Nathan Carter
Eden Court Theatre Inverness 16/9/26
Nathan Carter singer, Cliona Hagan singer
The leading Irish Country singer and his band packed the Eden Court Theatre for four nights before embarking on a forty-night tour taking in the UK, Canada and Ireland. Why hadn’t I heard of him? What a show! The utmost professional singer and musician along with the finest musicians put on a cracking hour and half of traditional Irish and Country music, (with a smattering of Andy Williams and Robbie thrown in for good measure. Ending with a change into a kilt to sing 'Caledonia' and 'Loch Lomond' he wowed the normal conservative Highland audience and they rose to their feet. For once a standing ovation was deserved. They were even enthusiastic ladies giving him flowers and other items. After all, as one lady told me, “He is very easy on the eye.” With his fine voice and engaging personality, he can sing anything from ‘Banks of the Roses’ to’ ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. An old school professional.
The warm- up act was the lovely Cliona Hagan, accompanied by her husband on double bass and a brilliant guitar player (both members of his band). Hank Marvin Move Over! Cliona took us through a series of Country and Irish songs with ease and charm working set on stage with a front cloth. It is difficult slot and she won the expectant audience on her side.
After a short interval the cloth rose and revealed the full band with a glittery piano up stage and an array of stunning lights, smoke and sound. It felt like a festival. And so, Nathan embarked on his set. The band, consisted of double bass, bass guitar, keyboard, whistle and saxophone, guitar, fiddle and drums. Plus, they all sang accompaniment. A nice old school touch was a chance for a drum solo. Nathan tackles every genre with ease, his strong but easy vocals going from one song to another.
He has released thirteen studio and six live albums to date He loves the audience and they love him too. A surprise pleasure when I was wondering where the old entertainment professionalism had gone. And he is only 36 years old! He is touring until the Spring and is coming back to Eden Court next autumn for a week. An Usher told me some people fly in to Inverness and book tickets for every night. Don’t miss out.
