July1-3, 2011
1st session in a crowded pub.
Dude with his chopper.
Sporran, another of our Newcastleton roommates
Scottish bikers mean business.
We kept meeting, and finally got together with our instruments. This is what its all about. Chris Beveridge (Scotland), Caroline Bushby (Austrailia), and myself. (with strolling concertina player). Chris could instantly crank out any melody, Caroline is a master accompanist. It was nice to have it all covered, to keep it all together and still having one hand to swat at the midgies. There were other sessions nearby, and if someone knew the tune we were playing they would politely come over and join us without taking over, and then go back. It was so tasteful and heavenly. Welcome to Scotland for sure! Its all about the music.
Prince Charles-don't let the cuteness fool you, this dude is a gigalo
Jammin with Caroline
May and Paul joined us for a bunch of tunes. OMG they were awesome. They live in Stirling, and offered me a place to sleep when I am nearby later in the trip. I just might take you up on that, but you will probably have to put up with some tunes!
There were also some serious and intense moments (like having to say good bye). Off to Edinburgh for the next adventure.
Newcastleton-jumping for joy at the intersection of This is Incredible & I love it Here.
As soon as we drove out of town, there was this llama, running like an eagle.
In a little town half way to Edinburgh we ended up on the wrong road coming off a roundabout. A mile or two out of town we still were not sure so we turned around and went back. We were stopped by the police yikes! I thought I was speeding. They said I was swerving and wanted to make sure I wast't drunk. I told them it was our second day in the country, we took a wrong turn, and I still have no idea what I was doing. "Ye havin' a wee bit 'o trouble drivin' on the left side"? They must have seen the harp (not in the case) laying across the back seat (buckled in with the seatbelt of course) and offered to give us a police escort back to town where they led us to the correct road and we were on our way
Cheyenne showing me how its done-we had a great lesson, working on ideas for playing interesting left hand rhythms and chord voicings to put with melodies that I had already learned. She also showed be a new tune and shared a hot tea with me. Lots to practice, but I learned a lot of things that I can start using right away.
Playing one of Cheyenne's historical harps.
Thank you Cheyenne!
The ruins Mugdock Castle, north of Glasgow-our first Scottish castle, dating back to the 1300's. A lot of serious stuff went down here over the centuries.
Nice blog Mike. I love how you are just putting yourself out there, having fun and meeting people. Is that a Webster McFall harp. Steve
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