Blog:
03 July 2006
The world cup and wimbledon. Two very good reasons to vegetate in front of the TV for hours. As well as the seemingly endless supply of West Wing box sets and of course the concluding episodes of 24…will Jack Bower ever die? It seems not!
Anyway, it’s now 6 months into the year and I realise I’ve been able to open for 3 of my favourite singer songwriters, Martyn Joseph, Kate Rusby and Karine Polwart. What a year so far!
Had a fun night at the Tron Theatre this month launching ‘Subject To Change’, a compilation CD of local artists with all the proceeds going to Yorkhill Sick Children’s Hospital. The line up included Jo Mango, El Dog, Jonny Steele and myself and DL. We sang ‘Thankyou’ (Emma Lousie’s song) which featured on the STV Yorkhill programme.
We also played in a beautiful 17th century church in Fenwick. You could really sense this little place was steeped in history. I was moved by some of the Covenanter stories inscribed on ancient gravestones. Made me feel quite ‘small’ for a moment…which can be a good thing! The folks in Fenwick were fantastic and joined in magnificently singing ‘Down in The River’. Thanks to everyone for your support.
And so to the highlight of the year so far…no offence intended to anyone else! Two supports slots for Karine Polwart and band. The Queens Hall was a beautiful place to play. Fantastic audience too. I started the set just little ol’ me on the piano, ‘Fearless’ which was slightly ironic as I was shaking all over. KP and band were fantastic and it was a highly entertaining evening as Karine took us through the ‘World Cup of Biscuits’ (highly amusing!) It was an all Tunnocks final as you might expect. Sold a shed load of CDs and made loads of new friends. Thanks to everyone who spoke to me afterwards. It was such an encouraging evening.
The same weekend we had a friend’s wedding in Glasgow University Chapel which we were delighted to play at before taking in a wee bit of the West End Festival and then to Oran Mor. I really enjoyed playing that night. Felt really at home and much more relaxed.
So impressed with the KP band, their musicianship and attitude on and off stage. A huge thank you to them for the opportunity and for their encouragement.
This month we also did a small gig with Ian White…great to catch up with him again. Enjoyed sharing the stage at Crossover with Neil Alton and the legends that are The Honey Thieves. Took a wee song writing class there too…hope those who took part are still writing! Thanks to Munro for all your hard work and commitment.
Had a fantastic time in Portadown and Richill in Ireland. Lovely wee gig and great time spent with the folks on Sunday. Thanks to all at Richill for your kindness and to Neil, Steph and of course mad mutt Murray (DL does really love you) for your hospitality.
Will be playing at the 13th Note this month. Hope to see you there.