Nick @ Celtic Connections, Glasgow, w/Duke Special 22/1/09 [Archive]

scotpaulabear

21-10-2008, 11:23 AM

Following up on myself, here's the direct link to the event page...
http://www.celticconnections.com/whatson/event/81710

This is especially great cos Celtic Connections is such a big prestigious festival up here - it's been a while since Nick's been, and especially to get a headlining spot there (in a really cool venue IMHO) is FAB!

SteveT

21-10-2008, 11:41 AM

BBC4 have given Celtic Connections some good coverage before so let's hope that continues.

Wee Steve

21-10-2008, 10:26 PM

To be fair, the whole programme for the Festival is immense. I'm travelling 5 hours from my northern redoubt to catch some of it this time around, so some of you from the poor benighted southlands, that I abandoned to their fate, could do worse than head north for it. You will not be disappointed.

www.celticconnections.com (http://www.celticconnections.com)

scotpaulabear

22-10-2008, 12:47 AM

I'd have to agree - there's always tons on, and the Festival Club every night besides. This year, in addition to Nick, I may try to see the Burns Unit (Karine Polwart and King Creosote 'supergroup') and my friend wants to check out Cerys Matthews so I may go with her to that. Plus I have a feeling Big Chris may be around and about, and if he doesn't see Shooglenifty I'd be terribly surprised :wink:

bigchris

22-10-2008, 04:54 PM

ticket booked for Shooglenifty ... and of course Nick !!

scotpaulabear

22-10-2008, 05:00 PM

ticket booked for Shooglenifty ... and of course Nick !!

*Paula does the "Big Chris is coming to town" happy dance* :17:

HarperPR

22-10-2008, 05:44 PM

As *luck* would have it, the owner of The Classic Grand is a colleague of one of my friend and journo colleagues. I think we can be assured of a royal reception that night!:wink: Reviews are already in hand too!

scotpaulabear

15-11-2008, 09:21 AM

Just got the poop off his message board, Duke Special is indeed confirmed for this date! :thumbup:

pete c

19-11-2008, 02:29 PM

What a night, oh what a night it was.... I mean will be....

Never been to Glasgae, really really thinking about it now...

scotpaulabear

19-11-2008, 02:41 PM

Are you near Mcr, Pete? It's a doddle getting from one to t'other :coolgleamA: Classic Grand is a really cool venue... and Nick's in t'big room on the top floor too...

Let me know if you need any hotel advice, info etc - the Jurys is mere spitting distance away, and the Central Hotel round the corner is the festy hotel where they have the Festival Club every night and where I expect to get extremely legless at least once in January :rofl:

pete c

19-11-2008, 03:06 PM

Possibly even better, near Wigan/Warrington on the West Coast Main line. Should be do-able, unless there's engineering works... I'll consult with management, luckily she's a Duke/Nick fan too. :biggrin:

scotpaulabear

13-01-2009, 02:21 PM

Soooooooo... who's coming up then? Let's start a list:

Me, Jan, Tam, Big Chris, Phil(ippa), Graeme, Mhairi...
plus at least 4 sacrificial Harpervirgins I can think of right off the bat :biggrin:

katyc

15-01-2009, 02:34 PM

critch

15-01-2009, 03:11 PM

Hi Folks, don't think I've said anything in print here before.... may have come accross some of you in Clonakilty July 07...
Anyway, I'm off to Glasgow next wedns, have my NH ticket booked! Going to Lau/Lunasa the night before too. Happy to meet any stormcock people at Nicks gig..... how does that happen?...
Kay

Meet up with Paula! I'm 99.9% certain she'll be at Glasgow! In fact I first met Paula in Glasgow! I'm sure she'll be in touch - but if not, she'll be the one looking cool at the front and only drooling slightly when Nick comes on stage! :D I sadly won't be there - unless I win the lottery between now and then - is that likely? What are the odds these days? 1 in 3 or 4 is it? :confused1:

bigchris

15-01-2009, 03:31 PM

( was also in Clon July 07 ) probably with the aforementioned Paula before and after the gig ... but probably not during ... as I'm far too big to be stood at the front !! It's Glasgow after all ( my sterotyping kicking in 'ere ) and so don't want to hassle the locals !!

There's a good chance that I'll be the biggest guy there ... probably wearing a grey hoodie ... but don't let either of those things put you off from saying hi !!

pete c

15-01-2009, 04:37 PM

Absolutely no chance of me getting to this now. No holiday leave left for one thing.

Reports of Duke's 2 gigs so far on this tour have been really good, it's a two-man show, him & Temperance Society Chip Bailey on hardware shop. (you'll see what I mean...) don't be surprised if he performs part of his set on a piano amongst the audience....

http://www.dukespecial.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3224&page=10

riceyboy

15-01-2009, 08:50 PM

Count me in for the Classic Grand gig. Probably seen a few of you folks at many previous Nick gigs, but i'm a shy retiring type and just stand quietly at the side of the stage singing along with a bottle of beer.

scotpaulabear

16-01-2009, 08:05 AM

Hi all, looking forward to meeting ya! Please come and say hiya at the gig - Chris is a strapping 6'8" Barnsleh lad and I am a shortarse Yank with flaming red hair who will probably be selling CDs - you can't possibly miss us, trust this :biggrin:

scotpaulabear

16-01-2009, 08:06 AM

...she'll be the one looking cool at the front and only drooling slightly when Nick comes on stage! :D

Why thank you... I think :wink:

Pete, sorry to hear you can't make it! I'm well looking forward to my first time with the Duke, I will even make sure to leave the bar next door early haha...

critch

16-01-2009, 09:33 AM

Why thank you... I think :wink:

lol. All complimentary! Actually when I first wrote this I put dribbling - but then I realised that meant something entirely different.... :wink: We all love you though Paula!

scotpaulabear

16-01-2009, 10:24 AM

lol. All complimentary! Actually when I first wrote this I put dribbling - but then I realised that meant something entirely different.... :wink: We all love you though Paula!

Maybe you'd better speak for yourself on that one babe :wink:

Dribbling - well I am in my 40s now LOL...

katyc

16-01-2009, 12:28 PM

Thanks folks!! I think I remember 'big' Chris from Clon alright.... Looking forward to meeting yez all! and counting the days til Nick!!! See ye there! :)

bigchris

16-01-2009, 01:58 PM

I think I remember 'big' Chris from Clon alright

Oh !! I hope that's a good thing ?

scotpaulabear

16-01-2009, 05:59 PM

Oh !! I hope that's a good thing ?

I would hope so! You're a legend! :thumbup:

katyc

20-01-2009, 01:50 PM

I would hope so! You're a legend! :thumbup:

Well it's definitely not a bad thing! (couldn't figure out how to get the quote from Chris in here..) From what I can remember, I was saying hello to Roy at the Gathering and you were leaving so he was saying Goodbye to you... ish.... Heading to Glasgow tomorrow, REALLY looking forward to it all now, but especially Nicks gig! Hope to meet up with some of yez there. Enjoy the festivities!!! K :)

scotpaulabear

22-01-2009, 01:37 AM

It's all go up here... ABC2 flyers have been printed for distribution, my homegirl Phil has arrived with Harpervirgin boyf in tow, we pick up Chris from the airport tomorrow and head off to Glasgae... yes indeedy, I'm now officially terribly excited about this :biggrin:

I may swoon!:svengo:

pete c

22-01-2009, 08:43 AM

Photos! setlist! Fashion report!
Have a great time all.

:biggrin:

aspwatterson

22-01-2009, 10:07 AM

It's all go up here... ABC2 flyers have been printed for distribution, my homegirl Phil has arrived with Harpervirgin boy in tow, we pick up Chris from the airport tomorrow and head off to Glasgae... yes indeedy, I'm now officially terribly excited about this :biggrin:
I may swoon!:svengo:

You lucky lucky thing!
Enjoy enjoy enjoy while it lasts!

chrs
andi

scotpaulabear

22-01-2009, 10:10 AM

Of course a fashion report... and the rest hee hee :biggrin:
Wonder if there'll be wifi at the Festival venues, must remember to stick netbook in my bag :wink:

I lurve the start of a tour!!

pete c

22-01-2009, 02:45 PM

If you're going to this, be aware that Nick is on first so get there early.
But be sure to stick around for the Duke n Chip show...

intimate gigs

22-01-2009, 05:41 PM

I'm reliably informed by someone who is in the venue just now that Duke Special is on first, not Nick.

riceyboy

23-01-2009, 12:57 AM

riceyboy

23-01-2009, 01:06 AM

Morning. What did you all think of the gig?

I'll be brave and say that it wasn't really a Nick crowd and the sound system left a lot to be desired.....and it was quite a short gig.

I'm guessing that perhaps this gig was squeezed in at the start of an already planned tour to take advantage of the Celtic Connections festival and a chance to display the god-like talents to a crowd who may not normally come along???

I'm treating it as a warm up to the ABC2 gig in April. :biggrinjester:

There was a reviewer for the Herald there tonight, he has 150 words each to write for Duke Special and Nick and it'll be in Mondays Herald.

I'm off to bed now, i've had some beer......now, what was that second thing i like?

HarperPR

23-01-2009, 03:37 AM

The Herald usually do us good - Rob's a big Harper fan. This was his preview:

http://www.theherald.co.uk/goingout/choice/display.var.2483503.0.Folk_Nick_Harper.php

pete c

23-01-2009, 08:35 AM

Pete C, if you are a secret Duke Special promoter and this was just a cunning ploy to get us to see Duke Special then well done you. I really enjoyed his music.

If it was an honest mistake, then well done, I really enjoyed his music.

Not a promoter at all, just a fan. There was a message posted on the Duke Special site to the effect that he was on stage at 9.20, from this I assumed that Nick would be on first. Was this not the case? Glad you enjoyed it anyhow.

Looking forward to Paula's report/reaction...

intimate gigs

23-01-2009, 10:58 AM

Firstly..... I really enjoyed Duke Special. Musically there is not much in common with Nick and Duke, but for me I thought the pairing worked very well.

There were people who were there to see Duke Special and they left before Nick came on. A bit narrow minded, but they paid their money, they make their choice. I thought Nick was excellent as always. The sound in The Classic Grand is always a bit patchy, but did sound fine to me.

The problem was the talkers. I despise the "I've paid in, I can do what I want" brigade. At times the sound of talking was louder than the music.

Anyway.... Looking forward to tonight. If your coming, just remember that we have a 'talk while the acts are performing and your out' policy.

pete c

23-01-2009, 11:35 AM

I like that policy. It should be rolled out nationwide.

scotpaulabear

24-01-2009, 12:11 PM

Not a promoter at all, just a fan. There was a message posted on the Duke Special site to the effect that he was on stage at 9.20, from this I assumed that Nick would be on first. Was this not the case? Glad you enjoyed it anyhow.

Looking forward to Paula's report/reaction...

Paula would like to report that she's had 3 hours' sleep after a) being texted by a pal in Glasgow at nearly midnight while winding up a birthday pub session, asking if I wanted to finish the night in Glasgow for the Friday festival club, b) getting the midnight bus over for shiz and giggles, and c) getting to see Harpic play a 20 minute version of Love is Music there at 4 in the morning after an alleged 3 HOUR LONG set in Coatbridge :blink:

I have photographic evidence, and some decent (I hope!) pics from the front on Thursday, but as I'm out most of the rest of the day they'll have to wait - sorry :blushing: I also have opinions, but I'll have to figure out where I left my brain to unpack them haha...

BTW, Duke went on at 20 past 8 and played for about an hour and a quarter, then Nick went on before 10 and got about the same, it can be a CC thing to treat it more like a co-headline than artist and support... and I did like Duke, he struck me as a bit cabaret (as a compliment, I'm thinking Rufus Wainwright)... dunno if I'd rush back but that was an enjoyable way to spend the hour. And my mate said he thinks only about 20 bailed after Nick - I suspect the crowd was near the 450 sellout for that room, which is GREAT!

intimate gigs

24-01-2009, 01:41 PM

A 3hr+ set it was in Coatbridge. Both Gavin and Nick were outstanding. This is in my top 3 gigs ever. I'm still on a high......

SteveT

24-01-2009, 06:00 PM

A 3hr+ set it was in Coatbridge. .

Does this mean that those of us going to the Brighton gigs are really only getting two halves of one gig but for twice the price? :tongue_smilie:

riceyboy

24-01-2009, 06:12 PM

(as a compliment, I'm thinking Rufus Wainwright)...

Sounds like an awesome night (he says with green eyes and heavy hint of jealousy as he thinks back to babysitting 4 kids last night!).

Re your Rufus quote, that's exactly what my mate, who reviews for The Herald said and i think he's included it in his review to be published on Monday.

bigchris

25-01-2009, 02:48 AM

Anyway.... Looking forward to tonight. If your coming, just remember that we have a 'talk while the acts are performing and your out' policy.

Yeah great policy that ... but I know I have no right in complaining ( cos I was on the guest list to see Gavin ) ... but as far as I could tell everyone was abiding by thr rule ... except a couple that were your mates (Ian) ... in that you bought them a drink half way through gavs set ( bloke wearing a brown t-shirt ) but he and his lass were talking all the way through gavs set !!

intimate gigs

25-01-2009, 12:52 PM

His name is Mike. I honestly didn't hear them talking and he should know better as he is part of our committee. He is also a massive Nick fan.

Being at the mixing desk I don't hear much as I'm concentrating on the sound, but I didn't hear anyone talking.

I will deal with him in a swift and effective manner.

intimate gigs

25-01-2009, 05:50 PM

Some photos up on flickr of Nick at Celtic Connections.

http://flickr.com/photos/bigdavetaylor/sets/72157612900399415/

aspwatterson

25-01-2009, 05:55 PM

Some photos up on flickr of Nick at Celtic Connections.

http://flickr.com/photos/bigdavetaylor/sets/72157612900399415/

He nearly smiled in one of them!

chrs
andi

HarperPR

25-01-2009, 06:02 PM

Iain, who is Carluke Dave, someone you know? I like one of them. Would he let me snaffle for pub purposes? I see they are (c)'d.

Did your piece appear in the C&AA?

intimate gigs

25-01-2009, 07:31 PM

Hi Linn. He is employed by the festival, but he has a website that you can contact him through. http://www.davetaylorphotography.com (http://www.davetaylorphotography.com/)

He also has a myspace. http://www.myspace.com/davetaylorphotography

Only a small piece went into the ACC due to a local act (Martin & James) signing a major deal and another local act (Hip Parade) making it to the final of the Orange Unsigned, so Nick got pushed out I'm afraid.

scotpaulabear

26-01-2009, 01:19 AM

Just got a Google alert that the Herald review is in, and shock horror it's not by Rob Adams! It's maybe not the best review in the world - kinda makes Nick sound like a covers artist - but not bad really...

http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/featuresartsreview/display.var.2484443.0.Nick_Harper_Classic_Grand_Gl asgow.php

riceyboy

26-01-2009, 06:39 PM

Hi,

I must confess to knowing the reviewer. I think it's not bad all things considered and to be fair Nicks set did include elements of at least 5 other well known songs.

I only wish he had reviewed the Coatbridge gig it sounds awesome.

If it's any consolation my Nick collection has been requested by the aforementioned reviewer as he liked what he heard.

scotpaulabear

26-01-2009, 11:00 PM