Dean Owens and The Sinners, Traverse

 A first appearance for Dean with his new band, The Sinners.  Drums, bass, lead guitar (the excellent Craig Ross, a long time collaborator of Owens), with Kirsten Adamson and Dean himself on rythym guitar and vocals (and a bit of whistling).  The other two places in the line up reflected the roots of his latest album, Sinner's Shrine, which has a strong south-west US/Mexico feel to it, with a couple of trumpeters.  Perfect for recreating the new sound from the ever evolving Leither, and adding something new to some of his old favourites.

It's become something of a tradition for Owens to be the final act of the Soundhouse year, and the place was as packed and enthusiastic as ever.  The band launched straight into three songs from the n ew album, before a pause and Owens talked to the crowd.  Perhaps less at length than in times gone by, but he remains as entertaining as ever.  The rest of the evening mixed the newer material with some classics from his huge back catalogue, including a Buffalo Blood number, and nice bit of dueting with Adamson on Strangers Again.  And of course, the crowd pleasing Raining in Glasgow, complete with participation.  

Owens also did a few solo numbers, including the final one of the night, his voice seeming even better without the backing.  And excellent night, hopefully to be repeated next year, and the next...

The local boy done good.

Justin Moorhouse : Stretch & Think, Old Fire Station, Carlisle

 Moorhouse rolled out to do his warm up bit, interacting with the audience.  His choices proved a bit unfortunate, with a lot of local government workers and little of interest to really spark his flow, but he had fun and was entertaining, before bringing on his support act.  Jim Burke is a Weegie, now living in Leeds, but still with a strong Glasgow accent.  There was an extended riff about prostate cancer, which gives you an idea of his material.  Occasionally funny, but not consistently.

The second half was a big improvement, with Moorhouse's show which did very well in Edinburgh this August.  Although he strayed into the trans debate, mentioned Muslim terrorists and had a few minutes on menopausal women, there was little to say this was an edgy set, and there was certainly nothing offensive.  His trans contribution stood out for common sense - basically saying let people be who they want to be - and from where I was sat the menopausal women in the audience loved that material more than anyone.  

Otherwise it was standard observational comedy, well crafted, well constructed, sometimes pausing to deconstruct his own material and give the audience pointers.  There was a clever call back about fish and chips as his closing line.  Overall extremely funny, professional and enjoyable.  This guy knows what he's doing!