FOTS Records

Well Happy New Year to all and sundry.

We are only 3 days in and its horrible exciting here. Rick is working on his first solo Jazz Album (too bloomin thrilling for words!) We are off to Inverness to run another Trash The Orchestra - instrument making workshop for the folk at RoWan Zero Waste, Paul McCallum and Rick are close to finishing a CD of Gaellic song and and and oh Our 3rd Ensemble Week is being held from 13th - 17th April here on Skye (almost! we've had to move to Kyle as our previous venue fell through). Rick's Online Teaching and mentoring is now up and running so have a quick peek at that page if you have a moment.

Pam has built herself an office having suffered a year of Shed Envy after building Rick his Studio Shed last April and has surrounded it with bird feeders and bird boxes one of which has a wee camera in it, so perhaps we can have our version of Spring Watch! The hens 'Poached', 'Fried' and 'Scrambled' are doing well and follow Rick everywhere he goes and our plan is to add 2 rescue donkeys to the fold which also includes 12 ducks.

And finally we are delighted to announce our 1st Community CD, 'Together' by Paddy Bonnett on concertina and Vivian MacDonald on guitar.This absolutely delightful album will make you smile and bring a tear to the eye. A perfect mix of Traditional favourites, a new composition from Vivian and a 'Live' performance from Paddy playing with Peter Cooper.

This album is dedicated to Paddy who passed away 30/08/2013 and the proceeds from the sale will sponsor an accordion or concertina player to join Rick Taylor's Annual Ensemble Week.

My oh my ,what a couple of delightful weeks Rick Taylor has coming up.

1st off, a week with my pals ,teaching on the NYJOS course on SKYE! yes 1 mile from my house, several eminent musicians are gathering, we will be getting straight down to business !! very,very,happy. Percy is coming to Skye, Nick is coming to Skye and Jules !!!! everyone who should be on Skye, will be on Skye, Hurrah.

Then........a day off and then a wee tour with Stan Tracey's Edinburgh Jazz Orchestra playing Duke'S 2nd Scared Music. I am the most fortunate of people.

Lots of plans for the autumn, including our own Swing Jazz Festival! which is being planned for late oct/early nov. Line up is fantastic Jambone, Stue Brown Sextet, My own Big Band also the Bevvy Sisters, Nova Scotia Jazz Band and the winner of 2013 Young Scottish Jazz Musician of The Year! Cor Blimey if that doesn't get you going nothing will!

Hi Guys,

Just to keep you up to date with details of the Ensemble Course in April on Skye.

Ive got some amazing music for the ensemble to tackle, great tunes from around the world including music that only this ensemble would get to play. The arrangements are bold, exciting, funny and fierce for example 'Salvation Reel' (Simon Bradley) into 'In The Mood' (Glen Miller) into 'C Jam Blues' (Count Basie) into 'Road To Erisaig' (Adam Sutherland). All the arrangements include parts for beginners through to advanced players so don't feel you may not be good enough to participate. This is an 'inclusive' not 'exclusive' ensemble.

Singing will also feature in the ensembles repertoire; Gospel, African Lullaby, Sea Shanties whatever we feel in the moment!

There has already been a lot of interest in the course, if you haven't already confirmed your booking and are still interested please let us know so we can keep you a place and you don't miss out on this amazing experience!

cheers for now

Rick and Pam

By popular demand and thanks to Broadford Village Hall

Rick Taylor's Ensemble Course has moved to Isle of Skye

and is now taking bookings.

For full details visit http://www.fotsrecords.com

I have decided it's time to run my own ensemble course and Im planning to do so on the first occasion in the Spring Break 2013, starting Monday 8th April and ending with a concert on Friday 12th April, the cost for the course only will be £250 for 5 days.

This will be a unique opportunity for players all levels and disciplines to come together and create the kind of thrilling music only a large ensemble can truly produce.

You do not need to be able to read music to joint the ensemble as participants will receive all relevant music, practice and listening material on booking confirmation.

We are planning to hold the course in Ullapool but until we have an idea of numbers we are unable to confirm this, so if you are interested or just a wee bit curious, let us know and we will send you more details.

cheers for now

Rick

The FOTS Records 4 - Your Christmas Shopping Sorted

4 amazing CDs for only £35

Rick Taylor - 'The Poet and The Maiden'

Angus Nicolson Trio - 'Lasses That Baffle Us'

Laura Taylor - 'The Arrow and The Apple'

VENT52 - 'In The Belly of The Whale'

there is without doubt something for everyone!

come over to FOTS Records and see for your self.

www.fotsrecords.com

The brilliant debut album from poet and lyricist VENT 52, deliciosly dark, moving and wierd with a cinematic backdrop.

Lyrics by Angus Venters

Music by Angus Venters and Rick Taylor

NOW AVAILABLE TO BUY FROM www.fotsrecords.com

Vent 52 - Not in My Name

The brilliant first track from 'In The Belly of The Whale' is now available to download at www.fotsrecords.com

From July 1st all music from FOTS Records is available as downloads from itunes and www.allcelticmusic.com

BLAZIN' IN BEAULY 2012 - 15 to 19 OCTOBER

Community Project of the Year 2011 and Event of the Year 2005

(MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards)

Blazin’ in Beauly is the musical extravaganza started by the band Blazin' Fiddles in the historic village of Beauly, 15 miles west of Inverness. Now in its 12th year Blazin' in Beauly has developed with internationally renowned fiddlers and musicians joining in the festivities……so if you’d like to enhance your fiddle, guitar, keyboard or cello skills, come and join in a week of classes, workshops, concerts and craic in the heart of the Scottish Highlands!

So come and join the Blazin' Fiddles and friends Adam Sutherland, Gillian Frame, Rick Taylor and Angus Lyon, amongst others for

Book your place online at www.blazininbeauly.com Do it before 15 Aug and you'll catch the Early Bird prices!!!

Note: Core classes are Fiddle (4 levels) and Guitar (mixed ability). For those interested in Keyboard or Cello contact us directly for more information.

(These classes are not on the booking form as yet and will only run if enough people register their interest!)

If you would like any further information prior to booking your place please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 0779 294 7269