Doing the first man on thing tonight was John Taylor. Although a new name to me, he had the demeanour of the Glasgow singer songwriter - remaining seated throughout his performance, singing at the floor with his eyes closed, mumbling song introductions etc. The high point of his set was actually when he was interrupted by a member of the audience who demanded that the chattering audience be quiet. Whilst remonstrating the audience for their lack of good manners is commendable, that well intentioned member of the audience failed to realise that John Taylor had failed to capture the attention of a substantial portion of the audience and that was why people had started talking amongst themselves.
This being Glasgow, a drunk decided to copy the audience remonstration routine prior to Ms Scotson's appearance on stage. Shortly thereafter his -no doubt long suffering - good lady had to escort him out of the room.
Anyway, enough of the facts as it is time for some serious fawning. I do try to be objective but there are occasions when you forget you are supposed to be doing a review and tonight was one of those times. Aided and abetted by the supremely classy cello of Laura Durrant and the warm Val Doonican-esque (that's not an insult, by the way) charm of Patrick Bullen, Vivien Scotson exuded the kind of stage presence that hints at greatness. From "Set in Stone" to an unexpectedly elegant cover of "Sweet Child O' Mine", this was a set to make you believe in music once more. Ms Scotson's voice was a heady mix of fragility and power that brought life to the lyrics, especially on "I've Changed" (written by Ann Lupton whose music I shall have to investigate…). Like I said, I can't be objective as I, like the rest of the audience, was captivated.
The set was over way too soon (no, it actually was a distinctly short set) but the fact remains that I will treasure my memories of this evening. Vivien Scotson has made me want chicken pakora again.