SINGER-SONGWRITER Horse McDonald says she hopes to pull her Cove Burgh Hall audience into “a social whirl” at her Peninsula solo show this weekend.

The artist, widely acclaimed as “one of Scotland’s all-time great vocalists”, will bring her latest show to the community-owned venue this Friday, March 6.

The ‘Flying Solo’ tour has seen her travel to venues up and down the country for an intimate solo performance for her fans – many of whom have been following her fortunes for the last 30 years.

During the 80s, Horse toured with stars Tina Turner and BB King, and in 2010 celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut album, The Same Sky, with a tour of the UK.

READ MORE: Horse McDonald to bring new solo show to Cove Burgh Hall

Described as possessing “a keen song-writing intelligence” along with her instantly recognisable voice, Horse has released eight albums since The Same Sky was greeted with great acclaim way back in 1990.

Ahead of her show at the Burgh Hall on Friday night, she spoke with the Advertiser about her past, present and future gigs – and about what her Cove audience can expect when they turn up this Friday.

“Sometimes I liken my shows to spin the bottle,” she said.

“I tell stories of things that happened when I was recording. Some of it is close to the knuckle, but that’s life.

“People have a right old laugh, then I start singing. It’s a very physical thing – I throw it all at the audience.”

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As well as touring with international stars including Bryan Ferry and Burt Bacharach, one of Horse’s best known songs, Careful, was covered by Pop Idol winner Will Young.

The Same Sky came out on EMI/Capitol in 1990, while she has also released records on the MCA/Universal label.

Her most recent album, Home, was released on her own label, Randan Records.

In addition to writing and performing, she also produces work for other artists – and works closely with good causes such as Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s biggest music therapy charity.

It’s clear, though, that amongst that extensive CV, playing her music live, in front of her own fans, still has a special place in her heart.

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“It’s about music at the end of the day,” she added. “Creating good music and entertaining people.

“I never have any idea what the crowd will be like. You sink or you swim.

“I like to think the common denominator is the songs. I like to think people follow me because the songs mean something to them, and I think most people go away quite happy.”

With more than three decades of live shows now under her belt, Horse says she has no intention of winding down any time soon.

“I’ll be singing until I pop my clogs,” she laughed.

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“If my voice is still there, I’ll keep going. It brings me great happiness.”

And McDonald – who paused to chat with the Advertiser while travelling home from gigs in Thornton Hough on Merseyside and the Trades Club in the Yorkshire market town of Hebden Bridge – has a special message for her Cove fans ahead of this Friday’s show.

“I hope they are pulled into a social whirl,” she said.

“It’ll be a two-way street. I hope it brings back a lot of memories for people.

“It’ll be a real crowd pleaser, and I hope to meet everyone after.”

Doors open on Friday night at 7.15pm, and the gig starts at 8pm.

Tickets (£10) and more information are available at coveburghhall.org.uk.

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