Summerhall, Edinburgh
16/03/2024
On a dreich, rainy, damp, wet Saturday night, which is nothing unusual for Scotland in March, Sam Lee was in Edinburgh to bring some warmth and joy to Summerall’s Old Laboratory venue. The Summerhall is a labyrinth of old theatre rooms, lab rooms and lecture halls, and is a perfect place to be hosting Sam Lee on his “Songdreaming” tour this March and April.
Songdreaming is the latest studio album from Sam and has already stirred up a frenzy of interest. Since the release of Sam’s debut album “Ground of its Own” back in 2012, his music has grown, matured and his style has evolved into something unique and very special. The tales, stories, myths, tragedy and traditional songs of times past holds dear to many a peoples hearts and Sam Lee captures that beautifully in his modern, but yet nostalgic take on folk songs.
Not re-booting or renewing; but restoring and bringing back the re-birth of lost ancient Irish, English and Celtic songs – brought forward into the present to be reconnected with multi generations of folk music lovers. Having, at times, put his roots down with the Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers, Sam gave himself up to the musical influences and history of song and stories these communities held deep in their traditions. British folk music is steeped in history and there is no better folk singer than Sam to tell its stories.
As the lights dimmed on the Old Lab, the all-aged audience welcomed Sam with great enthusiasm. With a calm, tranquil vibe in the room, Sam proceeded to engage us with some fascinating story telling. Its was clear that Earth, nature, animals and wildlife are a fundamental part of Sam’s connections between music and mother earth, particular The Nightingale bird. Considering he was a student of adventurer and survival expert Ray Mears, it all makes sense. Folk music and Nature is Sam’s life and tonight he took us on his journey from past to present day.
Not did we just get to revel in the beauty of songs like, “Singing with the Nightingales”, “The Garden of England” “Lovely Molly”, “Bushes and Briars “, Sweet Girl McRee” and “Green Mossy Banks” we also had the privilege of the music icon Bernard Butler ( the big hit song “Stay”) on guitar. I was aware he was producing Sam Lee but was pleasantly surprised to see him on guitar. The set went as smooth as silk being turned on a spindle, moving from song to story and story to song.
A lovely atmosphere had descended over the auditorium and a quiet peaceful feeling seemed to beam from Sam. He has captivated all that folk music is, happy, sad, tragic, beautiful, loving and more importantly alive and truthful. “Songdreaming” is the dreamiest album i have had the pleasure to listen too recently and the message is clear. Never stop dreaming !! A wonderful evening of amazing musicians fronted by the incredible Sam Lee.
Raymond Speedie
Mumble Music 