Author Archives: George
Kindness and Kinship in Kaslik : USEK 2012
What a privilege and honour to represent Ireland alongside the soldiers from UNIFL at the USEK 2012 Heritage and Cultural Diversity Day. This highly successful and popular event was organised by USEK Deputy Director Khalil Abboud -Ambassador of Goodwill , Tipperary Peace Convention. I am grateful to him, Guy Younes Chair of the Irish Lebanese Foundation and … Continue reading
Double Black and St. Patrick’s Day Crack*
What a good choice Ross! This intriguing arts and crafts pub built in 1875 and remodelled three times spanning the art nouveau and art deco period was the first venue for our annual SPD “musical” voyage Jammed into the corner of the door – the atmosphere, decor, food and Scottish Black Stout – was so good … Continue reading
Meat, Malt, Mead, Music and “Merriment” in Milton
Thanks to everyone in Milton Keynes for a wonderful pre-Burns night Burns Supper – very enjoyable food and good company – your efforts were very much appreciated. Meat : a variety of dishes all using haggis – even the Crannachan! Malt : sorry but Mead or Johnnie Walker double black on the rocks is no … Continue reading
Birthplace of Baseball Bans St. Patrick’s Day
Shame on the “Sham-rockers” of Hoboken – what happened? How does this …….. turn into a scene like this…….? I thought it all about the music and having a good time -The commercialism and exploitation of celtic music has killed “the craic!” o me miserum!
Tone Deafness and Brain Thickness
The international laboratory for Brain Music and Sound Research (BRAMS) published an interesting study on amusia and cortical thickness If your brain cells migrate to the right side of your brain – stop singing immediately! This is what happens if you don’t keep your cells well pruned! Seriously, spare a thought for this group of people who … Continue reading
Bruce’s Birthday Boogie
Congratulations on reaching a quarter of a century – here is a little impromptu tune called Beirut Beckons – a hint at the welcome you will receive if and when you finally make the trip – one day! peut etre!? yimkin?! ………………….. ps bring your keyboard! Click on the new tune on sound cloud opposite … Continue reading
Nancy, “Trane” and Sgt. Bilko : a tribute
Thanks to Nancy for her kind gift of this bowl-back “neapolitan style” mandolin built by the Suzuki Violin Co. in 1970. It was my first mandolin. Your act of love and kindness has been remembered on what would have been your special birthday today. Here is my tribute -”Trane” playing a Phil Silvers (Sgt Bilko) penned … Continue reading
India and The Incredible String Band
I was pleased to discover that someone from India was the 200th unique visitor. It reminds of the day I stood in the music shop in the newtown of Edinburgh pondering whether to buy a small compact sitar once owned by the Incredible String Band – a psychedelic folk group formed in Scotland in 1966. A “difficult-to … Continue reading
Happy Holiday Hours with Hip Hop-Scotch
A new short clip to go with my latest track on soundcloud – see samples opposite or click on the You Tube channel button underneath the sample window. This will be developed in September / October. Thanks to “Boogie” Bruce for helpful suggestions for further development. Best listened to through a sound system to hear … Continue reading
Congratulations Colorado – 100th Visitor
Thank you to the 101 unique visitors from 11 Different countries who have visited in the last 2 weeks I note that there are 17 Flags collected (if you include regional state flags) so far. First one Brazil – Last one New York – Congratulations to Colorado – the 100th visitor! Typing this brought back … Continue reading
