Click on the THUMBNAILS to view the larger image
· Bruce Arms CHAS concert ·
Impartial review of the charity music evening in the Bruce Arms
There were four different 'acts' - and I use that term loosely.
First on were Diminished 5th. Unique on the night in that they were the only ones who actually had a name.
They did some light jazz/easy listening stuff. Titles included Summertime, Fly me to the moon,
Can't help lovin that man of mine and others.
These guys (and girl) were extremely polished and even when things didn't go quite as expected,
there was no confusion and they just got on with it.
There was some nice moody instrumentals from Lachlan and Marcia was outstanding in her first performance of this style
All in all, this was a great way to start the evening off.
Next up was Barry with his friends from Almondbank, Hamish (guitar, backing singing) and Claugh (Bass). These guys have played together since they were teenagers, and that wasn't yesterday. Even so, Barry still managed to get one bit completely wrong but in true music fashion, tried to make out it wasn't his fault.
They did many of the same songs they have done since the 1970s - Hello Mary Lou, Rhinestone Cowboy, Mrs.Robinson, Tequila sunrise and others equally benign.
This was as good as they get and as bad as they get at the same time. Nothing much changes with these three, they always enjoy playing together and tonight was no exception to that.
Brian Young was up first after the break and, like Barry's mates, did much of the material which has kept him playing for years.
One guy and a guitar is usually good to listen to and this was no exception. In fact it was better than we usually hear.
When we play on a Thursday night in The Ship, it is sometimes hard to hear properly with the background noise.
Being amplified meant we could hear all of what was going on and it was another polished performance from another oldie
(relative term) who has been playing for decades. Good stuff.
Last on the bill were Andy, Dave and Bill.
Once again we have a group of old guys playing old songs; but, given that the songs of their generation were so much better than most of the more modern songs, that is a good thing.
They did songs by a variety of performers including Bye bye love, Peaceful easy feeling, Three steps to heaven and many more great tunes. There were even people up dancing by the end although I am not completely sure that wasn't brought on by the effects of too much booze.
This trio was formed especially for this evening, so it was sort an opening night and a farewell tour all in one. They did manage to upset one of the other groups though. They got in first by choosing some of the songs Barry wanted to do. (I'm slowly getting over it - Webmaster)
From what I saw, everyone who was there had a great time. There was much hilarity and people sang along with most of the songs. Added to that, we raised over £320 for CHAS. A bit thanks to everyone involved.