The Ladies in style at Jazz Festival
Scott Macmillan and Colin Grant promote their new duet CD, ‘Good 2 Go’
I spent the afternoon of Aug. 13 at Governors enjoying the music of Scott Macmillan and Colin Grant, on hand to promote their new duet CD, “Good 2 Go.” The recording involved the two musicians covering all the instruments. It’s primarily acoustic violin and guitar but the electric versions of both come into play as well. During the Governors show Scott and Colin covered everything on the CD along with other footstomping tunes.
Much of the material on “Good 2” was composed by Scott and Colin: Individually, as a duo, or combined with Scottish Gaelic singer Mary Ann Kennedy. There are also compositions from Doug MacPhee, Joey Beaton, Gordie Sampson, Ashley MacIsaac and more.
The music spans the range from lovely slow airs to powerful groups of reels. The arrangements are excellent, with both Colin and Scott featured in the foreground or weaving their harmony creatively in the background. Their playing complements each other and the combination gives the listener something else to appreciate.
There are a number of cuts on this CD that stick with me: The soulful “MacDougall’s Pride,” the jazzed-up “Tico Squared,” the classical “Oh, For Coastal Rambles,” and the wide-open “Funkin’ Duncan.” “Good 2 Go” is something that Scott and Colin can be proud of and something that you will enjoy.
I caught The Ladies Sing and Play Jazz show at The Highland Arts Theatre on Aug. 9, part of the Cape Breton Jazz Festival. It was a great evening of music that included the familiar voices of Doris Mason, Michele Stephens and Breagh Mackinnon combined with Toronto clarinetist Virginia MacDonald (daughter of New Waterford’s Kirk MacDonald), and Sydney vocalist Charlotte MacDonald. They were backed-up by Joe Waye Jr., Red Mike MacDonald, Johnny Hawkins, James Munroe and Matt Nicholson. Everyone performed wonderfully before the large crowd but I was particularly taken by Charlotte’s vocals. She was new to me, but I quickly discovered that this lady has pipes that should take her far. Iona’s Frolic & Folk Pub was alive with music last Saturday with some powerful players on hand. The stage belonged to Shelly Campbell and Kathleen LeBlanc Poirier with a guest appearance by Brent Aucoin. The large crowd included lots of folks that I hadn’t seen in a while which made the time even better. These sessions continue every Saturday afternoon.
I started Sunday evening by joining friends for a lovely meal at Baddeck’s Bell Buoy Restaurant. This was followed by great songs, fiddle tunes and stories from Rachel Davis and Buddy MacDonald at the Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh. Buddy and Rachel will wrap up the August shows on Saturday and Sunday. The ceilidhs will return on Sept. 6 and end for the season on Sept. 24.
COMING UP: Old Triangle, Sydney Live music from Wednesday to Saturday.
Membertou Trade & Convention Centre
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - Kiju’s Restaurant: Celtic Serenade Jam Sessions.
Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh, St. Michael’s Hall, Baddeck
Entertainment nightly until Aug. 28.
Shows resume on Sept. 6 and run until Sept. 24. Louisbourg Playhouse Entertainment most nights until October.
Aug. 25-26, Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, 8 p.m. - Keltic Drive.
Sept. 8-10, 8 p.m. - Lyrics and Laughter.
Music Room, Normaway Inn, Margaree Valley
Thursday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. Neil McDaniel.
Friday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m. - Stuart D. Cameron.
Sunday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m. Sandy MacIntyre.
Highland Arts Theatre, Sydney Aug. 25, 8 p.m. – “Dream” Aug. 26, 8 p.m. – “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”
Aug. 27, 8 p.m. – “Kitchen Party” Aug. 28, 8 p.m. – “Halo” Aug. 30-31, 8 p.m. - HAT Resident Company Variety Showcase. Savoy Theatre Aug. 25, 8 p.m., - The Cape Breton Summertime Revue: The Next Generation.
Aug. 30, 7 p.m. - My Big Fat Glace Bay Wedding (Dinner Theatre). Frolic & Folk Pub, Iona Saturday, Aug. 27, 5 p.m. Kenneth MacKenzie. Saturday, Sept. 3, 5 p.m. - TBA. Rita’s Tea Room, Big Pond Songs on Sundays (includes full turkey dinner and features Kim Dunn, Flo Sampson and guests). Aug. 28 - Joella Foulds. Two Rivers Wildlife Park Sept. 2-4 - Annual Acoustic Roots Festival: Dave Gunning, Twin Kennedy, Pretty Archie, Robert Bouchard and many more.