There were three good reasons to feel optimistic when walking into Boisdale; it's always exciting to see a new venue, the wonderful Marcella Detroit was playing and importantly tonight dinner is included!
Introduced by her husband, Lance Aston, Marcella Detroit took to the intimate Boisdale stage with no fanfare. Strumming a ukulele she sang the first song she learnt to play as a child and so began the evening's musical journey.
With an incredibly rich musical tapestry Marcella leads you through the abridged history of her life from Detroit to England and back again. This all transpires whilst you are served a three course menu in fine surroundings. Imagine a grand Scottish hall in a Canary Wharf tower, city views and a small but perfectly formed stage just feet away. All the ingredients for the perfect evening.
Moving through the years Marcella plays pivotal songs at musical crossroad moments such as 'Lay Down Sally', which she co-wrote with Eric Clapton and just last week sang with the guitar legend in Hyde Park in front of a sell-out crowd.
'Your History' - from her Shakespeare's Sister stint with Bananarama co-bandmate Siobhan Fahey - was the most eagerly welcomed section of the evening with her rendition of ‘Stay’ proving those killer vocals were still firing on all cylinders. Now in full story telling mode there were welcome anecdotes recalling how Fahey’s husband Dave Stewart had moved in next door to a friend in LA which eventually led to the chart topping partnership as well as nods to collaborations with Elton John, and Aretha Franklyn to name but a few.
The intimate nature of the venue brings you and the artist closer than ever and when one couple's desert came lit with candles they found themselves being serenaded ‘Happy Anniversary’ by Marcella herself. The cuisine was also of the highest order I can personally vouch for the Crispy Szechuan pepper & chilli squid followed by roast Dumfriesshire Blackface haggis with an amazing wine selection not to mention the whiskey bar and cigar library.
The set was rounded off with some ballsy blues and that’s where you feel that Marcella’s heart really lies showing her proficiency on the harmonica and even singing from behind the drum kit. An exemplary night of music from a stand out live performer in the most intimate of settings.
A sight, sound and taste sensation. You can still catch Marcella Detroit at
Boisdale until the 20th July.
