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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!

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!!

The first assessed peice we wrote was essentially a report on a parliament meeting – when we were in it was a meeting regarding the visit scotland budget, and how they planned to make cutbacks – which was interesting for a while, then it all became a little repititive – yeah, i guess i could have gone to parliament again out of my own time, but, honestly, it just skipped my mind. . which wasn’t good. When it came to going over notes, i was planning to go out of my way to obtain some original quotes from any of the ministers who were in the meeting, but to be completely honest, i wasnt interested in the subject matter enough to actually do some extra research on it – sure i looked into the report and visit scotlands previous expenses, but nothing drastic, just because it didnt interest me – which was the major flaw when writing this peice.

Then came the crunch time – we had to write a portfolio on a journalist, and i thought – Go local! that will be great! Get some really interesting journalist to tell me about his life. . so i approached the editor from my local newspaper – The Deeside Piper -from home and asked if i could interview him for a peice i was doing.  . was given a time to call him and everything. . cool! This should be really interesting. Well. . i was wrong. It turns out, this journalist really sucks atbeing interviewed – which is thought of for alot of journalists, great at asking questions, not so great at answering – so i gave him alot of rope. . i asked detailed questions, that would lead to a natural generic answer – which i could hopefully make interesting somehow. . but the majority of answers consisted of no more than half a dozen words. Which, don’t really help when youre writing a peice solely on this person. I tried rewording questions, but to no avail. . eventually, he said he had to go and didnt have time to continue the interview – and to email if i had any questions. . it seemed he thought he answered all my questions. . which he had, just to absolutely no level of depth whatsoever. I then emailed him a lengthy email with some really lengthy well worded questions. . and in response – surprise!! – four word answers. GEE THANKS. so. . what did i do well? i managed to just about hit the word count of 600 words with less than 40 words of quotes, what did i do wrong? i went local. Yasmine, a coursemate, went to a journalist from the sunday times, and from what i heard he sounded great, was really interested in her assignment, and spent time going over his answers and rehearsing what he was going to say. . so thanks . . i have now lost all faith in local newspapers.

The final peice we were asked to write was my favourite. . it was a feature of our choice, which had to be based on Edinburgh. . Great! I love writing features! Features let you express yourself more than any other peice you would find in a newspaper – ignoring comment and columnists. . they’re completely different. . but yeah, my point is, i love writing features. So, i went for a travel peice, because we were basing it on a BMI feature . . so i went for a “48 hours in Edinburgh” peice – which i really enjoyed writing. I didnt even have to do much primary research – the places i wrote about, i have experienced it al myself – Valvona and Crolla, for instance, featured heavily in my article – i worked there for seven months last year, i also had my 18th birthday in VinCaffe – the two places i wrote about in my feature. Then it came to writing about places to see and visit. . such as Arthurs Seat, Calton Hill etc. . which i have been to on various occasions, so that was also easy. The only part that i didnt have any prior knowledge on was hotels – because, well, as a student livng in Edinburgh. . there isnt much reason or opportunities to stay in a hotel. . unfortunatly. . but i know people who stayed in the Hotel Missoni and knew what they thought about, so i thought it would be a good place to write about.

The most interesting part of the feature was having to use our own photos. . so i asked and was given permission to take pictures from around the hotel. . And ended up taking pictures of the suite Lady Gaga stayed in through the festival – i pretended to know who she was to impress the girl who was showing us around . . who on earth is Lady Gaga?. . anyway. . yeah, so i got some reallycool pictures of the rooms, and of the bar – with the model like barmaids who said they “weren’t looking their best”. . that made me chuckle a bit. .

But yeah, the feature was definitley the most enjoyable peice, and i could criticise myself in saying that i dont have any quotes, but it isnt the kind of feature that has quotes in it. . so. . yeah, i liked it Cheers!

——–Eoin Greensmyth——–

Now, thats all well and good, but where do i come in? Well, soon this role is going to involve rolling news – as The Journal is only a fortnightly publication, not that much news (read “no news”) is posted online between issues, and this is an issue i raised at the start of the academic year with our chief editor Paris Gourtsoyannis. Rolling news was an idea that Paris was very keen to get started, and we will hopefully get it going through the holidays, this will involve me writing a short 200-300 word report to be posted online, as soon as i, or one of the editors, hear about a worthwhile story – and if the workload is too much, i will then begin commissioning stories, which will be a huge learning curve for me, as it will bring me into the editorial hierarchy of the paper more than i already am.

Where will this lead me in the future? Well, i think newspapers will soon be based online – as you will know if you read my previous post “Reflection of the dry” – so hopefully i will be involved in newspapers and magazines and helping them shift to the online format that we all love and desire, and if this has already taken place, hopefully my experience that i will have gained through working for The Journal will qualify me to have a place in online formats when i finish my degree. Eoin Greensmyth, Wed Editor, The Times – or something similar. . sounds good to me. . – yes i’ll keep dreaming.

But seriously, editing, writing and commissioning would be my dream, especially if i can implement all forms of media onto the website, to make the publication really stand out. To make any publication really stand out.

Yeah, theres more i could do, but hell. .i would like to be involved in the online world of journalism. . whether that be writing, editing – whatever!

But surely this cant be the only reason. . we’re a tough bunch – we can survive a low budget. . hell. . we arent exactly paid that much . . we’re used to surviving on a low budget! What, do i think, are the main contributions to this crisis we are currently wading through?  For a start. . I wouldn’t call it a crisis. . i would call it change. Yes, readership and circulation is down. . but thats to be expected – who wants to buy a newspaper when you can get all the news online, in your own home, for free? Not me, thats for sure. Though i am still forced to. . which quite frankly sickens me. I have to buy newspapers because news organisations dont want to move to online format so quickly. . so they put abridged versions of a story online, to entice you into buying the newspaper. . but i dont want to buy a newspaper! They end up cluttering up my student bedsit. . which, for the record, is pretty cramped already! I would happily pay a monthly subscription fee to have unlimited access to all of a newspapers content – surely this would also be easier for the newspaper, as the articles originate from the computers anyway? So instead of sending it off to the printers, collecting it, distributing it around the country, attempting to sell it, taking back copies which dont sell, then starting all over the next day – why not just press “publish”. This would save sooo much time and money. Problem solved?

Well, apparantley not. There is a section of the population who are against technology, and want to have their news in paper, where they can read it anywhere at their leisure. . helloo?!?! Welcome to the 21st century gramps. . you can read online news on most new mobile phones, laptops – last time i checked – arent usually cumbersome. . (don’t you dare mention my laptop. . its huge. . ) especially if you own one of these snazzy netbooks.  they’re fantastic. . i can fit them in any bag of mine, good battery life, standard wifi connectability to steal neighboring wifi networks, whats not to like?! I wont go into the sony readers. . i may start to drift off, and its late as it is. .but yes.  . i admit, im taking a very extreme view, and amplifying it. . but thats what needs to be done. . we live in the UK – a country of comprimisations, why can’t somebody just buck the trend and say “Online news FTW!!” (For The Win. . a little internet language there for ya) – yes, they will have reduced revenue for a while, but eventually, people will realise this is the way forward. . Ok, country of comprimises.  . you could do it gradually. . start charging for online content while still printing. .this may work. . but i want an online news world, and i want it now!

The great thing – when it comes to Newspapers, (ill come to the BBC later) is that you can edit live content. . so if you see a mistake or a misquote, you don’t have to print an apology next day saying your sub editors were out on the town before they put on their editing hats, you can click “edit” as long as you have admin privilages. Pictures and videos cannot be included in newspapers as well as they can online – the latter, obviously, can’t be used at all in print. . – online, you can have galleries of pictures to accompany articles – this takes up valuable advertising space in print format. . but hell. . the worlds your oyster when your playing around online. .Do i have 20 worthwhile pictures for this amazing feature? Yes. . Do i need to choose between them? No. . wahooo! Lets go mad! . . Yes, this isnt quite as realistic as it could be, but come on, there are soo many advantages to online news. . you can update it whenever you like – no waiting until next days issue, you can take advantage of all forms of media – i really dont see the downside . . if you do, then please. . tell me!

Right, enough babbling. . well. . almost. . first off – The BBC. The main rival to newspapers moving to online format. There is alot of prejudice towards the BBCs website and its easy to find, i found an article online titled “The BBC isn’t a newspaper, so why have a website?” – which, for the record, is the most ridiculous argument against the BBC website i have seen yet. There are arguments for both sides. .  arguments for: the BBC is meant to be an impartial news source with no agendas – so why cant it broadcast on all forms of media? Arguments against: We, as license payers, pay for television and radio broadcasting – not online, and when the BBC launched its website, more was spent on that than either broadcasting formats.

Anyway. . thats enough on this topic of reflection (rant), the next installment of my reflection of the dry shall be about what i see as being my future role within the industry.

——-Eoin Greensmyth——

Where to eat:
Edinburgh has to be one of the best cities in the UK if you’re a foodie. There are vast amounts of restaurants of varying calibre and taste. If you are a fan of a simple and delicious pizza or pasta, you can always trust the Pizza Express, of which there are three in the heart of the city centre. Some people refrain from visiting chains, with good reason – local family owned restaurants usually have more character and soul. Sticking with the Italian theme, there are an abundance of places to eat, but the crème de la crème of Italian food is to be found in the family owned restaurant and food deli Valvona and Crolla Caffe bar. A lot of fuss surrounds this Edinburgh institution, but all becomes clear when one enters through the front door. You’re bombarded by the seductive smells of ground coffee, freshly baked bread, an array of wonderful cheeses, meats, baked delicacies and pasta piled to the ceilings. The caffe bar, situated in the back of the establishment, is small but it packs a punch and the menu is brimming with homemade Italian classics.
(www.valvonacrolla.co.uk)
It is difficult to scale much higher in terms of quality, but it can be done. Also owned by Valvona and Crolla, VinCaffe can be found on multrees walk and is one of ‘the’ places to eat in the country. The ground floor houses a modern furnished coffee area, with an array of cakes and sweet things – including some of the best cupcakes in existence -, and the option of a light lunch. Upstairs is a completely different story. The décor is immaculate, modern and not too over the top. The food is, put simply, amazing. The staff are well capable, and the restaurant is well suited for a meal for two, or for a formal get together if you don’t mind forking out somewhat!
(www.valvonacrolla.co.uk/html/vincaffe.html)
Where to stay:
The two big fish in the sea that is the capital, are The Balmoral and the newly opened (August 2009) Hotel  Missoni, both of which contrast each other in everything other than quality. The Balmoral reminds one of a Scottish country house, but don’t let that put you off – or the tartan clad doorman. The rooms are immaculate, and extremely well maintained and very well furnished.
Hotel Missoni is on the complete opposite end of the design spectrum, which is clear right from the word go. The entrance is modern, the bar is flashy but not tacky, the bathroom just off the bar takes you into a world of your own. The rooms in the Missoni are modern, colorful, well lit and technologically advanced so as to make your stay unique and worth the money you pay for (From £160 per room per night, up to £450 per room per night (low season))
(www.hotelmissoni.com)

The Sidebar:
What else is there to see?
The International and Fringe comedy festival.
Throughout the month of August, Edinburgh is completely buzzing with activity; comical, drama, arts and music – to mention but a few. If you wish to experience the fringe festival properly, it would be worth booking accommodation and shows well in advance – as to avoid disappointment, due to the tens of thousands of tourists who flock to the city throughout the month.
(www.edfringe.com), (www.eif.co.uk)
The Military Tattoo.
Linked in with the international festival, the tattoo boasts musical military talent from all around the world and is, somewhat surprisingly, extremely impressive. The tattoo of2009 was comprised of military band from; Scotland, Switzerland, China – and many more, so not just Scottish pipe bands!  As with the other festivals in Edinburgh during the summer, it would be worth booking your ticket and accommodation months in advance to avoid disappointment – the tattoo is immensely popular.
(www.edintattoo.co.uk/)

Michael Dodds was swiftly followed by the youngest band of the evening; Small Print. Their set comprised mostly of popular, solid covers – which kept the audience lively – and there were a few of their own songs. Their style follows a lot of mainstream chart bands, such as the Arctic Monkeys, Wombats, Biffy Clyro – which they can pull off pretty well. As with these big bands, their own music was, again, simple and effective with well used guitar alternation.
This was Small Prints first gig with Yrock, and fourth “major gig”, they recently won Battle of the Bands in Studio 24, and won £2500 worth of recording time in Glasgow, which could really get these guys known in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Providing they don’t squander the recording time, if they manage to get themselves together as a band more often, try and get to a few more gigs around the city, Small Print could do pretty well for themselves.

Six Stories High were the evenings headliners – and rightly so. It was clear from the word go that these guys were a very tight band – it was very easy to tell that they had been playing together for a good while. Stephen Gray’s – lead vocals and guitar – had an extremely good voice for the music they were playing, and could reach each end of the spectrum without much difficulty.
Their most notable songs were; Emergency call, Behind closed doors and Slide away – which, along with the rest of their set, was their own music. Their songs weren’t generic, and were very well written, though they need to develop the use of two guitars. This, along with good stage presence,
As a band, they used to do quite a lot of gigs, and also won some recording time from a Battle of the Bands – but after unfortunate timing with holidays, they haven’t managed to get together as a band as much as they would like to, so now they’re back on form, keep an eye out, as these guys are a great band to go and watch.
Oh! Almost forgot to mention, the general consensus among Six Stories High is that Hob Knobs are “the” biscuit.