Blazin’ Fiddles – The Barony Hall – Celtic Connections – – January 26, 2025

Celtic Connections is always the highlight of the twelvemonth that is January…

Last night I was lucky enough to witness the rebirth of a band I have loved and supported for 25 years (yes I am that old).  Blazin’ Fiddles filled the vaulted chaumer of the Barony Hall on Castle Street with light and love, warmth, good humour and dare I say it?

Joy.

The evening had absolutely everything you could ever hope for in a traditional Scottish concert.  Not only combining the hard won expertise of 60,000+ hours (I’m counting Jimi Troup on sound here) with sheer raw talent, but also allowing the audience to catch glimpses of what it means to be in a band – the camaraderie, the stories, the ribbing and the bare-faced cheek (Anna).

They treated us to several box fresh arrangements, yet to be immortalised on disc. ‘Tiny Nana’s’ and ‘Tune for June’ standing out among others!

The feeling of total immersion in the warm hug that is a Blazers concert is difficult to capture in black and white.  I’d highly recommend heading out to a gig for the full-colour, hi-fi, human experience.

They are often to be found Blazin’ in Beauly (and indeed the Borders) and are now championing St Andrews Night every year in Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall.  I’ll see you there.

KATE REID