Emma and I were sitting in the Usher Hall on what turned out to be the final day before lockdown when we last saw King Creosote. That concert revolved around From Scotland With Love, the wonderful collaboration between Kenny Anderson and filmmaker Virginia Heath that somehow became permanently linked in my mind with the strange events that followed.
At the time, none of us knew the world was about to change quite so dramatically.
Fast forward a few years and we found ourselves back again, this time for a very different occasion. Rather than revisiting the past, tonight’s concert was a showcase for Kenny Anderson’s new album, I Des.
One of the things I’ve always admired about King Creosote is his refusal to stand still creatively. Over the years he has produced an astonishing body of work, moving effortlessly between folk, pop, experimental music and collaborations that often defy easy categorisation. Yet regardless of the style, there is always something unmistakably Scottish and deeply human at the heart of his songs.
That’s what makes his concerts feel so personal.
The Usher Hall provided a fitting setting for the new material. While many artists rely heavily on familiar songs to keep audiences comfortable, Kenny has always trusted his listeners enough to bring them along on whatever journey he happens to be taking. The audience seemed more than willing to follow.
The songs from I Des revealed another fascinating chapter in a career that has never lacked imagination. Some artists write songs. King Creosote often feels as though he’s documenting thoughts, observations and emotions that most people struggle to put into words. There is a warmth and honesty to his work that makes even the most unusual ideas feel relatable.
Of course, attending this concert also brought back memories of that previous visit to the Usher Hall. It was impossible not to think about how much had happened since then. The From Scotland With Love performance had unknowingly become the closing chapter of one era. This concert felt like part of something new.
One of the pleasures of sharing gigs with Emma is having those reference points. Certain concerts become landmarks in your life together. Years later you find yourself remembering not only the music but everything that was happening around it. This was one of those occasions.
Looking back, the evening felt less like a simple album launch and more like catching up with an old friend whose stories remain as interesting as ever. Kenny Anderson continues to be one of Scotland’s most unique and consistently rewarding songwriters, and I Des provided yet another reminder of why his audience remains so loyal.
The videos and photographs below capture some of the evening. Whether you discovered King Creosote through From Scotland With Love, his collaborations, or his extensive solo catalogue, this performance demonstrated that he still has plenty left to say.
The Photos
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