Showing posts with label songwriter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label songwriter. Show all posts

Thursday 29 February 2024

Lindsay Lou


American singer songwriter Lindsay Lou performed at the Transatlantic Sessions as part of Celtic Connections 2024

Lindsay's silky smooth and rhythmic voice mixes bluegrass with modern Americana. Her performance was magnetic as she danced along to her emotive songs, Nothings Working and Love CallsNew album Queen of Time released 2023.   #ccfest2024








Dougie MacLean’s intimate concert Celtic Connections 2024



An intimate evening of songs, chat, drums and pipes, through his tunes and songs with Dougie’s relaxed charm and banter - as he explored his Songbook of his 50 years in the music business. Maclean began the evening solo with some of his insightful songs  - All Who Wander, and with guitarist Tim Edey, on his songs Broken Wings and Wild and Windy Night. He always enjoys on many songs to encourage the audience to sing his sing-able choruses.




He was then joined on stage by a wealth of musical talent, that he has worked with over the years - with 
Hannah Fisher (fiddle) Gordon MacLean (double bass) and Sorren MacLean (guitar), Jamie MacLean (percussion) for several songs – Shadow of the MountainPabay More, Rocket to the Moon, Stolen and The Gael. Accordionist Pete Garnett performed on Talking With My Father, Charlotte and Hide in the Wind. He performed a poignant Not Lie Down with accomplished violinist Greg Lawson.

There were several moving moments over those fellow musicians he’s lost along the way, with songs such as They Hide in the Wind – when he was joined by the considerable talent of Ross Ainslie on whistle and bagpipes. He was also backed by Alan Sutherland on piano for Mists of Time and Hide in the Wind.




Dougie spoke of his grandfather, who spoke Gaelic, but he was told his native language was embarrassing, and a dead language. He remembered his grandfather in the evenings occasionally singing the beautiful Gaelic songs, when tears would run down his face. He said it is sad to loose a language and all the poetry and songs of that language. Dougie then sang a moving 
Its been Stolen From Me – also backed by Ross Ainslie, as well as the impact of pipers and drummers from the Glasgow Piping centre.


For the concert climax the Dougie played violin on his dramatic tune The Gael from the film The Last of the Mohicans, backed by the Pipes and Drums.

After Dougie solo sang his positive song This Love Will Carry Me. Of course no Dougie MacLean concert is complete without his iconic song Caledonia – which has become one of our unofficial Scots anthems and is often played at weddings and other significant occasions. The concert was a celebration of one of Scotland’s songwriting legends. Many of his songs are highly emotional, connecting and uplifting. Songs of nostalgia, resilience and hope.

 

Dougie was also joined by musicians Chris Agnew on acoustic bass, and Ali Fergusson on electric guitar on Turning Away, Hide in the Wind, The Gael and Caledonia. And by Chris Smith on percussion, and David Duncan on harmonica, on Turning Away, Thundering In and Caledonia.


**SONGS   All Who Wander, Broken Wings, Shadow of the Mountain, Talking with My Father, Rocket to the Moon, Mists of Time, Thundering In, Turning Away, Till Tomorrow, Pabay More, Charlotte, Not Lie Down, Wild and Windy Night, Hide in the Wind, Stolen From Me, The Gael, This Love will Carry Me, Caledonia, 

He has received three prestigious Tartan Clef Awards, a place in the Scottish Music Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement Award from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, an Honorary Doctorate and an OBE! “ 

 

Review & Photos Pauline Keightley -  https://pkimage.co.uk

Saturday 10 February 2024

Scots Gaelic Kim Carnie Transatlantic Sessions, Celtic Connections 2024, #ccfest2024,

 

Scots Gaelic singer songwriter, Kim Carnie, lead singer with Manran, performed at the Transatlantic Sessions, Celtic Connections 2024, #ccfest2024,




Tuesday 21 February 2023

Martha Wainwright at Celtic Connections 2023

 

This year’s Transatlantic Sessions 2023 at the CELTIC CONNECTIONS music festival Glasgow,  


hosted its eclectic and diverse line-up with firstly Canadian folk royalty, singer songwriter Martha Wainwright who recently released her fifth album ‘Love Will Be Reborn, as well as her autobiography No Regrets: She sang a poignant Love Will Be Reborn and later more joyous songs with her guitar. She is an accomplished and engrossing performer, with her contemplative vocal nuance. The session then went on tour to six venues across the UK.


I saw Martha back in 2009 at the Old Fruitmarket venue during Celtic Connections and she held the audience with only her guitar, she was impressive with her seasoned performance. I got some fun photos there too! Stage lighting has improved since then.













Tuesday 31 May 2022

Emeli Sande Lets Say for Instance



It is good to see Emeli Sande return with a more authentic and true sound on indy label Chrysalis. In particular new single There isn’t Much. She seems in interviews to have found a new contentment and a new sense of self. Her new sound is also more laid back.


In 2012 she had huge commercial success with debut album Our Version of Events, which was the biggest selling album of 2012. Her range includes R&B, pop and gospel, with her inspirations including Nina Simone. Emeli has collaborated with Naughty Boy, Professor Green, Labyrinth.

She had major hits with Read all about it, Next to me, You are Beautiful.

She has performed at the London Olympic games and had major successes in America and has won four Brit awards for her music.

 

In 2012, I was thrilled to take photos at her Albert hall gig London. One of those perfect days and the excitement to be backstage and climb those stairs in front of the stage. 

 

I first heard her perform at the Oran Mor Glasgow, and took photos there that were used in her promotions. back in 2007 when she was a student at Glasgow medical school, when she impressed the packed crowd with her soul and R & B voice. Its been quite a journey and 10 years now since her debut. 

Emeli Sande Albert hall 2012



Emeli Sandé on tour UK with a solo piano show - Emeli Sande: Brighter Days Tour –  Òran Mór's Auditorium ... Date: 26th May 2022 7:00 pm. Venue: The Auditorium.

And at Belldrum festival

 

Lets Say for Instance


https://emelisande.com

Wednesday 30 June 2021

HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY BOB!

 

HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY BOB! 

 

A bit late - my favourite Dylan songs - Visions of Joanna, If not for You, Make you Feel my Love, Tangled up in Blue, Tambourine Man. So many questioning, ironic, layered, story telling songs. Thanks Bob. Good to be alive in the times of our Bard.

 

.. oh yes things have changed alright...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9EKqQWPjyo





Monday 29 July 2019

Be Charlotte


I first saw Be Charlotte at the first ever TRSMT music festival Glasgow Green 2017. The major festival T in the Park had to be cancelled due to problem with the site at Balerno and then moved to Glasgow. She was one of the stand out and memorable performers. 

Since then she has received very positive attention and Charlotte was excited to support The Proclaimers on tour. She released her single, Do not Disturb 2019 and continues to tour. 



Saturday 29 September 2018

Michael Marra: Arrest This Moment talk Edinburgh book festival 2018


Liz Lochhead – “he turned everything upside down.”
We became better people for knowing him. 

This was a delightful talk at Edinburgh International book festival 2018, on one of Scotland’s greatest singer songwriters Michael Marra, who sadly died in 2012. Author James Robertson was joined by Calum Colvin, Sheena Wellington and Gordon Maclean.

They spoke of the influence Marra’s music has had on the city of Dundee, and that partly because of Marra’s powerful songs there is more self confidence in the city of Dundee. Sheena said that Dundee marked on your character and community. She knew Michael growing up in Dundee. Michael used the city's culture, language and people and he helped to give Dundonians a sense of pride and raised their confidence.

He was a proud but humble man – not parochial or cosmopolitan, with a wide heart of the whole world. He was extremely intelligent and creative and the system couldn’t cope with him. 
His experience in London was not good and he was rejected by the industry. They wanted to change him, which would remove him from exactly what made him an artist. His lyrics are so clever and beautifully written. 
  
Why will his songs last? They are totally original and unique. They are not about his own feelings – instead they speak for everyone, are often a story about a character and are quite theatrical. Marra is a touch of genius and a seminal voice in Scotland. 

When Marra performed he lifted the audience and they would be in the palm of his hand. 
In 2007 Marra was given a honorary degree at the University of Dundee and it was a day of great pride and emotion for him. 
A Canadian in the audience asked why we didn’t a of Marra in the media. 
“If you don’t know how strong your voice is, you’ll not vote yes.’ he said.
Perhaps its because Scotland doesn’t have control of its own media and until recently had no press (the National started in 2015).

To close for a treat,Sheila sang Marra’s classic Hermless.
BOOK – Arrest his Moment by James Robertson 


BOOK – Arrest This Moment by James Robertson 

Thursday 6 September 2018

Siobhan Wilson’s All the Saints



Scottish singer song writer and talented musician, Siobhan’s album All The Saints,is on the SAY shortlist – Scottish album of the Year 2018. As well as BBC Radio 6 record of the day.  https://www.sayaward.com

I have heard Siobhan at a couple of gigs and she sings with a purity and engrossing voice. In September she is off on a tour of Canada. A very special and unique voice. 
I wish her good luck! 


SIOBHAN WILSON


REVIEWS
One of the most stunning collections of songs to be released in a long time" - Drowned in Sound
"A sparse, tender record tying English indie-folk with European classical music to spellbinding effect. - The Skinny


Monday 30 July 2018

Rab Noakes Anniversayville

Thanks so much Rab Noakes for the early hard copy of your new CD - and I am thrilled to have my Photos on there! 
Great band surrounding Rab Noakes Music top songs, some new, some old. Plus backing vocals with Jill Jackson and Kathleen MacInnes.. ...Things get better with maturity! Well done.


In the 60s and 70s, Rab played with greats such as Gerry Rafferty and Lindisfarne. When I hung out in the folk scene then, i remember well the harmony singing of Noakes songs, such as Branch, Clear Day. 
Back in 2007, I saw Noakes still going strong at an Oran Mor gig. He often includes a fifties classic, this time a song my husband remembered his mother singing. He is also a dedicated Dylan follower – check out his version of Mississippi. 

Noakes says music is all about the dialogue and more about performing than simply the song. Those residency night gigs were artists can learn their craft in front of the live audience and the live performance when 'flying' in the heart of the music toughens you up and you have to learn loads of songs. He played in Denmark six nights a week.
Noakes now runs his own production company Neon. 

Some of my Rab Noakes images
Rab Noakes performing at Celtic concert for Michael Marra
Rab Noakes at Celtic with Eddi Reader and Dougie MacLean
Noakes at Milngavie folk club
Rab Noakes at the Old Fruitmarket Anniversaryville concert January 2018

NEW ALBUM 2018 Rab Noakes -'Welcome to Anniversaryville'
https://itunes.apple.com/…/welcome-to-anniversar…/1394881656
One of my favourite Noakes song, Gently Does It
And a few years ago you'd been on this road so long
Now they're building a highway to take you home
Gently does it for a change
I used to think you were just like a mountain range
Your big boots stomped where small men feared to tread
I can hardly believe what I've just read
They say you can't travel any more
But you've got the key to a new front door
And don't you know 'cause you once said it all
When you stand so high you've got so far to fall
Not everyone can look you eye to eye
'Cause you get difficult, dangerous I'm damned if I lie
But we all pay the price
And they place your ante high.