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Blue Rose Code. John Martyn Tribute at Celtic Connections 2025

Review and Photography by Pauline Keightley

Blue Rose Code is led by Ross Wilson, who was on top form and gave an assured and joyous performance of his heartfelt and rhythmic songs. They are a top quality band and were celebrating their sixth studio album. Their influences include folk, Americana, jazz, soul and contemporary.

Blue Rose Code

The concert was a tribute to Wilson’s musical hero John Martyn. Fifteen years before Martyn’s Glasgow gig to start his 2010 tour, inspired Wilson to head for London to pursue a career in music. He comes from Leith, Edinburgh and he talks of his troubled time growing up there. For those of us who have known difficulties, music can offer a life line and Wilson’s soothing soulful voice often hits the right notes and tone.

Blue Rose Code

Wilson sang his popular songs – ‘Grateful’, ‘Love a Little’, ‘Red Kites’ ‘Love is Action’ and ‘Stardust.” He performed an expressive Jackson Browne cover ‘Something Fine’ and a moving, poignant and soulful ‘Amazing Grace’. He wished us peace in our hearts with an encore song – his colourful interpretation of Martyn’s ‘Over the Hill’.

Rhona MacFarlane

He was well supported by Rhona MacFarlane, on piano and guitar with her excellent band. Her debut album “As the Chaos Unfolds’ came out 25^th January 2025.

Review Pauline Keightley –  27 January, 2025.

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