This event is part of Sharmanka's programme of live performances by local and international musicians, artists and performers.
Eduard Bersudskys marvellous mechanical sculptures will create a particularly harmonious music event at the end of May. GLEN BRIELLE,the solo project of Hugh Carter, founder member of Glasgow progressive stalwarts Abel Ganz, will perform live. Early ticket purchase is advised, as this is the only currently scheduled live appearance by Glen Brielle this year!
Hugh Carter, a well-known face on the Glasgow music scene, is the creative force behind Glen Brielle. He has been involved in various projects, including Wm Thomsons, CC Music, and The Practice Pad Studios (now the Audio Lounge).
After forming Abel Ganz in 1980, Hugh continued to play with the band until 2010 when he stepped down to pursue new avenues. This led to the birth of Glen Brielle, a solo project that allowed him to explore his own ideas and inspirations.
Drawing on a wide range of musical influences, including progressive, folk, classical, world, and jazz, Hugh began recording and playing most of the instruments himself. However, his slow-burn project came to a halt in 2016 when he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer with a two-year best-case prognosis. Despite the difficult chemotherapy period, Hugh continued to work, health permitting.
Thankfully, significant medical advancements led to the development of new drugs that prolonged the lives of people with lung cancer. This breakthrough resulted in the release of Glen Brielles album, Still, in 2022. We mention this backstory as a word of caution to non-smokers who may be diagnosed with lung cancer and as a partial explanation of Hughs songwriting.
Hughs writing is influenced by his strong family ties, his health struggles, and his deep love of nature. It has a wistful and gentle quality that has drawn praise from many quarters.
R&R Magazine described Glen Brielles music as the warm honey glow of prog ambition tucked into the arrangement of dizzy keyboards Soft meditations both tranquil and ethereal.
Still is an album full of beguiling beauty, bucolic charm, and personal resonance", as noted by Leo Trimming of The Prog Aspect.
Steve Lazenby of Lazland describes Still as an album that takes listeners to a special and calm place. Lazenby believes it should be played in the morning for every schoolchild in the country, as it could help eliminate a host of mental, emotional, and behavioural issues. Lazenby also considers Still one of those rarities an album that fills listeners with life-affirming energy, reminding them that despite the worst fate can throw at them, everything will be alright, here or after.
Glen Brielles live performances have a fluid line-up, with original guitarist Malcolm McNiven being the only permanent member. Rare live performances in the past have ranged from a duo and a trio to an eight-piece band. Hugh continues to write and record new material and is currently planning a new album for the near future, provided health permits.
The music event will be followed by a mini performance of Sharmanka's kinetic artworks. There are a limited number of tickets to fill this intimate space, so if you want to be there, the soundest advice is to book early!
This continues Sharmanka's 2025 Live Events Programme organised by John Cavanagh /www.johncavanagh.co.uk [//www.johncavanagh.co.uk]
Doors open: 7:00pm
Event starts: 7:15pm (no late admittance)
Running time: approximately 60 - 90 minutes.
