What the deuce have you been up to lately. Yes YOU !! (WTF part 4….)

This will be one of the last for the time being in this insightful and incisively intimate series of documentative posts where I’ve been a right lazy bastard and let you musical lot do all the work and to those that replied – I thank you.  To those that didn’t – bollocks to you / sorry I forgot to email you (delete where appropriate).  Next time I do this I shall keep an actual list of who I send the burning question to as I’m pretty bloody sure now I think about it that I missed out plenty that I should have mailed and for that I apolomagise – next time.  Billy Morrison doesn’t have email yet so I will do an in-depth face-to-face if I can ever manage to track him down……….where o where would one find the elusive William John……….:)

Right – on with the show. Space: The final furlong.  To baldly go where no horse has trodden before etc etc.  This time we also have some of the local management/Svengali/booker types (no T or MG’s though) as well as some of our finest local musicians.

Mr Andrew ‘I sing and stuff for The Galipaygos‘ Still, What the fuck are you up to now…..?

“Hello Sir

The (mighty Gals) are gearing up for there last commitment of the year (The Market Bar 1st December). The new album ‘Win You Over’ will be available from Monday 12th November (in physical cd format) having already been positively unleashed on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify etc.

2013 marks our 10th birthday and it hoped that the year will littered (no stained) with celebratory gigs/ festival appearance, party games and jelly’n'ice-cream – check the website for details. Since 2003 we have released 6 albums – there is even talk of a greatest hits’ album (just to really piss people off – and yes ‘The Hands’ might just scrape onto the second (‘bonus’ disc). It’s been a grand old decade and founding members Steve Sinclair and Andrew Still have been joined on our journey by many of the Highlands finest musicians (and Richard Bills!!!! :0)

….and then it’ll be on with the next album (the difficult 7th) – the intention being a more electric/ grungy set. There have been early discussions amount recruiting a new drummer.

Most folk don’t like the dark nights but if you are a musician – it’s the perfect time to stay indoors, get the wine out and then get snowbound in the studio.

….right back to work!”

Matt ‘I’m not naked but I am strange’ Stockl of Naked Strangers, what the fuck are you and the Naked Strangers up to now as far as nudity, strangeness and all that go, EH ??

“Hi Houdi, thanks for getting in touch.

What the fuck are we up to? Good question.

The Strangers are taking a bit of time off from our sporadic gigging schedule to commune with nature, get drunk in parks, and work on new material over the winter. It’s time to bed down, get cozy and write some music round the bar heater down at the ol’ farmyard. We have a few dates booked in December, one (1st of december) at the 13th Note in Glasgow with pals ,It Girl, as part of a night put on by weegie label Flowers In The Dustbin, and possibly more up this neck of the woods.

I’m using the time as well to work on solo material and gigs. Tonight I’m off down to play a set at Maggie Mays in Glasgow. Here’s a couple of links to my woefully lo-fi productions.”

MATT ON SOUNDCLOUD     MATT ON REVERBNATION       NAKED STRANGERS ONLINE

Paul “The Pel” Elliot What the flipping fuck are you up to now ??

“Yo. Apologies for the delay dude, unfortunately not much to tell at the  moment - Megan is working on her next EP and has a few decent gigs over the next few months. Outsiders have had a great year this year and are turning attention to writing and hopefully recording a bunch of new material.  Beer sometime would be cool :-)

El Pel x”

Hey you, matchstick making Duncan Overmeer, what the fuck are you up to now ?  (apart from getting two features on here in  the space of a week….)

“Thank fuck you asked! I’m just putting finishing touches to an album that should be coming out in the springtime, possibly called ‘Rumour Mill‘ (but I might change my mind on that). I took a full band into the studio and recorded it all live with them so it’s all pretty exciting, I’m really looking forward to folks hearing it. Also planning a tour in the new year, so trying to book lots of gigs for then.

With the album taking a while to organise & finish off, I’ve recently developed an alter ego in the form of Matchstick Maker and released a short EP as a free download. I’ve found that project really inspiring & I’m planning to focus on it a lot more once my album’s done, so keep an ear to the ground for that. Some potential collaborations have recently emerged too so I’ve also been playing about with a few other musical experiments which may or may not see the light of day…

And if you want the very latest, up-to-the-minute, right-fucking-now, breaking news…. literally in the last hour (this came in at 3am 7-11-12), I finally put together a wee video for one of the tracks on my ‘five songs EP’ from last year. 

Besides all that, mostly sleeping.“

Steve “The Booker Who’s a Looker” Robertson, what the holy heck are you fucking about at now ?

“Here is an attempt of a brief look at the many things I am attempting to do right now!

Ironworks – looking to firm up bookings for the first part of 2013 over the next couple of weeks, in the meantime I am really delighted about Crookers, Devlin, Chris Ramsay, Bellowhead, Glasvegas , One Night of Queen, Frank Turner and recently announced Felix Da Housecat coming to the venue before Xmas.

Winter Showcase will also back on Dec 28th and 29th more news on that soon!

Hoots – really enjoyed the last couple of weeks at Hoots with impressive sets from The Winter Tradition, Dingus Khan, Beware Wolf and Chris Devotion & The Expectations.  I am not trying to big myself up on booking those acts I just genuinely enjoyed them as a music fan!   Have to say I am really happy with how the Netsounds Takeover nights are going big thanks to Murray Cameron and his apprentice Jamie.  Looking forward, I am excited about shows booked in with Rolan Bolan, The Imagineers, Earls of Caithness (new band from James Brown is Annie – see our previous posting), Two Stripe, the return of the  Church Street Hip Hop night plus a singer/songwriter festival called SING! set for Jan 14th – 18th and as always we have some of the best names in Scottish trad performing at Hoots.

Belladrum – its early days for this but I’ve been working on a potential list of acts for Jock The Reaper as next year the stage will feature elements of world music as well as Celtic crossover acts.

The Mallard, Dingwall / Poachers Inn, Drumnadrochit – giving their respective bar managers a hand to get these places on the map, any musicians interested should email info@2010management.co.uk

KOBI – we had a few weeks off which was spent getting a track we recorded with Calum & Nick from CMPS mixed by Steve Orchard in London, this track will be announced in Jan with a release in March.  In meantime it’s back into rehearsals for a show at The Tunnels in Aberdeen on Nov 9th and a support with Glasvegas at Ironworks which we are delighted to be asked to play, this will be our last gig of the year so would love for people to come along and check out the show.

Toby Michaels Rolling Damned – when we aren’t busy ruling the social networks with an iron fist we’ve been spending our time getting things together for next year. (Im still personally reeling from being fisted by Mr Micheals himself – houdi)  All going to plan we will team up with 3 other rock bands from across the country for a 4 day jaunt across Scotland in March after that we will release a single, digital comic and online movie preview for Rolling Damned The Movie in May next year.

Them & Us – we are working towards their EP release on December 6th at Ironworks.  Really enjoying co-managing these guys with Jamie from Netsounds and the new EP sounds awesome!

When I’m not doing that I like checking out the digg app, reading comics, watching wrestling and I’m currently enjoying the following TV shows Arrow, Dragons Den, Treme, Red Dwarf X and Young Apprentice.”

Fuck, and indeed, me !!  Talk about busy man !!

Peter Narojczyk the supremely talented blues harperisteroonie from Gerry Jablonski & the Electric Band, what in the hell are you lot up to now ?

“Houdi,
We are just about to play Carlisle Blues festival next friday and then away to tour Poland for next two weeks.
Next year we will be as usual playing festivals in the UK and will tour Holland, Poland and Germany once again.
There is also plans for 3rd album but we haven’t agreed on the recording date yet.
Thanks 
Peter“

Bruce MacGregor you Blazin Fiddler you, What the blazes are you up to now….?

“Haha! In London town at the moment on a trio tour….taking me from there to Gartly to Glasgow to Mull to Lochgoilhead! Great to play music in a smaller trio setting though – bit more room for musical conversation! 
Winter season will see me and the boss (Yvonne Murray) working on plans for Northern Roots Events trio of festivals – Inverness Whisky Festival, Brew at the Bog and Northern Roots Festival. Very exciting developments in the pipeline!“

Kris ‘I do the singing with The WRB‘ Douglas, what the fuck you talking bout Willis ?

“Well Ulrich this is what The Whisky’s have been up too as I’m sure the escape from yak milking and throat singing is a rarity so here goes.
We have been having a bit of down time getting our shit together writing for our second album which we hope to start in January with Mr Strathsound himself John Strachan. Also we are rehearsing for our Hogmanay shows ( 2 in 1 night ) we are dubbing The Whisky’s takeover #32 and 1/8th ;) other than that not a lot. Personally I’ve been hanging out with mini ghostbusters, strongmen and Dalmatians amongst other scary little people and setting fire to the most spectacular giant sparklers. Ulrich I hope this fulfils some kind of void in your hectic life. Love to the family
Kris ( The Whiskys ) x

ps Also apologies to your other subscribers as I do not speak canine or budgie:)“

Mr Anthony “not sitting but” Standing if I may ask in the funkiest way possible, what the actual funk are you and your funky crew The Leonard Jones Potential up to now…..?

“Cheers man. 

What are we up to right now?

Well the band is getting prepared for our first live outing for 3 months. We’ll be taking to the stage on Saturday night at the Ironworks with another cracking Scottish funk outfit Federation of the Disco Pimp. This will be our first live appearance since last years highlight – the Carl Cox party in Brighton. We were on top form that night and we aim to continue our hot streak on Saturday. 

Of course Michelle is back fronting the band and she will be debuting another brand spanking song ‘Whirlwind’. The Motown inspired groove will set dance floors alight we’re sure. It’s great to be showcasing it in Inverness. The set will also include a few other recently penned songs including The LJP Theme in all it’s wah wah glory. 

Andy Pearce, affectionately known as the Minister of Sunshine will be adding more rhythm to our live sound as he brings an array of percussion to the party. This will be his first appearance with the band at Ironworks. 

Away from the live scene the band have been writing and practising new material. Songs that mark a more focused move into pop soul crossover. We are busy getting some stuff recorded and hope to offer a decent bit of product to fans soon. Remixes, alternative versions of new and old LJP classics. Watch the space for videos as well. Yes we’re looking to get really productive and planning for a full and busy 2013. 

Away from the band, Ant and Meesh are going out as an acoustic duo and you’ll get chance to hear their eclectic mix in Inverness soon – Hoots 14 Dec. 

They’re sound is a bit folky, loungey, jazzy and of course soulful. A mix of new songs and interesting covers done in an individual style ranging from classics such as ‘love will tear us apart’ to ‘there is a light that never goes out’ by the Smiths right to some unheard of fringe LJP numbers. To top it off there will also be some brand spanking new tunes. Possibilities are endless. Again recording is on the cards. 

Anthony”

Just incase youre wondering what this is all about here is the original email I sent out………

As I’m about to start a long month of lonely night shifts at work soI thought I’d give myself something to do.

This entails me posing the question……

What the Fuck are you up to now?

Be as brief, longwinded, truthful, fibful or just plain wierd as you like. Tell me where you are right now musically and what we can expect from you over the next few (festive) months.   I’ll try and cobble a blog post or two together from it and if I can’t at least I’ll have some (hopefully) interesting reading for nights.  As always its a nice excuse for me to rake through the photo archives and brighten the lives of my subscribers – 3 dogs, a budgie and an Outer Mongolian farmhand called Ulrich.

So..  .

What the Fuck are you up to now?

Cheers

Houdi

Belladrum 2012: Sensible Saturday – The Final Chapter

Right !  Finally !!  Belladrum 2012 – some words and pictures about Saturday, finally……finally, aye finally like !

I’ll tell you what – next year I’m taking notes…….

Arrived early with Mrs & Baby Houdi.  The wee person was attending her second festival – nae bad for a 10 month old – and was resplendent in her Whisky River Band T-Shirt.  Appropriately dressed as by 1pm she had experienced WRB perform both an acoustic session for her Auntie Marion and a full-line up, nappy filling electric set at the Black Isle Grassroots stage.  I was also designated driver for the day.  This’ll be a different Bella for me then !!

Roadway discuss their plan of attack for the day……..Frazer suggests whisky. Good man

From a man-with-camera point of view the first couple of hours were always going to be mental busy and I’m old and lazy (with a liddle bit of a hangover if truth be told….).  The organisers would appear to be under the impression that I own a pair of Ussain Bolt style running legs and would manage to fit in all the major local acts that Id set out to see.  Whisky River Band, Little Mill of Happiness, Zombie Militia and Iain McLaughlin all in the space of 13 and a half minutes (ok I exaggerate – 2 hours tops).  All that and the promise of some interesting acoustic sessions at MFR for Marion and Netsounds packing folk into the Rockhopper.  Something was going to have to give…………I hate myself for saying it but that turned out to be The Little Mill of Happiness.  Gutted especially after meeting them after and Matt Campbell describing it as the best they’ve ever played…………  :((

The Whiskys do it for Marion

After a quick acoustic session in the press enclosure with The Whisky River Band it was a dash down to the Hothouse Stage for the opening act down there for the day and what an act to open.  Last year the happy campers just over the fence were treated to Bronto Skylift – this year it got stepped up about 12 gears and 18 notches on the volume.  Fuck you Spinal Tap this is Zombie Militia.  Burns and his band of metal men stormed the stage and set the fucking thing on fire – Kassidy they are not, thank fuck !!  A fine start to the proceedings.  WAKEY WAKEY YOU PASTEL COLOURED KIDS OUT THERE, BELLADRUM IS ON !!  Photoset Here

Mr Burns leads the lunchtime aerobics down Hothouse way

Zombies all done and first mad-dash of the day back up to Grassroots for a rendezvous with The Whisky River Band – having already done the acoustic thang this was the full beast on show opening the Grassroots tent.  Every one of them looked as ropy as they should have after Fridays fun, games, tins and shots.  Fraser/Matt looked fit to puke but all hangovers were soon forgotten as they packed out the tent while the sun shone outside.  Always a good gauge of how well you’re doing.  That tent was cooking, as were The Whiskys !! “Doon a Storm” is the operative phrase I believe.  Photoset Here.  You can see them here on Bobby Nelsons Breaking News North

Overcoming Hangovers Since 9am………

Now I believe it is here that my schedule went to shit !!  (or not as the case may be)  I’m sure Matt and the Little Mill fellas will forgive my fuck up as I’ve just realised that I missed them for a wee acoustic treat with Willie Campbell at the Rockhopper.  He had just finished a full Open Day Rotation set in the studio over there and had kindly agreed to do a quick acoustic bit for Netsounds.  Photoset Here.  Nice one Willie – what a voice.  Such passion – regularly makes Marion Scott cry.  (so did Des and I on the Friday but for completely different reasons)

Hothouse bound again – I think I’ve also missed KOBI on mainstage by now too.  This time I’m down the hill to catch Iain McLaughlin and the Outsiders.  Last year main stage – this year a much better gig for them.  The tent was nice and busy and Id arrived pretty much bang on time for them taking the stage.

The atmospheric set opener saw Iain seem to avoid eye contact with the crowd for what seemed like an age before looking up to finally meet his audience with a warm smile and a genuine look of joy on his face – hell, even I choked a little.  Not the last emotional moment of the day (or this set for that matter….).

How You Doin’, Bella ??

Russ, Dave, Pel and Iain were joined by Roadways Ross McEwen who guested on keyboards.

This prompted a return to the pit for me with a wee tear of smileyness – Id buggered off up the back to get some crowd shots expecting Ross to make an appearance long after the photo pit had been cleared of us camera-toting vermin  :).  Another goosebumps moment.

The Outsiders proved yet again that they have the balls, the songs and the ability to take on later slots on days like these.  Roll on next year – lets move them up a few notches in the line-up !! Photoset Here

Finally I catch up with Little Mill proper – ok not totally proper – Craig is without drum kit and everything is acoustic.  We’re in the press enclosure at the MFR Arena Tent Event Marquee Fete.  Marion is too good to me.  An acoustic moment from The Little Mill of Happiness is always an intensely wonderful thing made even more amazing by it being outside on a sunny day with Willie Macaskills lilting harmonies floating around with Steves low growl while my baby slept only feet away.  Lepers Bell !  Boom – there you have yet another goosebumperoonie !!  Full Photoset Here

Nellies for the BBQ

The next couple hours was spent having some family time.  Nothing much on till later in the afternoon so time was taken to visit the other amazing places around Belladrum – the walled garden, The Healing Fields, Robs Potting Shed Stage where Martin Stephenson was having a blast with MIR and I got to say hi to Mr Oxbow and Fash.  The walled garden again had the HEN Stage as its main attraction.  Aberdeens Reid Brothers were busking there too.  Belladrum really does have something for everyone but with this years weather it just lifts it all to another level entirely !!  What a wonderful magical place it is with so much to see off the beaten track !!

Barry Mackay & Ryan Golder on the HEN Stage

The Brothers Reid serenade my wife and child. Evie jams along with tambourine

Think of this next bit as the adverts maybe.  The ‘does what they say on the tin’ section of the late afternoon and evening.  I had to take my baby home to the sitter so I just had time to catch the Ska monster that is Bombskare.  Brilliant at what they do but I couldn’t do the whole set.  Click here for photos. Having seen them 4 or 5 times now though they are guaranteed to get the audience jumping and always go down a storm.  

So I got to watch the planes do their smoke-heart from the car park and made for Inverness returning in time to get organised for Frightened Rabbit.  Another crowd pleaser – the kids love them !!  I preferred them in the intimate setting of Strathpeffer Pavilion recently but there’s no denying they can cut it with a Scottish festival crowd.  Apologies kinda made for last years non-attendance they went on to keep young and old entertained.

FRIGHTENED RABBIT PHOTOSET HERE

I’m going to get Travis out-of-the-way too at the moment before I get to the good stuff.  What I saw of Travis was most enjoyable.  Exactly what I expected.  Seasoned pro’s playing to the crowd – they loved it and Travis genuinely looked happy to be there.  Again I was in the throes of running between stages so Fran and his crew only got about 20 minutes of my time.  They were slotted in between ROADWAY, Stanley Odd and Roddy Frame was also in town – see ya Travis !! Photos here

BBC Alba happy at their work

Time for the main events for me on Bella Saturday.  First visit to the Seedlings stage today – Fridays photo-pit issues still remained so I was in no hurry to fight with front row punters to get shots of the earlier bands.  ROADWAY however were a different story.  I was having my cherry popped by these gents today – a ROADWAY virgin I would be no more and, and fuck me they popped it in style.  Opening with Fight for Freedom they just kept up the pace and the riffage and Man of the Match has to go to vocalist Dougie Grieg – it’s believed that he survives only on plutonium based cup-a-soups and Haribo Tangfastic made from pure adrenalin.  He doesn’t stop – look up ‘frontman’ in The Rock n Roll Encyclopaedia and you’ll find pictures of prehistoric cave paintings from darkest Africa which depict Dougie tearing up a stage with his teeth !!  FACT !!

Pretty amazing to see Ross and Bod onstage after the shit they’ve put up with of late – car smashes, pins and plates and comas !!  This was another expected goosebump moment and my bumps were not disappointed in the goosie stakes.  The tent was rammed and they rocked themselves proud.  I was 16 again – I always am when one of Ross McEwens bands are involved – 16 in a cut off denim jacket and a mullet.  Ross lives and breathes the classic RAWK thang – they all do.  Thats how you do a band !!  Live it !!

Iain Macleod and Bod Elder

ROADWAY PHOTOS HERE

Caught a quick 15 minutes of Aztec Camera legend Roddy Frames acoustic set in Grassroots – rumours of Edwyn Collins questing with him proved unfounded although Edwyn was apparently onsite.  Either way the crowd were well up for Roddys back catalogue which he delivered with a smile.  PHOTOS

Ok I’m running out of steam but there’s only one act left to mention – my wife and I’s personal highlight – Stanley Odd who fired on to the Seedlings stage to rapturous applause from a crowd who knew who they were there to see and what they were about to get.  What they got was the Oddsquad at their very finest.  They always deliver and no fucking way was tonight going to be an exception – THIS IS BELLADRUM !!

Still Burning & Mrs Houdi

New tracks Killergram and Carry Me Home from the forthcoming Reject album went down a storm (I’ve been fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at it and its shit hot – wait till you hear Day 3).  There were more songs but I’m only me and I forget – I was being entertained by my wife seeing Stanley Odd for the first time and loving it !!  Huge thanks to the bands sound commando Mr Jonny Fordie who got me stageside access since no pit existed as such.  Nice one big guy.  Cheers Stanley Odd- as ever !!  :)

MORE STANLEY ODD PHOTOS HERE

As with the Friday post we here at dontblog towers have to say a massive thanks to Dougie and his team at Belladrum, the Netsounds and Rockhopper guys, many of the bands for letting me point digital things at them when they’re trying to make quiet acoustic music and of course Marion and her crew for allowing me to hang about and take photos!!  You are all legends.  Roll on 2013  !!

In My Humble Opinion………….

…….and remember its only an opinion…….others are available.

Basically Mr M aka Still Burning of our East Coast brithers ower in Eberdeen, Flares n Seagulls suggested we both do a top ten for Bella type thang to compare who we’d be looking to see during the Tartan Heart Festival this coming weekend.  I’m shite at making up top tens, fives, twenties and fifties but I have given it a go and managed 6 right out of the blocks without looking at the lineup which means I’ll look at the lineup now and see another 40 acts that Id like to see or recommend that you see.  I shall keep it to the requested “10 to watch at Bella”

Now as always this is only an excuse to post my gig photos or shout about mates bands – don’t expect massive amounts of helpful information regarding stage times and what they’re having for lunch before the gig or any of that shennanigans.  Thats what the lanyards and programs are for on the day………ALSO TRY HERE

Go and take a look at Still Burnings 10  while you’re here eh (it’s actually 6 – he’s owe me 4)

So here you go – no agenda, no particular order, no rhyme nor reason………………….no real study of the lineup to be honest so this will of course be a plug for a few of my ‘special’ boys from the local musical fraternity !

GERRY JABLONSKI & THE ELECTRIC BAND – also on SB’s list but I can’t NOT have my old mate Gerry on here.  If you havent been Jablonskied yet get yerself along to the Grass Roots stage on Friday 3rd for some rip-roaring electric blues.  Went down a storm last year on the Potting Shed Stage.

Gerry and harp-player, Peter Narojczyk

ROADWAY – local fellas looking to take Classic RAWK to the goNORTH Seedlings stage on Saturday night.  Fresh from a summer spent fighting with shattered legs and comas – I shit you not – these guys have been looking for this Bella gig since their inception so expect some serious rock n roll.  I for one will finally be popping my ROADWAY cherry.  I will still make them sleep on the wet patch though !!  This will be a good one !!

STANLEY ODD – Scottish Hip-hop at its absolute finest.  Theres a huge crop of new hip-hop creeping up from the central belt right now – Profisee, Madhat McGore etc but the Odd Squad are still doing it for me.  All the right beats and all the right grooves finished off with vocals and words from Paula and Dave aka Veronika and Solareye !!  Mon the fucking Odd Squad.  The more I shout about them and the more I photograph them the more  chance I have of finally scamming a couple of t-shirts off them eh……..surely……eh………??  Stanley Odd – goNORTH Seedlings on Saturday night – clothes optional but duncing shoes a must !!

THIS SILENT FOREST - I love new Scottish music and I’m really looking forward to seeing these people play live having missed them at goNORTHs two-day event up here in Inverness in June.  I have had many a happy tweet with Squirrel (no word of G-Man, the Twenty Four Hour Party People with the  Plastic Face who Carnt Smile or whether or not there was a white out but he seems like a nice enough chap who thinks highly of family values and always chews his food).  Another Seedlings stager for Friday.  Looking forward to meeting Graeme and the band.  Have a wee video………………

THE WHISKY RIVER BAND – they’ve been very apparent in recent blog posts and I make no apologies.  These good-looking, virile young mofos are right at the top of their game right now and will be one of Saturdays highlights in Black Isle Brewerys Grassroots Stage.

Whiskys on last year Seedlings stage

My other favourites from the local crop are the mighty goddamned Little Mill of Happiness.  The six piece will fit nicely on the Hothouse Stage and Steve Obern will undoubtedly enjoy growling loudly that close to the campsite.  This will be a marked difference to my last outing with them at Hush Inverness where they were crammed into a nightclub type bar for goNORTH.  Really looking forward to this one.  Strangely I didn’t pay much attention to the Hothouse last year but I have a feeling I’ll get myself down there more often this time around.

Big headliner type one and my guilty pleasure will probably have to be Travis.  they’ve grown on me over the years and I quite fancy them for this Bella.  That may change on the day – there’s just so much on but compared to last years bland Texas and Deacon Blues, Travis have a bit of credibility with me.  I think they’ll be perfect for the Garden Stage this weekend!

Ok Still Burning – that’s seven – there’s just too much to choose from so I’m going to stop before I either offend someone or get annoyed at myself.  No real surprises there for anyone who knows me but as always, I make no apology.  Im like that you know – like the Fonz

Oh fuck – hang on – there’s one other band Im screaming to see this weekend.  The Oxides !!  Yeaaaaaaaaah !!  What ?  They didn’t get the gig – WTF ?  A travesty !  Gutted – next year boys.  Next year !!

Now there are a multitude of ‘also-rans’ – remember I’m useless at top tens.  Belladrum is the perfect environment to discover new music.  New music you maybe otherwise wouldn’t think about listening to.  Theres busking going on.  There are stages you don’t even know exist.  YOU MUST VISIT ROB ELLENS POTTING SHED STAGE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE OVER THE WEEKEND.  In fact if your camping Thursday night get over there and say hello as their weekend starts then with some tasty jamming and blues stuff going. Hit the Walled Garden and visit the HEN Stage too for some more under-the-radar music.

Theres a wealth of local talent from the Highlands on display this year – stuff from every genre.   Id love to shout about them all but I just don’t have the time this week.  Have a look around the blog – there should be bits and pieces about most in here somewhere.  As always Netsounds have some pretty amazing posts containing stuff to see at Bella this year so go check them out too.  They had a cracking wee carnival going on over at their site in the trees with all sorts going off at the Rockhopper Studio – also well worth a visit.  Remember the above list is what I’M doing this weekend – you do whatever the hell you like cos you will enjoy it.

This is the perfect festival and undoubtedly the best Scotland has to offer in both festival type goodies and music for your delectation !!

WE HERE AT THE NON-BLOG HAVE TO WISH CLAIRE AND ALI ALL THE BEST FOR THEIR NUPTIALS (thats a wedding to you of the filthy minds) AT THE TEMPLE ON FRIDAY LUNCHTIME.  LETS HOPE IT ALL GOES SMOOTHLY AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER ISNT TOO MUCH OF A FANNY

TARTAN FUCKING HEART !!  YAAAAAAAAS !!

(other festivals are available but theyre nae half as good…..)

Ooooooh and heres a wee one slipping under the wire at the last minute………..

Back to the Future Part 4: Mcflys Undone

So Ironworks Summer Showcase #3.  My first attendance of this session of the showcases.  I’m afraid I’m just not excited about them this time round.  I may be all showcased out – Summer 2011, Winter 2011, Easter 2012.  Time for a new format ? – something different ? – I dunno.  Hard work getting 12 Thursdays off when you’re a shift worker. (is it 12 ?)  Like I said, I’m not that bothered this time round but that’s just me of course.  I will attend a couple more no doubt.

Anyhoo – last nights one.

On arrival I had an interesting chat with the Bull family and learned that Mama Bull used to be in a punk band called The Possessed.  She was the drummer.  Son Micheal commented that it was a shit name for a band – I reminded him he was in a band called Last Summer Effect…….Micheal being the drummer and brother Stephen Bull,  the bassist.  Im a cheeky so and so – tsk tsk.  Mike didn’t disagree  ;) Dad Bob Bull of HEN Stage fame is also a bassist – we could be on the way to having a Highland Partridge Family thang going on albeit a blues/punk/rock/folk hybrid – might work !!  We do like Bob and his lot – fine fowk !!

Emma Mitchell was first up.  I’ve only ever experienced Emma on the Potting Shed Stage with the Strathpeffer Coffee Shop gang but Mrs Houdi came home from an evening in the Market Bar a few weeks ago positively gushing about Mrs Mitchells voice.  Mrs H is never wrong and this is no exception.  Emma sounded great and has a voice that is quite simply stunning.  A confident yet emotional set – she even managed a tear on her second song (don’t ask me titles – I take pictures).  This lady gained many new fans here tonight.  Get over here and have a listen to Emma in action.

A chat with the Whiskys at the front door was cut short by a vision of loveliness coming into view………..I say cut short – gobsmacked was more like it.  I say vision of loveliness – Jamie Mac in pink was more like it, not fucking salmon, PINK !!  Mr Netsounds had come tonight dressed as Vampire Weekend and was absolutely rocking the shit out of that there look !!  Preppy is go !!  Cheryl Cole fan, Murray Netsounds, spent the evening regarding Jamie with disdain – no change there then  :)

Now at this point I had to do a bunk from Showcaseville and head uptown into the heart of the City to visit the hole in the wall.  Now during a wander up town I always feel that it would be rude of me to not visit HQ aka The Market Bar for a swift half and see whats what in my favourite boozer !!  This unfortunately means that I miss almost all of Last Summer Effects set – they were in full flow by time I arrived back at The Ironworks.  Sounding good – sounding professional.  I have to say though that Chris’ faux American accent on the between-song banter is now no longer cute to me.  Last Summer Effect – they do what it says on the tin and the tin says Alternative Rock whatever the fuck that is.  :-)  Also had a bit of banter with a new local act called Purple David – fine young fellows.

One of these is Pel, the other isn’t well

Last up we had the Whisky River Band – I’m sick of the bloody sight of them.  That is all. Hehe.  Bloody good though eh ?

Another rip-roaring set from the youngsters put smiles on everyone’s faces and had the Head Roadie and Official Photographer doing their now legendary Stage Side Reel – Fraser even bounced over to join in mid-set !!  I’m not going to harp on about the WRB tonight cos it’s no secret that I have a special place in my trousers for them.  Best thing I can do is point those of you who’ve yet to hear them over to their site to have a listen – go on, treat yourself – THE WHISKY RIVER BAND.  (quick mention that Iain Fiddle didn’t appear with the band tonight for personal reasons – myself and all the staff here at Houdi Estates send much love and positive thoughts to him and his)

Those cheeky guys from the pop band LMFAO were in the audience for the Whiskys (or was it Rizzle Kicks ?)

So there you have it – words and pictures about the third Showcase.  It finished and we all went home for tea and cake and an early night.  If only it were that simple.  To the DeLorean, Marty – we’re heading to the 80′s !!

This is where the title of this post starts to gain meaning !!  Them telly folk over at STV (specifically one Nicola McAlley) had organised a Charity 80′s night for the STV Appeal.  The showcase stragglers felt it would be rude not to pop up to show our support.  Vinyl Inverness was the venue and stepping through that door at 11 pm made me wonder which bastard had spiked my last Ironworks beer with 3 tabs of acid !!  Brilliant turnout and everyone in garish 80′s costumes (apart from me, Whiskys and Whiskys entourage).  At least Kris had his mountain climbers hat on – god knows he needed it for the trips to the basement basement basement loos in the gaff.  At one point I actually thought we’d travelled back over to the Ironworks via the Vietcong style tunnel system !!  Anyway – here’s some photos from the event and Id just like to say WELL DONE to Nicola and her team dodgy looking 80′s throwbacks.  First count is £1300 or so which I believe gets doubled by STV.  Sweet !!

Ironworks Hosts an STV Appeal Show

STV Appeal Gig
Thursday 6th September, Inverness Ironworks

Featuring: Whisky River Band, KOBI, City in Surveillance & Purple Divide

The STV Appeal was launched in 2011.  Following the success of last year’s appeal the focus of the 2012 appeal is again on helping children and young people in Scotland who are affected by poverty.   The shocking fact remains that 220,000 children in Scotland lives in poverty. Every penny raised stays in Scotland and goes directly to support children most in need.

Whisky River Band doing their bit for charideeeeee

STV Appeal works with six major Scottish charities as well as a number of smaller projects. Last year it raised almost £1.3m which was distributed to charities and projects across Scotland.

Youngsters, Purple Divide, all set to do it for the Kids

In 2012 the STV Appeal, once again, has the support of the Scottish Government which is committed to match-funding the total amount raised in 2012.
Working closely with six major Scottish charities (Aberlour, Action for Children, Barnardo’s Scotland, Children 1st, Save the Children Scotland and One Parent Families Scotland) the STV Appeal supports initiatives that seek to change the lives of Scotland’s most vulnerable young people in a sustainable, long term way .
STV Appeal aims not only to fundraise but also to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes; tackling both the causes and effects of child poverty.
All operational costs of the STV Appeal are met by The Hunter Foundation and STV meaning that every penny donated by the public will go directly to support those children most in need.

You can rely on Kobi to be there

STV Appeal is the only charity where every penny raised is doubled by the Scottish Government and spent in Scotland.

STV Appeal is firmly established as a force for good; committed to making a real difference to the lives of children affected by poverty.

__________________________________________________________________________________

All images copyright © Al Donnelly / houdi

Copying, displaying, manipulating or redistribution of this image without permission from the artist is strictly prohibited

Contact: houdi68@gmail.com

Me !! Tamed !! Launched !! Evening ! Enjoyed !

First time out together on a ‘date’ since Winter Showcase at Ironworks last December for Mr and Mrs Houdi and we decided that The Whisky River Band launch would do us for a wee nicht oot.  The joys of parenthood.  The good fellas of Whiskyville had laid on transport to ferry the punters to and from the venue out at Bogbain Farm for the miniscule amount of 3 squid !!  Bloody good show chaps.  No charge for the actual event.  Bloodier gooder show chapses !!  Ok, actual CD’s on arrival were £43.50 which I thought steepish.  (Thats a lie – I think they were a tenner but I got blinded by the sight of young Hesling serving me alcohol with a smile so found myself concentrating on that particual counter area).

The Farm itself looked brilliant – some roof leakage aside (I think) – but otherwise sweet as a nut.  Big hand as always to Yvonne and Bruce oot by.  The Dalai Llama had his crew in The Bothy for a ceilidh following his appearance in Inverness that afternoon.  Rumours that he walked into 1st Pizza and proclaimed ‘ Make Me One With Everything’ are unfounded although he did offer to bless the Whiskys fucked up gearbox for their next trip away. Via email no less.  It was a wierd one – I didnt see any robed dudes or any blessing going on so Im assuming they were all in the Whiskys barn dance dressed in civvys  :).  Anyway less mysticism and more whiskicism !!

Buses deposited a crack team of merry men and women out at Bogbain and we didnt have long to wait for the first act of the evening.  Enough time to grab a Brewdog and a blether.  A very nervous Jake Bolt was very nervous in a nervy kind of nervous way.  He said he much preferred the back up of a full band to the loneliness of the acoustic set but when the time came he pulled out all the stops and did the job.  We knew he would anyway – it was only him he needed to convince !!

Boosts stuff and Oxides stuff and other stuff got an airing and almost everyone piled in to the barn to show their support !!  Some lighting issues caused dimness during the set but ……..wait for it………..will I say it…….ah fuck it………Jakes light shone through !!  What a terrible, terrible line to use !!  Never again.  That said, Jake was blimmin brilliant even though I struggled to get shots for most of his set, stoically refusing to use flash.  Last resort only – a bad habit to get into for me.  Heres a bit of Jakes tuneage soon to be heard on the circuit with the full 3-peice band, The Oxides.

Jake being appreciated by his peers ( and Pel noticing a camera……

TO THE BAR !!!! Woohoo – more beer and stuff.  A blether with Mr and Mr Netsounds – funny how I always meet them at the bar when its Murrays round.  What a top bloke !!  Blazin Fiddle Bruce Mac was looking fairly pleased with the turnout and so were the band so far.  We were then treated to a strong set from young Ms Megan Blyth.  Leaps and bounds I tells ya, leaps and bounds.

The noise between songs tonight wasnt the usual ‘local band in local bar gig’ scenario. No – this was different.  This was proper audience noise – nobody ordering drinks or holding conversations.  No bar in this barn – everyone in there were there for one thing and that was to hear The Whisky River Band.  What a joyful fucking noise it was too !  The guys ripped through every track on the album (as far as I could tell……..).  In between, instead of the usual shoe-gazing, mumbling banter we often see at this kind of event, Kris regailed the audience with tales of how the album came together, what the tracks meant to him and his beard personally and how the Daily Lama was his favourite newspaper.  Ok I took that too far but it was nice to get a bit of insight into how the ten-track Taming of Me came together.  Joined off and on throughout by tonights other performers, Megan and Jake, the Whiskys were also augmented by the enigmatic Pel – they seek him here they seek him there, oh hold on isnt that Pel, aye, just over there ? – who makes a bloody crackeen rackeeet on thon Gibson !!  All of the above make valid contributions to the album (I did a wee bit too – images only.  Bastards wouldnt let me near a kit……..or a tamborine for that matter).

Andy refreshing himself

Fraser and Pel

Hannah Stradlings brilliant cover art

Two sides to a photo (thanks for the use of your one Fraser – much appreciated)

Everything worked.  No fuck ups tonight (in anyones eyes).  Even Fraser said that the gig was only marred by the non-attendance of Matt ‘Flasers Face’ Cardle.  I keep shouting about these guys (in a Father Jack style – WHISKY !!!!  river band ARSE GARLIC) but after the weekends gig I can now rest a bit (I wont) as a few hundred other have now seen the guys at their absolute bloody bleeding blimmin bloomin marvellous best !!  Everyone else can have a shot at shouting  !!  And yes Im biased as I consider the Whiskys and their extended family to be mates but they really are that good and deserve to get something out of this.  Theyd boot the arse out of a late in the day Belladrum mainstage appearance thats for sure !!

Megan guests

What a night !!  The Taming of Me was well and truly launched.  That was a wee bit special (and the Understatement of the Year Award goes to……….).  I shall however leave the final word to Mr G Blyth of The Top Deck !!

Thank you and goodnight !!

BOGBAIN FARM

THE WHISKY RIVER BAND

MEGAN BLYTH

JAKE BOLT / THE OXIDES

buy prints from the night here

The album on itunes

MORE LIVE SHOTS HERE IN SLIDESHOW FORM - aint technology grand

Whisky Anyone ?? Don’t Mind if I Do……….

Spirits were high this evening in the Whisky River Bunker deep deep deep deep at the top of many many stairs hence the high spirits (whisky ?  4th floor ?  see what I did there) The chaps are due to rehearse in the wonderful iglu in Church Street as  this weekend sees the release of their 10 track debut album the taming of me 

Yeah so all thats now useless……….read on……..

Kris realises he’s forgotten to tell Houdi that theyve changed rehearsal venue

Yeah nice one !!  Got as far as the door to Iglu only to recieve a phone call from Whiskys warbler Kris ‘The Wook Right.  And What Of It ?’ Douglas.  ”Yeah we’re not there man”.  Excellent.  Off to the ACTUAL Whisky River Bunker which is at a secret location which Im not at liberty to divulge.  Tell you what – driving out to Dalcross Industrial Estate was a fuckin nightmare with that blindfold on – doh !!  So that kinda put paid to the whole hi-spirits theme Id had all worked out for the post.  Bugger.  Some bloody yank drinking emulsion out of a fox or something is whats on in the art place stopping the Whiskers from using that space for rehearsing.  (I just thought – I could start a craze now – GaGa has Monsters as fans.  Lets have Whiskers being the Whiskys fans……..no ?? Youre probably right).

Cowboy Time

No This Way !!!!! Pfffft – a hard, hard photo shoot……….

Helluva rehearsal !!  Stonking.  Treats like the entire side two of the vinyl version of Mike Oldfields Tubular Bells (complete with record player crackles and pops provided by Darwin bassist Mark ‘Darwin Bassist’ Williamson.  The entire Now Thats What I Call Music vol 23 played for the first time in its entirety and of course their butt shaking take on John Cales 4:33.  Yes folks if they can pull all of this out of the hat again on Saturday you will have been witness to something extremely special.  If they dont however manage to fire all these songs up again this week you will still have seen a damned fine set of songs from a damned fine set of musicians if tonights jam was anything to go by.  Woohs were woooh’d, bop bops were bopped and all the correct, regulation rocks were rocked in all the appropriate places.

Anyhoo – enough shite from me.  Get yourself along to Bogbain Farm this Saturday for the launch of The Whisky River Bands 10 track debut album “The Taming of Me”.  Great songs and some beautiful album artwork by Hannah Stradling (and a couple of nifty bits by yours truly).

Details on that there peice of poster up there……………………mines a large scotch.  I look forward to seeing you as do the Whisky Chaps.  Come and be a Whisker !! (contact the band thru facebook to check on availability of seatage on bussage)

Meanwhile……..in other news……….these……………..

Chris and Iain

Pel and Cardle

None of the drum shots were posed in any way………..

Ms Blyth

The ever-appreciative Mr Elliott
“Not now Pel, Im trying to take photos”

Wook Neck

The Kids Are Alright

Jake joins in

The Family Whisky

goNORTH 2012: The bits what I seen and stuff (and there were beers)

Bloody work !!  Always getting in the way of the good shit.  Cant blame it really though – shouldve been more organised.  Im talking, of course, about missing the majority of this years goNORTH.  Im not going to bleat on about what it is and what its for – thats elsewhere on the blog or here.  So I made it along for the last 15 minutes or so of Thursday evenings reception at the Mercure in Inverness Church Street.  Met by my colleague and Jack Daniels afficionado, Terry at the door with a tale of a hobbit playing guitar.

Peregrin “Pippin” Took

What the fuck ??  Went in got a beer and proceeded to talk shite to all and sundry – mainly Netsounds, Peenko, The Pel etc and thought no more of the Hobbit then it slowly dawned on me that Billy Boyd was siting at the far end of the bar flanked by two musicians and, get this, he was singing and playing a guitar.  Beecake is the band apparently – didnt do a great deal for me I have to admit but that was probably a lot to do with the venue.  Like gigging at a carvery Id say.  At least Id now worked out the Hobbit connection.  A wander round the town was in order so myself and the Netsounds Team set off to see what we could see/hear.  First discovery was the wonderfully named smoothiesforme playing on the Bedford Stage as Thursdays opening act.  Tall lassie with acoustic guitar (who now goes by the name Holly Drummond.) We have a few guitar playing lassies on the scene up here already but gave a couple of her tunes a listen before hitting Blackfriars.

Smoothiesforme – she was quite good – check her out

Now Im not a fan of Blackfriars at all having been asked to leave by a pissed up publican for dancing outwith the designated area.  I waltzed with my wife for less than 20 seconds one Saturday night when Rooty Ma Toot Big Band were gigging there and was berated by the owner – bloke could hardly suck his own thumb at the time he was so pissed.  Very professional !!  Aint been back since but made an exception seeing as it was the THE POP COP, SONG BY TOAD AND PEENKO PRESENT: THE SCOTTISH BLOGGERS STAGE.  (links to all three blogs can be found over thar >>>>>)

Chris Devotion being checked out by Mr Galloway and Mr Furniss

Chris Devotion and The Expectations were the first and only band I experienced in Blackfriars tonight – Im afraid the memory of being dicked around by a dick just soured the venue for me and always will.  Pity.  These guys were good – solid down the line rock n roll with a hint of Dr Feelgood in there somewhere.

Vic gets Kapowskied

Blackfriars was where I saw the marketing behemoth that is Team Kapowski roll into action and shanghai Vic Galloway with the gift of party poppers emblazoned with their name and time and name of venue – genius !!

Madhatters was the venue for DETOUR SCOTLAND SHOWCASE.  Messrs Macrae and Weaver had fired together a tasty treat which kicked off with Elgin loons, Cleavers.  Theyd just kicked off (literally) as we arrived.  We walked into Madhatters to be met with the singer/guitarist Mr D Crombie passing us going the other way atop the tables kicking pint glasses out of the way.  My kinda band.  Everything up to 11 including intensity.

Cleavers

You cant argue with a band whos set comprises of tracks like Sabretooth Girl, Brian Johnson’s Hat A.K.A. Don’t Shit on my Blue Suede Shoes, Hulk Hands (Cryin’ into my Cafetiere), My Headstone Caves Into Yours and Break Yer Bones.  Me ?  I fucking loved it !!  No arguments here

The Little Kicks in The Room

The Little Mill of Happiness

Having stopped in past to say HELLO to The Little Mill fellas earlier in the evening at soundcheck I now popped roon past Hush to check out the full set.  Usual fare – excellent.  The Little Mill of Happiness just get better every time I see them.  Hush seemed like a strange setting for them – as far as I know it was a last minute addition but fuck knows why as The Mill are one of the most innovative and exciting bands we have on the local ‘scene’ at the moment – that word scene is always said through gritted teeth nowadays.  Onwards and upwards (or southwards to be exact with these guys making further inroads into the Glasgow conciousness more and more these days.  Good to see – too many bands happy to rest on their laurels up here gigging the same places and same faces encouraged by same faces in same places.  Yeah – I know – sounds crappy but I know what I mean – buy me a pint sometime and Ill explain it.

Little Mills Willie Macaskill

Oskar Empire

Olympic Swimmers

Pioneers of Love / Excite Project (?)

Nelson Can

Nelson Can is a Danish, all-female band.  The band consists of Signe Tobiassen, Selina Lannie and Tami Harmony Panik Vibberstoft.  They played in HUSH.  Thats about as much as I can muster word-wise about these mad women.  You NEED to check out their music so go here NOW  !!

Nelson Can

Nelson Can at Hush

Team Kapowski

Lady North

The Whisky River Band

The Whisky River Band had some tuning/instrument/hearing issues toward the end of their set.  Nobody else in Hush had any hearing issues so what the guys thought had sounded awful sounded brilliant as usual from out front.  Methinks a stressful and busy time had got to the lads a bit – Rockness was the next night and the album launch is looming large on 23rd June.  

The set comprised of all the hits from the charts, the Far East No 1 singles and Australian Tampax advert theme.   (ok thats just shite but they did play Dark Cloud, Open your Eyes, Take you There and Missed the Point among others.)  Fuck all wrong with the sound, fuck all wrong with the music – great wee set and nobody complained (apart from The Whisky River Band but theyre their own hardest critics which isnt always a bad thing.  Take note some of the younger cockier acts kicking about at the moment.  Actually get good before shouting about being good).  Roll on the album launch !!

Hush gets busy

Esperi

Plum

Shona ‘Plum‘ Maguire, the quine fae Alford that isnt Emilie Sandie but whos music appeals to me far more than the teachers daughter does, performs lovely lovely music with her man, Capital Keir MacCulloch.  Swirling soundscapes and lilting vocals on beautiful tracks like Dirt, The Seed, Myriad and Secret Roots made for a mesmerising set. The first act for me in Hush that complimented the mad nighclubby light situation.  She came, she sang, she danced (in a clawlike fashion), she gave out prizes and at the end gave her man a kiss.  Perfect Plum !!

Shona smiles

Plum

‘DJ’ Jamie Netsounds and the Bluebell Polka himself, Jim Gellatly wrecking the wheels of steel, dropping beats and rhymes and beers and cd’s on the floor !!

3 beautiful quarters of Cherri Fosphate

Dave is just too quick for my lenses………Stanley Odd get it on !!

So thats us at the Ironworks now.  Boozy as hell but still waving a camera about like I know what the fuck Im doing with it.  Scary bunch of talented snappers around tonight too but I just work away till I can afford the good stuff (like fast/prime enough lenses to catch Dave Hook in mid-air although I do like my blurry hits).  Yeah the Odd Squad are in tonight so Im a delighted bunny.  Dinner the Sound tells me I looked like I was enjoying it – I guess that means I was lowping about like a dafty as usual.

With new single ‘Get Out Ma Headspace‘ Stanley Odd pulled no punches for thier goNORTH Afterparty Show appearance.  They played songs and she sang, he rapped and people (including me) drank hence the fairly sketchy write up of said event.  It all finished happily happy in the foyer of the Ironworks with Olaf Furniss of Wide Days covering me with an ink stamp before Uncle Vic smashed it up (stamp not face).  This was all topped off by a ‘FEAR THE BEARD’ photo op after which I toddled off into the night fair tricket with myself oblivious to the horrible shitstorm that was to be RockNess the next day.

Odd

goNORTH I salute you – bloody marvellous wherever the bloody money comes from.  Lots of bands to take photos of and dance my bad dances to – this all makes me happy happy joy joy.  Roll on next year !!

Veronika

Fear the Beard

Now please dont be offended if Ive just banged a photo or two of you on here and not really mentioned you, your band or your set.  It was a long day and I saw a lot of bands and Im not Q magazine.  I do my best but I do like a beer or two and things get fuzzy.  This has taken more than a week to get to what you see above so if I dont get it posted now itll end up fucked off into the trash bin and forgotten about.

SOME MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENING ARE HERE

Local Act in “Preferential Treatment At Showcases” Shocker

Yes folks – let the wailing and moaning begin !!  Ive uncoverd a shocking revelation that one of the lesser known bands on our local network is to receive special privileges at the upcoming Summer Showcases at the Ironworks.  Im gobsmacked to say the least but the truth has to be known.

Newbies and virtual unknowns TBA are to feature on two, thats right two, seperate showcases and from that will probably recieve a Belladrum, Loopallu and Glastonbury main stage appearance, countless support slots at the Ironworks and rumour has it the honour of switching on Inverness Xmas lights !!  No doubt Rockness and Brewbog next year will be a shoe in for them too !!  Aboslutely disgusting and I am disgusted with the disgustingness of these disgusting events !!  No doubt a local folk, blues or rock musician will have something to say on this subject late one night on faecesbook.

Ironworks booking assistant Steve Robertson said “It’s great that these showcases are continuing with the Summer Showcase Series, most of the acts taking part have come to us and said how much they enjoyed performing and the punters have been incredibly supportive of a local music scene that we are proud to be showcasing”. Aye no mention of the TBA situation.

Here are the rest of the listings for the Showcases in full including those sheisters TBA and their dual-appearance.

July 12th – The Parma Violets – Purple Divide - TBA 

July 19th – The Frues – City in Surveillance – Defcon One

July 26th – The Whisky River Band – Last Summer Effect – Emma Mitchell

August 2nd – Swamp Radio – SCUM – Toecutter – TBA * 

August 9th –  Dorec-a-belle - Barry Mackay– The Galipaygos – Ailsa Llyall-Matthews

August 16th – Little Mill of Happiness - KOBI - Naked Red

August 23rd – James Mackenzie – Thousand Stars – FiFi & Rodaidh

August 30th – ROADWAY – Jake Bolt - Toby Michaels Rolling Damned  -  This date stays as is till we hear otherwise !!

Winnie (ex of The Side) and Adrian Telfer are now confirmed for July 12th and Spoke Too Soon confirmed for August 2nd. At time of updating its still unsure whether TBA are playing or not.  Both Ironworks and Netsounds are keeping their cards close to their chest.  I didnt bother asking the ‘creator’ of the other ‘media partner’ as I couldnt be arsed !!

Apologies if I havent put a link onto your band up there – its nothing personal, I just havent been able to find one.  If one exists and youre reading this then please, please email me with your website details.  Bear in mind there are sites out there that just don’t bother with linking to the artist websites – what a waste of an interweb that is !  I even managed to track down a website for TBA !

Murray Cameron of Netsoundsunsigned had this to say, ”The showcase gets better and better and it’s great to see an event like this opening up a buzzing music community to a wider audience.   We are delighted to be involved and to see a new wave of emerging local acts featuring alongside more familiar ones. ”   Yeah Murray – including your new buddies TBA, eh ??

Some of the mixes of bands and music might be a bit much for  me if Im honest but I suppose thats maybe what the organisers are going for.  I hope they haven’t gone too ‘eclectic’ on certain nights.  As always what the fuck do I know.  Its not supposed or expected to be everyones cup of tea.  Ill try and get along to support the local thang all the same.  If theyre organised as they have been in the past they will be brilliant nights again !

Anyway Im not going to harp on about it (TBA TBA TBA TBA – who are they who are they ??????)  ;-)

July 12th – The Parma Violets

July 19th – The Frues

July 26th – Whisky River Band

August 2nd – Swamp Radio

All images contained in this post are
© al donnelly / houdi unless otherwise stated

Copying, displaying, manipulating or redistribution of these images
without permission from the artist is strictly prohibited !!

A recent photo of TBA (possibly pre-rehab)

August 9th – dorec-a-belle

August 16th – The Little Mill of Happiness

August 23rd – James Mackenzie

August 30th – ROADWAY

*Just incase any of you out there think Im being thick on the TBA thing, I am, of course jesting.  I do that from time to time !!  :-)

28 People Playing Stuff……..give or take……..

Ok so Murray the Net has been making his claims to attending millions of gigs in the space of a few minutes.  Yeah well we’ve had enough of all that !!  (No mention on the podcast for his tour manager for the last part of his oddyssey either – how quickly we forget – thatll be the Budvar).  Well tonight his tour manager (ie ME) went on an oddyssey of his own and managed to see 28 musicians play live (potentially 29 but I missed the first act at the Ironworks as I was doing my nails).  That is correct – 28 live musicians in the space of 2 and a half hours and 2 streets !!  Let me explain………………………..

First up was a trip to the splendiferous Inverness Ironworks for a shindig featuring my mates The Whisky River Band and some blokes and a lassie from Glasgow – naval types, Admiral Something or other.  I shall start with them.

Admiral Fallow got stuck in setting up their own gear for the most part which was refreshing to see in this day and age.  They stood and had a wee tune up too and the relaxed audience didnt really pay them any attention – almost like they werent supposed to…….yet.  Kinda cool I thought.  Off they went and had a quick break then returned with their gig heads and t-shirts on. Now the audience payed attention. Tracks from their forthcoming Tree Bursts in Snow long player sat well alongside the Boots Met My Face stuff.  Louis Abbotts banter was good, as always, telling the assembled throng that their singalong antics had been better than Aviemores.  Ooooh Controversy !!  Careful now (bet he was right tho – hehe – ‘mon the Ness).  Nice, though, to see another major player on the Scottish scene playing the smaller more intimate, out-of-the-way venues like Aviemore, Skye and the likes of Strathpeffer.  (Frightened Rabbit were there last weekend remember).

Still it was to be an uphill struggle with me Im afraid.  I find Admiral Fallow a tad bland for my liking – dont get me wrong, blands not a problem for me as such, theres a time and a place for it.  Unfortunately for Louis and Team Fallow the time is not 25 minutes after our very own Whisky River Band had done serious damage to the roof of the Ironworks, almost to the point of tearing the facking thing off (metaphorically speaking of course otherwise a Health & Safety risk would have arisen requiring a whole new set of risk assessments – a world of HSE shit I can tell you !!  )  Aye them Whisky River lads and lasses (hold on……..?? – Oh Mrs Wook was in fine voice on backing vocals between songs – the now infamous “We Love You Toby !!”  shout however is attributed to Mrs Wooks sister – The Tellywifie), aye, they fairly cooked during their short but oh so sweet set of tunes, old faves and stuff from the new album – each member played a fucking stoater !!  (even Matt Cardle – is that wearing thin yet ?  Probably !!).

Now if you were in attendance and thought otherwise then please dont take offence – bear in mind these are merely my own humble opinions to ‘compliment’ the images.  I have to say though, that when the hairs on yer neck are rigid and Im that proud of The Whisky River Band tonight  Im close to squeezing one out – a tear that is – then I need no more convincing that this was WRB’s night – pure and simple !!  I am, once again, piss-in-pant excited about the album release in June (some tasty cover images involved I believe )

Ahhhh but haud on I hear you say………youre short of musicians and it must be time you were nearly home !!  Yes indeed – thats only 11 musicians (12 potentially, sorry James Cantry – tonights other support act with a cracking hat).  Where do I find another 17 musicians at this time of night ???  Piece of piss……..see below……………..

Rooty Ma Toot Big Band in all their glory at Hootananny

Cheers for reading – thats yer lot – just another session of me blowing smoke up the Whiskys bums – Im biased of course but they are that good !!

Oh – before I go – here are the WRB Ladies Team in full flow !!  :-)

The Tequila River Band