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Blue Rose Code

Venue: Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) and Coda Music
Town: Glasgow and Edinburgh
Date: 17/5/14 + 18/5/14
Website: http://www.bluerosecode.com

Blue Rose Code (Edinburgh-born and London-based singer-songwriter, Ross Wilson) released his eagerly-anticipated second album, "The Ballads of Peckham Rye", on 2nd June, and I was one of the lucky ones with tickets for the sold-out Scottish Album Launch Party gig on 17th May at the CCA in Glasgow. There was a real buzz and sense of occasion about this event.

Ever generous in spirit, Ross Wilson enabled three of his band members for the night to showcase their own songs in short solo support sets. Samantha Whates wowed us with some of her bittersweet songs and soaring vocals; Rachel Newton captivated us with her beautiful songs and sparkling harp tunes; and M G Boulter treated us to his wryly entertaining brand of Americana (Nashville via Southend!).

Suitably warmed up, the audience roared its approval as the Blue Rose Code seven-piece band hit the stage. Ross Wilson led the band through a well-judged selection of favourites from the first album, "North Ten", and most of the songs from the new album. The up-tempo songs were propelled along by the formidable rhythm section of Mattie Foulds on drums/percussion and 'Colonel' John Parker on double bass, while the ballads were graced by Samantha Whates' gorgeous vocals, M G Boulter's plaintive pedal-steel guitar, Rachel Newton's delicate harp and Jess Moncrieff's fiddle flourishes.

Ross Wilson was in typically charismatic and irresistible form, his expressive vocals ranging from mellow and soulful to passionate and raw. Each song was a delight and the particular highlights included the eerily beautiful "Skin and Bones"; the crescendo of audience sing-along on "Julie"; the heartfelt and exquisite "Edina" ("…would you forgive me, what do you say, Edina?..."); the glorious syncopation of "True Ways Of Knowing" (an iconic Norman MacCaig poem set to music); the trippy vibe of "The Light Of You"; and the rousing "Oh North" (a worthy addition to the canon of Scottish anthems).

As an added bonus, Blue Rose Code played a storming instore gig at Edinburgh's Coda Music the very next afternoon. It was a real treat to see and hear Ross, Samantha, MG and John up close and personal in this intimate setting and a pleasure to meet Ross afterwards for a wee chat and a 'beardy pic'.

A wonderful weekend of live music then, with compelling evidence of Ross Wilson's steadily growing stature as a songwriter and performer of real significance. Lauded by a number of well-respected broadcasters and journalists, including Bob Harris, Jo Whiley, Mark Radcliffe and Ricky Ross, "The Ballads of Peckham Rye" is out now and well worth a listen.

David Ferguson