Hello folks,

Ahhh.. the pain! I'm spending today in the recovery position (more or less!) after drinking far too much in a post graduation celebration.
I was made an Honorary Doctor of Music by the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama yesterday...(hence the new kilt) and Aly Bain and myself partook of the happy juice. The heid is sair, but the heart is happy. The Academy put on a terrific day for everyone and a grand day was had by all. Thanks to them for the honour and the hospitality. Once the hangover subsides... I'll be packing for a wee holiday to the US, followed by a few days filming in North Carolina. Crombie is going on his holidays too.. to the borders and his pal Hendry.. half Basset and half Beagle, (affectionately known as a Bagel) So... it's off to the windy city for a couple of days, then Michigan for kayaking and lying aboot! Annie is excited to get home to see her family and I'm excited to have a week or so off. NOT looking forward to the wee plane tomorrow.. continental airlines have tiny legroom! It used to be fine before I had 7 chins and 5 bellies.. I'm going to download a couple of movies and an audiobook or two onto my ipod. I have a headphone splitter so annie and I can listen and watch at the same time. Oooooh... amn't I the techie one!
As usual, every time I go away on holiday, the weather picks up here. It's a beautiful day here, loads of birdsong and widlife activity. Makes me want to lose my ticket! Anyhoo... see you all when i get home..
love from ..
Dr.Phil.xx (Hmmm sounds like it would make a good tv show!)

As requested.. photos of the new kilt have been posted!
Wearing it on July 1st for a special occasion.. more about that after the 1st!
Crombie was delighted with my Sporran.. he was staring at it.. waiting for it to do a runner!
Into a new batch of filming now about early 20th century hymn singing.. still very cool subject and some lovely tunes!
Watching Andy Murray fighting for survival on centre court... oooho me nerves again!
So, Hooch och aye the noo fur the noo!
Phil.x

The Dogs were restless this morning.. Holland the spaniel, banging his tail off the radiator like an orchestral percussionist.. and Crombie, charging his 85 pound frame round the room in support. It started at 5.45am so I finally gave in and got up to play!
It's been an amazing week or so, I've met some really knowledgeable people who have given some great interviews about Scotland's history and the role music has played in it. The same happened with the last series.. I came out of it all with a thirst for more.. the interviews only serving to fuel my need to hear the end of the story.
I stood yesterday in Pluscarden Abbey with Father Benedict.. and he sang parts of the "Incholm Antiphoner" for me.. just to explain how the dots made sense on the page and how the music brought the monks together. It just so happened that it was St Columbas' day yesterday too.. had never heard of it till then!! Shocking!
It's an ancient manuscript from the 13th century.. celebrating St Columba. It was both beautiful and surreal.. having a monk sing this ancient music, solo in the abbey...
I'm not a religious person, but man oh man, I can see the value in those songs for the singer and the listener alike.
A day off today, but looking forward to the next instalments of this new adventure!

Hi,
Just to let any interested parties know, our August/September tour dates have been posted on my site

www.philcunningham.com

If I get the time I'll put them up on Myspace, but for the time being that's where they live! Also my music download section of the site should be online within 2 weeks.

I start filming 2 new documentaries for BBC Scotland next week, it will take the whole of June and a good chunk of July to do.. .I'm looking forward to working with the team again.. It was great fun working with them on Scotland's music last year.

I'm also in a very good mood because my new kilt arrived today.. a very rare Cunningham tartan. It's a muted Cunningham..(I bet loads of folk have wished for that often enough!) It really made up well into a kilt.
So there you are.. aren't I the lucky one!

Cheers the noo..
Phil.x

Thanks to all for your kind messages over the last few weeks.
Just to let you all know that I have been given the green light by the hospital...
All is well. They discovered that the right coronary artery is blocked at the site of the original blockage 10 years ago. There was an unsuccessful attempt to clear it but lo and behold.. nature has dealt me a couple of good cards in the form of 2 D.I.Y. bypasses (to put it simply) so after an exercise tolerance test on the treadmill on Wednesday past.. the doc has told me to go forth and enjoy! Exercise and diet very much on the cards now.. another bit of good news is.... following a trip to the nutritionist yesterday, I have been put on a low carb diet! Yeeehaaa bacon and eggs for breakfast!
I wonder if I could persuade Greggs to make a low carb pie!!
So.. thanks again folks.. Onwards and Upwards!

Phil.x

Hi folks, well.. it's four years today since we lost Johnny. I'll be raising a glass to the big man.. one of the worlds good guys. We reallymiss him... but he still lives on in all of us.
If you are of a mind... raise a glass to him yourself.. He'll appreciate it!
To Johnny!!
Phil.x

Hiya.. been filming 6 1hour documentaries for BBC. Starts Sat 3rd on BBC 2 Scotland.
Check it out if you like!
Phil.

Happy New Year Everyone, hope 2007 is a good one for you.
Just a quick note to stabilise rumours abounding!....
Silly Wizard is intending to get together for a couple of songs at my Phil and friends gig in Glasgow on the 18th of January. We are just going to do it for old times sake.. I'm looking forward to it.
So... we're not hitting the road again.. just getting together on that night for some fun. Who knows, we might even have a soft drink together once it's all over!
All the best Phil.

Posted By:Phil Cunningham

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