Also above Cowgate

This one was just across the road from the Jazz Bar and still high on the volcanic plug but a steep laneway almost next door led down to the Cowgate and a string of other venues. But otherwise it had little in common. The Royal Oak is a ridiculously small performance space at street level behind two layers of glass. Perhaps 4x4m for some seating and standing and a well stocked bar (that’s common!) and stone walls and rich timber-work. Inside were just a small contingent. The players were folkies so little gear needed, just acoustic guitar and banjo and slide guitar, sitting in one corner with audience almost falling over them. I’d expected some gaelic folk but heard this as more US-styled with that slide guitar and banjo and a strummed guitar. And some fabulous harmonies from the two central players, a male tenor and harmonising female (soprano?). Both strongly and confidently voiced and beautifully attuned. That really was delicious. There was some audience participation, too, with some occasional voices in harmony and it was an open stage. We caught two women singing / playing later. Earlier it was fairly quiet in the audience but then the chatter arose but it was a small place and remained respectful of the music. In a strange twist, we got chatting to a couple from … Canberra. Small world. Some delicious harmonies and some lively and tight folky grooves from Scott, Linda and James.

br> Scott Orchard (banjo, vocals), Linda Larking (vocals, guitar) and James Stewart (slide guitar) performed at the Royal Oak in Edinburgh.