Review from The Exchange, Grove Street, Edinburgh 28th December 2005

"With a compelling 19-song set, the ragtaggle band, under head boy Dean Owens and guitarist Calais Brown, proved dynamic performers throughout - showing exactly why they are regarded by so many as one of Scotland's best bands."

From a Scotsman Music Review of The Felsons from 29th December 2005

"For those not so familiar with the Felsons, legend has it that a chance meeting in Glasgow while performing on the Renfrew Ferry led to them being invited to tour with top American band The Mavericks on their Trampoline tour of UK stadiums. On said tour, the Felsons played to 10,000 people every night, winning over the large audiences with their unique brand of alt country infused with bluegrass.

Described by the Evening News back in 1999 as "Scotland's head honchos in the new country world", to this day the Felsons have sadly still found more favour than fame.

High-profile appearances since have included guest slots with top American acts like Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Little Feat among others. And while they remain relatively under-appreciated on home soil, the band's reputation has continued to grow elsewhere.

So much so, in fact, that during a tour with The Mavericks a few years back, Robert Reynolds was moved to say of his support act: "Touring as much as we do, you encounter a lot of bands. But once in a blue moon... it's a great band like the Felsons."

Last night's gig merely confirmed just why The Felsons are held in such high esteem. Early highlights included set opener Miss You California, Boomerang Boy and Born to Lose You - each offering a variety of styles.

Elsewhere, set closer On Fire was a mellow, slow-burner, while the penultimate number What About Me was all charged rockabilly.

With a compelling 19-song set, the ragtaggle band, under head boy Dean Owens and guitarist Calais Brown, proved dynamic performers throughout - showing exactly why they are regarded by so many as one of Scotland's best bands.

For sure, you'd be hard pushed to pigeonhole this lot... but you can bet that's just the way they like it."

The Felsons
MUSIC REVIEW - The Scotsman - 29 December 2005
by GARY FLOCKHART

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