GIG OF THE MONTH
Arooj Aftab
Queen Margaret Union, Glasgow, November 2
Yes, yes, I do know that Bob Dylan is in Edinburgh this month and that Nick Cave is in Glasgow and that IDLES, Shed Seven, Kneecap and, it seems like, every band in the world is playing a gig in Scotland in November. But this is the only Scottish gig in Arooj Aftab’s European tour and if you haven’t seen (or heard) the Grammy award-winning American-Pakistani singer, composer and producer you have missed one of the most singular talents in contemporary music. Singing in Urdu and English she mixes up jazz, folk, classical and Asian influences into something that is well Aftabian, I guess.
The result is hypnotic, calming, contemplative and at times transcendent. Barack Obama is a big fan.
And if all of that wasn’t enough to convince you, the support act is Keeley Forsyth whose gothy folk drones are compelling enough but combined with the fact that Forsyth is simply one of the most extraordinary live performers I’ve seen in years means this should be a standout show.
King Tut’s, Glasgow, November 2; Behind the Wall, Falkirk, November 15
Just because this is on the same night as Arooj Aftab doesn’t mean you should change your plans if you’re heading to see the nearest Scotland has to its very own Burt Bacharach at King Tut’s. David Scott has been writing and recording under The Pearlfishers moniker for years now and yet he remains one of the most underrated talents in the country. To listen to his songbook is to hear songs that would have been at home in New York uptown apartments in the 1960s, such is their sophistication and elan. But they’ll sound pretty good in Glasgow’s St Vincent Street, come to that. And if you can’t make the Glasgow gig Scott has a hometown show in Falkirk later in the month.
Rachel Chinouriri
Queen Margaret Union, Glasgow, November 12
This is a busy night for female singer-songwriters in Glasgow. Across town Julia Fordham is playing at Saint Luke’s. But fresh from covering Fontaines DC in the Radio 1 Live Lounge, Rachel Chinouriri comes to Glasgow to perform songs from her excellent Mercury Prize-nominated debut album What a Devastating Turn of Events. The sound of young black London is fresh and feisty. NB, Florence Pugh might turn up in one of Chinouriri’s videos, but maybe best not to rely on her coming to the QMU.
OVO Hydro, Glasgow, November 3
As previously mentioned, Nick Cave is coming to Glasgow reunited with the Bad Seeds promoting this year’s Wild God album. Cave’s recent albums have been understandably sorrowful and grief-haunted given the death of his two sons. But as the lyrics of Joy suggest - “We’ve all had too much sorrow, now is the time for joy.” - there are other noises, other emotions, he wanted to tap into on Wild God. That and his showman tendencies promise much for this show. That said, hopefully there will be space, too, for the quieter, stoic side of him that has emerged of late.
Lissie Saint
Luke’s, Glasgow, November 17
Quite why Lissie isn’t huge is hard to fathom. The American singer-songwriter has a distinctive voice and has always made immediate, radio-friendly music. It’s possible that she missed her chance when her self-titled debut didn’t quite make the breakthrough in 2010 despite the fact that it had such screamingly obvious should-have-been-hits as When I’m Alone and Record Collector. But as her new album Carving Canyons proves, she remains a talent. One that deserves discovery.
Usher Hall, Edinburgh, November 8; Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, November 9
As well as taking part in the Nordic Music Days festival at the start of the month and performing Carmina Burana in the middle of November, these two concerts see the RSNO play the orchestral music from the Final Fantasy video games (specifically Final Fantasy VI, VII and X), composed by Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu. Andreas Hanson conducts and pianist Mischa Cheung is the soloist.
HiFi Sean & David McAlmont
King Tut’s, Glasgow, November 18
Anyone who caught Hi-Fi Sean and David McAlmont’s appearance at Saint Luke’s in Glasgow back in February will know how much of a treat is in store for anyone who has a ticket for this return visit. The combination of former Soup Dragon Sean Dickson’s tunes and beats and McAlmont’s soaring, singular voice made for one of the gigs of the year and this latest show - with the duo having a cracking new album, Daylight, to promote - should be a must-see.
Barrowland, Glasgow, November 27
It’s fair to say that Nile Rodgers has been on the road playing Chic’s impeccable back catalogue a lot in recent years. But then if you had songs as good as Le Freak, Good Times and Dance, Dance, Dance in your pocket why wouldn’t you? So, here’s the perfect opportunity to live out your wildest Studio 54 dreams in Glasgow’s Gallowgate. NB, if you haven’t already got a ticket you’re probably out of luck.
MacArts, Galashiels, November 28; La Belle Angele, Edinburgh, November 29
Admiral Fallow’s Louis Abbott, Sarah Hayes and Kevin Brolly started the year performing - impressively, given that they had to compete with the memory of the late, great Billy Mackenzie - their version of Party Fears Two as part of this year’s Roaming Roots Revue. They round the year off with a winter tour that culminates with these two gigs in Galashiels and Edinburgh. We’re promised new tunes and old favourites.
The Garage, Glasgow, November 29
Labour back in power. Oasis touring. It’s like the 1990s all over again. It’s difficult to feel nostalgic for the era of the New Lad and casual sexism, but at least the soundtrack is half-decent. Setting aside his involvement in a certain football anthem, Ian Broudie had a very impressive run of top 40 singles in that decade, starting with Pure (which actually dates to 1989) and The Life of Riley. This promises to be something of a singalong as a result.
Jacob Alon
The Mackintosh Church, Glasgow, November 29
And let’s throw in a bonus gig for luck. Actually, this is a support slot for headliner Rachel Sermanni but you should all already know how good she is. Jacob Alon, by contrast, may be a new name to you. But the Edinburgh-based Fifer has already been drawing comparisons to the likes of Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley and Adrianne Lenker. Take a listen to debut single Fairy in a Bottle and you’ll realise that’s not overheated praise .
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