Edinburgh's own funk and R&B band is a slick outfit, here playing as a septet with three decent lead vocalists to choose from and the ability to swap instruments around to suit each song's needs. Drums, bass, guitars, keyboard plus both tenor and alto sax. Another outfit to mix up classic numbers from the genre, plus some of their own material, and lots of variety in style and tempo. A friendly bunch too, full of enjoyment, happy to interact with their audience and have a good time. Some impressive solos, especially from the guitarist who started out as the bass player, and the alto sax. A really fun set and I'd have been happy if they'd been on all night.
Confession time. I hadn't really heard of Hamish Stuart, although, of course, I did know of The Average White Band. So I wasn't quite prepared for the legend treatment he received for a clearly adoring audience. But he knew exactly what to expect and traded on it with some charm. Stuart certainly has stage presence, and I can't fault anyone who expresses their dislike for tories and admiration for the videos of Janey Godley!
But his singing voice is clearly suffering as he ages, although the phrasing is good and he can muster an impressive falsetto. He was backed by a talented band, most, like the man himself, in the veteran category. Drums, bass, lead guitar, keyboard. The latter was the youngest of the bunch and by far the best soloist, although I enjoyed the bass player's too.
The afficionados were in heaven , and would disagree with me no doubt, but JBiA were the highlight of the evening.
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