Kris Drever and The Theory of Everything

THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO DISPLAY GENIUS

To avoid any possible confusion, Mr Drever hasn't resolved the great conundrum of the universe.  Not quite yet.  No, this post contains two reviews for the price of one. The Orcadian musician on his first solo tour in many years. And the story of Stephen Hawking, as portrayed by Eddie Redmayne.

KRIS DREVER

If you're not a folkie you may not have come cross Kris Drever.  If you are then you'll already know what a star the man is.  I might as well be honest here, Kris has been one of my favourite musicians since first discovering him almost ten years ago, and I write this as an unashamed and totally enthusiastic fan.  The venue was the flat in Edinburgh we go to regularly for House Concerts (and which will be sure to feature prominently in future posts) and there was nothing going to keep me away from seeing one of my heroes perform in such an intimate setting.  (Not even a crucial hockey match at Murrayfield!)

Over the years I've seen Kris play a role in many line ups.  Most frequently as one third of the incredible Lau, but also in duos, trios and as a leading light in the folk supergroup Drever, McCusker, Woomble.  He has produced many fine recordings including two great solo albums, but this was the only chance we've had, since our first sighting of the man, to see him perform by himself.  He did not disappoint.

A mix of the familiar and the new.  There were traditional ballads, a selection of songs from his own CDs, one from his Lau persona, and several that he is trying out on this tour before they appear on his next solo album.  All delivered with humour, imaginatively phrased vocals and inventive guitar accompaniment.  The new album should be a cracker and I'm looking forward to hearing his recording of Capernum, a cheery number dealing with Edinburgh's dark side.  I also loved the lyrics of a piece he'd only just written, marking a particularly unproductive day at home - sounded like the soundtrack to my life....

I could, just about, understand that Kris' voice might not be to everyone's taste.  There is a nasal quality some might dislike.  For me it's utterly distinctive and totally disarming, and I'm sure he could sing the telephone directory and make it entertaining.  Ok, I'm biased.  What a great evening.

Here's Mr D doing what he does best.

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

A biopic of Stephen Hawking, starting shortly before his being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, and telling how he, and his wife, dealt with that adversity and produced one of the most brilliant minds the world has seen.  I can't vouch for the authenticity of the portrayal, but the physicist himself has said that it was like watching himself at times and he was moved by the experience.

While the film has it's share of 'Hollywood' moments, to improve the dramatic flow, it is largely understated and this allows the performances to shine through.  Eddie Redmayne is superb as Hawking (and well worth his Oscar for the role), giving genius a human exposition and showing personal flaws as well as the man's incredible will to succeed in his chosen field.   There's plenty humour too, with the physicist shown to have his cheeky side, something that he has allowed his voice synthesiser to aid rather than hinder.

Definitely one to see.