Some thoughts on the John Goldie gig

So, John Goldie then? He came, he saw and conquered.  He gave us a fabulous concert of music and anecdotes from his life on the road and left the Ceol audience desperate for more. The good news is he has promised to return. The bad news is that it won't be until next year...

John Goldie tells us why old Nashville side-men have long beards

It is very difficult to explain what exactly happened at the gig. John was so laid-back that he underwent the shortest soundcheck I have ever witnessed and then proceeded to provide us with an unparalleled musical education stretching from jazz standards via, Dolly Parton (9 to 5), The Stones (Honky Tonk Women), Tom Jones (It's Not Unusual) to Nashville, Motown (Heard it Through the Grapevine) and unusual hybrids (Summertime versus Green Onions!). We also had a close encounter with Smoke on the Water and an impromptu rendering of Postman Pat alongside some Blues, old and new. Most people take the chance to clear their throats between songs but John carelessly blurts out the introduction to Sweet Home Alabama as if it were a passing thought.

So, yes, it was that kind of night, a mixture of virtuosity and fun supported by some brilliant stories from the road delivered in a very humorous and self-effacing manner. Yet, the real musical highlights of the evening came from John's own pen - they were in turn, amusing, thrilling and poignant and straight out of the top drawer. Indeed, for many, his beautiful slow air, Here and Now, was the emotional highpoint of the night. Straight from the heart, simple and direct, it really struck home.

John Goldie  gives Honky Tonk Women some welly!

At the interval, a few members of the audience expressed doubts about the number of fingers John possessed on each hand, the highest estimate being 12! It was also instructive to see them file past him at the end just so as they could check. There was something right Campbeltown about that!

Sadly, all good things come to an end and the grumpy old Janny brought the curtain down on the night by showing everybody the door!

 A stunned John Goldie is usurped by Mr Jobsworth the Janitor

All in all, then another great night at Ceol, a winning combination of music and yarns delivered by one of Scotland's finest living musicians.  It is such a shame that the is better known in Europe, Asia and America than he is in his own native land. If you ever have the chance to see him live, grab it with both hands and don't let go!

A Word About Playlists

Now that we're on a semi-roll, as they say in Carradale, I'd better say a few words about playlists.

Firstly, I've had a few enquiries about the "walk-in" music played before, during and after the gigs, so I've decided to post the tracks and artistes names on the Blog for reference. Most of the music can be found on-line by sticking the names in the search engine of your favourite on-line music store but if something is proving elusive, give us a shout and hopefully we can help you find it.

So, here's the first playlist from the Alan Murphy/Chris Adams & George Tucker gigs.....

......and here's the one from the Steve Daggett night:

                                             

Also, just to finish this off for now we have another playlist in The Ardshiel which features music by artistes who are due to play at Ceol. The idea behind this playlist is to provide a gentle reminder of or even an introduction to the artistes' work. A copy of this playlist is kept behind the bar so if anything happens to catch your ear while you are indulging in quiet drink or even when you are at your dinner, please don't be shy about asking to see it. I shall post the Ardshiel playlists on the Blog as time allows........

New Live Music Venue Ceol launches in Campbeltown

Ceol is a new live music venture situated in the famous seaport of Campbeltown on Scotland’s historic Kintyre peninsula.   Events are shared across two locations at the neighbouring Seafield and Ardshiel Hotels and fantastic accommodation packages and meal deals are on offer at the hotels for every gig.  As if that wasn’t enough, we should also mention that the Ardshiel has over 450 malt whiskies on display and the expertise of the proprietors, Flora and Marion, on hand to answer any of your questions about the collection.  For information on accommodation packages please email info@ardshiel.co.uk or call 01586 552133 (+44 1586 552133). Visit www.ceolcampbeltown.com

Ceol is a “must- visit” experience for genuine music lovers and a “must-play” stage for the finest musicians across the genres.  Whether they are troubadours, exponents of blues, jazz, rock, folk or Americana music, Ceol is the place for them to be seen and heard in Kintyre.Many of our headliners will be well known and of international standing, others less so. However, the one thing we can guarantee is that the quality of the music will always shine through. With new sea and air links to Campbeltown offering an alternative to driving here, there has never been a better time to book that special mid-week/weekend musical break. Oh, and if the gigs aren’t enough we can organise additional activities to fill the rest of your time with us. From whisky heritage tours to golf, windsurfing, ecotourism (by land and sea) walking and cycling etc., Campbeltown and the surrounding area has it all.  If you want to find out more, visit Campbeltown or send us an email at Ceol. 

Alan Murphy Who Will Be Appearing At Ceol on Friday 12th July BUY TICKETS