music feature
13 To See: Music
2008 Festival Preview
No one seems to think of music when they think of the Edinburgh Festival, which is very very foolish because there is so much music taking place in this city during August, it's a wonder you can hear yourself think. Spend two days at the Edinburgh Festival and I promise you that you could see more music than at any so called 'music festival'. And without the mud. Whether it is rock or pop or folk or classical or indie or jazz or electro or funk or breaks or washed up Britpop, it's all here for you. Oh yes. That said, with Edinburgh's music programme split between the International Festival and the Fringe, and with a load more gigs probably not listed in either, it can be one of the hardest bits of the Festival to navigate. To get you started, here's our 13 to see.
Two Drummers Drumming Matthew Priest and Maurice Bacon
A journey through the music industry from the 60s to the 90s, as told from a drummer's perspective. Matthew Priest (Dodgy) and Maurice Bacon (The Love Affair) will be sharing anecdotes and attempting to redress the anti-drummer prejudice held by many with video evidence and the odd special guest.
The Bongo Club, 30, 31 Jul, 3-7, 10-16, 18-25 Aug, 4.30pm, fpp 166
Otway & Barrett
Between 1977 and 1989, John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett recorded four albums together. They reunite for this Edinburgh show to perform 20 of their songs. I guarantee that their mix of weird humour, forward rolls and great music will send you away with a grin on your face.
clubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, 3-16 Aug, 9.00pm, fpp 160
B.A.D.J.
If you're at a loss for something to do at lunchtime, don't go and do something boring, like eating, go and learn to be a DJ, instead. These workshops will teach you how to mix tracks and get dancefloors moving.
clubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, 17-23 Aug, 12pm, 1.45pm, fpp 153
My Exciting Life in ROCK! MJ Hibbett
Cult indie hero MJ Hibbett turns a book that got his editor sacked into a hilarious show about the life of an underground musician, in the form of anecdotes, songs and a cover version of 'Boom! Shake The Room' that is worth the ticket price on its own. A must-see.
Medina & Negociants, 4-9 Aug, 6.00pm, fpp 159
Bert Jansch
Both as a founding member of Pentangle and a solo artists, folk guitarist Bert Jansch has influenced many other guitarists, including The Smiths' Johnny Marr and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy page. He remains an utterly captivating performer with a playing style that will mesmerise fans and newcomers alike.
Acoustic Music Centre @ St. Brides, 10-12 Aug, 4.45pm, fpp 141
The Gutter Twins
Formed in 2003 after Mark Lanegan (The Screaming Trees) told an interviewer that he was working on a new project with Greg Dulli (The Afghan Whigs), despite not having told Dulli about it at that point. Their acclaimed debut album was released earlier this year.
The Liquid Room, 13 Aug, 7pm, fpp 151
Africa's Rhythm: African Children's Choir
Since 1984, Music For Life have been selecting children from some of Africa's most deprived areas to join the African Children's Choir, taking them on tour and returning them to attend schools funded by the programme. But vibrant performances make this worth seeing beyond any feelings of charitable duty.
St Andrew's & St George's Church, 9, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23 Aug, 4.30pm, 10, 24 Aug, 4.45pm, fpp 138
Dvorak & Brahms At Teatime
One of a number of breakfast, lunch and teatime classical performances put on by ROSL Arts, I picked this one because I particularly like Dvorák, but with performances of works by Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven and Rachmaninov for a tenner, any of these would be worth a look.
Royal Overseas League, 12, 14 Aug, 4.00pm, fpp 147
Paradoxical Undressing Kristin Hersh
This show from Throwing Muses and 50 Foot Wave frontwoman and acclaimed solo artist Kristin Hersh is a mix of spoken word, visual art and music. Hersh will be reading extracts from her forthcoming memoir, 'Paradoxical Undressing', and performing songs from across her career.
Cabaret Voltaire & St. Cecilia's, 13, 17-23 Aug, 7pm, fpp 156
John Martyn
I don't want to appear biased towards 60s folk guitarists but John Martyn, like Bert Jansch, really is very influential across various genres. With a style that is instantly recognizable, he is charismatic, engaging and plays 30 year old songs with a passion most artists would have lost by now.
The Liquid Room, 14 Aug, 7pm, fpp 155
Sacred & Secular Songs From Corsica
Corsican choir A Cumpagnia offer an introduction to the haunting and deeply moving polyphonic vocal style from the Mediterranean island with new works and centuries-old pieces. An amazing and unique performance, as well as a rare chance to see the group outside Corsica.
Greyfriars Kirk, 14 Aug, 5.45pm
Tricky
With his eighth studio album, 'Knowle West Boy' released in July, Tricky has reclaimed his place in UK music. This is one of the few live performances planned to promote the album and promises to feature songs from across Tricky's career, perhaps with a few special guests, as well.
The Liquid Room, 26 Aug, 7.00pm, fpp 166
Bank Of Scotland Fireworks Concert
As much as I want to appear cultured and sensible, it's difficult not to just write "FIREWORKS!" here. But seriously, it's fireworks and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Also, there'll be lots of Dvorak, which I think we already decided was a good thing.
Princes Street Gardens & Ross Theatre, 31 Aug, 9.00pm
published: Oct-2008
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