Intriguing songs reviewed at Carnivale

IT only took a few songs in to realise the new Carnivale night might be a victim of its own success – so you better get to Hoots Bothy early for the next one.

With a singer songwriter vibe, the night’s common theme was musicians on the move – either like Miss Irenie Rose and James Mackenzie – moving to Glasgow from the North, Gorman going the other way - temporarily deserting Glasgow for the gig.

Or, like Red Ronson, sort of grateful that the faces staring back at him from the front row couch weren’t his mum and dad who were safely back home in Oban.

All four act had unique delivery, style, promise and a practised rapport with the crowd as performers.

James Mackenzie’s easy charm was complemented by new songs such as Shoulders and the second half’s unnamed song about driving home, contrasting with long-term winner Boat Song as something clearly new and suited to the commited full-on passion that has always marked James out as a performer.

Miss Irenie Rose’s olde worlde charm added quirkiness to the four songs played, Creek Swinging and So You Think You Know showing off a talent for melody.

Gorman’s voice with its delicate husky quality worked to move the crowd to utter silence in You Make Me See Stars, while the solo first set from Red Ronson’s band frontman Barnett treated us to a preview of Still A Princess set to feature on Come Dine With Me in the next few weeks.

For the second half, we got the four-piece playing Fallback with good harmonies from Barnett and Iona MacInnes. And it was Iona’s ukulele and xylophone that added an extra dimension to the sound of Carousel and finisher Sweetheart Be Mine.

Standout tracks of the night, though? James’ Shoulders, Gorman’s Battlefield, Red Ronson’s When I Had Shoes and Miss Irenie Rose’s So You Think You Know.

And up later this month for Carnivale on March 28, is:

Panda Su: Half Portuguese, born in the rural Highlands of Scotland and having spent her formative years deep in the forests of Fife, PANDA SU was awarded Best Scottish Newcomer (Jockrock Poll) in 2010, Her track Eric is Dead was the only track by a Scottish artist on the French release Fete de la Musique and was featured on the season 4 finale of cult TV show Skins.

In 2012, Panda Su filmed a video for Alphabet Song, from the I Begin EP, to coincide with the song being used in the #1 Box Office film House At The End Of The Street, starring Oscar nominated actress Jennifer Lawrence.

Craig Robertson: The former frontman of Inverness band The Frues comes to The Bothy to showcase a new direction in 2013 as a solo performer, having previously performed at Festivals all over Scotland including Wizard Festival, Belladrum Festival, Wickerman & Gonorth Craig knows how to work an audience and is a welcome addition to our March bill.

Dougie Greig: Dougie Greig is a solo singer songwriter born in the North of Scotland, his musical influences and circumstances have inspired him to write songs that tell stories, much like the old Scottish folk tales but delivered in a contemporary way. Dougie is also the lead singer of the classic rock outfit ROADWAY.

Meeshelle: Playing chilled out jazzy acoustic music Meeshelle is one of the Highland’s most impressive singers as the lead vocalist of funk band The Leonard Jones Potential as well as a former member of the much missed Lowtide Revelry.

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