Sorry to Autistic Angus…. but we arrive just in time for a lovely set from Rick Redbeard, who you might know better in his day job with the Phantom Band. This solo work is quite different, stripped back and quiet – but instead provides a perfect showcase for his voice. Because Rick Redbeard’s voice is something special; a low burr, murmuring lyrics steeped in romantic language of dreams, sweet days, Scots verse and storms.
Following him onstage are The Starlets – led by singer and Partick Thistle enthusiast Biff Smith. Standout in their set, which mixes pop with cinematic influences, is their spaghetti western-theme ‘Crazy Horse’ – and Biff’s top-class patter. There are few in the audience not shaking with laughter at his Barcelona zoo pygmy hippo story – details are best left to the man himself, if you ever have a chance to hear it.
But of course the point of tonight is to launch Burnt Island’s debut single. Something seems to have really clicked into place; whether it’s because of a building confidence through the process of recording or the happiness at having ‘The Moments Before’ to give out tonight is unsure but tonight Rodge Glass and friends perform a more comfortable, assured set than I’ve ever seen from them. As always extremely polite, Glass expresses his obvious delight at each and everyone who’s helped the single to happen as the audience are asked to wave their copies in the air. Their music has a very pretty air alongside a sometimes somewhat sombre tone; their delicate melodies and stirring harmonies wind up through the room. Rik Evans’ viola and Amber Comerford’s voice and flute are perfectly in tune with Glass, and the now-added keyboard/bass from Andy Campbell and guitar from Malcolm Jack somehow just brings everything together and perhaps provides that self-assuredness.
Tonight is a welcome celebration for Burnt Island; and for the audience, who can now take a little of this lovely band home too.
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
Pics courtesy of Twistyfoldy
- Mark Lanegan - 27 April 2010
- 10 #1s from the 00s - 22 December 2009
- Burnt Island / The Starlets / Rick Redbeard - 30 November 2009