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(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…”

Well, I waited because I was having a scan for “Retinal myopathy” (sandard check for all new Diabetes diagnoses) yesterday afternoon, and that seemed like the kind of event that would have some upset or mishap to report. In fact it went smoothly without incident, – I even (bonus result) managed to acquire a pairContinue reading “It’s a Dog’s Life…”

Nightshift can be a surprising source of inspiration. Inevitably there are times where the burden of work dries up, and long empty hours can pass slowly, only broken by the radio, and the ocassional false emergency (taxi equivalent of a wrong number). Other times a lively conversation can spring up on unlikely topics (once –Continue reading “It’s a Dog’s Life…”

Sometimes I get a hold of a very silly idea, and it won’t let me go; Maybe it’s a film script, maybe a book, maybe something vaguely like this really took place. Opening scene; a car parks hurriedly outside a large and brightly lit building entrance (a hospital?), It’s probably night time and definitely raining.Continue reading “It’s a Dog’s LIfe…”