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(Nightshift) Nightshift can be quiet at times. (Tumbleweed tumbles…). but on the last weekend of the Glasgow Fair, well I am considering writing to the Guiness book of records to see if it might be the quietest shift ever worked? Of course there is always admin, notes, records, updates, but after 6 previous equally quietContinue reading “It’s a Dog’s Life…”

The suggestion is often made that I should “add ‘that’, as a new verse to the song…” with “the song” of course being Ballad of Lucky Dog, and “that” being some recent mishap or near death experience. It is, in a way, very heartening to feel that I have written (at least!) one song thatContinue reading “It’s a Dog’s Life…”

(Dalmally) When I first went to Dalmally, or properly Croitchuarain (although the tin shack will always be “Dalmally” to me), the first number of my age was a “2”. I returned there this weekend for it’s 100th anniversary, not, in fact, of it’s building, but of it passing into the hands of brother Berts family.Continue reading “It’s a Dog’s Life…”

(Composing) I’ve been threatening to present something musical for, well it seems like a long time. I get asked occasionally how I write (songs)? and the answer is, I have no one set method. Generally, but not exclusively, lyrics are first, and sometimes that can be a random phrase that just “feels” promising. Of courseContinue reading “It’s a Dog’s Life…”

(punctured) Napoleon said (reputedly), ” With a new Army, it is possible to take a formidable position, but not, to carry out a complicated manouver” I’d like to say a big “thank-you” to all the hugely generous donors who supported my son Ben, on yesterdays fund raising event. He and his two compadres set offContinue reading “It’s a Dog’s Life…”

(Slept in) Famously, I wake up in full colour with the volume on, (or infamously, if you slept on a couch in one of my many student bedsits). According to myth and legend, I can banter across the dark, and pick up a conversation at the very point where someone fell asleep, the moment myContinue reading “It’s a Dogs Life…”

10 bands to do 100 songs for 100 years, that’s the stated goal. It’s been 100 years since “the old Dalmally Hoose” came into the ownership of Bert’s clan, and so they’re having a family celebration, with music, live music, live music played by a whole variety of acts. Apparently. Astute readers will notice howContinue reading “It’s a Dog’s Life…”

Well I have indeed had my guitar back in my hands these last days…although hitting it with rocks doesn’t seem to produce the sounds I remember. Perhaps I’m doing it wrong? I will doubtless have the opportunity to find out tomorrow in rehersal (What song? …What key?….. Who are you again?). Impending performance (more anon)Continue reading “It’s a Dog’s Life….”

Time. Mostly this just flows by unnoticed, unremarked, with no recognition of any lessening of the tide ahead, nor any appreciation of the growing depth behind. Sometimes a major anniversary can bring a pause of reflection, sometimes a chance comment or event lends a stark focus. It’s car insurance renewal, and due to previous eyeContinue reading “It’s a Dog’s Life…”

Never so apt a title as when I’m on right-through-the-night shifts, and the sun is blazing and it’s hot (in May! In Scotland!- two years ago there was still snow!*) when I’m trying to sleep. There are additional hazards; as the good weather inevitably encourages the “top down” drivers to play their music at volumeContinue reading “It’s Dog’s Life…”