Session A9 (Scotland on Tour)

Boat of Garten Community Hall - 18/11/22

Put together renowned musicians Gordon Gunn, Kevin Henderson, Adam Sutherland, Brian McAlpine, David Robertson, Brian Clement, led by Charlie McKerron, and you have Session A9, one of the industries finest trad live bands. Apparently, they haven’t played this neck of the woods for over twenty years, when they played informal sessions up and down the A9 (hence the name). They are scattered all over the country but brought together again by Scotland on Tour, a government initiative to support the live music industry, locals in Strathspey were treated to a truly enjoyable evening.  There is nothing better than to have an up-close opportunity to listen to the music and participate in the enjoyment of superb musicians. A Class Act!  I am fairly new to the traditional scene but have worked with professional session jazz and orchestral musicians most of my life. This reminded me of what a great sound can be delivered by seven guys who are masters of their chosen instrument and genre. Both sets combined a good mix of tunes delivering the highs and lows of individual pieces. It was a perfectly and naturally chosen journey with Jigs, Strathspeys, the occasional jazz riff and vocals creating a full-blooded, sometimes orchestral, tight sound. A proper band. I loved ‘One for the Road’. My kind of music. They were off to Edinburgh that night and Boat was their penultimate gig. Hopefully, they are bringing out a new album next year and may tour if other commitments don’t get in the way. Always in demand. For this reviewer it reminded me that there is nothing like live music, with a convivial audience and a great band on stage. I will say it again. 

A Class Act!