Luckenbooth is the guest band at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 20th February. The four-piece, Lanarkshire based outfit based have played in Irvine before and have been well received. The name Luckenbooth describes a brooch dating back to Mary Queen of Scots time and essentially is two entwined hearts. It was the equivalent of an engagement ring. The band liked that background and called themselves Luckenbooth when they formed some thirteen years ago.
Luckenbooth are Christine on vocals, cello, whistle and percussion; Mhairi on fiddle, viola and vocals; Alex on guitar, mandolin, whistles and flute; Jim on guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and the occasional vocal. The band plays mainly around Scotland’s central belt at Clubs and Festivals. Whilst their repertoire is a mix of traditional and contemporary, the band tailors their set to suit the audience – and it’s worthwhile noting this, because not everyone has this amazingly obvious approach to what they play! Luckenbooth like to get their audiences singing along and choose their choice of material reflects that.
Two of Luckenbooth come from classically trained background and the musical influences of the band include Ewan McColl, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Ossian, Jez Lowe and The Incredible String Band.
Therefore, for a night of easy-on-the-ear music, get along to Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 20th February at Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road. The Club starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.
North Ayrshire Trad Musician of The Year competition
Locally, the Music Service section of North Ayrshire Council hold the North Ayrshire Trad Musician of The Year competition at Irvine Burns Club. It takes place on Wed 20th February and starts at 7pm which of course is the same night as Luckenbooth at Irvine Folk Club. However, let’s celebrate all the interest in keeping music live!
Elsewhere, it’s good to recognise multi-instrumentalist Paddy Callaghan as BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Trad Musician for 2013. Glasgow based Paddy won the prestigious competition at the recent Celtic Connections.