Rosie's Blog
9/11/11
Sorry for having been 'off the radar' for so long - life is just so hectic all of the time these days, even on holiday in la belle France it was hectic; but very agreeable!
There's not an awful lot to tell you just now other than my music has had some quality airplay over the last few months and the festivals and gigs we did in the summer and early autumn were very enjoyable. Like most musicians I love to play live and get a real buzz from performing for people who appreciate what we do and who come and speak to us at the end. Lovely to make these connections.
One little bit of recent excitement was when I went along to the Born to be Wide music seminar last week in Edinburgh with the intention of saying hello to Stewart Cruickshank who is a co-producer of Iain Anderson's Radio Scotland show. I am delighted that Iain plays my music on a regular basis and gives me a name check when there's some event to publicise. Well I did meet Stewart, and a very nice chap he is too. He also happens to be a fount of good advice and has a great deal of experience and epertise in the music industry and was sharing his extensive knowledge with the audience last week. He also used me as an example of how to nurture a professional relationship with radio producers and presenters, praising my music and albums too. I did feel a tad embarrassed as I wasn't expecting that at all but was also really chuffed that he thought that way about me and my music. All good.
Hope life is treating you well. Why not join me as a Facebook friend and keep up to date that way too?
Until the next gig or the next time we meet, whichever is first, a bientot mes amis
23/8/11
it's taken me a little time to get round to writing about the Fringe gig last Friday but that's just because life is completely BUSY just now. And on top of all the usual stuff, you know how they say that one of the most stressful things you can do is move house? Well, guess what? Yes, house selling at the moment with all of the joys that entails.
Enough of this and to Friday's gig. A capacity audience again, as we had last year. Very hot room, people from all over the world in the audience and Stuart, Tommy, Emma and I on stage. A great night. Probably one of my top three gigs. What a pleasure to play with these guys. And what a pleasure to speak with some of the audience members afterwards (some of whom I know, strangely enough); especially Phillip and Maureen who had me as one of their top 'must see' shows after hearing me on BBC Northern Ireland. Glad you enjoyed the show so much guys.
There's also a review done by John at edinburghfringefest.com. You'd never guess I'm writing this while not at home with all of the relevant info to hand :D
Hope all's well with y'all and catch you soon at a venue near you....
13/8/11
Now racing towards the Edinburgh Fringe gig at St. Bride's Acoustic Music Centre on Friday, 19th at 9pm. I can't believe that we've already got both of the Jazz Festival gigs under our belts; they seem like a dim and distant memory now. At the time we got very lucky with the weather for the Mardi Gras. The sun shone on us and the huge crowd who turned out to enjoy the music that day. If you were one of them, 'hi'. It was lovely to be in such demand that when we were having to finish because of the time curfew the crowd almost rioted. Rock 'n roll, eh? A special 'hi' to Catriona who caught us that day and also came along to the Music Library on Monday as she enjoyed us, and 'Lazy and Mellow' so much :) There will be some videos of us at the Mardi Gras appearing on the band website and youtube in the next few days.
Our other, duo, gig at the Jamhouse was enjoyable in a different way. What a treat to see James Hunter and his band play after us. Wow, check him out.
Better get off this computer and do something real now before it steals my soul.
It would be great to see you at St. Bride's on Friday.
21/7/11
Well, where did that three week chunk of time just go? It's not an insubstantial amount of time and, while in France, it seemed to last forever (in a good way). While in France we played in a venue where we'd played before and this has led to a couple of new and interesting leads for next summer.
Anyway, here we are again and I must say it's great to be home and preparing for all of the exciting events in the next couple of months including the Jazz and Blues Festival gigs this weekend and next and the Fringe show in August.
There are also other Festival gigs that have been added to my diary so please check out the gig page for details. Just before going off on holiday I met Peter Asher at a film about the Troubadour Club in LA which was being premiered at the EIFF. I really value his opinion as he was James Taylor's manager for many, many years and if you know anything about me at all you'll know I'm a big JT fan. To cut a long story short, he likes my music! See comments/reviews page for what he has to say...
Better go and do something more pressing now but I hope to see some of you at a gig in the near future. Please come over and say hello. That would be lovely :D
16/6/11
Interviewed by Vic Morgan on BBC Radio Devon on Tuesday's show which was a bit scary but fun. I didn't have a clue what he was going to ask and at one point his questions led to an artist I'd studied at Art College - Caspar David Friedrich! Never thought he'd be part of a music conversation.
If you missed the interview, you can still hear it on the BBC iPlayer for the next few days, but of course the whole thing is here on the site forever. Just click here and listen to your hearts' content.
9/6/11
UPDATE
So you know, the interview was recorded last night (Monday) but isn't broadcast until this evening (Tuesday 14th June). The details on the gigs page are still the same though - enjoy!
Just a quick note to say that BBC Radio Devon's Vic Morgan will be interviewing me on Monday, 13th June from 10.00pm. There are direct links to Vic's profile and also to the BBC iPlayer on the gigs page. Don't forget, the programme will be available for 7 days after that, in case you can't stay up quite that late...!
1/6/11
Seems like only yesterday that I updated this blog. Where does the time go? Here we are again and there are two imminent gigs in the diary for the Rosie Nimmo Band. One on the 31st May in the 3 Harbours Festival and the other on 10th June in the Leith Festival. All relevant details on the gigs page.
Our rehearsal last week was so much fun. I always enjoy rehearsals and this one was no exception. I love hearing everything come together and I think you'll be delighted with the results.
Highlights for me last week were Emma's backing vocals and Stuart's understated guitar although everyone's contribution just created the magic mix for me. If we can keep that momentum building and convey it at our gigs I'll be delighted. Hope you're all happy bunnies and that the summer weather (well, almost) is bringing a smile to your faces.
Thanks to Martin for keeping my website updated and all-singing, all-dancing.
2/5/11
Just a quick update to say - the online review site, Fatea liked 'Home' 
so much (see their great review on reviews page) that they asked me to be part of one of their occasional free downloads. This compilation CD/download includes a wide variety of fabulous music by a host of other artists - and it also features the title track from my CD 'Home'.
The Aspirations compilation CD is out today and is available here as a gift to you.
Hope you enjoy it :)
26/4/11
Well, back in sunny Britain again after a fortnight's blissful break in la belle France where the sun shone and the birds sang every day. Absolutely wonderful!
Hard as it was to come back, I've missed the bustle of life here and the music that is just about to be resumed (no gigs in France this time as our usual venue is still closed following the owner's untimely death).
We had a good send-off just before the holiday though with our gig as part of Secret CDs in the Voodoo Rooms. Most enjoyable night and a great variety of music/musicians which included Polly and the Billet Doux and a Glasgow band called Sparrowhawk who had me laughing out loud a lot :) I strongly recommend that you get yourselves along there sometimes - first Wednesday of each month.
I'm playing at the Shore Bar with Stuart this coming Sunday, 1st May, from 8pm and he and I are again at Cafe Grande on 15th May from 7.00pm.
At the end of May and the beginning of June we're doing some festival gigs so please put a note of these in your diary. More details on gigs page.
Better go now and catch up with all the usual end-of-holiday stuff. All the best, Rosie :)
28/3/11
To paraphrase Led Zeppelin 'it's been a long time since I wrote my blog, been a long time been a long, lonely, lonely... Oh you get the drift!
Sorry for being so out of touch recently. No excuses really apart from being horribly busy with work, feeling poorly and trying to keep all the plates spinning on the top of the canes without any of them smashing. Think I've just about got that covered but it takes a lot of energy and concentration.
I'm delighted to say that I have two very tasty looking gigs lined up in the next few days. If you check out the gig page you'll see that there is an element of pun in there.
Also starting to get sorted for other projects later in the year, some of which I'm rather excited about but don't want to get ahead of myself here. Been in that situation a couple of times in the last year already. I'm afraid that patience isn't my strongest point but I am working on it.
There's a link here to the interview that the Edinburgh Evening News did with me last week.
Off to sunny France again in just over a week and I can't wait. Hopefully going to be doing a couple of gigs there although our best little venue won't be the same after the sudden, enexpected death of the proprietor earlier in the year. RIP Virgil.
Hope to see some of you at a concert in the near future. In the meantime, hope this finds you hale and hearty.
27/2/11
Looking forward to playing in Portobello Library, Rosefield Avenue, on Saturday, 5th March as part of their World Book Day event. Admission is free and I'll be on at 5pm for a short set. I'll be joined by sundry members of my band.
As part of the event, the library are giving away free books!!!!! as well as free refreshments. Can't be bad.
Also in the process of finalising details for the gigs I have coming up in April - two of which are already on the website. Once I know for sure what's happening I'll keep you posted
12/2/11
So sorry I've not been keeping you all up to date on every detail but life (ie working life) is just so busy at the moment. Trying to keep up with all that entails as well as doing the music stuff is a full time job. Thankfully, it's a job I love.
There are developments in my little music world. The first thing to say is that, sadly, we're not going to be at the Wickerman Festival this year :( We'd been looking forward to it and were disappointed, although not surprised, to hear that there have been so many applications from new acts who had to be given a space that there is no space for us.
Still waiting to hear about the BBC Radio programme interview. Will keep you posted.
What is definitely happening is that I'll be interviewed on Leith FM radio on Monday, 14th February, in advance of a gig that Stuart and I are doing in the Shore Bar, Leith, that evening as a Valentine's special. The show goes out at 12.15 and Graeme Scott, the presenter, will also be featuring some of the songs from 'Home'.
More gigs lining up including one on 2nd April in the Jewel and Esk College, Food Extravaganza, Milton Road East, Edinburgh from 11am. Details of this and the other new gigs will be up on the gig page soon.
Until next time, mes amis.....
27/01/11
what a great time we had in Celtic Connections on the DKOS on Friday evening, 21st January. Huge thanks to Cathy for her wonderful fiddle playing and to Tommy for his great bass.
There are three video clips and you can see them on the video page or have a butchers on YouTube here, here, and also here!
Will post another entry soon but must go now.... :D
13/01/11
Well, here we are in another year. I hope that 2011 is a good one for you all. I've just returned from a trip to France and it was very hard to drag myself back here to reality, I have to say.
However, I've now become acclimatised again and am looking forward to what this year might bring, including our gig tomorrow (14th) in Noble's in Leith. There are a few new gigs added to my diary including a slot at Celtic Connections DKOS on Friday, 21st January. See gigs page for details of them all.
I know I keep promising exciting developments but they are coming, honestly. You'll just have to be patient, like me, and wait for them.
Looks like the Wickerman will be on our list this year again. I think it'll be hard to beat the weather we had there for our first performance last year. Will have more details of that in the next blog. Also got a (very) late, short review for 'Lazy and Mellow' from Piers Ford, a reviewer who loved 'Home' and has only just heard the first album. See reviews page for that.
Until next time.... Rosie :D
10/12/10
Hi folks. Not been too much that I've been able to report of late as I'm still waiting on developments.
The Christmas single, 'Being a Child Again (in the Snow)' had a couple of airings on Radio Scotland this week. First time was on the Jazz House on Wednesday night (this will be repeated on Sunday) and then again on Iain Anderson's show last night. You can catch both shows on the BBC iplayer for a week after initial airing.
Hope you have a great weekend.
7/11/10
First fings first folks (alliteration, ah adore (a)it). Tuesday night at the Queen's Hall for the Michelle Shocked gig which was fantastic. Met the promoter, Gavin for the first time and he's keen to be promoting me and my music too. Thumbs up for that.
One minute I'm sitting in the audience loving the gig and the next minute I'm up on stage with Michelle and her great band (which included Peter O'Toole of the Hothouse Flowers) playing mandolin for the first time in my life and doing backing vocals. Brilliant fun and a memory to treasure for ever. See gallery page for pics.
The following day was the live Radio Scotland interview with Bruce on the Music Cafe, in some illustrious company, I may say. Check it out here on the audio page. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience albeit quite thought provoking and sad in parts.
There are also a couple of new reviews for 'Home' which have just come in and can be found on the review pages. One of these reviews in particular has been reading my mail, I think.
Lots of other irons in the fire just now and I'm just waiting on them coming home to roost. (May as well mix my metaphors deliberately as I'm always doing it accidentally anyway!)
Until next time chums....
25/10/10
Well, here I am just back from France with some exciting developments since I've been away.
Firstly, I've been asked to do a support slot for Catherine Feeny this Thursday in Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh, from 7.30.
I've also been invited to be interviewed live on Radio Scotland's Music Cafe show on Wednesday, 3rd November, from 1.15pm with some tracks from 'Home' being played on the show too. Very much looking forward to both of these events.
Once I get myself organised, I'll send some more reviews of 'Home' - which is now officially released today and available on all major download sites as well as from my site - to my glamorous assistant, Martin, to upload.
In the meantime, if you want to find out more about what I'm up to and future plans, you can do so on my Facebook pages where you can join me as a friend, a fan and/or a supporter of my soon to be released Winter single 'Being a Child Again (In the Snow)'.
Until then, adios amigos or a bientot mes amis.'
04/10/10
Well, that was a rather hectic weekend, what with the jazz and blues lineups playing in the Callander Jazz and Blues Festival (and squeezing in an extra gig on Friday night to plug a gap left by a call-off). We also played a gig of my own songs in the Festival and that was a very interesting experience for us; playing in the Arts and Antiquities Centre in Doune surrounded by many beautiful artefacts. We even had one old lady dancing in the aisles to Pavlov's Dog!
Of course, the main event of the weekend for me was my album launch night last night in the Voodoo Rooms. What a lovely night it was too. A great atmosphere and Stuart and Tommy played their parts so well. We received loads of great comments at the end of the night, with the new album title track 'Home' being singled out for particular praise. Another milestone reached. I know that Iain Anderson really likes this new album and he proves this by playing a variety of tracks from it on his show. Just had a really good review from R2 magazine - find it on the review's page.
Time to go now, so until the next time, adios amigos.
17/8/10
Well, here we are again and what a weekend it’s been. Three important (for me) gigs in three days so what happens? I woke up on Saturday with a sore throat.
Without going on and on about the common !!?? cold, suffice to say that Doctor Stage worked his magic and each gig was successful and great fun. Can’t really ask for much more than that.
Stuart and I played at a lovely wedding on Saturday afternoon – CONGRATULATIONS Sue and David, (what a delightful couple) then back to Edinburgh for the launch party of the Book Festival. I was complimented on the band and my harmonica playing by Richard Jobson who, together with his friends and the other guests, did seem to be having a great time. Thanks to Amanda and Nick for asking us to play again this year.
Sunday was truly a day of rest for me where I tried to fool my cold into leaving so that I could be in good voice for my Fringe gig last night at St. Bride’s.
It was very heartening to see so many people come along for that gig, friends and family as well as new faces. What an enjoyable gig it was for me - the audience enjoyed it too, singing along gustily to the choruses of ‘Timeclock’ and ‘Girl on a Bicycle’. In fact, some of them seemed to enjoy it rather too much–you know who you are, you enthusiasts :D
Well, that’s all the Festival excitement over for the time being. Time now to concentrate on learning to play the new piano I bought last week. Cover your ears and hide, people.
29/07/10
I need to find another way to describe Iain Anderson on BBC Radio Scotland, as I keep calling him 'that lovely man'. But until I do...
That lovely man, Iain Anderson, played 'Never go Back' from my new cd 'Home', on his show last night and talked up my Fringe show at St. Bride's on 16th August. I'd only sent the album out to him the day before so I'm delighted to say 'thank you' to him for being so quick off the mark. Hope I never get blase about hearing my stuff on the radio as it's such a thrill.
Have a good weekend and maybe see some of you at one of the gigs I'm doing in the next wee while.
24/07/10
So, hope you’re all well. That’s me got the first festival with my own material under my belt now, having played in the Acoustic Village at the Wickerman yesterday. And what a great day it was; just the pared down band of Stuart and me. Think we were both a bit awestruck on our arrival, as neither of us had been to the Wickerman before and there was so much to take in. The setting and weather were fabulous and there was a real buzz about the place with monsters, fairies and a great variety of creatures just strolling about looking pretty happy. Only after we’d done our gig did we discover the merchandising tents selling all sorts of outfits where instant transformations could take place.
Thanks to the organisers for inviting me to play, cheers Nicola, and to the great sound folk on the day, Chris, Beth and the others whose names I didn’t get.
Had the audience singing along to Timeclock and Girl on a Bicycle at the end (including the very funny bunch of guys who came in later and joined in with gusto); what a great way to spend a gloriously sunny Friday afternoon. Once we’d played we got a chance to soak up the atmosphere for a couple of hours before setting off on our long journey home. We’re definitely hoping to play there again next year but will probably stay over next time to make the most of it all.
STOP PRESS
My first double A side single (taken from forthcoming album ‘Home’) ‘Moonglow Music’ and ‘The End’ was released yesterday on ITUNES and all other major download stores. You can buy it via the Music page on my website – if you’re so inclined :D
Just confirmed a gig in Avalanche Music Store, Cockburn Street in Edinburgh during the Festival. Details on gigs page.
Tickets for the show in St. Bride’s on 16th August have started to sell so please don’t wait too long if you’re planning to come along; it’s not a big capacity room.
Off to play in the Dundee Blues Bonanza with my merry little blues band now. Until the next time mes amis….
PS The guestbook crashed a few weeks ago and all the existing posts were lost. So if you want to add a comment, or had done so already and it’s disappeared, please do so. It’s dead easy. Honest!
20/07/10
Well, back in the land of work after three weeks en vacances in relaxing and very hot France. Actually did a couple of gigs there which went well, one unscheduled one at a Marche Bio when our friends the organisers asked us to play a couple of sets. It was lovely except for one thing that I had overlooked; intense, muggy heat, performing in a field close to a river = mosquitoes. What do you do when you're in the middle of playing and can actually watch the little beggars landing on your arm and having their tea???......keep going is the answer. The second gig was more civilised, in a very chic bar/restaurant to a small but perfectly formed audience some of whom have become new fans. Bonjour.
Bonjour also to a Dutch couple Jimmy and Floor (think Fleur) who bought both of my albums at a vide grenier after I'd played them an impromptu song (at their request). Somewhat bizarre experience playing and singing beside a field somewhere in rural France on a Sunday morning while being filmed by a complete stranger :D
And now to the big news - Wickerman Festival gig this Friday at 1.30 in the Acoustic Tent. I will be ably assisted at this by Stuart. On the same day (not entirely coincedentally) my very first single is being released on all digital marketplaces. It's a double A side of 'Moonglow Music' and 'The End' - both of which are on the new album, 'Home' which is soon to be available. I've already got my copy and am delighted with it not only in its production and content but also in the cover and layout. (Thanks for all these elements to Marc, Ali, Martin and Belinda amongst others).
Watch this space for more details to follow re launch night etc.
Got to go now. Until the next time, enjoy the summer.
01/07/10
There have been so many things happening over the last few weeks that I just don't have time to tell you them all. However, the main things are that my second album 'Home' is now finished and I'm awaiting delivery. Well actually, I'm not sitting in waiting on it but will be in France for the next few weeks and will get the cds on my return. (Although some are being sent out to me there for the gigs that I'll be doing).
I'm delighted with this album and have already been told that it's better than the first. I was very happy with 'Lazy and Mellow' as I am with 'Home' - but it's hard to be objective about your own stuff. I'm therefore glad to hear objective opinions about this one. In addition to having another album being released in October, I have also arranged for a single to be issued via downloads only on 23rd July - the day we play the Wickerman Festival. This first double A side single from the album is called 'Moonglow Music' and 'The End' and will be available on all major download stores from that date. You however, can hear a little snippet of these two songs as well as another little teaser from 'Home' called 'Precious Mistakes' (aka my driving song) here.
Since last we communicated I've also been performing in the Leith Festival with my pal Martin Lennon sharing the bill. We had a great night and played our socks off. Excellent feedback from our audience who had chosen to come out and see us rather than sit in and watch the England game on telly. Well done you guys. I know you all thought you'd made the right choice (or that's what you told me anyway!).
Better go now and start packing.
A bientot mes amis and please continue to check here for updates because, even though I'm not physically here, I am still just a mouse click away and will be updating as necessary. Until next time...
PS: The website was moved to a different host recently, so it was offline for a few days - but now you can look forward to some changes in the coming weeks and months
24/5/10
Fanastic concert on Saturday night at Portobello Community Centre featuring Hobotalk, Ian Petrie, Klive Smith, Stephen Price and finally, myself and Tommy. What a great night we all had in the packed room - a bit of a hot night given that the gig was sold out and we couldn't get the windows open. However, that didn't stop anyone's enjoyment of the event. All proceeds went to Musac, a charity working with adults with additional support needs, some of whom had come along and joined in the fun. Videos to follow.
This music thing just keeps on improving for me. The new album is moving along nicely and will actually be finished by late summer; loving the results and the process so far and the new songs are being very well received when I play them live.
The tickets for some of the festivals I'm playing in are now on sale and details can be found on the gigs page.
Hope you're all hale and hearty. Until the next time....18/5/10
A super quick update: both the video pages and the gallery have had the Eric Bibb support gig photos and You Tube clips added, so if you didn't make it along (where were you?) you can watch them here on this site, and get a taste of what it was like.
PS: If you can't see the videos here on this site, you may have to update your Flash player, but in the meantime, here are the You Tube links for the Queen's Hall songs:
Timeclock
More
Little Bird
Nothing To Fear
Being A Child Again In The Snow/Girl On A Bicycle
Dangerous
16/5/10
Well, I've now had a bit of time to come down from the ceiling where I've been since Friday night (well Friday morning if I'm honest, due to the anticipation).
The gig at the Queen's Hall was such a memorable experience, not least because we met the great man Eric Bibb and his gang, Sari and Grant. What a great bunch of guys and such musicianship!
Our part in the evening went off really well - fabulous acoustics in the hall - and we all had a lot of fun and feel that we acquitted ourselves well. Some great feedback from the audience and staff after the show too, which is heartening. Feels like we're on a good path just now.
And speaking of good paths, our musical path through life continues with a gig in Portobello Community Centre this Saturday, 22nd May, featuring Hobotalk, myself, Ian Petrie and Stephen Price. Tickets (selling out fast as it's in the small room so very limited number of seats) are priced at £10, all of which is going to the charity Musac. Available by contacting me via the website or speak with Stephen Price on 07946 680278.
Onwards and upwards my friends.
Here are the links to the videos that were taken on Friday in the Queen's Hall. More to follow.
(I just want to add a wee thank you to Dave for taking these videos - Thanks Dave!!)
10/5/10
Hope this finds you all well and happy.
What a busy little bee I've been, zzub, zzub, zzubing for weeks now. (Those of you who listen to lyrics will get that one) Latest in the line of amazing experiences was the Jane Siberry gig in Portobello where I did a short opening slot. What a fantastic night it was. The only other time I've seen Jane perform was in the Queen's Hall four years ago and it counts as one of my top three gigs ever. Last night she enthralled a packed salon to take us to another world of her (and our) imagination. A truly special night. Thank you Jane for your magic. Come back soon.
To add to my (already too high) levels of adrenalin, this Friday sees me and my band doing the support for Eric Bibb in the Queen's Hall in Edinburgh. Another of my favourite musicians, I'm really looking forward to starting the night for him. 'Who's in the band'? I hear you ask - well we've got Tommy on bass, Marc Pilley on percussion and Stuart Allardyce on lead guitar. A great combo which you might remember played at the Lucy Wainwright-Roche gig in March.
Marc is also hosting and playing (as Hobotalk with Ali Petrie) at a charity bash in Portobello on 22nd May and has asked me play there too. Details on gigs page.
That should keep you all going for a wee while.
Catch you soon.'
19/4/10
Here I am writing this while trying to keep my eyes open. Our lovely, relaxing and refreshing holiday in France was marred a bit by the return overland and by ferry that lasted for 26 hours and ended in the somewhat surreal experience of taking the overnight Megabus from London to Edinburgh. Not how I would have chosen to end a holiday but actually better than I would have anticipated. So thanks to those people who helped us get home, primarily Janne and our French friend Manuel, but not forgetting our two great Megabus drivers. Merci mes amis.
Thoroughly enjoyable gig on Saturday night in L'Escale, Siorac en Perigord, Dordogne, and have been invited back there in July, so thanks are due to M. et Mme. James et famille. A bientot and see you in July.
There are several musical things that I'm looking forward to in the near future, some of which you can already read about on the website and some of which you'll just have to wait a bit longer to hear about.
Talking of which - I have a new gig lined up with Marc Pilley and friends on 22nd May. Details on gigs page. Got to go now and catch up on some sleep. A bientot.
31/3/10
Another superspeed update - there was a slight miscommunication about the French review: It turns out that you can read it here by downloading the pdf on the front page... if that's gone (as these things do) try just directly downloading the pdf here. In both cases, the review itself is on the second page of the pdf. (Not the website) Hope that's all clear! :)
28/3/10
Thought you might all like to know - I just got given a support slot for the deeply bluesy Mr Eric Bibb on May 14th. As ever, keep an eye on the gig page for more details as they come in...
24/3/10
Very briefly folks here's what's happening to date.
The Wickerman Festival gig is now confirmed as 23rd July with further details to follow.
A big thank you to Mary Ann Kennedy and her colleagues at Global Gatherings for playing 'Nothing to Fear' on the show again last week. My merry little band of men will be accompanying me in a gig in the St. Bride's Acoustic Music Centre on 16th August as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
There's also a lovely review of the album from France on the reviews page. It was featured as one of six 'albums of the month' (The list included Sting and Woodstock!) for the library of the HEC Business School in Paris - do have a regardez... My friend, Francoise, suggested that it's 'le debut du succes en France' (the start of my success in France). Here's hoping eh!
And that was the news, but watch out here for new developments as they unfold before your eyes!
15/3/10
Well here we all are again after another highlight in my musical career to date. Said highlight was the gig supporting Lucy Wainwright Roche in Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms last Monday. My trusty band of men were there creating the musical background and support for my part. So a big thank you to Marc, Stuart and Tommy on percussion/bv’s, lead guitar and bass guitar respectively.
Lucy herself was just a delight; so natural and unaffected with a pure voice and great songs. And a great line in stand-up too. What more could we ask for?
Another local musician was playing support for her and I really liked what she did too. Why not check her out – Emily Scott – singing and playing solo on ukulele and guitar. I’m now sold on the idea of acquiring a ukulele although I’m still in banjo learning mode at the moment.
Some of the Radio Scotland shows have been playing my songs on their shows again so, thanks to Iain Anderson and team, Archie Fisher and team and the gang at the Jazz House. I also know that my album has been playlisted on Radio 6 International and went out on their big show on Saturday night. Oh, and here’s another first – sold an album direct from my website to someone in Australia last week. Strewth, cheers mate.
As usual, there are some irons in the fire regarding festivals, radio shows and foreign gigs. More will be revealed in the near future. For now, there is one gig confirmed for France in April. Details on the gigs page.
I’ve also a huge thank you to say to Belinda for taking some incredible photos of me; some of which are now on my gallery pages. Thanks to Martin too, for keeping you all updated on the website, although he is soon passing that over to me, so it might not be as seamless as it’s been up till now.
Marc and I continue to develop the second album and are having huge, creative fun in the process. Win, win.
PS Don’t think I’ve trumpeted this enough from the rooftops but my first single which is a double A side of Spider and Fly and (a re-recorded) Girl on a Bicycle is due for release on 23rd March. Contact me for further information.
STOP PRESS: Looks like there's a gig coming up at the Wickerman Festival which runs from 23/24th July. Details to follow. Hurrah!
25/2/10
‘Time….there’s never enough of it’ - a wee taster for you there of ‘Timeclock’ one of the new songs on the next album; how true, how true. Life is so hectic, can’t wait to go off to France for a couple of weeks soon to do nothing more exhausting than drink red wine, eat good food, go for long, lazy walks and bike rides and smell the early spring flowers. It’s a tough job...
No recording done this week as Marc and I were busy rehearsing for the Lucy Wainwright Roche gig on the 8th March. Marc’s on backing vox and percussion and it’s sounding awesome.
I’m also getting quite carried away by the discussions he and I are having about touring Europe on a double bill of Hobotalk and me (and my band). Sounds like a definite maybe for doing that, if not this summer, then next. I already have the French Connections mes amis!
More pics on the gallery at last – thanks to Belinda who did a great job (in terrible lighting) at the recent gig with Mairi et al in Portobello.
I’m now booked onto the Three Harbours Festival again in East Lothian this summer with Polly and the Porty Belles. As well as this, my pal Martin and I will be gigging in the Leith Festival again. Is it coming up to summer or something? Check out gigs page for details.
My album has been featured on John Macdonald’s show on Sunny Govan Radio this week and I was playing live on East Coast FM last Friday which was fun. Today Haddington and Glasgow, tomorrow…Dunkeld?! Actually, yes. We’ll be there for a couple of days and will be in the Taybank on Friday night in the Music Room playing some stuff with the other musos. It’s always been a good night any other time we’ve been there.
Until the next time, adios amigos.
15/2/10
Did a couple of interesting gigs last week. First up was the benefit concert on Friday night which was organised by Mairi Campbell. Mairi played on my songs with me as did Marc Pilley (Hobotalk) and Stuart Allardyce. It was just like the album launch night all over again.
On Saturday, I did a little gig in Coda with the able assistance of Tommy and made some new fans. Welcome on board folks.
I will be playing live on East Coast Radio's morning show on Friday, 19th February at 10.20. Will also be chatting with the host, Graeme Logan about forthcoming events.
The single is being released on 23rd March and will be a double A side of Spider and Fly and a re-recorded version of Girl on a Bicycle. The radio shows have their pre-release copies and I understand there are already plans afoot to play it. Cheers m'dears.
Hope to see you at one of the gigs that are planned for the next few weeks. I have to say I am especially excited about the re-scheduled support gig for Lucy Wainwright Roche on 8th March in the Voodoo Rooms. This lady is really going places - catch her while you can, (she's great) and while tickets are a measly £7. I know that Marc will be performing with my wee merry band that night and that brings a great extra dimension.
Look after yourselves and can I just say a huge congratulations to my pal Martin and his FIANCEE Susie; I'm delighted for you guys. Way to go...
12/2/10
Just a super-fast update to say that the Lucy Wainwright-Roche support gig on the 2nd March has been rescheduled to Monday 8th March. As ever, it's on the gig page, so keep checking back for more gigs as they come up.
08/02/10
Quick update for you with my news. If you go to the gigs page you’ll see that I now have two great support gigs. The first will be in the Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, on Tuesday, 2nd March where I’m supporting Lucy Wainwright-Roche. Check her out, she’s not as famous (yet) as her siblings Rufus and Martha Wainwright but she has such a gorgeous voice and seems to be a great person too. Looking forward to meeting her and opening the gig for her.
The second, thrilling (for me anyway as I’m a huge fan) support slot that is now booked is on 9th May, Portobello Community Centre, 8pm. And the artist in question is Jane Siberry – only one of the very best songwriters and performers in the world. This is a very intimate gig with tickets limited to 40 so will be sold out before you can blink.
Do any of you listen to French radio, and if so, did you hear one of my songs being played there on Friday? A friend in France is sure she heard me as she went about her business but it’s not been confirmed. Please let me know if you have heard. I get emails via the website. Thanks.
There is other, potentially more exciting stuff in the pipeline but you’ll just have to wait, as I am having to do, to find out if it’s going to happen. Watch this space!
Oops, should have just given a quick mention to last week’s gig at the Edinburgh Folk Club. What a great place to play, lovely people, warm and listening audience – some of whom bought the cd. So a big thanks to Paddy Bort, the organiser and to Heather on sound. Also to the others involved. Hoping to be invited back there again soon.
The Jani Lang Band were just fab.
Check out the photos on the Edinburgh Folk Club's photo page
29/01/10
I suddenly realised that I’d not brought you up to date with how things have been going for a few weeks; my apologies. Can I just say in my defence that I have been, and continue to be, inordinately busy. Anyway, here goes.
As mentioned in the last blog, I was through in that dear green place on Sunday playing in Celtic Connections on the Danny Kyle Open Stage to a packed house. It’s a competition open to musicians worldwide and they do apparently get hundreds of applicants, so I was rather pleased to get a place. Stuart and Tommy gave their usual marvellous contributions on guitar and bass respectively. It was one of these things that I had been anticipating so much that, when we were actually there, seemed to be over in a moment. Just like life really, long wait for something then it’s over. I must say that it’s the first time I’ve played in Glasgow and the audience were great. They seemed as disappointed as me when it was last song time, with calls for another song. And what good singers they were! I always love it when people sing along and they did so with gusto to ‘girl on a bicycle’. Well done, Glasgow.
There are more events on the horizon. I’m about to launch a single in the near future and will keep you updated about which song it will be.
Gigswise, I will be playing at the Pleasance this coming Wednesday and on Friday, 12th, have a lovely gig lined up with the folk who played on the album including Mairi Campbell, Stuart Allardyce, Marc Pilley and Ali Petrie. See the gigs page for more details.
Stuart and I are also playing in the Fife Jazz Festival in the Rothes Halls on Saturday, 6th February supporting King King and Blues ‘n’ Trouble.
Marc and I are well underway with the second album and it’s a process that I just love to bits – it’s so much fun and incredibly rewarding to develop the new songs and bounce ideas off each other about their arrangements and production. (Expect a lot more harmonica playing on it). I have also written a couple of new songs in the last few days and these will be on the new album. Thank God a cheerful song has emerged. It was starting to get too dark and gloomy in my brain. Well I loved the snow and have written a wee ditty about it which I hope you all like when you hear it. Might give it an airing at the next couple of gigs – but only if it snows again.
Until then, adios amigos.
13/01/10
Once again, a very quick note (honest, I'll do a full blog soon, but I'm really awfy busy. I promise!) to say, have a keek at the gig page: I'm playing on the 24th of January at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow during Celtic Connections. It's part of a big... oh, I'll do a proper blog soon - in the meantime, get that into your diaries!
8/01/10
Just a quick note to say - The gig at Coda on Bank Street has been postponed - partly because of the arctic weather!! You'll see it on the forthcoming gigs page happening on the 13th February. Stuart and I are also performing at the reopening of Portobello Library on the 15th January.
It's all go!
4/01/10
Happy New Year to you all. I've added more gigs for your delectation and delight - see the gig page. There are a few other things in the pipeline so watch this space......
13/12/09
Well hi there. It’s been a while since we last communicated. My apologies. Life has been rather hectic recently (good hectic as well as bad hectic, you know how life is) and will become so again in the New Year, but for now let me update you on some of the musical things that have been happening chez moi.
Started the new album with Marc a few weeks ago and, once again, I’m loving the actual process of putting a piece of music together and playing about with ideas. The whole creative thing is hugely enjoyable and with someone like Marc in the producer’s seat we can’t fail. He is full of enthusiasm and some great suggestions for the new songs. I think we make a good team.
I’ve done a few gigs since the Troubadour Club and met some great people. If you’re one of them, hello again.
The album continues to be praised. See the reviews page for the latest reviews from the Scotsman, and from music magazines R2 and Maverick (4.5 stars out of 5). It also continues to get radio play and I know that Mary Ann Kennedy will be playing a track from it on her show this week. That’s Global Gathering on Radio Scotland. Thanks Mary Ann.
I was really sorry to hear about the demise of Border Books when I came back from Prague a couple of weeks ago. It was a shop that had it all I thought. (Not only that but I was lined up to do a gig there and that’s obviously not happening now).
Across the board there seem to be so many people losing their jobs and at such a bad time of year. It’s scary.
On that blue note I’m going to leave you until the next time. If I don’t post before Christmas can I just wish you and yours a peaceful and joyful festive period.
:D
17/11/09
Just want to point out the new page on the site - click on videos here or in the navigation to see all of the videos from the album launch, right here on the site
09/11/09
Here we are again and some more news from my little world. As if all the excitement of Cabaret Voltaire last Sunday wasn’t enough, Tommy and I went off to sunny London on Thursday to play in the Troubadour Club on Friday night. Decided against kissing the hallowed floor even though some of my absolute musical heroes (including Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan) have played there.
Not quite what I had expected, but an enjoyable and memorable experience nonetheless. And I did get the whole club singing along to Girl on a Bicycle. Isn’t it funny how most people love to have a good singalong?
Also had a very indulgent browse in the music shops in Denmark Street followed by an ‘impecable dejeuner’ in a French restaurant just off Carnaby Street.
Cathy MacDonald played Joy on Sunday morning on her Greetings Programme on BBC Radio Scotland so, thanks to Cathy and Lucy her producer.
The current edition of The List has given Lazy and Mellow a four point rating (you can see the points on their website) with some lovely comments. See my reviews page. Thanks guys.
Belinda (the little darling) has sorted out the video that she took of the launch party and I’ve now posted several songs from it on to youtube. And here they are:
Joy
Pavlov's dog
Girl on a bicycle
More
Letting you go
Lazy and mellow
Nothing to fear
That Shy girl
Think that’s enough to be going on with for now.
04/11/09
Sunday night's final of the Radio Forth 'One to Watch' competition was a fun night for all and the young band who won, Dirty Modern Hero, were great guys. I was delighted for them although obviously disappointed for myself. They'll definitely fit the Forth One profile and playlist a bit better than any of us other finalists anyway. It was great to be one of five finalists chosen from a submission of around 700.
Off to London tomorrow to play the Troubadour Club there on Friday, 6th, so looking forward to that. Sending me off with a smile is the four star review I got in today's List.
Cheered me up no end.
Going back into the studio on Monday coming to start the next album. Can't wait...
Should also have some videos of the launch party to post in the next blog.
26/10/09
Well, here we are again. Holidays over and album successfully launched last night in the Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy. What a great night I had and so did the others present to judge from their comments. In fact, I had a ball (wearing a vintage ballgown – very appropriate). It was a delight to play with such a great bunch of musicians so here’s to you Mairi, Stuart, Martin, Tommy and Marc.
While I was away in France for a week, tracks from the album were played on three different Radio Scotland shows. Ricky Ross standing in for Iain Anderson played Lazy and Mellow on Thursday, 22nd just a few hours after Archie Fisher had played ‘Spider and Fly’ while Stephen Duffy gave Pavlov’s Dog a spin on Wednesday’s Jazz House. Thank you so much Radio Scotland.
And also a huge thanks to Alan Morrison, Arts Editor of the Sunday Herald for the great review he gave the album in yesterday’s edition.
I know there’s another review in the pipeline for R2 magazine and I think it’s out next week. Check it out why don’t you?!
As if all that wasn’t enough, the final of Radio Forth’s ‘One to Watch’ competition is next Sunday night, 1st November in Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh. As one of the five finalists I am really looking forward to a great night. Kick off 8pm and tickets £5 in aid of charity.
Got to go now but hope to see some of you at some of the upcoming events. :D
2/10/09
This week’s update and I don’t know where to begin….
Well, more airplay on Iain Anderson’s show last week. :D Possible big support gig coming – will keep you posted on that one.
Had a super letter back from Rab McNeil whose highly entertaining column I made a point of never missing in the Scotsman until he left recently. Here is a snippet from it:
"What a splendid album for a chill-out, sitting of an evening with a glass of wine and perhaps a banana, loganberry or other improving variety of fruit."
His letter continues in that vein. I think he likes the album.
Finally, for the moment, some of you know already if you’re Facebook friends but I have been selected as one of the five finalists in Radio Forth’s annual ‘One to Watch’ competition for emerging singer/songwriters. The final is on 1st November in Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh. How exciting for me and the other finalists (one of whom I know through his music and he’s fantastic – check out Bob David Bell).
Have a good weekend. Bye for now.
21/09/09
Many exciting developments in the world of ‘Lazy and Mellow’, only some of which I can tell you about now.
If you’ve checked out my gigs schedule you will see that I am playing at the Troubadour Club in London on 6th November. What hallowed ground that is with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Hendrix and Dylan all having played there in their illustrious careers. I’ll probably kiss the stage.
On a more local note, I am playing at the Elephant House in Edinburgh this Thursday – the birthplace of Harry Potter – according to their literature. It would be great to see some of you there at 8pm.
I’m also happy to report that ‘Joy’ was aired on Frank Hennessey’s show, Celtic Heartbeat on Saturday, 19th It’s on around 1hour 15mins 20secs.
There are some newspaper and magazine reviews in the pipeline but more of that in a later blog.
Have a great week.
14/09/09
As of today, all of the reviews and quotes from newspapers, radio and other sources will be featured on the coincidentally named Reviews page. Do feel free to have a look.
11/09/09
The following is a quote from one of Edinburgh's foremost musical impresarios, Bruce Findlay:
“'Lazy and Mellow' is a refreshing and uplifting debut album from Rosie Nimmo...lovely songs, lovely arrangements and a beautiful voice. In the year of 'homecoming' this is an album you'll love coming home to.”
Bruce Findlay
07/09/09
You can now find me on facebook and join me as a friend if you like. I’ve rejoined after a lapse of a couple of years. You can also follow me on Twitter too...
Played a couple of gigs with the blues band in the last week and that has been fun, if a bit loud. Quite different from what I do as a solo performer.
I’m in the process of finalising a couple of new songs for this year’s Burnsong competition. This is a themed competition and the themes I’ve chosen are home and freedom. The feedback for these songs performed live has been great, so here’s hoping they are well received once recorded. They will be on my next album, which is already being planned.
01/09/09
How about this for a quote from that lovely man, Iain Anderson?
"Gentle, soothing songs delivered by a melifluous voice is the ideal mix for a late-night audience. Hugely enjoyable"
Iain Anderson
BBC RADIO SCOTLAND
26/8/09
Once again, that lovely man Iain Anderson played the title track from the album on his show on Radio Scotland on Tuesday night (It's at 45.53 and goes on until 50.18).
There followed a little bit of debate about whether or not the cd itself was actually available for sale yet. Only on the website as you'll know if you've visited the music page. The launch isn't until 25th November in the Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy.
This week is being taken up with organising said launch and relevant tour and press info. Lots of stuff to be synchronising (and lots to do all at once too!) Playing on Sunday in the Blue Bean Coffee Shop in Portobello High Street, Edinburgh at 3.30pm which should be a cosy little gig - just me and my guitar. Please come along and say hello if you're in the area.
19/8/09
Iain Anderson played some of my songs on his radio show this week! Spider And Fly are around 1hr 18 mins in on this clip, and Lazy And Mellow gets an airing on this clip at around 44 mins in. A BIG thank you to Iain!!
18/8/09
What a mad week it’s been. White EPs sent out on my behalf to the BBC. Fingers crossed that someone out there picks up on my stuff.
All of the independent music shops in Edinburgh are now stocking the CD and the Music Library and Portobello Library will soon have a copy each on site.
Love the album poster, check them out at the link there, or look for them at various venues around Edinburgh.
Saturday night played at the opening bash for the International Book Festival and the blues band was well received.
Played to a small but perfectly formed and appreciative audience in the Scotch Malt Whisky Society last night and rounded all this excitement off with a live performance and chat on Logan’s Brunch on Leith FM this morning. Batteries now recharging.
PS: many thanks to those appreciative folk who are already buying the album. Your comments on the guestbook are particularly welcome.
I’m also going to say this only once. A huge thank you to Martin for putting this website together and to Andrew for integrating the guestbook into it.
08/8/09
For this, the first ever blog entry on rosienimmo.com, I thought I'd share the review from the Evening News. The whole thing can be found on the Evening News website.
Gig review: Martin Lennon and Rosie Nimmo, Isobar
"Taking over at half time, Rosie Nimmo treated the audience to a showcase of songs from her new album, Lazy and Mellow. Including the title track, a whimsical song with the sort of bluesy ease that makes you want to share it with Sunday brunch and the newspapers.
...Blending dark, indie-inspired lyrics with such clear vocals gives Nimmo's work an almost Detroit Blues meets acoustic Nirvana feel to songs including Dangerous and Nothing to Fear. While as She's Flying [sic] and That Shy Girl brought out the girlish fun that infuses many of her lyrics.
Pausing to give the crowd one last song, she sang them the tune her music engineer reckons will be the next 'Peugeot ad'. "
Gig review: Rosie Nimmo, Three Harbours Festival, East Lothian
Rosie’s performance at this years Three Harbours Sunset Session was a highpoint of the festival. Her superb vocal range and the personal songs worked very well within the intimate setting of upstairs of The Prestoungrange Gothenburg.
As she sung the song of her daughter leaving home, I could see the sun setting over the Firth of Forth, through the windows of The Goth. It was a touching and beautiful moment at this years Festival.