As you all surely know, the CMU team are currently at the Edinburgh Festival at the moment publishing ThreeWeeks, the main reviews newspaper up here. Just so you're in the loop, here's the latest music reviews from the CMU/ThreeWeeks team - a joyfully eclectic selection. The listings information is in here in case any of you are in or are planning a trip to Edinburgh - fpp, by the way, means the page number of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme on which these events are listing. Wonderful. All these and stacks more Edinburgh Festival reviews can be found at our sister website - http://www.threeweeks.co.uk
The Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players: Adventures in Middle America Volume II Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players Yes indeed, there are some crazy concepts for shows at the Festival. But none quite so endearing as the kooky, quirky Trachtenburg Family's Slideshow rock band. And this is no gimmick. The Trachtenburg's live and breathe what they do, and want us to believe in it too. Dad holds things together with his non-stop patter and witty asides, mom is slideshow operator and daughter Rachel keeps the music rocking on the drums. Bursting with excitement, they just can't wait to share their latest slideshow find! The audience is bemused, often confused, but always thoroughly entertained. The band's enthusiasm is visible and contagious. Go along and share in the love of this jovial family! [ljh]
Pleasance Courtyard, 3-29 Aug, 7.20pm (8.20pm), prices vary, fpp 115.
tw rating 4/5
Clann an Drumma
At first you might think they are a typical Scottish pipe band but once their music kicks in you'll find yourself tapping your feet to their highly energetic and rhythmic beats. Simply meaning "children on the drum", this Glaswegian band is made of six very talented musicians whose strong passion for traditional Scottish music is evident in their exciting thunderous beats and some of their tracks have featured in Hollywood blockbusters. The band can be found playing on the Royal Mile, Princes Street and The Mound during the daytime and at their official Festival slot in St.Giles Cathedral in the evening. Listen out for drums and go find them!! [wa]
St.Giles Cathedral, 6 - 29 Aug, 12:00pm (8:15pm). tw rating 5/5
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas
Edinburgh Symphony Baroque
The Edinburgh Symphony Baroque deliver a charismatic performance of this well known seventeenth century musical drama. The title characters love is thwarted by malevolent spirits, who send our fated hero to drown at sea. The strength of character in each performer was visible in this enthusiastic and emotive rendition, as the piece progressed inexorably toward its tragic fate, Dido and Aeneas' passion and desperation were vividly evoked by exceptional solo performances and a solid supporting chorus. The sorceress and her abominable plans unfolded with cunning. The interaction between voice and the accompanying orchestra was seamless. This was a real gem. The Edinburgh Symphony Baroque are performing other shows this festival so catch them whilst you can! [ljh]
Canongate Kirk, Aug 6, 9.00pm (10.00pm), £9.00 (£4.50), fpp 109. tw rating 5/5
Dan Mayfield - 'Live Looping'
Musical Experience
So, what is live looping? Dan plays a selection of instruments - guitar, violin, glockenspiel - bar by bar, each time recorded live and played back on a loop. Sound laid over sound builds to create a multilayered piece, often melancholy and reflective. Add a psychedelic backdrop and the effect is hypnotic. In this slightly eerie basement venue, I was starting to feel a little lost in time. Occasionally the music gave way to lamentations on the emotional state of people; is it possible to die of a broken heart? Dan's slightly otherworldly show is a place to come and lose yourself from the crowds. The pulsing melodies create a sense of calm; a musical meditation for contemplative souls. [ljh]
Sweet Ego, 5 - 14 Aug, 2:50pm (3:40pm), £6.50 (£5.50), fpp 93. tw rating 3/5