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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
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This is the third year in a row I’ve enjoyed this band, at this venue, at this time of year (last year’s review: https://5d-blog.com/manran-at-the-lemon-tree-aberdeen/). This may sound boring, but it is far from that, again I find myself wishing I was at the upcoming Hoolie at the Hydro for more of this fabulous band!
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Last year I had commented that there was no support band so was intrigued to see that this year’s advertising included support. We arrived to find a poster detailing two sets with an interval in the middle, and wondered if the planned support had cancelled. In a fascinating plot twist the support was during their set, rather than the traditional method of having a “warm up” band or singer. I should have remembered this would be the case as I had tried to encourage my son to get involved!
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Over the weekend preceding the concert Mànran ran, in connection with the local SC&T Youth (Scottish Cultural and Traditions), music lessons for local youngsters. These youngsters were then invited to be part of the concert! So they watched the first two songs from the front barrier, then they disappeared through the back to get their instruments and then were invited onto the stage. Apparently you can fit a LOT of people on the Lemon Tree stage! They played two songs with the band that they had been getting lessons from all weekend. Such an amazing opportunity for local musically minded youngsters and what a fabulous experience it gave the audience to enjoy them all playing together.
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Another song that they performed was Crow Flies which was used for a Scottish marketing campaign for Crerar Hotels. We were told the story of them all getting the opportunity to have a night at a hotel at their choice and Marcus, the bass player, came back looking like he was 14! He had enjoyed a facial at the hotel he enjoyed, which the other chaps seemed to think was an unusual choice of a complimentary treatment.
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All the money the raise from their latest release will go to help the homeless across Scotland and is available on their Bandcamp page. It’s a lovely version of the famous song Wild Mountain Thyme and we were all invited sing along with them, which I think most people to do!
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We did get two wonderful sets which included many of their usual songs. There was a glorious mix of bagpipes, accordion, fiddle, and Gaelic lyrics. We were once again introduced to each of the talented individuals and told where they are each from, including Ryan who adds an Irish influence. There was even a bargain bin in the interval so people could get reduced merchandise ahead of the new releases we were promised are coming in the new year.
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It was just a lovely atmosphere and a fabulous evening so roll on next year when they come back again, hopefully.
Further information: https://manran.co.uk/
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