Interesting. At this time of the year, a rational and reasonable man might expect to find some evidence of impending Christmas carnage on the streets of Coatbridge. A bacchanalian orgy of depravity perhaps or maybe just an abandoned kebab or two. Yet there was nothing resembling either on the way to the Georgian Hotel where the plan of attack was to spend some time in the company of Ewan Macfarlane and Ellijai.
Having been blessed with a rather unique name by her parents, Ellijai was most likely destined to find herself on stage. There are, of course, worse places to be than in the spotlight and, with a confidence that belied her years, she strummed her guitar and played her piano with much in the way of sentimentality evident over the course of a set of songs that featured lyrics that reflected the concerns of those who are our tomorrow.
Talking of her parents, one of them was the headline act tonight. Ewan Macfarlane has been around for many a year and he knows how to deliver songs that would cause an impromptu singalong and he has, from the Grim Northern Social to his solo albums, got plenty of them. Not that he avoids sentimentality – perhaps that is even a family trait – for he even sang a song to his wife. Consequently, there was little doubt that he has put his heart into his music and, with the grit in his lyrics and the fire in his belly seasoning his special sauce, he duly had little trouble in bringing the audience to their feet to join in many a chorus during an extended set. No doubt about it, from Lennoxtown to Larkhall, this is a performer who will always travel with an audience in his suitcase.
Anyway, time to hit the road before the road hits me. Prevention is always better than cure.