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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
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An evening with Ross Wilson and Blue Rose Code is like no other. He is a fascinating man with quite a back story and lyrics to match, and the musicians he plays with are all very talented.
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Ross’s lyrics have a way of captivating an audience, keeping them quiet so that you can hear the magic within. It is hard to define his genre, we started with Amazing Grace which had quite a bluesy feel, we had some Garth Brooks which is obviously country, and there were some religious songs verging on gospel. We were treated to two sets, with a nice comfort break in between which probably suited the age level of many of the audience. I must admit I am always pleased when I go into a gig and find it is seated, I must be “of an age”!
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It was obvious people were listening to every lyric because when there was a funny bit people laughed and when there was a sad bit people sighed. You really got into the story alongside Ross and his band. In between some of the songs he told us stories of when he was discovered by Ricky Ross and featured on his show or of his relationship with his mother and how he wrote the song Sadie when she died. The song deals with generational trauma and a repeating theme of many of Ross’ songs of the struggles with addiction which he and his mother both suffered from.
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It did sadden me that he said the best song of the night was the Brooks cover, and the second best was Come Away with Me by Norah Jones. It is not that these songs were not glorious, I just wish Ross could see the beauty in his own work. His version of Norah was outstanding, but his own songs are equally worthy of adoration, my only regret is that I only heard him when he supported the Proclaimers but at least I am enlightened now.
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His new album, Bright Circumstance, has more of a soul sound, such as the song Jericho which was included in the second set. It also featured McDonald’s Lament, leading into a Gaelic reading from the bible and then into Now The Big Man Has Gone. This song is obviously a tribute to a close friend who Ross lost and was as moving as the first time I heard him sing 13 Years. Although the benefit of experiencing Ross’ lyrics live a second time is that you are ready for the raw emotion and this time I did not embarrass myself with the ugly crying he evoked the first time!
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An evening with Blue Rose Code is not a light, fluffy, skip along, evening. It is one of thought provoking lyrics and reflection. People still leave with a smile on their face and a song in their hearts, and surely that is all you can ask for from a night out enjoying live music?
Further information: https://bluerosecode.com/
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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