In these days of tram-induced turmoil, to be late for a show is an acceptable excuse, but getting in to a packed house discreetly when late is not easy. Helpful staff at The Lot showed me to the lift, which, in spite of an image of my arriving on stage amid ‘smoke and dry ice’, allowed me to get into the house without disruption.
I first met Wendy Carle Taylor earlier this year, also at The Lot, when we chanced to be seated together and ended up chatting. This is the first time I have heard Wendy sing. Her show was an eclectic programme of traditional and contemporary songs, ranging from French chanson, ballads, blues, and Scottish songs featuring several by Robert Burns including Ae Fond Kiss, The Slave’s Lament and The Lea Rig, to mark his 250th Anniversary. The latter likely bringing a tear tae a few een after Wendy’s romantic introduction to it, as they mind days gone by.
When I arrived, she sang unaccompanied Burns’ lovely John Anderson My Jo, following it with Dainty Davie when guitarist Tony Mitchell joined and the audience, well acquaint with this song, joined in. Her native Aberdeenshire got its rightful place with her lively rendition of Nicky Tams and later in the evening Ewan McColl’s Song of the Fish Gutters.
All three performances at The Lot support the work of St Columba’s Hospice, in memory of Wendy’s lifelong friend, Margo Reid, who was a great music lover, particularly the songs of Burns. Towards the end of the show, Wendy sang the contemporary Irish ballad, The Edge of the Moon, where a couple, to use St Columba’s motto, ‘make every minute count’ in their last days together.
Wendy’s mix of song, her sparkling rendition of them and her warmth make this a pleasant friendly evening as was epitomised in the audience standing and joining in with Auld Lang Syne. Wendy can also be seen at Homecoming at Henderson's.
Times: 7, 8, 10 August, 9.00pm
Tickets: £10 (£8 concession), 10% group discount
Homecoming at Henderson's: 16, 23, 30 August, and 6 September, 7-9pm