Standing ovation for the Rose Room

On Saturday August 24th, a packed audience listened in amazement to the four musicians of The Rose Room, and at the end, were on their feet, stamping and cheering. Seonaid Aitken, a classical violinist who plays for Scottish Opera, developed a passion for swing jazz through listening to Stephane Grappelli, and says jazz is now the love of her life. She has a delectable voice, lyrical and with easy fluency through a wide range. Whether singing or playing, she displays fantastic technique coupled with inventiveness that leaves the listener amazed and excited – and what’s more, she is stunningly glamorous.

Jimmy Moon, a long-term member of The Moonshiners bluegrass band, is well known on Arran, as he began his dazzling career here. He is now the number one guitar builder in Scotland, and his instruments are played throughout the world by leading musicians. However, in the Rose Room he plays the double bass, teaming with Tam Gallacher on guitar to provide a rock- (in every sense) solid rhythm section. Tom Watson is an inspired solo guitarist who matches and complements all Seonaid’s inventiveness, and both he and Tam are nifty singers and contribute a solo from time to time.

The evening was exhilarating, matchlessly professional and immensely enjoyable. Everyone who heard the Rose Room players – not to speak of those who didn’t – wants to know when they are coming back.