It is only a die-hard folkie who would understand the sense of relief as the Pleasance cabaret bar ceases its annual role as the Edinburgh Fringe's central comedy club - and begins once more to play weekly host to some of the finest folk music in the land.

Edinburgh Folk Club is to my mind, exactly what a folk club should be.  Its reliably high standard, friendly atmosphere and complete lack of cliquey in-fighting (which can be so easily prevalent within voluntary organisations with a "committee" at their core).

A fortnight before the anticipated release of an exciting new double album, progressive celtic tunesters Shooglenifty rocked a bouncing Queen's Hall crowd with their infectious enthusiasm and engaging stage presence.

The terms "folk fusion" or "acid croft" are often liberally used in an effort to categorise Shooglenifty's music.  Both fall short of describing a unique collaboration of traditional and contemporary instruments with influences as diverse as the Balkans to the Carribbean.  Constant global roaming appears to have influenced the band as they have absorbed the essence of musical sounds from around the world and distilled them into a heady mix of sound.