Kirkhill musician releases single to raise funds to buy electric bicycle and wheelchair for his disabled brother-in-law
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A Kirkhill musician has released a single to raise funds for an electric bicycle for his disabled brother-in-law.
Mark Forbes, who is carer for James Murray, originally learned to play guitar in his late 20s because he wanted to be able to perform Time Of Your Life, by Green Day.
He said: “I found quite quickly I had my own music to write but became frustrated with my level of ability, so I started seeking out professional help.
“At this stage Ben Hesling pushed me forward, with his teachings and support leading me to gigging and developing my music writing, giving me the opportunity to share life stories with my audiences.”
As well as Green Day he also cites the Kings Of Leon as another major influence on his music and his recent single release, Fast And Slow, is the second track taken from his forthcoming album – Out of the Mustard Tin.
“This track is about freedom and pace of life, which is very relevant in this current time and is the freedom that James has found since we started cycling about our community together,” he said.
“With the help of Ben Hesling, we pulled the song apart and made some adjustments then went on to record with Marc Clement. With Marc’s musical and production skills he has produced a high-quality track.”
Adding that he would like to work more with Marc in the future Mr Forbes added: “As my first time in a studio his teaching me about the recording process, and his eye for detail, pushed me to become a better performer and produced a fun and exciting debut album.”
Mr Murray has Angelman Syndrome, which means he is unable to ride a bike by himself, but according to his brother-in-law he loves going out on a borrowed cycle.
Mr Forbes added: “Since the start of Covid-19 my brother-in-law, James, has been unable to attend the day respite centre that he would usually go to and has been stuck at home, much like the rest of the world.
“This has been very isolating for him but we have been fortunate to be able to borrow a wheelchair bike so we can get him out and about in a safe and exciting way.
“The wheelchair bike has been a lot of fun but an awful lot of hard work.
“We would like to buy him his very own bike but one that has electric assistance so we can go further and have more fun.”
Their trips have been christened James’ Bike Adventures and they are planning a “very exciting cycling adventure” once they get their new mode of transport.
He said: “We plan to leave James’ home in Kirkhill and cycle through Beauly to Muir of Ord for coffee and cake, as we often do, and then on to Redcastle, over Kessock Bridge and through Inverness, passing through Clachnaharry, Bunchrew and Inchmore and then one last hill back home to Kirkhill.
“This will be our biggest route with James yet.”
For more information on the album visit https://markforbesmusic.com/
