If this was the McCalmans’ swansong at Celtic Connections, they certainly went out on a high.
Over the course of an uproarious and naughty show, these treasured musicians inveigled their way into the audience’s affections one last time with their heartfelt and truly modern approach to the traditions of Scottish folksong.
A refreshingly diverse set cemented the trio’s reputation as outstanding story-tellers. From ruminations on an idyllic life in the Hebrides to self-flagellation over terrible hangovers, the group switched happily between sweet balladry and topical satire, portraying all the differing sentiments with compassion and bravura – each song, though channelled through a strong, national perspective, was consistently wide-reaching and wonderfully universal.
And if you can’t remember the last time you had a genuine belly laugh at Celtic Connections, you clearly haven’t encountered the spectacular comedy legend of Ian McCalman.
He could easily find himself bookings as a stand-up should he reconsider his retirement this year; here, we had a series of winning routines that led into the vitriolic, contemporary themes of Let’s Recycle and The Bonnybrigg Banker, which mercilessly lampooned both bankers and MPs’ expenses in one hugely satisfying go.
It was a fond farewell to an act that surely can’t be equalled in irreverence and freshness at this year’s festival.
Sponsored by Scottish Power
star rating: ****
