REVIEWS 09

Saturday December 5th 8pm

Old Blind Dogs

Finishing off the year in magnificent style, Old Blind Dogs returned for the third time with a different lineup, this time with Ali Hutton on pipes and whistles. The introduction of several Gordon Duncan tunes to the Dogs' repertoire led to an exciting night, culminating in a treatment of "A Man's A Man For A' That" which made the cobwebbed rafters ring.

Saturday November 21st 8pm

Moishe's Bagel

Not once but twice in one month audiences were stunned by the level of musicianship on stage at the Hall. Moishe's Bagel also exceeded high expectations, with feet tapping from the first notes. Some had travelled from as far afield as Sutherland and Aberdeenshire to hear them, and counted the music well worth the effort - it was an exceptional night.

Sunday November 8th, 4pm

Nava Rasa Ensemble "Inner Octaves"

We knew they'd be good - nothing had prepared us for the consummate musicianship of the Nava Rasa Ensemble. The entire audience rose spontaneously at the end of the afternoon to give the players a standing ovation - a first for the Hall.

Monday September 7th 7.30pm

Blas 2009 "Family Ties"

The fourth night of what is turning out to be the best Blas ever, and the Hall was packed for a memorable evening. The BBC OB Units outside attracted a few stragglers who had to stand at the back. We'd like to thank all the musicians - Duncan & Iain MacGillivray, Gerry & Dónal O'Connor, Seonaidh & Calum Alex MacMillan, Dagger & Neil Gordon - for some fantastic music, great tunes, lovely songs, and a footstomping evening. Watch it on BBC Alba soon!

Thanks also to Brian o h'Eadhra for his smooth performance as Fear-an-Tigh, Fiddlers for the raffle prize, Rowan Macfie for selling so many raffle tickets, the long suffering Carolyn and Mike Wilson for sterling work serving drinks and nibbles and Gareth & Ryan from Limelight for excellent sounds. Also the BBC crew who were lovely.

Saturday June 20th 8pm

Andy Irvine

 Andy Irvine has been hailed as "a tradition in himself", and after his performance here there can have been no doubt in the audience's minds as to why. I'd call him the Julian Bream of the bouzouki family - except that Julian Bream doesn't write the music he plays. An absolutely fantastic evening of music played and sung by a master and proof that musicians, like wine, get better with age. 

 Friday March 20th 

Macgregor, Brechin and O' hEadhra

A triumphant return for this formidable trio whose blend of tip top musicianship with deftly humorous storytelling is hard to beat. Feet were stomping on the floor from the off and it was a flying  start to the year.