Events
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
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
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
Bobby and Brains – The Ultimate World Instrument?
Bobby McFerrin demonstrates the power of the pentatonic scale, using audience participation, at the event “Notes & Neurons: In Search of the Common Chorus”, from the 2009 World Science Festival, June 12, 2009. While researching the neuropsychology of music , I came across this video in a series of 5 where Bobby (Don’t Worry – … Continue reading
Thoughts from High in the Sky and Low in Heathrow
Spent a whole day yesterday travelling by plane, train, underground, train, bus – but I really enjoyed it. Good service, relaxed and everything went well without a hitch – Gave me a chance to map out my proposed next steps.These, for the moment, are : 1. Music -will have access to recording studio tomorrow. Covers … Continue reading
Brian Blasts in from the Past
What a delight to hear from my friend Brian – the brains behind “FRAGILE” A Glasgow-based duo playing a variety of instruments and material from a wide range of sources including American, Bluegrass, Scottish Folk, Jug Band, Skiffle, Singer-Songwriter etc Influenced by such heavyweights as Mungo Jerry, Matt McGinn, Billy Connolly, Iain Mackintosh, Hamish Imlach etc … Continue reading
Edinburgh Mandolin Festival
This event is features the EMGO led by Nigel Gatherer http://www.emgo.org.uk/ Nigel (pictured right) also runs a very useful website. Check it out http://www.nigelgatherer.com/Cheers Nigel – hope you still find time to update your interesting database of bands and performers. Stay in touch.
