Christine Bovill has no regrets at turning her back on teaching and moving into showbiz.
And it was fate that changed the Glasgow-born performer’s life when the French-hating student was handed a vinyl recording by Edith Piaf.
The rest his history. Christine became obsessed with all things French. She completed a five-year languages degree, went into teaching and then, this year, launched her full-time showbiz career.
Former pupils are now contacting her for tickets to her show on August 29 at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s during the Fringe.
Looking back, the performer admitted: “I was an eccentric teenager, nowhere more than in my musical tastes.
“I used to collect records from the 30s and 40s, old jazz, blues, big band.
“It made for a lonely adolescence but it gave me a foundation that would shape my journey as a singer.
"I hated French at school. My teacher hated me as much as I hated him, sitting me in a row-of-four all on my own.
“I was in my fourth year of Ordinary grade French when an old friend of the family handed me a vinyl of a singer called Edith Piaf.
Who? French? No way.
“Ah, but was told that I must listen to the second track on side A, sung in English.
“A song called No Regrets. The voice instantly plugged into my DNA like nothing before or since. Very quickly, I grew obsessed with all things French - simply from listening to this album.
“A fateful moment, which eventually lead me to university where I completed a five year languages degree, lived in France, sang in Paris, and toured with my one-woman homage to the great French star!"
While still studying, Christine got her first professional singing job, a residency in one of Glasgow's most popular jazz venues, The Inn On The Green.
There she spent several years polishing her take on the standards of the American songbook, penning, along the way, a "musicography" of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
It was in The Inn On The Green that she first performed her Piaf show and she said: “Soon after, I found myself singing Piaf in Paris.
“The response was astounding and the novelty of Une Petite Piaf Ecossaise charmed the audience.
“After graduating, still determined to pursue a career in singing, I took a detour and entered the teaching profession.
“I spent the next few years in various Glasgow schools, teaching English and French. While managing to combine both careers for some time, it was only after taking up writing and recording my first solo album this year that I finally took the leap and left teaching altogether.
"I had become so used to the security of the pay check, and I loved the many challenges and rewards of teaching teenagers, but knew that it was now or never. I could not give a music career my all if I were still to commit to the day job.
“My restlessness and frustration pushed me off the ledge, and so, here I am, out there - singing, writing, playing - and loving every moment!!!
“Former pupils are now contacting me online, looking for tickets!?
The response in a short time has been so encouraging that I know I have taken the right path - the only path for me!"
Wednesday 25 August 2010
"CHAUCER" JUN ON THE FRINGE
PETE Morton has switched from being a punk rocker into a medieval travelling troubadour.
The Leicestershire-born performer, who has also toured Europe as a busker, brings his self-penned work on Geoffrey Chaucer, sometimes referred to as
the father of English literature, to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Pete, now 46, was born in Leicestershire, first started performing by singing his little sister to sleep when she was three years old.
He progressed to a church choir and then punk with two school bands.
Then he discovered folk songs at 16 when he left school and went solo.
He said: "I became a busker and travelled around Europe until I was 22 then came back to play in folk clubs.
"I then toured around the world, mainly
solo, sometimes with Urban Folk.
"My recent projects have been an album of
songs in different languages and the development of Geoff Chaucer Junior, a medieval bard which I'm bringing to the Fringe.
"I claim to be the son of Geoffrey Chaucer and the inventor of rock n roll."
*For the record: Wikipedia says: "Geoffrey Chaucer was an English author, poet, philosopher, bureaucrat, courtier and diplomat.
"Although he wrote many works, he is best remembered for his unfinished frame narrative The Canterbury Tales.
"Sometimes called the father of English literature, Chaucer is credited by some scholars as the first author to demonstrate the artistic legitimacy of the vernacular Middle English, rather than French or Latin."
Pete, or rather "Geoffrey Chaucer Jnr", appears at The Acoustic Music Festival at St Bride's on August 26, 27 and 28.
The Leicestershire-born performer, who has also toured Europe as a busker, brings his self-penned work on Geoffrey Chaucer, sometimes referred to as
the father of English literature, to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Pete, now 46, was born in Leicestershire, first started performing by singing his little sister to sleep when she was three years old.
He progressed to a church choir and then punk with two school bands.
Then he discovered folk songs at 16 when he left school and went solo.
He said: "I became a busker and travelled around Europe until I was 22 then came back to play in folk clubs.
"I then toured around the world, mainly
solo, sometimes with Urban Folk.
"My recent projects have been an album of
songs in different languages and the development of Geoff Chaucer Junior, a medieval bard which I'm bringing to the Fringe.
"I claim to be the son of Geoffrey Chaucer and the inventor of rock n roll."
*For the record: Wikipedia says: "Geoffrey Chaucer was an English author, poet, philosopher, bureaucrat, courtier and diplomat.
"Although he wrote many works, he is best remembered for his unfinished frame narrative The Canterbury Tales.
"Sometimes called the father of English literature, Chaucer is credited by some scholars as the first author to demonstrate the artistic legitimacy of the vernacular Middle English, rather than French or Latin."
Pete, or rather "Geoffrey Chaucer Jnr", appears at The Acoustic Music Festival at St Bride's on August 26, 27 and 28.
Tuesday 24 August 2010
REED GETS US TV EXPOSURE
Preston Reed’s music is currently being heard coast-to-coast in North America.
The compositions of the Scots-based, American-born composer are featured on a documentary series by award-winning Kenneth Burns.
The famed American director and producer is known for his style of making use of archival footage and photographs.
Among his most notable productions are The Civil War (1990), Baseball (1994), Jazz (2001), The War (2007), and The National Parks: America's Best Idea (2009).
Burns' documentaries have been nominated for two Academy Awards (Brooklyn Bridge in 1982 and The Statue of Liberty in 1986) and have won seven Emmy Awards, mostly from The Civil War and Baseball.
Reed appears at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s on Sunday, August 29 and he has invented a new way of playing.
The 53-year-old New Yorker wrote his first song at eight-years-of-age
and now includes gigs with Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt on his CV.
He has compiled 15 studio albums and sold-out venues across three continents.
Furthermore, he has hits on YouTube and played a live satellite broadcast that saw an audience of 120 million in 17 countries tune in.
The compositions of the Scots-based, American-born composer are featured on a documentary series by award-winning Kenneth Burns.
The famed American director and producer is known for his style of making use of archival footage and photographs.
Among his most notable productions are The Civil War (1990), Baseball (1994), Jazz (2001), The War (2007), and The National Parks: America's Best Idea (2009).
Burns' documentaries have been nominated for two Academy Awards (Brooklyn Bridge in 1982 and The Statue of Liberty in 1986) and have won seven Emmy Awards, mostly from The Civil War and Baseball.
Reed appears at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s on Sunday, August 29 and he has invented a new way of playing.
The 53-year-old New Yorker wrote his first song at eight-years-of-age
and now includes gigs with Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt on his CV.
He has compiled 15 studio albums and sold-out venues across three continents.
Furthermore, he has hits on YouTube and played a live satellite broadcast that saw an audience of 120 million in 17 countries tune in.
Sunday 22 August 2010
ADRIANA HAS AUDIENCES IN A SPINA
ADRIANA and her band bring their brand of acoustic alti-folk back to the Fringe at the AMC @ St Bride's.
It's the third year that Adriana has appeared at the venue and follows her storming 2009 sell-out run.
Lanarkshire-based Adriana has worldwide ambitions and is making her mark on the Scottish music scene.
The concerts support her 2010 release of her debut album and she has performed with Paolo Nutini, Sheryl Cole and Oscar winning Ryan Bingham.
See her on August 22 at 6.30pm
It's the third year that Adriana has appeared at the venue and follows her storming 2009 sell-out run.
Lanarkshire-based Adriana has worldwide ambitions and is making her mark on the Scottish music scene.
The concerts support her 2010 release of her debut album and she has performed with Paolo Nutini, Sheryl Cole and Oscar winning Ryan Bingham.
See her on August 22 at 6.30pm
Saturday 21 August 2010
ALAN HAS NEW HORIZONS
Battlefield Band stalwart Alan Reid appears on The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August with Rob van Sante – a foretaste for the future.
The duo appear at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s on August 22 (5pm) and the show is both a look back on Alan’s career as well as a preview of what he’ll be doing.
Alan, based at Torrance, near Glasgow, has been singer/songwriter/keyboard player with the Battlefield Band since 1969 and will be leaving at the end of the year.
He revealed: “I’ve been at the forefront of the evolution not only of the band but of the Scottish folk revival itself in that period.
“Rob is a singer/guitarist born in the Netherlands and resident in Leeds. He has been Battlefield's sound engineer since 1993. This will be our Fringe debut and in 2011 we will be performing full-time as a duo.
“Rob and I have been working together for ten years and have made two albums Under the Blue and The Rise and Fall O' Charlie.”
Alan, who was last year nominated at the Scots Trad Awards in the Composer of the Year category, added: “Because our main work has been with Battlefield Band, our live work has been very sporadic.
“In fact, our most recent gig being at Edinburgh's Ceilidh Culture last Spring but, from 2011, we will be doing lots of tours.”
The duo appear at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s on August 22 (5pm) and the show is both a look back on Alan’s career as well as a preview of what he’ll be doing.
Alan, based at Torrance, near Glasgow, has been singer/songwriter/keyboard player with the Battlefield Band since 1969 and will be leaving at the end of the year.
He revealed: “I’ve been at the forefront of the evolution not only of the band but of the Scottish folk revival itself in that period.
“Rob is a singer/guitarist born in the Netherlands and resident in Leeds. He has been Battlefield's sound engineer since 1993. This will be our Fringe debut and in 2011 we will be performing full-time as a duo.
“Rob and I have been working together for ten years and have made two albums Under the Blue and The Rise and Fall O' Charlie.”
Alan, who was last year nominated at the Scots Trad Awards in the Composer of the Year category, added: “Because our main work has been with Battlefield Band, our live work has been very sporadic.
“In fact, our most recent gig being at Edinburgh's Ceilidh Culture last Spring but, from 2011, we will be doing lots of tours.”
NURSE HAS CURE FOR FRINGE BLUES
ROBERTO CASSANI is a community nurse in Perthshire but he’s hoping to make a splash at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The Scone-based singer turned his back on a record contract with a major record company in Italy and moved to Scotland ten years ago.
He now divides his life between music and nursing.
Roberto explained: “I’m a community nurse in north rural Perthshire, visiting children and adult patients in their own homes.
“I love nursing and performing equally and I have made the decision of doing them both. In Italy I was a full-time musician. I had a record contract with the major company but I didn't like the record company and their way of making music. It was all about making money.
“That totally stripped me of the joy of playing for a while so I took off to Scotland with my guitar and no English at all.
“I learnt English, met my wife, studied to become a nurse and started writing songs again, this time avoiding the record company route and becoming a travelling minstrel instead. “All I try to do is make people smile, laugh, make them happy, and it is working so far.”
His achievements in the last year include winning Burnsong, a prestigios songwriting competition aiming at finding songwriters who, apparently, would make Burns proud.
He performed at the Scottish Parliament to close the Homecoming Celebrations with a song called Put good knickers on and go into Town which is also the name of his current album and the title of his Fringe show.
Roberto added: “I’ve recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, was invited to perform as an official showcase artist at the prestigious International Folk Alliance in Memphis, Tennessee and played at major UK festivals, including the Wickerman and Belladrum Festival.
“My plans for next year include releasing my new album Roberto Cassani on the Flying Trapeze.
“I'll also tour a new show called The Three Wise Men, with Indie legend Martin Stephenson and comedian Bruce Morton.
“Finally, after the new album is released, I'll take it on the road with more gigs and festival appearances.”
The Scone-based singer turned his back on a record contract with a major record company in Italy and moved to Scotland ten years ago.
He now divides his life between music and nursing.
Roberto explained: “I’m a community nurse in north rural Perthshire, visiting children and adult patients in their own homes.
“I love nursing and performing equally and I have made the decision of doing them both. In Italy I was a full-time musician. I had a record contract with the major company but I didn't like the record company and their way of making music. It was all about making money.
“That totally stripped me of the joy of playing for a while so I took off to Scotland with my guitar and no English at all.
“I learnt English, met my wife, studied to become a nurse and started writing songs again, this time avoiding the record company route and becoming a travelling minstrel instead. “All I try to do is make people smile, laugh, make them happy, and it is working so far.”
His achievements in the last year include winning Burnsong, a prestigios songwriting competition aiming at finding songwriters who, apparently, would make Burns proud.
He performed at the Scottish Parliament to close the Homecoming Celebrations with a song called Put good knickers on and go into Town which is also the name of his current album and the title of his Fringe show.
Roberto added: “I’ve recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, was invited to perform as an official showcase artist at the prestigious International Folk Alliance in Memphis, Tennessee and played at major UK festivals, including the Wickerman and Belladrum Festival.
“My plans for next year include releasing my new album Roberto Cassani on the Flying Trapeze.
“I'll also tour a new show called The Three Wise Men, with Indie legend Martin Stephenson and comedian Bruce Morton.
“Finally, after the new album is released, I'll take it on the road with more gigs and festival appearances.”
MODEL STUDENT
ST ANDREWS University student and part-time model Chloe Matharu makes her Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut at 19 – and is set for a big future both on and off stage.
The Edinburgh-born singer is studying molecular biology and Italian at university but is booked into The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s from August 23 to 25 (18:30).
Chloe, who has recently recorded her debut album, Next Market Day, which will be released on her own label in October, has cultural roots in Scotland, Wales and India.
She said: “I consider myself lucky to have grown up in a city as diverse as Edinburgh with such a vibrant traditional music scene.
“I can’t remember a time when I was not singing. I sang in choirs and at school. My family would never consider themselves as musical, but someone was always singing around the house.
“My mother has a lovely voice and used to teach us songs a lot as children.
“Although I always loved singing folk songs, my passion for performing traditional music was only truly fired when I began practising an unaccompanied folk ballad when I was preparing for a school exam.
“It was incredibly liberating to be able to share the song with the audience in my own time, without any support from instruments, and watch their reaction as the story unfolded.
“I was completely hooked by the combination of story and music. It’s the element of timelessness that captured my imagination. Each song you learn has its own history.”
Chloe was hugely influenced by the Folk Revival of the 1960’s and ‘70’s. She said: “The atmosphere caught in recordings and videos of these artists, particularly Pentangle, paint a vivid picture for me.
“I was struck with the sweetness and purity. Writing my own songs, I look to song writers from this period for inspiration, such as Shelagh MacDonald, Anne Briggs and Sandy Denny.
“There are also many contemporary Scottish singers that influence me in their performance style. Singers such as Julie Fowlis and the singer from Edinburgh, Katie Targett-Adams. They are just brilliant to watch at their concerts, they grace the stage.”
She added: “Many people are curious as to how I can claim cultural roots in Scotland, Wales and India.
“My mother is from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and I spend a lot of time there.
“I view South West Wales as my second home. My father’s family come from the Punjab, Northern India. I consider places and eras in time very important and I love hearing the stories older relatives tell me about their youth.
“Stories played a huge role in my childhood; my grandmother is from Greenock and brought us up on stories of her life there during the War. “The stories that people share with you in obscure moments, perhaps the first and last time they will share that experience with someone, are very precious. It’s these stories that illustrate the lifestyle and living conditions of certain time periods and should be acknowledged with the right spirit and passed on.
“At the moment I am studying Molecular Biology and Italian at the University of St Andrews but singing is my passion and I travel to perform at concerts in between studies.
“I’m enjoying university life. St Andrews is a small town with a fantastic vibe and there are many students from overseas, which I love. It’s great to have so much diversity in one town.
“Being next to the sea is very important for me and I was considering joining the Navy for a while.
“Going swimming in all weathers is a way I keep active. This year I took my first dip in St Andrews in February. I don’t use a wetsuit since I think it’s healthier to get your body to cope with the cold sometimes.
“It’s important to do sport and this year I have been enjoying fencing and yoga at university.
“I plan to take up golf and also to get more involved with Amnesty International, which I was really involved with at school, when I return. “This summer I have started Pilates which I will definitely be continuing in my spare time.
“At the beginning of my summer break I was asked to help promote the fashion range from the Scottish Textile House ANTA and have also been approached by Thistle and Broom who I look forward to modeling for.
I chose to study biology because I am fascinated by plant science and so was considering doing a postgraduate in that or something related to agriculture after I finish at university.
“However there is nothing I love more than singing, which will always take priority. I really enjoy the opportunities that performing brings, traveling and meeting new people.”
Incidentally, her new album was recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, and features the playing of Ewan MacPherson on guitar, Lauren MacColl on fiddle and Ailig Hunter on double bass and sitar.
The Edinburgh-born singer is studying molecular biology and Italian at university but is booked into The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s from August 23 to 25 (18:30).
Chloe, who has recently recorded her debut album, Next Market Day, which will be released on her own label in October, has cultural roots in Scotland, Wales and India.
She said: “I consider myself lucky to have grown up in a city as diverse as Edinburgh with such a vibrant traditional music scene.
“I can’t remember a time when I was not singing. I sang in choirs and at school. My family would never consider themselves as musical, but someone was always singing around the house.
“My mother has a lovely voice and used to teach us songs a lot as children.
“Although I always loved singing folk songs, my passion for performing traditional music was only truly fired when I began practising an unaccompanied folk ballad when I was preparing for a school exam.
“It was incredibly liberating to be able to share the song with the audience in my own time, without any support from instruments, and watch their reaction as the story unfolded.
“I was completely hooked by the combination of story and music. It’s the element of timelessness that captured my imagination. Each song you learn has its own history.”
Chloe was hugely influenced by the Folk Revival of the 1960’s and ‘70’s. She said: “The atmosphere caught in recordings and videos of these artists, particularly Pentangle, paint a vivid picture for me.
“I was struck with the sweetness and purity. Writing my own songs, I look to song writers from this period for inspiration, such as Shelagh MacDonald, Anne Briggs and Sandy Denny.
“There are also many contemporary Scottish singers that influence me in their performance style. Singers such as Julie Fowlis and the singer from Edinburgh, Katie Targett-Adams. They are just brilliant to watch at their concerts, they grace the stage.”
She added: “Many people are curious as to how I can claim cultural roots in Scotland, Wales and India.
“My mother is from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and I spend a lot of time there.
“I view South West Wales as my second home. My father’s family come from the Punjab, Northern India. I consider places and eras in time very important and I love hearing the stories older relatives tell me about their youth.
“Stories played a huge role in my childhood; my grandmother is from Greenock and brought us up on stories of her life there during the War. “The stories that people share with you in obscure moments, perhaps the first and last time they will share that experience with someone, are very precious. It’s these stories that illustrate the lifestyle and living conditions of certain time periods and should be acknowledged with the right spirit and passed on.
“At the moment I am studying Molecular Biology and Italian at the University of St Andrews but singing is my passion and I travel to perform at concerts in between studies.
“I’m enjoying university life. St Andrews is a small town with a fantastic vibe and there are many students from overseas, which I love. It’s great to have so much diversity in one town.
“Being next to the sea is very important for me and I was considering joining the Navy for a while.
“Going swimming in all weathers is a way I keep active. This year I took my first dip in St Andrews in February. I don’t use a wetsuit since I think it’s healthier to get your body to cope with the cold sometimes.
“It’s important to do sport and this year I have been enjoying fencing and yoga at university.
“I plan to take up golf and also to get more involved with Amnesty International, which I was really involved with at school, when I return. “This summer I have started Pilates which I will definitely be continuing in my spare time.
“At the beginning of my summer break I was asked to help promote the fashion range from the Scottish Textile House ANTA and have also been approached by Thistle and Broom who I look forward to modeling for.
I chose to study biology because I am fascinated by plant science and so was considering doing a postgraduate in that or something related to agriculture after I finish at university.
“However there is nothing I love more than singing, which will always take priority. I really enjoy the opportunities that performing brings, traveling and meeting new people.”
Incidentally, her new album was recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, and features the playing of Ewan MacPherson on guitar, Lauren MacColl on fiddle and Ailig Hunter on double bass and sitar.
KING HAS TOP FAN
SHARON King and the Reckless Angels now have “Government approval” – and it’s official.
Jim Mather, Scottish Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, met the band in Glenuig recently while on their recent West Coast tour.
And the MP for Argyll and Bute told them: "You really are a national treasure....you and Chopin are my favourites for listening.”
Sharon King (songwriting, guitar and vocals), Daisy Costello ( cello and backing vocals), Luke Plumb (mandolin) and Jenni Hopwood (backing vocals) appear at the Acoustic Music Centre at St Bride’s on Saturday, August 21 (8pm).
Sharon said: “Jim met us recently and we thank him for the quote.
“He is very keen to promote us abroad as a modern face of the contemporary Scottish music scene and took away a load of postcards and business cards with him to take to America. All very exciting.
“We are in the back room at St Bride’s, which is a lovely, wee intimate venue, seating only 50.
“We would love to see you there and hope, during the busy Festival period, you can take the time to support us.”
Jim Mather, Scottish Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, met the band in Glenuig recently while on their recent West Coast tour.
And the MP for Argyll and Bute told them: "You really are a national treasure....you and Chopin are my favourites for listening.”
Sharon King (songwriting, guitar and vocals), Daisy Costello ( cello and backing vocals), Luke Plumb (mandolin) and Jenni Hopwood (backing vocals) appear at the Acoustic Music Centre at St Bride’s on Saturday, August 21 (8pm).
Sharon said: “Jim met us recently and we thank him for the quote.
“He is very keen to promote us abroad as a modern face of the contemporary Scottish music scene and took away a load of postcards and business cards with him to take to America. All very exciting.
“We are in the back room at St Bride’s, which is a lovely, wee intimate venue, seating only 50.
“We would love to see you there and hope, during the busy Festival period, you can take the time to support us.”
Tuesday 17 August 2010
GED ON THE BAWL
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SCOTS musician Ged Brockie (pictured) cursed the media’s infatuation with comedy and said: “Give us a chance.”
The Edinburgh-based jazz guitarist is angry at the column inches devoted to celebrities on the Fringe.
And he groaned: “The Fringe is about new talent and new initiatives.”
Brockie headlines Dundee-born Bruce Hebenton-Graham’s Guitar concerto at The Acoustic Music Centre.
The conductor is Hollywood composer Hummie Mann (cor), a two-time Emmy-award winner and who is a guest lecturer at Edinburgh’s Napier University and who wrote the music for Mel Brooks’ movie Robin Hood: Men in Tights.
Brockie, who has performed in Europe and America, said: “The media only seem interested in comedy.
“We’ve got a world premier here.”
Hebenton-Graham, who has worked with household names including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Andy Williams, Sasha Distel, The Three Degrees and Scots-born Lulu, including being musical director during a week-long stint in a now-defunct cabaret club in Bo’ness, has sunk his life savings into the project.
Croydon-based Hebenton-Graham agreed that it was a gamble putting on a show at the Festival and he said: “There are so many shows for people to see. If you don’t do it you are going to say what would have happened if I’d done it.
“I would say that 90-95 per cent of the people that come up to the Festival are going to lose some money.
“However, they are going to get publicity and, when we’re finished here, we’ll have a great DVD and that will sell for years. We can even use it as a TV show.”
Mann, who has also worked with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, said: “It’s a tough game here and every year the Fringe catalogue gets fatter. This year I couldn’t believe it – it’s like a phone book. It’s a challenge to stand out.”
San Diego-based Mann added: “You shouldn’t pre-judge this piece by the title. Get rid of your pre-conceived notions of a concerto.
“Come down and enjoy a really interesting piece of music with a lot of variety - there is something in there for everybody.”
Sunday 15 August 2010
NARROW ESCAPE FOR FRINGE GROUP
A group of musicians en route for Edinburgh Fringe had a narrow escape at the weekend when they were almost run off the road by a herd of runaway cattle.
Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three from St Louis, Missouri, were heading for Nottingham after a week-long run of sell-out dates on the south coast of England.
And just after leaving West Ashling, near Chichester, on a country road, bound for the M25, their tour bus rounded a bend and was seconds away from disaster when the cattle dashed out into its path, forcing their Scottish tour manager, Gerald Roche, to take evasive action and get the truck out of the way of the marauding herd.
The vehicle ended up in the ditch but no one was hurt and band members praised their Scottish roadie for his quick action to avert a serious accident.
“It was quite dark,” said 26-year-old LaFarge, “and we were heading back to our hotel after the gig.
“As we came around a bend, the cows charged over right in front of us from a field and Gerry managed to swerve to miss them.
“After we made sure that everyone was alright, luckily, we were able to push the tour bus out of the ditch as it wasn’t too deep.
“But we had a narrow escape and we were grateful that Gerry was so on the ball there.”
The band were one of the big successes when they made their debut at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival back in January.
They appeared at the Big Chill Festival in Ledbury last week and played a main stage slot at the Summer Sundae Weekender at the De Montford Hall in Leicester on Sunday.
Pokey LaFarge won five-star reviews when he played solo showcases at Edinburgh Fringe last year.
This time he returns with his full band for a three-night run at the Acoustic Music Centre at St Bride’s (Fringe venue 123) that starts on Tuesday, (August 17).
The band’s latest album charted in the USA on its release earlier this year and entered the Euro Americana Chart as well.
Hero of the day, Gerald Roche from Paisley, said: “The cattle were black and white so the headlights immediately picked them out.
“It was a good thing we were travelling at a safe speed on the country road and I was able to avoid them.
“Pokey and the lads are already joking about writing a song to recall the episode.
“There’s no truth in the rumour that it will be to the tune ‘moo-ve over darling’!”
Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three from St Louis, Missouri, were heading for Nottingham after a week-long run of sell-out dates on the south coast of England.
And just after leaving West Ashling, near Chichester, on a country road, bound for the M25, their tour bus rounded a bend and was seconds away from disaster when the cattle dashed out into its path, forcing their Scottish tour manager, Gerald Roche, to take evasive action and get the truck out of the way of the marauding herd.
The vehicle ended up in the ditch but no one was hurt and band members praised their Scottish roadie for his quick action to avert a serious accident.
“It was quite dark,” said 26-year-old LaFarge, “and we were heading back to our hotel after the gig.
“As we came around a bend, the cows charged over right in front of us from a field and Gerry managed to swerve to miss them.
“After we made sure that everyone was alright, luckily, we were able to push the tour bus out of the ditch as it wasn’t too deep.
“But we had a narrow escape and we were grateful that Gerry was so on the ball there.”
The band were one of the big successes when they made their debut at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival back in January.
They appeared at the Big Chill Festival in Ledbury last week and played a main stage slot at the Summer Sundae Weekender at the De Montford Hall in Leicester on Sunday.
Pokey LaFarge won five-star reviews when he played solo showcases at Edinburgh Fringe last year.
This time he returns with his full band for a three-night run at the Acoustic Music Centre at St Bride’s (Fringe venue 123) that starts on Tuesday, (August 17).
The band’s latest album charted in the USA on its release earlier this year and entered the Euro Americana Chart as well.
Hero of the day, Gerald Roche from Paisley, said: “The cattle were black and white so the headlights immediately picked them out.
“It was a good thing we were travelling at a safe speed on the country road and I was able to avoid them.
“Pokey and the lads are already joking about writing a song to recall the episode.
“There’s no truth in the rumour that it will be to the tune ‘moo-ve over darling’!”
Seedboat launched
Seven gigs to launch "The Seedboat" with Colum Sands and Maggie MacInnes..
a warm welcome to all to come on board!
The Seedboat....new album launch dates August / September gigs 2010
The Seedboat (Bàta an t-Sìl) Colum Sands & Maggie MacInnes
“The Seedboat is a totally captivating experience of tunes, songs, stories and rememberings crafted together seamlessly by two master musicians.. Maggie and Colum are superb performers individually: together they achieve a sweet harmony that transports you gently and effortlessly to another time and place. With such capable hands on the tiller, The Seedboat is a journey for the soul.”
August
Mon 16th , Tues 17th and Wed 18th
The Acoustic Music Centre,
Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Tickets 0131-226 0000
Thurs 19th
Recital Rooms, City Halls, Glasgow
Tickets 0141-3538000
September
Thurs 2nd 8pm Newry and Mourne Museum
Bagenal's Castle, Castle St., Newry Co. Down BT34 2DA
Tickets : 028 3031 3178 :www.bagenalscastle.com
Fri 3rd Farmleigh House Long Mile Road Dublin 12 8pmwww.farmleigh.ie
Sun 5th The Folk Gallery Newcastle 8pm Tickets 02843722009
“The Seedboat sails from Barra shore, young Donald’s gone to Newry
And though he swears a swift return, til then she’ll miss him dearly..”
These opening lines of translation follow in the wake of a bitter-sweet love song that has inspired two musicians from either end of its voyage to embark on a fascinating new journey of music, song and story.
Mo Ghille Dubh Dhonn (The Brown Haired Lad) is one of the great treasures of the Scottish Gaelic song tradition, recalling love lost and found as The Seedboat sailed from Barra to Newry.
Now, some two centuries after its maiden voyage, the Seedboat sails again as Maggie MacInnes and Colum Sands invite all to find a seat amidst the cargo of Clarsach (harp), guitar and a bi lingual blend of songs old and new that explores the words and the tunes that have divided and joined the people of Ireland and Scotland for centuries.
a warm welcome to all to come on board!
The Seedboat....new album launch dates August / September gigs 2010
The Seedboat (Bàta an t-Sìl) Colum Sands & Maggie MacInnes
“The Seedboat is a totally captivating experience of tunes, songs, stories and rememberings crafted together seamlessly by two master musicians.. Maggie and Colum are superb performers individually: together they achieve a sweet harmony that transports you gently and effortlessly to another time and place. With such capable hands on the tiller, The Seedboat is a journey for the soul.”
August
Mon 16th , Tues 17th and Wed 18th
The Acoustic Music Centre,
Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Tickets 0131-226 0000
Thurs 19th
Recital Rooms, City Halls, Glasgow
Tickets 0141-3538000
September
Thurs 2nd 8pm Newry and Mourne Museum
Bagenal's Castle, Castle St., Newry Co. Down BT34 2DA
Tickets : 028 3031 3178 :www.bagenalscastle.com
Fri 3rd Farmleigh House Long Mile Road Dublin 12 8pmwww.farmleigh.ie
Sun 5th The Folk Gallery Newcastle 8pm Tickets 02843722009
“The Seedboat sails from Barra shore, young Donald’s gone to Newry
And though he swears a swift return, til then she’ll miss him dearly..”
These opening lines of translation follow in the wake of a bitter-sweet love song that has inspired two musicians from either end of its voyage to embark on a fascinating new journey of music, song and story.
Mo Ghille Dubh Dhonn (The Brown Haired Lad) is one of the great treasures of the Scottish Gaelic song tradition, recalling love lost and found as The Seedboat sailed from Barra to Newry.
Now, some two centuries after its maiden voyage, the Seedboat sails again as Maggie MacInnes and Colum Sands invite all to find a seat amidst the cargo of Clarsach (harp), guitar and a bi lingual blend of songs old and new that explores the words and the tunes that have divided and joined the people of Ireland and Scotland for centuries.
Saturday 14 August 2010
WEE HOME FROM HOME
A Wee Home From Home was first co-produced by Communicado and Frank McConnell in 1988, and was originally directed by Gerry Mulgrew having been devised by him with Frank McConnell, Michael Marra and Karen Tennent.
The production was remounted in 2009 by plan B with the original creative team. Directed by Gerry Mulgrew, one of Scotland's greatest theatre directors, with music by the acclaimed singer/songwriter Michael Marra and choreography by award-winning Frank McConnell, A Wee Home From Home is a highly charged and compelling dance-theatre piece that explores the dizzying emotions and memories that one man’s homecoming can provoke. Told with affection, and wandering through other familiar territory that would rather be forgotten, the show is a roller coaster ride down an unpredictable memory lane.
Frank McConnell’s inspired and well-observed choreography perfectly partners the caustic and heart breaking observations contained in Michael Marra’s exceptional live music. Powerful, telling and seriously funny, A Wee Home From Home celebrates a vibrant and indomitable spirit in a show that offers a perfect mix of dance, music and theatre at its very best.
****The Times
****The Herald
****The Scotsman
The production was remounted in 2009 by plan B with the original creative team. Directed by Gerry Mulgrew, one of Scotland's greatest theatre directors, with music by the acclaimed singer/songwriter Michael Marra and choreography by award-winning Frank McConnell, A Wee Home From Home is a highly charged and compelling dance-theatre piece that explores the dizzying emotions and memories that one man’s homecoming can provoke. Told with affection, and wandering through other familiar territory that would rather be forgotten, the show is a roller coaster ride down an unpredictable memory lane.
Frank McConnell’s inspired and well-observed choreography perfectly partners the caustic and heart breaking observations contained in Michael Marra’s exceptional live music. Powerful, telling and seriously funny, A Wee Home From Home celebrates a vibrant and indomitable spirit in a show that offers a perfect mix of dance, music and theatre at its very best.
****The Times
****The Herald
****The Scotsman
NEW CRUSADE FOR CHRISTINE
A PAISLEY-BASED singer and property Good Samaritan aims to woo audiences at the world’s biggest arts festival.
Christine Sparks, lauded by Scots folk guru Watt Nicoll, is now on a new crusade, launching her International stage career at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Renfrew-born Christine has been working with distressed home sellers for the last four years.
She and her Portsmouth-born husband John helped them stay in their own homes.
Christine said: “We became experts at preventing repossession, and saved many couples from being thrown out of their houses, often with only hours notice.
“Sometimes only one partner knew about the massive arrears that had been built up and we had to broker relationship saving meetings at the same time as saving their home from being repossessed.”
Initially, they called the company Property Samaritans and she revealed: “We felt that the name most suited our approach and the way we worked with couples in extreme financial trouble.
“However, The Samaritans objected so we changed it to Property Saviours.
“We worked with many couples and eventually created a portfolio of 50 houses and flats.
“Most of our tenants are still the original owners of the properties and they are likely to remain in the properties indefinitely.”
However, the lure of a stage career lingered and John added: “Christine has been singing since she was 16 and has always intended doing music full-time. When the property market changed, we decided to stop buying, manage the portfolio as a family business and concentrate on our music.
“Now my crusade is to enable Christine to sing to as many people as possible in the right kind of environment. A theatre is ideal as people are there to listen.
“Christine is accomplished in several genres. She is a genuine Celtic singer, a genuine jazz singer and a genuine rock and blues singer.
“We’ve tried to separate the genres, having been told that they don’t mix, but time and time again we find ourselves in situations where the variety of what Christine can do is the thing that people love.”
The couple appear at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s on August 28 and John, a former professional sound man, added: “There are essences of Celtic, jazz and blues music woven throughout the show.
“The Fringe is a big stage for us because of its International reputation.”
Christine Sparks, lauded by Scots folk guru Watt Nicoll, is now on a new crusade, launching her International stage career at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Renfrew-born Christine has been working with distressed home sellers for the last four years.
She and her Portsmouth-born husband John helped them stay in their own homes.
Christine said: “We became experts at preventing repossession, and saved many couples from being thrown out of their houses, often with only hours notice.
“Sometimes only one partner knew about the massive arrears that had been built up and we had to broker relationship saving meetings at the same time as saving their home from being repossessed.”
Initially, they called the company Property Samaritans and she revealed: “We felt that the name most suited our approach and the way we worked with couples in extreme financial trouble.
“However, The Samaritans objected so we changed it to Property Saviours.
“We worked with many couples and eventually created a portfolio of 50 houses and flats.
“Most of our tenants are still the original owners of the properties and they are likely to remain in the properties indefinitely.”
However, the lure of a stage career lingered and John added: “Christine has been singing since she was 16 and has always intended doing music full-time. When the property market changed, we decided to stop buying, manage the portfolio as a family business and concentrate on our music.
“Now my crusade is to enable Christine to sing to as many people as possible in the right kind of environment. A theatre is ideal as people are there to listen.
“Christine is accomplished in several genres. She is a genuine Celtic singer, a genuine jazz singer and a genuine rock and blues singer.
“We’ve tried to separate the genres, having been told that they don’t mix, but time and time again we find ourselves in situations where the variety of what Christine can do is the thing that people love.”
The couple appear at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s on August 28 and John, a former professional sound man, added: “There are essences of Celtic, jazz and blues music woven throughout the show.
“The Fringe is a big stage for us because of its International reputation.”
NO REGRETS FOR CHRISTINE
Christine Bovill has no regrets at turning her back on teaching and moving into showbiz.
And it was fate that changed the Glasgow-born performer’s life when the French-hating student was handed a vinyl recording by Edith Piaf.
The rest his history. Christine became obsessed with all things French. She completed a five-year languages degree, went into teaching and then, this year, launched her full-time showbiz career.
Former pupils are now contacting her for tickets to her show on August 29 at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s during the Fringe.
Looking back, the performer admitted: “I was an eccentric teenager, nowhere more than in my musical tastes.
“I used to collect records from the 30s and 40s, old jazz, blues, big band.
“It made for a lonely adolescence but it gave me a foundation that would shape my journey as a singer.
"I hated French at school. My teacher hated me as much as I hated him, sitting me in a row-of-four all on my own.
“I was in my fourth year of Ordinary grade French when an old friend of the family handed me a vinyl of a singer called Edith Piaf.
Who? French? No way.
“Ah, but was told that I must listen to the second track on side A, sung in English.
“A song called No Regrets. The voice instantly plugged into my DNA like nothing before or since. Very quickly, I grew obsessed with all things French - simply from listening to this album.
“A fateful moment, which eventually lead me to university where I completed a five year languages degree, lived in France, sang in Paris, and toured with my one-woman homage to the great French star!"
While still studying, Christine got her first professional singing job, a residency in one of Glasgow's most popular jazz venues, The Inn On The Green.
There she spent several years polishing her take on the standards of the American songbook, penning, along the way, a "musicography" of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
It was in The Inn On The Green that she first performed her Piaf show and she said: “Soon after, I found myself singing Piaf in Paris.
“The response was astounding and the novelty of Une Petite Piaf Ecossaise charmed the audience.
“After graduating, still determined to pursue a career in singing, I took a detour and entered the teaching profession.
“I spent the next few years in various Glasgow schools, teaching English and French. While managing to combine both careers for some time, it was only after taking up writing and recording my first solo album this year that I finally took the leap and left teaching altogether.
"I had become so used to the security of the pay check, and I loved the many challenges and rewards of teaching teenagers, but knew that it was now or never. I could not give a music career my all if I were still to commit to the day job.
“My restlessness and frustration pushed me off the ledge, and so, here I am, out there - singing, writing, playing - and loving every moment!!!
“Former pupils are now contacting me online, looking for tickets!?
The response in a short time has been so encouraging that I know I have taken the right path - the only path for me!"
And it was fate that changed the Glasgow-born performer’s life when the French-hating student was handed a vinyl recording by Edith Piaf.
The rest his history. Christine became obsessed with all things French. She completed a five-year languages degree, went into teaching and then, this year, launched her full-time showbiz career.
Former pupils are now contacting her for tickets to her show on August 29 at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s during the Fringe.
Looking back, the performer admitted: “I was an eccentric teenager, nowhere more than in my musical tastes.
“I used to collect records from the 30s and 40s, old jazz, blues, big band.
“It made for a lonely adolescence but it gave me a foundation that would shape my journey as a singer.
"I hated French at school. My teacher hated me as much as I hated him, sitting me in a row-of-four all on my own.
“I was in my fourth year of Ordinary grade French when an old friend of the family handed me a vinyl of a singer called Edith Piaf.
Who? French? No way.
“Ah, but was told that I must listen to the second track on side A, sung in English.
“A song called No Regrets. The voice instantly plugged into my DNA like nothing before or since. Very quickly, I grew obsessed with all things French - simply from listening to this album.
“A fateful moment, which eventually lead me to university where I completed a five year languages degree, lived in France, sang in Paris, and toured with my one-woman homage to the great French star!"
While still studying, Christine got her first professional singing job, a residency in one of Glasgow's most popular jazz venues, The Inn On The Green.
There she spent several years polishing her take on the standards of the American songbook, penning, along the way, a "musicography" of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
It was in The Inn On The Green that she first performed her Piaf show and she said: “Soon after, I found myself singing Piaf in Paris.
“The response was astounding and the novelty of Une Petite Piaf Ecossaise charmed the audience.
“After graduating, still determined to pursue a career in singing, I took a detour and entered the teaching profession.
“I spent the next few years in various Glasgow schools, teaching English and French. While managing to combine both careers for some time, it was only after taking up writing and recording my first solo album this year that I finally took the leap and left teaching altogether.
"I had become so used to the security of the pay check, and I loved the many challenges and rewards of teaching teenagers, but knew that it was now or never. I could not give a music career my all if I were still to commit to the day job.
“My restlessness and frustration pushed me off the ledge, and so, here I am, out there - singing, writing, playing - and loving every moment!!!
“Former pupils are now contacting me online, looking for tickets!?
The response in a short time has been so encouraging that I know I have taken the right path - the only path for me!"
ROSIE ON FRINGE STAGE
Rosie Nimmo was advised by her supervisor to get more balance into her life so she started singing.
That helped the Edinburgh-based therapist cope with stress while working with young people who suffered sexual abuse.
A voice coach then heard Rosie and told her to take her singing career further. She joined a blues and rock band.
The rest is history. Now, Rosie has her own band which appears at festivals all over Britain.
She also has two albums, the covers of which were self-designed, and Rosie is in demand.
She will provide the entertainment at the launch of the Edinburgh Book Festival for the second year running.
And the popular singer awaits word to see if one of her compositions will be used by VisitScotland in a TV commercial next year.
Multi-talented Rosie, a graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, has shown work at Edinburgh’s world-famous RSA.
And she fits her artistic work around her real job, providing adults with additional support.
All this is a far cry from nine years ago when her stage career began.
Rosie said: “I sang all of the time, even at karaoke events. Friends suggested I did more singing and it was when I met my supervisor that things started to happen.
“I told her that I would love to develop my singing as it brought great joy and she knew a voice coach who told me that I had a voice worth doing something with.
“With her encouragement, I joined a blues and rock band but left a year later to start up my own blues, rock and soul band, Rosy Blue, with a friend from work.”
The friend was Stuart Allardyce and he and Rosie have developed the band which plays every year in the Dundee Blues Bonanza.
They also appeared at last year’s Maryport Blues Festival and are regulars at local venues in and around Scotland’s Capital.
Last weekend, they were involved in Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Rosie said: “In the last few years I’ve started to write my own songs based on personal experience and observations.
“We’ve now produced two albums which have been played on several national BBC radio shows and I’m waiting to hear if a track will be used by VisitScotland in their television advertising next year.”
So, where can you see Rosie at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010? The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s on August 16.
That helped the Edinburgh-based therapist cope with stress while working with young people who suffered sexual abuse.
A voice coach then heard Rosie and told her to take her singing career further. She joined a blues and rock band.
The rest is history. Now, Rosie has her own band which appears at festivals all over Britain.
She also has two albums, the covers of which were self-designed, and Rosie is in demand.
She will provide the entertainment at the launch of the Edinburgh Book Festival for the second year running.
And the popular singer awaits word to see if one of her compositions will be used by VisitScotland in a TV commercial next year.
Multi-talented Rosie, a graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, has shown work at Edinburgh’s world-famous RSA.
And she fits her artistic work around her real job, providing adults with additional support.
All this is a far cry from nine years ago when her stage career began.
Rosie said: “I sang all of the time, even at karaoke events. Friends suggested I did more singing and it was when I met my supervisor that things started to happen.
“I told her that I would love to develop my singing as it brought great joy and she knew a voice coach who told me that I had a voice worth doing something with.
“With her encouragement, I joined a blues and rock band but left a year later to start up my own blues, rock and soul band, Rosy Blue, with a friend from work.”
The friend was Stuart Allardyce and he and Rosie have developed the band which plays every year in the Dundee Blues Bonanza.
They also appeared at last year’s Maryport Blues Festival and are regulars at local venues in and around Scotland’s Capital.
Last weekend, they were involved in Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Rosie said: “In the last few years I’ve started to write my own songs based on personal experience and observations.
“We’ve now produced two albums which have been played on several national BBC radio shows and I’m waiting to hear if a track will be used by VisitScotland in their television advertising next year.”
So, where can you see Rosie at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010? The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s on August 16.
MODEL CHLOE IN TUNE FOR FRINGE
ST ANDREWS University student and part-time model Chloe Matharu makes her Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut at 19 – and is set for a big future both on and off stage.
The Edinburgh-born singer is studying molecular biology and Italian at university but is booked into The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s from August 23 to 25 (18:30).
Chloe, who has recently recorded her debut album, Next Market Day, which will be released on her own label in October, has cultural roots in Scotland, Wales and India.
She said: “I consider myself lucky to have grown up in a city as diverse as Edinburgh with such a vibrant traditional music scene.
“I can’t remember a time when I was not singing. I sang in choirs and at school. My family would never consider themselves as musical, but someone was always singing around the house.
“My mother has a lovely voice and used to teach us songs a lot as children.
“Although I always loved singing folk songs, my passion for performing traditional music was only truly fired when I began practising an unaccompanied folk ballad when I was preparing for a school exam.
“It was incredibly liberating to be able to share the song with the audience in my own time, without any support from instruments, and watch their reaction as the story unfolded.
“I was completely hooked by the combination of story and music. It’s the element of timelessness that captured my imagination. Each song you learn has its own history.”
Chloe was hugely influenced by the Folk Revival of the 1960’s and ‘70’s. She said: “The atmosphere caught in recordings and videos of these artists, particularly Pentangle, paint a vivid picture for me.
“I was struck with the sweetness and purity. Writing my own songs, I look to song writers from this period for inspiration, such as Shelagh MacDonald, Anne Briggs and Sandy Denny.
“There are also many contemporary Scottish singers that influence me in their performance style. Singers such as Julie Fowlis and the singer from Edinburgh, Katie Targett-Adams. They are just brilliant to watch at their concerts, they grace the stage.”
She added: “Many people are curious as to how I can claim cultural roots in Scotland, Wales and India.
“My mother is from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and I spend a lot of time there.
“I view South West Wales as my second home. My father’s family come from the Punjab, Northern India. I consider places and eras in time very important and I love hearing the stories older relatives tell me about their youth.
“Stories played a huge role in my childhood; my grandmother is from Greenock and brought us up on stories of her life there during the War. “The stories that people share with you in obscure moments, perhaps the first and last time they will share that experience with someone, are very precious. It’s these stories that illustrate the lifestyle and living conditions of certain time periods and should be acknowledged with the right spirit and passed on.
“At the moment I am studying Molecular Biology and Italian at the University of St Andrews but singing is my passion and I travel to perform at concerts in between studies.
“I’m enjoying university life. St Andrews is a small town with a fantastic vibe and there are many students from overseas, which I love. It’s great to have so much diversity in one town.
“Being next to the sea is very important for me and I was considering joining the Navy for a while.
“Going swimming in all weathers is a way I keep active. This year I took my first dip in St Andrews in February. I don’t use a wetsuit since I think it’s healthier to get your body to cope with the cold sometimes.
“It’s important to do sport and this year I have been enjoying fencing and yoga at university.
“I plan to take up golf and also to get more involved with Amnesty International, which I was really involved with at school, when I return. “This summer I have started Pilates which I will definitely be continuing in my spare time.
“At the beginning of my summer break I was asked to help promote the fashion range from the Scottish Textile House ANTA and have also been approached by Thistle and Broom who I look forward to modeling for.
I chose to study biology because I am fascinated by plant science and so was considering doing a postgraduate in that or something related to agriculture after I finish at university.
“However there is nothing I love more than singing, which will always take priority. I really enjoy the opportunities that performing brings, traveling and meeting new people.”
Incidentally, her new album was recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, and features the playing of Ewan MacPherson on guitar, Lauren MacColl on fiddle and Ailig Hunter on double bass and sitar.
The Edinburgh-born singer is studying molecular biology and Italian at university but is booked into The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s from August 23 to 25 (18:30).
Chloe, who has recently recorded her debut album, Next Market Day, which will be released on her own label in October, has cultural roots in Scotland, Wales and India.
She said: “I consider myself lucky to have grown up in a city as diverse as Edinburgh with such a vibrant traditional music scene.
“I can’t remember a time when I was not singing. I sang in choirs and at school. My family would never consider themselves as musical, but someone was always singing around the house.
“My mother has a lovely voice and used to teach us songs a lot as children.
“Although I always loved singing folk songs, my passion for performing traditional music was only truly fired when I began practising an unaccompanied folk ballad when I was preparing for a school exam.
“It was incredibly liberating to be able to share the song with the audience in my own time, without any support from instruments, and watch their reaction as the story unfolded.
“I was completely hooked by the combination of story and music. It’s the element of timelessness that captured my imagination. Each song you learn has its own history.”
Chloe was hugely influenced by the Folk Revival of the 1960’s and ‘70’s. She said: “The atmosphere caught in recordings and videos of these artists, particularly Pentangle, paint a vivid picture for me.
“I was struck with the sweetness and purity. Writing my own songs, I look to song writers from this period for inspiration, such as Shelagh MacDonald, Anne Briggs and Sandy Denny.
“There are also many contemporary Scottish singers that influence me in their performance style. Singers such as Julie Fowlis and the singer from Edinburgh, Katie Targett-Adams. They are just brilliant to watch at their concerts, they grace the stage.”
She added: “Many people are curious as to how I can claim cultural roots in Scotland, Wales and India.
“My mother is from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and I spend a lot of time there.
“I view South West Wales as my second home. My father’s family come from the Punjab, Northern India. I consider places and eras in time very important and I love hearing the stories older relatives tell me about their youth.
“Stories played a huge role in my childhood; my grandmother is from Greenock and brought us up on stories of her life there during the War. “The stories that people share with you in obscure moments, perhaps the first and last time they will share that experience with someone, are very precious. It’s these stories that illustrate the lifestyle and living conditions of certain time periods and should be acknowledged with the right spirit and passed on.
“At the moment I am studying Molecular Biology and Italian at the University of St Andrews but singing is my passion and I travel to perform at concerts in between studies.
“I’m enjoying university life. St Andrews is a small town with a fantastic vibe and there are many students from overseas, which I love. It’s great to have so much diversity in one town.
“Being next to the sea is very important for me and I was considering joining the Navy for a while.
“Going swimming in all weathers is a way I keep active. This year I took my first dip in St Andrews in February. I don’t use a wetsuit since I think it’s healthier to get your body to cope with the cold sometimes.
“It’s important to do sport and this year I have been enjoying fencing and yoga at university.
“I plan to take up golf and also to get more involved with Amnesty International, which I was really involved with at school, when I return. “This summer I have started Pilates which I will definitely be continuing in my spare time.
“At the beginning of my summer break I was asked to help promote the fashion range from the Scottish Textile House ANTA and have also been approached by Thistle and Broom who I look forward to modeling for.
I chose to study biology because I am fascinated by plant science and so was considering doing a postgraduate in that or something related to agriculture after I finish at university.
“However there is nothing I love more than singing, which will always take priority. I really enjoy the opportunities that performing brings, traveling and meeting new people.”
Incidentally, her new album was recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, and features the playing of Ewan MacPherson on guitar, Lauren MacColl on fiddle and Ailig Hunter on double bass and sitar.
"CHAUCER" COMES TO FRINGE
PETE Morton has switched from being a punk rocker into a medieval travelling troubadour.
The Leicestershire-born performer, who has also toured Europe as a busker, brings his self-penned work on Geoffrey Chaucer, sometimes referred to as the father of English literature, to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Pete, now 46, was born in Leicestershire, first started performing when he was three by singing his little sister to sleep.
He progressed to a church choir and then punk with two school bands.
Then he discovered folk songs at 16 when he left school and went solo.
He said: "I became a busker and travelled around Europe until I was 22 then came back to play in folk clubs.
"I then toured around the world, mainly solo. I then toured around the world, mainly solo.”
Since an earlier appearance in Edinburgh in 1990 when he appeared with Urban Folk (Roger Wilson, Simon Edwards) in a notable Folk Festival concert, songwriter Pete has worked hard at his craft.
He is now rated as one of the best British songwriters of the 21st century with an expressive voice exactly right for his material.
He added: “My recent projects have been an album of songs in different languages and the development of Geoff Chaucer Junior, a medieval bard which I'm bringing to the Fringe.
"I claim to be the son of Geoffrey Chaucer and the inventor of rock n roll."
*For the record: Wikipedia says: "Geoffrey Chaucer was an English author, poet, philosopher, bureaucrat, courtier and diplomat.
"Although he wrote many works, he is best remembered for his unfinished frame narrative The Canterbury Tales.
"Sometimes called the father of English literature, Chaucer is credited by
some scholars as the first author to demonstrate the artistic legitimacy of
the vernacular Middle English, rather than French or Latin."
Pete, or rather "Geoffrey Chaucer Jnr", appears at The Acoustic Music Festival at St Bride's on August 26, 27 and 28.
The Leicestershire-born performer, who has also toured Europe as a busker, brings his self-penned work on Geoffrey Chaucer, sometimes referred to as the father of English literature, to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Pete, now 46, was born in Leicestershire, first started performing when he was three by singing his little sister to sleep.
He progressed to a church choir and then punk with two school bands.
Then he discovered folk songs at 16 when he left school and went solo.
He said: "I became a busker and travelled around Europe until I was 22 then came back to play in folk clubs.
"I then toured around the world, mainly solo. I then toured around the world, mainly solo.”
Since an earlier appearance in Edinburgh in 1990 when he appeared with Urban Folk (Roger Wilson, Simon Edwards) in a notable Folk Festival concert, songwriter Pete has worked hard at his craft.
He is now rated as one of the best British songwriters of the 21st century with an expressive voice exactly right for his material.
He added: “My recent projects have been an album of songs in different languages and the development of Geoff Chaucer Junior, a medieval bard which I'm bringing to the Fringe.
"I claim to be the son of Geoffrey Chaucer and the inventor of rock n roll."
*For the record: Wikipedia says: "Geoffrey Chaucer was an English author, poet, philosopher, bureaucrat, courtier and diplomat.
"Although he wrote many works, he is best remembered for his unfinished frame narrative The Canterbury Tales.
"Sometimes called the father of English literature, Chaucer is credited by
some scholars as the first author to demonstrate the artistic legitimacy of
the vernacular Middle English, rather than French or Latin."
Pete, or rather "Geoffrey Chaucer Jnr", appears at The Acoustic Music Festival at St Bride's on August 26, 27 and 28.
MINISTER BACKING FOR RECKLESS ANGELS
SHARON King and the Reckless Angels now have Government approval – and it’s official.
Jim Mather, Scottish Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, met the band in Glenuig recently while on their recent West Coast tour.
And the MP for Argyll and Bute told them: "You really are a national treasure....you and Chopin are my favourites for listening.”
Sharon King (songwriting, guitar and vocals), Daisy Costello ( cello and backing vocals), Luke Plumb (mandolin) and Jenni Hopwood (backing vocals) appear at the Acoustic Music Centre at St Bride’s on Saturday, August 21 (8pm).
Sharon said: “Jim met us recently and we thank him for the quote.
“He is very keen to promote us abroad as a modern face of the contemporary Scottish music scene and took away a load of postcards and business cards with him to take to America. All very exciting.
“We are in the back room at St Bride’s, which is a lovely, wee intimate venue, seating only 50.
“We would love to see you there and hope, during the busy Festival period, you can take the time to support us.”
Jim Mather, Scottish Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, met the band in Glenuig recently while on their recent West Coast tour.
And the MP for Argyll and Bute told them: "You really are a national treasure....you and Chopin are my favourites for listening.”
Sharon King (songwriting, guitar and vocals), Daisy Costello ( cello and backing vocals), Luke Plumb (mandolin) and Jenni Hopwood (backing vocals) appear at the Acoustic Music Centre at St Bride’s on Saturday, August 21 (8pm).
Sharon said: “Jim met us recently and we thank him for the quote.
“He is very keen to promote us abroad as a modern face of the contemporary Scottish music scene and took away a load of postcards and business cards with him to take to America. All very exciting.
“We are in the back room at St Bride’s, which is a lovely, wee intimate venue, seating only 50.
“We would love to see you there and hope, during the busy Festival period, you can take the time to support us.”
WORLD PREMIER FOR ST BRIDE'S
SCOTS-BORN BROCKIE FRONTS WORLD GUITAR PREMIERE
HOLLYWOOD glitz comes to the Acoustic Music Centre (AMC) @ St Bride’s from August 16 with Scots guitarist Ged Brockie playing a leading role. He is masterminding and performing the première of Dundee-born Bruce Hebenton-Graham’s Guitar Concerto #1 conducted by two-time Emmy award-winning Hummie Mann.
Edinburgh-based Ged is one of Scotland’s
finest jazz guitarists and has gained an international reputation.
Ged is recognised as a performer, composer and educator and his work has taken him across Europe
and to the west coast of America. The respected musician is a member of the hugely-popular
Scottish Guitar Quartet (SGQ), a fit that complements his own critically acclaimed solo albums and
performances. The SGQ have redefined the music normally associated with acoustic guitar
ensembles and Ged is a principal writer.
His unique and powerful compositional voice has led to the use of his work in many media and
educational works as well as several films. These include a commission for music for Images of the
Scottish Parliament, a seven-minute film for the Scottish Government.
It is his latest project which is set to hit the headlines at The 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Ged will perform Guitar Concerto #1. Five performances will take place at the AMC with some of
the finest classical musicians Scotland has to offer as part of a 21-piece chamber orchestra.
Ged said: “The music of Bruce Hebenton-Graham is a glorious meld of diverse musical genres that
the composer has crafted into five movements that will enthral all who hear it.
”The orchestra will be conducted by composer, orchestrator and conductor Hummie Mann.
”As part of the series of concerts, one performance will be given over to a recording, both audio and
visual, which will form the centrepiece of a DVD production.
“The DVD will also include interviews with the composer and his work plus Hummie and various
members of the team.”
Ged added: “The AMC has been chosen to host the event as it is the true home of all things
acoustic, either music or instruments, at The Fringe. ”This is, without doubt, the largest musical
offering to date from the AMC and we believe this could be the first ever world première of a new
guitar concerto at The Fringe.”
*The dates for the concerts are August 16, 17, 19, 22, 23 at 7.15pm. The concerts last for 75
minutes.
Nexus Digital Media is the main sponsor and will film one performance for a planned DVD. The
sponsorship has attracted a New Arts Sponsorship grant - funded by the Scottish Government and
delivered by Arts & Business Scotland. The grants provide match funding for new arts sponsors,
doubling their sponsorship benefits.
Guitar Concerto web site address: http://www.edinburghfringeguitarconcerto.com
Nexus Digital Media web site address: http://www.nexusdigitalmedia.tv/
Arts & Business Scotland web site address: http://www.artsandbusiness.org.uk
HOLLYWOOD glitz comes to the Acoustic Music Centre (AMC) @ St Bride’s from August 16 with Scots guitarist Ged Brockie playing a leading role. He is masterminding and performing the première of Dundee-born Bruce Hebenton-Graham’s Guitar Concerto #1 conducted by two-time Emmy award-winning Hummie Mann.
Edinburgh-based Ged is one of Scotland’s
finest jazz guitarists and has gained an international reputation.
Ged is recognised as a performer, composer and educator and his work has taken him across Europe
and to the west coast of America. The respected musician is a member of the hugely-popular
Scottish Guitar Quartet (SGQ), a fit that complements his own critically acclaimed solo albums and
performances. The SGQ have redefined the music normally associated with acoustic guitar
ensembles and Ged is a principal writer.
His unique and powerful compositional voice has led to the use of his work in many media and
educational works as well as several films. These include a commission for music for Images of the
Scottish Parliament, a seven-minute film for the Scottish Government.
It is his latest project which is set to hit the headlines at The 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Ged will perform Guitar Concerto #1. Five performances will take place at the AMC with some of
the finest classical musicians Scotland has to offer as part of a 21-piece chamber orchestra.
Ged said: “The music of Bruce Hebenton-Graham is a glorious meld of diverse musical genres that
the composer has crafted into five movements that will enthral all who hear it.
”The orchestra will be conducted by composer, orchestrator and conductor Hummie Mann.
”As part of the series of concerts, one performance will be given over to a recording, both audio and
visual, which will form the centrepiece of a DVD production.
“The DVD will also include interviews with the composer and his work plus Hummie and various
members of the team.”
Ged added: “The AMC has been chosen to host the event as it is the true home of all things
acoustic, either music or instruments, at The Fringe. ”This is, without doubt, the largest musical
offering to date from the AMC and we believe this could be the first ever world première of a new
guitar concerto at The Fringe.”
*The dates for the concerts are August 16, 17, 19, 22, 23 at 7.15pm. The concerts last for 75
minutes.
Nexus Digital Media is the main sponsor and will film one performance for a planned DVD. The
sponsorship has attracted a New Arts Sponsorship grant - funded by the Scottish Government and
delivered by Arts & Business Scotland. The grants provide match funding for new arts sponsors,
doubling their sponsorship benefits.
Guitar Concerto web site address: http://www.edinburghfringeguitarconcerto.com
Nexus Digital Media web site address: http://www.nexusdigitalmedia.tv/
Arts & Business Scotland web site address: http://www.artsandbusiness.org.uk
TOXIC TRIBUTE TO TOM
SCOTTISH climber, author, broadcaster, photographer and environmentalist Tom Weir is remembered on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The Springburn, Glasgow-born personality, was part of the post-war Himalayan expedition, and in 1952, was one of the first to explore the previously closed mountains of Nepal, east of Kathmandu. Mr Weir died aged 95 in 2006.
Lothians-based songwriter Sandy Wright and his Toxic Cowboys perform Sandy’s song about Weir, whose older sister Molly was a well-known Scottish actress, during their set at The Acoustic Music Centre, St Bride’s to August 29 (11:00).
The popular group launch their biggest ever nationwide tour after their extended run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The band are drawn from Orkney, Forfar and Edinburgh and will feature songs from their recently-released, acclaimed album, The Songs of Sandy Wright, during their Fringe gig.
An appearance at the city’s Corn Exchange with Eddie Reader and Chris Dreever follows in January before by the 15-city tour of Britain including Liverpool and London.
The band includes: Edinburgh-based Ian Stoddart who appeared in the celebrated film released in 2000 called “Chocolat” playing saucepans for Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp.
Orkney-born Sarah MacFadyen is the fiddle player with Dave Rattray from Forfar – a content marketing specialist by day – on guitar.
Joel Sanderson from Edinburgh is on bass and cello while multi-instrumentalist Sandy Wright from Gorebridge, Midlothian, completes the band.
Sandy was given his first recording contract when he was 59 and he was nominated in the 2009 Scottish Trad Awards.
Sandy said: “My song about Tom was performed by the band Aberfeldy and he was a huge name in Scotland through his TV show Weir’s Way.
“His sister, Molly, was also a TV personality and Tom was accomplished in so many areas.
“He was an environmentalist and won the John Muir Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of that and it is only fitting that he is remembered on the world stage.”
The Springburn, Glasgow-born personality, was part of the post-war Himalayan expedition, and in 1952, was one of the first to explore the previously closed mountains of Nepal, east of Kathmandu. Mr Weir died aged 95 in 2006.
Lothians-based songwriter Sandy Wright and his Toxic Cowboys perform Sandy’s song about Weir, whose older sister Molly was a well-known Scottish actress, during their set at The Acoustic Music Centre, St Bride’s to August 29 (11:00).
The popular group launch their biggest ever nationwide tour after their extended run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The band are drawn from Orkney, Forfar and Edinburgh and will feature songs from their recently-released, acclaimed album, The Songs of Sandy Wright, during their Fringe gig.
An appearance at the city’s Corn Exchange with Eddie Reader and Chris Dreever follows in January before by the 15-city tour of Britain including Liverpool and London.
The band includes: Edinburgh-based Ian Stoddart who appeared in the celebrated film released in 2000 called “Chocolat” playing saucepans for Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp.
Orkney-born Sarah MacFadyen is the fiddle player with Dave Rattray from Forfar – a content marketing specialist by day – on guitar.
Joel Sanderson from Edinburgh is on bass and cello while multi-instrumentalist Sandy Wright from Gorebridge, Midlothian, completes the band.
Sandy was given his first recording contract when he was 59 and he was nominated in the 2009 Scottish Trad Awards.
Sandy said: “My song about Tom was performed by the band Aberfeldy and he was a huge name in Scotland through his TV show Weir’s Way.
“His sister, Molly, was also a TV personality and Tom was accomplished in so many areas.
“He was an environmentalist and won the John Muir Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of that and it is only fitting that he is remembered on the world stage.”
LINCORNE DEBUT AT FRINGE
LINCORNE AT THE AMC: August 14 and 15 (5pm)
Lincorne make their Fringe Festival debut tonight (SAT) and it is only the second second time the Spanish Group has played in Scotland.
Two years ago, Lincorne played gigs in the Highlands but they now have a two-night stand at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s.
The group mix the vibrancy of Latin America with the melodies of their Galician roots.
Santiago de Compostela were a trio three years ago, guitar, pipes and flute and a year ago they became a quintet by adding nikelharp and fiddle.
Most members of Lincorne started playing in Galician traditional bagpipe bands and in traditional folk bands like Os Estalotes and A Quenlla. They are all school teachers.
They come from the four provinces of Galiza and they are all native Galician speakers. However, nowadays most of them live in or near Santiago de Compostela where it's easy to find them in the sessions of that city.
Lincorne are:
Gonzalo Goás: guitar and vocals. He comes from Abadin (Lugo). He started playing guitar with the famous folk Galician band A Quenlla and afterwards he has also participated in Xúa and collaborated with other Galician musicians like Davide Salvado (singer) and Carlos Freire (percussionist). He is a music teacher.
Xacobe Varela: Bagpipes and vocals.He comes from Ourense. He has been playing the bagpipes since he was a young boy. He started playing in folk traditional groups where he learned Galician traditional music and songs. For several years he played in Os Estalotes, a very well-known session band in Santiago de Compostela. He is a primary school teacher.
Xan Aparicio: nikelharp. He comes from Verín (Ourense). He also started playing Galician bagpipes and whistle in several bands. Some years ago he decided to learn to play the nikelharp. He is the first Galician musician to interpret Galician music with the nikelharp. He is a primary school teacher.
María García: violin. She comes from Lalin (Pontevedra). She is classically trained and played in the Galician Youth Orchestra. Some years ago she became interested in folk music. She also played in folk-rock bands such as Motor Perkins. She is a music teacher.
Xabier Agra: Flute and vocals. He comes from Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña). He also played in Os Estalotes for some years. He lived in Ireland for two years where he learned Irish music and played with the Glens of Antrim Comhaltas. He is a secondary school teacher.
Lincorne make their Fringe Festival debut tonight (SAT) and it is only the second second time the Spanish Group has played in Scotland.
Two years ago, Lincorne played gigs in the Highlands but they now have a two-night stand at The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s.
The group mix the vibrancy of Latin America with the melodies of their Galician roots.
Santiago de Compostela were a trio three years ago, guitar, pipes and flute and a year ago they became a quintet by adding nikelharp and fiddle.
Most members of Lincorne started playing in Galician traditional bagpipe bands and in traditional folk bands like Os Estalotes and A Quenlla. They are all school teachers.
They come from the four provinces of Galiza and they are all native Galician speakers. However, nowadays most of them live in or near Santiago de Compostela where it's easy to find them in the sessions of that city.
Lincorne are:
Gonzalo Goás: guitar and vocals. He comes from Abadin (Lugo). He started playing guitar with the famous folk Galician band A Quenlla and afterwards he has also participated in Xúa and collaborated with other Galician musicians like Davide Salvado (singer) and Carlos Freire (percussionist). He is a music teacher.
Xacobe Varela: Bagpipes and vocals.He comes from Ourense. He has been playing the bagpipes since he was a young boy. He started playing in folk traditional groups where he learned Galician traditional music and songs. For several years he played in Os Estalotes, a very well-known session band in Santiago de Compostela. He is a primary school teacher.
Xan Aparicio: nikelharp. He comes from Verín (Ourense). He also started playing Galician bagpipes and whistle in several bands. Some years ago he decided to learn to play the nikelharp. He is the first Galician musician to interpret Galician music with the nikelharp. He is a primary school teacher.
María García: violin. She comes from Lalin (Pontevedra). She is classically trained and played in the Galician Youth Orchestra. Some years ago she became interested in folk music. She also played in folk-rock bands such as Motor Perkins. She is a music teacher.
Xabier Agra: Flute and vocals. He comes from Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña). He also played in Os Estalotes for some years. He lived in Ireland for two years where he learned Irish music and played with the Glens of Antrim Comhaltas. He is a secondary school teacher.
"CHAUCER" COMES TO TOWN
"A Random History of Rock 'N' Roll in Middle English" by Geoff Chaucer Junior
Written and performed by Pete Morton, accompanied by Chris Parkinson
Venue No.123: The Acoustic Music Centre@ St Brides - 10 Orwell Terrace EH11 2DZ
Dates: 26th - 28th August
Times: 26th - 27th August - 6.00 pm; 28th August - 9.30 pm
After travelling the length and breadth of the English shires for hundreds of years, the "Trewe Kygne of Rocke 'n' Poppe" Geoff Chaucer Junior has finally wound up at the Edinburgh Fringe. Bringing with him his unique musical comedy of song and dance. Come and bear witness to the original versions of some of the most iconic pop and rock songs, delivered by the medieval bard himself. You thought you knew where your greatest hits collection came from? think again, let Geoff Junior give you the real story, you'll never listen in quite the same way again.
'A Piece of brilliance!'-Mardles Magazine
'A great dancer for radio'- BBC Leeds
'Brilliantly bonkers!' Raggalds Music Venue, Queensbury.
Pete Morton has been described ny FRoots Magazine as '..amongst the best the roots scene has produced in living memory', and by The Guardian as ' a revelation..' He has a wealth of great songs and is a dynamic performer respected on the folk and roots circuit throughout the world. Chris Parkinson is a highly acclaimed Accordion, Melodeon and Harmonica player who has worked with countless people on the folk scene and beyond, including Waterson/Carthy, Ralph McTell, and Billy Connolly.
Written and performed by Pete Morton, accompanied by Chris Parkinson
Venue No.123: The Acoustic Music Centre@ St Brides - 10 Orwell Terrace EH11 2DZ
Dates: 26th - 28th August
Times: 26th - 27th August - 6.00 pm; 28th August - 9.30 pm
After travelling the length and breadth of the English shires for hundreds of years, the "Trewe Kygne of Rocke 'n' Poppe" Geoff Chaucer Junior has finally wound up at the Edinburgh Fringe. Bringing with him his unique musical comedy of song and dance. Come and bear witness to the original versions of some of the most iconic pop and rock songs, delivered by the medieval bard himself. You thought you knew where your greatest hits collection came from? think again, let Geoff Junior give you the real story, you'll never listen in quite the same way again.
'A Piece of brilliance!'-Mardles Magazine
'A great dancer for radio'- BBC Leeds
'Brilliantly bonkers!' Raggalds Music Venue, Queensbury.
Pete Morton has been described ny FRoots Magazine as '..amongst the best the roots scene has produced in living memory', and by The Guardian as ' a revelation..' He has a wealth of great songs and is a dynamic performer respected on the folk and roots circuit throughout the world. Chris Parkinson is a highly acclaimed Accordion, Melodeon and Harmonica player who has worked with countless people on the folk scene and beyond, including Waterson/Carthy, Ralph McTell, and Billy Connolly.
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