I often wonder what goes through people’s minds when they open this letter and see my ugly mug in the top right hand corner. Maybe it’s best that I don’t know. Whatever, here is my six monthly report.
As usual, I’ve scanned my last communication to see where we left off. Burns vol. 4 was so brand new that I hadn’t listened to it. Well, of course, now I have and I think it’s brilliant. I’m only performing one track on it so I’m not being narcissistic when I make that judgement. It contains many great performances. Once again, I’m proud to have been included. I’m not on Volume 5, which is in the pipeline as I write, but Dr. Fred has promised that I will be back. Watch this space.
Since the last letter ‘Hodden Grey’ has hit the market. I can hardly believe the reaction it has stirred. Within 2 months of its release, which is good in itself, magazines and radio stations have given red hot reviews. The Living Tradition, Shreds and Patches, John O’Reagan (Ireland), Folk and Roots (Somerset Sound), Radio Sauvagine (France), Valley’s Radio (Stroud) and most recently Folk Roots’ Bob Walton, concluded a glowing review with, ‘Who could ask for more?’ Many other positive comments have reached me from both media and personal opinion.
According to Greentrax’ Top Twenty it is, presently, their No. 3 best seller; above such notables as Deaf Shepherd, Shooglenifty, Ossian, The McCalmans, etc., etc. It would be nice if that could be maintained. I remain ever hopeful, but realistic.
The foray into traditional music has opened one or two previously-jammed-shut doors. I’m playing Killin festival next weekend. It’s not very often I get to play Scottish festivals. I’m looking forward to it. It’s such a beautiful place too.
The USA have invited me to play at two highland games in the autumn, Tennessee and Kentucky. They’re treating me like royalty which, I must confess, I’m enjoying very much. They don’t yet know that I neither wear the kilt nor go out haggis-bashing. I hope they won’t be disappointed. (These American games are a wonder to behold.) We’ve managed to organise a pretty good tour around those engagements. 1998, then, is a two-USA- visit year. The first one turned out well, also.
Denmark, Austria and Holland was great. I go back in October, November and January respectively.
I’ve had some great German gigs this year, including two or three with Ivan Drever and Duncan Chisolm, of Wolfstone. They were a hoot. I return to Germany in August and October.
You’ll see by the itinerary that I’ll be in Italy in July. That promises to be hot in more than one way. The line up includes David Crosby, Deaf Shepherd, Oige, Tannahill Weavers, Allan and Barnaby Taylor,etc.,etc. The final concert is Dervish, Amazing Blondel and yours truly.
So, all ‘n’ all, I think you’ll agree that things are looking pretty good for 1998.
Enough of the music. It’s time to report that I’ve replaced my motorbike. I’ve sold my Thunderace and now have a Honda Blackbird (1134cc - 160 h.p.). It’s just fantastic. I’m looking forward to riding to Sidmouth Festival, weather and what/whoever permitting.
You will probably recall that Communication 6 asked ‘ Do you wish to remain on my mailing list?’ Thanks to all of you who returned the little slip. I thought that it was pretty clean cut that those who returned the slip were interested and the others not. Not so, that was too simple. I bumped into many people who said, ‘Keep me on your mailing list. I keep forgetting to send the slip!’ Therefore, once again I have sent out to the whole list.

Please, please, this time contact Bob and Roseann at 0141 634 1095 tel/fax, or e-mail Oscarsfolk@aol.com if you wish to remain on the list.

Those who returned the slips need not reply again although it would be nice to hear from you , if you wished.

Well, it’s time to sign off. You may have gathered that I’m in a quite good mood. I hope this finds you the same way and that we’ll meet up pretty soon.

Thanks for your attention,

IAN