Artyness columnist and musician Liza Mulholland sings the praises of the return to live music

Music-lovers and theatre-goers are rubbing their hands ... able to enjoy live music

I’m not sure about you but right now I can’t help thinking of that great song sung by Dinah Washington, What a Difference A Day Makes, only in this case – music and Covid – it’s a couple of weeks!

From cancelled gigs and concerts over Christmas and New Year and the folk extravaganza Celtic Connections having to lose so many of its booked artistes, to seemingly everything back on as Omicron loses its punch. And it’s absolutely wonderful.

It was great that so many Celtic Connections events were able to be delivered and musicians everywhere are starting to get gigs and tours organised.

Music lovers and theatre goers likewise are rubbing their hands with glee at once again being able to get out and enjoy live music.

For myself, the diary is rapidly filling up and in Dorec-a-belle we’ve been rehearsing for a busy time ahead, including new regular spots in two of Inverness’s fine venues, Blackfriars and the Rose Street Foundry, along with our Market Bar gigs.

I’ve also been rehearsing with new line-up Wounded Moose, a country band put together by my old school friend and Stetsonhead frontman, Ali Dooner.

Ali is a fantastic songwriter and it’s a sheer delight to be playing accordion along with him and the other amazing Moose musicians, Robin Abbot, Ben Hesling and Dickie Bills.

We’re going right in at the deep end with our first gig in Inverness’s Market Bar on Saturday, February 19. There’s nothing like taking the bull – or the moose – by the horns! Maybe we’ll see some of you there.

Speaking of top Highland composers, I’m so happy to sing the praises of one of our own incredible songwriters, well-known local bluesman Matt Sillars .

I have a new single out for Valentine’s Day called I’m So Glad I Caught Your Eye, which was written by Matt and it’s such a lovely song.

I first heard him sing it years ago at a house concert and from the get-go I knew it was a cracker.

A song of gratitude at having found that special someone, it is a beautiful love song, so what better day to release it to the world than on Valentine’s?

I was fortunate to collaborate last summer with local film maker Conor O’Hara on a video for the song, along with two terrific young actors Ronan MacColla and Peigi Barker, filming in Inverness and this will be available to watch on my YouTube channel and social media pages.

The song itself will be available on my Bandcamp page and the usual streaming services, and I have to say I’m very chuffed to start the year with a new song out.

From a period of little happening in the music world to suddenly lots going on and folk feeling excited about the year ahead. It’s good to be back in business!

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