BLUE ROSE CODE - BRIGHT CIRCUMSTANCE

Two social media messages, from two different places, in one evening. One was about the band’s spirituality. The other was about their love of Hibernian FC, my favourite Scottish team. Two songs, Do Not Be Afraid and Edina. Suddenly I had a new obsession. A new favourite band. I bought 3 records within an hour.

How I missed Blue Rose Code is a mystery. An annoying one. They even performed at a Festival I spoke at in 2015. I must have been too tired.

My new addiction comes at a perfect time as only last month the band released a new record Bright Circumstance. As I am only now deep diving their back catalogue, and only skittering across, I cannot say for sure but I am going to surmise that this is their most complete record.

Main man Ross Wilson suggests an unholy trinity at work in his music - Morrison, Martyn and Waits - but here so much more in this eclectic set that for me overall has a Scottish version of the Irish Hothouse Flowers in its hard DNA. Caledonian Soul perhaps to steal another Morrison moniker. 

The piano bedding to all that sits above it, the Gospel/Soul spirit to it. It always feels that they are not just playing the songs over again but creating and recreating as it goes. 

The drive of the opening Jericho, the brass of Never Know Why, the very Van Morrison Amazing Grace that would have sat nicely on Into The Music. Imagine it coming after The Healing Has Begun! 

The spiritual is as omnipresent as the piano. Jericho makes the Old Testament story personal. I could use Peace In Your Heart in every pastoral visit and the closing Now The Big Man Has Gone On is a prayer for a lost mate. Do Not Be Afraid is  a little sermonette full of proverbs. 

Around this faith base we can move into the sadness of Sadie, a friend where redemption looks far off and the more mournful Thirteen where we get a political critique of thirteen years of Tory austerity. 

Bright Circumstances is just that. Songs plugged into the reality of a dark world now lit up with hope and mercy and daring to head towards joy. 

I am addicted and on a journey into the depths of Blue Rose Code.

Comments

[Tim Patrick]

Surprised you weren't aware of Blue Rose Code. This song is one not appearing on a proper album. Quite poignant. I reckon up your alley...
https://youtu.be/e2if8VM0HTU?si=ybaYAgfnIKcwRiqB