Carl Marah

He, himself and other class musicians

bruceonthefringe 2026, Bands, Carl Marah Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

And so the Magnificent Marah continued his tour to spread the word of his new EP Me, Myself and I with a return visit to Gateshead and the Station East, before a home crowd in the Voodoo Rooms. The EP is out on streaming platforms now, so if you haven’t already, go check it out, that’s Carl Marah, for those not paying attention. Oh, it’s magnificent!! A thing of beauty, charm, wistfulness, I could go on. It was released into the ether Friday 5th June, the same day that Mr Marah played Gateshead, but this time with the band, ooo.

I’d pondered on going down, it’s a great pub with a good range of beer and real ciders, and there’s the pie fridge at the end of the bar too. Of course, last time it was a long lazy Sunday afternoon session, okay for getting back up afterwards, I’d maybe have to book a room this time. Could I justify it when I’d be seeing him five days later at the Voodoo Rooms? Well, no harm just checking the train times…. hallelujah, the last train up is much later than it used to be, yay. A nice cheap Lumo train at 11.10, sweet, the return ticket came in at just under twenty five quid!

What a gorgeous afternoon and lucky me, my seat was on the left-hand side of the train so I could enjoy the coast views (they really are something to watch out for if you ever travel up to Edinburgh on the east coast line). Once in Newcastle I had a wander round before crossing over the bridge to Gateshead and the Station East. Again, what a smashing pub, lovely barstaff, a hug from AJ.Potter, the locals are a friendly bunch so plenty of chat, the early evening sun kinda delayed the start of the gig I think (you know when it’s still too warm to realise that time is passing). AJ. Potter kicked things off again with his delightfully honest folkish (his word and I agree) songs. An excellent entree before a main course of Marah!

Anyone that saw clips of Carl the last time he played the Station East may be wondering where the band would fit, that’s a tiny space by the staircase! Aha, go left at the bar and there’s a dark, high arched room (possibly part of an old railway arch?), almost a bit spooky but a good space for gigs, and this was a good gig, indeed. An hour and a half of sheer joy and bliss, good humour with an occasional touch of bittersweet, a warm fuzzy hug of an evening; just how it is watching Carl perform any time, but maxed up with the added band elements; then, of course, five days later in Edinburgh there was keyboards too, oh, my heartses!

For keyboards Carl has called on his old Buccaneering pal, Luke Cunningham, of course he would, the guy’s brilliant; and as it happens, in a band with Gavin Lamont and Simon Toner. Sekoya is a contemporary jazz collective, formed as a project for the three, usually sidemen, to develop their own sound together. A great stroke of fortuosity for Carl to get all three to back him?! To have two of them with him in London and Gateshead was awesome, but all three at the Voodoo Rooms was epic. The shades, the sounds almost like textures you could feel, well, okay, that might just be the effect on me, honestly, it was glorious.

The setlist was the same order but with more songs as time allowed. Cat’s Eyes seems to get longer every time they play it, no bad thing; yeah, I must go to the Inverness gig at the end of July, it’ll be well over fifteen minutes by then, haha. Carl gave the rest of the band a wee break when he played a new song solo on his acoustic guitar, he said new, I’ve heard Day By Day a few times now, but yeah, new. The VR gig also had the brilliant Don’t Wanna Love You No More as the encore, wowzah, what a way to round off the night.

I’ll sign off now as the Moanin’ Bones will have started at Stramash, but I’ll just mention that Carl will be in Glasgow at McChuills on the 8th July, just saying. Toodle pip!

When Elsie went to FAB

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The last day of May, it’s been an interesting month; first two thirds spent crossing Europe by train, gigs galore when I got back to Blighty, then bats aplenty this final week. Oh, and two great films in the cinema, but this post is about one, well, two things, the Logan’s Close gigs last week, down in the back of beyond at the bottom of Leith Links. Nah, not too far really, but when you don’t know where a place is, you know.

Thursday night I got the bus down, watching on Google maps when to jump off. From there it was just a stroll across the links, that’s when I wondered if it really knew where I wanted to go, didn’t look like there was much of anything around. Hmm, there was an old low, long wooden building, looked like a park storage place?! Nope, that was it, Leith FAB Cricket Club, or to use it’s full title Leith Franklin Academicals Beige Cricket Club (sounds like a name the Tuck would dream up), apparently it was formed in 1852!! A proper old cricket club it was, just think of all the happenings in there over the years, bet there’s a few good stories to tell, just add the nights Logan’s Close played to sell out crowds to the anthology.

We had been warned via social media that it would be cash only, no problem for us older ones; I noticed there was a card reader on the second evening, was it too confusing for the youngsters to deal with actual cash? Bless. Just hanging around before the support band came on, it was obvious the room would reach oven roasting temperatures and beyond (not helped by the still warm evening outside). When the support came on, the volume was waaay up, so between that and wanting to stay cool as long as possible, I exited a while. Note to self, remember my earplugs next time. A number of folk were chilling outside, plenty recognisable faces, soon everyone started heading in, the bar first then get a spot. Final adjustments, everybody ready and they were off.

Hey, hey! Ready when you are!

There was a preamble to the first song kicking in, it was then I heard the extra percussion from the side of the stage behind the speaker, peering into the gloom there was a keyboard too, but the keyboard was at the other end?! Aha, why get one Raeburn brother in when you can get two? Two keyboards, extra percussion and the occasional extra guitar as the evening went by; oh, Sandy and Murray just slotted in perfectly (and they’re lovely guys from speaking to them afterwards). Curious Terrain was a bloody magnificent start, oh yes.

Songs from Heart-Shaped Jacuzzi bookended the set with some brand new songs and the previously heard Giddy Up, Baby! and Costume Changes in the middle. Hot Blondes followed by Babestation had the crowd bouncing and in full voice, time for a change of pace, a newie, Cuck Chair written by Scott, quite a spacey beginning with synths and Scott swapped on to acoustic guitar, nice. No guitar for the start of the sparse, punchy Giddy Up, Baby! but once again a cowboy hat was soon passed up to the stage (on Friday night too, is it the same person same hat, or?!)

He wears it well, don’tcha think?!

Oh, Scotty was on magnificent form, his velvety tones so eloquently delivering his vivid narratives to the crowd, long stretches against the low ceiling (it’s easy not to realise how tall he is, obviously perfectly proportioned); really in his element, such a presence about him on stage. The new songs are a vibe moved on from the Jacuzzi tunes, but which will make it on to the second album? Fun and Games stood out for me yeah, couldn’t really say why, it just felt really good; and Groundhog Night with Carl on vocals, about the midnight slot at Whistlebinkies, I’m totally expecting to hear a pared back version in there at some point soon!

By now the fans know plenty of the words to Costume Changes, especially those who go see the Scat Rats as it often pops up in their sets; and Heart-shaped Jacuzzi, oh, what a blast!! It was brilliant on the Thursday night, but on the Friday, absolute chills, such a beautiful moment the room all singing it to the band, the love was palpable. It was the, ahem, final song, yeah right, the guys weren’t going to bother with the pretence of going offstage. Gouching provided another powerful singalong, ending with the baroque brilliance of Mock Marble Linoleum. Totally wrung out bodies and souls left the room, oh, there was more music after but like, everyone needed to catch their breath, take a moment or two, discuss what they just witnessed, and hugs. I floated off into the night to get a bus back to town.

And we did it all again the next night, just in a slightly different order and with an edge more exuberance with it being a Friday night (I say we, plenty of folk were there for both gigs). Half and Half made the set this time. I didn’t spot a setlist to snaffle at the end and I was having way too much fun to take any notes, I just have a few videos to spot the differences. Main one was that Hot Blondes In Your Area Tonight was moved from second to the final, really final, song, a fine call, the place went bonkers. Blissed out, sweaty blobs the lot of us by the end, but what epic fun 💛

Two fabulous evenings that hopefully put plenty of money in the coffers for the second album. If not, another gig or two? Another gig or two, anyway, please. I’ve still to put a few videos of these gigs on Instagram, but they will appear soon, promise. Now it’s very late, time for bed, goodnight and sweet dreams!

One Night in Finsbury

bruceonthefringe 2026, Live music, London, Music shows, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I do quite like London, only ever stayed for a few days at a time but I’ve always had good experiences, nice wee cafes, there’s some cracking pubs (living in Edinburgh, the prices don’t make me clutch at my heart in mock horror) and I generally find Londoners to be a pleasant bunch. The Camden Road Hotel was a perfectly fine place to sleep, no breakfast, but from past experience that’s where the nice wee cafes come in, they’re everywhere! It was also a reasonable walk from King’s Cross and St Pancras stations, and an easy bus ride to The Finsbury.

Ah yes, I returned from the continent by Eurostar on the Monday so I could get a decent night’s kip and enjoy a wander round Camden before seeing Carl Marah at The Finsbury (good plan, after two nights in a hostel dorm with exuberant marathon runners in Liege, it was heaven). I also took the opportunity to check out a couple of real ale pubs on the way, as you do, but in time to see both supports.

It was meant to be some guy supporting, I gather something happened fairly last minute but no worries, the ladies stepped up and some. First up was Eve Simpson, a northern lass with an awesome voice and great folk/pop songs, including one inspired by The Hive on Niddry Street in Edinburgh! Probably the first and last time that’ll happen (I know the place, I’ve seen Fringe shows in there, as a night haunt, nah). Speaking about the Fringe, Eve will be up at the Pianodrome in August for two nights, hmm, a distinct possibility. Second up, Kiki Annette over from Germany, indie with a delicious dry humour, wow! Later Carl made a light comment of feeling a tad apprehensive coming on after two such talented singer-songwriters, yeah, methinks he was only half joking!

Eve Simpson
Kiki Annette

Then it was time, Carl and his trusted compadres, Gavin Lamont and Simon Toner, opened with the latest single You’re Always Right, oh yay. Lost and Found next, one of my favourites and sooo delicious with the extra depth of flavours the band sound brings to it. I say that’s one of my favourites, they’re all wonderful but a few sneak ahead, like World Keeps Turning, why? I don’t know, is it in his delivery of his lyrics, the timbre of his voice with an occasional slight plaintive edge? The rhythm changes?

What a wonderful evening, there was almost no need for Carl to ask for us to singalong with It’s a long way to Oban, I could hear there was already a strong murmur augmenting the chorus. Carl’s first single Siren Song was in there (I was very in the moment, some of which refused to be retained later). Stags and Hens with it’s world-weary wry charm will always have a place in my heart, and it’s own little burrow in my ear.

Naturally Me, Myself and I, the title track of the new EP was there, one where for me, the solo version has sweet echoes of Gilbert O’Sullivan, not as much with the band. Oh, and from just watching a couple of videos, I must mention that the sound and lighting were excellent all evening. Cat’s Eyes was a total sublime dream, without doubt my top favourite of all Carl’s songs (so far!) The drum and bass motor along so beautifully, while Carl’s voice and guitar take the twists and turns with confident ease. Oh, my heartses!

Carl did cut one song from the set just before Cat’s Eyes as he wanted enough time to do it justice, at just over eight minutes, yeah he did that; but I do wonder what was cut? On the other hand, I might disappointed if I knew. I wouldn’t have wanted any of the songs I heard cut from the set. Final song of the evening was ol’ 5/4 timer Roll the Dice (the Paul Simon one), the guys went for it! All brilliant musicians, it’s a class way to end things.

It wasn’t quite the end of my evening, oh no. Now, at this point I’ll mention that it wasn’t particularly busy in The Finsbury, a real shame the turn out wasn’t better, mind, the folk who did turn up were obviously enjoying themselves and showed their appreciation loud and warmly; but it was the evening of Tuesday 19th May when most of North London were glued to tv sets watching a football match with bated breath. The outcome of that match would determine whether Arsenal would win the Premier League.

When I left the pub to catch the bus, a few cars were passing by blaring their horns, bit exuberant for a Tuesday night, I thought. Then, on the bus, the traffic was really slow, horns tooting rhythms, was this about football?! The bus got diverted, watching its movements on Google maps I realised I was best getting off. By now it was after eleven, the streets were thronged with people in red and white scarves and tops, car horns going off everywhere, folks jubilantly calling out. I have to say, the exhilaration in the air was infectious, so joyous; I had no idea what the reason was, but I realised it was something pretty monumental. What a night to be in North London! Overall, it was pretty damn fine ❤️

Toodle pip!

On a rainy night in Graz

bruceonthefringe 2026, Bands, Edinburgh bands, Music Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Hello you! I know, it’s been a while since my last post but I do have an excuse for May and hey, five posts in April up to that point, a blooming record for me outside of Fringe! The excuse? I’ll get back to that, for now a quick trawl through the last third of April…

I hinted at the end of my last post that Louis Crosland may play guitar alongside blues harmonica player Giles Robson again sometime; it’s definitely happening, folks! That’s through August (and into September, I think), so fairly extensive through the UK. Hmmm, if it ends anywhere northish I may have to go, that should, will, be pretty damned awesome. That’s if the tour does go through to September, I have priorities, you know.

He may not be around Edinburgh in August, but July sees Louis’s debut at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival where his Trio will be playing as one of three bands at a Blues Afternoon in the George Square Spiegeltent. Yes, a whole afternoon of blues (I think they have them each weekend of the Festival), you can catch the Louis Crosland Trio on Sunday 19th July. [Quick edit, there’s also a gig 12th June at Pilgrim in Newcastle]

That will probably (or possibly, you can never quite tell with musicians) the last time the Trio as it is, play together. Louis is planning on taking stock of things, a good time to, what with being away awhile with Robson. It will fun speculating what the new autumn season outfit will be. The final Whistlebinkies gig was great, a very lively crowd, cracking tunes and I love that of late Rob Henderson‘s bass line has been up in the mix, Max was on fine form on drums too. A decent finale for Binkies.

I said final gig, so was surprised when it was on Instagram that Louis was playing Binkies, huh?! Definitely wasn’t scheduled (mind, it was Binkies), ah, a last minute call up. Last minute, so it was a trio but for all the combinations I’ve seen, this was new. It may have been, who the hell is available now? The universal forces played ball, and how, it worked well, better than well, for a first time? it was ridiculously fine; and they weren’t done after Binkies, immediately packing up double quick to play at the Jazz Bar straight afterwards! Of course I went along! Already, just a second time round things were gelling nicely. Will this be a one night only (both musicians are usually very busy), certainly the three played together and Louis was clearly enjoying himself. It will certainly have added another dollop to the mulling mix; this cake could be sublime.

I could finish this post here, but as I’ve just poured myself another glass of a rather nice grüner veitliner, I shall continue…

Last post Carl Marah was about to take part in the semi-final of Mam Talent! this time taking a band with him. He didn’t make it through to the final, but no matter, it was a great experience and will have definitely opened up new avenues for him; and he used the opportunity to play his newly released single (just the day before, nicely done) You’re Always Right. The video is also out with Carl not only wearing his love for the Beatles on his sleeve, it’s more like an arm tattoo (done with such charm and gentle grace, tis a wonderful thing).

The Edinburgh launch of the new EP had been announced before, but now all the dates for the EP tour have been announced, which is how I came to be tapping this out on my phone in Austria. The first gig is Tuesday 19th at The Finsbury in London, aha. I’ve been meaning to get round to using an Interrail Pass that I bought end of last August when there was a discount, meaning to, but never quite succeeding; Carl’s London gig gave me an anchor point, yay. I’ll be on a Eurostar back to London on the Monday afternoon, Carl on Tuesday evening, next day a train back to Edinburgh in nice time for two Logan’s Close gigs, how excellent is that?!!

My glass is just about empty, time to sleep. Next time, probably a postcard or two.

Auf wiedersehen, meine Freunde!

Here, there and even on the telly!

bruceonthefringe 2026, Bands, Gigs, Live music, Logan's Close Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

As promised last post a catch up on Messrs Marah and Rough, oh, they’ve been busy! There’s been the usual Tuesday midnights at Whistlebinkies, I say usual but I’d swear they’ve gotten even better recently, how? I know, right! Maybe it’s from recent activity with the rest of Logan’s Close and the anticipation of summer gigs.

At the end of March, LC played down in Norwich and then Glasgow supporting one Ghost Funk Orchestra; I did consider going over to Glasgow, but after a busy week, yeah, no. But Brucie, it was Logan’s Close?? Ah, but they’re playing two nights in Edinburgh next month, yay (got to get some money together to make the second album, you know). Just one night was announced but the lads already had plans for another gig the following night, and indeed, ticket sales were excellent, all snapped up in less than a month. I’m not sure if they realised the date or decided it would be a funny twist – the sell out and second gig were announced on 1st April, err, April Fools Day, guys!? Did anyone hang fire to make sure it was genuine, I wonder? Anyhoo, the second night is Friday 22nd May at Leith Cricket Club.

Oo, I see badge potential here

Scotty went even further than Norwich with his other band last month. Dr Salad were out playing a few gigs in Cambodia (as you do!?) That was quite a surprise when Scott told me late one night in Binkies, had I heard right? I was like, Cambodia? Huh? Yes really. A trifle bizarre, but then, it is Dr Salad, goes with the territory. When I caught up with him after his return, Scott was certainly buzzing from the whole experience, oh, he’d definitely go back for more.

Carl has also been playing his own music overseas on Mam Talent! Poland’s version of Britain’s Got Talent. He does visit Poland plenty with his Polish fiancée, and last year friends over there suggested he should enter, he did, et voilà …. he’s only gone and made it to the semi-finals!! The live show will be on Polish telly 25th April, like wow. Always busy, the date for the launch show of Carl’s debut Me, Myself and I EP has been announced as Wednesday 10th June, at the Voodoo Rooms, where else?! And it’ll be a four piece band this time – added keyboards. Tickets are available now on Carl’s website (there’s options with a signed cd or signed vinyl, nice).

He did tell me that there’ll be tour dates north and south, but that’s as much as I know, no more details were forthcoming. I wonder if he’s waiting to see how Mam Talent! goes before setting everything in stone? Meantime there’s plenty to watch on Carl’s Instagram, including some great studio diary videos. In a video last Thursday it was mentioned that Carl looks more like George Harrison than the actor in the new upcoming film; I almost choked on my IPA when an hour after I saw it, a chap sat next to me in Stramash exclaimed, “Bloody’ell, George Harrison!” pointing at Carl on stage. Actually, he does do a beautiful version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps at his solo pub gigs.

Time to crash, but I’ll leave you with a couple of pics from the day Carl was shooting a video à la Beatles on the rooftop of an Edinburgh tenement. Next time, when you’ve got the blues make sure you have good support. Toodle pip!

One day fans will flock to this spot
The man himself, or George Harrison?

A pint and a hug, please

bruceonthefringe 2025, Edinburgh bands, Live music, Logan's Close, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

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, if 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 have 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 expecting 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

bruceonthefringe 2025, Christmas, Cinema, Edinburgh music scene, Films, Live bands Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

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