Drew Robertson – Glasgow's Soul Man

Some great Soul music in Barga this evening and floating out of the open windows and doors of a locale not generally known for its live music. Usually when we write about a music event in Barga it has taken place in Barga Vecchia, at the Barga Jazz Club or recently in Barga Giardino at the Villa Moorings, so please welcome a “new entry” to the live music scene here in the city: Bar Sport.

A packed out bar this evening for the first of two concerts from the “Glasgow’s Soul Man” – Drew Robertson on his first trip to Barga and judging by the reaction of the crowd this evening – not his last either. He will be back.

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Spotted in the crowd were members of the Lake Angels, no doubt already thinking of Drew for the next edition of the  Lake Angels Soul Festival.
Maybe they already know that he fronts the hugely successful Glasgow, Scotland 10 piece soul band “Counselled Out” .. getting them on next years bill would be a show stopper. …. eh ? Lake Angels (articles here) ?

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The Bar Sport was extensively renovated and reopened last year (article here) with a larger brighter interior and with new staff behind the counter. Arrighi Franco was then joined by Marroni Andrea and Turicchi Alberto in the new venture. They seem to going from strength to strength with a whole series of new events already lined up for the coming winter months.

The extraordinary lead vocalist of Scotland’s top soul band, ‘Counselled Out‘, originally learned his trade working as a bass player with his father’s dance band while developing his vocal talents and song-writing ability. Drew’s first job as a front-man was with ‘Highway’ which included Brian Robertson (later of Thin Lizzy fame) and he subsequently joined the ‘Beezneez’ who had a massive Southside following and appeared with the Bay City Rollers and Leo Sayer.
He later formed the ‘Straightmen’ with his brother which featured their prolific original material and legendary live performances throughout Scotland. After the band split, Drew concentrated on small group work with the likes of Billy McIsaac (Slik, The Zones) and joined Counselled Out in 1993. The one thing that has been constant over the years is Drew’s command over his audience and powerful stage presence reminiscent of Billy Connolly, Frankie Miller and the late Alex Harvey. The voice, which combines the better qualities of Joe Cocker, Van Morrison and the fat guy from ‘The Commitments’, is the icing on the cake.

Drew is the original and legendary “Glasgow’s Soul Man” due to his powerful, soulful voice. However, he is a diverse talent who’s solo show covers 6 decades from Swing classics through to contemporary pop hits including:

50’s – Drifters, Sinatra

60’s – Monkeys, Otis Redding

70’s – Bay City Rollers, T-Rex

80’s – Billy Ocean, Deacon Blue

90’s – Commitments, Robbie

00’s – Scissor Sisters, Fratellis

Drew works as a solo entertainer or with his backing band ‘The Doobious Brothers’ which can vary from keyboard and/or guitar through to full band with drums, bass and brass. He has worked as MC at prestigious charity balls, talent competitions and awards ceremonies and is also a full Equity member with TV credits on Taggart, River City and Chewin’ The Fat. Unlike many solo artists and entertainers, who hide behind flashy lights and visual effects, Drew has a natural stage presence which is second to none in Scotland and chooses to work the audience rather than gadgets.

Click on the link below to hear Drew talking about tonight’s concert during a brief pause before returning to the spotlight in Bar Sport (in English)

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