ReviewThe Royal Scots Dragoon Guards - 2004 Australian Tour Venue: Orange Function Centre Saturday 8th May 2004 
The refurbished old Amoco Hall in Orange - now transformed into the Orange Function Centre ..played host tonight to yet another Tour. This time it was the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards -
The near capacity crowd was the "Guards" final Concert before flying off next day to start the New Zealand leg of the Tour.The band last toured here in 2002. This time they returned with some new material ..and a couple of new faces in there line up.
The musicial backing was strong, and was provided by a couple of there own Royal Scots Dragoon Guards - and augmented with some top New Zealand Musicians.Special guests were two NZ based artistes ...Scottish Vocalist Celine Toner and exciting new Violinist Ben Morrison. Celine Toner performed some ballads, and also came together throughout the show ,to present some combined songs with herself and the Dragoon Guards, like Isla St Clair's stirring song"When Pipers Play" ...personally I enjoyed her two versions of "Loch Lomond" where she surprised the audience by bringing on stage the Tour's Coach Driver Colin for an impromptu duet, which the audience loved, and sang along with great gusto. Talented Violinist Ben Morrison .... was an instant hit with the punters ... it's hard to believe this young up and rising star is only seventeen years of age ... and has already signed a deal with Rajon Music in Australia for his latest CD release.No doubt he is going to be a name to remember. Although he has a modest stage presence ..He has strong audience appeal - which can only be a plus, together with his wonderful impeccable musical talents Some of the Highlights from last night's show were the "Flower o' Scotland" " Amazing Grace" and the Finale which turned into a "up tempo clap-a-long Scottish "Ceilidh" ..which had most of the patrons on there feet...as did the Final number "Auld Lang Syne". The lighting and Sound was most suited to the centre ...and added a lot to the final overall performance, and if there had to be any criticism of the show ...it had to be the absence of a Comedian/Compere with some good old Scottish 'gags"... ... but there again ...When you get such loyal fans, as last night's audience, who had come to see the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards live in Concert - I'm sure they were more interested in enjoying the excellent musicianship of Scotland's finest export. A very enjoyable show -The audience certainly thought so as well "Haste Ye Back" lads !
|
