Mingle heartfelt Scottish songs with Cajun honky tonk and the result is what the Jennifer Ewan Band calls “Bonnie Bayou”.
It’s an acoustic pop sound finely honed on the streets of the capital, where singer-songwriter Jennifer, accordionist Kim Tebble and western swing bassist Iain McFadyen have earned their stripes busking on the Royal Mile.
But every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday in August they will be entertaining in the comfort of one of the Fringe Festival’s newest venues, The Montebar.
The band has a growing reputation and went down a storm on BBC Radio Scotland’s Janice Forsyth Show where Jennifer was described as “Just brilliant – music of the highest quality – a Scottish rising star”.
Edinburgh is embedded in her songs, and she knows the city from more angles than most – living on a houseboat and having spent time leading tourists on ghost tours.
Her rich, throaty Scottish voice mixed with a country sound that originates from Appalachia, Louisiana and Texas come together in mid-tempo personal ballads grounded in Cajun honky tonk and the unusual interplay of accordion, acoustic guitar, bass and drums.
Jennifer says: “There’s a lot about Scotland in my songs – references to places I’ve lived like Ayr and Edinburgh. But I really love the lively and dancey feel of Cajun music. They fit together very well, they are both from the head, the heart and the soul.”
As well as their own original songs the band throws in Cajun and Louisiana classics like Jambalaya, Walking to New Orleans and Don’t Mess With My Toot Toot.
The Montebar as a venue is also something to relish, especially for those who want a taste of Edinburgh and Scottish culture.
Located in the heart of the Pleasance, it’s a traditional pub on the corner of Montague and St. Leonard’s with friendly, welcoming staff, 100-year-old mirrors and a huge brass bell to signal last call and closing time.
Find out more from the Fringe website at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bonnie-bayou
· Venue: The Montebar (Venue 89)
· Dates: August 6,8,9,13,15,16,20,22,23,27,29,30
· Time: 17:00
· Duration: 60 mins
· Guidance: None
· Tickets: Free ticketed
· Box office: 0131 2260000
See website at www.jenniferewan.com
