What is this? Well...
When I went to Edinburgh last year, I met a lovely gentleman named Mike Gibb, a lyricist/playwright, who said that he'd fallen in love with OUTLANDER, and that he and his friend, composer Kevin Walsh, would like to do a song-cycle--a musical telling of the story in the form of 14 or 15 songs. (There's a possibility that this song-cycle might eventually be the bones of a stage production, but for now, it's just songs.)
So this is one of the songs. I'm going to put up a full-scale announcement on my website a little later this week, describing the project, and giving the address from which those interested can order a CD of the Whole Thing, and am planning to post this particular song with the announcement, as sort of a free sample. So I thought I'd try it out on you guys, first.
(Note that the copyright to this song is mine, and I got Kevin and Mike's permission for y'all to download--and share if you like--this song for free. Hope you enjoy it!)
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Wow, that was really beautiful! It gave me chills. I look forward to hearing more! Thank you for your books! I have truly enjoyed them and I think you are brilliant! I have just started the Lord John Grey series and I love it too! I can't seem to get enough of your writing.
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to hear more, Celtic music is so eerie!
I simply love it!
Milly
OH yes it worked and it was lovely. I was planning to try a google translation when the English started!! Can't wait to find out about getting the whole CD!!
ReplyDeleteOh, can I add that while I'm sorry about your knee, I'm glad your sitting at home letting it heal because we are seeing so much more blog activity! VBG
ReplyDeleteOh, Diana
ReplyDeleteIt's really beautiful. I have often tried to imagine Jamie, in his Scots accent, saying those words, and the recording is pure heaven. Kevin and Mike are terrific. Haunting and beautiful. Thank you for that taste of what I hope for us --and you too -- another Outlander treat!
Hello DB,
ReplyDeletePardon my "french", but damn that was pretty! I wonder if you could include is in one of your upcoming books? Hmm . .. Thank you so much for sharing.
Best regards (and hope you're healing up nicely),
Jovita
love it! thx for sharing...let us know when it comes out as a cd!
ReplyDeleteDear Jovita--
ReplyDeleteUmmm....it _is_ in one of the books. That's the "blood vow" Jamie and Claire take during their wedding in OUTLANDER. Or do you mean the Gaelic lyrics? I'll put those in the OUTLANDISH COMPANION, Vol. II.
The CD will be available for sale as of August 1. I'll put up the official announcement, with details, both on my website and here, in the next day or two.
ReplyDeleteThat was absolutely beautiful. I cannot wait to see the details about the CD.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat!!! Jamie talking right out of my computer!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful, I cant wait to hear more!
ReplyDeleteHello again DB,
ReplyDeleteOh, sorry, what I meant was is it possible to have a sample of the "soundtrack" included in one of your books . . . But, I guess the Gaelic translation would be a better.
Thank and take care.
Best regards,
Jovita
Diana,
ReplyDeleteI love celtic music and this is a lovely, evocative ballad. Not able to understand Gaelic, I liked that the Blood Vows were translated for us. Can't wait to lose myself in the cd. So romantic! _shivers_
Verra nice! (I know -- wrong language, but my Scottish/English dictionary is in the other room.) Looking forward to adding this CD to my growing Scottish music collection. And it'll be a nice touch that it is inspired by one of my favorite books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
That was beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI truly can't get enough of you or your stories. This was a beautiful piece of music. Thank you for sharing. I hope you are healing well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Can't wait to hear what they come up with for the dynamic between the other characters as well. Im excited for Aug 1st now!
ReplyDeleteThat was really neat! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletePat says: So very beautiful! Thank you and the artists. I can't wait to buy the CD. Pat
ReplyDeleteThat was amazing!! so beautiful and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteGreat addition to the whole Outlander series.
thank you for sharing this lovely piece of music with us.
Do you know what the title of the song means in English?
Karlita--
ReplyDeleteThe song's title is "Blood of my Blood."
Oh how amazing. *tears up* Amazing.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I was so moved by the music; the words in the middle made it even more beautiful. Can't wait for the CD to be released. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!
ReplyDeleteI love Celtic music and this is fantastic! I can't wait to buy the cd!!
You should include the cd in your methadone list!!
So beautiful. :) Passing link along to interested friends as we speak. Thanks so much for posting this!
ReplyDeleteGood to know I wasn't the only one in tears! Wonderful! Perfect! I can't wait to hear more!
ReplyDeleteWow that was seriously beautiful! I love it and can't wait to buy the CD!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet melody! I loved it! Thanks for posting it.
ReplyDeleteThat was really beautiful Diana. Thanks for sharing with us. I can't wait to hear the rest of the songs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I really like the melody! If you are ever in need of more music for the musical score, along with this (these) songs from Kevin Walsh, I also love to read the Outlander series with Capercaille's album of "Songs of the '45" in the background.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing Mr Gibb and Mr Walsh have done. Your Outlander series has now transcended all senses and we can now have music to accompany our own imaginings of who Claire and Jamie are. Thank you for sharing this with your fans. "Blood of my Blood" is a stunning song and I can't wait to order the CD. It reminded me a little of music from the band Clannad ('In A Lifetime' by Clannad and Bono is a song that could quite easily be about Claire and Jamie too...have you heard it?)
ReplyDeleteHows the recuperation going?
Megan :)
As both a musician and Gabaldon reader, this is really exciting news! Can't wait to hear more. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and powerfully moving! Loved it. Look forward to the CD.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! I had goose bumps! I can't wait to buy this CD. What a wonderful experience this music is. Love listening to the Gailic. Such a beautiful language. Thanks for sharing Diana. Hope the recovery is going well.
ReplyDeleteDiana, I'm from Brazil, I love your books, how do you buy this CD? I need!
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteThis was amazing and beautiful in every way.
I'm a 15 year old attending SRHS which is a higschool that includes ArtQuest, classes that are for the arts. I have always been an actress and singer, and I am completley in love with your books just like an good reader should be. I couldn't pass up the chance to tell you that if Outlander ever becomes a musical or play, please contact me. Iir would be the chance of a LIFETIME and I think you would approve of my skills and how I would portray your amazing charecters. So anyways, let me know. I have a facebook: Miranda Willams, cplease keep menin mind for casting!
P.s sorry about the spelling errors, I'm on my iPhone and it is imossible to type correctly! I am normally perfect in my spelling.
ReplyDelete*GASP* The bones of a stage prod. you say?!!!! The thought of that gives me goosebumps!!!
ReplyDeleteThe singing and the music are so beautiful, but the speaking... when he started to say Jamie's words, I was instantly overwhelmed and the tears very suprisingly began pouring down my cheeks.
Thank you Kevin, Mike and of course you, Diana.
I can hardly wait for August 1 to arrive. :D
In my opinion, the melody is nice. The synthesizer in the background detracts from the melody, and the voice for Jamie is not right. The voice isn't resonant enough, and it is a bit too melodramatic. When I read the marriage scene and heard his words in my head, he was speaking softly, with hope for understanding, good humor, and tentative affection. He wasn't doing a catch-in-the-throat lecture. That's what the vocal sounds like to me.
ReplyDeleteIt also sounds like the guys who did this don't really listen to a lot of Celtic/Gaelic music. The ornamentation was a bit off.
Again, in my opinion. There's potential, but it could be done better.
Dear Heidi--
ReplyDeleteWell, tastes differ, to be sure. As to not knowing anything about Celtic music, though...[g]. You might want to check out Mike Gibb (www.hamepages.com), the lyricist, and Kevin Walsh (www.crescentmoon.co.uk), the composer.
I agree with Heidi one hundred percent. I listen to the music and re-read the marriage scene in the book. My first, second, and third impression was this was not the music for the situation that necessitated the marriage. Maybe when Jamie was trying to get Claire to go back through the stones, they had some history by then. Also, just like everyone has their own image of Jamie, I wanted his voice to be stronger and deeper then this interpretation.
ReplyDeleteA most emphatic YES! Bring on the Whole Thing. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt made me cry. I felt like Claire after 20 years and finally being able to hear Jamie's voice. Beautiful, haunting, romantic.
ReplyDeleteI was transported in time. The music was beautiful and made me think of when she is leaving. Jamie's voice was not quite what I thought it would be. The singer has a nice voice, but even my 15 year old has a lower and deeper voice, and I imagine Jamie with a man's man voice. I agree the singer is too melodramatic for the situation. It is not the way I would imagine them talking to each other when they got married. At that point they don't know each other yet, they are not in love yet.
ReplyDeleteWe need more drums. There were so much battle and surprises, which made my heart jump during the entire reading, and these emotions might be well translated the with help of some good celtic percussion.
Um...
ReplyDeleteWell, as I said, tastes differ, and that's fine.
Do, please, read what I said this _is_, though? It's not a Corries song, it's not an Albannach performance, it's not an attempt to squish the entire story of OUTLANDER into one song--and it's not a literal translation of a scene in the novel.
What it _is_, is one small part of a song-cycle, which in turn is a musical _adaptation_ (just as a movie, a mini-series, a graphic novel, or an audiobook would be) of the original. In turn, it's meant _eventually_ to perhaps be the bones of a stage production. You've seen stage productions, I'm sure. There's a script,which tells the story and provides the dialogue and interactions between the characters, with musical numbers that carry and emphasize emotional high points.
OK, there's no script here. This is _just_ the musical soundtrack (and only one song _from_ the soundtrack). Totally fine to like or not like the song, but personal preference (I want drums! I want traditional Celtic ornamentation! I want a deeper voice!) is...well, you can say what you personally like, sure, go ahead--but I kind of don't think it's a substantive criticism of the song itself.
Very pretty. I've read several things regarding the Scottish Highlander accent. I am curious, Diana, if you thought "Jamie's" accent was correct in this song (not that it matters - just curious if it's close to your vision).
ReplyDeleteI am sorry , didn't mean to criticize the song at all. As I said in the beginning, it is incredibly beautiful and romantic. And celtic music is made of all these different moods, the eerie, the battle song, the happy dancer, the sad. And you can't have all of them at the same time! I guess that song is evocative of a particular emotion, I would say a longing for what you know so well and can't have. But then the singer is reciting the words said during the wedding. In my mind they are two different scenes altogether, one is the expectation, the indeniable desire, the strong heart beat. The other (is what the song brings me back to) is when she is leaving, it is the farewell to the best thing that ever happened in her life, it is that hard choice that we all have to make in our lives. So, yeah, it achieves its goal in the sense that emphasizes emotions, and of course it won't be the only song of the production.
ReplyDeleteBut there is one thing that has to change, I am sorry but his voice has to be something else...
How lovely!
ReplyDeleteA wonderfully poignant "taster". I am very much looking forward to the release of the cd.
I must admit...this prompted me to search out more of Kevin Walsh's music. I was not disappointed! I found a video of his song Clarinda's Reply on Youtube and it is beautifully done. His heartfelt vocal moved me tremendously. That will be another cd I have to buy now!
Dear All--
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm actually pretty flexible regarding Jamie's voice. I.e., I don't really mind whether it's a resonant tenor or a strong baritone, as long as it has both strength and emotionality.
Now, I have the benefit of having heard several of the other tracks of this CD--including one called "Say the Words." That one is a duet between Jamie and Black Jack Randall--in Wentworth prison. The contrast between the actor/singer doing Captain Randall (who is a baritone) and Allan Scott-Douglas (the singer who does Jamie) is Just Hair-raising.
Another thing strikes me...you know, I don't know for sure whether the version I posted on Compuserve is the _final_ version (with Allan), or whether it's the final arrangement, but with Kevin's voice speaking the vow. (I personally love Kevin's voice, and it's in the same range, but it -is- different.)
Anyway. One of the things that makes the contrast so electrifying in "Say the Words" is the sense of this very mature man, soaked in evil and ruthlessness (the song begins, "I've seen you cry...I've heard you scream...", vying for psychological dominance over a much younger man who's still a Man with a capital "M", and not willing to give in, even though he's plainly been--and is about to be--tortured and raped.
I thought Jamie's voice there very effective. Besides, I get used to hearing "Jamie" voiced by Davina Porter, Geraldine James, and Jeff Woodman --it's just a slight mental adjustment to what I actually know he sounds like. Not real important, I mean. To me, I hasten to add.
Ooooooh what a beautiful and haunting song! I am looking forward to the entire CD and anything else that may come out of it (stage production, etc).
ReplyDeleteHi there, first time posting but I am "lurker". Since you wanted to try it out and see the reaction, I did want to post.
ReplyDeleteI totally love this idea. The song was beautiful, the lyrics were beautiful HOWEVER the male voice of Jamie was so off that I actually jumped. Way way way off. The voice sounds like an auld Scot man not a man in his early twenties.
I know that it is my opinion but I felt so strongly about it, I had to type it.
And just a quickie comment, I know that Allan Scott-Douglas is not an auld Scot man. I just thought in the song it had that sound.
ReplyDeleteRof,l! Er...just wondering...how many auld Scottish men do you know?
ReplyDelete(Not questioning your impressions, I mean; but I don't get any impression of age in his voice, myself. I readily admit that I don't know a whole lot of auld Scottish men, though.)
Oh--
ReplyDeleteIt occurs to me that I should note that there _will_ be at least one live performance of some of the song-cycle in Aberdeen--and consequently, the physical appearance of the actors/singers was an aspect of the casting, though of course the voices were most important. Anyway, Mike and Kevin describe Allan to me as "a 6'2" red-haired Scot who looks VERY good in a kilt." Haven't met the gentleman myself, but looking forward to it one of these days!
I'm hoping to attend the live performance if I can...and I'm very much looking forward to the sight of a strapping Scot in his kilt :0)
ReplyDeleteI've only recently been introduced to the Outlander books myself and have been unable to put them down. I'm thoroughly enjoying them and as a Scot myself, it brings me great pleasure that these books are beloved worldwide.
I've also said in a previous comment above that through Outlander, I've now been introduced to the other musical works of Kevin Walsh. I've now purchased his cd Clarinda's Reply and eagerly await it's delivery and the release of the Outlander cd. You have quite made my weekend Diana!
Diana,
ReplyDeleteWeeeel now, do ye have a picture of this Allen?! :)
Curious,I Googled Allan Scott-Douglas. Here is a link to his page.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.uk.castingcallpro.com/view.php?uid=74218
He is verra nice.
:)
Ohhhhhh....so he is!
ReplyDeleteI can just picture him in plaid :0)
The music is beautiful - I am about to play it for my Grandaughter - she is 13...and has just finished Outlander...she loves it! She will love the music too. Thank you so much for sharing. I cant imagine how Outlander will be made a play - but I am sure it will be wonderful too. I love reading your posts...and do hope you are up to your ears in plots for the 8th book :)
ReplyDeleteLoved it! Thank you for sharing Diana.
ReplyDeleteEvening all...
ReplyDeleteI felt I would drop in and say 'Hi' since I seem to be part of the focus of this particular thread.
I am absolutely honoured to be working on this project and hope that, once the full CD is available, you will all listen to and enjoy what I strongly believe is a very, very well written musical score with some beautifully haunting songs - and the occasional lighter moment as well...!
I am accutely aware that Jamie is a massively important character to the Outlander series' devoted followers and I have done my very best to live up to what I know are very high expectations. However, I am equally aware that opinions can and always do vary so I a understand completely the views of those of you who were expecting/hoping for something different. All I will say is that my part was recorded with the greatest of respect and honesty for the story and character as I have come to know (and love) them.
I cant wait to hear the completed final edit myself and am champing at the bit for the upcoming performance on July 31st.
Cheers for now, (as we say in Scotland)
Best wishes,
Allan Scott-Douglas. (Jamie Fraser)
(p.s. Feel free to follow me on Twitter for an up to the minute insight into the performance on the 31st and a whole lot more... http://twitter.com/Actor_Allan )
Hello Allan :0)
ReplyDeleteI'm very much looking forward to the live performance and the forthcoming cd.
I wish you all the best of luck!
Thank you very much, Cairine.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope you enjoy the performance and the completed CD also.
Best wishes,
Allan.
Allan!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to meet you--so to speak. [g] And how thoughtful of you to stop by.
I've been listening to the songs Kevin's sent me so far, repeatedly during the day (as I'm home, for a wonder). I couldn't be more pleased, both with the songs and with your performance.
Really do wish I could be present for the Aberdeen performance, though! We'll have to see whether Mike or someone might be able at least to video a bit of it for us.
Transported...simple and pure.
ReplyDeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the music and when Jamie spoke I got goosebumps! This is a wonderful addition to Outlander and I am so looking forward to the CD. Thank you...
May I speak to Allen...Jamie? You have my heart as does Jamie ITB. I love it!
Diana,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for you kind words - so long as you are happy, I am very, very happy! :-D
As nice as it is to 'meet' you here, I did hear a rumour that you might be visiting our shores in August - is that right? I have a show in the Edinburgh Fringe but would love the chance to meet you if the opportunity arises - though I'm sure your company will be very highly coveted by many people ahead of me in the queue...
And to the 'anonymous' contibutor above - many humble thanks for such a flattering declaration...I never knew my voice was so endearing! :-)
p.s. To whomever posted a link to my Casting Call Pro website above - thanks! The page has had over 400 hits in two days... :-D
Dear Allan--
ReplyDeleteOh, we can do better than that. [g] Send me a nice picture of yourself in a kilt, and I'll put it up with your website URL. That'll bring them out...
Would love to meet you in Edinburgh. Why don't you email me (dgabaldon@aol.com), and we'll see what might work.
Meanwhile, there are one or two ladies over on the Compuserve site, busily measuring you for a casting couch. Thought you should be warned!
P.S. I see you've put up the photo Mike sent me, with the standing stones--he said it didn't do you or Sue justice, so I hadn't used it.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! A kilted piccy please Allan :0)
ReplyDeletePurely for research purposes you understand...I have a real interest in...tartan LOL!
Diana,
ReplyDeleteI agree it isnt the best photo in the world (for either of us) but sadly it is the only photo of me in a kilt that I can find...other than my drama school graduation photo which isnt exactly very 'actory'!
I'll have to make sure Mike or Kevin take some slightly better photos at the event on the 31st...
I'm doing some historical tours on Edinburgh's Royal Mile in August for which I'm also kilted so I'm sure there will be piccies aplently in the not too distant future! :-D
Dear Allan--
ReplyDeleteOh, we have lots of patience. [g] People who wait three years for the next book can probably possess their souls for another two weeks in order to see you in a kilt.
If you're likely to have one (a kilt, I mean) to hand during August, for that matter, I'll try to remember to bring a camera. [g] (I should think you can probably walk into the bar of The Scotsman hotel in full rig without causing public comment.)
P.S. again--
ReplyDeleteKevin just sent me the final track for "I Am Ready"--great stuff!
Dear Diana,
ReplyDeleteWell, I shall be Kilted from 12.30 til 2.15 every day for sure anyway...though it will be accompanied by a 'West Port Tours' company T-Shirt rather than a Jacobean or Prince Charlie I'm afraid!
If you find yourself with a spare afternoon, it would be fantastic if you came along and joined the tour! I'll tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Edinburgh's Royal Mile...and a whole lot more! :-)
I'm really glad you liked 'I Am Ready!' - it was definitely one of my favourite songs to work on (along with 'Say The Words' which I cant wait to hear properly mixed down!) and is one I look forward to performing every time the opportunity arises!
Well, I'm off now to learn the songs for my other current musical project as rehearsals for the Fringe are now in full swing...!
Cheers,
Al.
Dear Al--
ReplyDelete"Say the Words" is Hair-raising. Literally.
I played "Is tu fuil" and "Say the Words" for my literary agent--this being a man who eats publishers for breakfast--and he said the end of "Say the Words" made him tear up. Well done!
As for the Royal Mile, it's a date. [g] August 5th is the most likely, as I may have a business meeting on the 4th (and/or die of exhaustion, as I'll have landed that morning after a fifteen-hour flight.) Where/when will I find you?
--Diana
Dear Diana,
ReplyDeleteMy fringe show 'Desire' actually opens on the evening of the 5th so there is a chance (depending of whether last minute rehearsals are required or not) that it would be my boss running the tour that day rather than me - but I will keep you updated as best I can!
If it does turn out to be me that day, we will be setting off from Camera Obscura at 12.30 - that's the big 360 degree Outlook Tower up by the castle, do you know it?
Wow, reducing publisher eaters to tears...now I have something else to put in the 'Special Skills' section of my CV/Resume! :-D
Night night,
AL.
Dear Al--
ReplyDeleteBreak a leg! Depending what Mike's got on with the Department of Culture, I'll aim for the 4th, then. It's not like I'm not -used- to jet-lag...
Or failing that, I'll buy you and your wife/girlfriend/partner/SO a drink later in the day. [g]
Dear Diana et al,
ReplyDeleteKevin just sent me the final mix of 'Say The Words'...and I actually welled up!
The ending Kevin has mixed is absolutely heartwrenching...!!
Really cant wait to hear the rest of the mixed down tracks now!
Roll on the 31st...!
AL.
Dear Allan--
ReplyDeleteThat's one fine song. That drum! And even more heartwrenching when heard right after the "Blood of my Blood" one, which is how I've been playing it for select people.
Question about "Say the Words," since you're here--I know little or nothing about how music recordings are put together. Did you and Ross record together on that song? Or each do multiple takes of your own lines on your own? (I know there were multiple takes of most of the music, because Kevin told me.)
Given the content and circumstances of that song [cough], I don't know if I'd find it easier or more difficult to act/sing it with the Other Party present.
P.S. Though it occurs to me belatedly that of course you'd be singing it together when doing stage performances. Is that one part of the show for the 31st?
ReplyDeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteWe recorded the whole thing seperately.
Ross had already done his part by the time I got into the studio so I just added my vocals in the gaps...
In actual fact, I have never met (or even seen) Ross - and, as the live performance is just Sue and I, it is not outwith the realms of possibility that I never will...
Still, if we do end up fleshing it out into a full scale production, I suspect he and I might be getting very well (and painfully) acquainted indeed...!
AL.
Be an interesting experience for all concerned, I expect. [g]
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight on the recording! No wonder it had an impact, to hear it all together.
Allan--
ReplyDeleteRof,l! I've just heard "Why Did I Marry a Fraser?" I can't imagine what a job it must have been for Kevin to mix _that_ one.
Diana,
ReplyDeleteSome of the inserts in that one had to be rattled off at lightning speed just to make them fit in the gaps between the sung parts...a rather tricky exercise indeed! But fun, nonetheless!!
Just found the promo video on YouTube...very snazzy!
It's really starting to feel like this project has an awful lot of mileage in it...! :-D
Allan.
Allan--
ReplyDeleteOh, maaaan...you ain't seen nothin' yet. [g]
I at least understand the lightning-speed insertion business. I've read books for Recording for the Blind for years, and when some error occurs in the recording, it has to be "read over"--or else the whole track has to be redone. (LOTS easier these days with modern recording software.)
The thing is that I talk (and read) Rather Fast. [ahem] About twice as fast as any of the other readers (they went so far as to clock me). So if someone had left out a paragraph, a page or whatever...I got to do the re-read, hopefully picking up enough speed in the process as to cram the missing material into the available space. So you have my informed admiration!
Been going back and forth between "Why Did I Marry a Fraser?" and "The Message" for the last hour or so, laughing insanely.
Oy, Allan--
ReplyDeleteWhat's your Fringe play? And how does one get tickets, just in case?
Diana,
ReplyDeleteIt's called 'Desire' and is at the New Town Theatre on George St at 8pm from the 5th onwards.
You can book tickets via the edfringe website - howevera it's a pretty big venue which we're probably fairly unlikely to sell out until we've had a few reviews/PR events so I'm pretty sure you'll be able to buy tickets on the door on the night.
Either that, or I can simply reserve tickets personally on your behalf if that's easier...?
Of course, if you end up being too busy (or exhausted) to attend, I'll understand completely!
Glad 'Marry a Fraser' and 'The Message' have induced a bit of chuckling - it's always nice to have lighter moments to have a but if fun with before the darkness descends...!
AL.
Dear Al--
ReplyDeleteIf you wouldn't mind reserving me two tickets, that would be great; the website declines to accept reservations for the 5th, saying that's a preview night. Can't swear we'll make it,because it's going to be One Busy Trip and Things Happen, but would like to!
Speaking of matters theatrical, one of our Compuserve folk dug up a link to your castingcallpro files and cv. "Work nude: Only Professionally" (rof,l! OK, I know what you mean, but still. [g])
Anyway, I mention that only because most of your sound files appear not to be working. The "Sunset Boulevard" video and the "I Am Ready" song do, but not the others. (Not just me, which might be technical incompetence or plugin incompatibility; the guy who found them couldn't get them to play either.) Thought you might want to check them.
Meanwhile--Kevin's finished the last four songs, and says the Master CD is off to production!!
P.S. We've got a working website up for the CD, at outlanderthemusical.com . It's not complete yet--Kevin's sending song snippets tomorrow, I think--but at least it's got the basics.
ReplyDeleteP.P.S. I'll come get the tickets regardless.
ReplyDeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing out the issues with the files on my CCP page!
Apparently the songs from 'Ae Fond Kiss', the Robert Burns musical I played the lead in last year, are all protected so when I uploaded them they were unplayable...
I've removed them now and am waiting for the company to send me the files in an unprotected format.
I had a gander at the new website and it all looks fantastic! (although maybe a teeny tiny wee mention for the performers invloved might be rather nice...) :-D
I shall most certainly reserve you a couple of tickets but please dont worry at all if you cant make it - the tickets will just get re-released for sale on the box office 15 minutes before showtime so it really isnt any problem if you dont collect them.
As well as my CCP page, it appears someone has also gotten hold of my Facebook account as I'm suddenly receiving friend requests from some very remote corners of the planet...! haha
Well, I'm off to sleepsville as rehearsals for Desire get seriously intense from tomorrow morning onwards.
Cheers again,
Allan.
Allan--
ReplyDeleteActually, I'd just asked Mike ten minutes ago if he could get a head-shot from you and from Sue--both with an eye to further website/blog-posting advert for the show in the 31st, but also for an additional page on the CD website--because yes, the performers definitely ought to get a wee bit of credit there. If you have a short bio you'd like to go with that, by all means send it along--Mike and Kevin both have my private email address--unless you'd like me to work up something from your cv page. (Won't use the professionally nude line, I promise--strong though the temptation is...)
--Diana
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteI've just sent off my biog etc to Kevin so hopefully it'll be winging it's way towards you soon.
I noticed there are snippets of all the songs on the website now - I wait with great intrigue to see what people think of 'Jamie' when they hear him sing after the hugely varied repsonses to him just speaking on 'Blood of my Blood'... :0)
In unrelated news, of of the other lead vocalists on my current musical got fired today and I've inherited both his characters...no rest for the wickedly masochistic!
Allan.
Dear Allan--
ReplyDeleteGreat--Michelle (the website wizard) will get it from Kevin, then and give it to me in usable form for the blog; check this space!
Congratulations on your increased workload. [g] Being lucky is even better than being good--but if you're both...!
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteI see my mugshot and blurb has made it on to the site now - many thanks to all those that make the webby bits work!
I discovered today that there definitely WONT be a Royal Mile Tour on the 4th but there definitely WILL be one on the 5th (which will be the first one EVER - and will definitely be hosted by yours truly!).
If you can make it, fantastic! If not, it's no problem at all...!
Had a runthough of the songs for Saturday during a free 5 minutes during Desire rehearsals today - cant wait to don the Ancient Fraser tartan again!
AL.
Dear Al--
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping for video of Aberdeen! Will put up a new blogpost this evening, advertising the show (waiting to see if we get a matching mugshot for Sue; we have a bio, but no picture yet). And yes, God bless Michelle!
There's a much better chance of my being conscious and ambulatory on the 5th, believe me. [g] Am packing raincoat and flip-flops, being all too familiar with Edinburgh in August.
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteAye, Edinburgh weather is a fickle wee beastie so it is! But it's the 'Kilted' Royal Mile tour...so, whatever the weather, my lower half will be freezin anyway! :-/
I must say, your readers are a very entertaining buch indeed...I'm getting messages, compliments and even marriage proposals from here there and everywhere! haha
It's like I'm getting my 15 minutes of fame via internet social networking - how very post-pop-art-chic...! :0)
Allan.
Or *bunch* rather... :-/
ReplyDeletep.s. Just spotted I've got my very own link on the website now too! No wonder my traffic count has been going through the roof...! :-D
ReplyDeleteAllan.
Dear Allan--
ReplyDeleteOh, you thought I was kidding, did you, when I said you ain't seen nothin' yet? You still ain't. [g] Wait 'til the CD's well out.
But yes, my readers tend to be _highly_ intelligent and perceptive. And they know what they like.
Brace yourself, lad...
And while you'd better save your legs for "Desire," at least stub a few toes on Saturday!
--Diana
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteThat's me back in Edinburgh after the launch up in Aberdeen.
It all went pretty well, I think!
First concert was a tad sticky due to lack of rehearsal time but the 2nd and 3rd went perfectly!
There seemed to be a lot of satisfied audience members and we shifted a fair few CDs (quite a few of them autographed too! Though apparently, according to Mike anyway, my autograph is 'just a scribble'...guess I'd better work on that!)
The Lord Provost's reception afterwards was lovely too - but with some very odd 'celebrity' types in attendance...
I really hope this is only the beginning and that today doesnt turn out to be the first and last...
Allan.
Yay, Allan! (stamping and whistling between teeth)
ReplyDeleteGood on yer, then! Heard from a couple of the Compuserve ladies who saw the first show--and loved it! One of them said if she'd known it would get even better, she'd have stayed for the next one, too. [g]
Yeah, I hope we get some legs under it, too; I'll see Mike on the 4th, likely, and hear what the Scottish government says. Tell you whatever I know when/if I see you on the 5th.
Have you heard all the songs now, then? Was just playing a couple off my laptop for assorted visiting family--my son says he doesn't believe you're really a Scot, "because I can understand everything he says." (This is humor, mind; his future brother-in-law comes from Strathaven.)
(Just in case--Michelle got some photos of the show from one of the attendees; they're on the musical website already. (wwww.outlanderthemusical.com) That woman is _fast_!)
P.S. What do you mean "odd" celebrity types? You were there, weren't you? [d&r]
ReplyDeleteAllan--
ReplyDeletePlayed the songs off my laptop for visiting family this evening, along with a showing of the pictures from Aberdeen. They all burst into spontaneous applause at the end of "Could I Surrender My Heart", sighed appropriately at "Ist tu fuil..."--and gasped at "Say the Words" (though we waited 'til the young men of the party had gone off to engage in something innocent like a round of "Who Would you rather F---" before playing that one, I not wanting to explain to them in the middle of a family dinner just _what_ was going on in that song. [cough]
Anyway, _very_ appreciative audience, and the ladies admired your socks exceedingly, though they hope you grow your hair out more by the time they see you again. [g]
--Diana
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteWell, up until the evening before the launch my hair was PURPLE so I figured shaving it back to restore my former redheadedness wouldve been more desirable than playing Jamie as an 18th Century punk! :0)
Sadly tis the nature of my industry that my hair length/style/colour etc are very much subject to change at the whim of various directors and casting agents...!
Glad to hear there's been such a positive response so far and I hope the meeting goes very well too!
I'm off now for a dry run of the Royal Mile tour!
Only 2 days til both it and 'Desire' open....yikes!!
Allan.
Have you ever heard of Steve McDonald? His Sons of Somerled CD gives me an Outlander vibe. BTW, I like the Mike Gibb music, too. I've just been familiar with Steve McDonald's work longer and I like the ambiance from this CD -- check it out! (Close your eyes -- the psychedelic video takes away from the audio-experience!)
ReplyDelete