SOFAR Inverness , with Rhona Stevens, Stewart Nicol and Lydia Bennett.
First up this evening was Glasgow based Rhona Stevens. Glasgow based Rhona draws from a traditional folk & roots influence. So as you might expect she treated to us to some story songs. I’ve always been a fan of singer songwriters who share the inspiration and stories behind the songs and this was a really fine set from Rhona.
Some 30 plus years ago Stewart Nicol loaned his guitar to his friend Graham Rodgers (AKA Spook) for a weekend and he duly produced three songs. Stewart played those three songs tonight to mark the anniversary of his friends death shortly after he wrote the songs. Poignant for sure but Stewart delivered this Songs From a Thin Ghost suite with both reverence and humour. Stewart was joined on stage by his nephew Nicky Murray on cello.
Finally Edinburgh based Lydia Bennett treated us to songs about her growing up in New Zealand and Newcastle: and what a treat. Her stated aim was deliver and audible hug and she delivered big style with this intimate and engaging set. Lydia promised that she will be heading into the studio soon so fingers crossed we’ll have an EP from this exceptional singer-songwriter later in the year. Nicky Murray took to the stage again for the last song of this set along with Chloe Rodgers – both on fiddle. Hosted this evening by Elizabeth and Matt Sillars it was a real pleasure to share the evening with a polite, appreciative, listening audience of close on 50 music fans.
The next Inverness SOFAR event is scheduled for the 6th of April. Marking the first anniversary of the SOFAR in Inverness rumour has it that it will be a bit special.
