Workshop and concert

This is Buddy. Buddy is 14 but doesn't know it and is lucky enough to live with Holly and Neils. He is also quite deaf, so puts up with musicians. Which is good because Holly's house was full of music today.

A quiet morning after about six hours much needed sleep last night, spent doing a bit of practice and setting up for the day. Which was to feature a workshop from Cathy Britell, followed by a meal, a concert and jamming. Great workshop, with some lovely songs, almost spoiled by Cathy calling me out to sing Scarborough Fair because I was probably the only person who had actually been there! It was in a very low key for me but I managed. Learned a lovely song on the friends theme that seems to run through a lot of Cathys choices, and her humour and ability shone though everything she did. Then a bring it yourself meal, for which Neils had prepared about a ton of pulled pork. I have never tried pulling pork. I have never pushed it either. But however it is prepared, it was delicious as were all the dips, biscuits, salads and sauces that went with it. During this interlude Cathy collared Heather and myself and told us what we would be doing in the concert - which was news to us! We also spent some time jamming, and I quickly formed a good relationship with an excellent guitarist, and several good players and singers, and we had a good half hour session, with some particularly beautiful harmony singing.

Then came the concert. Cathy was very ably supported by Neils bass throughout, and gave us a virtuosic performance of many highlights. I particularly enjoyed Vincent with an amplified Autoharp and quite a naughty song by the guy who wrote The Scotsman - which continues to feature on Cyberpluckers I see! Holly was given several opportunities to feature her wonderful singing, and I was so glad. I can never get enough of her singing. I have now heard her Summertime with three different accompanists - it really says something when so many world class musicians want to work with a particular singer.

My bit was part embarrassment, part delight. I was asked to do one song, so I chose Autoharp Blues - and proceeded to forget the words to the first verse! Which I wrote myself!! But the audience still seemed to appreciate it. Then Cathy asked me to sing Dance to the St Anne's Reel in a duet with her, me taking lead. We had a partial run through in the afternoon, which went badly. The performance was quite good, with me just strumming on the fast bit while Cathy did the fancy bits. But we had good contact through it, and I enjoyed it very much.

(Contd)