IAN BRUCE NEWSLETTER 25/6/03

Note from editor@ianbruce.co.uk -elaine hawkins

I went to see the Nailsea gig on Friday the13th and thoroughly enjoyed it, as did the members of my family who were with me. Ian was on good form, as usual. He even got "Harried" at the end of the gig by the resident shanty crew, the Harry Browns. They are totally potty ! They also sing "The Smuggler", so the finale was a rendition of that by them and Ian! You had to be there ! Chaos ! The whole evening was full of fun, bon-homie and good music.

Last month, I meant to draw your attention to the website that has been set up to promote Ian's work with Dr Fred Freeman - the Burns' Presentation. It is http://www.fraserbruce.co.uk . It has a 20 minute audio demo that can be down-loaded of songs and information on the Burns' Presentation . Their approach is a more light-hearted one than some take - still very informative, but also entertaining.

THE LETTER

Hello again,
Well that's the longest day past and christmas looming up. (Sorry!)

It was a very enjoyable long day and we made it about as long as we could by drinking wine up till 5 o'clock. Silly amounts. It's a long time since I've made myself sick with booze. I blame Cas and Malcolm of Pontardawe who were up staying with us. Of course my hands were tied behind my back whilst being force fed.
Even through the drunkenness we appreciated the sunrise over loch Ken. We love this place.

The house is just about there now. Just one more piece of hall carpet, light shades and curtains. It's all in hand. Then it'll be the garden. Anyone fancy a gardening party?

Anyway, still not great amounts to say about work. I've been working with kids from a couple of Dumfries primary schools. After school music clubs. This is my last week of eight. We'll be performing the Proclaimers' "500 Miles" at the school concert. I must remember to ask them all to bring a pair of specs.

So far I've enjoyed Chippenham and Middlewich festivals and, as you can see, I have a couple of more coming up.

5-6/07/03...CLECKHEATON FESTIVAL...01924 404346

18 - 20/07/03...FOLK AT THE EDGE FESTIVAL, WENLOCK EDGE, SHROPSHIRE...01952 504882

I'm looking forward to them. Maybe I'll see you there.

I'll sign off and hope everything is going your way.

Best wishes
Ian

IAN BRUCE NEWSLETTER 31/7/03

Hello everyone,

How's it goin'?
Me? Not too bad thanks for asking.

Just back from "Festival at the Edge" in Much Wenlock. A story tellers
festival with the odd singer. I was one of the odd singers. It was very laid back.
Not hard work at all. Sound ideal? Well not really. I prefer to be worked at
these things, as I've said before and it was strange that people generally
weren't too interested if the words were put to tunes. Also strange to hear folks
at breakfast telling stories to each other instead of good ol' spontaneous
conversation, but Hey!, each to his/her own.

I've started working on the local Vocal Chords project. Working to teach four
groups of folks, some disabled and others not, some song arrangements which
will be performed sometime in Oct/Nov.
I'm enjoying the process so for. Long may it continue.

I'm also going to be helping with another project. Teaching adults and kids
to use modern recording equipment with a view to encouraging some self penned
performances which will possibly be aired on a local radio station specially
set up by the Dumfries and Galloway Arts group. I'm really looking forward to
that. Especially since it all runs from a bus which I get to drive. They've
promised me a bus driver's cap.

Strange I should be working with a group called "Vocal Chords". The project's
coinciding with me having a few problems with my own. There's a roughness on
one side of the voice box which may not be treatable. They're going to put me
under anaesthetic and have a look. If nothing can be done, I'll just have to
put up with the fact the old voice doesn't do what it used to. Watch this
space.

Also enjoying waiting at Tony's restaurant. The Brasserie is open and I'm
enjoying dealing with the folks. I love working with people. That's the best part
of the music career too.
So, if you fancy some decent grub served up by this folk singer chappy, get
yourself along to The Plumed Horse in Crossmichael Nr. Castle Douglas.

Soon going down to Malbrough, Devon for their fest. Should be fun. I enjoyed
it last time. I just hope that no kids make my bike fall over this time. (Yes
kids, I didn't believe it got hit by a car.) Actually, I hope the weather down
there improves enough for me to take the bike.

So, things are feeling good here. Settling into the new house etc.
Be well and happy and we'll hopefully meet soon.
Best wishes

Ian Bruce.
p.s. I may be going off the AOL account so watch out for a new email address
if it happens. Also, the website should soon be www.ianbruce.org. The
www.ianbruce.co.uk should still work too.
p.p.s. Soon www.plumedhorse.co.uk will be up and running too.

IAN BRUCE NEWSLETTER 28/8/03

Note from editor@ianbruce.co.uk -elaine hawkins

Ian's website now has a different address - it is www.ianbruce.org - don't worry if you forget it, because the old address will redirect you there. A new feature on the web-site, is the Guest Book. If you have chance, please sign it , I know that Ian would love to catch up with your comments about concerts or the new CD etc.

My concert in Plymouth went very well. Ian was on brilliant form. It was great to see the people from Sidmouth and Penzance again. Nice venue and great atmosphere. It was like a big party, especially when the support band's sandwiches were passed around the room!
I got told off by Ian for feeding people when they should have been singing !

I popped along the south Devon coast and caught his concerts at the festival at Malborough. They are made of strong stuff there - even when they have been at boozy bonfires on the campsite the night before, they still manage to be very noisy and appreciative the next day !
This year Ian had hair. Three years ago at the Malborough Festival, he had a face painted on the back of his shaved head . Luckily this year he didn't find any face-painters!

THE LETTER

Hello Folks,

Nearing the end of August already. Hard to believe.
I hope you're all having a great summer. Seems there's been mixed weather but generally nothing to much to complain about. Damn!

Summer is usually fairly quiet for me and this year was no exception. It would be nice to have a festival every weekend but I've just never really been flavour of the month to the powers that be.

Anyway. The bits and pieces I have had, I've enjoyed very much. My Plymouth gig, Malborough Festival, which I bet Elaine has already told you about, my work on the Log-On bus (5 Mobile computerised recording stations) and the Vocal Chords Groups. All very satisfying.

One of the things I'm really happy about is - I've met up with a local musician called Shaun Blandford. Very impressive musician and we're hoping to do a bit of work together. Perhaps get a new CD together. I'll let you know.

All sorts of ideas are flooding my head - Naked Truth Vol 2, A best of... CD. Whether or not to re-record the songs for a best of, concentrate on a new one. I just don't know.

Well. That's about it. Next trip is Baggeridge festival. I look forward to that.
Germany next month and Tony is coming with me for a few days. So, we can make a little holiday of it too. That's long overdue.

Till we meet again.
Stay well and happy.

Ian M. Bruce
Ruglen Digital Recordings
www.ianbruce.org