On a night when Glasgow was invaded by Orkney, we were promised a night of mouthwatering and foot-tapping music from The Chair and Fara. In time honoured tradition it was a case of ladies first, and onto the stage came the all female band, Fara.

Whilst I say all female band, they generally are, but this evening there was a special guest in Brian McAlpine on piano covering for Jennifer Austin who had a prior appointment.

This must have been the gig of his life to be surrounded by four lovely and very talented young women. They are Jeana Leslie, Kristan Harvey, Catriona Price and Louise BIchan. Having known each other from a very early age these girls certainly know how to put a show on.

Former backing musicians to their friends and headlining act The Chair, they were encouraged to form their own band and go their own way.

They did so and promptly won various awards including a Danny Kyle Open Stage award.

With vibrant arrangements full of rich harmonies, energetic fiddle playing and driving piano, Fara’s show was an exhilarating one. With a mixture of self-penned and traditional Orkney tunes as well as some songs, including one for Burns night, “My Heart is in The Highlands”, the girls’ produced a fantastic musical experience and one which I will remember for many a night.

The massive audience were gripped right from the outset and their set was all too short and over far too quickly. Fara have recently recorded their first EP and with their musical repertoire and wonderful talent I am sure a full album will not be too far away and will certainly be very much sought after.

Danny Matheson

Presenter @Celtic Music Radio

Pic: Thanks to Iain McDonagh for permission to use his photo.