Mister Harvey’s complex logistics on Friday night involved catching the number 56 into town for the evening’s performance with King Creosote at Perth Concert Hall as part of the Perth Festival. After all this flitting about, a home gig was most welcome, and in such a spectacular venue it was also most humbling. Mister Hamish James Hawk opened proceedings with a smashing performance accompanied for the first time by his band. Profound vocals coupled with elaborate experimentation in what to do with his guitar-freed hands made for a thoroughly engaging show, which Mister Harvey enjoyed in the company of his good lady wife before scurrying off backstage to tan half a bottle of wine and inflate his cello.

First time onstage with the King Creosote Acoustic 8 since February’s Union Chapel gig, and it was as if barely one day had elapsed – like eight fingers slipping into a bespoke eight-fingered glove. Highlights included Yellow Alert and Penny Falls, both of which have most exhilarating violin/cello harmonies executed by Mister Harvey and co-local Miss Hannah Fisher – and BEAM‘s Search Party for One, in which Mister Anderson’s hypnotic accordion coupled with Miss MacDougal’s haunting vocals to provide what was, in Mister Harvey’s humble opinion, a transcendent experience. Though that could easily have been the wine. And it was as much a pleasure to watch the audience put arms around each other and sway to the Homeboy finale as it was back in February. Slightly more awkward in the Concert Hall, given that the wide seats are segregated by generous arms rather than Union Chapel’s more cuddle-conducive pews. Slightly more awkward. But still very lovely.

Mister Harvey was most proud to perform (musically speaking) in front of his wife for the first time in some considerable period. And grateful to her for the lift home afterwards.

The remainder of the weekend saw Mister Harvey travel to Ardanaiseig Hotel – overlooking Argyll’s aptly named Loch Awe – to perform for a most lovely wedding with Messrs Dick, Graham and Macdonald as the Rose Street Quartet. Spirits were not in the least dampened by the miserable weather, and a programme of Mozart, Grieg and Beethoven, topped off with a little Porter went down a treat. Mister Harvey was even invited to remain for some dancing, but politely declined the generous offer, citing a swiftly invented medical condition. Overnight accommodation was a hop, skip and hiccough away at the Taychreggan Hotel  and was preceded by three nail-biting games of snooker. Each was down to the black, but they were not particularly classy affairs. The Glenfiddich and Skinny Blonde saw to that. Mister Harvey scored the highest break of the tournament with an eight point red/black combo. Despite this spectacular point-scoring streak, like the hare to the tortoise he was consistently on the losing team. Largely through his own misadventure.

Then to the Substation on Sunday, for a session for one Daryl Demarco – Mister Harvey’s string arrangements once again delighting all of those assembled. The last time he was there was to record for Degrassi’s The Form EP (the website is worth checking out, as it provides a snapshot from a decade ago, and even Desc get a mention) – and he was most delighted to meet up with the latter’s Scott Smith (producing) after a good couple of handful of years. With two tracks epic’d up, Mister Harvey was home in time for tea.