Tom McRae

The latest gig on our A to Z Musical Tour was ……

In this post we review TOM MCRAE, with support from LOWRI EVANS

When we saw Tom McCrae earlier this year (Reviewed here) in La Laiterie Club, the audience were compacted into a relatively small, dark club space with the stage a few inches above the floor.

Last night’s performance was held in the grand surrounds of St Luke’s in Glasgow, a church converted to offer one of the best venue experiences in the city. The audience were given the comfort of their own seats too, a testimony to the ‘age demographics’ of his loyal fanbase as he was happy to admit to early in the set.

One man, a couple of acoustics and an electric guitar, a keyboard and a back catalogue that stretches back almost twenty-five years. Add in an array of foot pedals to embellish the guitar sounds and the stage was literally set for another fine performance of song, some merriment and no little of Tom’s outlook on life.

Having paid money to watch the show, Tom is keen to invite audience participation throughout the evening with invitations to sing, clap, stand and just breathe in the atmosphere.

The years in music have served him well. His songs show a maturity that retain all the heart felt emotion when initially written and recorded.

If tonight’s audience is anything to go by, many have made the journey with him over the years happy to acknowledge the musicianship of a talented songwriter.

From Lately’s All I Know through to One Mississippi and The Boy With The Bubblegun, Tom ensured the audience felt engaged, entertained and welcomed, on a Wednesday night, in a troubled world when there were other options available.

The warmth of Tom’s performance was equally reciprocated by an audience hoping that the next Glasgow gig won’t be too long in the future. The age demographic demands it!

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Support Act

Lowri Evans

Lowri Evans is a Welsh singer songwriter who, as you might expect coming from Wales, has a wonderful voice which reverberated across St Luke’s during her warmup set for the headline act. Accompanied by long term companion Lee Mason, they delved into songs that had been co-written by Tom while others reflected her up bringing in Newport and the surrounding area.

She is also a songwriting partner of Tom and they have recorded an album together along with other collaborations since they first met.

You can see why Tom McRae asked for her and Lee to support him on tour. They provided the perfect introduction to the night fine songs, finely played in a fine setting.