I wasn't in the mood for this gig tonight. My plan had been to travel from and to the cabin, but circumstances got in the way of that, so I faced a longer-than-expected journey to a venue I'd never been to before. At least it was dry.
My sat nav successfully directed me to my usual Stirling car park at Forthside, and then I used Google Maps to direct me on foot to the venue. I still managed to walk past it. Upon arrival, with my ticket down as 'Box Office Collection', I provided my details and received an ink stamp on the back of my hand. I had a couple of minutes before the doors opened at 7.30 pm, so I went to the loo and then faced a handwashing dilemma. How do you wash them properly without removing the stamp? I figured I wouldn't be shaking hands with anyone anyway, so I chose to perform a cursory splash (I did give them a proper wash when I got home).
By the time I went upstairs, the raked-seated auditorium was already reasonably packed for this sell-out gig. They must have opened the door early because I don't think the Grey Brigade, who were out in force, could have filled that many seats so comfortably in so short a time. I don't know if Ross's audience now skews older or if it was a midweek Stirling thing, but everyone was pleasant and polite, even the few clutching their plastic-cupped pints.
Ross and his band came on at 8 p.m. and performed two sets. The saxophonist and drummer departed the stage occasionally for the acoustic numbers, leaving Ross and his talented guitarist to strum their way through a few songs I didn't know. I still wasn't feeling the vibe and considered making an exit, but the drive was too long to abort this early.
Then, he told us of his estranged mother's passing earlier this year. He didn't go into detail, preferring to describe how he believes songs can take on new meaning as life events unfold before performing 'Sadie', which he dedicated to his mum. The depth of feeling in the lyrics touched me, and I knew I wasn't going home early.
I did feel he murdered his cover of the Norah Jones song "Come Away With Me", his vocal style not suiting the breathy beauty of the original.
Ross constantly moves while he performs. He can't help himself, whether shaking his head in front of the microphone or dancing with his acoustic guitar. I wish he would employ more stillness to enhance his performance. His lyrics are so soulful they deserve to be the focus sometimes.
I'm glad I stayed. The last few songs were pure BRC bangers. His tribute to his best mate, "Now the Big Man has Gone On," packed an emotional punch, ending with a recording of his answerphone message to Ross.
The walk back to the car was quiet except for one pedestrian area, which was packed with students in fancy dress. I overheard one conversation between a tall, skinny girl dressed in leather and lace and her casually attired boyfriend. She asked him if he was upset with her costume, and he bluntly replied, "Yes." I could see why, but I tried not to stare. It did look like he'd employed her services for the night, but mainly because he hadn't made an effort.
On a positive note, I only missed one easily corrected turn on the long drive home.
Setlist:TBC.
(I tried to take a picture of the handwritten setlist, but the lighting was too poor)
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