Recreating A Bygone Era
The normal rule of thumb here at CGCM is to focus fully on new and original artists. I am breaking the rule ever so slightly for this. I do hope to be forgiven by the powers that be and that I am not struck down by lightning or anything!
Rather unexpectedly, I was told by a friend that I should go and check out this band called Outside The Original. Thanks to my friend, I ended up going and having an excellent night in one of Edinburgh’s most attractive venues (with superb sound, it is made for music).
The band cover artists like Genesis, Floyd, King Crimson, ELP and more. The 6-piece beautifully recreate the music of a bygone era in an entertaining way. The band are comprised of Gerry Phimister on lead vocals, James Finnigan on lead guitar, Suzanne McKenzie on keyboards and backing vocals, George Falconer on drums and backing vocals, Kizzy Yeudall on saxophone and additional keys and finally George Glen on bass guitar and guitar. One of the band has performed, I believe, with both BB King and Nile Rodgers, and another was part of the band Stiltskin and has worked with Scottish band Hue And Cry. The pedigree is there for sure, but so is the love. I could tell easily how much they loved playing the music of these prog greats.
One Moment Rollicking, The Next Having Shivers
Some of the things I noticed were during (firstly) “Get ‘Em Out By Friday” from Genesis was the guitar tone. It was spot on. If I closed my eyes, it could have been the original being played. The band presented the drama, the humour and pathos of the piece so well with singer Gerry managing to portray the various characters within the song.
I also love the spirit and energy they brought to “Karn Evil 9″ (first impression) by ELP. It was a rollicking, hard rocking version which had my head going and had me singing along!
One of the absolute highlights of the show was “Starless” from King Crimson, it was truly beautiful. The interplay between sax and guitar gave me shivers. Not an easy song to play (mind, are any of these actually easy to play? Probably not.), but it was so precise. If memory serves, before this specific song Gerry described this as “more prog than prog” whilst laughing (he also asked cheekily if there “any prog fans in,” the answer was definitely a yes).
Wonderful Acoustic Piece
In the second set, there were not that many songs, then again when one of the songs is “Supper’s Ready” you are leaving not much time for other tracks. I thought they did a great job on it and a special credit for also playing “Horizons” before it. Hearing that acoustic piece was wonderful. I could have heard a pin drop. They opened the set actually, with “Hoedown” by ELP which got the toes tapping.
Some fine harmonies between guitar and keys on this. Fast but tight. We had 2 sections of Floyd‘s “Dark Side Of Moon” played, firstly “Money“, allowing more sax soloing then beautifully and melodically into “Us And Them“. I also liked the ending they did to “Long Distance Runaround” by Yes. A little extra guitar if my memory serves me correctly.
A Great Night Out For Classic Prog Fans
As I said, as a site we don’t normally review non-original bands, but I felt that this was not just a “gig” but more a show. It was bringing the past back to life. For those who are maybe just a tad too young (or far too young) and missed out on hearing this music played when it came out in a live environment this is a great way to experience it.
It was presented as a sit-down show (the venue was all-seated, which is very unusual) so folks could sit with beer or two and relive the glorious 1970s progressive music scene. Anyone who loves the bands mentioned (and others similar, they didn’t do all the bands on their posters) and wants to enjoy that music presented in a first-class way should go and enjoy themselves. I had a blast. Great night out for any prog lover!
Just to add, the band are appearing on the Saturday afternoon at Rush Fest Scotland held in Glasgow (3 day event 15 – 17 May) along with many other Rush-related performers. For Info/tickets click here
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