I would never describe myself as a groupie – that always strikes me as rather “desperate and tasteless” yet I think I came perilously close when I saw Si Cranstoun kick off the Big Vintage Weekender.
Si came to my attention as his songs feature at my jive class – and after watching him through the wonder that is the iphone and YouTube I definitely added his CDs to my Christmas list. So when I heard he was performing at the Weekender I couldn’t resist.
What a brill night – Julie Jive and the Big Notes opened the evening with a really rocking number of tunes.
– I’m not one for the goth 50s look but she carries it off well and her voice, once it warms up, really is very strong and carries her songs well. The rest of the band are not as memorable with the exception of their bass player – now there’s a man who understands how to be a performer. Ever want to see a musician lying on his back with his bass in the air – how cool and so old school 😉
Si followed and it was non stop rockin’ with the dancefloor properly stacked in appreciation. Big hits such as Coupe De Ville, Lonesome Heart Bandit and Dynamo were followed with new tunes (to me) but defo ones to get you moving such as Ella Hula Hula. One of my favourites is rather aptly named Tweet on Twitter lol!
Fantastic delivery made each song a real joy to listen to and I was incredibly grateful when my beloved went off to buy me his CDs; Dancehalls and Supperclubs, and Alternative Floor Fillers. Si was kind enough to sign them for me too.
My thanks must indeed go to my beloved – who has no interest whatsoever in the 1940s/50s but fortunately likes any kind of live music and more importantly seeing the massive grin on my face when I am enjoying myself.
He drove me not only to the first night gig but also back again the next day so I could browse the stalls in the hall – a 200 mile trip for a gig and a boot sale according to him!!
Well boot sale or not I was in seventh heaven – at the moment I am fascinated by vintage brooches for my jacket collars and found some incredibly pretty (read that as sparkly!) ones. 
I was also tempted by a new pair of swing nautical trousers by Miss Fortune, despite the incredibly ugly cream ship buttons. Needless to say a quick trip to haberdashery and I’ve replaced them with some simple white ones – so much better 🙂
Having listened to Si’s CDs several times now I must say I am seriously impressed by some of the quieter tracks like Bella Principessa, and Daddy’s Gotcha. Not a bad tune in the bunch so yep I am now officially a fan (but not a groupie!) 🙂
Viva!
Modern Living-Vintage Loving 