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★★★★ There is always a particular pleasure in seeing an artist step into new territory, especially one as seasoned and versatile as Ali Affleck. Known across the Fringe for her jazz, blues, folk and traditional roots performances, Affleck arrives this year with something different: a heartfelt celebration of classic Country music and the women who shaped it – Ali Affleck Presents the Queens of Country.
The Club Room at the Scottish Arts Club is an intimate space, warmly lit and comfortably arranged, and it suits this show perfectly. Affleck leans into that homely atmosphere, creating what feels less like a formal concert and more like a gathering in someone’s living room — a place where stories, songs and memories can settle easily.
Country music may be new ground for her, but she embraces it with obvious affection. She has chosen the repertoire herself, drawing from the greats: Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. There is a particular tenderness when she speaks about Loretta Lynn, whose songs she delivers with a mix of reverence and bright, personal joy. Affleck’s voice, rich and expressive, adapts beautifully to the storytelling heart of Country — the longing, the humour, the grit and the sweetness.
She is supported by a superb band, each musician bringing their own flair to the evening. Timmy Allen’s award‑winning guitar work is crisp and confident; Roy Percy’s bass lines are warm and grounding; Jim Drummond’s drumming adds subtle lift and drive; and Duncan Findlay rounds out the ensemble with easy, assured musicianship. Together they create a sound that fills the room without overwhelming it — a balanced, generous accompaniment that lets Affleck shine.
Affleck’s connection with the audience is relaxed and genuine. She chats between songs, sharing her enthusiasm for the material and her delight in exploring a genre she has long admired. There is no attempt to reinvent Country here; instead, she honours its traditions, its women, and its emotional directness. The result is a show that feels both fresh and familiar, carried by affection rather than imitation.
This is not her only Fringe offering this year — she also presents Ali Affleck’s Queens of Swing at the Argyle Cellar Bar — but Queens of Country stands out for its warmth and simplicity. It is a lovingly curated tribute to the women who defined the genre, performed by an artist who understands how to make a room feel at ease.
The music echoes beautifully around the Club Room, the band are a joy to hear, and Affleck’s charm carries the evening effortlessly. For anyone who loves traditional Country — or simply loves seeing a performer stretch into new creative spaces — this show is well worth seeking out.
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
