Hello Goodbye

by toneranger, 02 Oct 2016 Arms open wide giving warm welcome to full house, Ben acknowledges host Victoria Mier and how The Tree House and similar venues are such a mutually beneficial part to an independent musician. This warmth echoed throughout the night as we celebrate at times both with sadness and joy his heartfelt tales, laughter and such a beautiful voice.

'The Storm' depiction of a barren night on the Cuillin and loss that inspired pursuit of a full time music career in 'Man On The Moon' two songs that lead into Ben repeatedly laying himself bare recounting personal situations both in narrative and song.

New song 'Boats' introduces hint of new direction with use of loop pedal delivering additional 2 part haunting vocal. 'Tawny Owl' with it's expert finger picked guitar a highlight before returning to technology to layer from scratch 'Bread Of Life' with bass line, percussion (guitar body tap), riff and harmony vocals. However performance not completely reliant on electronics as Ben single handedly becomes full band, performing simultaneously on guitar, cajon and tambourine fleshing out sound on journey across this fair isle.

Nigh on 2 hour solo performance capped with a passionate 'Hearts', moonlight walks especially in the rain, art, poetry, the differences we all experience in change and deep love of Scotland expressed on 'My My My' before curtain falls with a pair of call and response songs, clever reverse of lyric on the reprised 'Ladies And Gentleman' gives invite which room readily accepts to dance before sated audience crowd merchandise booth for seconds. Entertaining, all one could ask.