Ashara live, a build up to Celtic Connections

The other week I was asked to help out with getting some photos at a concert as a friend of mines was the vocalist guest for their 5 gig run leading up to the renowned Celtic Connections held in Glasgow every January and February.

And since I had just received my new 50-135mm f2.8 the Friday before, it just seemed like the perfect test run of a pro bit of glass!

So the group in question, is called, Ashara, a musical ensemble from Canada, Scotland and Jamaica formed under Jason Smith Music from Canada, with Scottish instrumentalists (if you know the Scots folk/trad scene, they are known!) and a Scots based Jamaican singer.

Jason Wilson, the band leader performs on vocals, acoustic guitar as well as keys brought forward this project to focus on a merging of different styles. On a side note Jason is a cousin of UB40's Michael Virtue! So the musical influences are noted! Jason in my mind also has a singing voice similar to that of Seth Lakeman, one of the big names in the English Folk Scene, so that puts Jason in good steed here!

Regular band members here with Vince Reel on drums (and notice the c414's being used as overheads).

Michael Shapinko on bass.

With Jamaican-Canadian guitarist Carl Harvey (Toots & The Maytals) guesting with his Rastacasta! A guitar of his own design fitting his needs as he has been in the reggae scene for decades now.

Lead vocal guest is Subrina Ward, coming from Jamaica and from a reggae performing background, she has a versatile range and has written her own songs as well as performed Scots folk, including the work of Robert Burns which has been highlighted at Celtic Connections in previous years.

As I mentioned, the Scots performers were a major part of this, with Ali Hutton (Old Blind Dogs) on Reed, whistle and guitar being busy with the bagpipes here. Ali is one busy performer, as after finishing with Ashara he continued on with other projects as part of Celtic Connections!

John Somerville on accordion known from The Treacherous Orchestra

Jack Smedley from Rura joins on fiddle

And finally regular band member saxophonist Marcus Ali who also covers backing vocals.

Now as I mentioned, this was a last minute call as there was nobody on photo coverage for them until CCfest on the Saturday, and since this lovely 50-135 had just arrived the right tool was available for the task!

I'd normally use the 70-200 f2.8 for this type of shooting, as it has the extra range, but its size is off putting and gives anyone a heart attack when they see it floating around. Plus it weights a tonne! The 50-135 being f2.8 also meant no real compromise and also being noticeably smaller, didn't give anyone a scare when it was seen.