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).

The autumn 2009 season was kicked off in style with the Jenna Reid Trio.  One of Shetland's finest exports - she treated the audience to a wide selection of tunes from her own songbook as well as others she had acquired along the way.  Flanking Reid throughout were James Thomson (Flute, Whistle, Pipes) and Kevin MacKenzie (Guitar), whose skillful accompaniment ensured an overall sound which was certainly worthy of the sum of these three fine musicians.

I have to be honest though, when I say that I find it difficult to wax lyrical about a performance which (to my ears) seemed no better or worse than a half decent pub session.  I can already hear the sound of angry tunesters screaming that I clearly have no concept or understanding of the world of tune and am therefore not qualified to speak on the subject.  Well, Perhaps so - but I don't say this to bring down the Jenna Reid Trio, indeed - it probably says more about the standard of pub sessions (and their participants) in Scotland today.

I think it's probably fair to say that one expects from a live performance is unpredictability, or at least something you weren't expecting when bought the ticket.  For me, that piece of gold dust was the beautifully performed 'Wild White Swan' by 'Mary Ellen Odie'.  Reid does not brand herself as a singer, but I felt it a crying shame that she did not slot another song or two into her set.  Her voice (as those who have heard her speak might imagine) lends itself well to the lilting melodies of a folkie lament, and I wish she'd throw in a few more for good measure.

Reid finished the gig by encouraging the audience to continue supporting their local folk club - something you don't hear often enough.  The folk club community (whilst it has its moments of committee based nonsense) is the backbone of the scene, and it's good to see Edinburgh embarking on a new season with vigorous form.