Check out this review in the Scotsman and then my strong advice would be to book your ticket for 13th March! We hope to have online ticketing up and running soon but in the meantime just use the contact details below and we will put you on the list.
For a wee preview… (If you are using the Firefox browser, this may not work- use the links on the right hand side instead . I prefer Chrome myself)
And secondly….. wait for it….
On 22nd May – The Brothers are back! Yes, it’s true. Returning to Letham Nights on another UK tour, commissioned especially for us, the Black Oil Brothers from Chicago USA are coming back to Letham Nights. Get it in the diary!
The ingredients of what makes a good Letham Night are hard to define but on 28th November, we got it right once again. The raw energy from the Bum-clocks and the sheer joy of Luva Anna combined with the irreverent humour of both bands gave us all another fantastic evening.
Is Tam Burn, lead singer of the Bum-clocks barking? Well he certainly was at Letham Nights #9. With a howl and a wuff , he introduced the first number in their brilliant repertoire in the guise of a demented dalmation and away we went – Iggy Pop meets Rabbie Burns in ‘A Tail O’ Twa Dugs’. “Noo ah wantae be yer dug” chants Tam, as Malcolm Ross’ jagged guitar and Russell Burn’s driving rhythm on the drums carry the song along. To our delight, we find that the relationship between the bard and other contemporary musicians is a strong one – ‘Lang Lang the Night – Panic in Detroit’ turns out to be a collaboration with Burns and Bowie.
Who the heck are the Bum-clocks anyway? And what is a Bum-clock? Here is the definition: A humming beetle, that flies in the summer evenings. (from Jamieson’s Scottish Dictionary -Edinburgh 1867). “So we are the Scottish Beetles” declares Tam – boom boom! All the band members have strong credentials in the Scottish alternative music scene of the 70’s and 80’s. Tam and Russell playing in the Dirty Reds and the Fire Engines, whilst Malcolm is an ex-member of Josef K and Orange Juice (Remember “Rip it Up and Start Again”?)
The band have been supported in their musical and poetic venture by the Scottish Arts Council as part of the Homecoming Celebrations. And what a brilliant way to weave together a simultaneous tribute to Burns and the godfather of Punk, Iggy Pop! No tired tartan formulas here but creative, genuinely poetic, entertaining and very, very funny . Thanks to the Bum-clocks for gracing the stage at Letham Nights.
Now over to Roy for the Luva Anna review….
Whilst sorting out the music for the Dundee College fashion show in June, Claire handed me a CD that one of her students had submitted for review and asked me what I thought. I popped it in my HiFi and within two tracks we knew that the answer was a no for the Fashion Show but an absolute, indisputable YES for Letham Nights. A wee bit of ‘tinternet trawling confirmed my suspicions. This is a young band with a unique sound and exuberance that most established stars would kill for. Finalists in the Channel 4 “Orange Unsigned Acts” show, playing 200 gigs over the last two years, they played festivals like T in the Park, the Wickerman, Rock Ness, and Connect. They also supported The View on the Acadamy Tour. Busy boy’s indeed.
It took a bit of ducking and diving to find suitable dates as they and Letham Nights have full books for some months ahead.
That date was the 28th November and I will remember what I did on this momentous night for, well, a very long time….
The set started with Sea Shanty, a fabulous four part vocal harmony with a folky twist, seamlessly moving into Hold On, an amazing vocal delivery from Dave Webster reminiscent of both the Buckleys, Jeff and father Tim. Truly goose bump stuff.
They then fired into a set of rhythm, pace, subtlety and harmony. Delivering each sonic ingredient with power and charm, catchy melodies and solid riffs, they played songs from the self titled Luva Anna and Made Without Compromise CD’s. Amongst Coma Girl, Dumba Dumba, Angry Fat Bouncer, Sober, The ballad of Boaby Smith, Arthur McBush, Bonny Little Girl and Granton on Spey they dropped in a few new numbers like Time to Laugh and Postcards.
Dave and Drewboy Gray shared the main vocals and Guitar parts, Robbie Ward on bass, bouzouki and bass pedals (the latter two, simultaneously), and Billy Fisher’s fantastic percussion. Superb musicians and vocalists, one and all.
Almost two hours later we were all wondering two things, why is the band not totally massive and where are they playing next? I’m not sure but I’m told that all the CD’s for sale were snapped up within 10 minutes of the gig ending.
Once again Geoff the PA man supplied us with superb sound for the gig. The “Clap and Tipple” provided the bar, keeping the thirsty crowd suitably quenched with a fine selection of organic, local and fair trade beverages and buxom serving wenches.
I can’t believe 2 weeks have passed since the last Letham Nights. Here is a wee update:
Letham Nights #9 – 28th November 2009 – Luva Anna and the Bum-clocks
Reviews will shortly be posted on letham.org.uk and on smartcommunityfife websites. In short, we had another brilliant night with everyone leaving the hall glowing with pleasure and buzzing with excitement – and in some cases a little tipsy!
Video Clips
You can view some video clips of the evening and previous ones at our Facebook Group Letham Nights or on letham.org.uk. We would also love you to join the group and add any comments. Clips can also be found on youtube by searching for Letham Nights.
Photos
If anyone has any photos (or indeed video clips) of the evening we would be happy either for you to upload these to the group or send them to me by email.
Letham Nights #10 – The Black Cat Jook Band – 16th Jan 2010
This will be the band’s second slot at Letham Nights – this time as headliners. We are all looking forward to this winter warmer with their unique brand of southern ragtime blues. You can add your name to the list of folk attending on the Letham Nights Facebook Group Event and send me an email to book your tickets.
Letham Nights #11 – The Bevvy Sisters – 13th March 2010
We have only gone and managed to book the magnificent Bevvy Sisters for Letham Nights #11!! Not only that, the band would like to invite you to their gig at Celtic Connections in January in Glasgow where they will be launching their debut album ‘The St James Sessions’. This bunch are headed for great things – just take a look at the reviews below. See the end of this email for details then get your tickets booked for Glasgow and Letham!
Cupar Blues & Beyond Club
On Friday 4th December a small group of Letham Nighters had a night oot at the Cupar Blues & Beyond Club. On show were the magnificent Baby Isaac. We will keep you in touch with all their events in the coming months.
The Friends of Collessie Church are holding a fundraising concert in Collessie village hall on 12th February 2010
It features a Scottish folk band called “Cabrach” (please have a look at their website there are also sound clips!) and tickets will be £6 per person available from Andrew McCafferty on 01337 810440 or alternatively from bridgmccafferty@btconnect.com
Any profit made will go towards the upkeep of the Collessie Church building.
Thanks a lot for all your support, have a great Christmas and roll on January 16th!
Mike
THE BEVVY SISTERS ? ST JAMES SESSIONS
DEBUT ALBUM LAUNCH
CELTIC CONNECTIONS FESTIVAL, JANUARY 30TH 2010
CLASSIC GRAND, JAMAICA ST, GLASGOW 7.30PM Read the rest of this entry »
Less than two weeks to go now to the Luva Anna show on 28th November with the Bum-Clocks. Luva Anna continue to get rave reviews across the country and were crowd pleasers on bonfire Night at Baxter Park in Dundee to a huge audience though we missed it due to the heavy traffic. Here are some clips on youtube should you feel inclined to have a look.
We have had to put the price up a little to £7.50 (£5). Under 12′s are free. We think that this is still a good deal for the entertainment on offer.
Tickets are selling steadily but there are still plenty left so just get in contact either by replying to this email, phoning or texting the mobile no. below. We will put you on the list and then you just pay on the door.
The stunning Luva Anna are coming to Letham Nights bringing their unique blend of sea shanty-folk-punk to shake things up. From Dundee, they forge folk-tinged 4-part harmonies with catchy melodies and riffs, to deliver one of the most incendiary live shows currently on the circuit to both amuse and beguile fans and critics alike.
In little more than two years, the band has played over 200 gigs, taking in the Academy tour with The
View(1500 + Capacity venues) and several Festivals including T in The Park, Rock Ness, Belladrum, The Wickerman Festival, Live at Loch Lomond and Connect.
They will be joined by the magnificent Bum-Clocks, Edinburgh-based 3-piece band whose
show combines the energy of Iggy Pop with the inspiration of Rabbie Burns. It’s post-punk
wi’ a touch o’ folk.
BUM-CLOCK, A humming beetle, that flies in the summer evenings. (from Jamieson’s
Scottish Dictionary -Edinburgh 1867). You don’t believe what you are reading?
Saturday 28th November 2009, 8pm till Midnight
Tickets: £7.50 (£5 concs/ under 12 free) – book in advance to be sure of a ticket!
To reserve: email lethamnights@btinternet.com tel. 01337 810372
Bar by
Featuring Luckie Ales from Dunshalt, Wines selected from local bottle shop Luvians and other locally sourced and organic beverages and snacks.
Last night was a another stunner musically with great sets from Mr Gavin McGinty and Lefty supporting Spanky’s Heroes. The evening started with Gavin treating us to an acoustic set of his own songs and some covers including Hank Williams ‘Can’t Get You Off My Mind’ and the Elvis classic ‘That’s Alright Mama’.
The delightful ‘Tiptoeing Mozart’ was a homage to his grandfather and ‘Michael’s Temptress’ included the unforgettable line ‘Never trust a woman with a tattoo of a bloodstained dagger on her hip’! We were treated to some perfectly executed yodelling, kazoo- & moothie-playing and sustained,tuneful whistling – feats of great skill and courage – as well as some wonderful slide blues guitar from Lefty on his beautiful resonator guitar. Jamie T? Nah! Give me Mr Gavin McGinty any day!
Spanky’s Heroes then took to the stage. Liam opened with an acoustic version of Gnarls Barkely’s ‘Crazy’, instantly wowing us with the range and quality of his vocals. After another acoustic number the rest of the band kicked in with the title track of their new EP ‘Remember the Fire’. This was not the only incendiary number as they took us breathlessly through their range of fast, catchy, melodic, guitar-jangling tunes like Perfect Girl, Heavenly Sofa and Heart Attack. After another acoustic interlude, they finished off with more fast and furious tunes. The playing was tight and sharp with Liam and Stephen’s guitars echoing each other, the bass and drums driving in the background and the keyboard picking up the melody. After this high-octane set we will ‘remember the fire’ for a long time to come! Thanks for this boys!
A final reminder that Saturday 17th October at 8pm in Letham Village Hall, Spanky’s Heroes will take to the stage to play us a rocking set of their melodic tunes.
Supporting them on the night will be Xander Duffy. If you haven’t got a ticket yet then just reply to this email or failing that just pay at the door!
12th September will stick in our minds and hearts for years to come after a truly magnificent Letham Night with the Chloe Hall Trio and Vivienne Bern.
It was written on the stars that Chloe Hall and Letham Nights would come together. From the moment we received Chloe’s first email from the other side of the world in Melbourne, Australia, asking to ‘take a punt’ on our venue, we knew she was a woman of great taste and discernment, not to mention talent and OH! how right we were!
Together with Chris Mildren on bass and Teal Bain-Roben on his tea-chest drum kit, the Chloe Hall Trio enthralled us from start to finish with their beautiful melodies and spine-tingling 3-part harmonies. Chloe’s lyrics tugged at our heartstrings, made us sigh wistfully, smile, sometimes laugh out loud and when combined with the stories behind each song well, – you could feel the love in the hall! For her first set, Chloe went straight into a series of songs from her new album ‘Outside’ including the title track and ‘Shipwreck’ (Are you the one I’ve been waiting for? Are you the shipwreck, or the shore?”) and ‘Walking after Midnight’.
After this first set, Vivienne Bern from Glenrothes took to the stage and sat down with her acoustic guitar. She was nervous about having to follow on from such a great performance yet as soon as she began to pick out the introduction to ‘Your Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go’ by Bob Dylan, we knew we had another great performance to look forward to. Vivienne’s voice and guitar playing were effortless and she continued with a series of covers and self-penned songs. In ‘Forgive You’ she slipped effortlessly from a fragile, cracked style to gutsy blues. A cover of the Beatles’ ‘Help’ gave a great song new life and her rendition of Nina Simone’s ‘I’m Feeling Good’ left us all breathless. What a great talent she is and we look forward to hearing more of her own songs next time she plays Letham Nights – there WILL be a next time!
Chloe and the boys then returned to the stage and we were carried off again on a journey with the songs. The highpoint was the achingly beautiful and inspiring ‘Dance With Me’, a celebration of the power of love in the face of great adversity. Hear Chloe tell the story and then sing the song.
As Chloe says – ”a rare and precious moment of real connection and love”.
Thank you to Chloe, Teal and Chris – and of course Vivienne for … well, as it says in the final encore song, sometimes you need no words….
P.S. don’t forget – this ozzie lot, while quite good, are just not quite up to the sheer class of the Chloe McHall Trio….Take a wee peek at this!
**Next gig is Sat 17 Oct 2009 Letham Nights #8 – Spanky’s Heroes & Guests**
