24th June 2005
The last Wildcat night attracted a relatively small but very appreciative audience to the Pentland Hotel on a Friday evening to hear a bunch of local artists performing. Alison Birnie and Fraser Bain gave us some of the best singing and accompaniment I've heard for many a year. It was the first time I'd heard her singing and what a voice! This is a young lady I could listen to singing every night of the week. If I might be so bold as to make one suggestion however, can I suggest that she leave the music stand at home! It just takes away from the spontaneity and feeling, which gives such an added boost to the song. This is a very talented young lady and it was a joy to listen to, with some really nice accompaniment on the guitar from Fraser.
Others performing on the night included some Rock 'n' Roll from Ray Dickson and his guitar. Different from the usual traditional singing night, but some great stuff none the less, and some great guitar work. I suppose some of the Beatles music will end up in the Traditional scene in the not to distant future! Some step dancing from Jenny Broughton accompanied by her husband, the ubiquitous Dave, on fiddle, was another added delight. Donald McNeill also took some timeout from Clapshot and sang a couple of songs. I particularly liked "Georgemas Junction". Donald has captured the excitement only the rain journey from Inverness to Caithness can bring. The fact that it takes longer now to make the journey than it did 50yrs ago says it all! A few songs from Danny O'Hagan also taking time out from Clapshot helped keep the evening running smoothly.
Clapshot (Caithness' favourite folk group, ceilidh band, pub musicians etc) started and finished the evening in superb form, and it was a treat to hear them for a change, away from their usual spot keeping the session going in the (very noisy) Comm Bar in Thurso.
Next Wildcat Night;
Sunday 3rd July 2005 - 8pm - Pentland Hotel, Thurso
The Mick West Band
Mick is considered to be one of the finest exponents of Scottish Folk Song around. He has performed all over Europe and Japan to critical acclaim. His first album for KRL "Fine Flowers and Foolish Glances" was a revelation and was highly rated. With musicians like Fraser Fifield, piper, saxophonist and low whistle player; Frank McLaughlin highly regarded guitarist and piper; Steve Lawrence, a former member of Iron Horse and who has toured with Tannas, Hudson Swan Band, Donny Munro (Runrig) among others, this is a line up not to be missed. I heard Fraser Fifield at Lyth Arts Centre recently and this is one incredible musician. So it looks as though this could be one of the events of the year!
Coming later
16th July - The Midden
12th Aug - Tich Frier
24th Sept - Cockersdale
6th Oct - Emily Druce &Steve Jones
4th Nov - Preston Reed
2nd Dec - Eddie Walker
Frank Charlton