CHRIS STOUT BAND (Methodist Church, Lerwick, 13 November 2004)

15 Nov 2004 in Music, Shetland

JOANNE JAMIESON hears fiddler Chris Stout in top form on his home turf, and spots a new vocal star in the making.

MOST FOLK only make it to the kirk on a Sunday, but quite a throng gathered in Lerwick’s Methodist Church on Saturday night. They were there to hear fiddler Chris Stout, who made the homecoming to promote his first solo album, First o’ the Darkenin’.

Chris Stout (© Louis De Carlo)

While Shetland is not best known for it’s vocalists, all that could soon change thanks to young singer Gillian Isbister, who opened the concert in real style. Gillian is still at school but has a voice and professionalism beyond her years and experience.

She chose her songs well, a selection of ballads, and they were beautifully suited to both the venue and her voice. Her version of John Lennon’s Imagine was inspiring and she really made the song her own. I am certain we will be hearing much more from this gifted young woman in the years to come.

Something Shetland is well known for, on the other hand, is fiddle music, and Chris Stout is doing his bit to keep the tradition alive. Well, not just keep it alive, but also give it a new lease of life and take it in a new direction. After a few technical problems, which Chris managed to take in his stride, things got underway with a magical haunting tune from Hillswick.

“The night ended on a fast and furious high with the audience cheering for more.”

Watching Chris perform is spellbinding. He is totally absorbed in his playing – eyes closed and either gently swaying or jumping around in his seat – and seems almost unaware of the 100 plus people watching his every move and listening to every note.

The line up for this concert was the same as the CD, but without Euan Vernal on bass. Graeme Stephen, best known as a jazz guitarist, stepped in and did an excellent job. On guitar was Malcolm Stitt, of Boys of the Lough, and Fraser Fifield was amazing on the saxophone. Catriona McKay played both piano and her signature harp. Her harp solo was lively and fun and it was lovely to hear her play alone.

The harp is an instrument we don’t hear very often in Shetland and it’s a great pity as it is such a beautiful and versatile one. She was joined by Chris, and the pair played a few tunes together. They play together a lot and it is clear they understand each other’s music and playing completely.

The night ended on a fast and furious high with the audience cheering for more. Let’s hope it’s not too long before Chris returns again.