Well, they say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but I've never believed this, it just depends which restaurants you hang out at.
So I was surprised but quite pleased to receive an invitation from the BBC Radio 3 awards for World Music, held at the Usher Hall las night. Similarly bemused at their appearance on the 'guest list' were various music types more used to an annual freebie to T in the Park (if they're lucky). Could be that the Beeb were keen to ensure a big enthusiastic crowd for the highlights show at the weekend (BBC3 on Friday I believe as well as Radio 3), and this certainly paid off, with artists all praising the crowd which apart from the freeloaders included a large standing contingent in the stalls who were noisy, appreciative and definitely up for a bit of a boogie.
Personally I have little expertise in the subject aside of what I've heard Andy Kershaw play over the years, so happily the ticket was a plus one enabling the missus, a fan of the likes of previous winners the Gotan Project, to attend and grab a free glass of wine.
Anyway, to the music, which is the important bit, surely: highlights included the opening Rioka Traore from Mali whose Bowmboi album, from the 3 songs performed, merges 'typical' African sounds with some very diverse beats and sounds. Belgians Think of One, who had performed some numbers from their van-cum-boat in the Usher Hall forecourt beforehand, lie somewhere between the 'wolrld beats' being celebrated, and Pigbag or 'Fiesta'-era Pogues. Most popular artist of the night would have been Kadim al Sahir from Iraq, who was emotional, to say the least, at the reception from fellow Iraqis as well as Scots in the crowd. Sevara Nazarkhan performed an acoustic set ; I don't know what the 'full' sound is like, but her beautiful voice was showcased perfectly by the minimal backing. Closing the show were the 10-piece Spanish-based collective Ojos de Brujo who mixed multiple drummers, flamenco dancing, rap (kind of), scratching, and some Mediterranean beats mixed with decidedly Eastern favours, including a clearly bonkers frontwoman whose stage presence transcended any language barriers.
So, with more drink, and free t-shirts for all, a good night out. It's made me want to run another Jockrock awards show - it was so remeniscent of thise nights at the Note or Sleazys after all - and also, to dig out my Obaben CD.  ¶ 9:58 AM