Three sets of around forty to fifty minutes each, and three diverse acts.
Opening the evening was Breton duo Jean-Luc Thomas and Gabriel Faure, playing flutes and fiddle respectively. Eclectic and unexpected, their influences took in the traditions of their Celtic home, mixed with music from the Middle East, North Africa, Brazil and beyond, in a style that was entirely their own, and owed as much to jazz as to folk. Thomas produces weird vocalisations during his playing, and even demonstrates use of the flute as a percussive instrument. Both of them are shyly funny, excellent storytellers and full of surprises. Excellent.
The Isla Ratcliff Band followed, featuring Ellen Gira (cello) and Iona Reid (piano) accompanying the eponymous leader's vocals and fiddle. Playing firmly in the Scots fiddle tradition, but inspired by a long stay in Cape Breton, Ratcliff gave us strathspeys, jigs, reels and a single song. A decent enough vocalist, talented fiddler, and very smiley. Enjoyable without being inspiring.
Which is not what I'd say about the Ross Couper Band. Backed by young keyboard star Michael Biggins and drumming legend Paul Jennings, with an accordionist joining later, Couper can certainly do the slow and delicate stuff with great accomplishment. But as he said himself, it's not really what anyone goes to see him for. Fast, wild, at times astonishing, and always inspiring, Couper mixed up his own tunes with traditional material from his native Shetland in a very modern package. Great drumming, some wonderful piano, but above all it's the energy, spectacle and passion of Couper's playing that dominates and fascinates. That set seemed all too short...
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