one4review | On 03, Dec 2014

A fast becoming must do in early December for multitudes of his fans is a pilgrimage to Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall to feast on the delights of that are on offer from this legend of Scottish rock.
Frame formed his first band in 1980 and within a very short time attracted critical acclaim and a huge following under the guise of Aztec Camera, a following that is obviously still loyal after thirty years or more, okay maybe a few more grey hairs than previously but just as keen.
His re-launch of the iconic ‘High Land, Hard Rain’ album and its subsequent tour rekindled my interest in 2013 and having seen him and his band recreate the album live together with a veritable greatest hits package as well, it was one of the musical highlights of last year for me.
So when the 2014 mini tour of UK and Europe was announced it was decided that another helping of the Frame magic was definitely required.
Like Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray I am convinced that Roddy must have a portrait ageing away in his attic, because he sure doesn’t look, or act, like his age unlike more than a few of his audience. He has bags of energy, enthusiasm and charisma, more than enough to engulf the large auditorium and his vocals and amazing guitar playing, either by himself or with his tight and talented band, just made the two hours absolutely fly by and the audience appreciated it with almost tangible awe and reverence.
The set list comprised a selection of his best stuff, and boy is there plenty to pick from, the likes of ‘Walk Out to Winter’, ‘The Crying Scene’, ‘Oblivious’ to name a few of course not forgetting ‘Somewhere in My Heart’ together with four numbers from his excellent new studio album ‘Seven Dials’ and if the set wasn’t enough, two encores were demanded and delivered before it was over, well at least for this year. He did however promise to return ‘home’ again before too long so I am keeping a space in next year’s diary. Was there a highlight? Well others may disagree but for me atmospheric ‘Killermont Street’ probably just shaded it.
And if this wasn’t enough entertainment on offer the support act, Miriam Jones, did an admiral job of starting off proceedings. Ms Jones comes from Canada and is a singer-songwriter new to me. She has an amazing vocal range and also accompanies herself on both acoustic and electric guitars and is joined by Simon Edwards on bass. Her songs all tell short stories and her vocals to me often reminiscent of Joan Osborne and even Stevie Nicks at times and it was half an hour well spent. Her album ‘Between Green and Gone’ is available and is one I will enjoy over again I’m sure.
There are a few dates left on the British leg of his tour so if you are very quick you could possibly get on, the details are on www.roddyframe.com
Reviewed by Geoff