The stalwart readers will recall that I am currently residing in Edinburgh with the father. Something to do with broken paws... (it will be all change again as head back to the Hutch on Sunday and to the fracture clinic on Monday. Hmmmm.)
Moving on. Last Saturday, Father, Neighbour M and I poshed ourselves up a bit as we had a preset date for the Queen's Hall. It was organised a couple of months back. A concert with Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, two of Scotland's finest trad musicians. Anyone who knows anything about Celtic music will know of these two players. They each had individual careers, but their duo has endured 32 years of almost constant touring together, with no sign of retiring. They don't just play with great virtuosity, they are also great raconteurs and regaled us with many a fine reminisce about life on tour, ageing, fellow musicians...
Now, it has to be said that as the Parkinson's has advanced, the father has been less and less inclined to venture through his front door, so this was a big occasion in the Mac household. The fact he actively engaged in the concert with laughter and clapping and didn't fall asleep, speaks volumes to the fun that was had!
The best way to give you an impression of the experience is to provide an example. This was from ten years ago, but they are consistent, these boys. We too had a Fergie MacDonald anecdote albeit a different one and different tune. Our sound quality was rather better too. If you enjoy this, you will find lots more on the tubular!!!
Moving on. Last Saturday, Father, Neighbour M and I poshed ourselves up a bit as we had a preset date for the Queen's Hall. It was organised a couple of months back. A concert with Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, two of Scotland's finest trad musicians. Anyone who knows anything about Celtic music will know of these two players. They each had individual careers, but their duo has endured 32 years of almost constant touring together, with no sign of retiring. They don't just play with great virtuosity, they are also great raconteurs and regaled us with many a fine reminisce about life on tour, ageing, fellow musicians...
Now, it has to be said that as the Parkinson's has advanced, the father has been less and less inclined to venture through his front door, so this was a big occasion in the Mac household. The fact he actively engaged in the concert with laughter and clapping and didn't fall asleep, speaks volumes to the fun that was had!
The best way to give you an impression of the experience is to provide an example. This was from ten years ago, but they are consistent, these boys. We too had a Fergie MacDonald anecdote albeit a different one and different tune. Our sound quality was rather better too. If you enjoy this, you will find lots more on the tubular!!!
We can totally see why your Dad was laughed and clapped at the performance of Aly and Phil - they were great!!! Although we don't really know much about Celtic music, we have always enjoyed listening to it, and this round was no exception. Thanks for sharing. All the best for your upcoming fracture clinic visit.
ReplyDeleteYou can guarantee a good evening with Phil and Aly, and it wouldn't be the same without a Fergie MacDonald anecdote! Phil has made some lovely TV programmes about the spread of Celtic music in Canada, the Appalachians and beyond. I wonder if any of these have reached your North American readers?
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
PS So glad you and your father enjoyed the show. You both deserve a jolly night out.
DeleteI am so happy that both you and Father had such a wonderful time!!!! My family comes from a Celtic tradition so I truly enjoy this music. I hope that your upcoming visit to the fracture clinic sets you free of the cast!
ReplyDeletelove it!!! and it is amazing that we have nearly the same folk songs here... brittany is the sister of great britain and not france, there we have it ;O)))
ReplyDeletedaddy was the same way with his parkinsons, as it progressed he stayed in more and more. I do love an Irish lilting accent, the talking even more than the music....
ReplyDeleteOoooooh I'm so glad I made it to it here to enjoy this amazing performance. I love folk music and am especially found of accordion music...I played it for about 3 years as a child. I'm so happy your Daddy enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
Such an entertaining duo! How nice it must have been for you and your Dad to get out and enjoy them!!
ReplyDeleteThey were fun. I liked the way the violinist did the voice of Mo! No wonder you liked the show if this is anything to go by.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have a date with dad!!!! Good luck Monday. We have Thanksgiving here. The kids are coming tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased the Dad was able to enjoy such a great time with you. namaste, janice xx
ReplyDelete