January 2004
Happy New Year To Yin And A'
What a wonderful year it will be. God bless you all and thank you.
So many great things have happened. The year 2003 started with Celtic Connections and two sell-out Burns performances at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and ended with a House of Commons letter from the Chancellor Gordon Brown thanking me for making the Robert Burns album.
In between, the rollercoaster seemed set to 11 and I found myself moving home twice, touring, getting exhausted, recovering, discovering. Life is not a quiet river indeed.
Musically I want to share with you all a discovery as my gift to you this new year. I found myself in Dublin having a wonderful gig. After the show we were all relaxing in the bar and I was fortunate to be in the company of a young guy called Declan O'Rourke. He happens to be one of the finest singer songwriters on the planet and if you reach his web site please download 'Christmas Wine'. Then post him a message and beg him to make an album. I have invited him to play in Glasgow and I will let you know when...
He sent me some songs and they have filled my heart and home these past months. As I know you are all passionate people I know you will love his songs as much as I do.
Robert Burns is still haunting me but I managed to stop boring people so much with my obsessive behaviour by trying to just sing his words and not convert everyone in the after-show bar. He is soooo misunderstood!
This year we are trying to find funding to take Robert Burns all over the planet and spread his joy. Phil Cunningham, John McCusker, Ian Carr, Boo Hewerdine, Ewan Vernal, Christine Hanson, Colin Reid and Kevin McCrea have blessed me this year with their friendship, musicianship and love. God bless them. Say a prayer that we manage to do our thing on stages everywhere.
I am so honoured by the messages that have been posted all last year. They have encouraged me at my most low moments – nothing can repay that.
God speed to all souls who have left us in body if not spirit this year.... most recently Phil's brother ... and Sumi's sister....Libby's dad. God speed.
I want to say thank you to all who read and post and encourage me. Honeys I LOVE YOU, and wherever you are reading this I wish you safety, love, and kindness to keep you encouraged. I will meet you on the way again and we will laugh.
Love always
Eddi R