Colin Donati
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at OOTB
(April 2004)
The larger crowd than of late was possibly attracted out by the lighter night tonight or possibly on hearing Colin Donati was compere. He did a great turn as compere and, to start the night, as musician. Colin played the house guitar, an acoustic, perhaps giving his songs more of an edge than the classical he normally uses. One of the most experimental acts on the Edinburgh circuit, his opener "If I Stay Too Much Longer" matched quirky rhythms with intelligent wordplay. One of his literary influences, legendary Edinburgh-born poet Norman McCaig, wrote the words to his next song and Colin added some lovely chords to back this striking poem. Live favourite "Daniel" always lifts a Waverley night and again this epic set closer got the whole crowd tapping anything from a drum to a cigarette packet. I'd love to hear a recording of this one day.(November 2003)
Speaking of the Proclaimers, Colin is, for me, like a one-man Proclaimers with his distinctly Scottish accent when he sings and his on-stage mannerisms. I didn't get a chance to talk to him before hand as he booked his slot and then disappeared till later on in the evening. He opened with a piece which he said was Work In Progress. Heavy strumming guitar in 3/4 time, this two chord faintly bluesy piece with lyrics which were, unfortunately, too low in the mix to make out, only really picked up half way through when Stuart entered with his ubiquitous djembe and Lynsey added some shaker. Even then though, it was not the best thing I heard tonight. At the end, Colin said he'd wanted to make a noise. He succeeded admirably!! Colin's second song, entitled "Various Moons", was back on form with very accomplished guitar playing and an opening catchy riff. He ended with what he announced as a Country & Western song written with his friend Rory, called "Day & Night". The best of his three tonight, this mentioned various jungle animals in the lyric so I was struggling to come to terms with the C&W aspect of it. A good chord sequence to this one but, for me, perhaps a bit too long. The audience loved it though, so what do I know??!!!