Maybe tonight's the night for a horse racing analogy. When you have to consider the logistical problems related to getting your chicken pakora and your last train then speed and the ability to jump fences are of the essence. There is a point to this (I think…) but more of that later for tonight Bluesbunny once more finds himself at the Liquid Ship in Glasgow for a Free Candy Session in the company of strangers. Those strangers would be Emily Scott, the Stephen Clark Trio, Leaves and the Sweet J's.
Slinking smoothly on to the stage first are the Stephen Clark Trio. It would appear that they are a family affair. Promising, as that could lead to the delights of sibling harmonies but not tonight. Brother and sister take turns at lead vocal duties instead and run through a batch of MOR standards like "Songbird" and the "The Nearness of You" flavoured with some neat jazz guitar but always treating the songs with a respect that bordered on the reverential. Certainly popular enough with the audience, their set caused this Bluesbunny to ponder a question that he had never considered before - who actually performs background music? Too many questions, too many answers, not enough beer…
The clouds of confusion were lifted by the arrival of Emily Scott on stage. She is that rarity - something good that comes from Edinburgh. Obviously fearing the godless Glasgow soap dodgers (or as John Lee Hooker memorably put it - one city, one hangover and one bar of soap per 10,000 head of population), she has brought along a big chap for personal protection and to accompany her on guitar. Now this turns out to work out quite well for our ears as it happens, but things really pick up when she introduces a double bass into the mix. That bowed double bass adds richness to her sound and complements the poetry of her lyrics. "Lost My Way" was a winner for this Bluesbunny - she even managed to use the word gyroscopic in the lyrics. Education does indeed have benefits. Her voice has that lilting folk feel, her playing a vaguely jazzy feel and it all seems held together with a honesty and simplicity reminiscent of old time bluegrass. Enchanting.
Leaves are up next. Despite the plural, this turns out to be one guy and his acoustic guitar. A young guy at that, who sits himself as far away from the audience as is possible. Following Emily Scott would not be an easy matter for him and neither does he appear to be a seasoned performer. Also, as he was beset by technical issues, Bluesbunny thinks that tonight is not the night to see him at his best.
Last on are the Sweet Janes. Being last on has its disadvantages. Time is marching on and they unfortunately face serious audience depletion. So we have 2 guys, 2 guitars, some country rock influences and some worthy harmonies and later they drag in some lap steel support as well. On reflection, Bluesbunny will leave it at that and wait for a better opportunity to review them.
The time is indeed late and Bluesbunny skips the chicken pakora and leaps over fences to catch that last train out of town.