From tiny acorns mighty oaks grow and this is exactly what happened when a loyal Eden Court customer suggested to acclaimed local musician, Duncan Chisholm and our very own Chief Exec James Mackenzie-Blackman what a great idea it would be to somehow bring people together throughout this difficult time in the hope that everyone can gain some strength, peace and love through music on social media. #COVIDCeilidh was then created on Twitter by Duncan and quickly taken up by trad musicians in Scotland and around the world including Duncan himself and the fantastic Julie Fowlis and many more!
Solo, duos, friends, families, bands using technology to play together and filming playing alongside Duncan (virtually). Trad music and culture in all its different forms - Instrumentals, Singing, Poetry – it is all captured in this amazing #COVIDCeilidh.
Each day it is a joy to see and hear all these fantastic musicians playing and of course we look forward to the day the touring starts again and those who play just for the heck of it can get together in their houses, clubs and go to festivals like Blazin’ in Beauly and Fèis Rois in Ullapool.
We maybe need to see if we can set a day for #COVIDCeilidhDance – I couldn’t resist doing a Canadian Barn Dance with my husband Brian whilst listening to Duncan playing a fantastic 2/4 march called Captain Carsewell.
Here is a just a small selection to get you started – it was difficult to choose just four but it gives a flavour of what you can listen to.
Duncan Chisholm – Leaving Stoer – 26 March
Written by Duncan himself and deceptively one of the most simplest of melodies – simply beautiful. The village of Stoer is north of Lochinver.
Manran – Mrs Campbell of Shinness (jig) – 30 March
The guys played together giving it ‘the isolation sessions treatment’, great fun and an example of what can be done even when not together.
Riko Matsuoka – 25 March
Loving the thought that a harpist in Japan is joining in and Duncan replied saying Scotland sends it love to Japan.
And lastly…how about some drumming!
Rachel Thom Drums – 1 April
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