Celtic Connections

Lahore Ceòl Mor and Innovation, Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow

Rob Adams

FOUR STARS

A violin that had been played by the poet himself gave this Burns Night concert a special touch. The instrument belonged to Burns' dancing instructor, William Gregg and it arrived with suitable ceremony to give voice to the melody from My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose and other tunes Burns might just have known in the very capable and expressive hands of Ayrshire fiddler Alistair McCulloch in a solo cameo during a vivacious set by the two dozen (and counting)-strong folk ensemble, Innovation.

Fiddle orchestras wouldn't normally be your reviewer's listening choice but this one takes the concept forward with imaginative arrangements, sonic variation and momentous vigour. A repertoire that includes items from Sweden, whistle tunes from Spain, rags from Canada and pieces composed in honour of band exploits from Florida to China also provided an international theme that set the scene well for the Gaelic-Pakistani adventures of Lahore Ceòl Mor.

Originally conceived as part of the Commonwealth Games cultural programme last summer, Lahore Ceòl Mor brings together a vocal-harmonium-tablas trio from Glasgow's twin city with the young, award-winning Gaelic singer Mischa MacPherson's trio augmented by percussionist James Mackintosh.

If the praise song subjects were often markedly diffuse, the spirited singing and playing of the Gaelic representatives on songs about cows and boats sailing on Sundays made a highly compatible partnership with their more devout Sufi counterparts. Chand and Suraj Khan's vocal tones and gliding blue notes conveyed absolute sincerity and yet there was a playfulness in their approach that made the convergence of voices, rhythms and bagpipe and whistle improvisations both fun and genuinely uplifting.