Summerhall, Dissection Room
Edinburgh
21/10/24
With no doubt this was going to be a hightlight of the year. Afro Celt Sound System in Edinburgh, and more so for being their only Scottish gig, what an honour! Created around 1995 by the legendary producer and musician Simon Emmerson, founder of bands like Weekend, Working Week – the phenomena that is Afro Celt Sound System have now been entertaining audiences for nearly 28 years. Through performing at WOMAD Festivals Worldwide their recognition built a pyramid of followers from all walks of life.
The bands line-up may have changed over time, as did their name (Afrocelts), but their passion and drive to produce and create exceptional music never wavered. French-African, European, Scottish, English and British-Indian band members collectively create a fusion of Ethnic Electronic, Worldbeat, Afrobeats and Celtic Sounds.
Among them, Johnny Kalsi is an Indian dhol drummer and former member of Transglobal Underground, so joining Afro Celt Sound System was inevitable. The decades passed and the contributing artists grew – Robert Plant, Peter Gabriel, Sinead O” Connor and Jesse Cook are just a sprinkling of the guest artists to have performed with ACSS.
Edinburgh’s Summerhall Dissection Room was jammed to the rafters with no quarter given to late comers. The atmosphere and energy levels of those in attendance made for a festival-like vibe and was immediately recognized and appreciated by all seven members of ACSS. With more musical instruments on stage than I can number, never mind name, you knew the sound that they would collectively produce will flow through you like a hot spring thermal river.
I witnessed traditional local folk music, executed with a passion, and culturally explored through violin, percussion, conga, bongos, African guitar, keyboards, Bangra drumming and flute, together creating a unique concoction of deep-rooted and meaningful songs. Pieces of music that honour and comfort those in peril, those in suffering, and those whom have ascended, are a huge part of Afro Celt Sound System’s beliefs, with their stage presence and communications proving the point.
Emotion was felt in every corner of the venue, like a feather floating on a light breeze, the silence when dedicating their last song to Simon Emmerson was overwhelming. A light for those we have lost was very fitting to the circumstances that surround us. Having experienced the same in recent months, I was very moved to have been part of this appreciation of good souls we miss.
By the end, ACSS had delivered a selection of songs covering eight studio albums, up to recent release, The Source. If music has a crossroads, then Afro Celt Sound System have crossed them all. An amazing, soulful evening that will live in the memory for a long time to come.
Raymond Speedie
themumble.uk 