Rhythm Sharks in Edinburgh
Thursday was a dry day without rain but overcast. Went to All Bar One for lunch with Mary Devine and Ed Aldridge, nice but small Caesar Salad with blackened Salmon.
Oh dear, walked past the Petit Paris and was spotted by the waiter. He wondered why I was still in town. I had told them on Monday that this was the end I was going away.
Met Ed in the evening at the Guildford Arms. This was the first day of their Folk and Blues Festival. The place was mobbed, and we seemed to be standing in the walkway. Caledonian Breweries sponsored the event, and every one of their beers was available. I drank the IPA, and also their Porter. A really dark and tasty beer.
As we entered a band called Yard Of Ale were playing, they are on every night starting and ending the evening. They are probably Scotland’s best acoustic pub band, music spans 30 years incl. Folk, Skiffle & Country. Anchoring event for 10th year. The band: Peter Gillan, Colin Mackenzie & Alistair McDougald. They were not my cup of tee, and luckily they were soon off. They played Lonnie Donnegan songs, and Ralph McTell Streets of London.
Next on were the Rhythm Sharks. Sandy Tweedale on vocals & guitar with Gary Martin on vocals & harmonica & slide guitar. Major driving force of the Scottish Blues scene. They only get together to play once a year at the Guildford arms. They were very good. Can’t remember the numbers they played, but it was all Blues.
Back to my hotel before midnight!!!