Thursday 15 March 2018

Fun’n’games at the Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh

FEELING a bit ropey this morning..no hangover – more my balance is all funny and I’m a bit dizzy.

A shower and breakfast later I’m still feeling odd, but no time to worry about that ‘cos all the gear needs sorted for tonight’s show in Edinburgh.

I get some more bits and bobs done and have the decks cleared in time for a phoner interview with Cara for an upcoming feature in fRoots magazine. We chat for a good hour or so then we hit the road to Edinburgh.

First stop is Les’s flat to drop off our bags and take her with us to the Voodoo Rooms. We’re all loaded ina nd ready in time for my 6pm soundcheck with engineer Keith.

We have some grub – ace burgers all round – then Mark who runs a Lothian events page arrives to do a wee video interview…see his page and the video here.

My photographer pal Jim, who I haven’t seen for 20 years has been in touch to see if he could take some pix. There’s time for a quick catch up before I hit the stage for the first of my two 45-minute sets.

There’s a good crowd in. Don’t think we’ve ever sold so many advance tickets for an Edinburgh show and by the time I start my second set the whisky’s flowing.

After the show there’s time to chat with folks round the merch table and catch up with some pals who’re out for the show.

We’re back at Les’s flat by midnight – eating and drinking red wine.  Maybe gonna regret all this in the morning…but it’s fun!

Tuesday 16 August 2016

Yorkston Thorpe Khan play a magical set at Creative Scotland's reception in Edinburgh

Yorkston Thorpe Khan play a magical set at Creative Scotland’s reception in Edinburgh

WE’RE off into Glasgow early.

I drop Margaret off for her meetings and stop to grab a quick sausage and egg McMuffin en route to see Rab and Stephy.

After a coffee and a blether I help Stephy with some Mac stuff then we discuss ideas for her new website that I’m gonna put together.

I’ve got some bits and bobs to do – first at Braehead, then Costco where I get some shopping…and a hotdog – before picking Margaret up at 2pm.

Next stop, Edinburgh, where we’re headed for Creative Scotland’s reception at Central Hall – a gathering of creative types to celebrate Edinburgh Festival and the fringe with live music from Yorkston Thorne Khan.

We – and I would suspect James Yorkston too – are annoyed by the level of chat in the room when they play their first short set. There’s doubtless a lot of people here who haven’t seen each other in ages, but there’s plenty time to chat before and after while enjoying the free-flowing bubbly and snacks…so there’s no need to chatter loudly and blatantly ignore what is an amazing performance.

The gathered folks slowly start paying more attention during the ‘speeches’ and, thankfully when James and his cohorts take to the stage for a few more songs, due respect is paid.

A nice evening out with great music and the chance to catch up with friends old and new.