Fife’s favourite soul and funk combo Lights Out By Nine have just returned from their annual foray to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to the Jazz Bar in Chambers Street.

I always liked the fact they would do evening shows and afternoon shows - what a respite from the city chaos to just order a pint and absorb the wealth of music created on that tiny stage.

Now firmly a seven piece with Alistair Chapman on keys and Mitch Scott- Bell on vocals, they took two shows to the Fringe this year.

Both were packed houses and this suggests more to come for next year for the 80th Fringe and lots to commemorate. Catching up with saxophonist George Morrison this week he tells me they are busier than ever with next year going to be a landmark year.

Alan Kyle, guitarist with Lights Out By Nine. | Pic Cath Ruane

placeholder image — Alan Kyle, guitarist with Lights Out By Nine. | Pic Cath Ruane

It will be the 40th anniversary of the band in 2027, and from being a straight soul covers band they developed their own niche and style while still taking a nod to the classics along the way. I still have the Run For Cover album on cassette no less and every CD since and of course there were DVDs – remember them?

In 1991 they sold out Adam Smith Theatre auditorium, and we broadcasted the whole show to VRN hospital radio live via landlines. In 1998 they launched Fife’s new radio station Kingdom FM at a gala dinner in Rothes Halls.

I saw them open for Average White Band at Alhambra Dunfermline, and hosted Hogmanay celebrations in Kirkcaldy Town Square - when we did such a thing. Lights Out By Nine return to Fife to the Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline, on September 12 from 8:00pm with tickets from the venue or pay at the door.