Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club 2008

Subject: Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club, 28/11/08,
From: Johnny J
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 10:39 AM

Part of the
Carrying Stream Festival

"Robin Laing is a Scottish folk-singer and songwriter. Robin is originally from Edinburgh, and Edinburgh will always be his spiritual home. His affection for that city and indeed Scotland is evident in the subject matter of many of his songs. Robin now lives in the idyllic setting of rural Lanarkshire. Already he is sniffing out the local songs and finding possible subjects for composition.

...........In terms of folk music, Robin's real interest is in folk song and especially the old Scots Ballads, or "Muckle Sangs" as they are sometimes known. However, he also has a tremendous respect for the songs of Robert Burns, (not just the rude ones), and the tradition of Scots fiddle music that has come from people like William Marshall, Scott Skinner and the Gow family. Robin's instrument is the classical guitar and some of these fiddle tunes transfer quite well.

In the folk tradition, Robin's influences are The Corries, Ewan McColl, Lizzie Higgins and Hamish Henderson, all for different reasons. He has many other influences; musically, from classical composers like Bach and Mahler, in poetry from Tennyson and in songwriting terms from Paul Simon and Stan Rogers, to name just a few. All of these influences find their way into the process that produces Robin's own song compositions. They have a variety of styles because of this, and tend to have their main strength in the lyrical side of the composition. The songs are constructed with care and attention and a great deal of selection along the way.

This evening will also be used to mark the 35th anniversary of The Edinburgh Folk Club. Expect some floor spots from our long term members and regulars. There might even "be a dram" for you if the friendly treasurer is in a good mood. ;-))

The Angels' Share The CD

"Robin Laing has few superiors. He is heard at his compelling best in "The Angels' Share"".
The Scotsman

http://www.folkmusic.net/robinlaing/

Venue: Pleasance Cabaret Bar - 8:00pm
Admission: £7.00 (£6.00 concession), Members £5

Subject: RE: Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club, 28/11/08,
From: maeve
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 10:56 AM

Another of my favorite musicians! Happy 35th to the Edinburgh Folk Club

maeve

Subject: RE: Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club, 28/11/08,
From: GUEST,Ferdia
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 01:53 PM

Sounds good; I'll be over in Scotland around that time, so where abouts does this club meet?

Subject: RE: Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club, 28/11/08,
From: maeve
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 04:00 PM

Here you go:

Pleasance Cabaret Bar
60 The Pleasance
Edinburgh
Phone :- [phone]
Please note that the venue does not hold any tickets. They are normally only sold on the door on the night (Found on the following site:)

Edinburgh Folk Club

Subject: RE: Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club, 28/11/08,
From: Johnny J
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 07:07 PM

We actually do have tickets for this gig as it's part of The Carrying Stream Festival. However, there shouldn't be any problem getting in at the door.

If you wish, we could also reserve you one or more. Just e-mail E.Bort (at) ed.ac.uk

Look forward to seeing you along there Ferdia, if you can manage.
You'll also get a free drink this week. :-)

Subject: RE: Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club, 28/11/08,
From: Effsee
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 10:43 PM

So JohnnyJ, is Robin doing one of his "themed" shows (the whisky one is well recommended, samples and all!), or just a general one?

Subject: RE: Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club, 28/11/08,
From: Johnny J
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 05:00 AM

It will be a "general one" although he'll probably include some songs about whisky, horses, and other favourite themes.

Subject: RE: Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club, 28/11/08,
From: Johnny J
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 11:22 AM

........

Subject: RE: Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club, 28/11/08,
From: Johnny J
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 10:25 AM

Looking forward to seeing you there. Have a drink on us!

Subject: RE: Robin Laing at Edin Folk Club, 28/11/08,
From: Johnny J
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 10:29 AM

.....

Subject: ADD: The Union Canal (Robin Laing)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 08 Dec 20 - 02:29 AM

Thread #1959   Message #900690
Posted By: Jock Morris
28-Feb-03 - 06:02 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Edinburgh songs
Subject: Lyr Add: THE UNION CANAL (Robin Laing)

Jacko, that's not 'The Union Canal', that's 'Punters'; another of Robin Laing's wonderful songs.

THE UNION CANAL by Robin Laing

Fountainbridge to Falkirk, over Almondell
By Ratho and Linlithgow weaves a magic spell
Fountainbridge to Falkirk, over Almondell
Follow the windings of the Union Canal
Follow the windings of the Union Canal

As a child I was enchanted by swans among the reeds
Tadpoles in my jamjar, minnows in the weed
Gazing from the towpath on my hands and knees
Sunlight on the water, the wind in the willow trees

Thinking on those early days, I was always there
Swinging out on Tarzan ropes, drop in for a dare
Summer was the magic time, but Winter had its day
Skating on the ice until the daylight slipped away

Fountainbridge to Falkirk...

The Union is a quiet place, a relic from the past
See the old stone bridges, they were made to last
It's just a sad backwater, lazy, deep and slow
A sleepy road that used to be a moving picture show

For once the traffic pulsed along, a beat that had no rest
Lifeline for the Lothians, a gateway to the West
Passengersby the thousands, scows of coal and grain
The Union carried everything before the railways came

Fountainbridge to Falkirk...

A casualty of progress, stranded high and dry
The Union was discarded, left to waste and die
Broken and neglected, falling to decay
All those weary Winter days, lonely, cold and grey

Those winter years are past now,the water feels the sun
The fight against the brambles and silting up is won
Narrow boats and barges steer the old canal
Slipping through the countryside that I have loved so well

Fountainbridge to Falkirk...


Scott