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 25th January 2025.
Review Pauline Keightley – 27 January, 2025.
This section: Book and Event Reviews, Celtic Connections 2025, Events, Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers, Music, Pat's Home Page Blog, Pauline Keightley, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more
Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Celtic Connections 2025, Events, Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers, Music, Pat's Home Page Blog, Pauline Keightley, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more
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Written by : Pat Byrne
Publisher of Pat's Guide to Glasgow West End; the community guide to the West End of Glasgow. Fiction and non-fiction writer.
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