Dear Reader - there are some memories that live in our minds, others in our hearts.
The Big Thing
And this one belongs in the second category.
One of my favourite live Theme Night memories was playing Roxanne with Niall McCabe on our Simon and Sting show back in February 2024.
And equally as special was recording the below version of The Island with him. One of those moments where everything clicks. 5 mins work and you know it’s in the bag!
Later that year Niall’s manager Colin Gillen rang me to inform me of a beautiful full circle moment. Sting (yes that Sting) reached out to Niall because he loved his music. They met in Cork and you can read the full story here.
And then last week Niall released a brand new song - The Heart Remembers - with a star-studded line-up, including Jerry Douglas, John McCusker plus Foy Vance and yes Sting on harmonies.
Scroll to the bottom of this letter to hear it.
Where else but Sligo?
Shoutout to Hugh, Grover and all involved with Moran’s in Ballintogher today - an unlikely but wonderful spot for a Monday night session.
Led by the one and only Gerry Grennan - understated, generous and full of mischief.
What’s New?
It’s like the proverbial buses - I hadn’t heard this song for years - and then three times last week one day after the next it came into my orbit.
A student wanted it written out so he could learn it, I played it at a wedding on Friday and then on Saturday two members of our Theme Night Academy picked it to sing for our upcoming end-of-year show. Funny how these things happen!
But it’s so pretty. And I’m sure the lyrics make sense if you’re watching it in the context of the show, but melodically and chordally it’s so well put together.
So Level 7 students - For Good is now on your hitlist. (And Joni’s Both Sides Now - also added to our curriculum last week)!
Finally…
This is the recorded version with the star-studded cast mentioned above, but for me the live version from the Tommy Tiernan show last weekend is every bit as good.
Till next time - Kieran.
