The Queen's Hall may seem like an unlikely venue to get hot and sweaty in, but on a very dreich and damp Thursday night towards the end of the Edinburgh Fringe, that's exactly what Shooglenifty managed to get the vast majority of their audience to do. Bringing together their trademark blend of traditional Scottish music and modern funky rhythms, the band very quickly got the audience up and reeling.
I first saw Shooglenifty in the Speigeltent at last year's Fringe, which is a great venue and sadly missed this year. I had no knowledge about the band or what their style of music was, but came away a convert. The ‘Shoogle Sound' has been variously described as ‘acid crofters' and ‘celtic fusion' but whatever you want to call it, it makes for a damn good night - think of the best ceilidh band you've ever heard, double it, and you're still not even close.
The band's line-up seems to have remained fixed for the last few years, and given the perfect blending of each of the musicians skills, why would you change anything? The sound mix allows all the acoustic instruments to be heard over the powerful dance rhythms created by the electric guitar, bass and drums. Luke Plumb's mandolin was sounding particularly sweet and was the ideal foil for Angus Grant's energetic fiddle work.
Yet again, dear reader, there's no chance of providing you with a set list - it's very hard to take notes when you're reeling - but I can tell you that the opening number was called ‘The Dancing Goose', then there was a song about a man called Frank who liked to rant and dance, followed by one about a ham in a wardrobe - well, you can see why I stuck to the dancing.
Finally, a word about the band's sartorial elegance - special mention for guitarist Malcolm Crosbie's natty checked suit, paisley shirt and braces ensemble, but pipped at the post by Luke's vintage 1970s biscuit coloured suit, topped with a clearly much-loved hat. Fabulous darling!
Shooglenifty - just go and see them. You won't regret it.
C. Faye Gibb 2009
Performance was on 27 August 2009, 7pm