Well, the CMU team is still at the Edinburgh Festival (yes, still) reviewing the 1500 odd shows that take place up here. The Festival makes us rather busy and, at times, very tired - hence the fact we forgot to put the Daily on the website yesterday. And the fact this edition of the Daily is out late again. Sorry.
But look at the bright side, you all get some more Edinburgh Festival music reviews from the ThreeWeeks team, which is just swell. And don't forget you can read more reviews at http://www.threeweeks.co.uk and you can hear our daily festival round up through the wonder of internet radio each day at 7pm at http://www.festivalfm.net. Sorted.
Richard Thompson
Serious
With a career spanning over 30 years now, Richard Thompson is as compelling and relevant today he as ever has been. However, he does have the rather dubious claim to fame as having released the worst-selling album in the history of Warner Brothers Records, as his solo debut, which seems completely unjust (although it did have the awful title Henry The Human Fly). Tonight he is on great form, captivating the audience with old 'hits' and new tracks from his recent disc Front Parlour Ballads. The songs are in turns dazzling, elegant and striking, aided by his unmistakable guitar work. The restraint of his newer material is well received, and Thompson shows he is in it for the long run after all. [gla]
The Queen's Hall, 17 Aug, 7:30pm, fpp n/a tw rating 4/5
No Spring Chickens - Island Strands
No Spring Chickens
Scottish talent has a chance to shine in the Fringe's music program and these sisters prove to be another fine example. They take us on a journey using song and poetry around the Islands of Western Scotland and Ireland, stopping off to have a gentle dig at Orcadians in 'Bloody Orkney.' They touch poignantly on the isolated and dwindling island populations, with a song written to celebrate the birth of a baby amongst an aging community facing the threat of extinction. Perhaps a little too idiosyncratic in the main for audience members unfamiliar with the way of life of Highlanders, at points it transcends the simplicity of its own style to comment on hostilities of a wider world, which is tender and sensitive. [jb]
Diverse Attractions, 15-20 Aug, 11:45am (12:45pm), 6.00 (5.00), ffp 108.
tw rating 3/5
Sourmash Blues Band
Middle aged, middle of the road, mirrorball. If you are interested in an evening of soft shoe tapping, smooching and 'serious shade action', then 'Sourmash Blues' could be for you. The ensemble was tight and well rehearsed, playing old favourites to get the audience clapping along, but the solos were uninspired and the female vocalist struggled to rise above the band. This is the kind of blues that it is easy to hold a conversation over without feeling you are missing anything. A night of easy listening classic tracks, good for a bit of a boogie, but disappointing if you were expecting cutting edge sounds.
City Edinburgh, Aug 20, 8:00pm (10:00pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 113.
tw rating 2/5
[hcs]
Barb Jungr - Love Me Tender
Festival Highlights
Why is it that people think it's a tribute to Elvis to dress up in a jump suit and sing, out of tune, songs from the era in which he looked his worst? This is the question Barb Jungr poses her audience when she begins her very own tribute to the musical legend. Her singing really is fantastic as she brings so much depth to each song that you really believe they have a seriously personal meaning to her. Yet it is also in between the songs that she excels, as she brings a great sense of humour to the proceedings. With a stirring array of songs Barb Jungr presents here a hugely enjoyable show and fitting tribute to Elvis. [owp]
Pleasance Dome, 20 - 29 Aug, 5:30pm (6:40pm), prices vary, fpp 88.
tw rating 4/5