Cue..Des Res Argyll. November blog

MusicwithIvy
Nov 1, 2020
3 min read

As we slide towards darker days, in more ways than one, what a delight it has been enjoying some golden autumn sun in Lochgoilhead in Argyll.

After several years of ..shall we say….interesting times in a motorhome, we now have roots in a more static lifestyle. Cue….Drimsynie Holiday village at Lochgoilhead in Argyll!

First, the scenic drive along Loch Lomond to the A83 ..otherwise known as The Rest and be Thankful. No words can describe this beautiful outstanding glen. Even with the current traffic issues, the drive is stunning. When the diversion via the Old Military Road is in place, you experience the depth of the valley.

After a 6 mile single track road you arrive at a scene from Brigadoon….hills, loch, trees, burn, bracken..and red squirrels! plus access to stunning walks within the Argyll Forest Park. Scotland in miniature.

Drimsynie Holiday village has been at Lochgoilhead since late 60’s. On this charming site the facilities including golf, archery, crossbow, swimming pool and sauna to mention a few….and luckily for me… a couple of Gin hostelries!! All we need to make this perfect are some fun music and ukulele days 😄.

https://www.argyllholidays.com/

Happy Birthday

Ludovico Einaudi

65 on November 23rd.

During my lecture on “New Kids on the Block” I celebrate the works of Ennio Morricone and Ludovico Einaudi. These Italian composers have shaken and divided the world of classical music. Purists dismiss them as wallpaper music…Do you agree?

Sadly, we lost Morricone earlier this year.

Einaudi is still very much writing and performing. He is one of those composers where you hear his music in several places - you know the tune but forget the name!! He is identified with several works, including the trailer for “Black Swan” and another being the piano composition “I Giorni” which reached number 32 in UK singles chart in 2001. He has of course, a substantial catalogue of material.

For me as an examiner, I always enjoy a performance of “I Giorni” (The Days). It gives me a thrill to hear young people enjoying contemporary music. Even with my limited piano skills, I enjoy playing this work. A beautiful composition with simple minimalist patterns. The composition was featured by the BBC a few years back to promote future art and culture programmes .

A man of few words – His music does the communicating. A few years ago, I was due to see him perform in Glasgow, sadly a call to the sea resulted in me missing the concert. I believe Einaudi walked on…performed…walked off. No words.

Enjoy Einaudi performing I Giorni here:

Another Happy Birthday – Joni Mitchell 77

on 7th November

What a thrill to shout out another Happy Birthday to an iconic musician still with us, the Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. Ill health has dominated much of her life and her struggles professionally and personally are well documented in her folk inspired songs which expose her vulnerability. We all have a favourite…Mine is ‘A Case of You” from the album ‘Both Sides Now” from 2000. Here we can enjoy some tender and sympathetic orchestrations.

You can enjoy this song here:

Subscribers will be able to download and print Ukulele arrangement of ‘Both Sides Now” from newsletter.

Notable Fun days in November…Pop these in your diary…

In celebration of National saxophone day I thought I would share with you a picture of Saxees - ah those heady days with very special pals !!!! The picture I will admit was taken a few years ago now 🤣