Its been quite a while since posting anything really, well except the frequent 140 character tweet, random Facebook post or mildly humorous youtube clip, so I thought it was about time I did a proper catch up. This is really for me to mark time, and simply take stock, but its cool if you’re interested too.
So, I’ve just returned from taking Amélie (now two and a half years old) for a wee walk around our neighbourhood and now enjoying the smell and taste of a 12 year old Highland Park complimented by warm string sounds on the fantastic new album ‘Lights in the Sky’ by Peter Gregson. Its a good time to post something.
// Commonwealth Games
Firstly, the Commonwealth Games have now left the wonderfully proud city of Glasgow. What an excellent time we had. We were lucky enough to catch the rhythmic gymnastics on day one, and then see my good friend and colleague Louise Mather compete for Team Scotland in the weightlifting. Over the two weeks of the games being hosted here, we managed to get out to see loads of great events during the festival that surrounded the sporting events. We visited the newly refurbished Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow Green, and some events further out in the city. Some of the best bits were; Remember Remember, Rachel Sermanni, James Grant, Commonwealth Youth Dance Festival, James Yorkston, Errors, and Admiral Fallow. And all for free.
// Music Plus
Many of my closest friends and even family members often ask me that dreaded question everyone who works in music is terrified of, “So, what is it that you actually do?”
Over the last year, I’ve been more involved in the national music mentoring project that I work on as a coordinator. Through hiring someone else to take on most of the admin side of the project, it has allowed me more time to do some of the actual mentoring, and throughout the year I’ve come to realise that its that part of the job that I love the most. Hearing the music and ambitions of young people becoming something. Offering advise and a helping hand. Listening to problems and difficulties whether music related or not. Its been a great time of learning for me as well as the talented young people I work with. I have the unique opportunity in my job to programme some excellent events and workshops and have the privilege to have met and worked with some wonderful people throughout the last few years of doing it.
“So, what is it that you actually do?”, Did I not answer it?
// Two Men on a Boat
Another piece of work I am proud of taking part in was the recent album by Findlay Napier and Chris Sherburn. I was asked by Findlay if I would be able to design the artwork for the album, and the theme was all based around a boat, well the album is called ‘Two Men on a Boat’, so I used the photography they had from the recording sessions and turned it around for them. I was proud to see the final result, and the album is great too.
// A Beard?
Yes, I had given into the trend and decided to grow a beard. A belter you might say. It didn’t go down as well as expected with family and friends, Joni didn’t mind it, Amélie liked it i think, and I loved it. So its off just now for the summer holiday to Kefalos in Kos we are preparing for, but I’m sure it will be back in time for winter. It turns out I shave more when I have a beard too, mainly to keep it tidy and be absolutely sure that people understand that its a BEARD, and i’ve not just been lazy with my shaving routine.
// Two Wheels
Lastly, I’m still keeping up with cycling to work everyday, its a 15 mile commute (return) so it keeps me fit and saves me a fortune on bus fares. I also love the way cycling makes me feel, I have more energy, I can go at my own pace, I feel the sun on my face and the rain on my back. Also, over the last few months I’ve been exceptionally lucky. I’ve won a track pump from the Glasgow Bike Station, and a Tokyo Bike. Both are very handy.
Well, nearly lastly. . We’ve also started listening to vinyl at home. I can highly recommend it, it keeps you in the same room and forces you to listen and not watch TV or skip tracks on your CD or iPod. I’ve also began reading a great book on the early days of soul called ‘Sweet Soul Music’ by Peter Guralnick. We’ve also been really enjoying the TV series of Fargo.
Oh, and I’m voting YES in the Independence Referendum.
Until we meet again. . .
Bubblebeach 