31st of August
Last night I made a guest appearance in a Show Called ‘Far, Far from Ypres’ at Perth Concert Hall. Organised by old friend Ian MacCalman it is a wonderful collection of songs and narrative about the First World War. It featured songs from many stalwarts of the Scottish folk scene including Dick Gaughan, Ian Bruce, Brian and Siobhan Miller, Stephen Quigg, the Sangsters, Patsy Seddon, and piper Gary West. BBC’s Ian Anderson linked everything expertly.
I was singing my song ‘Jimmy’s Gone to Flanders’ which Ian Mac has kindly suggested was an inspiration for the character of Jimmy macDonald in the show. It was a powerful and moving event that I am greatly honoured to have been a part of. The show will continue be be presented in other venues in Scotland and beyond, having already been performed a Glasgow’s Celtic Connections and The Edinburgh Festival.
Photo from late afternoon soundcheck.