Celtic Connections: Jamaican Burns Night @ The Old Fruitmarket, 25 Jan

Inspired by Robert Burns’ almost-move to Jamaica, tonight’s Caribbean-infused Burns celebrations remain staunchly traditional in some respects, with the bars swamped until parched patrons drink every draught tap dry. Perhaps it’s the need to cool the palate after sampling the Glasgow/Kingston fusion cuisine on offer, including goat curry and haggis fritters (with Reggae Reggae sauce, naturally). Or maybe it’s a thirst borne of the awkward but enthusiastic dancing from young and old alike to Edward II. Mixing syncopated rhythms with reeling accordion for covers of reggae and Scots classics, it’s a risky blend that somehow makes the two sound like natural bedfellows.

As well as Burns’ 250th birthday, Scottish culture celebrates another anniversary in 2009: 30 years since the Nu-Sonics changed their name to Orange Juice and became Bearsden’s most celebrated musical export. To mark the occasion, Sushil K Dade presents Orange Juice Dub Arkestra, a messy, unfocused but glorious celebration of the band’s legacy. With guests including Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake, it’s a fitting tribute, with the emergence of Edwyn Collins himself providing the emotional pay-off.

Unfortunately, by the time Sly and Robbie appear, fatigue has taken its toll on sections of the crowd. The duo (and band) are undisputed masters of their instruments, but with a focus on bass and drum virtuosity over actual songs, those less enamoured with the riddim lose interest. That such legendary musicians receive relatively short shrift is credit to tonight’s diverse line-up, in which the main attraction for some are but a footnote to others. [Chris Buckle]

 

See more shots from the night here