North Sea Gas – Still Going Strong.

The eternally effervescent North Sea Gas visited the Nitten stage on Thursday 5th January, getting our 2023 entertainments programme off to a rousing start. From the opening notes of ‘Sleepy Toon’ the band were in their customary relentlessly upbeat form. The band has been together for more years that they care to count and have toured all over the world with their  great vocals and tremendous three-part harmonies. Guitars, Mandolin, Fiddle, Bouzouki, Harmonica, Whistles, Bodhrans, Banjo, and good humour are all part of the fun. Founding member Dave Gilfillan’s intricately choreographed instrument switching  (mid song, without missing a beat) is truly a sight to behold.   Ronnie MacDonald’s strident Bouzouki and guitar playing and powerful vocals drove the evening along with some grand old standards, such as Aye No No and Rollin the Old Chariots. Meanwhile the ‘new boy’ Grant Simpson served up some wonderful fiddle tunes.

Unfortunately the hall was ‘bluddy cauld’ due to some issues with the heating but despite keeping their winter woollies on for the whole evening the audience had a great time: clapping, stamping and singing their way through two fabulous sets from the NSG team. Well done lads and ‘Haste Ye Back’.

Our next guest is the wonderful Aberdeenshire songbird Iona Fyfe; one of Scotland’s finest singers, rooted deeply in the singing traditions of the North East of Scotland. She won the title of Scots Singer of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in 2018 and was described as “one of the best Scotland has to offer. She last visited us in 2018 and it’s a real pleasure to be welcoming her back to Nitten Folk Club. Make sure you don’t miss this rare musical treat.