I started to play guitar at the age of eleven, but in keeping with the rest of the family I could never be bothered to learn to read music. My ear for chord sequences developed by studying the stacks of sheet music that was crammed into the old piano stool. Simple little songs that could probably be busked with three or four chords had these beautiful changes that would be a sin to ignore. I found the chords from the ukulele ‘chord boxes’ that would appear on the 30s and 40s sheet music. I would then have to find where my other two fingers would have to go!
After spending nearly 35 years in various pop, rock, dance bands, I have come full circle and returned to the ‘old piano stool’ and for the last ten years, with just me and my guitar, I give my interpretation of the songs that inspired me as a youngster. I play the songs that I like and hope that the audience likes them too. No particular category or period, just songs that I like, but I have to confess; although the folk circuit has been so good to me I still don’t know any folk songs! I don’t have the memory capacity for all those verses!
I also have a few self penned songs that I blend in with my play list.
Priority is to keep it mostly ‘happy’ and not too intense, but with the occasional ‘sad’ song just to keep the light and shade
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
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THANKS FOR THE FRIENDSHIP & SUPPORT, MUCH APPREICATED, STOP BY WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE AND GIVE A LISTEN AND LEAVE A COMMENT ON YOUR THOUGHTS..............
PEACE, LOVE & HAPPINESS, MICHAEL ps--I'm the one with the beard
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Hiya, Hope you are well. I wanted to let you know that, my single 'Lost Innocence' is out now. You can get it from itunes, and on cd and limited edition vinyl
We hope to chart this week and every single sale counts, it would be great if you would buy the single, that would be fantastic, and even better in all 3 formats! Your support is much appreciated!!!
Joe O’Donnell and Friends in concert at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Friday 29th May, 8pm start. Tickets: 02476 553055 – great night of music with line-up of 24 musicians.
Your friendly, mutley collection of musical pooches are back at the Denbigh Arms, Monks Kirby near Rugby this Sunday evening for a fun-packed evening of frolics. Musicians and audiences are welcome - you're welcome to join the pack for the craic!
Dave Cook and I are playing at Nigel Ward's new 'Stoke Folk' club in the Humber Hotel Coventry this Thursday. Chele will be singing with us and Rod Felton is also performing. Hope you can join us for a great launch night for Coventry's latest folk venue.
Hiya Chris, Thanks for the add. If you give me a note of your email (if you havn't already) I can update you... Also If you order the albm from www.estheroconnor.com/shop and want it signed just drop me a note.
Best, Esther
The Sunday Express (five stars) ***** "It's clear from the title track that you are listening to something special with O'Connor's second solo album... It's time for KT, Sandi and Amy to make room because this should launch a new Scottish star into the charts. ''
The Herald (four stars) **** ''O'Connor has one of the best voices heard in Scotland in some time, and a set of fine songs to show it off...''
The List (four stars) **** There is an unmistakable modern twist to her music, and she flits effortlessly between, husky poppiness on the likes of 'Saturday Man' to soulful stripped down and spine tingling. ''
This years festival is headlined by Billy Bragg (Friday), Seth Lakeman (Sunday) and Peatbog Faeries (Saturday) with many more top artists also performing incl the award winning The Demon Barbers.
