Esther O'Connor at Strathpeffer Coffee Shop

[John Crosbie]

A driech summer Monday night in Strathpeffer, and at this terrific wee venue, it should have been standing room only, but it wasn't and that is to the detriment of those who never showed up.

Travelling a wee distance to see the great acts that have appeared at the Coffee House, for me is well worth it, and for someone of Esther O'Connors talent, I would drive 500 miles, no sorry, someones already done that one.

A passerby, may have thought that Buffy Saint Marie or Joni Mitchell was belting out ballads in this Highland joint of cool , being sung with sublety and raunchiness in equal measure.
The accompanying guitar was somewhat bland when backing the polarities of the silky and sultry sounds of Esther, and as her current CD confirms, when fully band backed, her singing invites the strength of the tempo, as opposed to being diminished by it.

Ullapool is the next gig on Esther's tour, and hopefully the good people of that equally lovely location, will come out and give it laldy.

[Kay Frew]

Good review John and I would add that I found Esther a delightful personality as well. She did many of her own songs fom 3 albums and also Bonnie Rait's Angel from Montgomery. She obliged with Dimming of the Day on request. A lovely young performer who lifted the spirits and is well worth seeing.