The concert opened with support act Scott Matthews, a solo singer/songwriter. He has an exciting voice with a wide range, and some interesting arrangements and instrumentation. Several songs had intriguing lyrics, but lacked any real melodic identity. Enjoyable enough at the time, but unmemorable.
Fairground Attraction featured the original 4 members of the band, plus Roger Beaujolais on glockenspiel and Graham Henderson on (mostly) piano accordion. The opening line, from guitarist Mark Nevin, was “We are not a tribute band”!
Their set featured a mix of newer material and spme familiar classics from their 80s heyday. But the old stuff still sounded fresh too. Partly through new arrangements, but mostly because Eddi Reader’s vocal technique has advanced greatly over the decades, with jazz and folk sensibilities developing her pop instincts. Her scat singing, and Edith Piaf impression, were highlights.
A wonderful mix, decent enough musicianship, catchy tunes, and that soaring voice. It was well worth them getting together again.
Note to self - avoid gigs at the Usher Hall when possible, at least for this kind of event. The audience were not the musically literate kind we are used to, and too many behaved as if they hadn’t been allowed out for years, and nobody else mattered but them. Talking during songs, leaving and returning during songs, blocking others view, clapping off the beat, singing off key. So irritating…
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