a fringey sort of day….

Late afternoon I spotted the marvellous Carl Marah playing in the latest incarnation under George IV Bridge so, naturally, I had to pop in. It’s back to being called the Cow Shed and I must say I like what they’ve done, and there’s a couple of Stewart’s ales on tap (a tad pricey, but hey). Surprisingly Carl didn’t have another gig to get to until much later in the evening, so we caught up a while, and saw a wonderful wee band Andrea Carlson & the Love Police, like wow, gorgeous sounds! Sitting there in a pop-up bar, good company and a band playing retro swing tunes, mmm, a pure Fringe moment. I stayed for their full set (I’ll definitely be paying more attention to the board listing the acts, as I go past) then headed out on to Cowgate.

Bless my cotton socks! What in the Fringe did I see? That master of spooky storytelling, Will Seaward, yays! Big hugs! One of the loveliest humans who ever played the Fringe (we first met twelve years ago when he flyered me and my friends on the last night of the Fringe for a midnight show – we went!) What a lovely catch-up, Will always did have a highly infectious joie de vivre! Then, not two minutes later below South Bridge was Will BF putting up posters for Moon Team IIIV (just recently started, on until Sunday 24th). Another catch-up with another of my Fringe favourites, a mighty fine day. It was well after nine before I started on my stir fry (then crashed asleep on the couch).

A mention back to the marvellously talented Carl Marah, he’s playing a set of his own tunes at the St James Quarter Sessions on Monday 18th afternoon. It’s free but ticketed, tickets can be got through the St James Quarter app, I’ve got mine! It says he’s playing at the Everyman cinema, so that’ll be me in there for the first time. Oh, and this evening I’m going to check out a free Fringe act that Carl really likes, unlike his friends who he’s taken along in past Fringes! I’ll let you know how it goes.

Must pop out to buy some nice bread, nice bread because I bought some scallops at the Farmers Market this morning, only nice bread goes with scallops.

Toodle-oo, for now!

It’s in 5/4 time, you know

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I’ve come to realise that I first heard Carl perform Roll the Dice in the Auld Hundred last October, I have a vid clip of it, but later couldn’t remember if that was one of his own or a cover, ha. I thought it was, but didn’t want to put it on Instagram and have folk point out that it was actually an old Paul Simon number! There is an air of Graceland about it (as Carl is happy to acknowledge), I’m excusing my cautious lack of surety as a compliment to Carl’s ability to write timeless songs that defy being placed in any particular decade.

Do check it out, Roll the Dice is available on the usual streaming platforms, a few listens and you’ll soon find yourself tapping out bits of the rhythm at random moments of the day (or is that just me?). Carl plays all the instruments and was his own backing choir on the studio recording, everything except the drums, and who better to lay down a jaunty 5/4 rhythm than fellow Logan’s Close member, Gavin Lamont (really, no one!).

There’s an official video too, featuring Carl, his fiancée Klaudia, Piccolo the Dog and a cameo appearance of the Edinburgh Monopoly board and pieces. Our troubadour pops up all around the town looking for his lady, will they ever be on the same space together? A sweet, delightful film that’ll warm your cockles! And you can play identify the places in this montage of Edinburgh spaces. [And if you’re part of an acapella choir visiting Edinburgh this Fringe, why not do an acapella arrangement of Roll the Dice in one, or a few, of the spots? Carl would love that!]

Of course, there’s not been just the single and video released this last week, Mr Marah also started another promotional tour, kicking off in the Voodoo Rooms last Sunday evening, the Ballroom no less! Very nice it was with tables and chairs laid out in a relaxed fashion; we had been warned that there was no support i.e., don’t be late! The Jefferson Airplane classic White Rabbit heralded Carl’s arrival on stage, a fine choice.

For starters we had Siren Song but, oh my, the lad’s gotten into looping! With guitar, keyboards, percussive knick-knacks, this was Marah MkII; this time round the sound is fuller, richer. I really enjoyed his songs the first time round, but wow, to hear them again switched up, it’s great hearing the progression. What will they sound like by the third single tour?! I’m looking forward to that already.

Fourteen songs, including a new work-in-progress, Me, Myself and I, some sweet chord progressions there, I’ll admit I was more engrossed by the music than the words, next time. Carl played 39 without any introduction, a beautiful song, the natural slight melancholy timbre of his voice adds to the poignancy of the lyrics. You’re Always Right was played on the keyboards this time (with added percussive loop); about halfway through it hit me, Lynsey de Paul, mid 1970s, that’s what it now reminded me of! Yeah, okay, you’re probably thinking, who? But for those of a certain age I’ll put up a vid of it on Instagram, I’m sure you’ll get what I mean!

Oo, and Cat’s Eyes, this time around by the end of the guitar break I was like, oh wow, John Martyn, by the end of the song I could almost hear his voice. I mentioned it to Carl afterwards, haha, he understood what I meant; Carl does wear his influences proudly and unashamedly on his sleeve (he knows where he’s come from and has a fair idea where he wants to go). After Cat’s Eyes it was time for the final song, the second single Roll the Dice.

First the build-up of the loop, shaker, tambourine, hand claps (interesting with it being in 5/4 time, did I mention that before?!), drum beat, and to great cheering, triangle (Would any other nation do this? Pure, silly glee at the sight of a lowly triangle?), oh, and backing vocals. While the studio version is great, a live version built up to over an evening, oh my heartses! A wonderful climax to the evening, Marah MkII was a great success! After the crowd had called out for more (we couldn’t just leave at that, we needed to be gently brought back down), Carl obliged with a cover of Squeeze’s Up The Junction.

I do fully intend to catch the show at least one more time, but right now I really need my bed. Goodnight, sweet dreams!

Music to a moose’s ears

bruceonthefringe 2025, Bands, Edinburgh bands, Live bands in Edinburgh, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

And just like that, June was over, four weeks today it’ll be Fringe Eve! I’d panic about my lack of preparedness but my procrastination skills have reached such a level that I’m even procrastinating about panicking. Honestly, I’ve long been Olympic standard, but this is bloody ridiculous now. And breathe. Yes, this year’s Edinburgh Fringe is getting close now (the courtyard at the Pleasance is already taking shape), next [Edit:but one] post will be Fringey, but for now, well, I had the most deliciously musical weekend….

Last post I was down in Yorkshireland, intending to make it back up for Jed and Nicole at Whistlebinkies; thanks to an unexpected road closure, plenty of motorway roadworks and torrential downpours, I just caught their second set. Grrrr. A pint of Stewart’s, some fuzzed up guitar and Ms Smit’s blend of sweet’n’sass and I was fair revived from my journey. Special note for their final number Something’s Got a Hold on Me, always great, but on Friday, woozah, Nicole really went out with a blast 💛

Jed Potts & Nicole Smit

Saturday, after another scrumpy ice cream from Thistle & Churn, followed by scallops from Creelers (I may have a habit taking shape there), I was back at Binkies for The Scat Rats and their usual mix from country to rhythm’n’blues and, of course, the odd original. There was what I took to be a, ahem, “maturer” tour group who had escaped the heat outside along with their tour guides (two wore tartan trews and glengarry hats), a bit of Johnny Cash and they were up! It’s always nice to have a floor show to enjoy, ha.

The Scat Rats, as ever, always a joy, delivered the goods, and I must give a shout out to George on sound; I’ve come to appreciate how differently some sound guys work, and he really brought out the music (loved the echoey bits, Scotty certainly did!) When I went to compliment his work afterwards, George’s modest reply was, “It’s easy to make someone sound good, when they’re that good already”. Nah, he’s good, he really got them, some don’t.

And then it was Sunday, time for the big one….

…… Carl Marah’s Second Single Tour beginning in the Voodoo Rooms, his second single being Roll the Dice (it’s in 4/5 time, you know) But that deserves a post of it’s own, I’ll just say here that I cannot allow Sunday evening to be the only time I get to hear his music in it’s current form on this tour. Those lucky bastards in London on the 2nd! It was a glorious evening, continued with further drinking, finishing back, once again in Whistlebinkies with the Harry Higgs Band, not the trio, a quartet (trio plus keyboards) with an occasional fifth, of guest vocals by Reine Beau.

A great end to a great weekend!