If Ed Sullivan owned Hugh’s Room, he would have been very happy last night, because he would have put on a really big Shoo! Shooglenifty came all the way from Scotland to open their tour in Toronto before heading to Winnipeg. 

Shooglenifty is both a traditional folk band with plenty of modern twists in their performances. I guess that makes them a fusion band. They opened the show with a slow traditional folk sound and it slowly emerged into a modern day sound with a steady Rock energy.

This band has been around since 1990 and has the intensity of a youthful band with a vibrant sound that got my foot tapping from the first moments on stage.  The next song almost had a disco quality to it and raised the bar that raised the pulse of the room.

As the set got deeper, I noticed there was a funky theme sliding around. There seemed to be songs about whiskey, which no surprise is coming from a Scottish band, but there were songs about cows as well. Whiskey and Cows, how can this be?

Well, they have a new single, and what started off as a slightly haunting and ethereal piece soon morphed into a folk rocker and then morphed into a traditional chant from another realm. Not only do you get a traditional piece but it takes you on a contemporary ride.

When you live in Scotland you may experience empty glass syndrome. Here is another great example of one of their whiskey songs, called “Empty Glass”. I am sure they have plenty more from where they come from.

The music has a driving beat with plenty of Traditional sounds. It is both stylish as well as danceable. Overall it is joyous and keeps that smile on your face all evening.

I loved one of their songs called “Jog your Bones”. It starts off with an eerie chant and then slips into a Middle Eastern bone rattler that keeps you hypnotized all the way.

The band took turns telling stories and the one that stood out was to a fallen comrade and former musician, Angus, who passed away 8 years ago. It may have been the one serious moment in the show, as they paid tribute to their close friend.

The band did get called back for an encore and did a song called; you guessed it, “Whiskey”. This is the kind of band that could play for hours and hours until the cows come home.

I hope they return for a second turn to Toronto. If Scottish flavours are your thing, this is a band not to be missed. You can find out more about them at… https://www.shooglenifty.com/

Here are some Fab Photos from the Show