 From the
age of about 16 Alastair McDonald has been
part of my life. Initially through his appearances on TV with Peter
Morrison as co-host of “Songs
of Scotland”, then latterly through my love for Folk Music.
My beloved father took me to see Alastair several times and a
life size photo of the two of them still has pride of place in mum’s
living room. The strange
thing is although the years since our first meeting have flown Alastair
looks younger each time I see him.
Dalgety Bay Folk Club had
Alastair as a guest two years ago and invited him back on Friday 19th
February 2010. Having thoroughly enjoyed his set the last time I was
devastated when I fell ill on Thursday. I struggled to get ready to go
and am so glad I did as his set was phenomenal.
It is not just his singing or his musicianship it is the little
snippets of information he slips in through, around and between the
songs. His repertoire is so vast and covers many different genres you
feel you are only getting a tiny sample and are left wanting more.
He covered traditional Scottish, English, Irish, Canadian and
American folk, managed to fit in some kids’ songs and even a Spanish
Ballad. He had his audience laughing, crying, clapping and singing
along.
Alistair's fans seems to
cover the world with guests having come from Holland to see him, not
only that but my niece Nicole who is four has taken one of the tracks
from his ‘Bears, Crows and Centipedes’ CD as her party piece. This
just goes to show that despite being in his late 60’s his appeal
transcends the ages.
My only complaint it was
just too short, he has left me counting the days till I can see him
again. Despite now having 3 LP’s and several CD’s I would rather
have the live performance. It
seems that Alastair McDonald appeared at last years Edinburgh Fringe
Festival, but neither Geoff nor myself noticed. We will pay particular
attention this year in the hope he returns.
If not we will keep an eye
out for his appearances in the future.
Peter Morrison &
Alastair McDonald in concert at St Anne’s Church Kaimes Road
Corstorphine on Saturday 20th March 2010.
|