Last Tuesday I enjoyed an unusual privilege: attending a gig on an AC night. For technical reasons we need to pre record some shows and I took the chance of being free to catch my old friend Sam Outlaw on his visit to Cottiers Theatre in Glasgow’s West End.
The gig was promoted by Kevin Morris via his Fallen Angels Club which has been supporting live music for many years before the AC has been on air. It was a real joy to see how packed out the theatre was for Sam’s show. Not only that but the Fallen Angels audience love a support act and were all there early for Hannah Aldridge too. (something my youngest and I didn’t manage). He and I however had the best night. Sam, perfectly accompanied by Hannah and others was on great form as he played through his great back catalogue. Highlights? Too many to mention but it was great to hear Angeleno, Love Her For A While and that kind dedication on Tender Heart (one of my favourites).We’ll play another stand out live highlight on this week’s show.
As well as enjoying Sam’s set it was great to meet so many folk who listen to the show. This is a real bonus for me as in radio, you are never really sure who is listening. Someone – please remind me – mentioned they were in Nashville and encountered the multi talented Chris Scruggs. Chris, as many of you will recognise, is the son of country royalty. Earl Scruggs along with his partner Lester Flatt was responsible for bringing bluegrass music into the mainstream and if you’ve never heard Foggy Mountain Breakdown then I suggest it might well be the very thing to lift your post holiday blues.
On the AC we love nothing more than a country connection and on this week’s show we shall start the two hour collection with a Chris Scruggs collaboration before we move on to his regular band leader, Marty Stuart. You’ll have to tune in to hear how we do that but let me draw your attention to a significant anniversary. It’s 90 years since the birth of WS Fluke Holland the original drummer of Johnny Cash’s Tennessee Three. In the 80’s Johnny’s band was joined by Marty Stuart and Johnny’s extended family continue to make great music as you will hear from his former son in law Rodney Crowell who’s newest offering is a duet with Johnny’s old Highwayman partner, Willie Nelson.
It’s country music folks and we love it. There are plenty of new acts to celebrate too and you will hear it all from 8 this Tuesday evening on BBC Sounds or BBC Radio Scotland. Join me if you can.