Live Review

Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward & Fisher – Gardyne Theatre, Dundee

• 8th Feb 2012

Having already been branded a ‘supergroup’, Anderson McGinty Webster Ward and Fisher are a recently formed powerhouse of talent comprising members from three of Dundee’s most popular homegrown bands; The Law, Luva Anna and Magdalen Green. Best described as a collective, the guys brought together their song writing skills and impressive instrumental abilities to showcase their first self-titled album in front of a capacity crowd.

Creating a unique sounding blend of folk, blues and country whilst working through the collection of instruments dispersed around the stage, Anderson, McGinty and Webster allowed each other the opportunity to share the spotlight by each performing their own tracks accompanied by the rest of the band. This kind of set-up lacking a ‘frontman’ proved successful as all three have different vocals and styles, yet somehow every song manages to complement the next. This diversity makes for an interesting combination of emotive personal lyrics with original and, at times, humorous tales.

Their ability to make transitions between the orchestral range of instruments onstage seemed completely effortless. In particular, for Robbie Ward who appeared to be a jack of all instruments switching from banjo to piano to violin, while Billy Fisher took a leaf out of Chad Smith’s book as the trumpet playing drummer. The musical talent within the band is undeniable and makes for a truly entertaining and impressive evening.

Openly admitting that tonight was the first time some of the songs had been played by the whole band only affirms the fact they can walk on stage with minimal rehearsals and a raw edge but still impress. A few technical difficulties didn’t hinder the guys and allowed for a few brief moments of improvisation and jocular heckling from the crowd.

Inviting support band The Boston Tea Party onstage for the final song, their take on the stomping Sally Brown, had the whole crowd on their feet to take the roof off for the encore. It wasn’t hard to see the delight and satisfaction written all over their faces and was clearly a proud moment for all those who have supported the guys in their individual endeavours from the beginning. Overall, a great night of musical entertainment from a band with a mountain of future potential, definitely one’s to watch!