Category: Music

My other love… :)

Music on a Monday – when a song tells you how you’re feeling

On By auntyamoIn Getting to grips with God stuff, MusicLeave a comment

I had just taken my seat in the second row, for the Now & Then Production Company‘s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar (JCS) and I was already battling tears. It was a combination of things; but mainly it was because almost exactly 1 month before, I’d sat in the same spot for my dad’s funeral. The venue was St. Mary’s Priory in Tallaght. Also my nephew was playing Jesus in the show and I knew from what I’d heard that (as usual) his performance would blow me away.

If you’re a regular reader here then you’ll know that 2014 has been hard and I’m slowing getting back to full strength. Tomorrow my friend who died January, would have been celebrating a big birthday. We talked about the shindig he didn’t want to have but that he’d probably have anyway. I promised that even though I couldn’t make the last celebration, I’d definitely be at the next!

You just never know, do you?!

Anyway, second row, JCS, neff on stage, me on the brink…
The show was great. A modern take on the direction and costumes etc. Fab cast and orchestra. And I actually forget for a minute that I was in the church and was engrossed in the performance.
I have to be honest, JCS isn’t my fave – mainly cos it doesn’t make any mention of the resurrection. Jesus is taken down from the cross and that’s pretty much it. But it was a great production.

christopher jcs
My nephew Christopher Keeley playing Jesus in JCS April 2014. Photo from http://www.nowandthenproductions.com

We get to the scene where Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane. He’s praying and crying out to God. He sings… “I’m not as sure as when we started. Then I was inspired, now I’m sad and tired.”

The damn burst.

It was like the whole of the last few months had been summed up in that one line. Maybe even more than months. I was talking the other day to a friend about how excited and enthusiastic I used to be. But now… I’m sad and tired.

The good news is that I’m not as sad and tired as I felt that night at the show. But I’ve a long way to go. That night, that song, confirmed how I was feeling.

We’re a long way from Pharrell Williams, but if you know me, you know that I’ll tell you if I get there 🙂

10 Day You Challenge, Day 9 – 2 Songs

On By auntyamoIn Getting to grips with God stuff, MusicLeave a comment

Day 9 of the ’10 Day You Challenge’ 10-days-you-challenge2 copy Today – 2 songs… only TWO?! Why not 10 songs instead of 10 Secrets eh?
That would have been a lot easier (and less embarrassing) – anyway…

Picking 2 songs is nigh-on impossible so I’m going to pick the two most played on my ipod in the Christian and non-Christian categories…

1. Most played song that’s NOT about God… Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5
If you read the 10 Secrets post you’ll know about the secret dancing with curtains closed etc. This song is the one that a lot of the jumping around is done to 🙂

2. Most played song about God… I’m Alive – Pete Furler
This is another one to jump around to. As another boppy one has made it to the top of the list, it seems I do more jumping around than even I realised. But this song is fun and lively and brillo pads and unlike the other song…. it’s true!
Because I AM alive and I DON’T have the moves like Jagger!

Go on… have a bop 🙂 

Isaiah 42:10
Sing to the Lord a new song,
            his praise from the ends of the earth,
you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,
            you islands, and all who live in them.

 Photo credit: The 10 Day You image above doesn’t seem to come from any central website but can be found on many that have done the challenge. Many use it but there does not seem to be any original source info available

 

Please Support – Eurovision Handbook in aid of Irish Cancer Society

On By auntyamoIn MusicLeave a comment

For Eurovision fans everywhere… the ultimate handbook and all for a great cause – The Irish Cancer Society 🙂

Johnny Fallon

As someone who likes traditions and loves voting its no surprise that Im a huge Eurovision fan. This year, I have been lucky enough to team up with Adrian Kavanagh in order to produce ‘The 2013 Eurovision Handbook’. As many of you will know Adrian is one of the best statistical minds there is and his research on Eurovision is just amazing stuff. We decided that, whether you are a fan or not, the Eurovision contains a lot of interesting vote patterns, stories and fun.

Putting all this together we hope to give you a new way of looking at the contest and raise so money for the Irish Cancer Society while we are at it. All royalties from this book will be donated and we will not be taking any cut from it.

This handbook gives you a run down on each country and its record in the competition…

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Always the Mr. Miyagi, never the Karate Kid

On By auntyamoIn Music, Random Ramblings, Writing, Blogging etc3 Comments

I remember sitting with one of my big brothers, patiently showing him how to play the D chord on his guitar. I thought it was great he wanted to learn and I was happy to help.

I remember him playing his first few songs at a party and how chuffed I was to think that I’d got him that far. I was quite proud of our achievement

I remember the day he came and asked me to help him understand the theory of the chords he was playing. I was relieved I had grade 5 theory & could help.

I remember the day he asked to show him proper tabs as he’d been messing around with  them but knew he wasn’t doing them properly. I looked at him blankly.

And I remember the day he sat with his little sister, patiently showing me how to play the pentatonic scale of D on my guitar. I still haven’t got the hang on it…

I have my mosh moments :)
I have my mosh moments 🙂

I often wonder how that happened. My student went whizzing passed me down Clapton Lane before I’d even realised he was any good!

We’re both guitar teachers nowadays but he’s a real one. He teaches ‘technique’, whereas I teach chords. I got a bit frustrated about it a few years ago but I managed to get over myself and cop on 😀

BUT… it’s happened again!

 

 

One of my Twitter buddies asked in passing one day whether it might be a good idea to start a blog. Her son is autistic and has an amazing awareness of who he is and a great ability to communicate it. She thought it might help and encourage others is a similar situation.

I thought it was a great idea and went through some of the mechanics of it and shared some of my sage-like wisdom

Suffice to say that she and her son are gonna be rock stars! She went on to start a second blog about some health issues she’s been having and both blogs have been ‘spotted’ by mainstream media.

I’m 5 years at this. FIVE YEARS. And not a sniff! Not that I expected to get one actually. But that’s not the point!!!

#harrumph!

Actually I’m not ‘harrumphing’. Well… maybe just a little bit… 😉 but I am absolutely delighted that the blogs have done so well. Her son’s posts are fantastic and I reckon they have the potential to make a huge impact on the awareness and understanding of autism.

And as for mum…. well for a woman I’ve never met face to face (only on Twitter and Skype) I do actually love her to bits and admire her a great deal.

And I bet you will too.

Take a look at autisticandproud and atleastIhaveabrain Two fantastic blogs!

I’m happy to once again be Mr. Myiagi to The Karate Kid, but before you all wax off over to her blogs, don’t forget to wax back on over here will ya! 🙂

My Songwriting Career starts here (or not…)

On By auntyamoIn Humour, Music, Silly SongsLeave a comment

After the success of my hit single “Is that what it’s all about?” The Twoky Kokey I’ve been commissioned to write a song for a Twitter budso @johnmurphy51 to the tune of ‘My Lovely Horse. (If you’re not familiar with this ‘Fr. Ted’ hit just click here to see the youtube clip)
Have you got the tune in your head now? Ok then… here we go!

 
(oh lovely lovely lovely John)

Oh lovely John
One of Twitter’s gems
Why are you tweetin’ when you should be meetin’ lovely girls?
I want to take you to a singles bar, or maybe to a teadance
Set you up with a nice cailín, & sort you out with some romance

(oh lovely lovely lovely John)

Oh lovely John
Your opinions are strong
Running the country would be easy for you, cos you’re sure you are right….
Even though you’re not ‘Right’…!

*Saxophone Solo
 
Well nearly always right!

Actually… we’ll have to lose that Sax solo

As promised, a song for ALL my Twitter followers :)

On By auntyamoIn Humour, Music, Silly Songs9 Comments

As promised, in celebration of reaching more than 1000 followers on Twitter I have written a song for you all 🙂

I’ve mentioned a few tweeps and would love to have been able to crowbar a few more of you in, but really there aren’t many Twitter names that rhyme with other Twitter names – or that rhyme with… just… words!

I’ve taken a little bit of license with the ‘scanning’ of the words. General rule…  if there is a number at the end of a Twitter name I’ve ignored it for the purposes of (and I use this term loosely…) poetry. The only one that doesn’t apply to is @booksmusic72 – the ‘2’ is crucial for the purposes of (and I use this term even more loosely this time…) poetry.
The stuff in brackets in the chorus is to be shouted out!

And so.. to the tune of “The Hokey Kokey” I give you

A song for my Twitter followers...

Is That What it’s All About?

So what’s on Twitter folks?
Some famous blokes,
strong opinions & some Bible quotes
There’s ‘Cats that look like Hitler’ & some dogs in skirts
Is that what it’s all about ?

More followers on Twitter
More followers on Twitter
More followers on Twitter
#hashtag #retweet
#blahblahblah

There’s those that love the Left
And love the Right
Or think that politics is all a load of… rubbish 🙂
& half the #irishbizparty’s in Twitter jail!
Is that what’s it all about?

More followers on Twitter
More followers on Twitter (GIVE ME…)
More followers on Twitter
#hashtag #retweet
#blahblahblah

You’ll find an expert here
from every sphere
Writin’ farmin’, lovin’ eatin’ – Conquerin’ your fears
And anyone who’s anyone is writ’n a book!
Is that what it’s all about?

More followers on Twitter (GIVE ME…)
More followers on Twitter (I’VE GOT..)
More followers on Twitter
#hashtag #retweet
#blahblahblah

I love @adublinluas
& @ghook’s news
@nettiewriter & @conziesays too
@JohnMurphy51’s my guru, @richjm612’s my man
And they get a big #shoutout

More followers on Twitter (WAIT! WHAT?)
More followers on Twitter (HELP ME)
More followers on Twitter
#hashtag #retweet
#blahblahblah

And then there’s cool #kevq
@booksmusic72
@philipnolan1 & @dedewatson too
@jimsheridan replies to me, I’ll have you know
And they’re what it’s all about!

More followers on Twitter (CAN’T GO ON)
More followers on Twitter (NERVES ARE GONE)
More followers on Twitter
#hashtag #retweet
#blahblahblah

So now I’ve reached 1 K
I want to say
Thanks to my followers, I read you everyday
Well just the ones I follow back cos youse are MAD
And THAT’s what it’s all about!

More followers on Twitter (OH NO I’VE GOT…)
More followers on Twitter (HAVE LOST THE PLOT)
More followers on Twitter
#hashtag #retweet
#blahblahblah

THANK YOU EVERYONE 🙂 X

Music on a Monday – You’re always welcome to stick your nose in our business

On By auntyamoIn Family, MusicLeave a comment

It’s a while since I did MoaM! So I thought I’d use the opportunity to revive it with a shameless plug for our little business – Miles Music

Towards the end of the year Miles Music will celebrate its 5th birthday. Rich and I discussed it for a long time; but while he thought we were still thinking about it, I was preparing a surprise for him. I had one of my neffs (who worked for Tallhouse.ie) design a logo. Good friends in quinix.com were putting together a website based on concept by Jenny Steele (moochu Designs).

I got an email address sorted, business cards and headed paper printed. I gave the email address to some friends asking them to email him to wish Rich well and then… SURPRIIIIIISE….. early Christmas present 🙂

We’ll never be millionaires from it, but it has been enjoyable and very interesting. Rich does most of the teaching but over the years we’ve sat with a number of couples preparing to get married, talking though their wedding music. I’ve been singing at weddings for a long time and have had some… interesting requests over the years….

‘Help me make it through the night’ – this was thankfully taken off the list by the discerning priest before I had to refuse to sing it
‘Young Hearts Run Free’ – the groom thought it would be hilarious; the bride didn’t!
and my favourite…
‘Harvest for the World’ – eh… why?

Anyway… things have gone a bit quiet of late and now that lessons are finishing up for the summer we’re usually preparing for the wedding bookings we have! I’ve looked online and were certainly not pricing ourselves out of the market but bookings are slow to come in this year.

So do us a favour will ya? Like our page on FB, follow us on Twitter and keep us in mind if you hear of anyone in the island of Ireland looking for music for their wedding service. Thanks a mil 🙂

I’ll leave you with this story that is said by some to be true and said by others to be apocrypha… who knows… but I hope it’s true 😀

A couple met with a wedding singer and went though their list for the service. The singer said to the bride… “Your most important choice is the music you walk up the aisle to.” Without hesitation the bride said… “I want the theme to Robin Hood!”
The Bryan Adams song, “Everything I do, I do for you” had been the first song her and her intended had danced to, the night they met.
So off the wedding singer went with his list.
On the day of the wedding the bride was there in here finery and as she took her father’s arm, someone gave the nod to the wedding singer. She walked through the doors of the church and as she did, could hear the wedding singer launch into…
“Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen… Robin Hood Robin Hood with his merry men……”

Voice-ing my opinion one last time; with thanks to the neff!

On By auntyamoIn Family, MusicLeave a comment

So I went dark for a bit, blog wise. But no one missed me, no one noticed, no one even caaaaaared! (I actually sang that bit!)

Although I didn’t blog, I certainly wasn’t silent. Anyone reading this who is connected with me on Facebook or Twitter is probably sick of me and is quite relieved I wasn’t blogging ASWELL!!!!!

Due to my eager (and excessive some would say) campaigning supporting my nephew’s efforts to win The Voice of Ireland, I’ve probably bugged some FB friends and Twitter followers. Or at the very least have been unsubscribed by a few… 🙂

I am sorry if I annoyed you. but if I did you probably don’t read my blog anymore either 😀 I’m sorry if you were irked, irritated, bored, throwing your eyes to heaven, wishing you’d never met me, hoping you’d never meet me again!

But I’m not one bit sorry I did it.

I’m monumentally proud of ALL my nieces and nephews. Just cos they’re alive really. They’re all different and I know some of them and their lives better than others; but they’re just fab. I have the great privilege of being able to be totally objective. Having no children of my own I don’t have anyone that I’m obliged to think better of 😀

Kevin Keeley (follow Kevin Keeley Music on Facebook, @keeley_kevin and @kevinkeeleyfans on Twitter… oh sorry; I’m doing it again!) Anyway… Kevin Keeley made it clear he was representing them all. He spoke about how his Grandad (my dad) encouraged us all to sing. Kevin made us proud to be from Tallaght, proud to be Keeleys, proud of the heritage that encourages us to love music. We sat glued to the telly, cheered when he sang and jumped up and down when he got through each round. It was electric. He brought so much fun and joy and laughs and near heart attacks to us all. And we loved every minute of it.

I could spend a few minutes talking about the stuff I didn’t like. The comments that hurt and annoyed, the votes that didn’t come, that decision that knocked him out…. but you won’t hear any of that from him – so you won’t hear it from me 🙂

Thanks so much Kevin – you made us proud and gave us a great reason to spend lots of time together. We’re so excited to see where this journey takes you next. We’re with you every step of the way.

Oh and in case and of you DIDN’T see any of his performances… here’s one for ya

 

Music on a Monday – the 30 Day Song Challenge

On By auntyamoIn MusicLeave a comment

For ages I have been watching the 30 Day Song Challenge unfold on people’s Facebook pages.

I think it’s fascinating. I’m sure it would make a great psychology research project for somebody…

So far I’m only on day 6, but already I’m finding it tough.
The first question is ‘What is your favourite song?’

That all depends on the humour I’m in and the day of the week. That’ss why it took me so long to get started actually.

I have to say I am enjoying it. I love music and it is is really making me think about what I love and why..

I highly recommend it. Even if you don’t post each day… it’s worth having a think about it.

Here’s the list…
Day 01 – Your favorite song
Day 02 – Your least favorite song
Day 03 – A song that makes you happy
Day 04 – A song that makes you sad
Day 05 – A song that reminds you of someone
Day 06 – A song that reminds of you of somewhere
Day 07 – A song that reminds you of a certain event
Day 08 – A song that you know all the words to
Day 09 – A song that you can dance to
Day 10 – A song that makes you fall asleep
Day 11 – A song from your favorite band
Day 12 – A song from a band you hate
Day 13 – A song that is a guilty pleasure
Day 14 – A song that no one would expect you to love
Day 15 – A song that describes you
Day 16 – A song that you used to love but now hate
Day 17 – A song that you hear often on the radio
Day 18 – A song that you wish you heard on the radio
Day 19 – A song from your favorite album
Day 20 – A song that you listen to when you’re angry
Day 21 – A song that you listen to when you’re happy
Day 22 – A song that you listen to when you’re sad
Day 23 – A song that you want to play at your wedding
Day 24 – A song that you want to play at your funeral
Day 25 – A song that makes you laugh
Day 26 – A song that you can play on an instrument
Day 27 – A song that you wish you could play
Day 28 – A song that makes you feel guilty
Day 29 – A song from your childhood
Day 30 – Your favorite song at this time last year