jcn

Kathryn Sawers - singer/songwriter Jayne Carmichael - classical soprano Sarah J. Tingle - atmospheric ambiance

I thought you were good. I could see that you were enjoying yourself and that makes the difference for me.

Viva le French 'eep 'op :-)

Groove Cruise play a great mix of Funk and Soul covers which will make you move.

I think that people are misinterpreting Cloud's intentions. Personally, I think what Cloud means by random acts of kindness is being approachable and friendly to your fellow musicans. This includes being happy to give/offer advice when it is asked for. It is not arrogance that spurs people into being kind, but trying to build a sense of community. The chain is only as strong as it's weakest link and all that. Is it just me or are some people on here bit narcissistic? Just because you aren't willing to help people as you perceive music as a competition doesn't mean that others aren't happy to help without having some sort of alterior motive. No, it's not naiveity, I call it professionalism.

Rock Austin is right: We should think of Arts and culture in Aberdeen rather than just music. There is no point in slagging off people who play in bands and who are crap. Everyone has to start somewhere. At least they have the guts to go out there and gig, which is a lot that can be said for a lot of people. There seems to be a defeatist attitude towards the arts in Aberdeen; if it isn't instantly amazing and perfect then people think it never will be. Sorry, but that's just bollocks. People should either support the arts in whatever shape or form it takes, or stop being fair weather friends. People in Aberdeen just have to persevere. Musicians and artists in general can't improve if there isn't people willing to support and guide them through their development. Think of it as an investment into the community. The arts in Aberdeen is only as good as the people who are willing to devote themselves to it. I would like to think of myself as one of those people, and I hope there are other folk who are willing to lend a hand to developing the arts in Aberdeen through both the highs and the lows.

groove cruise The sax player is brilliant

Aka-ska are a ska covers band playing songs from artists such as Madness, The Specials and The Selecter. We are a band with a strong following and regular gigs in Aberdeen, with plans to play festivals and gigs around the UK. We are looking for a keyboardist to join our 9-piece band for confimed gigs over 2007. PM if interested or get in touch with Stephen on our web site: aka-SKA :: serving quality Ska since 2006 www.myspace.com/aka_ska Cheers Jayne

Thanks for the support Biz x

I think Bloc Party were perfectly within their rights to go off stage after having a coin lobbed at them. If I were them, I don't think I would have come back on stage at all. You've got to give them some credit for being professional and giving the audience another chance to behave. I thought fields were ok, but they could have done with better sound. I couldn't hear any of the words and couldn't hear the accordion the girl was playing. She may as well not have bothered. Overall, I thought the gig was good under the circumstances ie. the lead singer being freaked out and thrown off his game because of some coin-happy knob cheese. Whoever it was, I hope you are proud of yourself. You have no right to call yourself a music fan.

Yeah I know, tongue was placed firmly in cheek ;-) Cheers for the encouragement! Jayne x

Praise for Aka-ska Why thanks, high praise indeed for Aka-ska

I can't wait for Big Eddie to come back to Aberdeen! Huzzah!!

It doesn't matter what you play, if the right attitude isn't there, then you might as well forget it.

I think Musical Vision is 'bursting with the banter'!! All of the staff are qualified practising enthusiastic musicians who are really approachable and friendly. Their rates are reasonable too. If there was any way that I could fault them it would be that they should have some things available to buy ie. guitar strings, drinks, etc. I feel like I live there sometimes, but hey the place has character :-)

I liked playing the Lemon Tree, it was ace!! Jayne sax & vocals - AKA Ska

An Equal Music - Vikram Seth Michael plays second violin in an up-and-coming Maggiore Quartet, lives on the north side of Hyde Park, takes early morning dips in the Serpentine, has a French girlfriend named Virginie. But his mind is constantly drawn to his first and only love, Julia, whom he knew in Vienna many years earlier. When he catches sight of Julia on a London bus, he cannot help but pursue her. Vikram Seth's new novel is a gently-paced, multi-layered work, proceeding in short sections which flit from Michael's ongoing search for Julia back to his childhood as a Rochdale butcher's son, his early training and breakdown in Vienna under the tyrannical Carl Kall, and the emotional history of his quartet; while Michael's discovery of a Beethoven trio rewritten as a string quintet acts as a motif for Michael's pursuit of the lost Julia: can Michael recapture the magic of the past, like Beethoven, who deafly transfigured what he so many years earlier had hearingly composed? Seth is quite brilliant at conveying the intense and complex interplay of chamber musicians, in rehearsal and performance. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Equal-Music-Vikram-Seth/dp/0753807734/sr=8-1/qid=1163607225/ref=pd_ka_1/026-6696397-5390055?ie=UTF8&s=books

I know that I sometimes push my vox a bit too far (sometimes sound a bit hoarse) but after Elements last gig I totally lost my voice. I have never lost my voice ever. I think I also had some kind of throat infection at the time because I was coughing up yucky stuff in the mornings. This gig was last week and my throat is a lot better but my voice is still knackered (If I try a falsetto no sound comes out of my gob) When you said that you sound a bit hoarse and you then lost your voice, that immediately made me think that you were straining your voice. The main culprit of a singer straining their voice is not using your diaphragm. You are right though, I get the suspicion that your gigs start off with good intentions but when you really get into the set the discipline goes out the window. It is understandable but it is also very risky. Better to nip it in the bud before you end up with nodules on your vocal chords or something similarly nasty. Your throat doesn't necessarily need to hurt in order for you to have bad technique. I'm talking long term strategies here; there are some little pointers that can put you in the right direction but there is no quick fix.

Two words I've got two words for you mate: BAD TECHNIQUE That's the only reason for your voice being f*cked, but I suspect you know this already. You have had some good advice here; do you mind if I throw some things in too? Sing scales while humming (very gentle exercise) Pant like a dog. I'm serious! It's good exercise for the diaphragm Do some stretches before you sing. Your body is your instrument and if it isn't warmed up then your voice won't be either. Play it safe. If you feel the first twinge of something being wrong with your throat, don't sing for at least a week and become best mates with throat lozenges. If you are truly serious about singing, cut back on caffeine, drink more water, get more sleep and absolutely no drugs whatsoever. This will stand you in good stead. If you want to take things further, I know a couple of singing teachers in Aberdeen who could help you. Cheers Jayne

Cheers!! I agree with what you are saying, people do have the impression that classical music is for the 'pipes and pimms' brigade. But honestly, classical is like any other music: find a good performer and it can change your world! There has been a lot of positive feedback, so I think I will try and pursue this. Next step is to get in touch with local venues/promoters and see what can be arranged. Thanks a lot guys :-)

Hey everyone I just wanted to get an impression of what people honestly think of Classical music? I am studying at uni and plan to organise gigs for classical musicians in local venues. The idea is to get to the music without all of the pretense and formalities that come with recitals. So what do you think? Would you be interested in going somewhere like say the Tunnels to go to see classical musicians? It would be a variety of (probably) music students playing in things such as string quartets, choirs, solo singers, chamber music, etc. One more thing; would anyone be interested in helping me in my quest? Cheers!!

Hardcourt was an arse. I've never seen such an arrogant prima donna, the man has no manners.

Robert Bruce is a local Inverurie lad who is studying in London with Ian Adam, a singing tutor who has trained Michael Ball, Elaine Page and Sean Connery. He will be accompanied by Aberdeen soprano Jayne Carmichael. Robert and Jayne will be performing solos and duets from Musical Theatre and opera on Friday 11th August. The evening starts at 7.30pm, tickets available at the Sweetie Shop, 10 West High Street Inverurie or by calling 01467 625448. 6.00 adults, 4.00 children, 10.00 balcony. 20% of proceeds donated to the Harlaw Centre

Band wanted Hi Please take a look at www.aka-ska.com We have played two gigs at Drummonds with great feedback, playing Drummonds again on the 14th. Cheers Jayne

Vocal tuition Jayne Carmichael, Grade 8 ABRSM at your service. I usually give private tuition from Musical Vision but I can arrange room hire at another venue. I could also arrange lessons at the University, which would be cheaper. Please e-mail me at carmichaeljayne@hotmail.com for further details.