The week in Glasgow Gallivanting: 29th January-4th February 2024

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Carlene Carter sings Ring of Fire

We had our last two Celtic Connections gigs last week. Our final concert was Transatlantic Sessions, above, which we always attend, apart from one year that I was too slow to get tickets – even though they do two shows in the Concert Hall both quickly sell out. The format is the same each year: roughly the same band assembles (and the clue is in the name as to where they come from) with guest vocalists. This year’s star guest was Carlene Carter who, she says, begged to be allowed to join.

It was good – but Tuesday’s concert was probably the standout of the whole festival for us. Celtic Connections places great emphasis on the second part of its name. Musicians come from all over to play with each other, sometimes in unlikely combinations. Certain musicians become ubiquitous, and a few years ago for us that was Su-a Lee who appeared in several concerts we went to. She’s Assistant-Principal Cellist with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra but also plays in many other bands across different musical genres. Last year she released her debut solo album Dialogues, a series of musical duets with 15 of her favourite folk musicians from home and abroad. Amazingly the stars aligned so that 14 of those 15, all busy and famous in their own right, were available to play a concert with her.

Su-a Lee
Su-a Lee and band

It was wonderful! The album is excellent, but to hear it played live and with individual duettists playing together in small groups (and for the last item all together) can never be replicated. I can think of a few musicians who do not appear to enjoy playing their concerts, hello Bob Dylan, but most do. However, I have rarely, if ever, seen anyone taking so much joy in sharing her music, both with her fellow musicians and the audience, as Su-a. She was effervescent throughout and came across as an absolutely lovely person. I followed up by listening to a radio interview with her (probably only accessible in the UK) in which she talks about her life which has not been without its share of tragedy. Her first husband died of cancer, and in his memory she carried her cello up Ben Nevis in the snow to play a lament for him. This is no ordinary woman!

So what else has been happening? My week has been confined to Glasgow and once again featured a lot of eating, I think there was only one day when I didn’t eat anything outside the house at all. I don’t think my daily walks come anywhere near to compensating, and this week didn’t bring forth anything particularly photogenic either. John did better on both counts – his cycling keeps his weight in better control and gets him further afield.

On one ride with a friend they ventured off-piste to visit a small waterfall on Branziet Burn, even climbing in to the cave behind it, as if we can’t get wet and cold enough at the moment anyway!

Waterfall
Cave
Behind the waterfall

On a solo ride he found more evidence of storm damage at Cadder and another Antonine Wall memorial that I didn’t know about.

Tree down
Cadder Bench
Cadder dedication stone (replica)
Cadder Bench info board

However the furthest he has travelled this week is Lanzarote! On Saturday he set off for a week’s cycling with some of the group he belongs to, the Weegie Wheelers. On a plane, I should add – they have hired bikes out there. Here is a taster from Sunday’s ride, and there will no doubt be more to illustrate next week’s post. It rained all day here on Sunday, but at least I didn’t have to cycle.

Punta Mujeres
Punta Mujeres

So a quiet week ahead for me? Let’s see!

Scotland, UK , , ,

50 Comments »

  1. I love the way you described the joy that’s evident for Su-a Lee when she plays. When the spirit of the musician joins with the music and creates something different, extra, transcendent, doesn’t it? And much more memorable. It’s like you, the audience, add a dimension for the musician and together you’re creating this experience of creator and listeners as part of a larger whole.

    As usual, all of your descriptions make me wish I was in and around Glasgow, galivanting. 😉

    What was your fave meal of the week?

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    • The Su-a concert was a very special experience. I was in a cafe this week and the women at the next table were talking about it so i joined in! They loved it too.

      Fave meal? What a question! We went to a very good tapas restaurant, Cafe Andaluz, so possibly that.

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  2. John has come across some marvelous scenery in his bikerides. As for eating, maybe it’s the winter and our inborn need to fatten up! Haha! That’s what I’ll say is my excuse anyway. 🙂

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  4. I wish that I had been at both of those concerts. I am happy to let the cyclist share his outings photographically because I wouldn’t be able to keep up with him at all in real life. He is a wonder.

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  5. That concert sounds completely outstanding, Anabel. When I finish on here I’ll Google some of her work. Lanzarote is beautiful. You could have done some great walks there, but it’s nice that he can spend a little time with mates and you get to enjoy a bit of freedom too.

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  6. Hi Anabel – great John has/is out in Lanzarote cycling away with friends … good for the Weegie Wheelers! Enjoy a week of just doing your thing – I suspect it’ll be pretty busy. The concerts sound amazing – while Su’a-Lee sounds an inspiring musician. Thanks for the update – cheers Hilary

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  7. Sounds like another great week. Su-a-Lee sounds like someone my OH might enjoy. Birthday present perhaps. John seems to be enjoying his retirement, but I am totally with you about riding a bike. Around here it’s a death wish on these narrow lanes!

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    • It’s a great album. We have it digitally but I’m thinking of rebuying it in hard copy for all the info about the collaborations which apparently comes with it apparently. I know that’s probably online too but it’s not the same, I still like having something tangible. Yes, cycling in Cornwall you would never see what was coming (and more important, they might not see you).

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  8. I would enjoy those concerts too. It’s always a joy to see performers who are passionate about their craft. I hope John has a wonderful time away and I’m sure you’ll be able to fill in the time very nicely. I returned yesterday from a lovely cruise from Brisbane to Tasmania and back with a friend who celebrated her 60th birthday on board. We had a great trip and I’ll be posting about it later in the year.

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    • That sounds great! Look forward to reading about it later in the year. John seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself and sending back lots of sunny pictures to make me jealous as the rain lashes down! Not jealous enough to cycle, of course, though I’m beginning to think I’d quite like to go to Lanzarote, not somewhere I’ve ever thought about before. It seems to have good walking trails which would suit me.

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  10. Su-a sounds like a treasure! Must have been amazing to see. That waterfall does invite an exploration. You must be setting an all-time record for posts recently! I’m liking the shorter format (as I can remember it when I get to making a comment.😊)

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  16. Your musical experiences this last week sound wonderful. Now for a week of solo peace? I too regard the tandem as an instrument of torture by the way. I am consequently too unsafe to contemplate as a co-rider. Phew!

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  17. Sounds like the concert was really enjoyable. I’ll catch up with the radio interview later. Lovely photos form cycling mate and enjoy your free week!

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  19. I’m suffering from a similar problem – too much eating out (will be out again this evening) and too little exercise, although I have been to the pool a few times 🙂 I hope your weather improves soon!

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  22. My son attended the Boghall and Bathgate concert at Celtic Connections. I had been listening to parts of it on YouTube when your post appeared. What fun to know he had been in the audience 🙂

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