Celtic Connections: Session A9
City Halls, Glasgow - 28/01/24
A firm favourite amongst the Celtic Connections regular line-up, Session A9 were back again, this year celebrating the release of their new album ’The Magic Roundabout’ with a cracking show at Glasgow’s City Halls. With Kevin Henderson, Adam Sutherland and Charlie McKerron on fiddle, Gordon Gunn on fiddle and mandolin, David ‘Chimp’ Robertson on percussion, Marc Clement on guitar and vocals, and Brian McAlpine on piano and backing vocals, the group exuded a compelling energy with their brilliant banter and fantastic tunes. Over a decade on from their last album release, Session A9 have crafted a collection of exciting sounds, ranging from the entrancing ‘Waltzes’ to the mysterious and quirky eponymous ‘The Magic Roundabout’.
What a treat it was to be there for their launch! When the band first took the stage, Brian McAlpine encouraged the audience to shout, clap and dance to build that buzzing atmosphere that always marks a Session A9 gig - and we didn’t need to be told twice! Looking around I saw every hand tapping, head bobbing and foot stomping. During ‘Waltzes’ couples took up Gordon Gunn’s invitation to take to the aisle for a dance. Only a tentative few dancers started out, but as the music swelled so too did the energy in the crowd, and soon dancers were dotted all about the hall, creating a true party atmosphere. Next, a cover of The Band’s ’Twilight’ marked a beautiful pace change. The gentle tone of the song was expertly executed by Marc Clement’s rich vocals.
It was wonderful to hear the much-anticipated new material, but also to hear some favourites from previous albums. Session A9 are big fans of Gordon Duncan’s compositions; ‘The Sleeping Tune’ is an entrancing number of his that is so finely played by the band. Each layer of this piece comes together to create a captivating performance, and we were guided through the memorising, tender tune directly into ‘Lady Montgomery’s Reel’, which brought about a roof-raising injection of energy. Throughout the night we were taken on a perfectly structured musical journey. As always, Session A9 showcased how they can take a huge space filled with people and make an intimate atmosphere. It was one big party - and so much fun!
‘C Set’ concluded the set to a standing ovation, but the audience weren’t leaving without ‘One for the Road’. We were treated to an encore of this much-loved tune that had everyone in the stalls up and dancing and singing along. A brilliant way to kick-off their album tour - Session A9 will head across Scotland in the coming months. Fantastic tunes, great banter and a good fun time makes it a show not to be missed.
