not about pastel shadings or feel-good escapism, but the openly displayed anger and sense of injustice at the state of the world arOund him — the 'Saraievo’ section, for example, makes a pastiche use of Albinoni’s famous 'Adagio', recast as mock air-raid sirens on Violins -- is balanced by the more genumely lyrical facets of the score. Heath has never been confined to classical music sOurces, and the concert \NlII also reveal his interest in Jazz — overtly expressed in works like 'Out of the Cool' or 'Coltrane' - and rock (Kenny Mathieson) I Rage — Dave Heath Band (Fringe) ; Assembly Rooms (Venue 3), 37 Aug—5 5 Sep, 8.55pm, [8 ([7).
5 POP PREVIEW 3 The Mutton Birds
Whatever it is that sets apart one
' band playing dark, melodic gUitar
l ballads from another, The Mutton Birds have it aplenty. In their case, it’s
3 probably something to do with lead
singer and songwriter Don
lvchlashan’s multifarious earlier career
in his native New Zealand, which
included stints in punk bands and
theatre groups, as well as writing
inowe sOundtracks. There’s certainly a rich complexny of
experience and penetrating
i observation behind his often oblique but potently evocative lyrics, set to dirty desolate tunes, majestic beauty
\‘Jlill vnlfully discordant IWIsts.
Following the band's relocation to the
t UK in 1995, and the release of two
.; critically feted albums, they achieved the final seal of true credibility when they were dropped by their record
company last year They're now busily
engaged in building their base the
I old-fashioned way, gigging steadily to
; a fast growrng body of fans. A swift return to the Attic, folloWing their superb performance there in May,
offers the chance to check out that
, KiWi je ne sais guoi for yourself.
', (Sue Wilson)
The Mutton Birds, the Attic,
Cowgate, 226 7070, 28-30 Aug,
7.30pm, [6
KLEZMER PREVIEW Colalaila
Born in Eastern Europe, and subsequently evolved and popularised in the early ZOth century American Cities, Klezmer is the uniquely JeWish,
Filli i or Tea
The Mutton Birds: 3 new kind of birdie song
or more specifically Yiddish, blues — with the tendency to erupt into relentless danceable cheerfulness at the drop of a bowler hat. The clarinet’s delicacy, coupled With its liquid expression, and its ability to wail away in the upper register, has long been the lead instrument of chOice in Klezmer bands, and in lrith Gabriely, clarinettist and leader of Colalaila, you’ll hear a virtuoso. She studied with Giora Friedman, the ’King of Jewish Soul', and founded the group in Germany in 1986. Accordion, double bass and violin complete the line-up - all great players in an instrumental programme that moves from dense, dissonant texture, to squabbling melodic argument, quotes from the classics, unexpected dance grooves and the moodiest and sweetest of slow airs. (Norman Chalmers)
.fiz’e Colalaila (Fringe) Graffiti (Venue 90) 557 8330, 25 Aug, 7.20pm, £8.50 (£7.50); 26—30 Aug, 8.30pm, £6 (£5); 28—30 Aug, 17.45pm, £70 (£8).
POP REVIEW
Kenny Young And The Eggplants
Daft lyrics, goofy smiles, comedy songs, a man using plastic children’s hockey sticks as wacky percussion instruments: this is the sort of thing that I normally loathe. So, in between large mouthfuls of humble pie, this is pretty good fun. The self-deprecating Kenny and his two cohorts are so enthusiastic and their boyish sense of humour so infectious that even the most miserable cynic couldn’t fail to get some good natured laughs out of this. As an added bonus, Young gave a straight rendition of The Velvet Underground’s 'Femme Fatale’. Wholesome entertainment for all the family that doesn't make you barf is a rare thing so treat yourself and listen in to these Fringe veterans.
(Jonathan Trew)
e2 Kenny Young And The Eggp/ants‘ (Fringe), Spiege/marquee at Spiege/tent (venue 87) 558 8070, until 29 Aug, 7.30pm; 30 Aug, 70. 75pm, £6 (£4).
SIARRAHNGS *tttt *tti
Uilllll‘s‘siiIiik‘
Very good
tit \\()itli ‘st't'iflti
** Belus'. averagi-
* Ytiii'.e live" attuned
AbAM __oH E N
Nnv3 liLHSfillll. Hnual Concert Hall [till 287 55"
MORGHEEBA
4 NOV EDINBURGH THE LIOUIO ROOMS
Tuesday 24 November ABERDEEN MUSIC HALL Thursday 26 November GLASGOW CONCERT HALL Friday 21 November EDINBURGH QUEENS HALL
28th November Edinburgh La Belle Angela
MEMBW
NANCI GRIFFITH
,& the Blue Moon Orchestra
featuring very special guests
GlasgowhmadfloSEDC ZStZTNovaiiber
BoxOf‘flceOl‘liZSTTm
Tickets: Glasgow; Candleriggs a. Virgin Edinburgh; Virgin 8. Ripping Dundee; Grouchos. Coach Travel Hotline 0131 228 8157. Credit cards out 281 5511
27 Aug—l0 Sep 1998 THE LIST 55