You know you've done something right when you have a drink named after you. In keeping with the occasion, I ordered up a "Jackie Leven" and let the night begin.
I'd never have guessed Norway's Jens Carelius was still in his musical infancy on the basis of his performance. Not shy, but rather unadventurous, Carelius is not your average singer-songwriter. Deft fingerpicking on "Summer Skin" rose above Jens's mousy voice - it was a very hushed set. Nonetheless, expect to see more of this young Scandinavian lad.
Word has spread in recent times about local boy Jono and, on the basis of this performance, it's understood. Backed by another guitarist and a laidback bassist, Jono performed tracks from his self-produced solo album. "Nothin' Like That", while lyrically vague, is undeniably catchy and seemed to invoke some movement in what was otherwise a largely stationary crowd. "Stuck in the City" also has definite mainstream appeal. It will be interesting to see what course of action Jono takes at this stage in his career.
Next on was Tommy Reilly. The young lad didn't look at all fazed by the size of the crowd or the rowdy mates yelling "gaun Tommy!" - in fact, I think it spurred him on. Bluesbunny has previously remarked on Tommy's onstage charm, and he's still got it. What impresses most about Tommy is that he can be one person when speaking to the crowd, and another person entirely when in song. "Words on the Floor" remains a popular live song and it takes talent to write a song about jackets. Go out and see this boy!
And then there was the man himself, Jackie Leven. A man rich in stories and rich in soul. More importantly, the man writes a damn good song. Performing a few tracks from new album "Lovers at the Gun Club", as well as a host from his extensive repertoire, I only hope that his support acts hung around to witness a performance from a true Scottish legend. A man of principle, there would be no encore ("It's like sex", said Jackie. "When it's over, it's over!") but, having entertained us for nearly 90 minutes, I think the man was right to stick with his convictions.
Tonight saw three budding singer-songwriters ply their trade with a fine performance from a wise old head to bring an end to the evening.