My penultimate gig of 2021, and my final Last Night From Glasgow double header extravaganza of the year was a pretty special night that will live long in the memory featuring the first band to re-release a classic album on the Past Night From Glasgow offshoot, Glasgow legends, The Bluebells, and the band who released my favourite LNFG release of 2021, the quite simply magnificent Sister John.
With the year threatening to end as it began thanks to Omicron and rumours of coming restrictions, there was both an sense of foreboding mixed with a n element of relief that the gig was going ahead at all, albeit with a reduced capacity.
Sister John
I had been looking forward to seeing Sister John live for what seemed like aeons, due to the restrictions of the last couple of years and several rescheduling, so, as I took my seat I was filled with an enhanced sense of anticipation , butterflies in my stomach and a real belief that I was going to witness something special.
That feeling was one that would be justly rewarded with a performance that left me at various points emotional and breathless, filled with intense feelings of elation, in sick jawed awe of a band that could portray such masterful delicacy in their music, and with a general feeling of wellbeing washing over me and making me feel invincible and untouchable. That is the effect that a band with such an immense talent can have on you, a talent that allows them to switch between songs that are so sparse and minimalistic they send shivers up and down your spine one moment, and in the next building to an intense climax with lush compelling riffing.
Over the course of their three albums to date, Sister john have built an array of stunning tunes, of which they treated us to a potted highlights over the course of their set. Amanda, Jonathan, Sophie and Heather sharing instrumental duties and swapping instruments throughout, Amanda’s effecting vocal taking centre stage, displaying a remarkable ability to affect the listener, drawing you in and having you rapt and entirely engaged, shutting out the rest of the world and entirely lost in the song.
During the quieter moments, you could hear a pin drop around the CCA,, the silence of the respectful crowd indicating the level of admiration for the music, the likes of which reminded me of the first time I ever heard The Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions album, a feeling that has stayed with me ever since such was its resonance. I think the feelings experienced during Sister John’s performance will stay with me for just as long.
I recently published my end of year lists in which I cited The Courettes as both my gig and album of the year, Sister John coming a close second. In the album stakes. I’d have to say that following this performance, the two bands are neck and neck for the gig of the year honour, and that was before you add The Bluebells to the mix.
The Bluebells
Without disrespecting The Bluebells in any way, I could easily have gone home happy father Sister John.I’m glad to say that wasn’t the case though, The Bluebells sealing the deal and providing the icing on the cake for a tremendous evening’s entertainment with their superb set.
There surely cannot be anyone alive of a certain age that doesn’t know or love Young at Heart, it is the sound of a time and place in history, an infectiously catchy and memorable song that you cannot help singing along to when you hear it on the radio, tapping your foot along to the addictive rhythm while raising a smile on your face as you listen along to the sentiment filled lyrics. No wonder Bobby’s songwriting skills are in such demand. Then remember that the song, despite its brilliance, isn’t even the best song in their repertoire.
Prior to performing the song we were treated to a remarkable set including the uplifting opening couplet of Forevermore and Red Guitars, passionate singalongs to I’m Falling and Cath, the Mersey beat sound of Some Sweet Day and a touching version of Will She Always Be Waiting among others.
To bring the main set to a close we were treated to the beauty of the slow burn of Tender Mercy before paying tribute to the recently departed Mike Nesmith with a cover of Rio.
This wasn’t where the cover versions ended, the band returning to the fray to play an impressive version of Buffalo Springfield’s For What It’s Worth As if that wasn’t enough, the finale for the evening was a stunning version of the Velvet Underground classic What Goes On, joined onstage by Sister John. What a way to end what was a very special night, both band’s joining together taking the plaudits from an appreciative crowd in a glorious celebration of all that is great about live music
The band’s play again together next Saturday (all being well) and I’m sure they have some special plans afoot for the evening, if you have tickets for Saturday you’re in for a very special treat indeed.
