The Men from Leith - Blue Rose Code, Dick Gaughan, Dean Owens, Queens Hall

Three headline acts for the price of one featuring three musicians from the port of Leith.  One up and coming, one of Scotland's greatest legends, and one now closely associated with both Leith and Nashville USA.

First up was Blue Rose Code, aka Ross Wilson.  With a backing band of guitar, keyboard and bass, he sang a good mix of songs with varied styles and tempos.  The melodies are solid, though not conventionally 'catchy', but the lyrics are far more memorable.  Wilson is a storyteller who can conjure up images from his words.  He also said he usually talks a lot more between numbers, but was conscious of time pressures on the night - a shame, for he had much of interest to say.  (Even if he tell us that he usually 'talks shit'!)

But my abiding memory will be of his love for his job, the joy he takes and gives in his work, and the humour that runs through lyrics and chat.  He just seems like such a lovely guy.

Following Ross came the immediately recognisable gravel tones and intricate guitar of Dick Gaughan.  A legend in the folk world, he has recorded what many regard as the definitive versions of so many Scottish classics.  The voice might be a smidgin less powerful nowadays, a touch shakier, but it remains an impressive and expressive instrument, his presence commanding attention from the audience.  Dick delivered a slow paced set, with many tales to tell in between, ending in a spellbinding Freedom Come All Ye.  Superb.

Dean Owens and the Whisky Hearts closed out the show with their infectious blend of American rock and Scottish folk.  Probably the most closely identified with Leith of the three acts, Owens has written some excellent songs and deserves to be more widely known (which recent appearances on Bob Harris' Radio 2 show may have helped).  With many of the lyrics drawn from personal experiences, there's an immediate emotional connection to the audience.  Owens' smooth voice and talented band had the place rocking, the Leithers joyous, and the whole of the Queens Hall singing Raining in Glasgow to round off a great night.