Dear Reader –
Valentine’s Day won’t fall on a Tuesday again until 2034, so today’s letter is all about love (and music, and laughter - but lots of love)!
**Disclaimer - If you’re looking for love advice this is probably not the place to come - however I have long believed that loving yourself makes it easier to love someone else, and so this is where today’s letter begins.
**All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
I listened to an amazing podcast this week - one which charts the journey of a musician from self-loathing (at times) to self-love. It touches on subjects such as compassion for yourself, being true to yourself and accepting yourself - all in the context of a life and career in music.
And while it would be unusual for me to recommend a book or podcast in this part of the letter, this one really has been the big thing for me this week so if I’m being honest, this is where it should go.
There’s no doubt that part of the reason I have got so much from it is that I’m a fan of the host (Cory Wong), the guest (Theo Katzman) and a band in which they play together (Vulfpeck), but the discussion is just so honest and open that you can’t help but be drawn in.
It touches on many themes that regularly feature in these pages - things like authenticity, the importance of community and the courage to be yourself as an artist. There is also great insight on songwriting, the mental struggles an artist can go through and how to get really good at your instrument.
It’s two hours long, but well worth it. Click on the image below or search for ‘Wong Notes Theo Katzman’ wherever you get your podcasts.
Where else but Sligo?
Next, a short Theme Night love story…
The wedding of a good friend is always something to celebrate, but when two friends marry each other it makes the occasion even more special. This must be why I remember Theme Night #10 so well, as it was the night before two great friends and colleagues hitched their wagons together.
Eddie Lee had come up with the great idea of doing a Theme Night featuring the music of Burt Bacharach, and so on Thursday June 12th 2014, in association with Sligo Jazz, we presented this show in The Velvet Rooms.
I’m not sure if Sinéad Conway has forgiven me yet for the timing of this gig, as it’s still one of just two Theme Nights that she has missed. She and husband-to-be Steve Kohlmann had a big day the next day however so we forgave them for not making our show!
We did manage to get through the gig without them, and I remember in particular some beautiful string arrangements by Niamh Crowley, Joe Hunt’s performance of Painted From Memory and Cathal Roche adding so much to the night on his many instruments.
Mr. Bacharach of course left us last week, and I was reminded of how much fun we had playing his music that night - he really was a master of creating great melodies and matching them with unusual chords. Here’s one of many magic moments from the show...
What’s New?
MORE BURT BACHARACH: Take some time out and watch this wonderful celebration of his music featuring the likes of Stevie Wonder, Diana Krall and Sheryl Crowe.
THE GAME: Speaking of honesty, this is one of the best books I have ever read on sport. It comprises 18 essays covering sport from every possible angle, while doubling up as a memoir of pivotal sporting moments in author Tadhg Coakley’s life. Order it from your local bookshop.
SLIGO COMEDY FESTIVAL: This week. All week. Pick your gig(s), get out there and have a laugh!
Finally…
As the man himself says below - this song presents such an important lyrical thought. Have a great day everyone!
Till next time - Kieran.
