Woah, we're extra late today, and that's all the fault of this here Edinburgh Festival, which has been busy distracting us big time. Still, by being so late it meant we got to squeeze in the big TV news story of the day. Meantime, the Edinburgh Festival continues (more at http://www.threeweeks.co.uk), with ever more great comedy, theatre, talks, films, shows and gigs. Re the latter, here's three music reviews from the Edinburgh Fringe from the ThreeWeeks / CMU team.
Mazaika at C Venue in the Edinburgh Fringe (until 28 Aug)
Furious flights of buzzing bumble bees, frenetic fiddling, incessant accordion wheezing, strumming, sliding, operatic singing, costume changing and tap dancing made for an eclectic and highly energetic extravaganza. Both performers could certainly get around their instruments, demonstrating a high level of virtuosity in places. However, the whole show was perhaps a little too highly strung for those with a calmer disposition, for the musicians played the most challenging virtuosic repertoire whilst jumping up and down and sporting comic facial expressions. Ultimately, this duo still showed cuteness of character, steely musicianship and humble conviction. The icing on the cake was a flashing multi-coloured version of James Brown's 'Feel Good' sung by an Arnold Schwarzenegger sound-a-like. A genuine smile. VJ tw rating 3/5
Life Sucks... And then You Die at C Cubed in the Edinburgh Fringe (until 28 Aug)
From the first moment he steps into the venue and takes his seat at the piano Ray Jessel grabs your attention completely. The delightful Broadway composer plays some of his own older hits along with more recently composed songs full of observations about life which can_t fail to produce a giggle amongst the audience, even if just at the tone of the material escaping this gentle, elderly gent_s mouth. He quickly bashes out a very witty opening song about short-term memory loss which is promptly followed by a quick messing up of the hair and a song about resembling Einstein and being repeatedly mistaken for him. You just can_t fail to fall in love with this amusing individual. KG tw rating 4/5
Holly Penfield - Both Sides Now at C cubed in the Edinburgh Fringe (until 28 Aug)
They say God loves a trier. And if that_s so then he must love Holly Penfield a lot more than the rest of us. But there_s such a thing as trying too hard, even if you_ve got God on your side. This new cabaret show sees Holly sing her heart out as she attempts to cover both sides of her dual personality. Sadly, her manic behaviour, coupled with some frazzled costume changes (including the use of several ill-advised wigs) make the whole experience a lot like witnessing a schizophrenic episode on stage. The problem is that you_re never quite sure if you_re laughing with her or at her. This ranges into so-bad-it_s-good territory, but remains more worrying than anything else. Keep trying, Holly. AMC tw rating 2/5