The Victoria Bar @ the Clutha

Victoria Bar, Bridgegate, Glasgow. Saturday 7th May 2011. An immense acoustic gigfest organised by Crawford Smith. Events kicked off at 4pm, I was there further to a heads up from a friend re Scott MacDonald. However, was delightedly unprepared for the feast of musicality which ensued. Wanna give my applause in particular to:

Mikey Reid: Quick review from Victoria bar, acoustic gigfest! Mikey Reid had first shot at us and got started in self-effacing manner with beautiful rendition of "Georgia on my Mind" to have the mic unceremonially taken from him by familiar customer. This never phased Mikey and he never missed a beat accepting the mic back graciously. Personal... favourite cover of mine was Tom Waits "Don't wanna fall in love with you". Mikey has a fantastic mellow voice which I could listen to for hours and plays the full fret of his guitar I think happiest in the blues. He managed to squeeze a couple of his own in, the lyrically charming "Honey Bee". This guy is an excellent musician and I look forward to watching him grow in confidence and grabbing the stage in the future.See more

jOnO: I saw young Jono come in and settle quietly on the sidelines taking in the other acts before taking the stage himself a couple of hours in. And happiness ensued the minute he strummed his first few bars. This guy belongs on stage and gives off funky, jazzy dudeness. Comes alive ...onstage, has his head up all the time and moves. I watched as for first time that day feet started tapping and bodies moving. You wanna join in, smile and he brings great joy, the mood in the bar lifted immediately. A huge stage presence, lyrically gifted and voice full of heart. Love what he does, brightside of the road kinda guy, feels his songs and loves them. Favourites for me "Grey Skies" and "Stuck in the City". He received the only encore request of the day and thoroughly deserved. Yes we would like more. Thank you

Scott MacDonald: Having happily sat through a half dozen acts before Scott got started around 7pm. Scott settled himself on stool, first artist to sit down with us, and eased us into his set by ...lulling us on harp. When this man starts to play his whole body moves with him, music flowing and gives of his whole self. Very much his own sound and rhythm. Songs which stuck out for me "Life Starts Today", "Soul in this City" and "Lightening Storm". I'm in. I'm buying. Thank you Scott it was a treat.

This event was put together beautifully by Crawford Smith. Thanks to all.

Know this pub from way back used to live in the Bridgegate
good to see it is still there. Shame about Paddy's Market!