Average White Band - Celtic Connections 2012

At celtic connections the emphasis is often put on traditional music. For me - a person who has very solid roots in gaeldom what the Average White Band achieved in their day was nothing short of tradition forming. To me tradition is not about a specific genre (folk) or a particular sound (diddle) but the fervent and genuine want for people to master and create whatever it is they see fit at the time. For me the Average White Band are every bit as valuable to Scottish culture as say, Donald Riddle, Scott Skinner, The Macdonalds of Glenuig or even Robert Burns (Norman McCaig is my national poet).So I'm a big fan of the Average White Band. Have been since I first started on the Bass and got my hooks into the funk. They are an exceptionally tight machine, regarded as kings of the genre and arguably one of Scotland's most successful musical exports with Gold discs and Grammy nominations. I have to admit I was a little worried going to this show, these guys are heroes of mine and I wasn't sure if they would live up to my high expectations or leave them shattered on the floor. I have to say that from the first note they pinned it. Total groove, tight as a fleas shit pipe.Alan Gorrie plays and sings like he means it, this lot are not just turning out the hits by going through the motions. Onnie McIntyre, to my mind is one of the best rhythm guitarists the world has ever produced and to stand in front him and hear the attack of his amps and witness the ease and force with which he creates that groove is quite frankly, mind blowing. The rest of the band are equally hot, talent and funk just drips from them. My particular favourite was Mo Pleasure who was magnificent on the Bass, Keyboards and Guitar. He seems to have been hewn from a massive lump of primeval funk. Mo is in-fact a serious stalwart of funk history being musical director for Earth Wind & Fire and toured with Michael and Janet Jackson, not to mention Ray Charles. Holly Smokes; I think that makes Mo back-line royalty. Fred 'Freddy V' Vigdor on saxophone the only white addition to the line up is by no means average. Seering and charismatic with a particularly photogenic shirt. They were joined by Hugh and Cry and Niki King modern torch bearers of the Scottish soul flame, these guest stars gave the band some room to really perform and it has to be said that after Pat Kane started the crowd certainly lifted up a notch from the already buzzing atmosphere.Why anyone thought the concert hall was the place to put a band of such booty shaking prowess is anyones guess. Maybe they thought they were past it, would play all the ballads and the fans would just be there for nostalgia and the odd sing a long. In fact this odd choice of venue turned out to be one of the most heart warming things I have witnessed over the whole festival. A few songs into the second half the audience could no longer contain themselves and despite the best efforts of security the place erupted in to a gyrating throng, blocking fire exits and dancing on their seats. Truly brilliant I cannot say how much I enjoyed seeing the reaction of the crowd and the security, the band simply intensified the groove and fanned the flames a little hotter. Classic...The Average White bands are still legendary, totally fucking legendary, next time they're here I'm there. They still cut it hard and deep, they are undoubtedly still one of Scotland's best bands.