Sheila and I do not always share the same musical taste, in some cases it is almost diametrically opposite. However, when it comes to the Perthshire based folk band Tarneybackle we are in complete agreement. We absolutely love them.

Fortunately for us they are one of a number of acts who are called upon to entertain at Dalgety Bay Folk Club so we get a regular chance to see them, and when they are not around we always have their four albums to fall back on.

The band consist of John Davidson, lead vocals, guitar, mandolin and whistles, his wife Lorna, vocals, "World" percussion, including djembe, bongos, chimes, claves, shakers and tambourine and Sandy Marshall, lead vocals, guitar and bouzouki and the vast repertoire of traditional folk songs from both north and south of the border, from Ireland and even further a field together with the occasional self-penned original, well there is always something for everyone.

Sandy

John

Lorna

The set they elected to play on Friday was generally a sing-a-long selection, but with all the requests they received as always, much was changed especially in the second half. Unfortunately on the night Lorna was suffering from a bad throat so here vocal talents weren’t in evidence, mores the pity, but with quality voices from John and Sandy, they managed to cope. Lorna was still able to provide percussion and add some glamour to the proceedings.

The set included a variety of song types, comedy numbers such as ‘Sam the Skull’ and ‘Three Nights & a Sunday’ side by side with ballads like Alan Taylor’s ‘Flower in the Snow’ and Eric Bogle’s anti war classic ‘No Mans Land’ and a whole host of various traditional songs all given their individual treatment from this talented trio.

They played for nearly two hours 30 but that was nowhere near enough for the enthusiastic crowd, and certainly Sheila and I concurred with this.

Hopefully it won’t be too long before we witness some of the nicest and most talented performers in the folk world soon and I would recommend it you get a chance to see them then do so. I’m certain you will not be disappointed.

You can check out their website at www.tarneybackle.co.uk to see where they are playing or for future gigs at Dalgety Bay Folk Club see their site www.dalgetybayfolkclub.co.uk  

Sam The Scull

Lorna, John & Sandy