Glasgow Open Mic Nights

Sandy returns

2011-07-07T10:50:00.001Z

Good news........Sandy is back at the Clutha Vaults for a few weeks - cover for Kevin. More to follow.............

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-07T12:23:00.002Z

I am afraid that I have not been attending any Open mics since my last blog in May 2010........ finances mainly - couldn't afford to travel into Glasgow just for the Open Mics!

Hopefully I shall become gainfully employed once again in 2011 and be able to attend some more Open Mics this year!

Happy New Year to us all!!

19th May 2010 - Clutha Vaults

2010-05-24T13:41:00.001Z

Sorry to say I missed this evenings Open Mic - hope it went well - will report back next week!

12th May Open Mic - Clutha Vaults

2010-05-16T18:29:00.016Z

This was a "Farewell to Sandy" evening, as well as being an Open Mic night.

Sandy and a few of his friends.

Kevin started the evening off with a Guy Clarke song 'Broken Hearted People' followed by 'Me and You'.

Bob Leslie had once again brought his electric guitar from the recording studio, and played along with many of the performers throughout the evening.

First up was Joe MacAtamany who gave us 'Jock Stewart' and then 'Ride On'.

Kevin then sang 'I can do better than that' and then got

Martin up onto the stage for a couple of numbers.

Gordon the took the mic to thank everyone who had come for Sandy's evening - and then Sandy gave a small thank you speech, saying he had felt it was a time to change some of the things in his life, but that he would still turn up occasionally, and keep in touch!

He then gave us a song, accompanied by Stuart on acoustic and Bob on electric, 'Start over again' - very appropriate!

Stuart Workman then gave us a Neil Young classic 'Harvest Moon'.
Kevin then did a short burst of a Bob Dylan song - 'It ain't me Babe' before getting the two guys

who called themselves Minor Detail up to sing - they did their own songs 'St. Andrew' and then 'Humdrum days'.

Andy Logan then got up to perform 'The Games people play' and then 'Fulsom Prison Blues'.

Sandy then came up to sing a happy song for some of the girls and started singing a John Denver classic 'Country Roads' but had trouble about half way through as he looked over to the audience ........to see a sea of his own faces staring back at him!!! He did manage to finish the song, and then made the comment - he never knew he was so handsome!!!

Kevin then got Duncan Adams up to sing 'Lay down Sally' and then 'Where am I gonna live?'

Jerry MacAtamany then sang a jaunty version of the Eagles 'Peaceful Easy Feeling' and then a Bob Dylan song 'Positively 4th street'

Gary [Light ?] then sang 'The Gambler' and then tried to give us a Pink Floyd song.

Next up was a chap who called himself Fly Glider sang a couple of songs whose titles I didn't catch.

Enjoying the music!

Jer McDade then gave us a couple of his own story songs, and managed to break a string towards the end of the second song, so whilst Stuart changed the string,

Kevin took the electric guitar and sang 'Hoochy Coochy Man'.

Stuart Workman then performed 'King of the Swingers' specially for Sandy, and then 'Manhatten'.

Bob Leslie then took the acoustic guitar and performed 'Heatwave' , and then

Elspeth Durkin joined him on stage and they sang the Little Feat number 'Dixie Chicken'.

Elspeth stayed on stage to sing backing vocals with Sandy [and Bob] on 'Glory glory' which finished off the main part of the evening, just as the bar closed.

There was a very short jam session before the staff moved everyone out.

5th May 2010 Clutha Vaults - Kevin's Open Mic

2010-05-15T14:49:00.010Z

Kevin Young has taken over the task of running the Wednesday night Open Mic at the Clutha Vaults.

We wish him lots of luck and lots of musicians in the future!!

Stuart Workman and Bob Leslie started the evening off with Stuart on acoustic guitar singing Reflections, accompanied by Bob on electric guitar. They then performed Leonard Cohen's 'Manhatten'.

Joe MacAtamany was next up performing 'Ride On' and then 'Haul Away', before

Connor got on stage and gave us 'Teenage Kicks', 'The first time' and 'Let me hold on'.

Bob Leslie was next on the acoustic guitar singing his own songs 'The Devil ain't a friend of mine', 'Beans and Beer' and then 'It'll last another day' where he was accompanied by Kevin on electric guitar.

Kevin then did a Frank Ifield song 'Lovesick Blues' followed by a beautiful ballad 'Broken-hearted People'.

Stuart then got back up to sing 'Jersey Girl' [with Bob on the electric guitar]

and was then joined by Jenny who sang 'Smile'

followed by 'Eirie Canal' along with Stuart and Bob.

Kevin [& Bob] then gave us a good version of 'Hoochy Coochy Woman'.

Kevin then got Elspeth Durkin up to sing 'Autumn Leaves' 'After the Goldrush' and then 'Will you still love me tomorrow?', which had a few of the audience joining in on the chorus.

Joe MacAtamany the got up to the stage and sang 'Bonnie Heiland Lassie' and then 'Jock Stewart', and finally 'Will ye come to the dancin' wi' me?'

Kevin finished off the evening with 'Love me today', 'Five Years' and then 'Fulsom Prison/Mojo Working' combo with Bob on his electric guitar. A nice evening all round. Kevin mentioned at the end of the session that next weeks session would be a specially evening for Sandy Watson, to say thank you and good luck to him!

Open Mic Shock!!

2010-04-22T16:27:00.004Z

I got a shock last night to find that Sandy Watson has given up the Clutha Vaults Wednesday night Open Mic sessions.

I did know that the Vagabonds had dis-banded on the 9th April, but I had thought Sandy would continue with the Open Mic, as it was 'his' session.

I had been late arriving, without Bob Leslie as he is still recovering from a Gall Bladder infection which had him in hospital over the 11th/12th April, and someone called Martin was caretaking last night, but I have never seen him at the regular nights before, and he didn't know some of the more regular people.

He was a good singer, but I had arrived late, and the first person I saw up was a decidedly drunken Dennis - who stumbled through several first verses of songs without getting to second verses, and there was now sign of Martin. Suzie got up with Dennis to sing Peaceful Easy Feeling, and did well to continue singing when Dennis dropped his pick and stopped playing. When she had finished, Dennis stood up and fell over, and was grabbed at the last minute by Suzie, which stopped him from crashing to the floor, with the guitar in his hand!!

Martin arrived back at this point and sang an extremely sad Irish song, during which Andy 'the Candy' Logan arrived with Alec, so Martin got Andy up immediately for a couple of songs [Games people play and Good-hearted Woman] and then Alec joined him on his clarinet - (unfortunately the clarinet and guitar were in slightly different keys which made it slightly grating on the ears). Then Andy finished off with a request for 'St. James Infirmary'.

I had forgotten to pick up my camera on my way out the door this evening, so there are no photos, and I have to admit I left early, for the first time in years, not feeling as if I had been out for the evening at all.

Apology - 14th April 2010

2010-04-18T19:39:00.003Z

Didn't make it in to the Clutha this evening.
Got news that Bob Leslie had been in hospital over the weekend after a severe problem with his Gall Bladder which could have been fatal - we wish Bob all the best and a very speedy recovery, and hope to see him back at the Clutha on Wednesday the 21st April!

Clutha Open Mic - 7th April 2010

2010-04-18T18:57:00.011Z

Sandy was away this week and had asked Big Bob Leslie to take the Open Mic session for him.
Bob started the evening off along with Bernadette, singing 'My old friend the Blues' then Bernadette sang 'I am an Orphan Girl', followed by
Bob with 'My Girl' and then
Bernadette again with 'Tougher than the rest' and then Bob with 'Tears of a Clown. First guest to the stage was
Eddie with a couple of his own songs....The first was called 'West Highland Way' but although he was singing no-one could make out any words.... and his song went on for about fifteen minutes. Bob had told him he had two songs, so when he had finished the first, he started again - and to be honest the second song sounded exactly like the first, and was just as long..............!
Stevie Osbourne was back at the Clutha and Bob got hime up to sing 'East End Blues' which was well received.
Andy Lindsay then took the stage and gave us a couple of ausing little ditties - the first a Peter Nardini song 'A dog called Billy, a cat called Pat', and then 'Sam the skull' - aka the Glasgow Cat!! - which had audience participation during the choruses.
Joe MacAtamany then got up and sang 'Fancy Free' and then 'Eldorado'.
Elspeth Durkin was next and sang accapello for the first song - 'Our wedding day' and followed that with a duet with Bob of 'Love Hurts'.
Chris McLean then got on stage and sang 'The town of Kiandra'.
Next up was Brian McDade singing 'Burk' and then 'The night you lit up the Blues'.
Jerry MacAtamany then followed with an Eagles song 'Peaceful, Easy feeling' and then 'What made Milwaukee famous'.
Stevie O got back up for a second time and sang 'Good to be alive' and then 'Don't take any more away from me'.
George then got on stage and performed 'LA woman' and then the U2 song 'Heroes' [most of it in German!!].
Bob then asked Elspeth back up to duet with him on 'Dixie Chicken' and then with Bernadette too on 'Take another piece of my heart'.
Brian got back up and sang 'Songs from the port' and was followed by
Stevie O again with an Elvis song 'Hound-dog'.
Joe MacAtamany then sang 'Coorie Doon' before Bob and Bernie finished the evening with 'Sloop John B' with lots of audience participation.
A good evening enjoyed by all.

31st March 2010 - Clutha Vaults

2010-04-07T17:47:00.008Z

Quiet evening thanks to the cold weather.
Sandy started with three lovely ballads, Everything Flows; Blackwaterside and a Billy Connelly song 'Oh No

Couple of songs from a young lassie - Where Oh Where, and Pharoh's Army, followed by
Pat singing 'Man of the World' accapella.

Sandy then gave us a Townes Van Zandt song

before getting Elspeth Durkin up to sing Autumn Leaves and After the Goldrush, accompanied on guitar by Bob Leslie

Stewart Workman then sang a couple of songs with Bob accompanying on electric guitar.
Bernadette had come in with Bob and she sang a couple of songs, also with Bob on electric guitar - 'Caledonia' and then 'The dimming of the Day'.

Sandy then joined them for a version of 'Our Town'.

Bob and Elspeth then got back on stage to sing 'Dixie Chicken' and then 'Love Hurts'
Sandy then sang 'Its only love' before getting

George up for a couple of songs including a Rolling Stones number 'Sister Morphine'.

Stewart, and Bob, then performed 'Manhatten' and then 'Reflections'
Bob then sang a couple of his own songs 'The Devil ain't a friend of mine' and 'It'll last another day'

Bernadette then sang 'Dance me to the end of love' and then 'Devil's right hand'

Jean Paul then came out from behind the bar to sing us all a reggae number

before Bernadette, Bob, Sandy and Bob gave an ensemble performance with Pat singing 'Your Baby tonight'
Final performers were Stewart and Jenny [with Bob on electric guitar again] singing Eirie Canal and then Moon River.

A slow start but an enjoyable evening.
Sandy will be out of the country for a short break next week, but Bob Leslie will be running the Open Mic as usual.

10th March 2010 - Clutha Vaults

2010-03-11T16:53:00.003Z

This evening started quietly with a small audience in the bar. Sandy started with a couple of gentle ballads "Deportees" a Woody Guthrie song and then "Oh No" by Billy Connelly. Bob joined in with some lovely guitar harmonies.
John Alexander was in the bar and got up to perform "The train that carried Jimmy Rogers home" followed by "Further on up the road".
Bob Leslie then performed a new song he had written at the weekend whilst suffereing from food poisioning - although the song bore no relation to that fact whatsoever!! It was called"Can't wait another day". He followed that with an older song of his which he had not sung for a while "Mara".
Andy Lindsay then went on stage and sang a Jake Thackery song "On again,on again,on again" and then a Harry Hagan song "Sam the skull" - which is about a Glasgow cat, and includes then lines '.. the kind that can strangle a rat and even the occasional Dug!' Many of the audience were joining in with the chorus for this one!
Sandy then got back up and sang another Billy Connelly song "Seargeant, Where's mine?".
Martin from Manchester then got on stage, and after apologising for being English [not his fault!] said he had learnt a Glasgow song and he then sang a Paolo Nutini song "Tricks of the Trade" - and was a little non-plussed when we told him Paolo was from Paisley!!
Elspeth then got on stage and Bob played "Autumn Leaves" and then "After the goldrush" for her.
Blair McGinley then went onstage and sang his own songs "Ain't got the love" and "Coming home again".
Andy Logan then got onstage looking like a lumberjack, and performed "Two for a penny" into "Good-hearted Woman" with a little guitar harmony from Bob.
Sandy once again performed "Livin alright" in order to introduce Robbie from Sunderland who then sang a Tom Petty song"You're so bad" and then "Crazy".
George then got up and sang a couple of David Bowie songs "Star" and then "I'm only dreaming". Sandy then got Dennis to play "Another Saturday night" which he joined in with harmonies for - along with most of the audience. Andy Lindsay then got back up with a Bob Dylan song "Love minus zero" and Andy Logan with a request for "Games people play".
Final performer of the evening was Duncan Adams with "Little Runaway", "Where am I gonna live?" and "Let me be there".
There then followed a rather riotous jam session with lots of harmonising, guitars, mandolin [Blair], hand drum and tambourine!! It only finished when they started putting the lights out and 'turned us out on the street'. An extremely enjoyable evening!

3rd March 2010 - Clutha Vaults

2010-03-11T16:37:00.009Z

Sandy started the evening off with a song which he said was about agraphobia called "Trees and Flowers" by Strawberry Switchblade originally. He then sang "Somewhere in China" a song from an 80's band called 'The Shop Assistants'!
Robert was the first guest to the stage and he sang "killin the blues" followed by "Love Hurts" and then "Love in mind" a Neil Young song. Sandy then sang the theme tune to Auf Weidersein Pet - "Livin alright" in order to introduce

Robbie from Sunderland, who got on stage and sang 'Hallelulia", "Sorry seems to be the hardest word" and then "Working class hero" a classic John Lennon song.

Sandy then asked Elspeth Durkin up to the stage to sing, accompanied on guitar by Bob Leslie. She sang "Autumn Leaves" and then "After the goldrush".

Alan Stewart was in this evening so he then performed "All I need is my guitar", "Maybe I'll find love again" and "Baby I love you".

Bert then played some slide blues with "Fallin' off a rock" followed by " She caught the KT" with some accompanyment by Bob Leslie on his guitar.
Ger McDade then took to the stage and gave us his usual stirring performance of his songs "Mum and Dad" and then "Hello Lois".
Sandy then sang another song [ dor Des] "Girl Talk" with some audience participation!
Bob Leslie then performed a couple of his own songs "Have I just woken" a new creation, followed by "The Devil ain't a friend of mine"
Annie Fagin then went up, with Sandy on guitar, to sing "Ramona".

Stuart Workman, with some harmonies on guitar from Bob, sang "Harvest Moon" and then "The Ballad of Billy the Kid".

They were then joined on stage by Jenny to perform "Summertime" and then "Eirie Canal".
Andy Logan finished the evening off with "Good-hearted woman" which segwayed into "Crossroads".

There then followed a short jam session whilst Sandy dismantled the equipment, before we were all finally asked to leave by the staff!!

Yet another enjoyable evening.

25th February 2010 -Clutha Vaults

2010-03-11T16:34:00.002Z

I missed this session, but Sandy told me that not so many people turned up due to the bad weather, however they made the best of it and had fun when the musicians all decided to "sing each other's songs" [ie they songs which they usually sing!]

17th February 2010

2010-02-26T16:09:00.007Z

Andy was just finishing on stage as I arrived, but he was followed by Ashley [accompanied by Sandy] who gave us a brave rendition of Valerie followed by Summertime. She said she had needed a few vodkas to get up and sing, but she need not have worried as she had a great voice.
Bert then took the stage and played 'Me and the Devil' followed by a slide version of 'Falling of a rock' [with some accompanyment by Bob Leslie].
Bob then took the stage himself and sang a new song of his 'Just another Story Monday' followed by one for Joe Kidd [who was NOT present] 'The Devil ain't a friend of mine'.
Joe MacAtamany was then up and he sang 'Eldorado' and then 'Ride On' depite some "noise from the gallery". Billy and Sandy then sang 'Another Saturday Night' before the welcome return of

Stretch Dawson from the Isle of Mull. A fantastic player he gave us three songs 'She ain't Rose' , a syncopated jazz version of 'Falling Leaves' and then 'It's all your fault'.

Elspeth Durkin then went on stage and sang 'After the Goldrush' and then 'Will you still love me tomorrow?'
Duncan Adams had arrived by this time and he got up and performed 'Here comes my baby' and then the ever popular 'Where am I gonna Live' before handing over to

Ger McDade who performed 'Getaway' and then Man. City Blues'.
Andy [the Dandy] Logan with a little help from Bob, played 'On the Road again' segwayed into 'Good-hearted Woman'
Stuart Workman then sang a Steve Earle song 'If you fall' and then a request, 'Manhatten' before getting

Jenny up to join him and sing 'Eirie Canal'. He finished off with 'Reflections' - with Bob Leslie.
We had run over time so there was no jam session afterwards. Another great evening of music.

Wednesday 10th February 2010

2010-02-17T13:24:00.008Z

A very enjoyable evening, with a birthday party for Marlene going on in the background, Sandy started off the Open Mic Session with a couple of ballads - 'Flow' and 'Blackwaterside'. Michael Fagin was the first musician called up and he gave us a delightful rendition of a Neil Young song 'Heart of Gold' and then a Simon and Garfunkel song 'The Boxer', before rejoining the "party". Elspeth Durkin was up next singing Autumn Leaves with accompaniment on guitar from Bob Leslie, but accappella for 'Our Wedding Day'.

Jerry MacAtamany then sang 'Positively 4th Street' followed by 'What made Milwaukee famous'.

Sandy then gave us a version of 'Girl Talk' before getting Ger McDade up on stage to perform a couple of his own songs ' One day life got serious' and as he put it "the fourth in my trilogy of Decade songs" - 'the Nineties'.

Sandy then played for Annie Fagin to sing 'Ramona' before getting birthday girl Marlene up, with Michael, to sing 'Over the Rainbow' and then , joined by Annie and Michael, wonderful harmonies with - 'Kiss me mother'.

Sandy then sang a Jimmy Rogers number 'In the Jailhouse now' with some additional guitar by Bob,before getting Robbie, from Northern England, up to sing 'Dance me', 'Crazy', and 'Where the children play'.

Jerry then got back on stage singing 'American without tears'

followed by Sandy and Bob [& the audience] with 'Honky Tonk Women' before getting

Michael Fagin back up to give us 'The only living boy in New York' by Simon and Garfunkel.

Andy Login had appeared by this time and he took to the stage to sing 'Good-hearted Woman' with some help on the chorus from Sandy, and then 'Games people play'. Andy then introduced a couple of lads from the Battlefield area -

Tony on vocals and Micky on guitar who gave us 'Ring of Fire' and then Fulsom Prison Blues'. Tony has a wonderful baritone voice which impressed everyone there, we hope they come back again.

Big Bob Leslie then finally took the stage and finished the evening - starting with 'Who do you love' in his usual full of gusto style, before a duet with Elspeth

of the Little Feat song 'Dixie Chicken' and finishing off with 'How sweet it is to be loved by you'. A great evening,

A short Jam session followed at Marlenes table!

and finally

Many Happy Returns to Marlene!!

27th January 2010 - Sandy's Open Mic at the Clutha Vaults

2010-02-11T11:43:00.009Z

I finally managed to get back to the Clutha Vaults tonight, for Sandy's Open Mic sessions. I unfortunately arrived a little late, as it had already started, but I was very warmly greeted by all my friends whom I had not seen for quite a while!
Fraser Lindsay was up after my arrival, and played a beatiful instrumental followed by his version of 'The Seeker' by The Who.
Ger McDade then took to the stage singing two of his own songs including Hello Lois [I think that was the title].

Fraser's pal Robert then sang 'My old friend the blues' followed by 'May you never...'
Bob Leslie, also just back after a long absence, then took the stage singing a lovely new ballad song 'If tomorrow comes' followed by 'It'll last another day' both composed by Bob himself.
Sandy then gave us a quick song and was followed by Elspeth, accompanied on guitar by Bob, singing 'Autumn Leaves' and then a Neil Young song 'After the Goldrush'.
Jerry MacAtamany then sang 'Positively 4th street' and then 'What made Milwakee famous'
Stuart Workman then went on stage and sang 'Reflections'and the Leonard Cohen song 'Manhatten'.

Alan Stewart, with Fraser Lindsay, gave us a couple of songs including 'One night stand'.

Annie Fagin then sang 'Ramona' acompanied on guitar by Sandy.
Stuart and Jenny then came to the stage, also with Bob, and gave us 'Pharoh's army' and then the beautiful ballad 'Moon River'.

Andy (the candy)Logan then got everyone joining in with a bit of country music 'On the road again' followed by 'Games people play'.

Finally Duncan Adams performed 'Here comes my Baby' and finished the evening with the ever popular 'Where am I gonna live'.

After the performance sessions there then followed a short jam session at the tables, with much harmony and laughter!

An excellent evening, enjoyed by all.

On a related note, Sandy informed everyone that the gig for Davie Ritchie had raised £2240.00!!

Davie Ritchie Benefit Gig

2010-01-25T18:19:00.007Z

Saturday the 23rd January saw a magical coming together of musicians and bands, and audience in the basement of Blackfriars Bar in Glasgow, to honour and raise some funds for their friend and co-musician, Davie Ritchie, who has suffered from Cancer, and has undergone some very 'heavy' medical treatment over the past year or so.

First up was Waldo - street musician, with an accompaniement on bass, which got the evening started. Next up was 'new' band "The Scimitars" who got the audience into a great mood with some excellent tunes and songs.

Next was a bit of a change - but nothing unexpected in the Glasgow music scene - Gus and Fin gave a good range of rock/blues songs accompanied on their ukelele's!!! Yes Ukelele's! They were excellent especially their rendition of a Gary Numan classic 'Aren't friends electric'!!

The Frank O'Hagan Band then took the stage area and performed some excellent music - getting several people in the mood for dancing, and singing along.

Sandy Watson, who has to be thanked for being the main organiser of the whole occasion, with help from several other people whom he did thank [- but I did not have enough paper to write down any names!!], then announced the winners of the raffle prizes - all of which were enthusiastically collected. They then auctioned off a football, signed by the present Celtic team - which raised £115, and was then re-donated to be auctioned again, raising a further £105!! A slide guitar and case was donated by one of the barstaff, and it raised £115 as well.

After the auction, Donna Ritchie to thank everyone on behalf of Davie [who had managed to attend the gig], before the Vagabonds took to the stage and rocked the evening into the morning, with classic Who, Rolling Stones, and Beatles covers

Many of the musicians from the Clutha Vaults Open Mics attended the gig, including, Bob Leslie, Elspeth Durkin, Suart & Jenny Workman, Jer McDade, Waldo, and Johnny T Miller were spotted in the crowd.

The audience started to disapate a little after the Vagabonds had finished their set. They were followed by the Bottleneckers, with their usual flair, but I am afraid that this was the point when I had to leave with my group of friends.

It was an excellent evening, with a great mix of cover bands, giving a very entertaining evening and raising money for a very worth person - Davie Ritchie.

2010-01-15T12:02:00.004Z

Davie Ritchie Benefit Gig

Blackfriars Basement [36 Bell Street, Glasgow]
On Saturday 23rd January 2010
from 9.00p.m. until 3.00 a.m.
Admission £6.00 on the door.
[first band 10.00p.m.]

Some of Glasgow's most popular cover bands will be combining for a fabulous evening of live music entertainment, paying tribute to and helping a guru and genuine Glasgow and West of Scotland Rythm and Blues legend, Davie Ritchie - lead singer of the Cobramatics.

Bands: The Vagabonds
Frank O'Hagan
The Bottleneckers
with The Kingpins, The Spooks, The Mohawks, The Mighty Saturns
and of course
The Cobramatics
with special guest stars and DJ's

So come along and support the bands raising funds for this worthy cause and have a great night out - full of live music!!

2009-12-29T14:27:00.001Z

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all!

Hope I get to more open Mics in 2010 than I did in 2009!!

Missed a lot!

2009-06-27T12:54:00.002Z

Sorry there have been no reviews since April the 1st - just coincidence honest!! - My times have changed at work and I have usually been too 'knackered' by the time I got home to get ready and get out again [ in fact I have often fallen asleep after having my meal!!] Hope to be back soon though as my times are changing again soon!!

I have heard though that the Clutha Vaults have been doing pretty well on Wednesdays, [despite not having MY presence!]!

8th April 2009 - Clutha Vaults

2009-04-13T09:38:00.001Z

Sorry I was unable to attend this Open Mic so no review.

2009-04-13T09:06:00.010Z

Wednesday 1st April 2009

- Sandy’s Open Mic at the Clutha Vaults

Sandy's new hairdo

- for April Fools Day!!
Sandy started the evening with a chorus of Happy Birthday to Elspeth who was celebrating yet another year on the planet.

He followed this with a few nice gentle ballads, ‘I will promise you anything’, ‘Mr Mud and Mr Gold’ and ‘Flying shoes’ before handing over to Elspeth, who was accompanied by Bob Leslie - on acoustic guitar, and Johnny T Miller - on Bass. They did a cover of the Eagles favourite ‘Lyin’ eyes’ followed by ‘Will you still love me tomorrow’.

Bob and Johnny stayed on stage and played one of Bob’s songs ‘It wasn’t down in Texas’ and then Bob sang another of his originals ‘Cordelia Jane’ by himself.

Next to the stage was Joe Kidd, also with Bob and Johnny, singing his own songs ‘Grass don’t pay no heed’ and then ‘Good Day’.

Ally and Maria had then arrived and got up to sing ‘You’ve got a friend’ followed by a Jazz version of ‘No regrets’, after which they left the bar.

Sandy then decided to follow them with an excellent rendition of the Walker Brothers version of ‘No Regrets’ with some help from the audience on the chorus.
Next up was Brendan who gave us his version of ‘Moon River’ which had quite a few people joining in.

Brian McGinty then got up to the sing ‘Love makes me feel blue’ and Bob & JT joined in along with Elspeth on the tambourine. It was very popular so he sang another somg in a similar vein ‘Nothin you can do’.

Johnny T stayed onstage to sing ‘Help me’ by Sunnyboy Williamson.

Stuart and Jenni through from Edinburgh then got up and sang ‘Sweet Home Alabahma’ followed by ‘I remember you’ and then ‘The Eirie Canal’.

Final singer of the evening was Ian Adie who had just arrived after being at the big football match at Hamden, [Scotland 2 - Iceland 1 I believe]. Sandy(acoustic), Bob(acoustic), JT(Bass) and Elspeth(tambourine) all joined in with Ian on ‘Go Bonnie Scotland, Go’.

The evening finished with a jam session at the birthday girls table!!

Patch, Elspeth's dog who has now been banned from the bar as the new owner does not like dogs!!!

- and all Patch ever did was sleep under the table and through most of the music !

Wednesday 25th March 2009

2009-04-05T17:03:00.009Z

Sandy’s Open Mic at the Clutha Vaults, Glasgow

After another lovely spring, blue-sky day, musicians headed for the Clutha Vaults for Sandy's Open Mic.

Sandy started with ‘Must be loved’ followed by ‘Dancing for the Beast’.

First up was Jim with ‘I shall be release’ and then the Leonard Cohen song ‘Manhattan’.

Elspeth Durkin was next up singing ‘Autumn Leaves’ and then ‘After the Goldrush’.

Sandy then sang ‘I’m looking through you’ He then mentioned that he has a new band called Lucky Jim and sang one of the new songs he wrote with them called ‘Ode to blue’. Bob Leslie then sang ‘It’ll last another day’ followed by ‘Her eyes’.

New face Heather then asked Bob if he could play along with ‘Both sides the Tweed’ and then she played and sang ‘Caledonia’.

Duncan then played ‘Hum Drum Days ‘ followed by his own song about St. Andrew’s day - after an inordinate amount of tuning his own guitar!.

Sandy then asked Big Ronnie Simpson to come up and sing ‘The Green fields of France’.

Kate McGee was in the audience and she got up to sing ‘Valerie’ followed by ‘Ain’t no sunshine’. Kate is hosting a new Monday evening Open Mic in the Clutha as from the 30th March.

Sandy then asked Catriona up to sing ‘Can’t explain’ and then she tried ‘Louis louis’.

The incomparable Willie ‘Jukebox’ Mathews was then asked up to the stage - He performed ‘The lady is a tramp’ followed by ‘Flip, flop & fly’ and then ‘How blue can you get’.

George then got up and sang ‘Back to black’ and then ‘Wheels on fire’. Final act of the evening was Bob, Willie and Kate performing ‘Love the one you’re with’.

A very short jam session followed before everyone was being asked to leave the pub at midnight.

Band Notice

2009-03-23T09:27:00.001Z

Fraser Lindsay's band

"Blind Panik"

are playing at The Scotia on

Saturday 28th March

Saturday 4th April

21:30 Kick off.

Visit our website:

www.myspace.com/blindmcpanik

Sandy's Open Mic 11th March 2009 Clutha Vaults

2009-03-14T15:31:00.001Z

Sandy started off with a Gram Parsons song ‘Gold-plated door’ with a little help from Bob on second guitar, followed by a Townes Van Zandt song ‘Early in the morning’. Niall was back after several months absence and he did his own songs ‘Millie and Me’, ‘Still I miss you’ and the ‘Take my time’. Bob Leslie then sang a couple of his own songs ‘It’ll last another day’ - inspired by his cat sleeping in the dirty linen basket! And then ‘The cultural imperialists have got me’. Sandy then got back on stage and sang ‘Love Hurts’ and then ‘The games people play’. Alan Stewar then got up with his mandolin and performed a Rory Gallager song ‘Goin to my home town’ and then with Bob and Fraser on other guitars, his version of the Who’s ‘Magic Bus’. Fraser Lindsay then sang his own song ‘LA status quo’ and then another Who song , with Bob on second guitar, ‘The seeker’. A new couple Ally and Mariea then got up and sang a couple of duets with some nice harmonies - ‘I can’t make you love me’, ‘Waiting for the train to come’ and after Sandy’s insistence that they do a third, ‘Why don’t you stay’. [after which they left!!]. Joe MacAtamany then sang ‘Eldorado’ and ‘The broom of the Cowdenknowes’. Elspeth Durkin was next , accompanied by Bob and she sang ‘Autumn Leaves’ and then she and Bob sang the Little Feat number ‘Dixie Chicken’. Gavin Watt then took to the stage and performed a Rolling Stones tune ‘Love in vain’ followed by ‘You don’t dance the techno anymore’. Duncan Adams was the penultimate performer singing ‘Lay down Sally’ and his ever popular ‘Where am I gonna live’. Final performance of the evening was a bit sad as Sandy announced that our good friend Stuart Nugent was emigrating to Australia soon and this would be his last performance at the Open Mic. We are sad to see him go but wish him well in his new country - and hope he fulfils his wishes. He and John - his partner from their duo Figure 8, then performed part of a song ‘Joni Mitchell’ unfortunately John had borrowed Bob’s guitar which had a duff 13th fret - and this particular song called for a lot of finger picking using the 13th Fret!! So they gave up and did the Springstein song ‘Dancing in the Dark’. There was a short Jam session after the Open Mic whilst Sandy put the equipment away, and folk finished their last drinks.

Sandy's Open Mic 4th March 2009 - Clutha Vaults

2009-03-14T15:29:00.002Z

We arrived to find that Sandy had managed to ‘blow-up’ the PA system and was also having trouble with the old back-up system - it was because there were new ‘powered’ speakers - but we got it sorted out and started the evening a little bit later than normal. First up was John Alexander, and he was followed by Bob Leslie with his songs ‘The Star Harmonica Band’ and ‘Her Eyes’ Sandy then got Elspeth to join Bob and she sang ‘Summertime’ and then joined Bob in a duet of ‘Dixie Chicken’. Clare was back singing ‘Nothing left to live for’ and then ‘Light up my life’. Brian, a left-hander who had brought his own guitar along, then sang ‘Honky-tonk woman ‘ followed by ‘Fulsom Prison Blues’. Sandy and Bob once again performed ‘Carolina’ by Townes Van Zandt. Eddie was then up singing ‘In the Jailhouse now’ and ‘Fallin’. John was next singing’ a John Pryde song ‘Hello in there’ and then ‘Mr Tambourine Man’. Duncan [who was more than a little drunk by this time] then attempted the Eagles song ‘Take it easy’ and followed it with ‘Hum Drum Days’. John Alexander was then back up and with Bob accompanying, performed a Byrds song ‘Tomorrow ‘s the day my Brides’ gonna come’.
We then had a couple up who were just back from Venezuela - she was Spanish and he was from Glasgow but I am afraid I did not catch their names, however they performed a couple of Flamenco songs -’Fandango de Huelva’ followed by ‘Alegrias’ . Joe MacAtamany had the task of following then and in his own inimitable style he sang ‘Tae buckle my shoes’ and then ‘Lay ye doon love’. Stevie Osbourne with Bob then performed ‘The Eastender Blues’. Duncan Adams and Bob then sang ‘Lay down Sally’ and his ever popular ‘Where am I gonna live?’. Final performer of the evening was Andy the candy Logan singing ‘Good -hearted woman’, ‘St. James’ Infirmary Blues’ and finally the David Bowie hit ‘Sorrow’.

Sandy's Open Mic - 18th February 2009

2009-03-14T15:26:00.002Z

Sandy - ‘Flying skies’ followed by ‘Snow on Route one’ and then ‘Two Girls‘. First up was Bob Leslie singing a couple of his own tunes - ‘Her Eyes’ and then ‘It’ll last another day’. Stuart Workman was next ,with Bob accompanying him, performing ‘My old friend the blues’ and then the Leonard Cohen song ‘Manhattan’. Sandy then got back on stage and sang a Tim Hardy song ‘Red Balloon’ Andy Logan was next - singing his version of ‘The St. James’ Infirmary Blues’ followed by his popular rendition of ‘The Games people play’. Newcomer Claire was up next, singing and playing an unplugged acoustic version of ‘Nothing left to live for’ and then ‘Light up my life’ which was very well received by the audience. Elspeth Was up next, accompanied by Bob, and she sang ‘Autumn Leaves’ followed by ‘After the Goldrush’. Stevie Osbourne then got up with Bob to perform ‘The Eastender Blues’. Peter then took to the stage and sang a couple of his own songs ‘I’m a livewire’ and then ‘At the bottom of everything’. Alan Stewart then took his mandolin to the stage and ,accompanied by Bob, did a version of the Who song ‘Magic Bus’ followed by a James Taylor song ‘’Steamroller Man’. Willie Mathews had appeared by this time and he took to the stage and performed ‘Over the Rainbow/What a wonderful world’ also on a mandolin, and he followed this with a George Formby song ‘Leaning on a lampost’ which of course EVERYONE joined in with! Sandy let him do another song with Bob - a rendition of a J J Cale song ‘The Breeze’. Sandy and Bob then played a Townes Van Zandt song ‘Carolina’ with Sandy singing the ballad beautifully. Johnny T was next up also asking Bob to join him in two songs ‘Walking the Dog’ followed by ‘Don’t know what you want to do’ Joe MacAtamany then stepped up to sing ‘Eldorado’ and then You picked a fine time to leave me Yvonne’ -{a Glasgow version of the famous tune}. Bob Leslie then got back on stage in his own right and performed ‘Who do you love’ and then Stevie Osbourne was back with Bob, singing his song ‘Good to be alive’. Newcomer Chris then took a seat and sang an Eagles song for his friend - Jill. ‘Peaceful, Easy Feeling’ which finished off the evening.

Open Mic 21st January 2009

2009-01-24T16:33:00.001Z

Sorry, I didn't make it to Wednesdays Open Mic at the Clutha Vaults!

Big Bob Is Back!! 19th January 2009

2009-01-24T16:17:00.006Z

Big Bob Leslie is back with an Open Mic at the Clutha Vaults on Mondays, as from this evening.

Unfortunately, as it was only decided after the Open Mic on the 14th, there was not a lot of time to 'Spread the word!'

However Bob did a wide selection of ballads, and invited a few people who had turned up onto the stage to perform.

[Patch making friends with the audience!]

Elspeth sang a few songs and provided some backing vocals for Bob later on in the evening. Her dog, Patch, even joined in when she sang 'How much is that doggy in the window?' to him - he answered with barks in the appropriate pauses!!

George popped in and stayed to sing a few songs as well. A quiet start but I am sure it will pick up quite quickly once word gets around!

14th January 2009

2009-01-17T14:20:00.012Z

Sandy was just finishing as I arrived this evening [ I had been at a school production of 'Joseph and the amazing technicolour dreamcoat' at the Eastwood Theatre]. First up were Dede and Chris who were great - great voice for the songs 'House of the Rising Sun' and 'Highway to Hell', and excellent guitar playing.

Elspeth Durkin was next with accompanyment from Bob Leslie. She sang 'Autumn Leaves' and 'After the Goldrush' despite suffering from the tail end of a severe cold.

Scott was up next with two songs 'No Doubt' and 'Who wants to be a millionaire?'

Next to perform was "Wee Jasper" who started with a Randy Newman song from Toy Story ' You got a friend in me' followed by 'Deep River Blues' and finishing with 'What a day for a daydream' [Sandy had been slow to get back to the stage area!]

Next up was Brian who did a little of 'Fulsom Prison Blues' and then 'Last thing on my mind' with Sandy.

Johnny T Miller and Bob Leslie took to the stage next with Johnny singing 'Barefooting' and then 'Red Dress'

Bob stayed up and sang a couple of his own Ballads - 'Her Eyes' and then 'It'll last another day'

Dave was next with a couple of songs written by his pal - but he never gave the titles.

Sandy then got Big Ron up to sing 'The Green Fields of France' beautifully.

Sandy then informed everyone that Andy the Candy Logan had arrived by this time - complete with his new BUS PASS - yes he has now turned 60 years of age - which was a surprise to many people [ who commented that they thought he was older!!!!] Sandy and the entire bar then sang 'Happy Birthday' to Andy! Andy sang a beauiful ballad 'He stopped loving her today' and then at special request sang 'Games people play'

[Andy and Duncan]
Stuart Workman, with Bob, then took to the stage and performed the Leonard Cohen song 'Manhatten' followed by 'Copperhead Road' especially for Andy.

Joe MacAtamanay was next up singing 'I'll lay ye doon love' followed by 'Up the Northern Water'!

George then sang 'Rock and Roll suicide' followed by 'the night they drove old Dixie down'

Penultimate performer was Duncan Adams who sang 'Lay down Sally' encouraging everyone else to join in with him.

Final performance of the evening was from Ian Adie singing a Neil Young song 'Lonely Man' followed by 'Stand by Me', with a little accompanyment from Bob Leslie.

Not so sure about the seating position Ian!!

Final announcement of the evening was that Bob Leslie would be resuming the Monday night Open Mics at the Clutha Vaults commencing on the 19th January 2009 - and that all would be welcome!

There is also going to be a BURNS SUPPER to be held in the Clutha Vaults on thursday the 22 January costing £10 per ticket. SHould be well worth it!

Hogmanay 2008-2009 at the Clutha Vaults, Glasgow

2009-01-04T15:50:00.009Z

Although not technically an Open Mic night I did attend the Hogmanay Party at the Clutha Vaults.

Johnny T Millar was on stage with his band for most of the night, but he did get Bob Leslie up for a few songs.

Bob had asked the 'Chicken Supremes'

[consisting of Elspeth and Vivien] to do some backing vocals, and after Bob finished, Johnny asked them to stay on stage to sing backing vocals for a few of their songs.

A very good start to the New Year 2009.

2008-12-26T13:16:00.001Z

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2009 to all my 'readers'.

Sandy’s Open Mic 17th December 2008

2008-12-24T21:22:00.012Z

Sandy started the ball rolling with a couple of songs - ‘Dollar Bill Blues’ and then ‘Snow on Route one’

First up to the stage this evening was Bert with his dobro guitar with a blues song ‘Fallin’ off a rock’ followed by a slide blues song ‘Walkin’ blues’.

Davy was next on stage with the Beatles song 'Hide your love away’.
Sandy then asked Elspeth Durkin up to the stage with Bob Leslie on acoustic and Johnny T Miller on Bass. Not having had any practise together at all she sang ‘Santa Baby’ [slightly marred by Bob and Johnny missing the Bridge and key change!!] followed by ‘Have a Merry little Christmas’ which none of them had done before either!! Still it was definitely in the spirit of the evening, especially with Elspeth dressed in red and white!

Bob and JT then performed Bob’s song ‘It wasn’t down in Texas’ then a Leapy Lee song ‘Don’t’ let me go’ merging into ‘Run,Hide’.

Jo then took to the stage singing ‘2 more measures’ and then ‘Love cats’ along with Bob and JT.
Alexander White then came to the stage and sang ‘Whisky Town’ and then ‘Come pick me up’ with some backing vocals from Sandy.

Martin was next with a couple of songs including ‘Someone like me’.

Joe Kidd was in the house and he performed ‘Good Day’ with Bob, JT and Sandy on harmonies. Joe MacAtamany then got on stage to sing ‘A Powerful Song’ and then ‘Lily of the west’ in his own inimitable style. Stevie Osbourne along with Bob on acoustic, Carl Bridgeman on Bass, Pam on small drum, Elspeth on Tambourine and Sandy on harmonies then sang ‘Eastender Blues’ and then his own song ‘Good to be Alive’. Jer McDade was present and he decided to sing his songs ‘Bob Treetop’ which had everyone singing along on the chorus, and ‘On that Day’.

LP George then got to the stage to sing his own unique version of ‘Sunday, Bloody Sunday’ followed by ‘Oh, oh when I’m dead and gone’

Duncan Adams had joined the throng by this time and was invited up to sing his anthem ‘Where am I gonna Live?’.

Carl Bridgeman then took to the stage with his friend Miguel on tom toms singing his own songs ‘Things I’ve Seen’ and then ‘This could never happen’.

Willie Mathews then joined them on stage along with Bob and performed ‘Everyday I’ve got the Blues’ and a Bob Marley classic ‘No woman no cry’.

Final act of the evening was Ian Adie (the landlord) who, after giving a little speech about good the Open Mic evenings are [ I think the term he used was “the best in Glasgow” ] and how Sandy made the evenings so good and what a fine job he did, he invited everyone to the Christmas Eve and Hogmany evenings with JT and his band, at which there may be a few Open Mic performers invited up to the stage during the evening. He then performed an Eagles song ‘Take it easy’ along with Sandy, Bob and Carl to finish the late night off [ It was a 1.00 a.m. licence].

Wednesday 10th December 2008 Clutha Vaults

2008-12-15T00:19:00.001Z

Sandy’s Open Mic
I arrived a little late, so a few people had already been up . Kirsty was up on stage singing ‘Lost child’ followed by the Nina Simone classic ‘My Baby just cares for me’. Johnny T Miller was next up on the acoustic guitar singing ‘Take what you need’ followed by ‘Down to Louisiana’. [He and his band will be entertaining the customers on the 24th December and on Hogmanay in the Clutha this year]. Joe Kidd was present and sang a couple of his own songs ‘ Good Day’ (or as the regulars call it - the EBay song) with Bob Leslie on accompanying acoustic and Johnny T on Bass, and a new Christmas song which I didn’t hear the title of clearly. Stuart Workman then took Joe’s place in the trio and they performed ‘Cocaine’ and then the Leonard Cohen song ‘Manhattan’. Denis then got up with Sandy [& Bob & JT] to sing ‘Another Saturday Night’ which had lots of people in the audience joining in, and they were joined in the chorus by Frankie on a tenor Saxophone! Stevie Osbourne then joined Sandy, JT, Bob & Frankie to sing ‘The Eastender Blues’. Sandy then played the music for one of the audience ‘Tony’, to sing ‘Romancing’. Next up was Kate McGee who sang Autumn Leaves with Bob and joined by Frankie. Bob Leslie then took the stage and sang two of his own songs ‘It’ll last another day’ followed by ‘The Devil ain’t a friend of mine’ with some assistance on the Bass from Spam. Elspeth Durkin then joined them to sing ‘Will you still love me tomorrow’ followed by ‘Santa Baby’ - complete with festive season red cowboy hat!!. Jo then performed a couple of songs with her friend Miguel from Caracas who had his tom tom drums with him. I didn’t recognise the first song, but then she sang a version of ‘Love Cats’ which had everyone joining in with the chorus. Stuart, Jenny, JT, Bob, and Frankie then all got together to perform ‘Eire Canal’ followed by ‘Smile’ a Doris Day Song!. Bob & JT stayed to help Stevie O with his own song ‘Good to be alive’ about former drug addiction. Duncan Adams then took to the stage and sang a Travelling Wilbury classic ‘End of the Line’ with some help from Sandy on the chorus lines, which he followed with his ever popular ‘Where am I gonna Live…’. Joe MacAtamany was the penultimate performer with ‘Powerful song’ and then ‘Up the Northern Water’ before relinquishing the stage to Carl Bridgeman who was joined by Miguel on the drums. Carl performed two of his excellent songs ‘This never could happen’ - which was about racism, followed by ‘The things I’ve seen’ about some of his experiences of living in a scheme [Drumchapel]. An excellent evening, full of good music and good company.
Unfortunately there are no photos as the battery had run out in my camera………..sorry.

19th November 2008 Sandy's Open Mic

2008-11-23T14:43:00.009Z

Sandy started off with a couple of nice gentle ballads - a Beatles song - 'I'm looking through you' followed by 'a fearless heart' before getting Stevie Osbourne, accompanied by Bob Leslie, to sing 'The Eastender Blues'.

Bob then sang a couple of his own compositions 'It'll last another day' followed by 'The tune that was broken won't mend'.

Sandy then asked young Brian up to the stage where he sang a Bob Dylan classic 'Maggies Farm'.

Next up was Elspeth Durkin accompanied by Bob Leslie, singing 'Autumn Leaves' and then 'After the Goldrush'.

Joe MacAtamany came next with 'A Powerful Song' and then 'Lily of the West'.

Sandy then asked Bob to join him on a Townes Van Zandt song 'Caroline'.

Stuart Workman, through from Alloa, then joined Bob and sang 'Cocaine, and then the Leonard Cohen song 'Manhattan', at which point we had a very enthusiastic dancer up on the floor!

Brian then got back up to sing 'By a newspaper stand' and then an old classic which had the audience joining in - 'Be my Baby tonight'. Stevie O and Bob then got back up when Stevie sang his song about beating addiction - 'Good to be alive'.

Sandy and Dennis then sang a Sam Cook song 'Another Saturday night', and then 'Bright, sunshine day'.

Duncan Adams then performed a Travelling Wilburys song 'End of the Line' with Sandy joining in the harmonies, followed by 'Where am I gonna Live...?'

George Campbell got up to sing a couple next 'Everybody's makin it big but me' and then 'Hey Nellie, Nellie' by Shell Silverman.

Brian and Sandy then sang 'Its a lesson to late for the learning along with about half the audience!

LP George then got up and did a Bob Dylan song 'Dear Lila' before Sandy got Jenny and Stuart up to sing 'Pharoh's army'.

Johnny T Miller had arrived a little earlier and he and Martin Gilmore got up and performed 'Put on your Red Dress, Mama' followed by 'Shame, shame, shame'.

Final singer of the evening was Ian Adie with accompaniement from Sandy and Martin - to sing the classic Eagles Song 'Take it Easy'.

A very enjoyable evening as usual.

Wednesday 5th November - Sandy's Open Mic

2008-11-20T14:35:00.011Z

Sandy started as always, this time with 'Early in the morning'

and then he got Bob to join him on acoustic guitar and he sang a Townes van Zandt song 'Caroline'. He then got Aaron Hewitt up to the stage where he sang 'Sweet Carolina'

and then with some accompanyment and harmony from Bob and Sandy he sang 'Come pick me up'.

Sandy then performed a Kate Brusby song 'The Lark'. Bob Leslie then performed a lovely new song 'Her eyes' followed by another of his ballads 'It'll last another day'.

Next up was Bert - a fantastic blues player who gave us a Seasick Steve tune played with a bottleneck. It was mesmorising, and reminded me of the late Joe Durkin.

Joe MacAtamany was next up singing 'Up the Northern Water' followed by 'Lily of the West'.

Sandy then got back on stage to sing a request - the tim harding song 'If I were a Carpenter', before getting Bob Leslie and Elspeth Durkin up to perform. They sang the duet 'Love Hurts' followed by 'Dixie Chicken' - but a slow version this time! Sandy then did another request 'Pancho and Lefty' before getting Stevie Osbourne up to the stage with Bob to sing 'The Eastender Blues'.

Bob then played along with Johnny T Miller on 'Mojo Working' and then 'Hoochy Coochy Man' - which had everyone singing and dancing.

Stuart Workman and Bob then did a LEonard Cohen song 'Manhatten' and then Stuart did the Ballad of Billie the Kid'. Jenny then joined them on stage where they sang 'Eeire Canal' and then 'I'll remember you'.

Stevie Osbourne then got back up and sang his song 'Good to be alive' with Bob.

George O then got up and did a slow acoustic version of 'Pinball Wizard'for everyone.

followed by Duncan Adams then sang 'Where am I gonna live..?' which had a few people up dancing.

before Ian Adie then decided to sing the Eagles song 'Take it Easy' with help from Sandy on guitar, before Andy the Dandy Logan got up and played his unique version of the Steve Earle song 'Copperhead Road' with some accompanyment from the audience.

Final act of the night was Carl Bridgeman who performed a song 'Say It' on the acoustic guitar

and then his song 'The things I've seen' with his Bass.

An excellent evening, enjoyed by all.

3rd November 2008

2008-11-20T14:25:00.005Z

Monday Night at the Clutha with Kate and George

I arrived in about halfway through the proceedings and Kate and George started to perform 'The Wait'. They then asked Elspeth Durkin up to perform with George and she sang 'Autumn Leaves'. She performed the next song accapella [unaccompanied] which was 'The Last Leviathan' about the end of the whales, and it was not until after she had left the stage she discovered that a tableful of tourists [ladies] were actually from Norway - a whaling nation!!oops!

Kate and George filled in with another song before getting Joe MacAtamany up to sing 'Lily of the West' followed by 'Broom of the Cowdenknowes'.

Kate and George once again took the stage and sang 'Valerie' with some participation by some of the audience. They then asked Elspeth up again , when she sang 'Fields of Gold' with George accompanying, and then two accapella songs 'Home is behind' from the film Lord of the Rings - Return of the King, and then a traditional ballad 'Our Wedding Day', all well recieved by the audience.

Kate and George then performed another couple of numbers 'The Cherry Tree' and then 'Love the one you're with' before getting Joe Macatamany back up again. He sang 'A powerful song' and then 'Haul away'. Kate and George then finished off the evening with 'Time after Time' and then 'Big Yellow Taxi'.

29th October 2008 Sandy’s Open Mic

2008-11-01T09:30:00.008Z

Sandy started off the evening as usual with a couple of lovely ballads, ‘To live is to fly’ followed by ‘The Lark’.

First guest up of the evening was Bob Leslie who sang another couple of gentle songs ‘It’s all in the game’ which he had discovered that the tune had been written in 1914 by the vice president of the United States -- but the lyrics were added in the 1960’s. His second song was a new one of his own called ‘Her eyes’ a haunting little ballad.

Jer McDade was next up although he did say he was recovering from a hand injury [ which was why he had not attended the sessions for a while]. He did two of his relatively slow songs, ‘Mr Isbister’ and then a newer one ‘Moonbeams’.

Sandy then got back up to do a request ‘South Natural Blues’,

after which he asked Elspeth Durkin up to the stage, along with Bob Leslie on guitar.

She sang two of Bob’s favourites ‘Autumn Leaves’ and then ‘After the Goldrush’. Joe MacAtamany was next to the stage and he sang ‘Coorie Doon’ followed by ‘Fancy Free’.

Sean was next singing in an Oasis style, ‘Standing Strong’ and another which I did not get the title of.

Tony then got on stage to sing a Bob Dylan song ‘It ain’t me Babe’

Next up was Stevie Osbourne with Bob Leslie on guitar, to sing Eastender Blues.

Joe then sang ‘Sam Hall’.

Allan Stewart was there, and he got up on stage with his mandolin, and sang a Rory Gallagher song ‘Going to my Hometown’ and followed it up with a singalong version of The Who’s ‘Magic Bus’.

Dennis then got on stage and did ‘Another Saturday Night’ with some added vocals from Sandy. Graham then sat up to sing the Oasis tune ‘Wonderwall’ played by Sandy on guitar. Bob Leslie then got back up on stage to sing ‘How sweet it is to be loved by you’

and then was joined by Stevie O singing his song ‘Good to be Alive’.

Carl Bridgeman had arrived by this time and he sneaked in to join the on Bass guitar. Robert then got to the stage to sing ‘Killin’ the Blues’ joined by Carl.

Joe then got back up and sang ‘House of the Rising Sun’ joined in with by a large number of the audience!!!

Stuart Workman then took to the stage along with Bob Leslie and Carl Bridgeman and they performed ‘King of the Swingers’ to which a few people got up to dance! Andy Logan then played guitar for Izzy and Amanda who gave a beautiful harmonising duet.

George then gave an unusual version of ‘The Time Warp’.

Final performance of the evening came from Carl with two songs - his own ‘Fate and Circumstances’

followed by ‘Mustang Sally’ with good audience participation. A good evening all round.

Apology

2008-10-27T00:46:00.003Z

Hi, sorry I haven't been along to any Open Mics for the past few weeks - My dog had a bad fall and required an operation and has been wandrering around with a bucket/lampshade collar on since then and I did not feel that I should leave him on his own for four-five hours !! However, his wound is healing up and he is now 'lampshade' free, so I hope to be back in at the Open Mics very soon!!
Bye for now.

Scotch Corner 25th September 2008 Bob's Open Mic

2008-10-04T23:11:00.005Z

I arrived a little late but Bob was on the ‘new’ stage in Scotch Corner with Davie Martin who was singing ‘Handbags and Gladrags’.

Bob then sang a few more songs including ‘What in the world came over you’ and ‘Fell in love with the lady’.

He then got Duncan Adams up for a couple of tunes. Duncan sang ‘Lovely tonight’ and then ‘Keep it country tonight’.

Bob then asked Elspeth Durkin up to sing a Carol King song ‘Will you still love me tomorrow’ before duet ting with Bob on ‘Love Hurts’ and then she did some backup vocals when Bob sang ‘The weight’.
George was next up and there was a bit of friendly commenting about the length of the songs he sings - including comments such as ‘I think we’ll call you LP George from now on!’ He sang an Abba song ‘The day before you came’ followed by ‘Temporary like Achilles’.

Tony then got up to sing ‘It ain’t me babe which segued into the Eagles song ‘Take it easy’ [ however he did not want his photo put onto the blog so you will have to imagine what he looks like!]. Bob went back up and sang a Steve Earle song ‘Can’t remember if I said goodbye’ followed by ‘Me and Bobby McGee’. Duncan then got back up and sang a Travelling Wilbury song ‘End of the line’ with backing from Elspeth & Bob. Bob then finished off the evening with a little medley with Elspeth on backing vocals [whilst seated!] finishing with ‘You’re as Drunk as me’.

Clutha Vaults Wednesday 24th September 2008 Sandy's Open Mic

2008-09-28T13:33:00.012Z

Sandy started the evening off with a song 'ClayPigeons' by Blaze Folley followed by 'Out in the fields' by Kate Rusby.

First to the stage was Bob Leslie who sang his own compositions 'Smell the Roses' and 'It'll last another day'.

Sandy then asked Donny up to the stage and he performed a Steve Earle song 'Nothin brings you down like your home town' followed by a Doobie Brothers song 'Without Love' .

Sandy then got back on stage and sang an Elvis song 'Latest Flame' followed by 'Colorado'. He then asked Stuart Workman up to preform. [Stuart asked Bob to give him some accompanyment on his guitar] Stuart then sang the Leonard Cohen song 'Manhatten' and followed it with 'Changes'.

Sandy then asked Elspeth Durkin to the stage, with Bob, and she sang 'Summertime' followed by the Carole King song 'Will you still love me tomorrow'.

Jer McDade then took to the stage and sang his own song 'One day life got serious' and then a brand new song 'On that day' which could easily become another open mic classic which people can sing along to!

Sandy then sang 'Three kings'

before getting Donny back up - singing 'Rollin & Tumblin'.

Stuart Workman and Jenny then got up and sang 'I'll remember you' and then Jenny sang 'Moon River'.

George then got to sing a Dylan song 'Tangled up and Blue' followed by 'Halleluia.

Next on stage was a visitor from Virginia, America - Aaron Lewis. He started off with a pickin tune 'Freight train' and followed on with a pretty ballad 'Your beautiful place'.

Duncan Adams then performed 'Lay down Sally' and a Travelling Wilberry song 'End of the Line'.

George Campbell the sang Down to the River' and his classic 'Cod liver oil and the orange juice'.

Finishing off the stage performances were Johnny T Miller and Martin who performed an excellent version of 'Red Dress' finishing with 'Shame,shame,shame'.

A short jam session ended the evening whilst Sandy cleared up the equipment, with Aaron getting out a fiddle and playing some bluegrass style music with Bob Leslie and friends.

Sandy’s Open Mic 17th September 2008 Clutha Vaults

2008-09-21T11:49:00.014Z

Sandy started the evening with a nice ballad ‘You still need me’. First performer invited to the stage was Gavin Watt who performed a Neil Young song ‘Harvest Moon’ followed by a John Fogarty classic ‘Have you ever seen the rain..’.

Next up was Sean who sang two songs (of his own I think) in the style of Oasis.

Sandy then got back to sing a request ,

then asked Elspeth Durkin and Bob Leslie up to the stage. Elspeth sang ‘Will you still love me tomorrow’

and Bob then performed ‘My Baby she wrote me a letter’.

Andy Logan was present and Sandy got him up to do a couple of songs - ‘Games people play’ and then ‘St James’ Infirmary Blues’.

Next up was Bert who was a fabulous blues player using a glass slide. He did a couple of Robert Johnson tunes and had everybody listening intently. (Reminded me of Joe Durkin)

Sandy then got Tm onstage and he did a couple of his own songs.
Stuart Workman was over from the East Coast and he then gave us ‘I ain’t never satisfied’

and then with some help from Bob Leslie and Carl Bridgeman, performed the Steve Earle song ‘Copperhead Road’.

Joe MacAtamany then took to the stage to perform ‘Broom of the Cowdenknowes’ and then his version of the John Denver tune ‘Annie’s song’.

Bob Leslie then got back on stage to sing ‘The thrill has gone’, then with Elspeth Durkin a duet of his song ‘Different World’.

Duncan Adams then sang ‘The one I love’ followed by ‘Where am I gonna Live when I get home’ with much participation from the audience!

George then got up and gave us a Bob Dylan song ‘The story of The Hurricane’ .

Johnny T Miller had arrived by this time and got up with Bob Leslie accompanying him to sing ‘Sick and Tired’ a Boz Skaggs song.

Penultimate performers were Stuart, Bob, Carl and Jenni who sang ‘Pharaoh’s army.

Final performance was Carl Bridgeman on his Bass singing a couple of his own songs ‘Depend on you’ and ‘The things I’ve seen’. A good evening with plenty of variety of styles.

There were some visitors from Spain in the audience, and Andy Logan even had a couple of them up dancing to some of the songs, plus a few other people got up to dance to some of the faster numbers. A very short jam session followed whilst Sandy cleared up the stage equipment.

Apology!

2008-09-09T23:24:00.001Z

Sorry I've taken so long to add these updates - I've been a bit busy getting building work done on my bathroom and main hallway which has caused a little bit of chaos in the house.... hopefully all will be back to normall VERY soon.

Kindurco

Thursday 5th September 2008

2008-09-09T23:23:00.009Z

Bob started the evening off as usual, with a selection of songs,

before asking Elspeth Durkin up to join him and to sing ‘Summertime’ and then ‘After the Goldrush’ two of Bob’s favourites. Duncan then asked to perform a couple of his own songs :- ‘Gang tae Auchtermurchty’ and ‘Humdrum Days’ for his pals.

Bob was back onstage when friends Michael Anthony and Carl Bridgeman [also known as the group DESTINO] arrived.

Bob soon got Michael up to accompany him with his trumpet for the song ‘Stormy Monday’ and

‘Johnny B Good’. Carl and Michael then performed one of their songs ‘The Next man’ followed by Carl singing his song ‘The things I’ve seen’.
Duncan Adams had arrived by this time, and was asked up on stage to perform ‘End of the line’ and then ‘Donna‘- with Bob
and Elspeth giving him some impromptu and unrehearsed backing vocals, before he asked Carl to join him, on Bass, in ‘Mexicana Rock ‘n’roll’.
Final piece of the evening was Bob, Elspeth and Carl doing ‘Take another piece of my heart’ followed by ‘Gloria’.
A nice relaxing atmosphere and some great entertainment and interaction with the audience.

28th August 2008 Bob & Friends at Scotch Corner

2008-09-09T23:21:00.001Z

Bob was moved through to the Scotch Corner Bar, as there is a ten week “Battle of the Bands”[?] contest in the Clutha, for the next ten weeks. However, several people were enjoying the music out in the beer garden, as the back door was opened and one of the amplifiers directed to the garden area!
Bob started the evening with a wide variety of songs from his own compositions ‘It’ll last another day’ through to classic sing-a-long types such as ‘Love the one you’re with’.
Bob also got friends Elspeth Durkin, and Duncan Adams up to do a few songs before finishing the evening off, with a little help from Elspeth on backing vocals, with ‘Dixie Chicken ’, ‘Another piece of my heart’ and finally ‘Gloria’.

Thursday 21st August 2008 Bob Leslie & Friends

2008-09-09T23:19:00.001Z

Bob started off with a large selection of songs including ‘My old friend the blues’, May you never…’ and ‘Mr Beaujangles’ with a comment that nobody could ever beat the Sammy Davis Junior version! There were a number of German guests in and at their request Bob sang ‘Caledonia’ - which resulted in the floor being taken over by the visitors getting up and dancing with some of the ‘locals’!
Bobby [a different one] then took to the stage to perfom some wonderful finger-picking with his own composition ‘Ragtime’ inspired by Scott Joplin music from the film ‘The Sting’. He then did another couple of songs ‘Billy and the low ground’ and then a Neil Young song ‘Old Man’
Bob then asked Elspeth Durkin to join him singing ‘Autumn leaves’ and then ‘Summertime’, and then as a duet ‘Dixie Chicken’. Bob then continued with ‘Fulsom Prison Blues’, ‘Halleluiah’, by special request ‘Ring of Fire’, and ‘It ain’t me babe’.
Bobby then came back to the stage with Bob and they did ‘Honky tonk Woman’, I used to love her’ and then ‘Mrs Robinson’. Bob carried on with ‘the devils right hand’ and then ‘Who do you love’ - all with a constant stream of people up dancing in front of him. Davie Martin suddenly appeared and sang’ Handbags and Gladrags’ before disappearing again…… Elspeth got back up with Bob and sang ‘Will you still love me tomorrow’ and then ‘After the Goldrush’. Bob finished off the evening with ‘Tracks of My Tears’, ‘My girl’, Can’t run, hide, run’, ‘Crossroads’ and finally, with some backing vocals from Elspeth, ‘The Mighty Quinn’ and ‘Gloria’.

Wednesday 20th August 2008 Sandy's Open Mic

2008-09-09T23:16:00.005Z

When I arrived Stuart Workman was up singing, and just finishing up.

The next performers were Stevie Osbourne and Bob Leslie singing ‘The Eastender Blues’.

Bob and Elspeth were next o perform with Elspeth singing ‘Summertime’ and then ‘Autumn Leaves’.

Sandy then got back on the stage and sang ‘Down Town’.

Jer McDade then got up to perform his songs ‘Back in the 70’s’ and then ‘Rosemary fair’.

Gavin Watt was next with Neil Young’s ‘Harvest Moon’ followed by ‘We don’t dance the Techno anymore’.

Frank then got onstage to sing a U2 song ‘One life’ followed by ‘Sweet Home Alabama’.

TM then got up to sing two songs - but they were his own and I didn’t catch the titles.

Stevie O then got back up with Bob, to sing His own song ‘Don’t take anymore of my life away’.

Duncan Adams then gave us ‘The one I love’ -

with much harmony coming from the audience! And then Sandy joined him at the mic for ‘Where am I gonna live…?’

Sandy then performed a special song for ‘Woody’ - as it is his birthday on the 21st - ‘Lover’s story’.

Stuart with some help from Bob then did the Steve Earle song ‘Copperhead Road’.

Joe MacAtamany finished the evening with three songs ‘Gallowa’ Hills’ ; ‘Broom of the Cowdenknowes’ and finally ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’.

The evening finished off with a little jam session whilst Sandy put the equipment away. A very pleasant evening

Thursday 31st July 2008 = Bob Leslie and Friends

2008-09-09T23:11:00.002Z

Bob Leslie had started the evening off as usual with a fine collection of songs.
His first ‘guest’ was Hugh Who sang ‘It couldn’t be better and then Parchmont Farm. Carl Bridgeman was present and he got up to perform his own songs ‘Depend on You’ and then ‘She’s an angel’.
Davie Martin had dropped in at this point and he sang ‘Handbags and Gladrags’ with Bob. Bob then asked Elspeth Durkin up to the stage to perform ‘Summertime’ - yet another variation - they never do it exactly the same each time, and then that was followed with a Neil Young song ‘After the Goldrush’. Alan Stewart [from pubjamsessions] was in the house and got up to perform ‘Take you away from here’ and then one with Carl on his Bass, [of which I unfortunately did not hear the title]. A couple of newcomers then got asked up to perform - Martin and Christopher, (with Hugh or harp) then did an excellent cover of an old Lindisfarne hit ‘Hey Mr Dreamseller’. Carl then joined them and they did their own version of ‘Leyla'. See a few seconds of video on Youtube[ - link to it at the side of the blog - kindurco’s you tube].
Joe Kidd had arrived by this time and Bob asked him up - he performed his own songs ‘If you were my girl’ and then ‘Down the line’. Duncan Adams was also in the house by this time and he got up to perform ‘Keep it Country’ and then went straight into ‘Mamma’s got a squeezebox’!!
To finish off the evening Bob asked Carl , Elspeth and Hugh to join him in a rousing finale which included ‘Gloria’; ‘Bar-room Blues’; ‘Piece of my Heart’ and ending with ‘Dixie Chicken’.
A very pleasant evening all round.
And I did spot Sandy Watson [lead singer of the Vagabonds who perform at the Scotia on Thursdays] pop his head in the door around 10.30pm - to see how Bob was getting on!!

Bob's new Thursday night event 31st July 2008

2008-08-01T10:58:00.012Z

This is the new day of the week for Bob Leslie's Open Mic at the Clutha Vaults - He had arranged for Kate McGee to cover his Monday sessions whilst he was off on a well deserved holiday, and when he returned he found he had been 'moved'!!

So if you know anyone who used to go to the monday night sessions, please let them know that they will also be welcome at the Clutha on Thursday nights for sessions too!!

Unfortunately, I was a little late in arriving and therefore missed a few of the earlier performances from the excellent musicians who were in attendance, however, I was there until the end of the evening!

Bob Leslie as usual was singing up a storm, along with harp player Hugh, when I arrived. Hugh then played a couple of numbers on guitar -

Next up was Carl who gave us a couple of his own distinct foot-tapping songs.

Bob then asked Elspeth Durkin up on stage and thought that as the weather had been so nice they would perform 'Summertime' this was followed by 'After the Goldrush'.

Bob then played for Davie Martin, who had just arrived, singing 'Handbags and Gladrags.

Alan Stewart then took the stage with two songs, the second being accompanied by Carl on the Bass.
[Go to kindurco youtube for short demos]
Christopher and Martin then got onstage, with Hugh singing the lyrics to the Lindisfarne song 'Mr Dreamseller' before Carl then joined them for a version of the Eric Clapton song 'Layla'

Joe Kidd then performed a couple of his own songs - 'If you were my girl' and then, with some backing from Hugh on the harp, 'Down the line'

Duncan Adams then changed the mood slightly singing 'It has to be country' before changing immediately to Rock and Roll with 'Squeezebox'!!

Bob then gathered some of the performers back on stage with him - Hugh on Harp, Carl on Bass [seated & not in the picture] and Elspeth Durkin on backing vocals

They performed 'Gloria'; 'Roadhouse Blues'; 'Piece of my heart'; and finishing with 'Dixie Chicken'. An enjoyable evening!

23rd June 2008 Bob’s Open Mic at the Clutha

2008-06-24T10:58:00.010Z

Bob had started the evening off as usual, singing a medley of sings and finishing with ‘Caledonia’

First performer of the evening was Joe Kidd who gave us a new Neil Diamond song ‘Pretty Amazing Grace’ then a couple of his own songs, ‘Good Day’ and ‘Don’t talk, listen’.

Next up were Kate and Linda McGee. They started off with an old Eurhythmics song ‘Here comes the rain again’

and then Linda sang ‘Killing me softly’ with Kate playing guitar. They finished off with a Blue Nile song ‘Tinsel town in the rain’.

Next was Trevor with his version of ‘Don’t think twice’, and then the Byrd’s song ‘Down in the easy chair'.

His friend Willie was next with a truncated version of ‘Fire and Rain’ and then one of his own ‘Get out of my life’.

Bob then got back up to sing ‘The thrill has gone’

before getting Elspeth Durkin up on stage. Elspeth sang ‘Fields of Gold’ and then Bob played ‘Autumn Leaves’ which she managed to sing part of before breaking down at the line ‘since you went away ..’ -having to leave the stage rather emotional! Bob said that it "was the anniversary of her man's death and she's a bit fragile!" [it is actually four years since her husband , musician Joseph Durkin, had died.]

However Joe MacAtamany filled the spot and sang ‘Lily of the West’ and then ‘Jock Stewart’.

Carl then took to the stage and played a couple of his own compositions for the bass guitar and vocals ‘Leave it alone’ and then ‘she’s an Angel’ which he composed to the rhythm made by some broken windscreen wipers!!

Joe Kidd then returned to the stage to sing ‘Cherry Baby’

followed by Kate singing ‘Valerie’

and then Joe Mac singing ‘Ride On’

Finally Bob and Elspeth got Carl to join them for ‘Dixie Chicken’

and then a finale of ‘Gloria’ which Trevor also came up to the second mike and joined in with!. The evening finished at 11.45 and there was still a glimmer of light in the sky to the west - as the sun was skimming the edge of the horizon at this point of ‘high summer’. The solstice is past and the nights will slowly be getting longer from now onwards but the light of community within the Clutha will keep shining out!!

view from the Clutha front door; to the West along the River Clyde.

18th June Sandy's Open Mic at the Clutha

2008-06-24T10:48:00.011Z

Sandy started the evening with a couple of songs including the Beatles classic 'Hide your love away'.

First up was Jo singing 'She wants money' and then 'Broken Glass'.

Bob Leslie was next with 'It wasn't down in Texas' and then 'Smell the Roses'

Sandy got back up and sang 'They will be to you'

and then got Gavin Watt up to sing 'As long as I can see the light' and then 'Message to Ruby'

Elspeth Durkin then sang 'Autumn Leaves' and 'After the Goldrush' accompanied by Bob.

Jer McDade was next with his own compositions 'Sanctuary'

and then his popular song 'Bob Treetop' with a little backing from Sandy!

Joe Kidd was next with 'If you were my girl' and then 'Ain't done nothing wrong'.

Terry then changed the style with 'Guns across the river' .

Andy Logan was impressed enough to be watching through the window whilst he had a quick puff!

Next up was Joe MacAtamany singing 'Annie McKelvie' and then 'Ride On'.

Kate McGee got up and gave us 'Valerie'.

Newcomer David Aiton then got up and sang his own song 'Raindrops'.

Andy Logan then took to the stage and finally decided to sing 'St James's Infirmary',

and got some accompanyment from Michael on trumpet!

Duncan Adams, arriving late as usual. gave us a rousing rendition of 'Just want to dance the night away' also with a little help from Michael on trumpet,

before Destino [Carl and Michael] finished off the evening with a couple of songs 'Spirit in your all' and 'Leave it alone'.

11th June 2008 Clutha Open Mic

2008-06-17T23:37:00.000Z

Sorry I missed this session!!

Sandy's Open Mic 4th June 2008

2008-06-17T23:07:00.010Z

Sandy had started as usual and then first up was Stuart Workman, all the way from Alloa in the east to sing a couple of songs including ‘Please don’t let me be misunderstood’.

Next up was Brian with ‘Fulsom Prison Blues’ and then the classic Bob Dylan song from the sixties ‘Blowin in the wind’.

Sandy then got Elspeth Durkin up to the stage where she sang ‘After the Goldrush’ and then ‘Summertime’.

Kirsty followed with ‘Travellin soldier’ and then ‘First day of my life’.

Sandy then got back on stage and perfomed a Steve Earle song ‘Days are never long enough’.

Dennis then did ‘Careless Love’ and then ‘Saturday night…and I ain’t got nobody’. Bob Leslie took the stage then with a couple of his own compositions ‘Smell the roses’ and then an old classic of his own ‘The cultural imperialists have got me!’.

John followed on with a Neil Young song ‘Tell me why’ and then ‘What’s a poor boy gonna do?’.

Alex Mack and Davie were next with the guitar and banjo as well as singing, with ‘I’ll fly away’ and then a Bob Dylan song ‘I’ll be your Baby tonight’.

Jenni and Stuart Workman then got up to perform ‘Smile’ and then another classic - the Doris Day version of ‘Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps’.

Jer McDade then performed a couple of his own songs including ‘Back in the Seventies’.

Joe “Diamond” Kidd subsequently performed a new Neil Diamond song ‘Perfectly amazing grace’ followed by ‘She's got the way to move me’.

Joe MacAtamany got on stage to sing ‘Gallipolli’,

before handing over to Andy “the dandy” Logan with ‘he Games people play’.

Duncan Adams [late as ever] then asked ‘Where am I gonna live…?’ Carl then took to the stage with his Bass and played a beautiful melody called ‘Reach out a little bit’. Carl then introduced another Bass played called Scott, and they played a duet with double basses - which sounded really excellent.

George Campbell finished off the evening with ‘Cod Liver Oil and the orange juice’

despite the fact that he and his new wife were

JUST back from their honeymoon

- congratulations George!!

Monday 19th May 2008 Bob's Open Mic

2008-05-23T12:50:00.006Z

Bob’s Open Mic
It was quite a quiet evening in all, with only a few performers turning up but quite a few people in the bar to listen.

Bob started off with ‘My old friend the Blues’, his own song ‘It wasn’t down in Texas’, then a Leonard Cohen number ‘Bird on a wire’ followed by a new song of Bob’s ‘Short skirts in winter’. He then did a R. B. Morris song (from Tennessee) ‘Take that ride’ the composer is coming to Glasgow soon, and will be worth taking in if you can. Next was a Mike Dako song ‘Handbags and Gladrags’ which Bob dedicated to new Grandad Geoff Allan! Next was ‘Caledonia, ‘The Thrill is gone’, ‘Tracks of my tears, and then a Steve Earle song ‘Devil’s right hand’, ‘What’s going down’ and finally ‘The Ballad of Pancho and Lefty’. He then got Elspeth Durkin up on stage to sing ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Summertime’, and ‘After the Goldrush’.

Joe MacAtamany then got up to sing ‘Haul Away’ and then ‘Gallowa Hills’.

Bob then got back up to sing ‘Hallelulia’ another Leonard Cohen song, and then an Italian song - which I do not know the title of! There was then a request for a Kenny Rogers song - and then only one Bob knew was ‘Ruby’ Bob then sang ‘The Mighty Quinn’ with Elspeth giving some backing vocals. Joe Kidd then got on stage and sang his own song ‘If you were my girl’ and then a Neil Diamond song ‘Cherry’ followed by his own popular song ‘Good day’. Bob then sang a request from Joe Kidd ‘The Devil ain’t a friend of mine’ with backing from JK and Elspeth.

He then continued with ‘Fulsom Prison Blues’ and then ‘Mr Beaujangles’. Duncan Adams had arrived by this time and he got up for a few songs - ‘Only you’ by Kenny Rogers, ‘Alright’ by the Travelling Wilburys and ‘Dance the night away’ by the Mavericks. Bob then finished off the evening with ‘You’re as drunk as me’then ‘Take another piece of my heart’,and ‘ Love the one you’re with’ with Elspeth and Duncan on backing vocals.

Geoff Allan on small drum and Duncan on Stool Drum!

Geoff with some Swedish visitors, who had enjoyed the evening.

14th May 2008 Sandy's Open Mic

2008-05-18T10:07:00.015Z

The Open Mic did not start until sfter the UEFA Cup final finished on the big screen, and everyone at the Open Mic sends commiseration to the Rangers team and fans from everyone at there. We were all rooting for a Scottish victory but it was not to be unfortunately.

Sandy opened the singing with a Kate Rosebell song 'The wild Geese' and then got Jo up first. She performed 'Feels like broken glass' and then 'May you never..'

Ronnie was next with two of his own songs 'If you're near' and then 'She's halfway there'.
Next was Peter with another couple of original songs 'We must stare' done with such gusto he broke one of Sandy's strings - so changed to Bob's guitar to play 'I'm a Zombie'.

Elspeth Durkin then got up, with Bob, to sing a blues song - 'Summertime' and then a duet with Bob of his song 'Different World's'. Stewart Workman and Jenni then got on stage to sing 'Smile'
and Sandy joined them to harmonise on 'Fort Worth Blues'.

Ian Adie then got to the stage to sing 'Help me make it through the night' followed by 'Stand by Me'.

Someone wrapped him with a Rangers scarf whilst singing but like a true professional he kept going to the end of the songs before taking it off! He stated that this was the only time that football colours were allowed in the pub - and if anyone tries to come in again "They'd be barred"!!

It did give everybody in the place a good laugh though and raised the mood too.

Duncan Adams was next on stage, joined by Michael Anthony on trumpet,

singing 'All you do is bring me down' and then 'Dance the night away'.
Bob Leslie was next singing his own songs 'Lady luck rode away' and then 'The tune that was broken'.

Joe MacAtamany was next with 'Annie McKelvie' and 'Wild Mountain Thyme' done in his inimitable style.

DESTINO [Carl and Michael] were up next with 'Spirit in your all', 'I'm gone' and 'A wee Movement'. ( They are going into the studios for the next couple of weeks to cut a disc.)

Stewart and Sandy then performed 'Can't remember if we said goodbye' of which there is 27 seconds of video on kindurco youtube - click on the link above.
and Sandy [a Celtic fan] then stated "Hard luck Rangers - you did Scotland Proud!".
Sandy then got Bob and Elspeth up to do 'Dixie Chicken' and Michael and Carl joined them too. Sandy joined them straight after to sing 'Who do you love'

Ian Adie had asked Sandy to keep going for another half hour or so {late license} so they then sang 'Gloria', followed by David Martin with the 'group' singing Handbags and Gladrags' Stewart and Jenni then joined in and did 'Pharoah's Army'. then it was 'Nobody Knows' with Jo.
Ian Adie finished the night off with 'Help me make it through the night' - with a little help from Bob, Carl, Michael and Elspeth.
[Battery on the camera ran out before the end - sorry].

7th May 2008 Sandy's Open Mic

2008-05-18T09:26:00.009Z

Sandy started off with a few songs including a Frankie Miller song 'Drunken nights in the city'.

Bob Leslie was first up singing a couple of his own songs 'No strings and no regrets' - about a brief liaison with an australian girl back in his youth and then 'the tune that was broken won't mend'.

Andy Logan was next, despite a painful wrist, with 'The always popular 'The games people play' followed by 'Time slips away'.

Amy Belle had joined us this evening and got up to sin 'Parallel' and then 'I love you' both beautiful songs

Ronnie then took to the stage and sang 'End of an Era' followed by 'She's halfway there'.

Elspeth Durkin was next to perform with Bob on guitar singing 'Summertime' - a tribute to the great weather we have been having recently, followed by 'After the Goldrush'.

Sammy then got to the stage and sang a couple of his own songs, but I didn't catch the titles [sorry],

and he was followed by Gavin Watt singing a Neil Young song 'The old laughing lady' and thena John Fogarty song 'Have you ever seen the rain?'

Jer McDade then took to the stage and livened the proceedings up with a couple of his own compositions 'Rosemary Fair' and 'Mrs Moonshine'.

Joe MacAtamany then sang 'I never found my Eldorado' followed by 'The Broom of the Cowdenknowes'.

Duncan Adams had arrived by this time [late as usual] and got up to sig 'Great wide open' and then 'Dance the night away' with some accompaniment from Michael on the trumpet.

Veronica then got up, with Sandy on guitar, to sing If you ever change your mind' and was also joined by Michael on trumpet and also Carl on bass guitar. She then continued with the Eric Clapton song 'You look wonderful tonight'.

Carl and Michael then stayed on stage [ as Destino] and played three songs 'Put spirit in your all', I'm Gone' and a song written for the Clutha Open Mics [both Bob and Sandy's] called 'A wee movement' - about the music and friendship and fun of the Clutha Open Mics.

Kevin Young then got to the stage and first of all did a Lowell George song 'Willin' (with some impromptu backing vocals from Bob and Elspeth) followed by a David Bowie song 'The Beauly Brothers'.

Ian Adie then took the stage and sang 'Out on the weekend' followed by 'Aurora Borealis' to finish off the evening.

As usual another excellent night of music in a small corner of Glasgow in Scotland!

5th May 2008 Bob's Open Mic

2008-05-17T21:47:00.016Z

Bob started off with some songs including 'Tracks of my tears', 'Heatwave' and 'It wasn't down in Texas'.

First up for the evening was Joe Kidd singing an Elvis Presley song followed by two of his own 'Don't talk - Listen' and 'De Da De Da'

Chris Grant was in with the news that he had been at the X Factor auditions and had got through to the second stage of auditions - we definately wish him all the best. He was still up for singing though and gave us 'Saved by a woman' and 'It was only a kiss' followed by 'Under the spotlight'.

Duncam Adams was next to the stage and gave us 'Take your money with you' and 'I don't care if you love me anymore' and then 'Its alright'.

Next up was Elspeth Durkin singing 'Autumn Leaves', then a new song for her 'Summertime' and then the Neil Young song 'After the Goldrush'.

Roy Thomas was then invited up to the stage where he sang 'Ain't misbehavin' and had obviously not been indoors whilst Elspeth was on stage as he then proceeded to sing his version of 'Summertime'!!!

Bob then went back on stage with Johnny T Miller and Ian Focker to perform 'Who do you love' and then 'the Statesborough Blues'.

Rab was next up with 'I'm not playing the game' and then 'Take me down little Suzie'.

Johhny T and Vivienne then got up to sing 'Who knows where the time goes' followed by 'Wayfaring Stranger'.

Andy McGarvie had arrived by this time and got up to sing 'Watchtower' and then 'Mr Tambourine Man'.

Duncan then got back up and sang 'Where am I gonna live' with Johhny T.

Joe Kidd then returned to the stage with Johnny T and Bob, to perform 'Good Day'.
Roy Thomas then sang 'The heart of Saturday night'

followed by Chris Grant again with 'Catch me when I fall'

Duncan then sang 'All you do is bring me down'

Bob got back on stage with Johnny T and the Chicken Supremes (Elspeth and Joe Kidd) to sing 'The devil ain't a friend of mine' [a special request by Joe Kidd]

and then finishing with 'Gloria' (Chicken Supremes = Elspeth & Vivienne)
The evening finished with a short jam session whilst Bob put the equipment away.

Wednesday 16th April 2008

2008-05-05T08:45:00.010Z

Sandy’s Open Mic
Sandy, as usual, started off the proceedings with a Neil Young song ‘Heart of Gold’ followed by ‘Dead Ringers’ which was a Teenage Fan club song.

Bob Leslie was first up with a couple of his own compositions ‘Smell the roses’ and then ‘The devil ain’t a friend of mine’

Andy Lindsay was next to perform, singing ‘The things we said today’

followed by 'Statesborough Blues’ with some help from Willie Mathews on guitar and Michael Anthony on trumpet.

Sandy then got Elspeth Durkin up to sing ‘Autumn Leaves’ and then ‘Jolene’.
Tommy then got up to sing ‘Hazard Hollow and then ‘Ghost riders in the sky’.
Sandy then sang another song ‘Colorado Girl’ before handing over to Joe Kidd who sang ‘For the children’

and then [with some help from Bob and Michael] ‘Good Day’

[or as some of us know it - the eBay song]

James then got up and sang ‘I am not dead yet’ followed by ‘I want to dance with Emily’.
Joe MacAtamany then took to the stage and sang ‘Fancy Free’ and ‘ Lily of the West’ with his usual aplomb.

Newcomer Jordanne McBride [Jo] then got to the stage and performed ‘Broken Glass’ which was well received by everyone.

Bob Leslie and Elspeth Durkin then performed a Little Feat number ‘Dixie Chicken’

and were followed by Dennis singing ‘Saturday night’ with assistance from Sandy and Michael.
Kate McGee then got up and sang ‘I don’t want to wait in vain for your love’.
DESTINO were next on stage [Michael on trumpet and Carl on Bass] performing ‘I’m Gone’ amongst others.

Willie Mathews finshed off the evening by joining Destino and singing ‘No Woman, no cry’ followed by ‘The thrill has gone’

A superb evening with some fabulous musicians.

9th April 2008

2008-04-16T18:03:00.004Z

Sandy started the evening with a Spanish song , in honour of some Spanish visitors.

Bob Leslie then sang his songs ‘Smell the roses’ and ‘Cordelia Jane’

Peter was next with ‘We must share’ and then ‘I know that face well’

Tommy then took the stage and did ‘Ghost riders in the sky’ followed by ‘Hazard Hollow’

Mike Play, a new face at the Open mics then performed two of his own songs ‘Elementary’ and then ‘Stay up’ both excellent songs and really well performed.

Gavin Watt was next with ‘Lonesome Me’ and then ‘For what it’s worth’.

Stevie then took to the stage with ‘Wild Horses’ followed by ‘Hey Jude’

Elspeth Durkin was next up , with Bob Leslie on guitar, singing ‘Autumn Leaves’

and then a duet with Bob - of the Little Feat song ‘Dixie Chicken’. Scott then got up and played some slide guitar on his own Dobro [no photo unfortunately] and he was followed by Rob with ‘The Ballad of John and Yoko’ and then ‘Honkytonk Blues’

Joe MacAtamany was next on stage with ‘Haul Away’ and then Ride On’

and he was followed by Jer McDade with one of his compositions ‘Something Good’.

Neil was next - a left-handed guitar player - and he did an excellent version of Johnny Cash’s song ‘I hurt myself today’.

Duncan Adams then got up to sing ‘Where am I goin’ to live?’ and ‘I don’t care if you love me anymore’.

Willie Mathews was last and finished with ‘If I had a Hammer'.

There was a very short Jam session to follow before the staff started moving everybody slowly out of the pub!!

Sandy's Open Mic, 2nd April 2008

2008-04-06T12:38:00.005Z

Sandy started the evening with his usual couple of songs including 'Drunken nights in the city'.

Kirsty was first up - sporting her new look which really suits her!

Her songs included 'Dirty Pennies'.

Andy Lindsay was next with a couple of old classics 'I put a spell on you' and then 'Istanbul/Constantinople'.

New face Peter then got up and sang 'Rock Island Line', 'Fulsom Prison Blues' and then Route 55 [a song which Joseph Durkin used to do a slide blues version of].

Dave was then up with 'All he wanted'.

Stuart Workman and Johnny T Miller (on Bass) then did a Leanoard Cohen number 'First we take Manhatten' and then the Steve Earle classic 'Copperhead Road'.

Joe MacAtamany then took the stage and sang 'Lily of the West' and then 'Coorie Doon'.

Next on stage was Gavin Watt with 'Four strong winds' and then the ever popular 'You don't dance the techno anymore'.

Bob Leslie then took to the stage with a couple of his own compositions 'Smell the roses' and 'It'll last another day'.

He stayed on stage to accompany Elspeth Durkin who sang the Dolly Parton classic 'Jolene'

and then 'Dixie Chicken' along with Johnny T as well.

Vivienne then got up with Johnny to sing the Sandy Denny song 'Who knows where the time goes'.

Willie Mathews then took the stage with Johnny T and Andy Lindsay [on hand drum] and they performed 'Rollin and tumblin' followed by 'Black Magic woman'.

Jimmy then got to the stage with Johnny T and did 'Out of my Head'.

Johnny stayed on to provide the bass line and Sandy then got Andy Logan up to sing 'Good Hearted woman,

and following him, Duncan Adams with 'Where am I gonna Live?'.

Final act of the evening was the group Foobar, who had come along a few weeks ago. They gave a great performeance of their songs 'Old fashioned way', 'There's more to life than me' and a newly written 'Peter Sellers', all of which were enthusiastically received.

As there had been so many great perfomers in this evening, the performances finished dead on midnight [although Foobar had anounced both last orders and that the bar was closing between their songs]. A great evening with good performances and a great atmosphere.

Wednesday 26th March 2008, Clutha Vaults

2008-03-30T20:05:00.010Z

Sandy's Open Mic

I was a little late arriving , however Frank was the first guest on stage playing an instrumental followed by a Neil Young song 'Only Love'.

Next up was Bob Leslie with two of his newer songs, bothe of which were well received - 'Smell the roses' and 'Snake Oil'.

Andy Lindsay then took to the stage and performed 'Cry me a River' and then One night with you'.

which had a few folk up dancing! [Izzy & Andy ]

Aaron Hewitt was through from the east coast, and he sang a couple of songs - 'Days aren't long enough' and 'Fulsom Prison Blues'.

Next on stage was an excellent young blues player, John Alexander, singing 'No place to go' and then 'I only want to know about Love'.

Stuart workman followed him with a couple of classics 'Mis-understood' and 'Cocaine'.

Sandy then got up and said that the next song was a tribute to Joseph Durkin, who died of cancer in 2004, but who had been a great supporter of Sandy's Open Mics, and a brilliant musician. He then sang 'Room Service' a favourite of Joe's.

Jer McDade then went onstage and performed a couple of his own songs 'Mr Vaughn' and then 'In the 80's'.

Sandy then got Elspeth Durkin [Joseph's widow] up to sing a couple of songs - 'Autumn Leaves'with Bob Leslie on guitar and then a duet with Bob of his song - 'Different Worlds'.

Izzy was next to perform, with Andy Logan on guitar, singing 'Its a sin to tell a lie'

followed by the ever popular -' I want a hug'!

Stevie Osbourne had appeared in the doors this evening [ having been working away from town for a while] and he did 'Eastender Blues'

with Bob on guitar.

Joe MacAtamany then did 'Fancy Free' and 'The Galloway Hills',

before Willie Mathews finished the evening off with the old Animals classic- 'House of the Rising Sun'

before ending with a Reggae medley starting and ending with 'No Woman No Cry',

with the help of almost the entire audience!! This ended the formal session, but as usual a short jam session in the audience followed, whilst the equipment was put away.

Monday 24th March 2008 Easter Monday!

2008-03-25T23:42:00.005Z

The Clutha was quietish, this evening - possibly the result of it being the Easter weekend, and people away in different parts of the country for holidays?? Bob was valiant and performed several songs, to keep the mood going for the evening. He started with ‘Mr Bojangles’ followed by ‘ My old friend the Blues’, ‘The Thrill is gone’, ‘Caledonia’ and then a Sandy Denny song ‘Who knows where the time goes?’ followed by two requests from the audience ‘ Me and Bobby McGee’ and ‘Fulsom Prison Blues’ . He then sang the classic ‘Tracks of my tears’ before asking Elspeth Durkin up to sing ‘Dixie Chicken’ with him. She then sang ‘Autumn Leaves’ and ‘After the Goldrush’. Bob then continued with ‘Handbags and Gladrags’, ‘Halleluiah’, ‘Heatwave’, ‘My Girl’ and ‘The Mighty Quinn’. After a short break he then got Izzy [from Theatre Nemo] up to sing a couple of songs ‘You made me love you’ with Bob accompanying her on guitar ,

and then 'The Spinning Wheel’.

Bob then sang ‘Deportee’ before getting Elspeth back up to sing ‘Fields of Gold’ and ‘Jolene’. Joe MacAtamany had arrived by this time, and he obliged us with ‘Fancy Free’ and then ‘Ride On’ and ‘Up the Northern Water’.

Bob and Elspeth then sang a couple of duets ‘ Love Hurts’ and then ‘Different Worlds’ before finishing the evening with Elspeth singing backing vocals on ‘Gloria’, ‘You keep me hanging on’ and finally ‘You’re as drunk as me!’

Wednesday 19th March 2008

2008-03-25T23:41:00.000Z

Sorry missed this evening’s action - if anyone has a review of it - let me know and I’ll stick it in here!!

17th March 2008 St Patrick’s Day!

2008-03-25T18:50:00.012Z

Arrived late and Bob was on stage.

He had just been asked by a woman in the audience for “an Irish Song” and he sang ‘she moves through the fair’ which he said was the only Irish number he knew. He got Ronnie Simpson up to sing ‘the Green fields of France’ next,

followed by Ian Adie who sang his song ‘William Wallace’ [ despite more cries from the woman for “an Irish song“!]

Bob then got Elspeth Durkin up to sing Autumn Leaves and then to harmonise with Bob on the Little Feat number ‘Dixie Chicken’.

At this point the Open Mic section ended for a short period while the duo ‘The Hot Tamales’ took over for a set [to cries of “give us an Irish song” from the same woman!]

After their first set had ended, Bob once more got on stage and performed ‘Deportee’ followed by

‘You’re as drunk as me’. Jer McDade then got up and sang ‘Bob Treetop’ and an old Kinks number ‘Lola’.

"Leprechaun or Diddy Man??!!??"

Bob then carried on the sixties theme with ‘The Mighty Quinn’ before persuading Marlene and Annie Fagin up to sing ‘The Galway Shawl’ = an Irish number!!

Joe Mac then performed a couple of songs ‘Ride On ‘ and then the only Irish song he said he knew ‘The Sally Gardens’.

Ian Adie was then back on stage and sang ‘Take the ribbons from your hair’ followed by an Eagles number ‘Tequila Sunrise’.

{Ian had requested some more photos of himself - glad to oblige Ian!!}

Bob then got Elspeth to sing ‘After the Goldrush’ before finishing the Open mic portion of the evening off with ‘You keep me hanging on’ with Elspeth singing backing vocals.

The Hot Tamales then got back on stage to finish off the evening.

Ian asked if I could take an 'official photo' of all the people in the bar who were wearing the shamrock and guiness hats, - so they all squeezed onto the stage for a group picture.

Some of the 'shenanigans' of the evening:

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Clutha Vaults, Glasgow 1

2008-03-19T18:59:00.001Z

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Clutha Vaults, Glasgow 1
Originally uploaded by Kindurco.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Clutha Vaults, Glasgow

Just a few of the customers who were in celebrating St. Patrick's Day!

Wednesday 12th March 2008

2008-03-13T19:23:00.012Z

What an excellent evening!
Sandy started off the evening with a couple of songs including ‘Everything Flows’.

First up was Stewart who sang a ballad ‘Roddy McCorlie’ unaccompanied.

Bob Leslie then got on stage and sang a couple of his own compositions ‘Smell the roses’ and then ‘Cordelia Jane’

Sandy then asked Andy Lindsay up - and

Willie Mathews joined him on guitar for the first song ‘New Leopard skin pillbox hat’

followed by ‘Beer is best’ both songs had a comedic turn which brought smiles and laughter. Then Sandy asked a group up to play, and after a bit of re-organising of microphones, etc. they started. They are calling themselves ‘Foobar’

and they performed three songs ‘More than me’, Wish you well’ and ‘Skinny Chicks’. They got cheered at the end and when asked to do another song by Sandy [and the audience] they did a reprise of the first song, [this time joined by Bob on small drum and Elspeth on Tambourine from the floor]. We certainly hope they come back a lot more often. Next up was Elspeth Durkin with Bob, and they sang one of Bob’s songs ‘Different Worlds’ followed by ‘Autumn Leaves’.

Next up was Jimmy with a Leonard Cohen song ‘First we take Manhattan’ which he followed with the classic ‘If I were a Carpenter’.

Eddie then got up and sang a Steve Earle song ‘Copperhead Road’ followed by a David Bowie song ‘Ziggy Stardust’.

We had some people, from the area of Tain, in celebrating a 40th birthday [Happy Birthday to Callum] and two of then Fraser and Fern got up and performed ‘Freedom’ and then ‘Play that funky music’.

Fern had a fantastic ‘rock&roll’ voice, perfect for the songs chosen. This had everyone fired up and then their friend Charlie Ellis got up and performed a song

from the Ozark Mountain Dare Devils called ‘Chicken Train’ [after asking for some help from the drum and tambourine too]

- which also had people clapping and stamping along to the song.

Carol then got up to the mic and sang an old Billie Holladay song ‘My Man’ without any accompaniment.

Sandy then asked Joe MacAtamany up to the stage and he sang ‘Shenandoah’ and then ‘Gallipoli’.

Willie Mathews then got to the stage to accompany David Martin on ‘Handbags and Gladrags’.

and then then stayed on to perform

‘Sunday morning sidewalk’. He was followed by Izzy and Andy with ‘I want a hug’ and then ‘I could have danced all night’.

The evening would have ended there if Ian Adie [owner] had notgot Sandy to keep going for a while longer. Ian then got on stage and sang a Neil Young song followed by an adaptation of his own ‘William Wallace’.

Andy Logan then got back on stage and sang ‘Games people play.

Unfortunately the battery on my camera ran out at this stage so there are no more photographs.

He was followed by Sandy singing ‘Strawberry Fields’. Sandy then asked Bob and Elspeth back up and sing ’Take another piece of my heart’. They stayed on stage and were joined by Willie Mathews and Andy Lindsay, with a Ry Cooder classic ’They call me the breeze’ [Willie-guitar & vocals; Bob-Guitar; Andy-drum; Elspeth-tambourine.

Joe Mac got back up and sang ‘Annie McKelvie. And the evening was finished off by Sandy, Davie [and Bob].
A really great evening full of vibrant music and laughter!

10th March 2008, Bob’s Open Mic At the Clutha Vaults

2008-03-11T23:27:00.007Z

I was a little late getting in this evening and the sessions had already been going for a short while. The bad weather seems to have put a few people off from coming out!

When I arrived Stewart was just finishing on stage.

Next up was Brian McDade, an excellent singer songwriter, who has been living in Nashville for a while I believe. His songs included ‘You don’t know my name’,

‘People in grass houses’ ,

and ‘Strangeways’.

Bob then got up and sang a couple of his songs ; ‘It wasn’t down in Texas’ -written as a sort of backlash to all the love songs that mentioned all the American places where people ‘found love’!

his second song was a result of finding his cat snoozing on top of his laundry basket - ‘It’ll last another day’.
Next up was Elspeth Durkin who gave her renditions of ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Jolene’,

and ‘After the Goldrush’. Bob then continued with ‘Dirty Business’ [about coal mining] and then got Elspeth back up on stage to join him

in a bluesy version of ‘Dixie Chicken’.

Stewart then got back on stage and sang ‘Mattie Groves’

and then a Brian McNeil song ‘No God’.

Brian McDade then got back up and sang his own song about spending St Patrick’s Day playing in a club in America - where all the drinks were coloured GREEN [with food dye]!!- called ‘I seen it in Los Angelo’

followed by another ballad ‘Songs from the Port’ and then finally ‘Blade edge of Bohemia’
Bob then sang another of his songs ‘I love you more than Ice-cream’ before getting Joe MacAtamany up for three songs ‘ Broom of the Cowdenknowes’, ‘I’ll lay ye doon love’ and ‘Bonnie Glenshee’.

Bob then sang a request of ‘Me and Bobby McGee’

before finishing off the evening ,with some backing from Elspeth and Brian, with ‘You’re as drunk as me’, ‘You keep me hanging on’ and finally ‘Goodnight Irene’.

3-9th March 2008

2008-03-10T10:20:00.001Z

Sorry, didn't make it to the Open Mics on Monday 3rd or Wednesday 5th,
but I did hear on the grapevine that they were both good.