Wednesday, 23 December 2020

Wishing.....And Hoping.

to everyone who travels by Stargoose and Hanglands,
in hopes that we can all travel a little further next year.

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One thing I've missed above all others this year is being able to go to the many concerts, fairs and shows where live music is performed. To make up for this deficit I've been giving YouTube a hammering recently, searching for some of those musicians I've heard in the past. 

At this time of year I should have been at Mill Road Winter Fair in Cambridge where, a while ago, I encountered the young woman on the right, Becky Langan, playing her guitar in the street. At first I was mesmerised by her sheer dexterity as she attacked the strings in all kinds of unfathomable ways - my photo is supposed to give you some idea of her unconventional approach. Then I stood back and just enjoyed the shimmering music that brightened a dull and chilly afternoon. 

Hearing her video on YouTube the other evening transported me right back there. Give it a listen - I guarantee that if won't be what you expect....

Hurriyah, the title of the piece, means freedom in Arabic.



(I recommend clicking on the little box at the bottom-right of the video for the full wide-screen experience!).

Parallel Paths | Becky Langan (bandcamp.com) : to listen to, download or buy a CD of some of Becky's music.

Take care.


31 comments:

  1. Peace, health, and happiness to you too John, and thank you for the lovely walks you have taken us all on throughout the seasons this year.

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  2. We're about to go back into lockdown.

    A merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you.

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  3. Beautiful music. The artist has her own youtube channel also, I found, under her name.

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  4. Peace, health, and happiness to you, John. Thank you for all the beautiful photos and walks you've taken this year. May there be more next year and fairs and concerts too. And, wow love this music.

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  5. Yes, I hope we can resume our travels in 2021. I've enjoyed all your lovely photos and interesting stories - reading everyone's blogs has helped keep me sane through this difficult year. Wishing you all the best for the coming new year!

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  6. Wonderful music. Have a peaceful Christmas.

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  7. Merry Christmas John and thank you for the lovely walks.

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  8. What a talented young musician. Thanks for sharing her music with us. Hoping that you'll have a chance to share more of your nature/historic area walks soon. May we all have peace and good health.

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  9. Thank you so much for all the socially distanced walks you have taken us on. Merry Christmas and a hopeful healthy Happy New Year.

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  10. I too have been scouring YouTube - and Spotify - for music. Thanks for the introduction to Becky Langan. I've not seen anyone play quite like that before. The last curiously unique guitar player I encountered was (the very different) Eugene Chadbourne.

    Peace, health and happiness to you, too!

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    1. Mr Chadbourne certainly has a unique style. If you click on the "Guitar" tab in the column on the right of this post you'll find a selection of very strange guitar styles indeed that I included about 8 years ago.

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  11. Hi John - I'll be back to listen to Becky ... sounds excellent. I so agree with you re next year ... have a blessed and peaceful season - take care - Hilary

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    1. Hi John - thanks ... I've been listening and she's an extraordinary musicalist - specialist guitar player ... it's delightful - thank you ... all the best for 2021 -Hilary

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  12. Happy Christmas. I always enjoy my visit to your blog.

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  13. Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas. Hugs, Edna B.

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  14. The music is beautiful. Merry Christmas John.

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  15. Merry Christmas to you John and a better 2021!

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  16. Beautiful, Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  17. Merry Christmas John. 🎄

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  18. Our best wishes to you and your family, John, for a very Happy Christmas and also thanks for sharing photos of all your wonderful excursions these past months. We have also enjoyed some of our own, but it is great seeing the beauty in other parts of the world too. Looking forward to seeing more of your walk photos in the New Year!

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  19. Wow, amazing music, even though I probably don't hear it as well as I should. A unique style of playing. Hope you've had a happy Christmas.

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  20. Loved that video, John. Wishing you a late Happy Christmas, and hoping it was a good day despite the lockdown. We had sons visiting, a rare, rare treat, so I've been offline the most part of the weekend. Now, let's all look forward to a better year. Maybe we'll even get to cross the pond for a visit this year. Fingers crossed.

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  21. 2021 is only a few days away, so I'm sending wishes for a happy, healthy, worry-free, Covid-free 2021 and fingers crossed for the vaccine for everyone soon, perhaps we might be able to get back to something resembling a "normal" life in the future. Looking forward to more rambles in the countryside with you and your brother. Have you ever been walking in Woolpit, Suffolk.... when I'm in UK I visit rellies there, but sadly not planning a trip in the near future due to covid rules.

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    1. Yes I know Woolpit but haven't been there recently. Best wishes for the New Year. It's a funny old world when what everyone's looking forward to is a needle in the arm!

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    2. Let me know if you are going, I can probably wangle you a cuppa tea!

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  22. I enjoyed Becky Langan’s “shimmering music” in full-screen. Nice capture of the moment of her characteristic finger-style. Wish you peace, health, and happiness for 2021, too, John.

    Yoko

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  23. Looking forward to travelling on in 2021!

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  24. Her music is wonderful! Thanks for the introduction.

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