Another Friday night. Another basement. It's getting to be the story of a Bluesbunny's life. Part rabbit, part vampire - that's me! The basement in question was The Liquid Ship and it was time once more for a Free Candy Session featuring Adam Ross, Mick Drain and The Viragoes.
First on was Adam Ross and the court was now in session. This was his first live appearance before Judge Bluesbunny but his albums "Randolph's Leap" and "A Sort of Album" have been no stranger to the CD player at Bluesbunny Towers. Aided and abetted by two equally young looking accomplices, he gave a serious, if rather nervous, performance that reflected well on his potential. While he will have to work on his stagecraft, there was no doubting the intelligence of his lyrics so he's definitely one to watch. He also gets a bonus point for throwing in a solo on a stylophone solo at one point. Can't remember the last time I saw a stylophone used in anger. (Sentenced to 100 hours community service on your CD player)
Next on the stage was the redoubtable Mick Drain. He's been on the verge of success for a while now and seemed to have plenty of support from the audience tonight. Perhaps the stage was a lonely place as he started with but one accomplice and ended his set with three (four if you count the impromptu stage invasion). Nonetheless, when he hit his groove, his voice soared all the way up to the sky taking his unashamedly commercial songs with it. Whilst he seemed to be suffering from a case of under rehearsal, in mitigation was that voice. That should be enough to keep him on the straight and narrow (Referred for social enquiry reports).
Rounding things off tonight were The Viragoes. This five piece band from the general area of Clydebank (they had a good few character witnesses in court tonight to provide supporting testimony) are starting to get some well deserved attention. Ragged round the edges they might have been but this was still a mighty spirited set with songs like "Robot Heart" bringing this already sweaty room up to boiling point. Louise and Lee-Anne brought a searing intensity to the vocals evoking thoughts of both Patsy Cline and Lulu at the same time. Think I'm drifting off the rails here. Feeling that my integrity and neutrality as a judge was about to be brought into question, a quick verdict was called for. (Guilty as hell but they had a good lawyer so they got off)
Court is adjourned for chicken pakora.