The people who have affected Muriel's music (Part 2)
In 1987 I met Ron Wallace, another remarkable teacher, at RSCDS Summer School. Ron was instrumental in introducing me to Alasdair Fraser in 1988 when he arranged for us both to play at a step dance workshop and also to give a concert in Minneapolis. It took quite a time for me to recover from the terrifying experience of accompanying Alasdair that first time! It was a whole new concept for me to turn up to play in a concert on a couple of hours of rehearsal with someone I'd never met and playing a large slice of the programme never having heard the tunes before! IT WORKED!! Alasdair and I became musical buddies, played for countless dances, parties, balls, workshops and concerts, and most recently collaborated on the album "Legacy of the Scottish Fiddle" Volume 2. Thank you Alasdair for opening up my eyes, my ears and my heart, for stretching me - and for being my buddy!
I formed my own band in Scotland in 1990 and have been influenced and inspired by all my fellow band members over the years. Special thanks go to Marian Anderson, Judith Linton, Ronnie Currie, Gordon Smith, Jim Lindsay and Keith Smith for some fabulous music-making.
Across the world I have been fortunate in forming wonderful musical alliances and sharing Scottish Music with Elke Baker, Chris Duncan, Cathy Fraser, Natalie Haas,
Robert MacKay, Calum MacKinnon, John Taylor and Susan Worland to name but a few.
I have very fond memories of my first duo in the field of Scottish Country Dance music with Ronnie Currie on string bass. When Scotscores Studio was completed, Ronnie and I practically lived in it as we worked on the sound of piano and bass for Country Dancing. This was the birth of the "Dancing Fingers" series. Ronnie, with his big heart, his passion for the music, his unique style, his unique instrument (repaired at the Eyemouth Boatyard following an unfortunate harbour accident!) were synonymous with Scotscores from the beginning up to 1999. Sadly, Ronnie is no longer with us, but a wee musician with a bigger heart you couldn't meet.
Life is full of interesting twists and turns. Meeting Keith Smith on a course in Munich in 1996 led to another wonderful musical partnership. Keith joined my band in 1996 for the recording of the albums of the MacNab Dances. In 1999 we had the opportunity to play for the Cairngorm Dancers' Summer Ball as a duo. We have subsequently travelled far and wide to play for balls, workshops and concerts and have collaborated on many recordings. I love the combination of fiddle and piano and I love the unspoken rapport that Keith and I enjoy.
All of these people have at some time said something or played something that has been a moment of revelation, understanding, inspiration or influence.
I have certainly not been short of musical 'highs' in performing. A different kind of satisfaction comes through composing. I enjoy the process of composition - sometimes instantaneous ideas and speedy composition; other times slow and thoughtful in construction. I also enjoy realizing the pleasure the music gives to other people.
The inspiration for my music comes from many things, people and places but the single most significant influence is in nature - THE SEA.
A gathering of influences and inspirations would not be complete without mention of my family. Each and every one of them has been a source of inspiration, especially Bill. Thank you Bill, Tracy, Sally, Alastair, Ian and Steve. Bill is my no. 1 fan and support. His talents for sound engineering have been a major factor in the success of Scotscores recordings. His tact and diplomacy and gentle persuasion in the recording studio have earned him respect and gratitude from many a musician under stress. The fact that Bill is a dancer has helped enormously in decisions regarding speed, drive, excitement and relaxation in the playing.
There are a great many people who have not been mentioned here but who have had considerable influence on my life in other ways. I hope you know who you are.
I formed my own band in Scotland in 1990 and have been influenced and inspired by all my fellow band members over the years. Special thanks go to Marian Anderson, Judith Linton, Ronnie Currie, Gordon Smith, Jim Lindsay and Keith Smith for some fabulous music-making.
Across the world I have been fortunate in forming wonderful musical alliances and sharing Scottish Music with Elke Baker, Chris Duncan, Cathy Fraser, Natalie Haas,
Robert MacKay, Calum MacKinnon, John Taylor and Susan Worland to name but a few.
I have very fond memories of my first duo in the field of Scottish Country Dance music with Ronnie Currie on string bass. When Scotscores Studio was completed, Ronnie and I practically lived in it as we worked on the sound of piano and bass for Country Dancing. This was the birth of the "Dancing Fingers" series. Ronnie, with his big heart, his passion for the music, his unique style, his unique instrument (repaired at the Eyemouth Boatyard following an unfortunate harbour accident!) were synonymous with Scotscores from the beginning up to 1999. Sadly, Ronnie is no longer with us, but a wee musician with a bigger heart you couldn't meet.
Life is full of interesting twists and turns. Meeting Keith Smith on a course in Munich in 1996 led to another wonderful musical partnership. Keith joined my band in 1996 for the recording of the albums of the MacNab Dances. In 1999 we had the opportunity to play for the Cairngorm Dancers' Summer Ball as a duo. We have subsequently travelled far and wide to play for balls, workshops and concerts and have collaborated on many recordings. I love the combination of fiddle and piano and I love the unspoken rapport that Keith and I enjoy.
All of these people have at some time said something or played something that has been a moment of revelation, understanding, inspiration or influence.
I have certainly not been short of musical 'highs' in performing. A different kind of satisfaction comes through composing. I enjoy the process of composition - sometimes instantaneous ideas and speedy composition; other times slow and thoughtful in construction. I also enjoy realizing the pleasure the music gives to other people.
The inspiration for my music comes from many things, people and places but the single most significant influence is in nature - THE SEA.
A gathering of influences and inspirations would not be complete without mention of my family. Each and every one of them has been a source of inspiration, especially Bill. Thank you Bill, Tracy, Sally, Alastair, Ian and Steve. Bill is my no. 1 fan and support. His talents for sound engineering have been a major factor in the success of Scotscores recordings. His tact and diplomacy and gentle persuasion in the recording studio have earned him respect and gratitude from many a musician under stress. The fact that Bill is a dancer has helped enormously in decisions regarding speed, drive, excitement and relaxation in the playing.
There are a great many people who have not been mentioned here but who have had considerable influence on my life in other ways. I hope you know who you are.
Muriel Johnstone, 2009
