Americana To Oratorios
Your music expert Lisa-marie Ferla picks and mixes some of this month’s diverse musical delights
THIS column can only ever provide a snapshot of what’s going on in the pubs and venues of Scotland’s towns and cities in any given month – but even by that standard, this month’s column is particularly eclectic.
Whether you’re into classical, Americana, techno or classic rock, there’s something for everyone to look forward to this October.
Running from October 3-7, Glasgow Americana is a five-day, multi-venue celebration of roots, blues, singer-songwriters and country music. Australian-born UK Americana Artist of the Year Emily Barker (Oran Mor, 4th) is the biggest treat on a bill which also features Kimmie Rhodes and Bennett Wilson Poole – plus matinée shows from Nathan Bell and a line-up curated by Glasgow promoters Hazy Recollections.
Meanwhile in Ayrshire, the Cumnock Tryst returns for a fifth consecutive year (4th-7th). Created and run by eminent composer Sir James Macmillan, the festival transforms his home town into a hub of classical talent.
The world premiere of Macmillan’s new oratorio All The Hills and Vales Along (Cumnock Old Church, 6th), based around words by Aberdeen-born war poet Charles Hamilton Sorley and commemorating the centenary of the end of the First World War, is the highlight. The town will also host classically-trained Mercury Prize nominee C Duncan, English tenor Ian Bostridge with Italian-dutch pianist Saskia Giorgini and a special collaboration between the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland Jazz Futures and the disability-inclusive Digital Orchestra.
The Spree Festival (12th-20th) is fast becoming the centrepiece of Paisley’s cultural calendar, with music, comedy, talks and children’s entertainment.
This year’s line-up features Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi in conversation, along with performances from Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Orb, Gang of Four, Scottish supergroup Big Minds (featuring members of Big Country and Simple Minds) and the London African Gospel Choir performing Paul Simon’s Graceland.
Scottish indie legends Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert, who released their collaborative album Here Lies The Body earlier this year, are my own personal highlights of a really strong programme.
The world’s only all-female Bruce Springsteen cover band The She Street Band return to Glasgow on their first UK tour, popping up at the city’s newest venue The Great Eastern on October 9. Formed after bassist Jody Orsborn attended a life-changing Wembley concert in 2016, the seven-piece bring just as much fun to their live shows as their namesakes, but with an all-girl twist.
Scottish rockers Hunter And The Bear conclude a UK