Ayrshire music Burns bright
Third Degree Burns, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway
June 2nd 2012
Jamie McGeechan, one of Ayrshire’s leading musical talents, was a worried man the week and days before the Third Degree Burns music event.
The singer songwriter, who performs under the name Little Fire, had organised the event (with sponsorship from Ayr Guitar and Su Casa) to help promote what is a vibrant, home-grown and Ayrshire based music scene.
But the worry was although the event had been acknowledged by the Burns an’ a’ That! festival (the largest arts and cultural festival in South West Scotland), that festival was in full swing by the time of the Third Degree event.
Furthermore, Burns an’ a’ That! had one of its feature performers, The Complete Stone Roses, playing at the Ayr Town Hall the same night and Little Fire had been invited to support Andrew Roachford at his Glasgow show also that same evening.
And that’s a prestigious slot you don’t refuse.
When you compound that with the fact one of the acts scheduled to play Third Degree Burns cancelled earlier in the day, it’s easy to see why Jamie McGeechan was more than a little concerned that he may get scolded at his own Burns event.
As it turned out, all such worries were unfounded...
Two other acts had been added to the bill and Jamie McGeechan opened for Andrew Roachford and made it back to Alloway in plenty of time for his second performance of the night.
And the event was so well attended the cafeteria at the back of the performance area became a secondary, spill-over zone for the unanticipated audience numbers.
------------------------------
Slanj couldn’t have been better openers for an Ayrshire music event in the heart of Burns country, nor could they have been better named (Slanj is a shortened form of Scots Gaelic for “cheers”/ “your health”).
The four young musicians – James Harper (pipes), Sam Christison (acoustic guitar), Michael Wylde (percussion) and Curtis McConnell (electric bass) – played with a confidence that beat out a little nervousness and performed with a maturity that belied their ages.
The traditionally based tunes and sets were well received and each piece carried a lively musical energy.
Slanj are considering a name change and this may turn out to be their final performance under that name but, for the present, Slanj it is.
Cheers, boys.
------------------------------
Paul McGranaghan hails from the seaside town of Largs but if his song writing skills are anything to go by he won’t be restricted to playing, performing or being acknowledged just within the borders of Ayrshire.
Joined by Paul Breen on second acoustic guitar, McGranaghan performed a number of songs that will appear on his forthcoming debut album, Carry the Torch, which should be out in August.
A highlight was the set closer ‘With the Right Eyes,’ which will be the first single from the forthcoming album.
The set also featured a rendition of ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ by Robert Burns, a fitting cover based on the theme established by the event and where it was taking place.
------------------------------
Alan Frew is already a name performer well outside of Ayrshire’s borders and it’s always a pleasure to hear a set from one of the area’s leading singer songwriters.
Most numbers were from Frew’s album Go Easy, a collection of well-crafted acoustic melodic pop tunes, with highlights including the title track of that excellent 2009 album and 'Moonchild,' written by Alan’s father Ian.
Frew ended his set with a punchy cover of 'Folsom Prison Blues' (incorporating a little 'Mystery Train'), bringing a little Johnny Cash to Burns country.
------------------------------
Ari Pournaras, vocalist, guitarist and founder of Rose Parade, has a name as distinct as the band’s sound.
They may be described as Indie Folk, but such a label doesn’t do the trio (completed by Edward Mackay and Stuart Davidson) justice and is wide of the mark as regards the band’s feel-good melodic pop, driven by kick-drum beats, heavy acoustic rhythms and infectious little glockenspiel melodies.
Their fresh and original sound is expressed in songs such as 'Closer,' 'Midnight Wine' and 'Grace.'
'Grace' is also the featured track of the band’s current EP, a release that garnered the band some attention on the Scottish music scene.
Rose Parade are currently mixing what will be their debut album and although a release date is still to be confirmed the quality of the songs performed mean it should be an album well worth waiting for.
------------------------------
Melissa Kelly and the Harmless Thieves brought a little R&B and rock 'n' roll soul to the stage and Melissa Kelly brings a big, big voice to the microphone.
The band, who perform coast to coast, incorporate a wonderful throwback feel in some of their arrangements and songs (the group's 'Something to Shout About' is a tribute to, and musical reflection of, the great rock and roll and soul era).
But numbers such as the contemporary ballad 'Save Me' compliment the R&B and up-tempo numbers perfectly and allow Melissa Kelly and her voice to shine.
The band also performed a couple of covers.
A rockified version of Aloe Blacc’s 'I Need a Dollar' (with Alan Frew guesting on guitar) was followed by the set closer 'Amazing Grace,' which started in traditional Hymn style before swinging into a great Gospel rock and roll finale.
------------------------------
Still on a high from his Andrew Roachford support set just a few hours earlier, Jamie McGeechan closed the show with a high-energy performance of covers that brought a Little Fire to some Burns classics.
From the up-tempo take of 'Comin’ Thro’ the Rye' to the set closer 'Auld Lang Syne' (what else?) complete with on-stage audience participation, Little Fire delivered the perfect set to end the inaugural Third Degree shindig.
The Burns songs performed were radically different from the low-key, more traditional arrangements as recorded for the Little Fire Burns CD (made available on the night).
Live, they were given an earthy, contemporary musical slant courtesy of up-tempo arrangements, brash acoustic chords and a husky but punchy vocal, all backed by the beat of Oscar Wilson on drums.
In amongst the Burns numbers was 'High Hopes,' an upbeat original that caught the mood of the evening and featured as vibrant a vocal as I’ve heard from the singer, backed by Mellisa Kelly while Ari Pournaras took up the six-string duties.
A great night, some great performances and a great advert for the Ayrshire music scene.
-----------------------------
There were some negatives, such as the venue not being ideal acoustically, which in turn exacerbated the all-too common problem created by those who prefer to talk through a performance rather than appreciate it.
But these are minor issues that can be addressed at future Third Degree events.
There is a bigger problem, however.
The fact that this event was acknowledged by, but not part of, the Burns an’ a’ That! festival is something I sincerely hope is addressed in the future.
Ayrshire is punching above its weight right now as regards artists and bands that are not just good but very good and, in a few cases, exceptional.
But those acts are not being seen, heard or showcased in “the largest arts and cultural festival in South West Scotland” and that leaves this music fan from Ayrshire more than a little disappointed.
And observing in my capacity as a Music Reviewer, Music Critic and involvement in Artist Promotion it leaves me completely nonplussed that Third Degree Burns could produce six Ayrshire-based musical acts on the same bill while Burns an' a' That! couldn't manage that number over a five day festival.
Someone needs to give the Burns an’ a’ That! promoters and booking agents the Third Degree.
Ross Muir
June 2012
Third Degree Burns, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway
June 2nd 2012
Jamie McGeechan, one of Ayrshire’s leading musical talents, was a worried man the week and days before the Third Degree Burns music event.
The singer songwriter, who performs under the name Little Fire, had organised the event (with sponsorship from Ayr Guitar and Su Casa) to help promote what is a vibrant, home-grown and Ayrshire based music scene.
But the worry was although the event had been acknowledged by the Burns an’ a’ That! festival (the largest arts and cultural festival in South West Scotland), that festival was in full swing by the time of the Third Degree event.
Furthermore, Burns an’ a’ That! had one of its feature performers, The Complete Stone Roses, playing at the Ayr Town Hall the same night and Little Fire had been invited to support Andrew Roachford at his Glasgow show also that same evening.
And that’s a prestigious slot you don’t refuse.
When you compound that with the fact one of the acts scheduled to play Third Degree Burns cancelled earlier in the day, it’s easy to see why Jamie McGeechan was more than a little concerned that he may get scolded at his own Burns event.
As it turned out, all such worries were unfounded...
Two other acts had been added to the bill and Jamie McGeechan opened for Andrew Roachford and made it back to Alloway in plenty of time for his second performance of the night.
And the event was so well attended the cafeteria at the back of the performance area became a secondary, spill-over zone for the unanticipated audience numbers.
------------------------------
Slanj couldn’t have been better openers for an Ayrshire music event in the heart of Burns country, nor could they have been better named (Slanj is a shortened form of Scots Gaelic for “cheers”/ “your health”).
The four young musicians – James Harper (pipes), Sam Christison (acoustic guitar), Michael Wylde (percussion) and Curtis McConnell (electric bass) – played with a confidence that beat out a little nervousness and performed with a maturity that belied their ages.
The traditionally based tunes and sets were well received and each piece carried a lively musical energy.
Slanj are considering a name change and this may turn out to be their final performance under that name but, for the present, Slanj it is.
Cheers, boys.
------------------------------
Paul McGranaghan hails from the seaside town of Largs but if his song writing skills are anything to go by he won’t be restricted to playing, performing or being acknowledged just within the borders of Ayrshire.
Joined by Paul Breen on second acoustic guitar, McGranaghan performed a number of songs that will appear on his forthcoming debut album, Carry the Torch, which should be out in August.
A highlight was the set closer ‘With the Right Eyes,’ which will be the first single from the forthcoming album.
The set also featured a rendition of ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ by Robert Burns, a fitting cover based on the theme established by the event and where it was taking place.
------------------------------
Alan Frew is already a name performer well outside of Ayrshire’s borders and it’s always a pleasure to hear a set from one of the area’s leading singer songwriters.
Most numbers were from Frew’s album Go Easy, a collection of well-crafted acoustic melodic pop tunes, with highlights including the title track of that excellent 2009 album and 'Moonchild,' written by Alan’s father Ian.
Frew ended his set with a punchy cover of 'Folsom Prison Blues' (incorporating a little 'Mystery Train'), bringing a little Johnny Cash to Burns country.
------------------------------
Ari Pournaras, vocalist, guitarist and founder of Rose Parade, has a name as distinct as the band’s sound.
They may be described as Indie Folk, but such a label doesn’t do the trio (completed by Edward Mackay and Stuart Davidson) justice and is wide of the mark as regards the band’s feel-good melodic pop, driven by kick-drum beats, heavy acoustic rhythms and infectious little glockenspiel melodies.
Their fresh and original sound is expressed in songs such as 'Closer,' 'Midnight Wine' and 'Grace.'
'Grace' is also the featured track of the band’s current EP, a release that garnered the band some attention on the Scottish music scene.
Rose Parade are currently mixing what will be their debut album and although a release date is still to be confirmed the quality of the songs performed mean it should be an album well worth waiting for.
------------------------------
Melissa Kelly and the Harmless Thieves brought a little R&B and rock 'n' roll soul to the stage and Melissa Kelly brings a big, big voice to the microphone.
The band, who perform coast to coast, incorporate a wonderful throwback feel in some of their arrangements and songs (the group's 'Something to Shout About' is a tribute to, and musical reflection of, the great rock and roll and soul era).
But numbers such as the contemporary ballad 'Save Me' compliment the R&B and up-tempo numbers perfectly and allow Melissa Kelly and her voice to shine.
The band also performed a couple of covers.
A rockified version of Aloe Blacc’s 'I Need a Dollar' (with Alan Frew guesting on guitar) was followed by the set closer 'Amazing Grace,' which started in traditional Hymn style before swinging into a great Gospel rock and roll finale.
------------------------------
Still on a high from his Andrew Roachford support set just a few hours earlier, Jamie McGeechan closed the show with a high-energy performance of covers that brought a Little Fire to some Burns classics.
From the up-tempo take of 'Comin’ Thro’ the Rye' to the set closer 'Auld Lang Syne' (what else?) complete with on-stage audience participation, Little Fire delivered the perfect set to end the inaugural Third Degree shindig.
The Burns songs performed were radically different from the low-key, more traditional arrangements as recorded for the Little Fire Burns CD (made available on the night).
Live, they were given an earthy, contemporary musical slant courtesy of up-tempo arrangements, brash acoustic chords and a husky but punchy vocal, all backed by the beat of Oscar Wilson on drums.
In amongst the Burns numbers was 'High Hopes,' an upbeat original that caught the mood of the evening and featured as vibrant a vocal as I’ve heard from the singer, backed by Mellisa Kelly while Ari Pournaras took up the six-string duties.
A great night, some great performances and a great advert for the Ayrshire music scene.
-----------------------------
There were some negatives, such as the venue not being ideal acoustically, which in turn exacerbated the all-too common problem created by those who prefer to talk through a performance rather than appreciate it.
But these are minor issues that can be addressed at future Third Degree events.
There is a bigger problem, however.
The fact that this event was acknowledged by, but not part of, the Burns an’ a’ That! festival is something I sincerely hope is addressed in the future.
Ayrshire is punching above its weight right now as regards artists and bands that are not just good but very good and, in a few cases, exceptional.
But those acts are not being seen, heard or showcased in “the largest arts and cultural festival in South West Scotland” and that leaves this music fan from Ayrshire more than a little disappointed.
And observing in my capacity as a Music Reviewer, Music Critic and involvement in Artist Promotion it leaves me completely nonplussed that Third Degree Burns could produce six Ayrshire-based musical acts on the same bill while Burns an' a' That! couldn't manage that number over a five day festival.
Someone needs to give the Burns an’ a’ That! promoters and booking agents the Third Degree.
Ross Muir
June 2012
