Jim Byrne and The Blackwoods, 25th February, 2012

The launch was a big success. We couldn't have fitted in another smiling face. I reckon a gig has gone well when the soundman takes the time to pay compliments at the end of the show. The capacity crowd was awesome and remarkably well behaved - not too much coming and going to the loo or bar and I only had to do one small 'shush' - and that was to a stranger enticed in by the music at the end of the night.

It was great that so many people made it along, some traveling fair distances: Sabine from Cologne, Blair from Inverness and Jez from Ayrshire. Not surprisingly Clydebank and Old Kilpatrick folks were there in force and a whole bunch of people from Edinburgh, including the fabulous Fairnies, who gave Jim and the band such great encouragement from their seats in the front row.

It's always a compliment to have other musicians attend your gigs and they were came along in their droves including Ali and Sandy Semeonoff, the aforementioned, Tom and Jane Fairnie, Dave Acari, down from Balmaha with the wonderful Margaret, the amazing Larry Guild and Christine, The Doghouse Roses (Paul and Iona), Glasgow Blues Man, John Alexander, Ciaran Dorris, who sent a lovely message this morning (thanks Ciaran), and the discerning and most encouraging Mr Paul Baird. It was also super to see Celtic Music Radio well represented, including John Collinge and his wife Anne, hope the gig was an enjoyable birthday celebration. Glasgow's Mr Bluesbunny came along and has already published his review and Pauline Keightley, music photographer extraordinaire, was there with her camera so I'm looking forward to seeing those shots. There were other important looking people but I didn't have a clue who they were. Also good to see the McColgan connection from south of the river, Jim's family, my family plus assorted lovers, friends and fans. Issi and Val were awesome on the merchandising front and I would have been lost without them. Thanks, gals. x

This was the first time I had seen The Blackwoods in this line up, Jim heading up his band on lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar (and daft patter), Dinny, vocals (she was in superb voice), autoharp, bass, guitar, Peter (brother Byrne), guitar, ukelele, cajon drum box and more great vocals, Elanor Gunn with her magic violin (especially enchanting when she plays that gypsy music on Down By The Wildwood) and Graham Mackintosh, wonderful guitar and so good to hear that banjo being played.

I was kept fairly busy making sure the door was kept shut as Tony, the soundman, had me under strict instructions but I caught most of the gig. The atmosphere was tremendous - folk had come along to enjoy themselves and they certainly did.

My own favourite tracks of the night were: Two Empty Chairs (I love that country waltz - even minus the tuba, which is on the CD), Sweeter than a Rose (amazing harmonies from Peter and Dinny), Dinny took lead vocals on When You Bit Into That Apple, a beautiful love song, Sand in Our Shoes is my favourite (I love it when an audience is so quiet you can hear every word and the lyrics in this one are special), Thirteen, the Big Star song was also superb. One wee disappointment was that we didn't get to hear another great song from the CD, You Are A Good Friend of Mine. as tme was running out and everyone loves the old ones - Jim and the band rounded off the night to requests for the favourite, The Handle's Broken on My Cup, and Daddy's Car.

A bunch of gifted musicians and Jim's fulsome appreciaton of his band members' talent, plus their evident pleasure as they play, adds a special charm to the performance.

The launch was a wee bit stressful, as these things tend to be, but now I feel I could go back out tonight and do it all over again. Thank heavens I don't have to perform. :)

Pat Byrne, 26th February, 2012

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The Innocent