Since 2002, this trio of Scottish Folk musicians has toured the north east corridor of the US twice a year. RI has been fortunate to be on the circuit tour every time. Furthermore, I have had the privilege to get to know them personally, as they hang out at a local restaurant bar that just happens to be where my brother works and also just happens to be within walking distance of my home.

Once again the Blackstone River Theater hosted one of their performances on the Fall 2007 tour with near sell out attendance for a Sunday evening performance. Dave Gilfillon, Ronnie MacDonald and Grant Simpson were at their finest for the entire set and the Blackstone River Theater is a perfect place in which to hear any performance with its perfect acoustics and expert sound man, Doug.

During the performance, North Sea Gas did 12 of the 15 tunes from the new release titled Rosslyn along with 10 pieces from older material in their repertoire. This show was fresh and new; very exciting, amusing and entertaining, as only they can be.

North Sea Gas delivers a unique blend of Scottish tradition, humor, and original material. What makes these guys extra special is the humor deeply imbedded in their choice of tunes and their dialog with the audience. They engage their audience from the start to the finish and you feel an instant connection. Some of the tunes, take you right to the place and time, as traditional ballads should, but North Sea Gas' style is heartfelt adding another dimension to the traditional sound. They are clearly having fun with it.

Drawing from twenty seven years of experience, North Sea Gas' repertoire ranges from rousing battle songs steeped in history, Scottish ballads rich with imagery and humor, a cappella harmonies, and traditional instrumental fiddle tunes. This tour showcases the best they have to offer. The new tunes on Rosslyn performed during the performance were a good showcase of what they do best. A few of my new favorites are:

• "Torn Screen Door" which is a sweet ballad, sung a capella, describing the demise of another farm house that the bank reposessed and now stands empty and worn.
• "I Will Go" is a twist on the traditional battle tune conveying the spirit of Scottish men willingly leaving their homes to serve in the King's army, only to return to find their homes burned and their families gone.
• "Follow the Heron" hear the sweet melody of this tune which takes you soaring with the Herons in the spring.
• "Classy Lassie" with a catch tune and lyrics tell the story of new love blooming.
• "Rosslyn" the title song which takes its inspiration from the Rosslyn Chapel that has a rich legendary Scottish history and was featured in the DaVinci Code.

Interspersing the new material were some of my old favorites. Myself and sisters were thrilled to hear our enduring favorite, "Dark Island" which Mac dedicated to John's sisters, which would be us. They finished up the night with "Little Bit More", "Our Town" and "Loch Lomond". All together, the evening went all to fast.

Look for North Sea Gas at a venue near you, I promise you won't be disappointed. If they are not playing near by to you, get the new CD, Rosslyn, from their website. Give it a good listen then promote a gig nearby you.

Click here, if you are looking for a selection of North Sea Gas music.

North Sea Gas booking agent:
Linda Zelenski
P.O. Box 1953
Woonsocket, RI
508-883-7972
Cell 508-410-1872
booknsg@quik.com