Dean Owens, Leith Folk Club

It's becoming a regular event to have local man Owens play his and the club's first gig of the year in the Victoria Park, and for there to be a packed house.  A tradition well worth maintaining.

Support came from beardy Leith FC regular Martin Lennon signing a selection of his own songs.  Woodbine gruff vocals, decent guitar accompaniment and funny, and frequently self deprecating, introductions made for a strong opening act.  The songs aren't all that memorable melodically, but Lennon writes some cracking lyrics, amusing, moving, personal.  He tells stories, paints pictures with his words, and draws his audience.  The perfect warm up man and, as one of his songs says, not old, just vintage.

Owens opened with My Town, one of my personal favourites from a deep well of strong numbers.  With just his own guitar and harmonica for accompaniment the stripped back sound emphasised what an accomplished writer Dean is, both of tunes and the words to go with them.  He talks a lot between numbers and need not apologise for doing so (although he often does) because the background to the writing process is interesting, often funny, and he tells a fine anecdote.  Vocals are distinctive Americana by way of the Port o' Leith, lyrics are often very personal but with a recognisable universality to the emotions and stories he relates.  Amd there are plenty of singalong moments for the audience.

Whether solo or in one of his many band line ups Dean Owens always delivers an entertaining gig.