Canon's Gait

I played at the Canon's Gait, as I do most Wednesdays.  I get a free tea - literally playing for my supper!  It was a great session.  A group of American music tourist visited us along with Jim Malcolm (wonderful professional folk singer).

This is the second year we have hosted them. 
Jim Malcolm's singing is really beautiful. Here's a clip of him.   Such a talent and it was great to play with him.

Twa Fields O Dreams

You might already know, from my previous blogs, that I am involved with the Scots Music Group (as I non Executive Director).  We have just released a SMG Cup Final song (although to be fair we didn;t know that's hw it would turn out!). 

Twa Fields O Dreams was written by Bobby from the Bethany Men's Group during the SMG Inspire project with help from Scott Murray.   SMG's Inspire Project offered opportunities for those affected by homelessness and mental health issues to get involved in Scots music and song and the Bethany Christian Trust runs a group for men who are socially isolated to explore. 

The song is about both of Edinburgh's football teams, and it was composed after  sectarian chanting Bobby heard at a Hearts/Hibs game.

You can find all the info at www.twafields.com . 

You can download the track and also the lyrics for free.  And there are links for donations to either the Bethany Christian Trust or the Scots Music Group - both of which are charities.  Any donations will help this work go on. Its  great cause. Please share with all your pals.

One of the guys used to play in the Jimmy Shand band in his day But most have not had any experience of performing.

Its great to see these men performing and to see the positive effect that music has had on them. 

Meantime here's a singalong video