Having first come across this band at their album launch in November, I went along to this gig with high expectations of a great night. I was not disappointed. In fact this group of very talented musicians greatly surpassed my high expectations and produced a show as good as any you will see during Celtic Connections.

The band first came together last year as winners of The Burnsong Competiton but the bond and music they have produced belied their short time together.

Talented and successful singer-songwriters in their own right they bring a fresh and unique style to their music.  Too often critics try and drop a band and their music into a particular genre but this is not possible with this group unless

a new category called “Fantastic Happy Music” was created.

Every song performed by Kilmarnock Edition was totally different in style to the previous one.

As Fiona J Mackenzie quoted during the gig last night, “You don”t know whats coming next”.

One thing that was guaranteed though was it would be another fantastic song or some very humourous ditties from Alex Hodgson or Roberto Cassani. Both these gents could make careers as stand up comedians if ever they got fed up with music which seems highly unlikely as each member of the band appeared to thoroughly enjoy themself which was reflected in the ambience of the audience.

The songwriting by each of the band members was of the very highest standard. Their ability to write songs about things so diverse as a mobile phone to a couple married for twenty seven years and make them so enjoyable bears testament to just how talented they are.

Unlike most bands, Kilmarnock Edition do not have a dedicated lead singer. Fiona J. Mackenzie, Yvonne Lyon, Lisa Rigby, Alex Hodgson and Roberto Cassani all had lead roles at some point. In fact the only band member not to take the lead was percussionist Stuart Clark who as well as keeping beat and producing wonderful rythymn was also joining in with backing vocals

The range of instruments played by the band was as diverse and varied as their music.

This was a sensational nights entertainment. I defy anyone present at this gig not to come away singing or humming away at one of Kilmarnock Editions songs. The song that they left the stage to was Sunshine and that had everyone standing and clapping along to. They certainly left everyone with a bit of sunshine in their hearts.

Danny Matheson