Having played in the street for years, I met and talked with a great many people, some of whom bought my CD, which had my email address on the cover. Many of those I’d talked with later got in touch with me via email, and the comments they made were generous, some extremely so, about my playing and the music I played. This put me in some doubt as to whether I should put up such comments on my site.
Although my first instinct was to go ahead, this was followed swiftly by an opposite and pretty obvious reaction, which was that it would be somewhat egotistical and a bit pathetic, actually, to put up comments which were extremely flattering and said lots of nice things about me.
But that reaction, persuasive though it was, began to feel less convincing as time passed. It didn’t seem right that the warm and genuine sentiments that people had freely chosen to express should be locked away, as it were; in fact, it didn’t seem right for me to decide to do that.
I began to realise that these comments were not about me at all, and that the truly egoistic and narrowly self-regarding position would be one which saw them as, and responded to them as, sentiments which merely reflected well on me – that is, to see them as relating to, and being about me – which actually they’re not. As I see it now, they form a kind of story, a narrative, about people who heard some music in the street one day in Glasgow, who knew they liked what they heard, were moved by it, and who wanted to say so – and did. It's about those people. It's their story, not mine.It's a good story. And I like that !
SO…
Although my first instinct was to go ahead, this was followed swiftly by an opposite and pretty obvious reaction, which was that it would be somewhat egotistical and a bit pathetic, actually, to put up comments which were extremely flattering and said lots of nice things about me.
But that reaction, persuasive though it was, began to feel less convincing as time passed. It didn’t seem right that the warm and genuine sentiments that people had freely chosen to express should be locked away, as it were; in fact, it didn’t seem right for me to decide to do that.
I began to realise that these comments were not about me at all, and that the truly egoistic and narrowly self-regarding position would be one which saw them as, and responded to them as, sentiments which merely reflected well on me – that is, to see them as relating to, and being about me – which actually they’re not. As I see it now, they form a kind of story, a narrative, about people who heard some music in the street one day in Glasgow, who knew they liked what they heard, were moved by it, and who wanted to say so – and did. It's about those people. It's their story, not mine.It's a good story. And I like that !
SO…
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"I bought a copy of your CD on Saturday. I was the one with the tan and white lurcher.
I thought I'd email you to say how much I liked it. My particular favourites are Sheebeg Sheemore, The Humours of Whisky and Sleepers Awake. Sheebeg Sheemore made my (very little!) hair stand on end... so it hit the spot. Really you should be a superstar, you deserve to be. Why you are not, I don't understand. Keep up the good work. A great album. I love it. Kind Regards," Allan and Annie. "In my opinion, you have been blessed with a gift, please use it, and if you ever think of doing a concert etc, please keep me in mind as I would attend. Talent like yours is not given to everyone, to give pleasure to others through music is a wonderful thing and you did just that. Thank you." Angus More to follow... |
"Feb/ March time I got a c.d of yours from a friend she said I would like it so I am writing to you to say Thank You.
It really is a great mix. Relaxing and uplifting. I am very interested to find out if you have more available or in the pipeline but please keep up the good work. I will look out for you the next time I'm in the big city" Maggs "Hi John, Just a couple of words to say thanks for letting me steal yer C.D aff ye for a fiver yesterday (Sunday) I've been playing it all day, its amost as good as the live performance!! 'The Humours of Whisky' is a belter, great groove, great stuff. Keep 'pickin' out these punters and get them up to their 'necks' in 'Bottle' and maybe l'll pop in to see you, the next time you're at home, on the street. Happy strummin' " Fark "Been playing your CD almost constantly. It is the most relaxing music I've heard of it's kind and such a variety of tunes and playing styles all well played with such a depth of feeling. If I see you again in Glasgow when I get back from Oz. I'll buy another for my brother. Many thanks and keep on playing. Regards" Ron |
"A close friend passed me your CD At Home in The Street and I have been totally smitten by it. I'm a fingerstyle player, and totally in awe of your touch - it's a beautiful collection and I hope it has taken you onward and upward with your playing.
I love the Carolan pieces. Take care - and thanks again for the pleasure your playing has given me. Regards " Anthony "I met you the other day in glasgow, I've been listening to your CD more and i'm astonished by your playing and it has inspired me to learn Sleepers Awake....i would rather sit and listen to someone like yourself, someone with a real talent, a real passion for their playing. I am really very impressed with your CD, Its just Great! Take Care, and play guitar" :D Fraser Two weeks ago I I was on Gigha. In Henri's arts and craftshop I heard your guitar music. So lovely played. I bought two of your CDs At Home in the street. I play your music right now and I want to thank you. It makes me quiet and happy at the same time. So comforting. I wish you all the best With my kind regards, Thea |
