Meet the Men fae Leith

Described as ‘a celebration of the song writing of three outstanding musicians who all hail from the same small corner of Edinburgh,’ the evening promises a mix of original and traditional songwriting and compelling performances, all fuelled by grit, fire, honesty and a wry humour.

Topping the bill, Dick Gaughan has become an international giant of Scottish music.

He is the only performer to hold the dual honours of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and induction into the Scots Traditional Music Hall of Fame.

The Men From Leith sees a rare live appearance from the man John Peel described as “One of the five or six great voices of our time.”

Joining him at the Clerk Street venue will be Ross Wilson, who performs Blue Rose Code.

Expect to hear a song or two from his new album And Lo! The Bird is on the Wing, which features a cameo voice over by Hollywood A-lister and Trainspotting star Ewan MacGregor.

Wilson’s songs have been called ‘beautifully bruised balladry’, and drawn comparisons with Van Morrison’s Celtic soul.

Finally Dean Owens brings his trademark Celtic Americana from Leith via Nashville to the party.

The former Felsons front man filters his love of Americana through a gritty yet lyrical Scottish sensibility, armed with a searingly soulful voice and a neat line in memorable heart-twisting melodies.

Owens’ recent Nashville-recorded album, Into the Sea album, received rave reviews and saw the performer selected for a showcase spot at the recent Americana Music Association Awards in London.

Owen will appear with his Whisky Hearts band which boasts a formidable lineup including former Silencers/Simple Minds drummer Jim McDermott, Brian McAlpine (keys and accordion), Amy Geddes (fiddle), Craig Ross (electric guitar) and Mike McCann (bass guitar).

The evening was inspired by Owens’ classic song Man From Leith, and as well as separate sets from each of these proud Leithers, there may also be some surprise collaborations.

The Men From Leith, Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street, 6 May, 7.30pm, £16, 0131-668 2019