PKIMAGE - MUSICFOOTNOTES

Rab Noakes and Friends at Celtic Connections Celtic 2012

2012-02-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

The last time I saw Rab play a gig ( at the Oran Mor Glasgow, review on my blog) the venue was not so busy, so it was good to see a full house for him tonight at Celtic.

Friends of Rab’s joined him on stage. Rod Clements of Lindisfarne sang Turn a Deaf Ear with Rab. Jimmy McGregor who was on Scottish television music shows in the 60s, talked of the Skiffle groups and he sang Mormond Breas and Freight Train with Rab. Noakes sang some of his older songs such as Eden’s Flow, Turn a Deaf Ear and Clear Day. He also performed a selection of his newer songs.

Noakes sang his very deep Gently Does It when he talked about all those artists he’d lost in the past year, including Gerry Rafferty. Lyrics, ‘You’ve been n the road so long, Building a highway to take you home.’ Sang Noakes in Living in the Past, ‘The past is a nice place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there. Old dreams tie you down.’ Nostalgia also came up in his song Memories.

He always includes one older song and tonight it was the classic Bye Bye Blackbird with Frazer on harmonica.

In between the songs Noakes talked about the story behind his songs. Noakes lets the songs come to him and he doesn’t force anything. He understands the meaning and depth of the songs he interprets and for him it’s all about the narrative. Noakes also talked about the movies that have inspired his work, such as 'Midnight Cowboy' inspiring his song 'I'm Walking Here.'

For his encore song he sang Dylan’s Mississippi. Many of his songs have strong blue grass and Americana influences. Rab has drawn on his Scottish Fife roots and taken on board American artists that he grew up with. I thought about how our music went over to America and then bounced back here!

Rab took to the stage at the Strathclyde Suite concert hall 31st January. I was wishing there was a ‘Best of’ album of Noakes songs! http://www.go2neon.com/rab-noakes.htm

SET LIST

First Half

Wait a Minute

Slippin Away

What are you doing here?

Turn a Deaf Ear

Meet me on the corner

Eden’s Flow

Seeing is Believing

Mormond Breas

Freight Train

Living in the Past

One Dog Barks

Second Half

Gently Does it

No More Time

I’m Walkin’ here

Song to the Siren

Sleepless nights

Bye Bye Blackbird

Absense

Clear day

Wrong joke

Fallen Ones

Long Dark Night

A Day Away from here

Mississippi

A Brighter Blue

'Manran' at Celtic Connections 2012

2012-02-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

Mànran entertained us with a fun set of tunes at the Late Sessions stage for the BBC Radio at Celtic Connections 2012 on Thursday 2nd February. Manran is a young Scottish band whose style of playing incorporates Gaelic traditions, Scottish folk music and rock The members of the band are Norrie MacIver (guitar/vocals), Gary Innes (accordion), Ewen Henderson (fiddle/pipes), Calum Stewart (flutes/uilleann pipes), Ross Saunders (bass) and Scott Mackay (drums). The band made No 6 in the UK indie chart and in the Scottish Singles chart with their first single Latha Math. http://manran.co.uk/

Piper Fred Morrison performed at Celtic Connections 2012

2012-02-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

Scottish piper Fred Morrison performed a very enjoyable set of Scottish tunes at Celtic Connections 2012, the Late Sessions stage for the BBC Radio on Tuesday 31st January with Tim O'Brien. Morrison plays the Great Highland Bagpipes, the bellows-blown reel pipes, the Irish Uileann pipes, and the low whistle. He is one of the world's leading pipers and is a renowned composer of music for the bagpipes. His father taught him through the traditional method of canntairachd, the sung vocables used to convey pipe music before notation. "I hear that singing in my head every time I play." He has played with Clan Alba with Dick Gaughan and also with Capercaille. He co-arrange the music for the film Rob Roy. In 2006 he formed the Fred Morrison Band with Paul Jennings, Duncan Lyall, Douglas Miller and Innes Watson. Morrison's album Outlands was released in 2009.http://www.fredmorrison.com/

Madison Violet at Celtic Connections 2012

2012-02-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

Two Canadian girls took to the Late Sessions stage for the BBC Radio 3 show hosted by Mary Kennedy at Celtic Connections Glasgow 2012, on Tuesday 31^st January after their sold out ABC gig. They sang their song The Ransom off their 2009 third album No Fool for Trying, which won the John Lennon Songwriting Award. They spoke of what a fabulous event Celtic was and how lucky we were to have it. I was impressed with the quality of their songs and their bright artistic sound.
Their 2011 follow-up album The Good in Goodbye has received major attention. http://www.madisonviolet.com/
http://www.celticconnections.com/

Lana Del Rey - 'Born To Die' album review, released January 30 2012

2012-02-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

'Hollywood sex kitten siren via a very carefully grafted persona.'

.. of Lolita glasses, flowered petticoat dresses, waved Rita Hayward hair and pouty red lipstick. Her image takes me back to those soft sell fifties days of high-winged Buicks, neat furniture and men in ties....

I'm all for imagery as an artist and many of the best musicians in the past (while not all!) have created art around their music - the best examples are the Beatles album covers, Dylan's freewheelin, Queen's opera, Radiohead's videos, more I am sure...

Her music is full of cinematic strings and her distinctive caressing voice.
Some good moments in her album Born To Die with songs such as Diet Mountain Dew, National Anthem, and her singles Video Games and Blue Jeans. Weaker moments too with the slightly soft pop of Carmen, Radio and Dark Paradise. And in my view the production feels somewhat stitled and overdone.
She shouldn't feel the need to emulate Amy Whinehouse as on Million Dollar Man. Her music works best when she has the sexy purr of Video Games and the slow husky voice she does so well. Plus there is no doubt that she has taken such a cool name! This is a good debut and I wish her well. ‘Born To Die’ is presently at No 1 worldwide.

(PS When I uploaded the album on iTunes only numbers showed up, no track listing?)

My BLOG

2012-02-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

My blog has reached 10,000 hits this week! I’m very grateful for all who’ve come over and enjoy reading my posts. An especially big hello to those from Russia and other far away places who also love music. I hope you love Scottish music too! My passion is obviously for good music! That is what motivates me with my writing and photography. It’s the music that makes me want to travel miles and to spend hours sorting and editing photos. The Music that inspires ….
I started my Blog in 2007 with a few reviews. Last year in 2011 I started to take my Music Blog more seriously. I’ve been a serious music photographer since late 2007 and I concentrate on portraiture. While social photography interests me, my main focus is in portraits.
I attend Celtic Connections Glasgow each January and Edinburgh Book festival in August, as my two main events. The rest of the year my main interest is in new artists coming up. I’m excited that Emeli Sande, who’ve I’ve followed since 2007 is releasing her first album in February. I’m also thrilled for David Sneddon, whose career I’ve followed since 2003 and who has established himself as a songwriter of note in London. I've also taken photos at Milngavie Folk club - some wonderful artists while 'folk music' at times needs to shake itself up? Still tradition and heritage matter hugely too. While the past year my main focus has been my writing work (some on blogs here though most not posted) for which I hope my book may be evolving… I live with dreams and hopes…

My photography site - http://pkimage.co.uk/
And many thanks to all those who've encouraged my work and believe in me (some are not still here with me, my friends June and Helen) - my friend Carole and to my son Ross.

Kris Drever PHOTOS Celtic Connections 2012

2012-01-30T22:04:00.000-08:00

Kris Drever supported, with Eamon (Salsa Celtica) on banjo and Megan Henderson (Breabach) on fiddle. Kris has a rich vocal and he is a top rhythm guitarist. He sang among other songs Burn’s Parcel of Rogues. The band also performed a few upbeat reels. They proved an accomplished band and I enjoyed their set.

Kris Drever is from Orkney Scotland, and he is a Scottish contemporary folk musician and songwriter, who came to prominence in 2006 with the release of his debut solo album, Black Water. Drever also plays in the folk trio, Lau, alongside Martin Green and Aidan O'Rourke and has worked with numerous other British folk contemporaries, including Kate Rusby, John McCusker, Eddi Reader and Julie Fowlis. Lau won Best BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards - Best Group 2008 and 2009. Kris is the son of Ivan Drever, a former member of Wolfstone.

Thea Gilmore Fruitmarket Celtic Connections 2012

2012-01-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

The Fruitmarket is one of the most atmospheric venues with its old world wooden balconies, where one feels as if we may be transported to Victorian times. I always enjoy my visits here during Celtic, although I notice there are no images lining the walls now. I chose to see Gilmore as I enjoyed her at the Dylan concert at Celtic last year.

Kris Drever supported, with Eamon (Salsa Celtica) on banjo and Megan Henderson (Breabach) on fiddle. Kris has a rich vocal and he is a top rhythm guitarist. He sang among other songs Burn’s Parcel of Rogues and they also performed a few upbeat reels. They proved an accomplished band and I enjoyed their set.

Gilmore is a quiet performer with a beautiful voice. She was supported by Nigel Stonier (her long-time collaborator, producer, husband and co-songwriter) and a full band that included cello and violin strings. She has recorded an album of Sandy Denny songs called Keep On Singing and she has put music to Denny's lyrics. One of my favourite songs ever is Denny’s ‘Who Knows Where the Time Goes’, she has a voice with subtle natural depth and highs. Gilmore does a convincing job as to emulate an iconic voice such as Denny’s is a very brave task! I particularly enjoyed her moving versions of Long Time Gone, Georgia, and Goodnight.

She is releasing the song London as a single.

http://www.theagilmore.net

Fife’s King Creoste and John Hopkins were performing the same night at the ABC Glasgow and as I have enjoyed his mercury nominated album Diamond Mine and I would have enjoyed seeing him too. This is often the way at Celtic with too many events on at the one time!

Thea Gilmore is a British singer songwriter. She began her career working in a recording studio, where she was discovered by her now long-time collaborator, producer, husband and co-songwriter Nigel Stonier. Gilmore released several albums and made a breakthrough with the release of Avalanche in August 2003, which became her first album to break into the Official UK Album Chart. In 2004, folk singer Joan Baez invited Gilmore to open for her during her US tour. Gilmore returned to recording with the release of Harpo's Ghost in August 2006. In 2008 Fruitcake Records released Liejacker, Gilmore's eighth album featuring contributions from Joan Baez, Dave McCabe and Erin McKeown.

"Bring it All Back Home: Gerry Rafferty Remembered" PHOTOS

2012-01-28T18:36:00.000-08:00

CELTIC CONNECTIONS 2012 - GERRY RAFFERTY Rembered; Bring It All Back Home - PHOTOS.
REVIEW below.
More PHOTOS PKImage site - http://pkimage.co.uk/celtic2012

"Bring It All Home - Gerry Rafferty Remembered" Celtic Connections 2012

2012-01-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

Many Voices and the Songwriter gave them One Voice

A stellar cast took to the Glasgow Royal Concert hall stage as part of Celtic Connections 2012, to celebrate the life and fine tunes of folk pop singer songwriter Rafferty. He gave us unforgettable songs that certainly stuck in our heads back in the 70s – among them his biggest hits with the soaring sax of Baker Street and the dancing rhythms of Stuck in the Middle With You.

The concert was led by former Humblebum member and friend Rab Noakes and his daughter Martha Rafferty. The songs selected ranged from the Humblebums, Stealerswheel to Rafferty’s solo career. The Rafferty family, blended their perfect harmonies when they sang The Ark, Family Tree, and Whatever’s Written in Your Heart. Noakes commented that only siblings can produce this special sound. Three of Rafferty's regular band members - guitarist Hugh Burns, multi-instrumentalist Graham Preskett and saxophonist Mel Collins joined with the house band, Roddy Hart and the Lonesome Fire.

The Proclaimers gave a stirring performance of City to City. Ron Sexsmith had flown in from Canada, and with his strong vocal he sang Days Gone Down. Mark Rafferty sounded like Gerry on the wonderful song Mary Skeffington and former Cream bassist Jack Bruce finished the first half with a resounding version of Shipyard Town. There were spirited backing vocals from both Betsey Cook and Barbara Dickson.

This was a concert full of fine jewels. Other highlights were Noake’s accomplished rendering of Moonlight and Gold; Maria Muldaur’s beautiful blues-filled Another World; the soaring vocal of Songbird by James Vincent McMorrow; the Rafferty Family singing the moving The Ark. Martha said that this song best showed Rafferty’s philosophy about life.

The rousing finale came with Paul Brady singing Rafferty’s biggest hit song Baker Street, after which the entire cast took to the stage for Stuck in the Middle With You which had the concert hall audience on it’s feet. These songs were led by the strong playing of lead guitarist Hugh Burns and saxophonist Mel Collins. Noakes gave the glue and character to the show with his stories about Gerry, the Humblebums, late night travels and more. He spoke of Rafferty’s intelligence and of his love of harmony; of his mystical and spiritual side; and of his strong will and self belief. He spoke of the poignancy yet hard core centre of Rafferty’s songs.I'm still singing Rafferty song two weeks later! His songs are spiritual and offer hope.

Rafferty’s songs cover the full spectrum of emotions, they express full-on-energy, questioning cynicism and mystical spiritualism. He was from Paisley Scotland and his music gave the folk song a new voice. He cared about the craft of the song and not celebrity or it’s trimmings. He was an artist in the true sense of the word and had a rare clarity of artistic vision. A wonderful celebration of one of Scotland’s greatest ever singer songwriters that did Gerry proud and a highlight of this years Celtic Connections.
"Bring It All Home - Gerry Rafferty Remembered" Celtic Connections 2012 PHOTOS -
http://pkimage.co.uk/Gerry Raffertyconcert

*SET LIST

Ran Noakes - Can I Have My Money Back

Proclaimers - Mattie's Rag

Ron Sexsmith - Right Down The Live

Maria Muldaur – Didn’t I

Mark Rafferty - Mary Skeffington

Rafferty Family - Family Tree

Barbara Dickson – Wise as a Serpent

Paul Brady - One Drink Down and Another to Go

Emma Pollock - To Each and Everyone of Us

James Vincent McMorrow – Songbird

Tom Robinson – Get It Right Next Time

Jack Bruce – Shipyard Town

(2)

Rafferty Family –Whatever's Written in Your Heart

Jack Bruce & James Vincent McMorrrow - Waiting For the Day

Maria Muldaur – Another World

Ron Sexsmith – Days Gone Down

Rab Noakes – Moonlight and Gold

Emma Pollock - Late Again

Barbara Dickson – Steamboat Road

Rafferty Family - The Ark

Proclaimers - City to City

Roddy Hart – Her Father Doesn't Like Me Anywore

Jack Bruce & Tom Robinson – Life Goes On

Paul Brady – Baker Street

Everyone – Stuck in the Middle With You

Artists included Rab Noakes, The Proclaimers, Ron Sexsmith, Barbara Dickson, Maria Muldaur, Jack Bruce, Paul Brady, Emma Pollock, James Vincent McMorrow, Roddy Hart, Tom Robinson.

I lost my Heart to Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now

2012-01-20T20:55:00.000-08:00

I lost my Heart to Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now

It's life illusions I recall, I really don't know life at all.'

So I grew up on Joni Mitchell.

Her Voice. Well actually I first learnt to play and sing the stage musicals and Burns songs. I can't remember when I first heard Joni's pure and touching voice but her personal and intimate songs became ingrained in my head, in particular Both Sides Now.

Her dreams and passion took me skyward when I was young and the sands of time stood still for those moments. She sang of her sorrows and offered us a voice. Most memorable was her pure soaring voice. She wrote of loss, of heartache and love with more creative insights than I'd heard before.

I remember the deep blue colours on her 'Blue' album sleeve. I bought the sheet music and played it often. Like Dylan some of her lyrics are so true we never forget them. For me Joni is at her best when her songs are lost in those confessional deeply felt emotions.

Songwriting. By 1974 her songs had been hits for other artists - Both Sides Now for July Collins and Woodstock for Crosby, Stills and Nash. She may have been known as an also ran folk artist with a cult following or as a folk confessional romantic but many of her songs also show clever wit,irony.

Joni also states Debussy and classical as big influences on her music and her songs show harmonic complexity and melodic invention.

"I want the full hyphen: folk-rock-country-jazz-classical, so finally when you get all the hyphens in, maybe they'll drop them all, and get down to just some American music."

Lyrics. She states that she is a painter first and a musician second and certainly the words of her songs paint such clear honesty I was instantly captivated.....

'I am a lonely painter, I live in a box of paints,'

'Tears and fears and feeling proud, To say I love you right out loud. ...

And dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I've looked at life that way,

But now it's just another show, You leave them laughing when you go,

So if you care don't let them know, Don't give yourself away.'

'The times you impress me most are the times when you dont' even try.'

Discography. Her ALBUMS from 1971 to 1975 were her greatest output - Ladies of the Canyon 1970; Blue ; For the Roses; Court and Spark, 1974, No Billboard chart; Miles of Aisles; The Hissing of Summer Lawns.

Help Me was her only top ten single from her Court and Spark album. C & S was her biggest selling album (when she brought in a backing band).

Her Blue album is autobiographical and its' narrative shows her as one the best at writing in the first person. Joni had a young pregnancy and gave away the child and the memory of this loss haunted her and she wrote of this in Little Green.

From 1975 Joni changed direction as she turned to jazz-infusion and sythn sounds, and her music felt less accessible for many fans. http://jonimitchell.com/

Was she too much the real deal and even too good to be popular? What an intelligent and individual force of nature she is. 'We love our loving but not like we love our freedom.'

Joni Mitchell (extract Word March 2007) "They'd pit me against three-chord-wonders who weren't saying anything." Joni doesn't have a record deal. The major corporations bought up a lot of record companies they became a conglomerate. My Warners catalogue descended to Rhino Records to exploit - ' Best of Joni', I'd call it 'Boss's Choices.'
'My guitar has always been very orchestral, even on the first album it is not folk music, it I semi-classical, very easy to orchestrate, songs like Marci are more like Schubert than folk music. I don't know Schubert that well but the NY Times seems to think there I something similar though the only thing I can think of is that he set a lot of popular German poems to music, which I have done a little bit with the Book of Job and the Yeats poem. It was called folk because that was what it looked like – a girl with a guitar, I am not a folk singer at all. I have an appetite for Debussy, Tchaikovsky, the nocturnes, Moonlight Sonata, Oh Clair de La Lune and variations on a theme by Paganini… Classical music today is underwater elevator music, bad Brian Eno. ..they are all doing his electronic horizontal stuff. Its' a weird direction because of its sameness. It's a copycat crime. I guess it always was except for Debussy…there's no one like him. '

So Who is Lana Del Rey?

2012-01-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

I thought I’d join the Lana Del Rey debate! If art is measured by the controversy we create then she is already a winner!

Firstly the way the industry works today there is all this beavering away ‘behind the scenes’ in the studio writing and recording with producers. Fair enough. However there appears to be little emphasis on live music, even as live music and festivals become an ever bigger part of the music industry.

WHY do new artists such as Del Rey (aka Lizzy Grant) have to ‘pretend’ she sat at home playing guitar, when she simply was picked up by a label a few years back. This fairy story that it all happens by ‘magic’ is nearly non-existent these days. (unless you want to believe those pretend reality tv shows?) Many young people now ‘train’ at music colleges or study music at school. With instant Internet inspection the norm these days the minute an artist puts their music online there really is little room for any errors the way it was back in the 6os. Back then it was even Ok to sing covers, goodness(!) while now to do so you have be a tribute act …..

All this good exposure online also has its drawbacks!

Lana is clearly used to singing alongside a piano and on the Saturday Night Live YouTube clip she looked lost with the rock band. There are and should be all kinds of performers; those on the big stage and those on the small intimate stage. Lana plays the intimate stage perfectly. She has a unique husky subdued voice. Lovely.

Here she sounds pretty good with acoustic piano and one guitar - actually strings would be good in there too!

(I also enjoy her retro fifties feel of her look and image.)

Celtic Connections Festival Glasgow 2012!

2012-01-17T21:14:00.000-08:00

Held when we feel the winter blues, Celtic offers the warm glow of dancing fiddles, energetic guitars and free flowing singers....

In my twenties I dated a folk guitarist in Edinburgh and visited Sandy Bells and Arran folk festivals. The immediacy and passion of live traditional reels and folk songs were infectious and I was hooked.
The recent successes of younger artists such as Mumford, Laura Marling and Bellowhead, show there is now renewed interest in the musical traditions worldwide. Aly Bain commented stated that there is little acoustic music on tv these days. Celtic started in 1994 when Aly Bain was the only professional fiddle player in Scotland and he wondered would they sell 100,000 tickets in January in Glasgow.....? Well yes they did and now in 2012 Celtic is one of the largest gatherings of folk music worldwide.

My guitarist son and I take a front row seat every year at the Transatlantic Sessions, one of Celtics highlights which is led by musical directors Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas. This concert, which is held in the Glasgow Royal Concert hall, has an energetic impact where the folk traditions of close live collaborations and instrumental skills abound.

The mix of Scottish traditional lilting tunes alongside its' partner the fun rhythms of American bluegrass and country music works a treat. Nashville legend Dubro guitarist Jerry Douglas leads the Americans on the right if the stage and backing bands don't come any better then this! Image, age and celebrity matter not one bit. What matters is the live music, nothing else. There are no flashing lights, gimmicks or egos - the music is simply down to the quality of the sound, instruments and playing skills. One of the main aspects I enjoy at Celtic are the very interesting and sometimes usual collaborations.

The band includes veterans Danny Thompson on double bass, Bruce Molsky on guitar, Phil Cunningham on accordion, and also Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, Donald Shaw, Darrell Scott, John Doyle, Russ Barenberg and James Mackintosh.

After a couple of reels we have the pleasure of several singers from Tim O'Brien to the likes of Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis last year in a royal blue velvet dress. James Taylor, Emmylou Harris and Nanci Griffith have also attended. This year the sessions include Raul Malo, Ruth Moody, Declan O'Rourke, Eddi Reader and Karen Matheson. This concert is pure class - acoustic music at it's very best. Long may it last! Transatlantic now goes on tour after the festival, check for dates. http://www.celticconnections.com/

The festival centres around the concert hall with open mic sessions, concerts and more, as well as many other Glasgow venues that include the Old Fruitmarket, City halls, The Arches, Classic Grande, the ABC, Oran Mor, more.
This is one of my favourite festivals and 2012 will be my fifth year covering Celtic.

Viking Galaxy LIVE in Edinburgh!!

2012-01-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

Viking Galaxy LIIIIIIVE in Edinburgh!! http://www.bannermanslive.co.uk/gigs/

Gigs | Bannermans

That’s right folks, you can now get your tickets for this amazing live performance Friday 13th January.
This is going to sell out! Grab your viking outfit!
http://www.facebook.com/vikinggalaxy

The best Scandanavian Keyboard Style Metal band Glasgow and Milngavie have to offer. Oh. Yes.
Plans for a Viking Longhouse are very much in the pipeline, but our own desire to get drunk in the Beer Bar and some minor financial setbacks have caused considerable delay to the progress of the Longhouse. It will, however, one day be completed. 'Twil be a place where one may go to drink tankards of beer, eat a selection of roast animals and listen to insanely loud folk and keyboard metal such as Rhapsody, Symphony X Stratovarious and Sonata Arctica.

The Most Important Drumbeat Ever

2012-01-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

Too strict copyright is as bad as too little copyright laws.

Restrictive copyright laws stifle creativity and the freedom required for the progression of music.

The History of the ‘Amen Break’. Samples of this drum beats were used in hip hop and club dance music that has led to a massive industry and money maker for the music industry. The industry ignored the sampling in the 80s...perhaps things simply need to renew.

As regulators in the US seeks to tighten copyright laws we should reflect that our culture is richer if our copyright laws are less strict. (and PS why do artists wish to ban fans from supporting their work, what is that about?)

David Sneddon has Written Songs for Lana Del Rey

2012-01-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

'National Anthem' is a song from Lana Del Rey's forthcoming debut album 'Born To Die' and it has been revealed that the track is co-written by David Sneddon and The Nexus. http://popcrush.com/lana-del-rey-national-anthem-tracks-girls-songs

Del Rey (formerly known as Lizzy Grant) has worked with Fame academy winner David Sneddon and his songwriting partner, James Bauer-Mein, who have also written for and produced other emerging artists such as Hurts and Matt Cardle. Lana Del Rey had a huge following on YouTube in 2011 with her song ‘Video Games’ and she has been tipped for big things in 2012. She has appeared on the BBCs ‘Later With Jools Holland’ and she is on the cover of Q magazine January 2012. DIY Blog likens the song ‘National Anthem’ to the band All Saints and sees the song as a potential chart hit. Quote:” As a pop song, capable of breaking into the charts - and this is the context we should be putting Del Rey in… it’s a potential no.1 hit.”

Quote Kicksnare blog – ‘Leak after demo after leak has hit the net. The latest ‘National Anthem’ is the first track to really catch me since ‘Video Games’….. Her beautiful and unique voice sometimes doesn’t seem to fit the tempo of her music, but ‘National Anthem’ is brilliant… Lana channels a westcoast vibe that takes me back to the days when slow, soulful and gritty westcoast hip-hop ruled my radio – perfectly showcasing her brazenly seductive attitude. So take into account this is a leak and know the final mix will only be even more spectacular Ok Miss Del Rey, you have finally done it, I am under your spell.’ http://kickkicksnare.com/2012/01/06/lana-del-rey-national-anthem/

I’ve been following David Sneddon’s career now since he was on the reality tv show in 2002. He seemed such a true talent. In 2006 he played small imitate gigs and I have reviews posted here on the blog from 2006 and 2007. I have chatted with David himself on numerous occasions at his gigs. My ear for music has never failed me yet! I grew up playing and singing, and my children all studied music to a high level and played in bands and orchestras. In recent years David has worked on his music as a songwriter for other artists in London in an underground way. It truly validates my belief to read now of his successes in recent months. Well done David!

I'm very proud of My Portfolio Photos of David Sneddon that I consider some of my best work - http://pkimage.co.uk/davidsneddon

The Nexus and David Sneddon also co -wrote the track ‘Driving In Cars With Boys’ with Del Rey.

DAVID SNEDDON is a Scottish musician and singer-songwriter who works in London. Sneddon works with the UK based Songwriting and Music Production team "The Nexus" and has been building a strong reputation as a Songwriter the past years. The Nexus" work on major label projects across the UK, Europe and US. The Nexus also specialise in the discovery of new talent, assisting in their development and have successfully taken several artists from independent to Major Label status

The Price of Art

2012-01-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

The Village Voice, New York 1975 - The Top Thirty Albums

1 Dylan, 2 Patti Smith 3 Springsteen 4 Dylan 5 Neil Young

Plus albums by Roxy Music, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zepplin.

Back then in the seventies the rock 'n roll industry was worth millions more than the film industry. That is when the music charts really meant something!

As Bookshops and Record stores leave the high street and sales of Kindles and iPods increase, will we start to long for those hardback covered books, vinyl's, movie screens and those black and white Prints? Will we long for something solid and tangible to hold in our hands other than those fleeting Spotify airwaves?

My favourite place to loose track of time was the high street book shop and in particular The Thins Bookshop on my walk home from college in Edinburgh.

Will the 'Narrative' of the album be lost and that capturing of a moment in time?

To all those who believe that music and art and photos should be 'free' commodities - they should also reflect on the old ‘Record Shops’ and on, why, since the advent of the Internet Age, art should now have no price tag….Do they believe movies should also be free? Should we then ask - do we want our Arts to collapse? What then?

Yes I know most of the money in music is now made on new media, gigs, royalties and more - and not through the cd sales. Even so all the arts - books, music, photos are suffering through online downloading and declining revenues. If you care about the Arts please support them.

On a positive note, I found a small corner book stop in Callander where the lady was rebinding the old classics.

As I wondered the large super stores this Christmas, I thought no one here cares about the product anymore.

Our arts culture and media start to feel like fleeting moments and perhaps there are times that we simply need something solid to hold onto .....

(ps. then again we have to think now about our carbon footprint!)

2011 A Year of Resolutions and Turbulence.

2011-12-31T21:57:00.000-08:00

A Year of Resolutions and turbulence.
A year of change, destruction and extremes, of questioning and uprising.

The Arab Spring and bloody times. Murder of ignorant dictators.

Did we ever see the like..?

The Sun and Rupert Murdoch were told to answer for their Code of No Ethics.
The collapse of the Euro.
Japanese Tsunami.

Royal wedding, Global Warming.
Floods. Earthquakes. Hurricanes.

The Internet brought us close, yet kept us apart.

My wishes for 2012 .

That education is not about 'mediocrity', what is average and multiple choice questions - but about individuality, creativity, questioning and higher standards. That the new religion is harmony, morality and freedom of thought.
More peaceful times....

*NEW YEAR Tv

Best on Jools Holland – Pokey Lafarge and the South City Three! and Aloe Blacc

BBC Scotland - Rab Noakes singing Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Get it Right Next Time.’

MUSIC 2011

2011-12-30T11:43:00.001-08:00

I’m excited about music right now. Coldplay released their Paradise video which is another classic and they are bound to hold yet more stadiums mesmerised with their grand melodies. Me? - I continue to listen to Dylan, folk, David, Paul Simon, Gerry Rafferty. I enjoy all genres, mostly.

New Artists

Emeli Sande/ Emeli released her second single Daddy November 2011 and she supported Coldplay on tour.

I saw her gig here for her first EP launch in December 2006 when she sang her own songs and a Nina Simone cover. I saw her again four years later at King Tuts December 2010 and she has had a busy time since then! In 2011 she has had The Mobos, her debut single Heaven which reached No 2 in the UK charts in October. Her second single Daddy is due for release in November and her album, Our Version of Events, will be released early 2012. Emeli spoke of how wonderful the past year has been for her and of her present number one song with Professor Green titled 'Read all about It.

Her music is rocky and upbeat. It is also full of pathos and on the edge of our joys and sorrows. As Emily says herself.. This ain't no 'soft soul easy listening' but soul with a questioning edge. I had a chat with her backstage at King Tuts December 2010 when she said her music was 'soul with a rocky edge' and influenced by the likes of Portishead, Massive Attack and Joni Mitchell.

I am now excited for her album release and I expect her album to be a smash success!

Emeli drew attention for her big soul voice when only 16. She attended Glasgow medical school and after obtaining a medical degree in Neuroscience, she decided to focus on her music. I wish her well for her album release. It is clear she doesn’t do things by half measures! Emeli has won the Brits Critic choice award for 2012.

http://www.emelisande.com/

East Arbor19 – I first heard their debut YouTube and was massively impressed with the character of the song and T Laws memorable voice. Watch out for this band! Their YouTube video for 27 has had over 200,000 hits in a couple of months. All about YouTube these days.Very excited for this band.

Lana Del Rey - Her 'Video Games' scored a record number of hits YouTube, now at 10m. David has written songs with her, as yet not sure if any will be on her album.

Hurts - Continued their ascent performing on a grander stage. Theo is a top class front man - charismatic, charming and handsome with his smoothed hair, suave suits and come hither eyes! Theo and Adam have strong songs and a captivating live performance as their songs hover between pathos and joy. Their debut album 'Happiness has sold nearly 1m copies.

Aloe Blacc - Aloe Blacc - King of the Soul singers. He captured the main stage at Glastonbury 2011. Check ' I Need A Dollar and Billie Jean' ( Highsnobiety TV: An Evening with Aloe Blacc at MADE - Berlin creative space MADE recently played host to singer songwriter Aloe Blacc, violinist composer Mihalj "Miki" Kekenj & painter Jaybo.

Rebecca Ferguson Reviews - Telegraph - After 12 years, reality TV has finally turned out someone who not only has the hallmarks of a real star, but is also an artist in her own right. "Syco have been really brilliant – as soon as I put my foot down they back off completely. I just wanted songs I'd written on the album. At first I was going into sessions with writers who'd pretty much got all of the songs done already. But I told management they needed to let me write it because otherwise no-one's going to think I'm a credible artist. Then they let me just go into sessions on my own – I couldn't believe it.

Billboard Music 2011 - http://www.billboard.com/news/the-best-of-2011

GIGS – I’ve been very fortunate to see two music legends live who are my biggest inspirations – Paul Simon and Bob Dylan. Both gigs were awesome. There is good interest in Bob Dylan oddly! this blog has had more hits than any other! I've also seen exciting new artists this year - Emeli Sande, James Blake, girl band Warpaint and Canadians The Low Anthem.

Musicfootnotes Blog - This has been my main focus the past year, and it combines my writing and photography. (Also Songbook, Poetrynotes Blog). Developing from this work I’ve been writing other pieces for my possible book (not posted online) which now has several chapters, getting there....? and it seems to be writing itself.

John Lennon -"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"-Offical Video-HQ

2011-12-22T20:57:00.000-08:00

Best Christmas song.

THE SONG

2011-12-21T19:44:00.001-08:00

The song is the last memory we have. For anyone with Alzheimer’s the song is the last memory to hold on to. The song’s power to connect to our emotions outlives even words or images. Is it about the way that words and melody may also conjure up images, when their hold may be over-powering and unforgettable...? The song can be connected to those moments in our lives - our first love,, that dance, being young, heartbreak, new horizons…Some of us might remember every car made, or when the first man went into space - for others they have a great memory for melodies.

There are times in life when music and the song are the one thing we can rely on to comfort us, to offer hope and beauty. They might offer empathy and the knowledge that we are not alone with our pain when they tell us that someone has been there before and that they were still able to find the joy in life.

The tides of time and space separate us but the airwaves of music keep us together.

To quote Guy Garvey of Elbow, ‘The rule is the song is all.’

...a song is like a piece of unique stardust, we hold gently in the palm of our hand before blowing it to the wind….

Aloe Blacc ABC O2 Glasgow 12th December 2011

2011-12-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

Aloe Black stole our hearts and showed why he is the King of Soul. He was supported by a DJ set which meant the dance beats were kept up with no pause before Blacc’s entrance onstage.

He sang with his crooning mellow voice. He was also the dance master of cool, with some neat footwork and sliding shimmies. Later during his set Blacc created a soul train down the centre of the Glasgow audience where locals were only too happy to boogie down. Songs included - ' I Need A Dollar’ and ‘Billie Jean.'

For his encore he spoke of missing the sun of his homeland and sang the Beach Boys classic ‘California Dreaming.’

Blacc caused a stir at Glastonbury 2011 with his performance there on one of the main pages.

It is worth checking Blacc singing at MADE on YouTube – a collaboration in Germany between composers, artists and performers. ( Highsnobiety TV: An Evening with Aloe Blacc at MADE - Berlin creative space MADE recently played host to singer and songwriter Aloe Blacc, violinist and composer Mihalj "Miki" Kekenj and painter Jaybo.)

http://aloeblacc.com/

Emeli Sande wins the Brits Critics' Choice award

2011-12-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

I saw Emeli Sande gig at the Oran Mor Glasgow for her first EP launch in December 2006. I saw her again four years later at King Tuts in 2010. She has had a busy time since then! In 2011 she has had The Mobos and her debut single Heaven reached No 2 in the UK charts. Her album, Our Version of Events, will be released early in 2012. Emeli spoke of how wonderful the past year has been for her and of her present number one song with Professor Green titled 'Read all about It.
Her music is rocky and the edge of our joys and sorrows - soul with a questioning edge. I had a chat with Emeli backstage at King Tuts December 2010, where she kindly sigend prints for me, and she said her music was influenced by the likes of Portishead, Massive Attack and Joni Mitchell. I am now excited for her album and I expect it to be a smash success! Emeli attended Glasgow medical school and after obtaining a medical degree in Neuroscience, she decided to focus on her music. http://www.emelisande.com/
Emeli is supporting Coldplay on their present tour. NEWs Dec 2011 - Emeli Sande wins the Brits Critics' Choice award", which rewards up-and-coming talent. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts

Good Reviews for Rebecca Fergusson and for X Factor Runners-Up

2011-12-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

On a different note - Both Olly Murs and Rebecca Fergusson’s albums have had good reviews in the Sunday Times, even though both are X Factor graduates and Runners-up!

I went to listen to Rebecca's album and it is really rather good and authentic. She was a favourite of mine in the show in 2010.

Rebecca's debut album 'Heaven' has been receiving top ratings and reviews in both the press and radio. The Independent gave Rebecca a very positive review, claiming "By the law of averages, talent-show telly has to throw up at least one genuinely serviceable talent every ten years or so, and Rebecca Ferguson is surely that one." I thought this review somewhat poignant and are these 'experts' realising at long last that their prejudices against Reality artists are in fact based on ignorance? Interestingly she insisted on writing her own songs so she might be authentic and Syco let her! http://www.rebeccaofficial.com

For the winners of these 'reality' shows the label fixate on the 'demographics' that slot people into a 'Type' and the importance of targeting who their music will supposedly appeal to . By contrast the 'Runners-up' have less pressures on them from the label and from the controlling voice of Simon Cowell.

Many ex-reality winners are still out there….singing, Joe McElderry at the Concert Hall or Darius in his musicals. In my view one of the best talents to come out of a reality show is David Sneddon who is a talented piano player and songwriter and he also sings with a beautiful soul voice.

Sneddon has forged a successful career as a songwriter in London and is signed to Sony. Yet again it was the runner-up Londoner Lamar who got time to work on his album and who has had success as a performer. I understand David’s fears are great after a media (including the Sun of course! that saw him and the show as an object of ridicule) why he now focuses on writing. I don't see David on a big stage but playing intimate smaller venues, and the artists I most respect as writers play smaller stages. As he is working in music I wonder too why he can't record a few songs? I hope David that you haven't lost yourself to pop music. I believe he has a wonderful talent.

It is all too easy to slag Reality tv off and it does have many flaws, while we should be aware that many bands and artists are 'put together' behind the closed doors of the industry and this 'developing' artists has gone on for decades, ever since the recording industry started.

I prefer too some fresh raw talent to the 'over-polished formula' of the Guildford school graduates. While the mantra should also be about hard work and effort. The X Factor is simply a Promotional Tool for the Music Business.
Rebecca Ferguson Review - Telegraph,"After 12 years, reality TV has finally turned out someone who not only has the hallmarks of a real star, but is also an artist in her own right." Quote Rebecca, "Syco have been really brilliant – as soon as I put my foot down they back off completely. I just wanted songs I'd written on the album. At first I was going into sessions with writers who'd pretty much got all of the songs done already. But I told management they needed to let me write it because otherwise no-one's going to think I'm a credible artist. Then they let me just go into sessions on my own – I couldn't believe it.

What does scares me with music today is the ‘big American Media Conglomerates’ such as Warners and the damage they inflict on real music. Those XFM American radio Playlists and their cheap mindless sounds – all about gimmicks, dancers and pyrotechnics….

Emeli Sande Oran Mor Glasgow 1st November 2011

2011-11-09T19:41:00.000-08:00

Emeli burst on the Oran Mor stage firing on all cylinders. I saw her gig here for her first EP launch in December 2006, when she sang her own songs and a Nina Simone song. I saw her again four years later at King Tuts in December 2010 and she has had a busy year since then with considerable songwriting success. In 2011 she has had The Mobos, her debut single Heaven which reached No 2 in the UK charts in October. Her second single Daddy is due for release in November and her album, Our Version of Events, will be released early 2012. Emeli spoke of how wonderful the past year has been for her and of her present number one song with Professor Green titled 'Read all about It.

Tonight, again at the Oran Mor stage, she owned the stage and took us on her musical journey through soul, gospel, rock and R & B. Emeli sang the new songs from her upcoming album – as well as a medley of her past hit singles collaborations.

She sat at the keyboard for her song ‘Clown’ and said it was here that she started her musical journey before co-writers and more were involved. She said this song was a favourite from her new album and we heard why. It was a beautiful haunting song when I wished I had remembered to bring my recorder with me! She talked about the wonderful experience of writing with Alicia Keys in LA and sang their collaboration song which was titled ‘Hope.’

Emeli finished her set with her singles Heaven and Daddy and for her encore sang she sang 'Maybe' when the poignancy of her voice shone through with lyrics such as ' We can try a bit harder, We can make it work.'

She gave an accomplished and energetic performance. Her excitement to be performing her songs with a top band back home in Glasgow here where it all started was palpable. The venue was sold out as is the rest of her first intimate headline tour.

Her music is rocky and upbeat. It is also full of pathos and sits on the edge of our joys and sorrows. As Emily says herself..'This ain't no 'soft soul easy listening' but soul with a questioning edge.The expressive timbre of her voice sends shivers. She states that her music is 'soul with a rocky edge' and influenced by artist such as Portishead, Massive Attack and Joni Mitchell.

I am now excited for her album release and I expect her album to be a smash success!

Emeli drew attention for her big soul voice when only 16. She attended Glasgow medical school and after obtaining a medical degree in Neuroscience, she decided to focus on her music. I wish her well for her album release. It is clear this lady doesn’t do things by half measures! MORE Photos - http://pkimage.co.uk/
http://www.emelisande.com/

SET List

1. Tiger

2. Where I Sleep

3. Suitcase

4. Lifetime

5. Clown (Emeli piano)

6. My kind of Love

7. Next To Me

8. Breaking the Law

9. Hope – River (Emeli Piano)

10. (Medley)

11. Gravity

12. Daddy

13. Maintain

14. Heaven

15. Maybe (encore)

Goa Xingjian

2011-11-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

Goa is from China, after speaking out against the cultural revolution he now lives in exile in France, in his Second Life. As happened in Russia after this country's revolution, the 'free thinkers' and the creative people have had to flee China. He is a writer, poet, playwright and painter and I went to his talk this August at the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2011.

Goa discussed his views on the differences between the artistic genres and the aesthetics of the different art forms - he spoke of how painting is not literary, theatre is not literal, and the art of the narrative. He said that Literature has suffered from political interventions and it can subjugate literature when authors submit to politics. That globalization imposes also.

He talked of the necessity for literature to confront experience. Of how we don't understand 'Evil' and the 'Nazi' experience and how history could easily repeat itself. That people 'like to be led' as it is the easy way and how important 'independence' of Thought' is.

Gao had a deep serenity and calmness about him. His paintings are very good and they lead the eye on mystical journeys. He talked of setting aside months to paint when he barely reads at all - because image and painting must come direct (without words). When he paints he listens to music and he feels that painting is beyond words.

Gao describes himself as a 'total artist' - creating novels, short stories, essays, plays, paintings and film. His 'Ballad Nocturne' continues his ongoing experimentation with dissolving and redefining artistic boundaries, and with melding aesthetic forms.

Bob Dylan Braehead Arena Glasgow 9th October 2011

2011-11-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Dylan revisited his favourite sons and as the familiar song refrains start it's like going home again.

I went with my guitarist son, and he was nearly as overwhelmed as I was! Dylan performed more than I expected. At the SECC Glasgow in 2006 we were further back and all I remember was Dylan hunched over the keyboards. Happily for this gig he even smiled a few times as he faced the audience at the mic for several songs when he squatted slightly and seemed to enjoy himself. It is simply inspiring to hear and see him live...

I noticed the admiration and awe of his band as they strove to embrace his music. His lead guitarist lent forward towards Dylan at the keyboards as if to draw from his wisdom. His band did excellent work of expressing the songs.

I could feel the reverence of the crowd at the front and this is serious business being a Dylan fan! Few are drinking. Most have travelled to many Dylan gigs - and have seen him ten or twelve times at least. One fan beside me saw him in the 60s at the Edinburgh Playhouse when Dylan was 24 and had just gone rocky. And yes he was seventy too, the same age as Dylan is now.

Highlights Songs - Full Set List below. Songs: It Ain't Me Babe, Tangled Up in Blue, Simple Twist of Fate, Desolation Row. For his encore Dylan sang Like a Rolling Stone, and All Along The Watchtower. Mark Knopfler supported (think Dire Straits and Money for Nothing ) and he gave a very capable performance. I'm not sure what it is like supporting a master craftsman like Dylan and many artists of any calibre must feel second rate.

Dylan's songs and stories tell of the contradictions in life as they hit reality square in the face with his hard-hitting lyrics, voice and tunes. When he moved from Duluth Iowa to Greenwich village New York, Dylan soaked up many diverse influences for his music. Dylan has piercing eyes and a cracking, scorched voice just like the blues singer Robert Johnston he so admires.

He takes us to the other side of his songs. Perhaps we hope he might take us to that promised land? Going to see Dylan live is like a pilgrimage and you meet many other dedicated disciples on the way there and on the way back. You either get Dylan or you don't - and you have to go to him he doesn't come to you.

None of the usual descriptions can really apply to Dylan. Music is his life. How can I possibly write that his lyrics are colourful or deep when these words sound such simple clichés. Dylan has opened my eyes, perhaps he shows us the promised land is possible.

It is wonderful to be alive in the time of a poet like Bob Dylan. A comment from Rab Noakes -

'I can't imagine my life without Dylan in it.' Bob was on great form last night. Good-natured, good song-choices, good band esp Charlie Sexton.'

There is a site for Dylan's set lists and lyrics (thanks to the fan beside me told me about) called boblinks. - http://www.boblinks.com/

Set List

1. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat (Bob on keyboard)

2. It Ain't Me, Babe (Bob on keyboard)

3. Things Have Changed (Bob center stage with harp)

4. Tangled Up In Blue (Bob center stage with harp)

5. Cold Irons Bound (Bob center stage with harp)

6. Simple Twist Of Fate (Bob on guitar)

7. Honest With Me (Bob center stage with harp)

8. Desolation Row (Bob on keyboard)

9. Highway 61 Revisited (Bob on keyboard)

10. Blind Willie McTell (Bob center stage with harp)

11. Thunder On The Mountain (Bob on keyboard)

12. Ballad Of A Thin Man (Bob center stage with harp)

(encore)

13. Like A Rolling Stone (Bob on keyboard)

14. All Along The Watchtower (Bob on keyboard)

Band Members
Bob Dylan - guitar, keyboard, harp
Tony Garnier - bass
George Recile - drums
Stu Kimball - rhythm guitar
Charlie Sexton - lead guitar
Donnie Herron - electric mandolin, pedal steel, lap steel

Hurts Review Düsseldorf Mitsubishi Electric Halle 4th October 2011

2011-10-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

It’s lush, rich and gloriously crafted – the now fiftysomething Pet Shop Boys finally have their heirs. There’s that same sense of being simultaneously lightweight and bubbling with pathos, and the sense that there’s no such thing as too many layers of sound.... quality pop is as important as quality rock or indie or hip hop or punk and I really wish there was more of it around.
The lights go down and the additional players take their positions. Back home HURTS can pack the Ritz – itself a long-recognised signifier that a Manchester band has “made it” to a certain level – but here they’re bond fide mainstream pop stars, as we discovered last year on a trip to Switzerland: our boys from back home were barely off the (German) pop stations piped into cafes and bars. So this isn’t just a gig, it’s a show. The eleven-piece band including string quartet sit motionless as searchlight-style spotlights sweep the red glow and two hooded figures walk to the front and unfurl black flags. The strings and drums crash into life and the immaculately-suited duo stride on to screams, launching into “Silver Lining” – and it’s one of the most ridiculous, ostentatiously brilliant things I’ve seen in the live music canon in ages. The sound is just enormous – all credit to whoever helped with the orchestration arrangement here. So what if it’s all plotted and scripted to the hilt: from Take That’s dance routines to Rammstein’s pyromanic showpieces it always is at this level. “Wonderful Life” is next, with the capes and flags discarded to reveal two balletic and somewhat interpretative dancers: you just don’t get this sort of thing – or indeed the harp which will make an appearance later – in the grubby indie basements where much of our musical life is played out. http://www.informationhurts.com/

It was, however, in a particularly grubby indie basement that Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson first caught our eye. The basement was Manchester’s Music Box, in 2006 – a great new bands night by High Voltage fanzine which presented four fresh-out-the-box bands every Thursday – and the band was Bureau, fresh out of school. (Interestingly one of the other near-debutantes that evening was a young post-hardcore trio called Dresden, whose intense 17-year-old frontman Cal Wright is now better known as acclaimed techno act D/R/U/G/S). Theo bounced around the stage like all the adrenaline he’d collected in his eighteen or so years on earth was all coming out at once; I wrote “Bureau are a pop band in the best possible sense of the word. They look and sound like they’ve landed fully formed from some planet where 80s synthpop never got corporate and dreary.” Soon after, a largely forgotten Dexys offshoot called THE Bureau forced them to change their name; sadly their debut single (also courtesy of High Voltage) had already been pressed, so Daggers were forced to promote a single (“After Midnight”, worth hunting down if you like electropop I once decribed in print as “so 1982 it could sink an Argentine warship”) that didn’t even have their name on it. Then one day thieves cleared every last thing from their rehearsal room and they called it a day. It was a while before the surviving duo resurfaced, the glam disco clobber exchanged for evening-wear and the thumping Eurobeats for… well, this.
It’s lush, rich and gloriously crafted – the now fiftysomething Pet Shop Boys finally have their heirs. There’s that same sense of being simultaneously lightweight and bubbling with pathos, and the sense that there’s no such thing as too many layers of sound. Songs that come across as a bit weedy on the pair’s debut album, such as “Evelyn”, have grown legs, wings and guts. “Sunday” – probably the closest to that upbeat Euro sound that they get these days – has echoes of Giorgio Moroder, himself influenced by the synthetic wonders of Kraftwerk and their peerless mid 70s innovations: innovations which laid the foundations for modern electronic pop music, on a quiet street less than a mile from here.
Hurts’ show is spectacular. The dancers come on for a quick turn with the string quartet before the boys re-emerge with the pseudo-operatic torchsong “Verona” and their party trick of turning Kylie’s “Confide In Me” into the Pet Shop Boys song it always was at heart. The final “Stay” is magnificent and encore “Better Than Love” feels almost transcendentally joyful. And yeah, in a day or two I’ll be back in grubby indie basements, but this was a fantastic excursion. No guilty pleasures crap here – quality pop is as important as quality rock or indie or hip hop or punk and I really wish there was more of it around. - http://louderthanwar.com/

Celtic Connections 2012 Press launch 25th October 2011

2011-10-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

The Press Launch for Celtic Connections 2012 was held in Glasgow on Tuesday 25^th October 2011. Chaired by the festival's Artistic Director Donald Shaw, he announced there would be a political thread to the festival in 2012. This will be the 19th year for one of the world's largest winter music festivals. Shaw spoke of the Arab spring and other recent world wide revolutions and how music was often interlinked and can offer hope of a better life. How some folk music has become too mainstream and lost the power of offering a voice to the people. He spoke of how popularity can get in the way of what an artist has to say.

There will be 300 events in 20 venues across Glasgow. Celtic covers folk, roots, world, traditional, indie, Americana, bluegrass and jazz music. He said that folk and trad would continue to be at the heart of the festival, with artists such as Shooglenifty, Session A9, Blazin fiddles, Treacherous Orchestra, Salsa Celtica, and more. Highlights will include a celebration concert for Gerry Rafferty who died last year and also a concert for the Woodie Guthrie Centennial with Sarah Lee Guthrie. The international line up will include Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Bruce Hornsby, Jack Bruce, Justin Currie, Martin and Eliza Carthy, and KT Tunstall. The Festival club will be held this year at the Apollo 23.
A core of the festival is its educational program. There was a BBC Live Radio Scotland show that evening which included Spanish band Sol i Serena.
I sat beside Scottish songwriting legend Rab Noakes who is involved with the Rafferty concert and was a founding member of Stealers Wheel - I expect will be a sell out very soon! As will the ever popular 'Transatlantic Sessions', which last year toured and includes American dubro player Jerry Douglas and Scottish fiddler Ali Bain. I enjoy Celtic for the unique collaborations it offers.

Celtic Connections runs from 18^th January to 5th February 2012.

Tickets are now on sale - http://www.celticconnections.com/

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2011

2011-10-22T05:03:00.000-07:00

Liz Lochhead

Pauline Black

Romola Garai

Ben Okri

John Byrne

http://www.zenfolio.com/pkimage/edinburghbookfestival

Leo

2011-10-22T04:55:00.000-07:00

I took photos at 'Leo' - performed by Tobias Wegner and directed by Daniel Briere, which won the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award, and will receive a full NYC production at Theatre Row in January. The award is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe's highest honour, and was presented at the festival's closing ceremonies on August 26. The production is from the acclaimed German company Circle of Eleven, and considers what happens if the laws of gravity suddenly change. Leo combines stage design and video projections, to create an unexpected environment in which our hero is forced to adapt to this surprising situation. The award is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe's highest honour, and was presented at the festival's closing ceremonies on August 26. The production is from the acclaimed German company Circle of Eleven, and considers what happens if the laws of gravity suddenly change. Leo combines stage design and video projections, to create an unexpected environment in which our hero is forced to adapt to this surprising situation.

Songwriters Circle BBC 4

2011-10-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

October 7^{th -} Leon Russell, Nick Lowe, Paul Brady.

October 14th – Donovan, Buffy St.Marie, Roger Cooke.

October 21^st – Neil Finn, Janis Ian, Ryan Adam.

October 25^th – KT Tunstall, Ray LaMonatgne, David Gray.

Fridays 9.10.pm. Held at the Bush Hall London. The art and process of songwriting. They perform, collaborate and chat about their songs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015cxf3/broadcasts/2011/10

Followed by ‘Singer Songwriters at the BBC.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015f4w6/broadcasts/upcoming

Edinburgh Festival 2011 (review)

2011-10-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Roland Rivron

I still have hundreds of images to sort...

Edinburgh's theme this year was Eastern colours, dance, and contrasts. How do we find the joys, the fun in life that gets lost in our everyday realities? I always pick a theme and my theme this year is fun and what festivals should be for, because after all if life isn't 'fun' what exactly is it for? My main focus is now the 'Edinburgh International Book festival' and I have much less time on the High Street.

I took photos of the fringe show 'LEO' that is heading to New York and of many authors. Some of my stalking didn't work out. I missed Gordon Brown, David Hasselhoff and Brad Pitt (here Glasgow) - but I did meet Alex Salmond and shook his hand! Cool.

Stalking! I missed some stalking opportunities! I missed my shot of Gordon Brown (ex PM) who came with his wife Sarah for her talk at the EIBF. It was only a normal Saturday night in Glasgow when Zombies take over the streets! Tuesday and Brad Pitt media arrived in Glasgow Central station. The pose of photographers were disappointed as he was taken off the back of his train and whisked away. I later heard that one snapper got the 'shot' for the Sun. Also a tip that David Hasselhoff would be at the BBC tent at 10pm, and I wasn't able to manage this stalking either!

FRINGE SHOWS. My first show was 'Rick Hall', as seen on tv show 'Mock the Week'. Next 'The Dead Philosopher' at the Traverse and the premise was that 'life is a joke' - well if so this show certainly wasn't one! **LEO. I took photos at 'Leo' which was a highly creative and wonderful performance and was performed by Tobias Wegner and directed by Daniel Briere. Leo won the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award and will receive a full NYC production at Theatre Row in January. The award is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe's highest honour, and was presented at the festival's closing ceremonies on August 26.

I was on the phone outside Biblos restaurant on the corner of Chambers Street when 'Gerry' of Martian fame walked past in the rain wearing a long leather coat with his serious deadpan look. He didn't see me. Perhaps it is all fleeting odd moments that we have here and nothing is real or as it seems..? Life leads us on strange paths and on these pavements that have seen to many footsteps...

'Real harmony comes from the heart. Trust, respect and friendship are all essential.' Dala Lama. My Field of Dreams, I search through them as they hover above, Sometimes golden, Sometimes hollow.

Edinburgh has strong ever changing winds and apparently the rain is connected to the high tides. One photographer has shot Dylan. In our yurt, that one describes as a 'soggy mushroom' the crack at times is fun. I wonder to myself that some young people can't take time to 'smell the roses' - they are so busy constantly plugged in online.

I love the challenge of Photography while sometimes I wonder it is writing I really want to be doing. Sometimes the song is like a gift.

It has been cloudy quite often and I feel tired and sad it is over for another year. The last day and it feels the posters are tired and sad a little too, as am I. Cultural overload. For the discerning there is much on offer to delight the senses at EIF. A big Thanks to all at the Edinburgh Book Festival for another top year. 2,500 shows at 250 venues over 3 to 4 weeks, over one million visitors.

TMSA Young Trad Tour 2011

2011-10-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

BBC Radio Scotland Award finalists hit the road! The cream of Scotland’s young traditional musical talent is touring the country in the next few weeks. Coming together as the TMSA Young Trad Tour 2011, the group consists of the six finalists of this year’s BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award/

On tour are the Orcadian fiddler Kristan Harvey (2011 winner); Lorne MacDougall from Carradale, Argyll (pipes/whistles); Tina Rees from Glasgow (piano); Alistair Ogilvy from Strathblane (Scots song); Mairi Chaimbeul from Kyle of Lochalsh, Skye (clarsach/Gaelic song); Andrew Waite from Duns in the Scottish Borders (accordion) and 2010 winner, Dan Thorpe, from Inverurie (fiddle).

http://www.tmsa.org.uk

Lana Del Rey - Video Games

2011-10-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

She has a haunting and beautiful voice. Lana has been a big internet hit with her video on YouTube 'Video Games' now at over 2m hits.

There has been controversy on the web over her reincarnation from Lizzie Grant, and comments over her new image being put together by the Label guys... What's the big deal here? - Dylan was Mr Zimmerman and never rode boxcars. Many artists reinvent themselves, that's the whole point!
There appears to be a community online of those who wish 'put down' those in the creative industries. It is easy to criticize, harder to actually put yourself out there. http://lanadelrey.com/

(Woody Guthrie rode those box cars though...)

GERRY RAFFERTY

2011-10-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

He has a hardness in his eyes while his songs are sensitive and true. I first heard his Baker Street album during my folk festival days, with its' soaring sax and hard-hitting lyrics. Then he had a huge hit on both side of the Atlantic with Stuck in the Middle With You.

He always refused to play the big Label game and refers to this in this hit song with the lyrics - 'Clowns to the Left of me, Jokers to the right...' . He never toured in the US, even while this song had No 1 Radio airplay. In a sense Rafferty was full of those Scottish contradictions with his strengths and weaknesses. He was from Paisley and sadly died early this year from alcohol related illness. His funeral was held at St Mirin's Cathedral in Paisley and attended by the first minister Alex Salmon. http://www.gerryrafferty.com/

ArtWorks Scotland - Gerry Rafferty: Right Down the Line - BBC 2 Scotland Documentary aired August 2011

Gerry Rafferty was a Scottish singer songwriter best known for his solo hits Baker Street", "Right Down the line", "Days Gone Down", "Night Owl", "Get it Right Next Time." And with the band Stealers Wheel "Stuck in the Middle with You."

His mother taught him both Irish and Scottish folk songs as a boy; later, he was influenced by the music of The Beatles and Bob Dylan. He joined the folk-pop band The Humblebums in 1969, but left in 1971 and recorded his first solo album Can I have my Money Back. Rafferty and Joe Egan formed the group Stealers Wheel in 1972, producing several hits, most notably "Stuck in the Middle with You". In 1978, he recorded his second solo album, City to City, which includes "Baker Street", his most popular song. Rafferty died of liver failure due to a in January this year. Newspapers printed lengthy obituaries for the singer. Many younger artists speak of how his music has influenced them.

Matt Cardle Letters

2011-10-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

Wonderful.

Great Singer Songwriters

2011-10-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

Where are the great singer songwriters of today? They are still here (I hope), they are simply hard to find these days and seem to be buried in a sea of 'commercialism' with over-hype, instant sound-bites, over-production and glossy videos. A telling moment on a recent BBC show was simply Simon and guitar on the Parkinson show. The creative genius behind great music, bands and orchestras is simply this and to find the heart of great art requires it is 'stripped back' to basics.

What are the best songs of the past 2 decades that compare to the great songs of the 60s? I was making myself a playlist of favourite songs and I was struggling to think of songs from the 90s and noughties that will last the tests of time...? Names that came into my mind were Radiohead, Arcade Fire and Coldplay - all bands. Many great singer songwriters started off in bands - Richard Thompson ( Fairport Convention), Rafferty (Humbelbums), McCartney (the Beatles), Simon (Simon and Garfunkle)...more. Perhaps it is easier to find your artistic voice through collaborating. I know it can take years for classics to emerge.

Culture has changed, the internet has given us access to instant media-music. In the 60s music was more of an investment of our time and money and involved a trip to the Record Shop! I feel certain there are advantages to online streaming but drawbacks too. It was a big deal for 50s artists when they were able to hear the blues legends on the radio. So the advancement of the new technologies means that all the arts can now develop at a much faster pace than ever before. Yet the young people seem to crave nostalgia...

Does the proliferation of Talent Shows these days (both local and on tv) have a lot to answer for when they are mainly about producing musical performers and are not about the craft of the songwriter. I guess there is still the folk scene for singer songwriters. Many say that their music is rooted in traditional folk music - for example Dylan drew on Woody Guthrie, and Elton on Leon Russell.

I worry though that the arts are loosing the 'heart' of what makes art or music truly great and unforgettable in their rush to pursue the business side of it all. Reflecting on music and songs of recent times I began to wonder is there not much 'substance' or heart behind much of it, that tells me something new emotionally I've not heard a million times before? To quote Rab Noakes - ' a future with no past has no idea'.

Singer-songwriting is about finding your own unique voice.

Last week the BBC4 ran a show BBC Singer Songwriters. On my list were many on this show - Joni, Rab Noakes, Rafferty, Paul Simon, Cohen.. all there. Those were simpler times back then. Great acoustic music is still here, it is just hard to find it these days : )

Last week the BBC4 ran a show BBC Singer Songwriters. On my list were many on this show - Joni, Rab Noakes, Rafferty, Paul Simon, John Martyn, Cohen.. all there. Those were simpler times back then. Great acoustic music is still here, it is just hard to find it these days : )

PS - Are older singer-songwriters doing enough to encourage and offer platforms for the younger artists?

I include a clip of Joni Mitchell on the BBC. Joni is probably my biggest inspiration for singer songwriters.

East Arbor 19 - 27 Years

2011-09-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh International Book Festival (EIBF)

2011-09-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

Neil Gaiman


Lazlo Krasznahorkai

Simon Callow

Joan Bakewell

John Vailliant

John Byrne

Michael Ondaatje

This blog is mostly about music, but it is also about how music and words/lyrics/poetry and art work together. While I enjoy Mozart, the music I enjoy most is also about the music and power of words.
Edinburgh Festival is quite unique as it celebrates all forms of creativity in a major way - from the silent performance movement of the award winning fringe show LEO, the music of the Edge and the main International Festival, it's Arts festivals and theatre and drama all abound here. 2,500 shows at 250 venues over 3 to 4 weeks, over one million visitors.

Some of the authors at EIBF were also musicians and artists. For example Norwegian author Jo Nesbo who is known internationally for his crime novels and who also writes songs for the band Di Derre. Also Nobel prize winner for Literature from China Goa Xingjian.
He is a writer, poet, playwright and painter. Gao describes himself as a 'total artist' creating novels, short stories, essays, plays, paintings and film. His 'Ballad Nocturne' continues his ongoing experimentation with dissolving and redefining artistic boundaries, and with melding aesthetic forms. After speaking out against the cultural revolution he now lives in exile in France, in his Second Life. As happened in Russia, the 'free thinkers' and the creative people have had to flee China.

Revolutionary change and times was the main theme for the EIBF this year. Change is not simply a good but also a necessary thing. Which begs the question - why have recent years seen such an upsurge in revolutionary thinking. Is it Twitter and Facebook!? Those who are saying 'NO' - this isn't working and we want a better way.

The Debates (the Spoken Word). This year the EIBF started doing Debates each evening and I went to the one on 'Scottish Independence' The speakers were Ming Campbell, Mike Russell SNP, and articulate historian Neal Ascherson. The main issue became around one of a hope for Forward Optimism.(refer to another Blog later for this debate). Fun comes in many guises and I had a fun time at the Debate as I reflected on the power of words. And on how words and music together have the most powerful effective over our memories and emotions.

My best images often come when the shoot has a buzz about it and where the author is either up for having portraits taken or has outstanding depth of character.

Karin Altenberg

Candia McWilliam

A good portrait is about the character of the sitter and their stories. This year I took photos of Irish writer Edna O'Brien, eccentric character and artist John Byrne, Chinese writer and artist Gao Xingjian, presenter Joan Bakewell, 'Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, footballer John Hartson, playwright and artist John Byrne, Scottish national poet Liz Lochhead, actor Simon Callow, writer Neil Gaiman, journalist John Valliant, The English Patient author Michael Ondaatje, comedy writer Rowland Rivron, feminist Badisha, writer Karin Altenberg, as well a Philosophers, politicians and other creative thinkers. MORE AUTHORS images on my Photographic Blog - http://musicfootnote.blogspot.com/ and website - http://pkimage.co.uk/

Nick Barley, Director of the Book Festival said “In this, the year that the new Europe comes of age, popular uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East are challenging life long regimes and the world is in a state of change, we will examine the theme of Revolution. From Libya to China, India to Iran, the USA ten years after 9/11 and the recent controversies involving Twitter and Wikileaks, audiences and authors in Charlotte Square Gardens will explore the power of the written word to provide a compelling commentary on the world around us.” Packed into the 17 days of the Festival are almost 800 authors from over 40 countries around the world.

Matt Cardle

2011-09-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

Matt Cardle's new album 'Letters', the first single is co-written with Gary Barlow 'Run For Your Life' -

http://www.youtube.com/
http://www.mattcardlemusic.com/

Cardle has worked with several songwriters on Letters including Eg White.

'Letters' album tracklisting -

1. Starlight
2. Run For Your Life
3. All For Nothing
4. Pull Me Under
5. Amazing
6. Faithless
7. Beat Of A Breaking Heart
8. Stars & Lovers
9. Letters
10. Reflections
11. Walking On Water
12. Slowly
13. When We Collide

The album is available to pre-order right now, in both standard and deluxe editions. Simply get clicking on the link of your choice below…

‘Letters’ - the deluxe edition: Amazon / Play.com / HMV.com

If you enjoyed Matt singing Ewan McColl's 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' on the X Factor last year check out his new album 'Letters' due for release in October 2011. Matt was a different kind of contestant with experience playing in bands, down-to-earth and unassuming, and he has a strong soul voice. A favourite song of mine, classic. And dont' believe that the show is a fast track to success in any way - maybe only a few steps on the ladder. I reserve judgement on the X Factor tv show...., Some of it is empty nonsense, but amongst it all talent can also be discovered and those over-the-top judges sure make entertaining viewing!!

Hurts NME March 2010

2011-09-13T04:51:00.000-07:00

Quote -

'After our interview we tried to chase up some other rumours (!) About the involvement of their A & R, rumoured to be their unofficial third member. About the other songwriters they're alleged to have been working with - including Fame Academy winner David Sneddon. We asked Adam about Sneddon's rumoured contributions. This is the email response we got back:

" Decisions are like weights, you have to be strong and carry them above your head with pride, like an Olympian. The music is our fundamental ware, our javelin, the steely spikes on our running shoes. We must retain control; of the music or else everything else will fall part. We are not interested in treason, in overthrowing The Man, because we understand his value to our craft, and the beauty of our co-operation and collaborations."

Riight. So you're saying you don't work with anyone else? 'Delegation is not something we are interested in, especially not within our musical vision. It is impossible to delegate the thoughts inside our heads to other people, it would simply cease to be Hurts. Obviously. Discussion, understanding and grooming are things which may happen. But so long as we shall live, we will continue to be in control. Hurts will grow ands extend as and when we want it to."

We thought we'd try going straight to their A & R - Spice Girls songwriter Biff Stannard - about his involvement. He came back to us with this . "Much like an exercise regime for an athlete, I provide a service similar to a personal trainer. I have experiences of building muscle and fitness, however, my sole aim is for my athlete to beat me in the race."

Of course , these aren't really answers, more like propaganda. The idea of athleticism has been music touted as part of Hurts vision. That's what they're sticking to. Hurts are almost authoritarian with their image; not difficult interviewees - indeed there's a sharp sense of humour at play beneath the surface - but serious nonetheless.

..Hurts need power, not just in their music, but every facet of the world that they inhabit.

That is something to be celebrated - the best pop has often been meticulously planned. Finishing with...

'Their performances, their attitude and above all their songs are head and shoulders above any other British pop band right now. First they'll take Manchester, then they'll take Berlin. Just don't trust a word they say. Enjoy the myth-making. '

Sounds good to me - bet David is high right now. He even logged on on Monday

The Raghu Dixit Project Oran Mor Glasgow 4th August 2011

2011-08-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

This vibrant colourful band had bare feet, warm hearts and large smiles. Their purpose was to have us all smiling and dancing!
The Raghu Dixit Project brought colour and Indian dance to the Oran Mor Glasgow with strong musicianship and Dixit's striking vocals. I had heard Rahu Dixit's band first on the Jools Holland BBC tv show last year when he sang No man will ever love you like I do, and Raghu's voice could melt a thousand hearts... They hadn't managed over for Celtic Connections in January due to visa problems and Rahu said that they were happy to have made Glasgow this time.

They carried the audience with them and it was all great fun. The band were all accomplished musicians both guitar and violin players added strong energetic playing to the mix.

Their set included songs from their album -   I'm in Mombai waiting for a miracle, No man will ever love you like I do, Mysore se aayi, Hey Bhagwan, and Gudugudiya. Their songs covered themes that were true to the heart such as - we all have a second chance in life and how well all have more strength than we realise and that we should lead our lives in a simple way.
Raghu said what a big deal playing Jools Holland had been yet he felt the song his manager requested him to sing did not so well represent the breadth of his music.   He said how well their album had been selling on iTunes ever since. They have brought in modern western musical influences to their playing of their traditional Indian songs. While their sound is mostly upbeat with energetic dancing rhythms which work great at the gigs to get everyone bouncing along, I often feel that it is the haunting slower melodies that linger in the mind the longest afterwards.
I wondered as the venue was not packed out that the tickets price was more than the usual price for a relatively unknown band at this venue. Raghu spoke of the hopes that we might one day all dance the same dance, well we certainly did tonight!
They were well supported by Adam Stearns, a young Glasgow artist I recommend checking out.
The Raghu Dixit Project was founded by Raghu Dixit is an open house for musicians and artistes from different genres to come together, collaborate and create a dynamic sound and expression. He is from Mysore India and he is the front man for his band The Raghu Dixit Project. His music is an amalgamation of Indian ethnic music and various world music influences. Dixit is also a Microbiologist and a proficient Indian classical dancer . He performed on the Jools Holland show in 2010.

1. Hey Bhagwan
2. Gudugudiya Sedi Nodo
3. No Man Will Ever Love You, Like I Do
4. Lokada Kalaji
5. Kodagana Koli Nungitha
6. Well I'm In Mumbai, Waiting for A Miracle
7. Khidki
8. Har Saans Mein
9. Mysore Se Aayi

Hurts Live from Zitadelle Spandau, Berlin.

2011-08-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hurts - Live Concert 13th August - 7.45 pm (GMT) on MUZU.TV

Mercury Prize List 2011

2011-08-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

I'm very keen on King Creoste's atmospheric album 'Diamond Mine' and on James Blake's electronic dubstep and piano debut album 'James Blake.' I've seen several of the nominees live the past year - Blake, Metronomy, Everything Everything, and King Creoste from Fife Scotland. The Mercury Prize looks for forward thinking creativity, originality and uniqueness - basically an artist who offers something new. Adele is the big seller this year, however her song 'Somone Like You' really reminds me of a song Rod Stewart sang a few years back, while she has strong soul voice.

Adele and Tinie Tempah are among the nominees for this year's Barclaycard Mercury Prize. Alongside 2001 winner PJ Harvey and Elbow - who won the prize in 2008. Plus Katy B, Metronomy, King Creosote and Jon Hopkins, Anna Calvi, Ghostpoet, James Blake, Everything Everything and Gwilym Simcock.

Simon Frith, chair of judges said with regard to the list of nominees that it, "highlights the remarkable possibilities of what can be achieved with music - the grand gesture and telling detail, albums that are dramatic, ambitious and artful, emotional and affectionate, funny and profound".... "Much of the music here evokes a sense of place and time, providing a wonderful snapshot of Britain's varied musical life." The Mercury winner will be announced 6th September 2011.

King Creoste Bat's in The Attic

Fleetwood Mac - Angel - Stevie Nicks

2011-08-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

Just love this Stevie Nick's song.

Paul Simon Clyde Auditorium Glasgow 24th June 2011

2011-07-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Slip Sliding Away .....
Simon gave us an unforgettable evening filled with his heavenly tunes and powerful lyrics. He performed songs from his new album 'So Beautiful So What' as well as songs from his extensive back catalogue.

There was no support and Simon played for around a full 2 hours. I was glad that I had arrived on time as the announcer said that Simon would be on in five minutes!

Simon's set included the songs: The Boy in the Bubble, Dialling home, Sliding Away, So Beautiful So What, Hearts and Bone, Mystery Train, Blind, Only Living Boy in New York, Diamonds on the Souls of her Feet, Questions for the Angels, Sounds of Silence, Born at Last, Here Comes the Sun (George Harrison cover), Crazy Love. And for his encore 'Still Crazy After All These Years.'

The two standout moments for me were firstly the opening number ' The Boy in the Bubble' with his full band on top form, and secondly simply Simon and his guitar in the spotlight as he sang 'Sound of Silence'. Perfect really. While Simon is now seventy his voice sounded wonderful and his band expressed high musicianship as they backed his songs. On a few songs he was minus guitar when he enjoyed to play and beat time with his arms and hands! Unusually the set veered from upbeat songs to quieter songs and then upbeat songs again.

His music displays African gospel, Cajun and Folk influences. His lyrics feel many things - ambiguous and sometimes unsettling; life-affirming, cautious yet hopeful; light and joyful; as well as poignant and introspective. Simon's lyrics address the deeper concerns of life while there is always a joyousness around them.

It is not so often we can see an 'icon' perform in the flesh and you could feel the love from the audience. At the finale Simon shook hands with those at the front.
My 'Paul Simon Songbook' was always one of my favourites to play and sing. Many of us remember the song 'Sound of Silence' playing over the opening credits for the film the 'Graduate' film with Dustin Hoffman. After seeing Simon live I now admit to preferring his songs sung by him alone rather than the slightly overdone vocal duets of the 60s by Simon and Garfunkle.

A lovely concert that brought smiles to faces. What a wonderful job to bring joy to peoples hearts....

Paul Simon (b 1941) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. Simon is best known for his success, beginning in 1965, as part of the duo Simon and Garfunkle. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached number one on the

singles charts, "The Sound of Silence", "Mrs Robinson", and "Bridge Over Troubled Water". In 1970, the duo split and Simon began a successful solo career, recording three highly-acclaimed albums over the next five years.In 1986, he released Graceland, an album inspired by South African township music that helped fuel the anti-apartheid movement. Simon has earned 13 Grammys including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2001, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 2006 was selected as one of the "100 People Who Shaped the World" by Time magazine. Among many other honours, Simon was named the first recipient of the Library of Congress's Gerswhin Prize for Popular Song in 2007.

The Moods of Music

2011-07-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

Some music offers release, some questions, some a journey, some an escape.
I wonder at the 'spirituality' of music and how it touches our souls with those building crescendos that draw out our emotions, those falling waterfalls or flying high releases as they offer relief that we may never experience in our real life with music that can bend our emotions. While some music is 'self-restrained' and offers no resolutions. James Blake's music is interesting as it offers those long pauses and then goes off in totally different directions. Are these pauses our thought processes...?

Whenever I feel those questions I turn to Dylan and his profound intense words always offer answers.

If I feel upset Mozart's music soothes with those perfect emotional rollercoaster melodies of his.

If I feel angry Radiohead's dynamic rhythms help to heal.

If I feel sadnesses David Sneddon's songs - and they offer emotional piano and his subtle tenor that gives a beautiful release.

If I feel emotional Joni Mitchell's' intimate thoughtful songs offer hopes.

If I need inspirations I turn to the Beatles melodic personal songs.

Just listening to Joni - must be in that Joni mood!

Dick Gaughan Milngavie Folk Club June 2011

2011-07-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

Dick Gaughan is a Scottish traditional folk singer and guitarist, a songwriter, composer and record producer. He sings of Scottish heroes and of stories of our lost past and long forgotten voices. Gaughan has been playing the circuits both at home and abroad for many years now. He is a legend among folk circles and also one of the most down-to-earth and likeable artists and he is without pretensions of any kind.

I arrived early at the venue and I met Gaughan and he seemed to know me this time. I have met him a couple of times before. He spoke of playing with Emmylou Harris and what a nice person she was.

He sang Burn's Now Westlin Winds, his favourite songs of all time; a traditional song re-interpreted by Gaughan Both Sides The Tweed; What You Do With What You've Got, the best opening song (Si Kahn); Thomas Muir of Huntershill; Why Old Men Cry; No God and Precious Few Heroes (Brian MacNeill); Song For Ireland; Huntershill. He also played a powerful guitar instrumental and a song by the Scottish poet Hamish Henderson.

He wondered on No God and Precious Few Heroes (Brian MacNeill) whether we have forgotten the protest voices of the 60s and sang - 'Whatever happened to ' We Shall Overcome' and 'What Are We Fighting For'. On Why Old Men Cry he told of how he had felt connected to his paternal grandfather while visiting the first World War graveyards in

Germany

. His grandfather had died when he was half Gaughan's age from mustard gas poisoning and he connected this to the faces he remembered well as a child. Now, he said, he understood the sadness in the eyes of old miners.

There is an urgency and force about Gaughan's music as if he feels strongly he has important messages to get off his chest in his music. Gaughan searches below the surface of songs. He plays open chords on guitar and his playing is melodic and strongly emotive. His voice has a poignant edge and is both harsh and deep in tone and it hits home hard. The words of his songs ring true and with his opening song 'What You Do With What You've Got (which he said he would keep as his opening song until he found a better one) he sang -

Its' not just what you're born with, but what you do with what you've got.

What's the use of two strong legs, if you only run away.

And what use is the finest voice if you've nothing good to say?

What's the use of two good ears, if you don't hear those you love.

Words & Music : Si Kahn

He sang not of resolutions but of holding on to your vision. Gaughan was warmly received and seemed to enjoy the gig. I felt that his substance, refreshing honesty and questioning words must have impacted on the younger members of the audience. On the older ones too!
Dick singing Burn's Westlin Winds, his favourite song. http://www.dickgaughan.co.uk/

Gaughan was born in Glasgow and was raised in Leith Edinburgh. His mother was a Highland Scot, his father a generation away from

Ireland

. From childhood, he was immersed in Scots and Irish musical traditions by both sides of his family. Gaughan is a national treasure. He is a world weary traveller of stories and music.
LYRICs (below)

LYRICS

Now Westlin Winds (Written by Robert Burns as sung by Dick Gaughan)

Now westlin winds and slaughtering guns
Bring autumn's pleasant weather
The moorcock springs on whirring wings
Among the blooming heather
Now waving grain, wild o'er the plain
Delights the weary farmer
And the moon shines bright as I rove at night
To muse upon my charmer

The partridge loves the fruitful fells
The plover loves the mountain
The woodcock haunts the lonely dells
The soaring hern the fountain
Through lofty groves the cushat roves
The path of man to shun it
The hazel bush o'erhangs the thrush
The spreading thorn the linnet

Thus every kind their pleasure find
The savage and the tender
Some social join and leagues combine
Some solitary wander
Avaunt! Away! the cruel sway,
Tyrannic man's dominion
The sportsman's joy, the murdering cry
The fluttering, gory pinion

But Peggy dear the evening's clear
Thick flies the skimming swallow
The sky is blue, the fields in view
All fading green and yellow
Come let us stray our gladsome way
And view the charms of nature
The rustling corn, the fruited thorn
And every happy creature

We'll gently walk and sweetly talk
Till the silent moon shines clearly
I'll grasp thy waist and, fondly pressed,
Swear how I love thee dearly
Not vernal showers to budding flowers
Not autumn to the farmer
So dear can be as thou to me
My fair, my lovely charmer

What You Do With What You've Got ( Music and Words by Si Kahn as sung by Dick Gaughan)

You must know someone like him
He was tall and strong and lean
With a body like a greyhound
And a mind so sharp and keen
But his heart, just like a laurel,
Grew twisted round itself
Till almost every thing he did
Caused pain to someone else

It's not just what you're born with
It's what you choose to bear
It's not how big your share is
But how much you can share
And it's not the fights you dreamed of
But those you really fought
It's not what you've been given
It's what you do with what you've got

Now what's the good of two strong legs
If you only run away?
And what use is the finest voice
If you've nothing good to say?
And what good is strength and muscle
If you only push and shove?
And what's the use of two good ears
If you can't hear those you love?

Between those who use their neighbours
And those who use a cane
Between those in constant power
And those in constant pain
Between those who run to evil
And those who cannot run
Tell me which ones are the cripples
And which ones touch the sun?

Beth Hart - Take it Easy on Me

2011-07-14T18:23:00.001-07:00

Something a bit cheesy - quite like it though. Lots of soul and piano. Thanks Tom X

David Sneddon's melodramatic songs

2011-07-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

PHOTOS - the two faces of David - the intense one and the smiley fun one!

He writes melodramatic piano songs.
David has written for other artists and co-wrote international hit "The Message" for UK soul artist Nate James. He is now signed to major music publisher Sony/ATV Music Publishing as a songwriter and he describes his music as 'melody-driven' indie pop. In 2010 and 2011 he has been working with several high profile, as well as highly-anticipated emerging artists in both the US and the UK. In June 2011 it was revealed in the press that Sneddon is the co-writer behind three songs on the synthpop duo Hurts 2010 debut album Happiness - "Illuminated", "Silver Lining" and "Blood Tears and Gold." He has written for Scottish singer songwriter Dave Gibson and for 'Wonderland' Louis Walsh's new girl band. Sneddon works with the UK based Songwriting and Music Production team "The Nexus" and has been building a strong reputation as a Songwriter the past years. He has peformed on television, radio and theatre.
Its in the way that his voice goes soft on the verse which is very poignant and then soars which is so releasing. Your piano is also so emotionally moving..

I'd rather have a 'Hello gig', not goodbye one! I'm more excited than ever about David's music. It feels like the start of his career and I feel vindicated for my belief in him. Because his music is going so well. I hope he'll always be writing new songs...I dont' think he is bowing out, I hope not ? I hope to always follow his music. I can't see him releasing old songs either as he likes to be doing what is new. This doesn't mean that I don't hope he might release under his own label one day - who knows what lies down the road?
I cant' see a gig when he's so busy right now though sadly : ( Me no regrets at all! It's been magic and still is because of the music he writes. My only regret is missing his beautiful voice..

I dreamed David might one day play piano in the concert hall here - I guess I can still dream...

PKIMAGE Portfolio Facebook

2011-07-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

I have set up a NEW PKImage Portfolio page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/PKImage-Photography/

HURTS - Illuminated live in Belgrade Arena

2011-07-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

David Sneddon writes for HURTS

2011-06-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

It was revealed in the press today that David Sneddon is the songwriter behind synthpop duo Hurts 2010 album 'Happiness'. http://www.facebook.com/hurts

http://www.thesun.co.uk/David-Sneddons-a-write-talent

David (and his writing team The Nexus) is the co-writer behind 3 songs on Hurt's album 'Happiness' - Illuminated, Silver Lining, and Blood Tears and Gold. Hurts were in the BBCs Sound of 2010 poll. Their song "Illuminated" was the soundtrack to Sky1 HD's advert 'Unmissable Drama' in 2010. Their 2010 tour sold out and they also supported the Scissor Sisters. Hurts won a NME award for "Best New Band." HURTS at T in the Park - http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/tinthepark/

Sneddon has been working in an underground way as a songwriter in London the past years. He has also written songs for many other artists including a song for Wonderland's debut album, the new girl band from Louis Walsh.

In 2009 he decided to focus his energies on his writing career and signed with Sony ATV Publishing. Since then he has been working with several high profile, as well as highly-anticipated emerging artists in both the US and the

. David is doing things in reverse! He had the high profile album release and tour first... and then the Publishing deal afterwards... and it feels like the start of his career now..

I follow many young artists. A few years back this young Scottish singer and songwriter caught my attention on TV (actually over 8 years now!) - David Sneddon. To my surprise he went on to win the show - and one might say that real talent won out in the end! Even as his first release was a number one hit here in the

it appeared that the press couldn't wait to put him down. David is a musician and he dared to write his own music. I never understood why his wonderful song 'Without You' wasn't released as a single. Another major factor was that the tv show he appeared on did not receive good reviews. It had a weak formula as it attempted to be a mix of Pop Idol, Big Brother and talent show contest.

David later became disillusioned with the whole circus that surrounds promoting pop artists here with little time for music, and he decided to pursue a career as a songwriter for others. As any celebrity can tell you the limelight is not always so kind. While of course good PR should take some, if not all, control of any media perceptions and
press around a star. I hope he may talk with me about it all as he said he might.

It has been a long road being David's supporter (so much for fast fame!?) - sometimes the journey has had long down times with all the years of his hiding and all the waiting for any news. There have been times I have questioned but I always held on to my belief in his talents after hearing his album and his new songs.

I know it is not easy for young artists these days and many have publishing deals writing for other artists for several years before 'breaking into' the business. I know that music is David's first love so it is wonderful to read of his successes. So many wonderful times. And I know too how much David's music means to others. Belief motivates us to climb those mountains and makes life worthwhile. I like to hope it is really about the journey as an artist.

I'm a big fan of his songs. I wrote once that David's songs were 'timeless' - they never age. That's a sign of a true artist.

David Sneddon performed One Old Soul at the Bedford London October 2008, his last gig there. If you check out David's newer songs on Youtube and myspace, they are entirely different from the over-produced sound of his hit singles after the show in 2003.
David Sneddon YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/david+sneddon
http://www.myspace.com/davidsneddon

Over this time I have followed David's career. While he continued his job as a writer in London - in 2004 he performed some gigs with a rock band called The Sham and released one download single 'Baby Get Higher'. The band also headlined at hogmanay in Aberdeen.

Then in 2006, on a hot July day, David performed new acoustic piano-melody-driven songs at the Bedford in London. In January 2007 he released an EP called 'White Noise' to good reviews. He played 3 sold out shows at the Jazz Bar Edinburgh that August 2007. I will never forget those moments - the first time hearing 'One Old Soul' live at the Bedford, and hearing 'No More Words' at the Guildford gig. I was blown away entirely....

Hurts are a British synthpop duo from Manchester composed of singer Theo Hutchcraft and synth player Adam Anderson. In 2011, Hurts won a NME Award for "Best New Band." They were in the BBCs Sound of 2010 poll. Their song "Illuminated" was the soundtrack to Sky1 HD's advert 'Unmissable Drama' in spring/summer 2010. Their debut album 'Happiness' was released in 2010 and contains a duet with Kylie Minogue entitled "Devotion". Three of the songs on their album were co- written the songwriter David Sneddon and his writing teamThe Nexus - "Illuminated", "Silver Lining" and "Blood Tears and Gold." Their UK 2010 tour was sold out and Hurts supported the Scissor Sisters on their UK tour later that year. Hurts have appeared on Sky Sports show Soccer AM and are appearing at the major summer festivals 2011

GLASTONBURY Festival 2011 CLIPS

2011-06-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

Well maybe one day I might make this muddy festival field where some the best performances by artists have occurred.

First check out this 'soul' voice of Aloe Blacc - Main Stage and Acoustic Stage CLIPS.

How cool is this soul guy! AND here's to Beyonce - the first woman to headline! Plus at 69 Paul Simon played the legendary slot... I saw Simon here last week, I will post a review asp. Plus a top set from Coldplay who I saw perform at the SECC a few years back.

AND the classic 'American Pie' from Don MacLean - wishing I was there too... Maybe next year..

HURTS
I've been following HURTS and saw them here in Glasgow last year. Their sound is eighties-influenced Syth Pop with some cool songs. Theo is such a good front man, and I love the way they build up their songs.

NEW artists June 2011

2011-06-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

It always excites me the discovery of new emerging talent here. Recently James Vincent McMorrow from Dublin I heard live on Jools Holland just a few weeks ago.

Young singer songwriter James Blake from London I heard at the Oran Mor Glasgow - he has an awesome voice. Blake review below. The first girl rock band that I have taken photos for called Warpaint, (Stag and Dagger review) I enjoyed their ethereal sound.

And - Emeli Sande! from Aberdeen.

I first heard Emeli back in 2007 at her CD launch at the Oran Mor and thought she had strong voice and presence. http://www.myspace.com/emelisande

I love her new song 'Heaven'. She releases her first album this year. Look out for her!

Plus New folk Artists - Singers Alistair Ogilvy and Rachel Sermanni and band Rura - I heard all three Scottish artists here at Celtic Connections festival Glasgow.

The INCREDIBLE voice of Emeli Sande singing her single due for release in August 2011.

James Blake at the Oran Mor Glasgow 2nd June 2011

2011-06-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

'Unexpected Journeys'

Twenty-two-year old Blake performed his electronic dubstep piano tunes at the Oran Mor venue to an upbeat young crowd.

Blake had an easy warm charm which gave him a relaxed fun rapport as he looked over to the packed crowd.

He sang songs from his debut album released in February 2011 and performed his single 'Limit To Your Love' - a song by Canadian singer songwriter Feist, which had disquieting pauses and thudding sub-bass. Another song echoed the refrain 'I'm Falling...' His music created disjointed tempos with unexpected twists; sometimes mournful and haunting, other times pensive and warm.

His songs are edgy melodramatic songs that leave emotional questioning spaces. He has a powerful voice that is an assured instrument - that cracks and reached deep places yet soothes and soars. It is hard to categorise his multi-layered music. Perhaps post-modern and minimalist in the style of The XX - his sound is totally now and of the moment. Blake has been receiving strong industry backing and good reviews.

He is a British electronic composer from London UK. He is described as the 'most experimental and original' artist to make the annual hotly tipped list. In 2011 he was announced as the runner-up in the BBC's Sound of 2011 annual poll. His self-titled debut album was released in the UK in February 2011. Blake was supported by Cloud Boats.

http://jamesblakemusic.com/

My Journey with Bob Dylan

2011-06-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

'It is not about the quality of his voice, it is about the songs. I love the attitude in his voice.'

My journey with Bob Dylan never ceases to surprise me!

I saw Dylan live at the SECC Glasgow in 2006 with my son Ross who was then 16, came with me. The wonderful thing was it was all kinds of people, all ages and all walks of life in the audience - everyman. When Dylan came on stage with his band there was no introduction by him ( or anyone!) - he simply strode on stage and started to play. Well I guess he doesn't need to introduce himself!

Many learn the skills, however the real test and important challenging part of being an artist is having something to say to others. He was always on that artistic journey and probably still is. He soaked up many other artists particularly Woodie Guthrie and after reading the poems of Dylan Thomas he then changed his name from Zimmerman to Dylan. With Guthrie he found the persona and image he was looking for - the travelling questioning troubadour. As well as questioning songs he also wrote some of the most insightful love songs ever.

His song 'Mr Tambourine Man play a song for me' - I feel expressed his joy of art and music and how that wonderful positive side of life lifts us up and is what matters ultimately.

Dylan cares deeply about the ills of the world, and he expressed this so clearly in his song 'Masters of War' which talks of the corruption and greed by those who 'play with my world like it's your little toy...all the money you make will not buy back your soul.. You aren't worth the blood that runs in your veins.''

And that his words of love might help to balance that by exposing their 'evil' and negative ways.

The beauty of Dylan is he attacks those darker shades of humanity head on! No avoidance there! That's important too. I've wondered what young troubadour is there today that writes as insightfully about our present problems?

I started to seriously listen to Dylan after watching Martin Scorsese's informed documentary 'No Direction Home'. After which I read his incredible autobiography 'Chronicles' which revealed some of his artistic journeys - a complete eye opener.

Since then I've bought many Dylan albums. My favourite Dylan Albums are 'Blood on the Tracks', 'HighWay 61 Revisted' ,' Nashville Skyline', 'Blonde on Blonde', 'The Freewheelin Bob Dylan'.

'Some' of my favourite Dylan songs. 'Mr Tambourine Man', 'Forever Young',

'I Threw it All Away' , 'Just like Tom Thumb Blues', 'Tonight I'll be Staying Here With You', It Takes a Lot to Laugh; It Takes a Lot To Cry', 'Tell Me It Isn't True', 'Visions of Joanna', 'Gotta Serve Somebody', 'Like A Rolling Stone', 'Jokerman', 'Shelter From The Storm', 'Lay Lady Lay', 'Tangled Up in Blue.' http://www.bobdylan.com/

And not forgetting my favourite album cover ever on 'The Freewheelin Bob Dylan' of Bob Dylan and Suzie on that snowy New York street, I love the perspective and feel of it. I also love the Forever Young images by Douglas Gilbert. Happy 70th Birthday Bob, May 2011! - he continues on that artistic journey of his...

In a sense Bob Dylan is now a part of my life...

A Few Quotes on Dylan:

'His talent lies in finding and exploiting the tough contours that give the songs their bite, and that in his best moments can be devastating.'

Dylan embodies cool. Wheras Farina is clearly anxious to please, to fit in. Farina was all, 'Look at me - here I am dig me! ' Dylan was like, 'Look all you want. You'll never see me.'

'His album 'Highway 61' has a feeling of a Buick speeding down the thruway. Wheras Farina's experiments in new folk-rock sound suggest a man perched uncomfortably on a kiddy car. .. dated and ill at ease with itself.'

Like few performers before him, it creates a space that remains entirely its' own, that forces you to remember it, to notice it, that invites you in even while holding you at a safe distance.

His delivery avoid the obvious emotional stretches (just listen to most covers of his songs to hear how much is lost by overplaying them) veering into a less expected inflection at the turn of a syllable.

'Part of his ability, almost paradoxically comes from the nearly effortless quality of Dylan's vocals, a quasi-deadpan that knows not to overplay emotion, but rather to let it insinuate itself through the lines.' Mark Polizzotti ( Highway 61 Revisited)

The Beatles

2011-06-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

My best friends brother had all the Beatles vinyl albums and they used to come in those lovely sleeves when we could enjoy the art work as we listened to the latest one. I also remember those times singing intimate harmonies to their songs back in my twenties..... it always worked perfectly.

There was some magic thing going on there between them all. Some special 'synergy.'

McCartney's 'Let It Be' is a totally life-affirming love song. Paul's piano melodies are the heart of his work, even without the words - but then the words sit on top as if they arrived at the same time. He clearly 'feels' in music. My piano lifts us up..

Lennon on the other hand has more energy and thinks outward more. 'Imagine' about our shared humanity is perhaps the best song ever written about love. Lennon's words ring very true.

My words might heal...

Harrison, the often overlooked Beatle, wrote some of the most loved Beatles songs - 'Something' and 'Here Comes the Sun'. His guitar playing was highly expressive and admired by other guitarists. He added more to the Beatles sound than many realized.

And my guitar gently weeps.....

My Favourite Beatles songs in no particular order - Let It Be, Strawberry Fields, Another Day, A Day in the Life, If I Fell, The long and Winding Road, If I Needed Someone, Things We Said, You Wont' See Me, Because, Two of Us, Carry That Weight, Penny Lane, Eleanor Rigby, News Today, Day Tripper, Lucy in the Sky, Here Comes The Sun, Something,
... The Beatles prove that genius can come from anywhere, perhaps that is the key thing. And it doesn't have to be complicated.

Ok have to admit to loving McCartney's' songs - The Long and Winding Road (except for Phil Spector's dreadful plonking OTT production) and Let It Be. Here's the real natural version of The Long and Winding Road.

Stag and Dagger Festival Glasgow 2011

2011-05-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

This was the third Glasgow Stag and Dagger event and it was held at 7 venues across the city - O2 ABC1, O2 ABC2, The Art School, The Vic Bar, Stereo, Nice n Sleazy, Captains Rest. The ticket price of £8 included a wrist band which gave access to all the gigs. Stag and Dagger hold their main event in London, so it is good to know that they choose Glasgow as their second event. I read recently that Glasgow is second only to London in the numbers attending Cultural events (this study induced theatre, galleries and concerts)
I headed first to the main venue the ABC and there I heard Clinic, Admiral Fallow, Rachel Sermanni, Withered Hand and headliners Warpaint from LA, the first girl band I've taken shots of. I then made my way up to the Art School venue to see Broken Records, Sons and Daughters and Chad Valley.
I had first heard Rachel Sermanni at the Celtic Connection Festival open mic in 2009 and I was impressed there with her subtle voice. Rachel was able to hold the packed venue with her guitar, songs and voice. She also performed one duet song with the lead singer from the band Admiral Fallow, Louis Abbott.
I've taken photos of Broken Records at several gigs in both Edinburgh and Glasgow over the past years. I always enjoy their set with their charged, melodic sound and brothers Jamie and Rory have good stage presence. Admiral Fallow I had seen live before at King Tuts and in 2010 they picked up attention at the T Break Stage. They have good musicianship, melodies and vocal harmonies. Warpaint impressed the audience and they played an ethereal sound and the band describe themselves as experimental art rock. They were in soft-blue stage lighting which wasn't so easy to photograph!
http://www.warpaintwarpaint.com/
Later I met Jamie Sutherland of Broken Records at the Art School and wished I'd had prints for him - and what a charming guy he is too! After which I saw part of Chad Valley's energised and fun electronic set in the Vic Bar.
One of the main reasons I do music photography is for the emerging artists I follow. I enjoy artists that have honesty and something new to say with their voice and songs. While I also enjoy many older artists. Fortunately for Scotland we have a healthy grassroots music scene , which is respected the world over. Glasgow also offers a good number of accessible small and mid-size venues.

Bats In The Attic

2011-05-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

'King Creosote' from Fife - new album 'Bats in the Attic' with great harmonies and songs.

GREAT Headlines! It has been a week of stupendous headlines!

2011-05-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

A Disney fairytale week! First the 'beautiful princess' Kate Middleton in a dress of ivory lace married her 'handsome prince' (Prince William) who wore an Irish Guard uniform with a scarlet jacket and blue sash.

On Monday the 'baddie' - one of the most evil men of our times - was killed in a raid on his hide-out.

I saw a post about his death on a YouTube clip and I thought at first it was simply a joke! On checking the BBC Breaking news, I found this was actually real! In fact the American security team had watched the raid in real time in the White House Situation Room.

On Thursday the Scottish Nationalist Party won the first majority government for the Scottish Parliament! Congratulations to them!! I've supported their political ideas and it's fight for

Scotland

's rights over running it's own affairs since our 'YES' vote in 1979!! Wonderful news. This is not a vote against England I believe in devolved government.

I've had excellent news about releases from some artists I support this week too.

Its is like a fairytale or Disney dream week.

When 'good' ( thoughtful, informed, careful and loving) wishes sparkled above the Magic Castle and 'evil' ( stupidity, ignorance, fear and greed) were banished to the dark dungeons where they belong.

'When you wish upon a star your dreams come true'... and yes I hope this does sound cheesy!

Yours for

Scotland

PS I've been a trip to London for the art galleries this weekend. Some wonderful art some not so good - when I wonder about how some art gets it's undeserved attention at all...... one artist had burned some of her art, the best thing she did?

Producer George Martin: Known as 'The Fifth Beatle'

2011-05-02T05:18:00.000-07:00

**'Arena: Produced by George Martin' BBC 2 Monday25th - Awesome. A Legend. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/arena

I highly recommend watching this program on BBC iPlayer.

Martin had 36 no 1's with the Beatles in the 60s..

(In my other life I am a record producer!) He says that The Beatles didn't sound so great at first either... :

A very well made docmentary and such an interesting character! I especially liked his comment that when the Beatles first arrived in the studio! 'Their music was rubbish - but importantly they made you feel good and they had charisma.'

Also his reference to Degas' quote about his art "It's not what you see, it's about what we make others see", in comparing this with what he hoped to achieve in sound. He hoped to 'paint' in the studio rather than to simply make a copy.

The program was followed by The Beatles 'A Hard Days Night', so many memories......! P Keightley

http://www.bbc.co.uk/arena

George Martin is an English record producer, arranger, composer and musician. He is sometimes referred to as "the Fifth Beatle"—a title that he owes to his work as producer of all but one of 'The Beatles' original albums. He is considered one of the greatest record producers of all time, with 23 number one hits, an unmatched achievement. George Martin, recognised as one of music's most versatile and imaginative talents, entered the music industry in 1950 after studying at the Guildhall School of Music and playing the oboe professionally in London. He began recording classical music specialising in the Baroque period. His later experience with jazz and pop led to his appointment as Head of the Parlophone in the EMI Group in 1955.
As a producer he has been responsible for bringing a host of artists into recording studios particularly in the humorous field with brilliant performers such as Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, Flanders and Swann and the 'Beyond the Fringe' team - Jonathan Miller, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore and Alan Bennett. He has also worked with jazz artists Cleo Laine, John Dankworth, Humphrey Lyttelton and Stan Getz.

It was in 1962 that he signed The Beatles to EMI - a decision which launched them on their remarkable career, producing every record they made until they disbanded in 1970. As well as The Beatles, Martin has produced recordings for many other well known artists, including Cilla Black, Gerry & The Pacemakers, America, Jeff Beck, Ultravox, and The Police. In 1965 George formed a production company with three other producers and four years later began the design and construction of Air Studios, a recording complex in the centre of London, which to this day is one of the most successful studio operations in the world.

The Low Anthem Oran Mor 7th April 2011

2011-04-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

I first saw the Low Anthem perform at the Old Fruitmarket during Celtic Connection Festival Glasgow 2010 - where they played their many instruments, performed their melodic songs, and sang their finely-tuned harmonies with a contemporary American country feel. Their sound ranged from subtle soft lows to a big crashing wall of sound, and lead singer Ben Miller took his voice from sweet to harsh. So tonight I expected another great concert and I was not disappointed.

The concert was held in the Oran Mor Church auditorium with it's coloured stain glass and high ceiling gallery. American band 'Head an Heart' were the support and they had fun as they performed their strong harmonies and quality songs.

The Low Anthem set their stage for intimacy and arranged their instruments in a circle with an open area in the middle. I noticed that they had set a vase with 2 daffodils and a glass of Rose wine on top of a small wooden organ which gave relaxed ambience to the stage. The band began their set in a close circle around an old radio-style microphone, and with only their soothing voices and guitar they brought a hush to the crowded hall.

On their next song they added two clarinets and a tuba to the mix, and they suggested to the audience that we all joined in towards the end of this song by turning on our mobile phones and calling a friend - which then created an eerie prolonged echo throughout the hall. Their first ten songs were gentle and mellow, after which we were more than ready for them to take the tempo up - which they did by playing three guitars, drums and electric bass which produced a big wall of sound.

They played some of their well-known songs from their third album - 'Charlie Darwin,' 'The Ghosts Who Write History Books' and then the crowd sang along enthusiastically to their song 'Way To Ohio' after which Ben remarked that he thought he heard a 'Glasgow Emma-Lou Harris' in the third row!

As the band mixed their instruments they were able to give each song a different texture - from mellow to harsh, vibrant to poignant - sometimes the texture of wood, sometimes full on brass. Some songs had singing saw, double bass, harmonica, fiddle and a small wooden organ pumped by foot pedals. Other songs had a brassier sound with trumpet and tuba added. There were unusual touches too - such as bowing the banjo. Their harmonies were close, intimate and often poignant, while their lead singer Ben Miller sang with a soaring, gripping high falsetto, alongside his acoustic guitar.

The audiences response was strong and the band were called back for an encore song - when they sang 'Smart Flesh' from their new release. As they sang 'Oh My God' from their song 'Charlie Darwin' in the old church hall and as their pure voices soared above us, it did all feel spiritual and renewing.

Their songs were full of movement and stories, as well as being haunting, meaningful and intelligent. They mix the best of several musical influences but keep it true with strong melodies.

This low key American indie folk band are from Rhode Island, and they consist of multi-instrumentalists Ben Knox Miller, Jeff Prystowsky, Jocie Adams and Mat Davidson. The band gained attention for their third studio album, 'Oh my God Charlie Darwin' in 2009, and released their fourth studio album 'Smart Flesh' in 2011.

http://www.lowanthem.com

Head and Heart

2011-04-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

'Head and Heart' supported the Low Anthem at the Oran Mor Glasgow 7th April. They had fun on stage and performed strong harmonies and quality songs. More Photos on my website - http://pkimage.co.uk/

Karine Polwart Milngavie Folk Club 10th April 2011

2011-04-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Fraser centre offered a cosy packed setting for intimate songstress Karine.

She started her set with the lullaby 'Beoww- Beoww' (I hope this is the correct spelling, and I forgot to ask Karine for a set list) when she sat and played her small pump organ. She sang some of her better known songs 'Daisy Darling' and 'Rivers Run' and also a song set to an Edwin Morgan's poem called 'The Good Year'.

Between songs she chatted about her song-writing collaborations, including her involvement with the Shropshire 'Darwin Project'. After which she sang a poignant song entitled 'We're Already Leaving' which was about the loss of Darwin's daughter Emma. Other songs included 'Tinsel Show' (The Eyes of the Ages), 'Resolution Row', and 'Sorry Won't Wish It All Away'.

Karine has a warm, sincere personality and a huge smile! Inge Thomson provided perfect backing on accordion and vocals, along with Karine's brother Steven Polwart on guitar and backing vocals. Her songs provided many moving thoughtful moments that offered both comfort and hopes. Karine has a philosophy degree and she spent six years working for the 'Scottish Women's Aid' movement on issues such as domestic and child abuse and young people's rights and these experiences have influenced her songwriting

Paul Malcolm provided good support.

Karine Polwart is a Scottish singer song writer. She writes and performs music with a strong folk and roots feel. She has been recognised for her solo career, winning three awards at the BBC Folk Awards in 2005, and was previously a member of Malinky and Battlefield Band.

Michael Marra Review

2011-03-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

'He paints with Words'

I have heard Marra twice at the Mugdock theatre, which with the grand piano off to the left is simply the perfect venue for him, and I list his concerts there as some of my favourite ever small venue gigs. The first thing that I noticed at his gigs was how frail he looked, but then when he performed he surprised me with this deep gravelly voice.

With endearing heart and ironic dry wit Marra led us through his medley of songs which were brim full of unforgettable characters and carefully crafted images of places and time. Oddly he props his keyboards on top of a small ironing board. He has a strong character for photos with his humour and expressive eyes.

In March the Milngavie Fraser centre was packed for his gig for the Milngavie Folk Club.

Marra played piano and guitar during his set here and he sang songs with grand titles such as - 'If Dundee was Africa', 'Bob Dylan's Visit to Embra', 'Grace Kelly's Visit to Dundee,' 'Muggie Shaw', 'Freda Kohl's Visit to the Tay Bridge Bar', and 'Lonesome Death of Francis Clarke'. In 'Schenectady Calling', Marra paid tribute to Peerie Willie Johnson, a noted folk musician from Shetland. He finished his set with a Burns song ' Green Grow the Rashes O' and an encore song 'Mary Skeffington' by the late Gerry Rafferty of Paisley.

Marra's songs often mix Scottish places with a fantasy of American celebrity. He writes songs about such diverse topics as football, ladies choirs, and American idols! At times his stories and songs are highly amusing, while other songs are thoughtful and touching. He derives his musical influences from the likes of Tom Waits, Randy Newman and Bob Dylan. His music has grown out of both his Dundee Scottish roots and his American musical tastes, and he calls his sound 'groovy traditional music.'

Although predominantly known as a songwriter, Marra has worked extensively in theatre, radio and television. Marra's children, Alice Marra Clark and Matthew Marra, are are members of The Hazy Janes. Marra was in a band called Skeets Boliver in the late seventies.

'There's Love in this world for everyone, Every precious smile you make, Be sure love is out there looking for you.' Michael Marra

Billy Franks and Christopher Brookmyre at 'Aye Write' book festival Glasgow March 2011

2011-03-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

Respected Scottish crime writer Christopher introduced an evening of song with his long time friend - Londoner Billy Franks, from Fulham. Christopher Brookmyre is a Scottish novelist whose novels mix comedy, politics, social comment and action with a strong narrative. He has been referred to as a Tartan Noir author. He was at the 2010 Edinburgh Book festival to discuss his new book 'Pand aemonium' which mixed science fiction and horror.

Billy introduced Christopher as his most 'generous and supportive fan' for over the past twenty years.