Dear Reader –
‘I can’t believe I’m typing this email’.
Not me, but thus went the opening line of one reply I got in relation to the open call I made in last week’s letter. One of many, it must be said, and each one was very much appreciated.
More below, but first I wanted to say thanks for opening my letter this week.
Hyperlinks, as always, will be in bold.
The Big Thing
But that was the big thing this week. The replies I got from many of you.
I loved the courage shown by some in taking this step, and the fearlessness of others. Many of you told me you haven’t sung properly for years, but would love the opportunity to get back into it. The common thread was the recognition of the importance singing plays in our lives, and how much we all have missed out by not being able to do so for the last year and more.
The closing date for applications is next Monday June 7. More in the What’s New section below for anyone still thinking about it.
And the thing to remember is that it’s not all about getting to sing on the album. There just isn’t room for everyone to do that. But so much more can happen. I always get a thrill when I sit at the piano and someone new walks into the room. The not knowing what’s going to happen next. The joy of making music again with someone else. The promise, the potential, the possibility. Who knows where this will lead?
Where else but Sligo?
Luckily for me, I got to feel all those things yesterday. I had received a phone call from a young man I had never met, who wanted me to accompany him on some Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin/Michael Bublé type stuff. He was recording a gig for some US Navy July 4th celebrations and needed a pianist.
So I met him in a large room with high ceilings, an old dog, and a baby grand. And the hour flew by, the music and his charisma and energy filling the room. The dog wagged his tail every so often as if to give his approval, which was nice compared to than the whines my fella lets out whenever I play something at home.
But it wasn’t just the dog. The two of us had such fun putting the arrangements together. I was so impressed with the professionalism of this young man and his ability to articulate what he wanted from an accompanist. And I loved his drive and determination to do it right, and to improve.
I left on a high, marvelling once again at Sligo, and its ability to keep surprising us with new talent, in the most unexpected of places.
What’s New?
So, as mentioned above, June 7th is the closing date for anyone who would like to be considered as a featured guest on our debut Theme Night album. Send an email to kieran@kieranquinn.ie if you’re interested. You’ll have to put your own twist on a song that has been sung at a theme night before. I don’t have a list of every song, but you’ll get an idea from the list of themes at the bottom of this page. I’ll help you along the way. For now, all I need is an expression of interest. I’ll be in touch after the closing date about the rest.
Summer in Dublin was a favourite on pianowithkieran.com this year. If you missed it, here’s a video teaching you how to play the melody. And here are 6 questions on the same song which will test your musical ear. Go on - it’s the time of year to learn it!
You have read above about the buzz I often get from working with singers. The opening scene of this new video captures that brilliantly. From TemperHound Productions and Corcra.
Finally…
It’s Jamie Callaghan’s birthday today. I had the same reaction as I described in the Where Else But Sligo section when I first heard Jamie sing. You don’t forget these things.
Like when Kelan Walsh walked onto the Hawk’s Well stage and played the iconic Sam Butera sax solo on Just a Gigolo note for note. Or when Jane Tansey and Maev Gallagher came to rehearsals for Theme Night #12 and showed us all how backing vocals should be sung. Or when Eddie Fitzpatrick exploded onto the Teenage Theme Night stage in a blaze of showmanship and attention to detail.
And none of these moments would have happened if these people didn’t say yes to an opportunity.
So go on, get in touch.
In the meantime put yourself in a good mood with some more Sam Butera on this incredible Louis Prima recording. One of the songs we enjoyed rehearsing yesterday.
Till next time,
Kieran.
