Miwa Nagato-Apthorp Shines at Under Canvas as Rising Duo McKerron & Godlington Preview New Album
Saturday, July 5th, began with Miwa Nagato-Apthorp, a performance I eagerly anticipated after exploring her music online. Hawick-based Miwa, of Japanese heritage, masterfully fuses Japanese and Scottish musical traditions in her compelling sets. She shared the moving story behind ‘The Ballad of Frank Toovey Lake,’ a song co-written with her mother. The song recounts the tale of a young British sailor who died on Hiroshima Island in 1868, whose grave has been tended by the islanders ever since. I sat in awe throughout Miwa’s set, her voice wonderfully controlled and expressive, and judging by the audience’s reaction, I was far from alone in my admiration. The only unexpected interlude during her set was a brief fire alarm evacuation at Eden Court, though it turned out to be a false alarm, and we quickly returned to the ‘Under Canvas’ setting.
Cailean Mckerron and Ben Godlington.
These two lads have just finished recording an album entitled “A Trip Around the Cairngorms” which will be released later this year, they’re a two piece piano and fiddle duo young in years but accomplished in their music. My impression during their set was that they are approaching their composing in their own way and it’s refreshing to hear, sadly I missed some of their set (I was hungry I had to eat, don’t want a rumbling belly noise interrupting the music) but what I did get was really enjoyable and look forward to catching them again when I’m not hungry….sorry.
Eden Court is once again putting on their superb “Under Canvas” sessions though July and August with an eclectic mix of Scottish trad artists, DJ sets, folk music, jazz, afrobeats even some classical music, and pretty much everything in-between to keep you entertained throughout the summer evenings in a relaxed under canvas setting, you can even order food which they bring out to you!
Words and photos by © Alan Cruickshank
