January 1st has now come and gone and I am still trying to catch up on Christmas correspondence plus visiting folk (first footing).
I joined a friend in Edinburgh to go to a Celtic Connect concert last Friday. I thought I was heading to a piping recital but it turned out to be a ceilidh, i.e. Bruce MacGregor's Gathering in the Pipers' Tryst.
Bruce, the host, explained how a 'ceilidh' is when everyone contributes something; it's not about talent or showmanship but everyone doing their party piece. This was definitely Iain's thing and we had a life of them one way or the other!
Lots of players and instruments were assembled: fiddles, pipes (large and small), accordion, keyboard, Gaelic singer and folk singer with guitar. It was very good (apart from my usual gripe(s): too much stuff being played making programme too long; everything amped up to a hundred thousand decibels; and the female folk singer too close to the mic.) Plus ca change.....! But it was all worth sitting through because....
For me the night was totally saved by a (very!) young (?16 year old?) Michael Lewis singing in his absolutely chocolatey, 'crooning' style. And on stage he just had it...i.e. presence. The applause reflected this; definitely a name to look out for!
https://www.facebook.com/ScottishHighlandsInverness/videos/1661736211244441/
If the link doesn't work this is the (screenshot) reference on Facebook.
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