She is one of Scotland’s most versatile vocalists, with a career spanning everything from a No 1 hit and appearances on Top of the Pops to recording the works of Robert Burns.
Yet, even now, Eddi Reader admits that she still gets a tingle of excitement every time she travels to another concert venue or music event.
The Scottish chanteuse will be in the limelight on centre stage at Speyfest in Fochabers this evening, and she is relishing the opportunity to parade his eclectic repertoire at one of the north’s most popular folk gatherings.
She said: “I am so, so looking forward to performing at Speyfest again – the last time I was there was way back in 2011, when I really enjoyed myself, and I have new songs and I can’t wait to play them for the audience.
“I’m coming up the day before so that I can take in the beauty and the feel of the place. Driving around Scotland was something my dad always did with us. And it feels exciting to journey through the country and know you will arrive to a warm welcome.”
It is more than three decades since Ms Reader and Fairground Attraction released their album ‘The First of a Million Kisses’ which contained the chart-topping song ‘Perfect’. But the singer isn’t somebody to dwell on past glories, or stick to any single style of music. Indeed, as she revealed, she doesn’t even have a set list for this evening’s gig.
She said: “I wait until the moment and surprise myself. There will be 30 years of music to pluck from the instinct tree, so I’m sure all different genres will poke their heads up.
“Speyfest is a very well organised event and it attracts people who really make the performers feel special. And it’s in a beautiful part of Scotland.”