Opening night was a chance for the locals to try out the stage of the community hall. First up was the aforementioned Donald or 'Pedie' to his friends. Taking a break from his compere duties he regaled us with a set Loudon Wainwright III would have been proud of. His homespun wisdom and wit produced many a smile. Momentarily he was joined by his daughters who had beguiling voices, then there was a fine line in Americana from Keith's son, Keir. Further performances by their friends, and a local farm owning family, left you realising there's a healthy musical upbringing for many here.

Apologies to the artists and ceilidhs we missed but the allure of the island was too much to resist at times. However we did catch Karine Polwart who delivered songs from across her repertoire. Joined this time by just her brother Steven on guitar and the multi-tasking Inge, it wasn't exactly high octane stuff, so it gave us the opportunity to dwell on her incredible sensitivity with the pen. It's always noticeable how Karine can locate entirely fitting metaphors even for the trickiest of topics. Two of her best examples being 'Can't weld A Body' and 'Firethief,' both detailing the ravaging effect life can have with incredible poignancy.

Rallion were a different proposition altogether with some serious express train trad riffing being powered by guitar, fiddle and bodhran. When bouzouki, whistle and vocals were added into the mix, we could hear a bonafide Scottish band covering ground from across the folk spectrum. What we didn't expect was some groovesome jazz swing, inventive originals and a few Scandinavian melodies added to the already accomplished mix.

Back at the hotel the sessions and workshops ran over schedule whilst the island's brewery did some good business. We were impressed with the afternoon of Dylan songs which was particularly well attended. Special mention should go to Jim Byrne and his laconic folk blues - see Dexter Slim page below.

The Anna Massie Band were a magical closing act. It's doubtful there was anything less than total admiration for this group's talents in the hall. Anna, herself, is an award winning multi-instrumentalist who plays fiddle and guitar with an infectious fiery passion. Flanked by further outstanding performers, Jenn Butterworth and Mairearad Green, this trio were 'Best Folk Band' at the Scots Trad Music Awards, in 2006. Apparently they all contribute to the writing and arrangement of the covers but we were a little sketchy on the detail, as retired to a bench against the hall to take in the view. With the music streaming out of the open windows the stillness was captivating. When the group hit some flatpicking flavours we felt we could have been looking at The Appalachians rather than the Highlands.

Next up Karine joined in again to deliver her hastily written and quite fabulous ode to Colonsay, based on the 'Bare Necessities' melody. Coupled with Rallion packing the stage for one last monster instrumental people left for the evening ferry with the old maxim of, 'leave them wanting more,' having been followed to the letter.

The Spiral Team stayed on for another day, feeling as if we had the island to ourselves. City dwellers are advised that if they take a trip to Balnarhard beach to sit amongst the dunes they will end up questioning their lifestyle. We were left feeling jealous of the community here after staring out to Jura from our comfy vantage point. We just had to reassure ourselves of the promise from Donald and Keith, that it will all be happening again next year.

David Kushar

* Karine's claim that she is the Usain Bolt of the Scottish folk scene are entirely unsubstantiated when this report was posted. We suggest Celtic Connections run a properly officiated off-shoot event.

A lot of the acts have already written interesting articles on the festival themselves. Check Myspace pages as well -

http://www.karinepolwart.com

http://www.rallion.co.uk

http://www.annamassie.com

http://www.myspace.com/dexterslim

A great review here, where you can also check the Glasgow scene -

http://www.glasgowwestend.co.uk/travel/colonsay-music-festival.php

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