FROM the robust opening jig-time of Brose and Butter to the eloquent but chill note of despair in Wendy Weatherby's closing song, I'll Lay Me on the Wintry Lea, this neat wee show demonstrates just how "the twa Robs" – Burns and his near-contemporary
, the less celebrated Paisley weaver Tannahill – were masters of the art of matching words to tunes.
While many of the songs aren't as well known as the sometimes overworked Burns standards, every one here is a winner, as singers Weatherby and John Morran – who also play cello and guitar/bouzouki respectively – multi-instrumentalist Marc Duff and accordionist Sandy Brechin perform, generally with great spirit, in this intimate, old panelled room tucked away in Riddles Court. Presenter Fred Freeman comments on the songs and brandishes large sheets displaying the chorus lyrics, while the essentially catchy nature of most of the choruses render his efforts pretty redundant.
Up-tempo material such as I'll Hie me to the Sheilin' Hill, sung by Morran, rattle along nicely to Duff's bodhran while Morran also sings possibly Tannahill's best-known song, The Braes of Balquidder, with smeddum. Burns's habit of taking a jig or reel and slowing it down as song is demonstrated by The Lea Rig , delivered first as a nimble reel on recorder and cello, before Weatherby gives a warm-toned rendition of the much-loved song itself.
• Until 23 August. Today 7:30pm
The full article contains 251 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
