Memories as Edinburgh book festival celebrates 40 Years

 

This year Edinburgh International book festival, one of the first book festivals, will celebrate 40 years. I have been attending the book festival and taken photos there as well as attending talks since 2008. My most impressive talks include – the pianist Alfred Brendel, George RR Martin, Tom Devine, Fintan OToole, 

Times Change and things move on….remember the Small Notes!

While memories inform who we are and will become. The EIBF has a new director Jenny Niven for 2024.

We had the traumas and seclusions of Covid that perhaps we’ve not recovered from really

(2020- 2022). It must have been a deadening impact on our children. Festivals were closed, the main streets empty, people were fearful of hugs and contacts – we were unprepared for anything like it. We held zoom meetings .some things continue. People moved for family now too, after the pain of separations.

 

The EIBF (and other major festivals) went online and continue with in person and online. 

 – EIBF began in 1983. I was last at Charlottes Square EIBF 2019. I used to enter its secluded and buoyant open square with many anticipation – of the famous faces, the informed conversation, the chance meetings and the vibrant buzz. The power of words, imagination, academic might, creativity, poetry and art.

 

Russian oligarchs have bought section of Charlotte Sq (why can Scotland not protect our land and resources?) and so the festival was forced after 36 years to relocate to new premises in 2021 and in 2024 will set up at the Futures Institute Edinburgh University. In 2021, EIBF set up at the Edinburgh art college for 3 years. Its not been quite the same with less space in the square for press, photo calls, books shops and people gathering. Sometimes it is simply time to move on. 

 

Last year 2022, I enjoyed several excellent talks, the inspiration continues – Fintan OToole, Oliver Bullough’s Butler to the World an the inspirational Outlander author Diana Gabaldon. 

**I have many great EIBF memories! – from the past fourteen years. Meeting Brian Cox (the actor) Alex Salmond, Alan Cummings, Nile Rodgers, George RR  Martin, Tom Devine, Alfred Brendel, Seamus Heaney, Fintan O’Toole, Li Yea, Freedom Coming of Age at the End of History. So many images!

 

The photo shoots were set up behind the press yurt, where we could see Bute house and the shadows and sunshine fall through the tall trees and over the Georgian facades. Or the late sun around five creating its own warm buzz. Having the front page of the Scotsman’s for Chelsea Clinton. Photos involve patience and waiting as well as inspiration. We learned them all at EIBF. Also the chat and meeting other interesting photographers – from Italy, Wales, Hebrides, Spain, England.

Diana Gabaldon

Martin Amos

**I have three powerful EIBF memories. 

I remember waiting one balmy afternoon, when I noted a small gathering of women and a robust man attempting to open the side gate. I realised quickly it was Game of Throne author George RR Martin. I walked quickly round to the press tent to inform them he was there (perhaps early) so he could be escorted in. I was also fortunate to get one of the two last tickets to his show! Martin talked of how much Scotland’s stories influenced his books – he spoke of standing on Hadrian’s wall thinking of the Roman soldiers there, so far from home.

 

Another vivid memory is my being mistaken as the wife of Seamus Heaney as I entered the main book signing tent! I was hugged and greeted and embarrassment followed. The great Irish poet was ahead inside the tent. 

 

My third great memory, is Nile Rodgers who gave us an impromptu concert one evening at the Spiegel tent, with chat about his life interspersed with his well loved guitar riffs and songs, and with everyone singing along. What a joy! 

Seamus Heaney

George RR Martin

Nile Rodgers

Another top talk was the great pianist Alfred Brendel (always remember the small notes!) Plus the wonderful informed talks by top Scots historian Tom Devine.who has done so much to restore Scottish stories  - the Darien Project, Scottish enlightenment, Lowland Clearances.

There is a strong international flavour at EIBF with great writers and thinkers from across the world attending. 

As well as many great Scots from the world of literature, film, politics, science, sport, art, novels, poetry, music, theatre and more besides. Many thanks to the press team for all their assistance.

 

Alfred Brendal - Remember the Small Notes! 

Quotes from his A Pianists A to Z  “Be aware of the middle voices. Chords can be illuminated from within. Character - For me it has always been the dualism of form and psychology, structure and character, intellect and feeling, that determine music making. “

Alan Cumming

Scottish festivals & MUSIC 2018

Broken Records Queens Hall Edinburgh

Music revenues are up, with more formats than ever before, but still a third down on the peak of 2002.

25% are spent into A & R to develop new music and it is crucially important to have investment in new talent coming through and for the grassroots to be supported. Also important to have curators.

We have to ask - can we be passive or engage in shaping our own choices?

**NEW ALBUMS:

Broken Records - https://www.brokenrecordsband.com

Blue Rose Code - https://bluerosecode.com

Father John Misty - https://www.fatherjohnmisty.com

Mugstock

**There are many great festivals Scotland lined up for the summer 2018 –

Nile Rodgers presents a new festival Kelvingrove park Glasgow.

"FIESTA & FOLD" - 30th June - 1st July - http://westendfiesta.co.uk

Doune the Rabbit hole – 13^th – 15^th July - https://dounetherabbithole.co.uk

MugStock – 27^th – 30^th July -  http://mugstock.org

TRNSMT – Glasgow Green – http://trnsmtfest.com

Belladrum festival, Inverness – 2^nd – 4^th August -  http://www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk

Edinburgh festival 2018 – 3^rd – 27^th August - https://www.eif.co.uk

 

Nile Rodgers & Irvine Welsh

On radio Scotland Rodgers spoke of his excitement over his new festival, and playing with good mates Earth wind and Fire at Glasgow’ Kelvinggrove park.

I met Nile at Edinburgh book festival a few year back and he did an awesome fun talk there with his guitar in the Spiegel tent! Earth Wind and Fire and Chic! Great fun!

Brits 2014

Good to see several of those artists I have posted on my blog about over the years nominated at The Brits - legend Nile Rodgers (Le Chic), new artists Lorde, Haim, James Blake and with Emeli Sande presenting the Mastercard album award.

Nile talked in Edinburgh of disco being out of favour and good to see his talent recognised again. Rodgers wrote songs with David Bowie, Madonna, Diana Ross and more. Rodgers performed at the awards ceremony finale along with hip-hop artist Pharrell Williams.  They sang Good Times! And Happy! And Shiny Happy People!

King of style David Bowie won best male, strangely 30 years after his last Brit and with model Kate Moss reading his acceptance speech and even asking that Scotland not to go independent!  The British global success award went to Simon Cowell’s boyband One Direction while Sam Smith won the Critic’s choice award. 

Good to see rock and roll back in favour with the successes of young band Artic Monkeys. I was surprised to enjoy much of the show as there have been times it has all felt stuffy, predictable and with mostly over the top performances.  Yet sometimes I’m not entirely convinced….

Of the younger artists I really like the subtle timbre of Lorde’s voice and the 17-year-old singer-songwriter from New Zealand, won the best international female solo artist.

Music Notes July

I noticed that guitarist and songwriter extraordinaire Nile Rodgers played a fun set at Glastonbury 2013.  I caught him sing and speak a very entertaining set at EIBF (Edinburgh International Book festival) last year for a late evening slot at the Unbound session in the Speigel tent. Those funky Le Chic bass lines got everyone in the groove that night and his stories too.

In other news Thom Yorke and Atoms for Peace, played a killer set with Flea (of Red Hot Chillis fame) firing up his bass and there is a great review in the Times - I can just feel the sparks fly! I first heard Radiohead live in Edinburgh, where I was totally caught up in their energy and feel of their immersive ever-evolving soundscapes. 

Also the headliners at some of the major summer UK festivals have been less of a draw in my view. 

PS I love Fleetwood Mac, but their sound is a bit dated now! 

Irvine Welsh and Nile Rodgers

Irvine Welsh, Scottish novelist and playwright, best known for his novel Trainspotting, at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Copyrighted.

Irvine Welsh is a Scottish novelist, playwright and short story writer. He is recognised for his novel Trainspotting, which was later made into a critically acclaimed movie. His work is characterised by a raw Scots and brutal depiction of Edinburgh life. He has also written plays, screenplays, and directed several short films.

Irvine Welsh had a fun and very interesting chat with Nile Rodgers at Edinburgh Book Festival 2012.  They were such a contrast to watch and listen to! The very white, very Scottish Irvine and the so soulful and very black Rodgers! Amazing chat!  I also really enjoyed Nile's storied interjected with his guitar playing.
 Rodgers – sometime actor for Sesame Street, songwriter, musician, producer, arranger and guitarist. Le Freak, Everybody Dance, We are Family, Let’s Dance, Like a Virgin, The Reflex. Nile has written his autobiography “Le Freak – An Upside Down Story of Family”.  

Songwriter Nile Rodgers

Check out respected songwriter Nile Rodgers BBC4 Interview (photo Edinburgh book festival 2012) - Le Freak, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Bowie. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/Nile_Rodgers_The_Hitmaker/

Nile gave a fun informal chat at the Edinburgh Book Festival's Speigel tent in August, with many impromptu plays of the guitar when the audience enthusiastically sang along. Nile talked about his music. He said when he wrote songs – first came the words and he always started with the chorus or hook. He likes to use the jazziest chords and fuse concepts together. He talked about the level of pop culture and that Bowie was ‘disruptive’ and therefore stood out in the charts. He believed in the ‘artistic powers’ of music itself. He said that the people made Good Times a No 1 which he said was his favourite song.  

Nile talked about his music. He said when he wrote songs – first came the words and he always started with the chorus or hook. He likes to use the jazziest chords and fuse concepts together. He talked about the level of pop culture and that Bowie was ‘disruptive’ and therefore stood out in the charts. He believed in the ‘artistic powers’ of music itself. He said that the people made Good Times a No 1 which he said was his favourite song.  

He learned flute and clarinet at school and later taught himself guitar. At 18 he auditioned for the children’s tv show Sesame Street for which he wore a crazy green wig!. He then worked at the Apollo theatre in New York with Screaming J Hawkings. 
On a trip to London he saw Roxy Music at the Roxy theatre!  Which he thought was so unique. He thought they should be the black version of Roxy Music and be a ‘totally immersive experience in music’ and they called themselves the Big Apple Band

They played sophisticated funk and their track ‘Everybody Dance’ was a big success in the dance clubs but there was little interest in a black rock band at that time. Jazz bands often went to France to make it then (Nina Simone and others) so they pretended that they were from France! Chic was born and they had a hit with ‘Le Freak’ – which has been the biggest selling song for Atlantic Records and has such an awesome guitar riff!  

They then wrote hit songs for Sister Sledge – We are Family and Lost in Music. He wrote for Diana Ross – who he interviewed for three days firstly – Michael Jackson, Madonna, David Bowie and many more. He has jammed with Hendrix. Madonna's Like Virgin sold more than 20m records and Nile wrote David's Bowie's best-selling album Let's Dance in just 17 days.

Blog on Nile's highly entertaining talk in Edinburgh last year- http://www.musicfootnotes.com/nile-rodgers-why-did-disco-suck.html

Nile Rodger, American musician, producer, composer, arranger and guitarist, discussed his autobiography Le Freak – An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco and Destiny at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 

Nile Rodgers - Why Did Disco Suck?

Nile Rodgers Edinburgh Book festival 2012

Rodgers is one the most successful writers/ producers from the 70s. He wrote for Diana Ross's major hit album Diana, Madonna's Like A Virgin, David Bowie's Lets Dance and produced many hit singles such as - We are Family, Lost in Music, Lets Dance, Le Freak and many more. He was originally in the band Chic who had hits with Le Freak and Everybody Dance.

Nile gave a fun informal chat at the Edinburgh Book Festival's Speigel tent in August, with many impromptu plays of the guitar when the audience enthusiastically sang along. Nile talked about his music. He said when he wrote songs – first came the words and he always started with the chorus or hook. He likes to use the jazziest chords and fuse concepts together. He talked about the level of pop culture and that Bowie was ‘disruptive’ and therefore stood out in the charts. He believed in the ‘artistic powers’ of music itself. He said that the people made Good Times a No 1 which he said was his favourite song.  

Nile talked about his music. He said when he wrote songs – first came the words and he always started with the chorus or hook. He likes to use the jazziest chords and fuse concepts together. He talked about the level of pop culture and that Bowie was ‘disruptive’ and therefore stood out in the charts. He believed in the ‘artistic powers’ of music itself. He said that the people made Good Times a No 1 which he said was his favourite song.  

He learned flute and clarinet at school and later taught himself guitar. At 18 he auditioned for the children’s tv show Sesame Street for which he wore a crazy green wig!. He then worked at the Apollo theatre in New York with Screaming J Hawkings. 
On a trip to London he saw Roxy Music at the Roxy theatre!  Which he thought was so unique. He thought they should be the black version of Roxy Music and be a ‘totally immersive experience in music’ and they called themselves the Big Apple Band

They played sophisticated funk and their track ‘Everybody Dance’ was a big success in the dance clubs but there was little interest in a black rock band at that time. Jazz bands often went to France to make it then (Nina Simone and others) so they pretended that they were from France!  Chic was born and they had a hit with ‘Le Freak’ – which has been the biggest selling song for Atlantic Records and has such an awesome guitar riff!  

They then wrote hit songs for Sister Sledge – We are Family and Lost in Music. He wrote for Diana Ross – who he interviewed for three days firstly – Michael Jackson, Madonna, David Bowie and many more. He has jammed with Hendrix. Madonna's Like Virgin sold more than 20m records and Nile wrote David's Bowie's best-selling album Let's Dance in just 17 days.

Disco went out of fashion and in the late 70s disco suddenly sucked – and so Nile went into producing for others. Yet he said if you look at the biggest chart hits for artists at that time their hit songs were disco influenced – for example Rod Stewart (Do You Think I’m Sexy) , Queen ( Anther One Bites the Dust), Rolling Stones (Miss You). 

Trends come and go and by the late 70s many rock bands had become flashy (or trashy!) with over the top, overblown sounds and productions and in reaction punk was born in the 80s. The good thing about punk music was it 'let go' and simply went for it!  Never mind the rules, who cares - lets just be nuts and the more off the edge the better - punk was raw and raucous! Sometimes art needs to be rough edge.  So why did disco suck? Well there is that macho element in some music critics who can't accept that not all of us enjoy heavy rock. The uniformity of the mainstream plays it safe and we can only move forward when we question and challenge the accepted and that's what punk, the 60s, the revolution were all about.  

Nile Rodgers Edinburgh Book festival 2012

Yes there was an anti-disco movement but lets not forget at the start disco had much to offer.

Some of my favourite Disco tracks - Diana Ross Upside Down, BeeGees Grease, Chic Le Freak, Michael Jackson Billie Jean, Stevie Wonder Superstition. 

He was also in conversation a couple of nights later at the festival with renowned Scottish writer Irvine Welsh. This was quite a contrast with Welsh in his white t shirt and bald head and Nile with his long dark dreadlocks 

Nile Rodgers – sometime actor for Sesame Street, songwriter, musician, producer, arranger and guitarist. Le Freak, Everybody Dance, We are Family, Let’s Dance, Like a Virgin, The Reflex.

Nile has written his autobiography “Le Freak – An Upside Down Story of Family”, 

Disco is a genre of dance music. Disco acts charted high during the mid-1970s, and the genre's popularity peaked during the late 1970s. Its initial audiences were club-goers from the African American, Latino, gay, and psychedelic communities in New York City and Philadelphia during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Disco also was a reaction against both the domination of rock music and the stigmatization of dance music by the counterculture during this period. Musical influences include funk, Latin and soul music. The disco sound has soaring, often reverberated vocals over a steady "four-on-the-floor" beat, an eighth note (quaver) or 16th note (semi-quaver) hi-hat pattern with an open hi-hat on the off-beat, and a prominent, syncopated electric bass line sometimes consisting of octaves. The "disco sound" was more costly to produce than many other genres - disco music  included a large pop band, with several chordal instruments (guitar, keyboards, synthesizer), several drum or percussion instruments (drumkit, Latin percussion, electronic drums), a horn section, a string orchestra, and a variety of "classical" solo instruments (for example, flute, piccolo, and so on). Disco songs were arranged and composed by arrangers and orchestrators, and producers added creative touches.  Recording complex arrangements required a team that included a conductor, copyists, record producers, and mixing engineers.  Disco songs used as many as 64 tracks of vocals and instruments. Mixing engineers compiled these tracks into a fluid composition of verses, bridges, and refrains, complete with orchestral builds and breaks. Mixing engineers helped to develop the "disco sound" by creating a distinctive-sounding disco mix.
With the advent of punk rock music an anti-disco sentiment developed. Many groups that were popular during the disco period subsequently struggled to maintain their success. The Bee Gees never had a major hit in the United States after the 1970s—even though later songs they wrote and had others perform were successful.