Last night as part of mini jazz fest ‘Gallus‘, a full house was treated to a beautiful airing of young singer Luca Manning‘s newly released debut album, When The Sun Comes Out.

A lovely mix of Standards, two pieces by Manning, one by Fergus McCreadie, a Joni Mitchell and the traditional Loch Lomond as encore, this felt like a milestone performance for the charismatic Manning who clearly has a successful career ahead of him. Stalwart alto saxophonist Laura Macdonald‘s accompaniments were perfectly judged, whilst McCreadie’s piano was occasionally a little loud but otherwise as ever, heaving with creativity.

The second half of the gig was reportedly a gift from McCreadie to himself, and had him duetting with old school-mate and friend, folk-jazz fiddler Charlie Stewart. Starting at slow – moderate tempo, the pair played Scottish traditional tunes, McCreadie at times briefly soloing off piste into some upper register jazz figures. The pace gradually picked up to stompingly rapid and soul-stirring fare.

Two excellent concerts for the price of one. Clearly Scottish music – jazz and traditional, and that interesting mix of both – is in rude health.