The rousing sounds of the bagpipes have been heralding the start of significant occasions across Scotland for centuries and it was on a Friday night at the beginning of October that one such rallying cry could be heard reverberating around Froize, as Eabhal’s Ewan Duncan took to the stage to warm up his own set of pipes and the gathering audience along with him.

Entwined with the enchanting melodies were the intoxicating aromas of David Grimwood’s ‘piping hot’ food filling the air, and the scene was well and truly set for a thrilling night! Ewan (also a flute player) was soon joined by fellow members, Kaitlin Ross on Vocals, Meghan MacDonald on Accordion, Nicky Kirk on Guitar, and Robbie Greig on Fiddle. From the very first notes conjured by this sparkling quintet, it was obvious we were in for a real masterclass in traditional musicianship and entertainment! Expertly guided on an auditory journey around the West Coast of Scotland and beyond, we were treated to a sumptuous musical feast alongside the edible one! 

There are few sounds more evocative than a perfectly delivered Gaelic singing voice, and we have certainly been spoilt with those at Froize over the years. Following in the footsteps of the likes of Kim Carnie, Ainsley Hammil and Josie Duncan, Eabhal’s  jaw-dropping vocals did not disappoint, leaving us all in magical wonderment.  

It’s on nights like these that our Folkies At The Froize might wish for a dance floor to advance to, but perhaps just sitting quietly to study the skills of the performers while comfortably digesting David’s fabulous food is more favourable option!

For all but one member of the band (Meghan), this was their first visit to Froize, but more often than not, we soon discover on meeting artists that we have developed a fine reputation to uphold when it comes to looking after them! For us, hospitality comes as naturally as breathing, and it’s impossible to quantify the value that we place on their skills and talents. We like all our artists to feel as nourished and fulfilled spending time here with us as we do with them. We can’t remember a single gig where an artist hasn’t left us with the feeling that we have made not just new memories,  but new friends, and that’s why, when many musicians and venues are struggling to make ends meet, what we do here feels more vital than ever right now.