Considering how long Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton have been such prominent members of the Scottish folk scene, and how many bands and albums each have contributed their talents to, it's almost a shock to be reminded how young they still are. For this gig they were joined by Jenn Butterworth on guitar and vocals, and Paul Jennings on drums and cajon.
Although best known as highland pipers, both are proficient multi-instrumentalists, with whistles, tenor guitar and cittern featuring, and the odd bit of electronic trickery to add layers to the sound.
Steeped in the tradition for an early age, Ainslie and Hutton can turn their hands to many forms of music, and this line up is definitely towards the folk 'n roll end of the spectrum. They reminded me of the late lamented Kan for imagination, musicianship and a driving beat. A mix of their own tunes and covers, plus a few song from Butterworth to add variety.
Hutton is a hilarious raconteur and had both audience and band laughing at his craziness. But it's the music that does most of the talking, with clever blending of instruments, and some slower numbers thrown in amongst the foot tapping, body moving rhythms. Jenn sang a lovely Scotland Yet, still as relevant a lyric as can be found, and one of the best versions I've ever heard of Freedom Come-All-Ye .
But nothing quite beats the blood stirring sound of two sets of full fat bagpipes playing so brilliantly off one another. Impossible to leave without a big grin imprinted on one's visage....
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