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Not everything about the act of songwriting is all cuddly and cosy. There are times when the topic of a song is such that the act of considering it deeply enough to write several verses about it makes me feel distinctly out of sorts. This feeling is usually reinforced by whatever tune accompanies it which,…
Last week this day was my 60th (sixtieth) birthday. I am now sixty-and-one-fifty-secondth-years-old. The eve of my birthday was spent on vacation in Sicily with my family sitting in a humble trattoria near the sea in Palermo. After which, and by way of walking off much pasta and pizza, we went a-strolling along the shore.…
I was classically trained on guitar for a very short spell when I was very young – the only (but priceless) two benefits I got out of the experience was the ability to read music and to play fingerstyle. The biggest downside was I developed a loathing for classical guitar music which has lasted to…
In my 60th year I always keep a look out for wee niggles and aches that might be something could impinge on guitar playing. Well a couple of months ago I didn’t need to keep a look out. It slapped me right in the face – or in the neck to be precise. I “pulled…
I’ve read in an academic tome that folk songs and art songs should be considered as distinct. Not this but an interesting read, anyway: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_song I understand the reasoning to be that art songs are composed as intentional artistic works with formal consideration of form, structure, melody, harmony and accompaniment – whereas folk songs arise…
As a first part of what I hope will be a series of “hats-off” to friends who happen to be fine musicians, songwriters and entertainers whom I’ve met in the past couple of years since I’ve moved to Edinburgh, I think you will be entertained by the gifted Calum Carlyle. Calum is a fine player,…
I’m proud to announce the release today of my new CD, Good Grief! The CD and downloads can be purchased worldwide from CD Baby using the link at the side. Fast slow fast slow. As far as ordering songs on my records, I can’t get over the habit. I thought I’d try and avoid it…
Dougal, the enigmatic, often aloof, but highly respected record producer has today passed away. His faithful servant, Julie, was with him at the end. I had a last minute compering engagement to meet so I couldn’t be there. That will haunt me for some time. We are both heartbroken. We have both lost a mentor…
This received from one of my online distributors where I host and occasionally sell some of my songs and who offer promotional opportunities to artists. It caused me to deploy one of my large stock of well-practiced wry smiles: “Dave Keir, The promoter IMR Magazine has not accepted your submission for the campaign IMR Magazine…
I used to smile with disdain when I read about acoustic guitar players whose playing was being limited – or even stopped – by the onset of complaints that frequently afflict us oldies. I uncharitably thought that it was probably more to do with their technique and posture rather than any real handicap. I couldn’t…
