It would seem that it is the done thing on this site to review one's own work because nobody else will...

 

THE BROSE BROTHERS LIVE AT CABARET SAUVIGNON

TRON VICTORIAN BAR, 2nd DECEMBER 2001.

Glasgow's Tron theatre is not in the same class as the Clachan bar or the Sea Angling Club. They don't serve McEwan's Export, it doesn't smell of engine oil and fish, and the wearing of oilskins and boilersuits is frowned upon, but there is a refreshing lack of Dire Straits and Eagles fans amongst the clientelle. The perfect venue for the Brose Brothers' first gig.  If they can be bothered to play any more.

The band consists of Aly and James Macrae - a real pair of actual brothers - and Rod (inconsistently spelt) Morrison.  In short, the Oatcakes minus drums and percussion, but with acoustic instruments, almost like a real folk group.  They displayed a healthy attitude to tuning - "close enough for Glasgow", but sufficient that any real, sober musician would experience the pain of having his fingernails pulled out one by one.

Unfortunately the set featured no Guireans' classics, mentions of Calan Bow or Cathie Dhall's, references to J*** S*****'s s*x**l*ty or songs about Nicolson Institute teachers who keep goats; and although they played a song about a weaver, many will be disappointed by its lack of detail regarding the technical specifications of his loom, who he got it from and how many marags he traded for it.  Ably assisted by the Tron's Malcolm Rogan, who provided a monitor mix that sounded like a long-wave radio tuned to two different stations at the same time, the band blazed through a set of obscure traditional tunes blended with some obscure original tunes, often playing the same tune at the same time, culminating in The Strong Drink Set, which had the audience howling their appreciation when the band left the stage.

The next Cabaret Sauvignon will be at the Arches in February and, if they can be ar*ed, the Brose Brothers will be there.

 

NB.  A recording of the set was made which, although recorded on minidisc, is of such reassuringly abysmal sound quality that the music can barely be made out.  Place your orders now before James decides to scrub it