New Website

All of my content and reviews, alongside a colleague of mine’s photography can now be found on our new website!! Yes, it’s been a very busy few weeks, you’ve heard me mention this mythical website and probably thought – its been ages. . its not happening. . well, i wouldn’t blame you. Anyway, please check it out, feel free to leave us some feedback on our onsite forum!!

Thanks!!

www.visual-opinions.com

Acoustic Edinburgh – 2nd February

So. . A few weeks late in writing. . My apologies – was hoping to have a new website up and running by now and was going to keep the review until then, but I can’t wait any longer! Either way. . Hello, and welcome to February’s blog entry about Acoustic Edinburgh and there’s a lot to be said.
Other news before I get started. . Is that my colleague Adam Bell and I are planning a new website. . Which will incorporate all of my reviews, his photography and various other exciting stuff. . So I shall post an update within the week and let you know how its going! Also had a chat with John Paul – one of the founders of Clashmusic.com who was in Uni earlier today, was a very valuable chat – learned a lot!

Without further delay. . Acoustic Edinburgh!

As with January’s gig, co-organiser Paul Gilbody opened the evenings music with some of his own music – and as with January’s gig, I was extremely impressed  – and as colleague Adam Bell (who had never been to AE) said: “Why isn’t he headlining?”

Paul was followed by one Hamish Campbell, who, after being introduced, stated that he counted himself a very lucky man for being invited back .. That said, he was an extremely entertaining act. . The guitar was slightly tinny, which detracted somewhat from the quality of the set, but as he said – he was a singer first and foremost, which was clear from the word go. Being able to hit certain notes that others from the evening weren’t , and the ability to sustain them seemed to come at a certain level of ease. Would I like to see Hamish again? Yes, definitely, one of the highlights of the evening. . Mix of good music, excellent vocals and a good sense of humour.

The next musician on stage was one Rob Sproul-Cran, who was joined by guitarist Jonny Hugh (see January’s review). This set comprised of three songs. . Two mellow songs and one.. Slightly louder piece – now maybe its just me being partial to the more mellow songs, but I loved the first two, they weren’t what I was expecting at all, their last piece was a really good song though not quite suited to the evening. All in all, I really enjoyed the set; soothing guitars and excellent contrast between guitarists and vocals.

Next on stage were Miasma, well, half of them – Alex (guitar) and Mike (piano). These guys impressed me with their well incorporated vocals and mellow music – the only let down was their instruments, one of which I will forgive. Due to space constraints a keyboard was used in place of a grand piano – understandable – but instead of an acoustic guitar there was an electric – perhaps something to think on. It was clear that these two were somewhat nervous, but they managed to keep a good strong stage presence, without overcompensating and coming across OTT. The music itself I really enjoyed, and am definitely looking forward to seeing them again.

Headliners Andy Tucker and the Scattered Family were a wonderful performance – really nice contrasting folk music. One bitter note that I need to get out of the way – if you’re not performing, please don’t try to be the centre of attention, it only annoys other audience members and I can only imagine how the musicians feel… The set consisted of some really sentimental lyrics, well contrasted music between the guitar and mandolin, very strong vocals and great opportunity for the audience to become members of the scattered family! That’s all I’m saying – apart from this; if your in anyway interested in acoustic or folk music – check these guys out!!

Hope to see you all in Medina for the next instalment of Acoustic Edinburgh on March 2nd.

If you would like me to review a gig and have it photographed, email me on e.greensmyth@hotmail.co.uk or Adam on adam_j_bell@hotmail.co.uk  and we’ll see what we can do!

Acoustic Edinburgh – Hogmanay Hangover Comedy Caper evening!

So, this months instalment of Acoustic Edinburgh was somewhat different to the last two I’ve been to. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to write about Decembers gig, but it was very entertaining, with a mixture of nut fondling and beat boxing, event co-organiser Paul Gilbody opened the evening with a set of three of his own songs.
The January gig is the only time of year that covers are permitted in the basement of medina on the first Tuesday, but more than that – they are a requirement. So as far as reviewing is concerned, this is going to be interesting!
Due to the adverse weather conditions, many of the evenings acts couldn’t make it to the venue, but there was still a multitude of acts throughout.
Opening the night was Paul Gilbody, with his gospel/lounge version of bullet in the head (by Rage Against the Machine), Wherever, Whenever (by Shakira) and Don’t Worry, Be happy by Bobby McFerrin. I spoke to Paul in December after the gig, and heard about his gospel version of the well known rage song, asked if we would be hearing it – and told it wouldn’t be possible. . Was definitely glad to hear otherwise! It must be said, and I don’t like to be positive all the time, but if the opening act was anything to be judged by. . The night was going to be extremely entertaining.
One of the most interesting songs of the night for me was one by Johnny Hugh. The song was introduced as “one of those songs that everyone gets up to dance to, but if you actually listen to it – its really depressing”. Which, if you go look up the lyrics, is completely true. Build me up buttercup, was played in a very sombre mellow style, which suited quite well. . And true to his word, this song, when played right, is insanely depressing – what do people actually hear when the original version is played? This begs the question – do people actually listen to song lyrics? Definitely something worth looking into. . But not just now!
The following act was Susanna Macdonald, who did covers, including one of the Ugly Duckling -which I found interesting and entertaining. . They wouldn’t have been my first choice. . But this evening was different. . Any other night I wouldn’t have had much to say about these kind of songs – simply because I didn’t enjoy them as much as most of the others from the evening – but they were a very interesting addition to the evenings fill of music.

Now, without a doubt, my favourite act of the evening – Marty Philip. Following the recent(ish), death of Michael Jackson, music legend, Marty introduced his segment as a tribute – but it was so much more. First off was Marty’s version of Billie Jean – which was, apparently, a cover of a well known Dundee folk song called Maggie Broon. This was definitely my favourite song of the night – Philip completely rewrote the lyrics and they were hilarious. . Along with some excellent music – I really hope I will hear this version again! Marty’s other number was a version of Beat It, also an MJ classic. This one didn’t need a rewrite, as Marty – with the help of his wife, in her first ever acoustic Edinburgh performance – played a very mellow version, with the added recorder throughout, this made for an extremely apt finish to his set – one I particularly enjoyed. I will definitely be looking out for Marty in other acoustic Edinburgh gigs in the future.

The final act before the headliners, was Anders Ingrom -  do hope I have the spelling correct! – who did one of the most peculiar songs of the evening, which sounds like a criticism. . But no. . Anders song was described as a blend of Swedish folk music and hip-hop. . I honestly don’t have much to say on this piece. . Other than it was an extremely interesting listen!

Headlining the evening were the Banana Sessions – who were fantastic. The skill involved in played some of there songs was phenomenal. Now this really sounds like I’m just being lazy. . But I assure you, I’m not. . All I can say is – go see them. Great variety of music, great songs, great stage presence. . Can I use the word ‘great’ once more without sounding like a poor writer? Well, might be a little too late for that. . But either way. . They were great! You can next see them on 26th February in The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh (9pm start, £5 tickets).

Anyway. . This blog entry was very different to write than the other. . One. . Hmm. . Well yes – the evening was a fun night, so if this sounds like its not for you, bare with me. . Read my last Acoustic Entry – the night is always amazing!

Now im organised with Uni, The Journal and JuJitsu – if you would like me to review a gig, email me on justeoin@hotmail.com and i’ll see what i can do! (The more experience i get, the better!!) Thanks! Next entry should be another Acoustic Edinburgh review after the 2nd of February, unless i find something else to rant about!!

How has my work gone so far?

Well, as part of my assignment i have to look over each of the articles i had to write and assess how i did, and reflect on what i could have done better.. so here goes. .

Where do i see myself in four years?

Well, the last reflective peice i have to write is about myself. . or, what i see as my role within the industry when i gradate, or before. .

Reflection of the dry. . (journalism industry)

So, as part of my final assignment for my Multimedia Reporting 1 module, i am to reflect on the journalism industry, where i think it is going, and what i think my role may be within the industry. . apologies in advance if this gets to be too much of a snore fest. . but i shall try to keep it light! (The key word there is “try”)

48 hours in Edinburgh

Why go?
Edinburgh is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. South of the Princes Street divide lies the medieval Old Town whose narrow, smoky, streets once gave the city its other nickname of ‘Auld Reekie’ (‘Old Smokey’).  The beauty of the city is evident in many of the major attractions; Calton Hill, Arthurs Seat, The Castle, The Royal Mile, and, more so recently, the Scottish Parliament. Admittedly, Edinburgh doesn’t have the immediate wow factor as the known European heavy-weights – Paris, Rome, Prague, Venice etc – but what it does have is a very reserved beauty. There is so many places to visit, and so many different times of year to visit – you can never truly experience Edinburgh unless you live there through the majority of the year, but if you plan your visit, you can have a pretty good taster!
(www.edinburgh.org)

A trip to parliament. . zzzzz

Tourism agency ‘Visit Scotland’ is making more job cuts in the start of 2010 in addition to the reduction of 10,000 staff hours throughout 2009.

Douglas Hill – Deeside Piper Editor

Editor of the Deeside Piper, Douglas Hill, has been working in the field of journalism for over 25 years and has reported in several dailies both here in the UK and abroad in countries such as New Zealand and South Africa.

Gig review: Yrock – 5th November 2009

Thursdays Yrock gig at the GRV had quite a few late comers, as some of the acts for the evening pulled out last minute – that said, the music was on the whole, somewhat impressive – and the turnout wasn’t too bad either, considering it was bonfire night!