Just because its in Gaelic doesn't mean its traditional......

I've been getting increasingly disillusioned with the view in certain quarters, influential quarters, about Gaelic and Gaelic Song. Too often I have had to overcome the stumbling block of the view that because something is sung in Gaelic, that it must be traditional - Gaelic=Traditional, and ne'eer the twain shall meet. This, to me, typifies something which will hasten the end of the Language- a language which I have been struggling, in my own small ways, to help survive over the last 15 years. If the language does not absorb new influences and styles it will not advance, it will not survive. There is noone who has a greater respect for the language and culture than myself and I deeply love the 'tradition' but I also recognise the importance of moving forward. The future of any culture is the Youth and that Youth has be offered a choice of cultural styles and influence- they may love the 'old stuff' but they must also be offered the New. And too often , I have been battered down or saying this, for trying to offer a new direction, whilst retaining the Respect. And Im afraid that often, the reason for this is that I am regarded as, and always will be, a Nouveau Gaidheal, a new Gael, someone who 'doesn't belong' - because I dont have a Gaelic Family Past. However, I have created this for my children- they all now have a 'Gaelic Past' and are all heavily involved, and enjoying the language and Culture- and THEY are the important ones, the ones who will carry the language forward.

So I will contintue to fight for the language and culture in my own small way, sing my old songs but also look at new ways of getting young folk involved, in a way which is relevant to them...

Let me know your comments, please!

Sorry for the rant but its something I feel very strongly about.

Im also going to start giving you a daily recommendation for a Gaelic Song of the Day. Today Im going to be a bit narcisstic and give you one of my own favourites. Hope you enjoy it! Its a true story, a song of Unrequited love- You Are Alive in My Soul. From my album 'A Good Suit of Clothes'. http://www.last.fm/music/Fiona+J+Mackenzie/_/Tha+Thu+Be%C3%B2+Nam+Anamsa+%3D+You+Are+Alive+In+My+Soul

Tapadh leibh- have a good weekend!

A Gael in Spain stays Mainly on the train......strikes allowing...

Getting organised for the Gaelic Song & Language course I am running in Andalucia, Spain , at the end of this month. 'Gaidhlig Thall Thairis' takes place in the tiny village of Juzcar from 28 April to May 2nd and myself and Rhoda Meek will be teaching Song and Gaelic in surroundings more likely to house the odd flamenco dancer or finca owner, than a shivering, white faced person with a distinctive accent reminiscent of jute mills or the Byres Road in Glasgow...........


But before we can get there , we have to GET THERE.......and thats not always easy from the Scottish Highlands. It takes me longer to get to the airport to fly to Malaga, than it does for the actual flight. Folk in the South sometimes forget how difficult travel can be for us- my travel plans over the winter, to gigs, concerts etc have been interrupted on several occasions because of a) weather and b) strikes. Life is costly enough these days without losing several £s because of missed journeys. Also , dont forget that the likelihood is that I will have had to go 'down' the night before and stay in a hotel just to avoid any danger of a traffic delay or flood, pestilence and all the other reasons Farce Railscot give for delays......... So that budget flight has suddenly assumed proportions equal to a first class ticket toMelbourne.... Watch this space......





Gaelic Phrase for Today - I am fed up of it! Tha mise seachd sgith leis! pronounced- Tha mishuh sh-ach-k ski laysh!

http://www.fionamackenzie.org/Events

Learning Scottish Gaelic in Spain

Heres a wee piece on the Secret Andalucia site about the connections between Andalucia and Scotland- and the forthcoming Gaelic Course in Andalucia. E mil me for more details of this exciting opportunity to learn Gaelic and Gaelic Songin a beultiful, warm, lemon fragrant part of Spain!
http://www.secretandalucia.com/guadiaro-valley/news/419-flamenco-in-a-kilt.html

Learn Gaelic Song & Language In Spain!

A quick 'heads up' to keep an eye out for more information on next Spring's Gaelic Song and Language course- Gaidhlig Thall Thairis- in Andalucia, Spain. Dates- 28 April- 2nd May 2010. Learn Gaelic Song and Langauge at all levels, with myself and Gillebride Macmillan. Through the medium of Spanish if you wish! venue- Hotel Bandolero , Juzcar, Andalucia
www.hotelbandolero.com
Watch for more details

Promoting The Lassies Reply

Busy getting 'Pur's' new release, The Lassies Reply, out there! This Cd is unique in thats the only CD of the Songs of Robert Burns sung in Scots and Gaelic - to show that the 2 languages CAN co-exist in harmony - literally! 'Pur' are Shona Donaldson and Katie Mackenzie and met whilst both studying at the RSAMD in Glasgow. Shona sings in Scots and Katie sings in gaelic - but on this Cd they also both sing the 'other' language too. Its arranged in bright and fresh, contemporary arrangements by Irvin Duguid who produced my recent album 'A Good Suit of clothes'. Lets give these two talented you musicians a real career boost and gettheir music out there! You can hear a sample here-
www.macdug.co.uk/Burns_in_Gaelic.html
Available from here
www.footstompin.com