It's a tired subject to revisit, but it's true as ever. The best concerts you'll see are often the intimate ones. Room temperature is comfortable, just enough chairs, and you can always rely on two middle-aged men to irritate others by speaking too loud during the set. In this instance, adopted Texan Gurf Morlix came to Laurie's. Glasgow ain't Texas but it does have the odd cowboy.
Starting off by introducing us to tracks from his latest album, "Last Exit To Happyland", Gurf had a fascinating story behind every song, and he took the time to ensure a good reception from his audience. "Madalyn's Bones", a song about American Atheists leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair, was of particular interest.
A good portion of Gurf's two-set show revolved around the music of the late Blaze Foley, a rebellious troubadour and friend of his who was killed just over 20 years ago. Morlix performed "Wouldn't That Be Nice" and "Cold, Cold World" from Foley's repertoire, while one of his own songs, "Music You Mighta Made", was the result of 17 years of trying to find the appropriate words of respect.
After further entertaining his audience with lashings of country, folk, and old-time blues, Morlix spoke of a mock-encore and, without exiting and re-entering the room in pompous rockstar fashion, he played his final song, a Blind Boys of Alabama song, "This May Be The Last Time". Suffice to say, this won't be the last time Morlix comes to Scottish shores.
Shows of this ilk only come by so often, so when they do, they ought to be seen. Aspiring singer-songwriters could gain a lot from shows such as this.