Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
16 / 03 / 2025
Jay McAllister, ” Beans on Toast”, is a craftly lad from pastures down South. Born and raised in the Essex area of Braintree, Beans started to hit the British Folk songwriters and music scene around 2005. It was in 1996 when at Notley High School he formed his own band “Jellico”, which ultimately paved the way for his love of music. As time passed he found himself working, playing, and living above, many pubs throughout the years, namely the pub “Nambucca” on Holloway Road, London.
Folk music has a deep-rooted tradition with in UK culture and its wasn’t long before “Beans” was gracing the fields of many a festival, with the highlight always being Glastonbury Festival, which he has peeformed at since 2007. “Beans on Toast ” has a tradition of releasing an album every year. Now on his 15th studio album, that’s a lot of songs to remember for his show at The Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh on 16th March 2025, but my past experiences of “Beans” thoroughly understands he’ll always deliver.
As a hint of Spring filled the air outside the Voodoo Rooms, the crowded street swelled up with “Beans” fans, vigorously chatting away like little Red Robins basking in the dawn sun. The excitement was tenfold; did you see him there, did you see him at that festival, he’s oto funny, aye, and chatty too.
The Voodoo Rooms was packed like sardines in a tin, but with some slight breathing space left for those urban festival dancers. As the clock struck 9pm, the man himself, accompanied by his loyal piano player took to the stage amid a huge roar of appreciation. It was clear to see that after 20 years on the musical roundabout, and over 30 festivals later, “Beans” had acquired a fan base that had so much respect for him. Jay, has educated himself in art of songwriting, singing, storytelling, comedy, public speaking acoustic guitar playing, which combined creates a cocktail of folk music and humour.
Myths and Legends, Bees, loved up Sunday couples and MDMA (not that one), were key ingredients for this cascade of a laugh-a-minute gig. Adding such special songs as “Sunny Sunny Scotland”, which he loves, “Send Me a Bird”, “Rivers” and the hard hitting and comical “Why”. Human life stories are fascinating , full of intrigue and mischief and “Beans on Toast” delivers exactly that. Truthful, humorous, political, funny, honest and even Pagan like, “Beans” is a true storyteller of Folk music. Whether its “Cheese Beano” or “Cheesy Beans”, “Beans on Toast” as a Snack, Breakfast or a Main, “Beans on Toast” with always entertain.
Raymond Speedie
themumble.uk 