Dear Reader -
Some (melodic) reflections on Seamie and I ending up back in Connolly’s last night…but first…
The Big Thing
Sometimes I get to sitting down to write this letter and can’t think of anything to write! The easiest prompt for this section though is to figure out to what project did I give the most time in the last few days. And I guess there’s only one answer here…
The 5th edition of my Learning By Ear piano tuition book will be published in time for the new term in September, and for the last few weeks we have been choosing, writing and designing the now 120 songs that will feature in Levels 1-4. There will be another 100+ in Levels 5-8 and so there should be plenty of choice for piano students in the coming months. We have found that the biggest factor in whether people practise is whether they like the song so we are increasing the odds of that!
There are some really exciting developments too in terms of new locations where we will be offering lessons - all the details coming your way in next week’s letter…
Where else but Sligo?
We got a late call-up to play Connolly’s last night.
It was Monday night of course, and Seamie arrived with a grin muttering something about a comeback tour.
So we sat down in that familiar corner and took that as the theme for the night, playing all the hits (!) from our 2017 album.
There were a few bolters as always - including this 1994 Seal/Joni Mitchell collaboration that only Seamie’s mind could somehow contain. The Galway Shawl was by special request and we finished of course with Dirty Old Town.
There was a lovely feeling in the pub as always, lots of visitors and plenty of friendly faces on both sides of the bar. We both have great memories of the Monday nights there, and of writing and recording music together.
And while we will never be able to make time for all the musical projects that excite us, last night was a timely reminder to prioritise the ones that make us feel good!
What’s New?
THEME NIGHT #35: Let’s Dance! Which songs and performers do you want to hear from this time? Would love to hear from you on this…
DERMOT KENNEDY is playing Sligo Live this October! And so are lots of other amazing artists - you can check all out here.
SYLVIA PLATH: I’m not sure I had ever heard her name (shame on me!) and then this week she appears everywhere. Firstly in the opening chapter of The Bee Sting (really enjoying this novel so far) as a glamorous lady poet, then quoted on an EJ Menswear social media post and finally this thought-provoking piece from her novel The Bell Jar as featured in James Clear’s newsletter.
Finally…
Inspired by last night’s gig - I heard this on the playlist in a local cafe recently and it brought back great memories…
Till next time - Kieran.
