Duncan’s Blog – November/December 2018

Hello – back on the blog after the usual ridiculous delay.

We’ve had a few nice gigs, and the new album ‘Land of Gold’ has been selling well. Not easy shifting CDs these days, so pretty happy with the sales so far. It’s recently become available for download and streaming, and I really ought to start promoting it on social media. I find keeping Facebook and other platforms up to date pretty tedious, but I don’t do it, no one else will, I suppose. Watch this space….

The reviews have been really good, and I still think it’s the best album yet – I’m allowed to say that, as I’m only comparing it with my own previous releases!

I played my first solo charity gig in September for the Friendship Circle, in Milngavie Town Hall. I was far more nervous than I would have been at band performances, without Cy or the others there to boost the music and my confidence, but it was huge fun. The audience danced, cheered and sang along, and it was an opportunity for me to sing lots of songs I wouldn’t usually have the chance to. Breakaway Blues, anyone? It was also a chance to try out our new PA system – something we’ve needed for a long time. We’ll be able to play more small venues now that we’re self-sufficient.

Highlight of the last couple of months was my home concert in Gartmore Village Hall. Cy and I were joined by our pals Chris Stout and Fraser Speirs, and Australian-based husband and wife duo Neil Adam and Judy Turner, and it was one of the most enjoyable gigs I can remember. Jim was feeling unwell and couldn’t make it, but Chris, Finlay and Cy stepped up to the plate and played their hearts out, and the atmosphere on stage was wonderful. A real treat for me, and the audience seemed to have a great time, too.

Next project is to update and revise the website. I’ve already had a couple of photo sessions with Dave Arcari at Loch Lomond and with Steve Niblock in Arrochar. Dave’s going to be refurbishing the site for me, and he’s one of the best there is, so hopefully this will be the last blog on the ‘old’ site.

November hasn’t been all good, unfortunately. My dear pal Trevor Jenkins passed away from a heart attack in his early fifties. Trevor was a much-loved part of the music publishing scene, and as Head of Music at both Boosey & Hawkes and Music Sales he commissioned TV and film music from me and Cy. Over the twenty-five years I knew him, he became a real friend, and we spoke and met up as often as we could. Trevor was running his own publishing company, OPM, at the time of his passing, and he was loved and respected by many, many people.

Anyway, take care of yourselves and those you love, and I hope you have a happy and peaceful festive season. Hope to see many of you in 2019.

Cheers

Duncan x

4 thoughts on “Duncan’s Blog – November/December 2018

  1. Sorry for your loss Duncan. I’ve lost one of my own few years back and I know how much it changes the way we look at life. As I type away, in the background plays “Land of Gold”. The music reminds me of all the good times we had with him. Thank you very much for giving me this moment right now. I’ll be listening to more of you.

    • Hi David – I’m so, so sorry – I haven’t checked the website in months (ridiculous) and just found your message today – 16th July!! I’m so glad our music has helped in some small way to help you reflect on your friend. My mate Trevor was ten years younger than me, and I just assumed he’d always be there. Life had been treating him harshly over the past two years, and because we lived 400 miles apart I hadn’t been aware just how bad things were. His heart just gave out suddenly, and now I wish I’d been a better pal. I’m very grateful to you for getting in touch, and apologies once again for the delay. All the best Duncan

  2. What a lovely surprise my husband and I had yesterday,. We went to see the Milngavie art club exhibition and found it didn’t open until 2. p.m. A very kind lady invited us to join the pensioners’ outing in the building, where we enjoyed you singing the Skylark a lovely song very expressively sung and v.appropriate for remembering D. Day.Thank you so much. A wee bonus was the glass of sherry I enjoyed!. I shall now commence the struggle with my I pad to order one of your C.Ds. If successful, it will remind me both of the kindness, and the talent still in the world. Barbara Kyle

    • Hi Barbara. I’ve literally just found your lovely message (16 July!!!) and I’m so sorry it’s taken so long to reply. It’s the third time I’ve played at the Friendship Circle, and I always have an absolute ball. So many of these events can be quite serious and po-faced, but this one is an absolute hoot – helped by the drams, no doubt! I hope you managed to find the CD okay – if not, let me know and I’ll arrange something. My own email address is duncanmccrone@btinternet.com. I check that every day!! All the best Duncan

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