Live music in any setting can be an exhilarating experience.
From massed pipe bands in a park to the hordes at Glastonbury, from big bucks’ showpiece gigs at venues like The Hydro or the sweaty crush of King Tut’s in Glasgow, the chance to catch a favourite act in action has an appeal all of its own.
When a top band or solo star announces tour dates, the excitement starts, despite the hassle securing tickets can be at times.
But these days, another hugely invigorating but simpler way to savour music is the up-close-and-personal setting of a house concert – and these are proving increasingly popular in Scotland.
House concerts usually feature solo acoustic performances from independent singer/songwriters – possibly with a local act as support – so they are straightforward to arrange.
Their popularity in the USA is well established and now they appear to be on the rise here also. Why is that?
Scots music publicist and promoter, Rob Ellen, who established the Euro House Concert Hub 10 years ago, regards this form of home entertainment as a community event of benefit to acts and fans.
“An artiste, no matter where he or she comes from, gets the best of attention at a house concert as the people hosting and those who turn up want to listen, really listen, to the music. And, the acts appreciate the tenner a head guests usually donate.
“There is always a lovely atmosphere and the acts can engage so easily with the audience. Once the show is over, there is a chance to talk about the music with the act over a drink supplied in the old fashioned bring-your-own-bottle way.
“Some hosts offer accommodation and many house concerts also put on buffets with food brought in by the guests.”
Some professional venues and promoters can take a dim view of house concerts, citing the fact they don’t face licensing or other regulatory fees, for example. But Rob doesn’t agree.
“These house concerts are usually on nights when a touring act doesn’t have a gig and they are invariably not in the same city or town,” he said.
“They are a showcase for talented musicians seeking to build a fan base while engaging with music lovers and, hopefully, selling their albums. A house concert can help them keep a tour in profit.”
Glasgow-based singer/songwriter Findlay Napier has performed at house concerts north and south of the border, and enjoys these experiences.
“From a practical point of view they are easy to squeeze in between gigs – they fill a day off with a decent fee while free food and lodgings are often offered and gratefully accepted,” said Findlay, currently involved in War And Peace, a musical project focused on tales of love, loyalty and loss from the first World War.
“Artistically, they can sometimes be harder than a gig in a bigger venue – there’s no PA, no stage lighting or mic between you and the audience. You can see their eyes but with my background in the folk club scene I find them generally very relaxing affairs and the people are there because they like the music.
“Sipping a few beers after shows, I have met some amazing people, and some I now count among my very good friends. I am not surprised in the least at the rising popularity of the house concert.”
Roseanne Reid, whose debut album “Trails” has just been released and features a duet with legendary American singer-songwriter Steve Earle, echoed Findlay’s view.
“It is obviously very pleasing to play before loads of people at a festival, for example, but house concerts have a charm all of their own,” she said.
“You meet people who really enjoy your music and will, hopefully, spread the word. It’s a lovely combination and a pleasure to undertake.”
Music fan, Paul Kerr, who retired from the health service five years ago, will host the fourth house concert at his Giffnock, Glasgow home this month, a double bill with English country singer Ags Connolly and American counterpart Lee Rondeau.
“Clearing the room of furniture and bringing in the garden seats is the biggest effort,” said Paul. “I think a house concert creates a bond between the act and a respectful audience.
“We provide acts with a meal and a bed for the night and for the gigs themselves I lay on a case of beer, some nibbles, and guests bring their own booze.
“Essentially the gigs are free but we pass the hat round for donations. These are intimate occasions and a very special way to enjoy first-class music.”
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