COMMUNICATION 1

Thanks very much for putting your name(s) on my mailing list.
I hope you will forgive my tardiness in sending this, the first communication. However, I do have a pretty good excuse; it’s been a busy and fairly fruitful year - thank goodness.
1. Release of the ‘Free Agent’ album, to be honest, met mixed reviews. Fortunately, by and large, buyers were enthusiastic, often overly. The first year’s sales have been better than that of any of my previous offerings. (‘Too Far From She’, ‘Blodwen’s Dream’, and ‘Out of Office’.)The best thing is that both my brothers like ‘Free Agent’. That’s unusual.
2. Three visits to Germany (totalling 9 weeks approx.). I couldn’t believe the reaction of the Germans to my songs. It has been great enough that I already have four more visits planned. Hard to imagine (before you say it).
3. Another trip to USA. As always, America offered its varied venues, from folk clubs to house concerts. Not so enjoyable were the pubs. I’ve promised myself that I’ll do them no more. An important step in my career. I will, hopefully, be wallpaper never again. (If only that were true.)
4. Celtic Connections, a huge Glaswegian festival, was a biggy for me in January ‘95. I played a concert with (supporting) Maura O’Connell. Such was my success that even my worst critic, my mum, gave me a hug after the show. That’s unheard of; we’re not a hugging family. It was the first time my brother,and ex-singing partner, had seen my solo act. His endorsement was very important to me. Thanks Fras.
5. A few radio slots have been very helpful. Annie Webster’s show, BBC Radio Scotland , was subsequently taken off the air. I wonder if it was my fault. I did that show three times. Also on Radio Scotland, was ‘Mr. Anderson’s Fine Tunes’, live from Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.
Future slots are ‘Folk on Two’, on July 5th, and ‘Heno’, a Welsh news program on Channel 4. (August 17th)
6. The British folk scene has been very supportive. I’ve been all over the country doing festivals and clubs. Thanks to all the organisers and friends who have helped me so much.
7. Many people have been pushing me for an album without drums and session musicians. I’ve never had the confidence to do that but now I’ve done it. It’s recorded. Twenty tracks of just me. (What a thought - you say.) It’s 74 minutes long. Now that it’s done, I’m glad to say’ I’m really proud of the result. No release details,as yet, but here’s the track list.

   

1. Too Far from She
2. Factory Life
3. From a Distance
4. Free Agent
5. This Peaceful evening
6. The Touch and The Go
7. The Anchor Line
8. Will There Be a Concert?
9. The Nightime Cowboys.
10. Ghost of The Chair

11. Hearts of Ohio
12. Black Fog
13. Top Hat ’n’ Tails
14. Find Out Who your Friends Are
15. Blodwen’s Dream
16. Gone For The Day
17. The Dawn of a Brand New Day
18. All Roads Lead to Home
19. Child on The Green
20. Blue Denim Days

    

I’m still looking for a sponsor which would hasten its release. Have you any ideas? (Maybe, if I had millions of pre-sales, I could do it. Hint! Hint! Hint!)

8. The most important thing, for me, has been passing my motorbike test. I’ve been driving (riding) a borrowed bike in Germany - thanks Uwe. I hope I can afford one next year. You never know.
Well, I think that’s about everything. I hope to see you at some of the gigs on the accompanying sheet. It should fill up quite a bit, but if you have any suggestions, please forward them to me or my agents, John and Margaret, on 01764 679465.
Thanks for spending some time reading my blurb. I hope it was legible and of some interest to you.
Please keep well.
Yours
Ian M. Bruce
p.s. If you have a fax no., please let me know. That would be very co-operative and helpful.

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