Musician and Artyness columnist Liza Mulholland's week of mixed feelings
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It’s been a strange old week of very mixed emotions; events have brought hope, loss, nostalgia, celebration, and positivity all at once, leaving me reflecting on what I guess is ‘life’!
But, ever an optimist, let’s start with the good news!
It’s that time of year when we get to cast our votes for our favourite folk acts, traditional musicians, their creative work, and indeed all those who work behind the scenes to make gigs, recordings, festivals, and concerts happen – yes, it’s The Trads!
The 20th MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards will take place in Dundee on December 4, but voting is open until Sunday, November 20, so do take a look at the splendid list of nominees, and, if I might be so bold, I suggest there are some wonderful local folk among them who deserve our votes!
The lovely gang who organise the Ardersier International Folk Club do an amazing job of putting on top quality events in a very small village, and it’s excellent that they’ve been recognised in the club of the year category.
Strathspey’s own Charlie McKerron – superb fiddler and composer – has his teaching expertise celebrated this year in the music tutor of the year award.
Charlie’s patience, enthusiasm and good nature are legendary, and he so deserves this nomination for his teaching.
Fabulous local favourites Elephant Sessions are up for album of the year and live act of the year, and Fochabers’ Speyfest is shortlisted in the event of the year category.
Our own UHI is sponsoring the musician of the year award, including a plethora of stellar artistry, and Muir of Ord’s incredible talent Barry Reid is up for studio engineer of the year. Check out the nominees and vote.
Very sadly, one stalwart of the traditional music world will no longer be present at such gatherings. Folk legend Rab Noakes – superb musician, singer, Musician’s Union activist, and friend to many – passed away last week and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him. His legacy in many areas of music lives on.
Some of us said our goodbyes to a much-loved Inverness venue last week, a place where brilliant memories of great gigs, music and fun, will remain long after it’s become holiday accommodation. Mad Hatters (pictured), upstairs in Hootananny, has hosted countless amazing bands and has been a wonderful place to play as well as party. Many of us took to the floor on Saturday for one last night of dancing our socks off to superb Dundee ska band Pork Pie but it was an emotional farewell to a venue whose walls of posters tell the story of 20 years of great music.
But coming up… music with Dorec-a-belle in the Market Bar on Friday, November 25, after we’ve sung some songs at Inverness’s Reclaim The Night march protesting violence against women.
