The final JD Set of 2010 lights up Glasgow

The final JD Set of 2010 came to a storming close last night at the 02 ABC Glasgow with an evening of hands-in-the-air Madonna classics delivered in supreme style by a cracking line up of talent from both sides of the borders: Malcolm Middleton, Silver Columns, Anita Cocknbullkid Blay, James Yuill and Norway’s answer to Hot Chip, The Casiokids came together to rework The Queen of Pop’s most anthemic records through a series of both funk-fulled and heartfelt collaborations.

James Yuill opened the night with a spine-tingling version of ‘Frozen’. Yuill’s tender tones melted over the darkened beats and twisted synths to take this gentle number into drum and bass territory. He was then joined on stage by Casiokids and Anita for the evening’s first collaboration. Together they delivered a pumping version of ‘Open Your Heart’ which whilst remaining true to the 80’s original was given the millennium touch by the electro wizardry Casiokids and Yuill.

Casiokids went on to take the lead on ‘Holiday’ which they sung in their native tongue. Ketil, the band’s frontman warmed up the crowd with his on stage fiesta and the contagious beats, created by the Casiokids drummer and James Yuill in unison, made sure the audience were well and truly into the swing. Anita returned for ‘La Isla Bonita’. The audience were in awe of her incredible vocals that bestowed an added beauty to the song. Together the acts created a version that stayed faithful to the original whilst sounding completely fresh and innovative.

Malcolm Middleton joined all three acts on stage for a light-hearted version of ‘Dress You Up’ before taking centre stage for his melancholic ‘Stay’. His Falkirk burl and gentle acoustic guitar combined to conjure up emotions and a depth that most would not associate with the Material Girl. In fact it was only about half way through that many recognised it, but judging from their high level of applause, the audience was blown away.

The Silver Columns then took back control of the beats, thumping out a big, phat electro version of ‘Vogue’ that would have had the 80’s disco queen dancing in unison. ‘Over and Over’ came next. This 80’s shoop shoop song was transformed by the Silver Column’s electronic adventurism that has been stealing the headlines of the music press of late.

‘Like A Prayer’ was then performed by Anita, who’s mesmerising vocals cascaded down onto a goose bumped filled room. Joined by Malcolm Middleton on electric guitar and Adem on backing vocals and synths, they created a more tender version than the original which was a real crowd pleaser.

The same line up were then joined on stage by James Yuill and Casiokids who together executed a stunning version of ‘Borderline’, which overflowed with melodic harmonies and luscious synths to bring the night to an incredible close.

Silver Columns led all the acts back on stage for a rip-roaring finale of ‘Into The Groove’ which ended the night in spectacular style. Anita and Johnny shared Madonna’s lyrics as a duet with the latter’s Fife accent bringing a Celtic charm to the song. The stage was buzzing with all nine artists throwing themselves into a live rendition that none wanted to end, much to the audience’s delight.

The JD Set Glasgow delivered yet another night of ingenuous musical transformation and the 400 guests saw a little bit of music history being made. James Yuill says, ‘The night’s musical collaborations are unlikely to take place ever again and Her Madgesty would in all likelihood have been proud to hear just how well her records stood the test of time. I can’t believe it’s over and I just want to do it all over again’.

Anita Blay adds, ‘The gig and especially the finale was just huge amounts of fun, everyone giving it their all on stage for the JD Set fans.’ Malcolm Middleton signs off with, ‘Only Jack Daniel’s could help Madonna sound so good and I hope if she heard our versions herself she’d rediscover some of the things she most loved about the records which are just amazing pop tracks.’