Horse at Band on the Wall Nov 2017

After some 30 years Horse McDonald remains a cross between a Scottish Mahalia Jackson, Cher and a dramatic Contralto diva.

She has retailned a mastery of her instrument which always creates a feel of passion and excitement.This is extremely infectious.

Despite early issues with the sound, (that were thankfully quickly sorted) we were allowed to enjoy the voice rather than the bass.After all, that's why we were all there?

Horse opened with a wonderful homage to the recently departed Glen Campbell with 'Wichita Lineman', which set the tone for what was to follow and we all knew that we were in for a treat of an evening.

Together with her 4 piece band a definite family feel was immediately evident.This was also true of the mature audience, as she is the kind of artist who evokes 'cult' like devotion in her legion of fans, many of whom have followed on the her journey since the very early days She has undoubtedly inspired many younger Scottish singers inc Sharleen Spiteri et al and who knows who else beyond those shores?

Its approx 25 years since 'God's Home Movie' which still sounds glorious and has always made us wonder why it was never a major film theme.It would be perfect.

Other favourites included, 'Careful', 'So, kiss me', and 'I'm Never Not Going To'.

Horse is chatty, without it being intrusive and clearly is on stage to sing and be heard as a songstress and storyteller.

Full marks to the band aswell with Andrew Samson (drums),/ Gemma Filby (keyboards, vocals), Gordon Turner (lead guitar, vocals), Jennifer Clark (double bass, bass guitar).

Great acoustic again (once the sound adjustments were made) from Band on the Wall and super friendly bar team as ever.

All of this combined, sent us away happy as Larry, (whoever Larry was?) with a sizeable queue still waiting for a few words with the Maestra herself.

Visit Horse site here 

By Tom Sharkey for Canal St Online.

Published: 22-Nov-2017 (4631)