Sunday night was a return to our home stamping ground of Traquair Village Hall for Stooriefit and for Laura. It was the first time Josh had played Traquair and he loved it!
Yet again our Stooriefitters were treated to a fantastic performance! I know, you've heard it all before...I can assure you...you haven't until you've heard these two! Those of you who know Laura knew what to expect...sweet and smooth..and Laura and Josh are a perfect combination, both have lovely voices and their harmonies really did soar! They started with a real fast banjo-picking number and from the get-go they had the audience tapping their feet and joining in. Stew's favourite, and not what you might expect, is Little Grass Shack (Though some people misheard the title and thought they were in for a far raunchier song)...well Laura and Josh did a medley of these gentle songs that made you feel so relaxed...almost reaching for the Pina Colada! The audience, every single one of them, went out the door with smiles on their faces...most of them commenting on how relaxed and enjoyable the evening had been.
Josh and Laura headed off for Skye the next day...oh how I envied them! But they were so good that I decided to travel to Kirkcaldy and catch them again. Luara did a great rendition of John Hartford's 'Going to work in Tall Buildings' and Josh sang 'Oh Death' (written by one of his kin). They sang these songs in the session after the Traquair gig...when they were kind enough to join in a late-night session with a couple of very talented local Peebles singer-songwriters Kieran and Finn Begbie. There was a really nice crossover of techniques and stories...a late, late night! Josh has spent quite a time working with youngsters in Northern Ireland fostering cross-community relations. You can tell...he is so at ease and comfortable with young people, always encouraging. What a genuinely nice guy! Seriously folks...get to see these guys if they come back...they ARE worth it!
Thanks to the Edinburgh Folk Club for the raffle prize of a couple of tickets to see the venerable and now honoured Archie Fisher...they couldn't have gone to a better winner! A mention must go in for their sound engineer Gerald Roach..thanks for such a great sound...drive safe! Thanks for all the support from Footstompin! and also to Traquair Village Hall ...what a magic venue! Check out Dougie Johnston's pictures on www.galawater.co.uk As allways our thanks go our Stooriefit troops Fendath, Finlay, Shannon, Bill and Isobel.