Music Photography 2015

Idlewild

Van Morrison

I have attended some top gigs in 2015. Most memorably the legend voice that is 'Van Morrison' who takes both Irish and R & B soul to new levels. Just awesome!  Then Scottish indie rockers 'Idlewild' played their debut return gig at the O2 ABC Glasgow and played such an energized and fun gig. Top quality. Another memorable concert was the 'Punch Brothers' at the concert hall during Celtic Connections 2015 - their harmony singing and electrifying banjo playing was highly enjoyable. I also enjoyed wonderful singing at the Scottish A Cappella Championships St Andrews. Other quality concerts included the Alan Kelly band, the Dirty Beggars, and not forgetting the quality musicianship and singing at the  Transatlantic Sessions. I've been very fortunate and a big thanks to all these wonderful artists who entertain us so well!   

 Gallery - http://pkimage.co.uk/p156850829

Alan Kelly band

**MUSIC 2015

Hozier took my attention for his depth and subtle toned voice. I heard him sing a Van Morrison song - Domino - on the Jools Holland new year show.  His song Take Me to Church is truly a classic, no doubt of it for those who say its all been heard before and nothing decent in music is done these days. 

Hozier - Hozier -  http://hozier.com/

Here are a few other classics that were released in 2015/ 2014

Julia Hotler - Have You in My Wilderness -   http://www.juliashammasholter.com/

Father John Misty - I Have You Honey Bear  -  http://www.fatherjohnmisty.com/

The Shires -  Brave -  http://www.theshiresmusic.com/

John Grant - Grey Tickles, Black Pressure -  http://johngrantmusic.com/

Lucinda Williams - The Ghosts of Highway 20 -   http://lucindawilliams.com/

War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream -  http://www.thewarondrugs.net/

Scottish

Kathryn Joseph -   bones you have thrown me and blood i've spilled

 (SAy award) I met her briefly going into play at the Edinburgh book festival where her vintage piano was carefully being lifted over the stone steps via the backstage entrance into the Charlotte square gardens. -  http://www.kathrynjoseph.co.uk/

Idlewild - Everything Ever Written -   http://idlewild.co.uk/  

Rab Noakes - I'm Walkin Here -  http://rabnoakes.bandcamp.com/album/im-walkin-here

C Duncan - Architect -  http://c-duncan.co.uk/

Belle & Sebastian - Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance -  http://www.belleandsebastian.com/

Chvrches - Every Open Eye -   http://www.chvrch.es/

 Alan Kelly Band – The Last Bell -  http://alankellygang.com/band/

Those Borderlands.....Change and innovation does not occur in the large mainstream, but in the hinterlands edges and in smaller places. You need to explore the vast array of the different forms and find out where they meet. In the borderlands. 

PS I was sad to hear of the death of David Bowie - his greatest strength was being first and lastly an artist in the true sense of discovery, innovation and edge. He wished to create alternative worlds. Sadly missed. 

Scottish A Cappella 

Frank Sinatra Royal Albert Hall

 Frank Sinatra by David Redfern Royal Albert Hall 1980. Wow.
http://www.royalalberthall.com/david-redfern/ 

Black and White Music Photography

The Head and Heart Oran Mor

Dick Gaughan Milngavie folk club

Broken Records Queens Hall

Emeli Sande Royal Albert Hall

Edinburgh Festival, Scottish Ballet, Celtic Connections, Manchester Jazz Festival (MJF) - many concerts including Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and Snow Patrol. I try to mix the old with the new and capture moods such as quiet moments of inner reflection. 
One of my interests is images of new artists and several of those I've photographed are now signed to major labels -  Emeli Sande, Hurts, Mumford, Metronomy, Broken Records, King Creoste...  My favourite photographers are Mario Testino, Eve Arnold, David Bailey.  http://pkimage.co.uk/ 

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Music Photography

Broken  Records Queens Hall

Mumford  ABC Glasgow

Viking Galaxy Classic Grande

Michael Marra

Sometimes at gigs something magic happens…. the audience is really up for it, as are the musicians on the stage.  It is as if it all comes together in that one time and place. And it is at these rare gigs that I am able to  get a good position and shot unobtrusively for the entire gig – and I am not restricted to those ridiculous 3 songs (which I know matter for the bigger stages).  The trouble with restrictions is it creates a ‘manic’ grab for photographers while it can be an adrenaline rush. Also I am not sure it’s the best situation for portfolio images or a quality photoshoot. Sometimes.

I got into music photography by chance. I took some photos at a gig several years ago and realised I had a talent for capturing the right moments. While I should add I have studied art and portraiture many years, so perhaps photography is a natural progression. Also as I am a huge music fan it made sense for me and music is my motivation - from Mozart to pop.

Snowpatrol Bellahouston