For our last live performance we returned once more to Dunfermline Alhambra Theatre to see the ‘Peatbog Faeries’. Not having heard of the Peatbog’s before we admit to trawling through footage on U-tube and what we saw we liked.

Wednesday 30^th December 2009 was as freezing cold and icy, as it had been over the past week, with record lows and more snow than most people could remember it was no wonder support band ‘Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers’ were delayed by problems on the Forth Bridge. The strange but memorable name created when singer-songwriter Ali Downer, aka Woodenbox merged with his 5 piece backing band who took the name A Fistful of Fivers and in 2008 the band was born.

I knew immediately if the talent mirrored the fabulous looks of the group we were on to a winner. They perform their form of folk-country-rock with aplomb, verve, saxappeal and great beats. Ali Downer on guitar, harmonica and vocals. Fraser McKirdy on bass, organ and vocals. Nick Dudman on drums, vocals and ukulele. Jordan Croan on electric guitars and vocals. Sam Evans on sax and Phil Cardwell on trumpet. They really rocked the Alhambra and are definitely one band to keep your eyes open for. Some of the numbers whose names I did get were ‘Twisted Mile’, ‘Draw a Line’ and ‘Fist Full of Fivers’. Please guys can I have some more. I believe a CD is in production at the moment.

After the interval out came our headliners the ‘Peatbog Faeries’. The start of their set to me was very ethereal with the band appearing out of the mist back lit so we could only see the silhouettes, the music washing over us as if from beings not of this earth. Formed in 1994 and based on the Isle of Skye, their unique form of contemporary folk music has gathered a large following. The mix of rock, jazz, electronica, folk and traditional Celtic music involves the wide range of instruments played on stage by what can only be described as superb musicians of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. A bit like the best cooking where a little of this, a pinch of that and a sprinkling of the other, although at first appear strange, thrill the taste buds.

From the onset until the final encore nearly two hours later they performed their eclectic material as only they can to the delight of hundreds of fanatical faeries fans. It’s a good job the seats had been removed form the Alhambra stalls, thus giving them ample space to dance, prance, jig and reel. Where did they get their energy from I don’t know, but totally well fitting for this time of year we had our own end of the Decade Ceilidh

The P.F’s are Peter Morrison, pipes and whistle; Adam Sutherland, fiddles; Peter Tickell, fiddles; Tom Salter, guitars; Graeme Stafford, keyboards; Innes Hutton, Bass and percussion and The Wayward Boys on brass.

As with a band of this longevity several CD’s and other merchandise were on offer. For more information on the ‘Peatbog Faeries’ go to www.peatbogfaeries.com

For those up and coming shows, gigs and comedians coming to the Alhambra go to www.alhambradunfermline.com.  Best wishes and Happy New Year to all.