On the Friday 6th May at Queens Hall, Edinburgh there will be an exceptional evening of music under the title of The Men From Leith – a night of celebration of the songwriting and musical talents of three men from Leith – Dick Gaughan, Blue Rose Code (Ross Wilson) and Dean Owens. Outstanding musicians who all hail from the same small corner of Edinburgh. It promises to be a mix of original and traditional songwriting and compelling performances, with grit, fire, honesty and wry humour.
Dick Gaughan is an international giant of Scottish music – the only performer to hold the dual honours of a Lifetime Achievement award by BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and induction into the Scots Traditional Music Hall of Fame. He was brought up immersed in the musical traditions and culture of the Gaels, both Scots and Irish, which provide the foundation for everything he does. The Men From Leith is a rare live appearance for this Scottish legend.
One of the five or six great voices of our time… John Peel
In just a short few years, and two stellar albums, Blue Rose Code (aka Ross Wilson), has gone from songwriting in the obscurity of an East London flat to being celebrated as a legacy artist, with beautifully bruised balladry amongst bolder brushstrokes of soul and jazz. His new album (his third) And Lo! The Bird is on the Wing – featuring a cameo voice over by Hollywood A-lister and Trainspotting star Ewan MacGregor – has been pulling 5 star reviews and is released 4 March 2016. He has a unique sound with comparisons drawn with Van Morrison’s Celtic soul and is a compelling live performer.
A very important emerging singer songwriter… Bob Harris (BBC Radio 2)
Imagine John Martyn meeting a young Van Morrison and being shipwrecked with a crate of Chet Baker records…. Time Out London
https://youtu.be/BFf_pZwaN2g
Dean Owens (Celtic Americana from Leith via Nashville) – is recognised as one of Scotland’s finest singer songwriters. The former Felsons front man filters his love of Americana through a gritty yet lyrical Scottish sensibility, armed with a searingly soulful voice and a neat line in memorable heart-twisting melodies. His recent Nashville-recorded Into the Sea album has received rave reviews and claims of “best yet”, appearing on several Best of 2015 lists, including at #5 in the Sunday Herald’s Top 50, with a number of live radio sessions including Bob Harris Country (BBC Radio 2). He was selected for a showcase spot at the recent Americana Music Association Awards in London.
Dean’s Whisky Hearts band – a formidable lineup with former Silencers/Simple Minds drummer Jim McDermott, Brian McAlpine (keys and accordion), Amy Geddes (fiddle), Craig Ross (elec gtr) and Mike McCann (bass guitar) – can rock up a storm, with flashes of folk and a touch of twang.
One of Scotland’s best… Bob Harris (BBC Radio 2)
Scotland’s most engaging and haunting singer-songwriter… Irvine Welsh
The event was inspired by Owens’ classic song Man From Leith (listen below), and promises to be an unforgettable evening. As well as separate sets from each of these proud Leithers, there may also be some surprise collaborations.
The Men From Leith is included in the Edinburgh Tradfest 2016 programme.
Event Details
Fri 6 May 7.30pm (doors 7pm) The Queen’s Hall, Clerk St, Edinburgh EH8 9JG
Tickets £16 (+ booking fee)
Box office 0131 668 2019
Online www.thequeenshall.net