Ross Wilson’s Blue Rose Code – Soulful, Sincere, and Electrifying Live

Following headline performances in ‘24 at Cambridge Folk Festival and Gate To Southwell with his nine-piece Caley Soul band as well as a sold out bravura show for Celtic Connections at Glasgow’s 1,400 cap Pavillion Theatre, Wilson has spent the last few months reconnecting with his roots in live club performance.

Touring solo, duo, or quartet in 2025, the shows have workshopped new songs for 2026’s new Blue Rose Code studio album. The direction of travel seems to be closer to the broad Scots Folk/Singer Songwriter style that brought him to work with the likes of Karine Polwart, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Ewan McGregor, to write for Steve Knightley, and open for heavyweights like Van Morrison, Deacon Blue and the Proclaimers.

In any combination; solo, duo, quartet, Big Caley Soul Band, Blue Rose Code simply has to be seen live.

A set of almost religious intensity and sincerity. Wilson makes widescreen soul in the spirit of Van Morrison, and was full of the holy fire of live performance

The Times

Ravishingly beautiful, a burnished blaze of Caledonian Soul, muted jazz and poetic recitation

UNCUT

Jubilant, prayerful, compassionate, Caledonian soul maestro Ross Wilson’s latest iteration of his Blue Rose Code band sees his songs bursting with heart

The Scotsman

An expert ensemble, led by Edinburgh singer-songwriter Ross Wilson, brought the spontaneity and informality of an after-hours pub session to the Pavilion Theatre. The effect was both stirring and meditative

The Spectator

One of the moments of this year’s festivals. Nothing short of sublime

The Herald

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