Susan Welsh saw Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
It’s a long time since I’ve seen the Empire Theatre so busy, but it’s always the same when Phil Cunningham brings his annual Christmas Songbook show to town.
The skilled accordionist and keyboard player ,who has been a hit with north fans since his Silly Wizard days, struck gold when he put together a show bringing together a number of his musical pals to perform, tell amusing stories and inject warmth into cold winter nights.
He’s also the witty musical partner of Shetland fiddler, Aly Bain, who although not present last night, featured in several anecdotes Phil told between songs.
For this year’s songbook he was joined on stage by some of Scotland’s finest musicians.
These included the inimitable Eddi Reader who was fizzing with energy and superb Gaelic singer and lead vocalist with Capercaillie, Karen Matheson.
Orcadian singer and guitarist Kris Drever; multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, John McCusker: guitarist and singer Ian Carr who was also celebrating his birthday yesterday, and expert double bassist, Keven McGuire.
The evening got off to a beautiful start when the Songbook Brass Ensemble – five musicians drawn from the Armed Forces – played the classic hymns, O Little Town of Bethlehem and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Eddie then gave a beautiful rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing while Karen sang in Gaelic, a haunting version of Silent Night.
Song after song followed, a good mixture of carols, Christmas favourites and Scottish numbers.
Stand out moments for me included a jazzy version of The Little Drummer Boy; John McCusker performing his song, Love is the Bridge Between Two Hearts; Eddie’s xmas song, Santa WIll Find You and Kris Drever, referred to by Phil as ‘quakin’ Drever’ performing a ceilidh-style version of Shakin’ Stevens hit, Merry Christmas Everyone.
The show included some rousing community singing and interesting new versions of old favourites such as Away in A Manger performed by Drever.
Eddie brought the house down with her version of Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley while songs such as the harmonious, Sweet Chiming Christmas Bells, tugged at the heartstrings.
This is the 14th year that Phil’s toured with the Christmas Songbook – it really is the perfect way to start the festive season in style.
