We're back on home soil after 23 days in North America. We learned many things while were over there. These included the fact that American Tim Hortons' don't have such an appetising range of cheeses as the Canadian ones and the fact that beating a serious drug addiction is surely a piece of cake compared to beating jetlag!
During the New Hampshire Highland Games at Loon Mountain we were honoured to be joined by Billy Jackson for a rendition of The Road tae Drumleman. Billy was part of the Ossian line-up that recorded the version we were inspired by, so it was very nice for us to have him play with us as it joined the circle.
The Celtic Classic at Bethlehem should be renamed in time for next year. Due to the ludicrous amount of rain that fell, "The Bethlehem Regatta" would be a more appropriate name. We're grateful to those of you brave or foolish enough to stick around for making us feel so welcome.
Niagara Falls is quite a sight. We've added some photos of our visit to the gallery on the website. Considering that various of the band have either a fear of heights or of water, visiting Niagara Falls wasn't the best idea. Amazing to think that people have tried going over them in a barrel; a helicopter might be a better idea!
Canada was, as usual, great fun. Toronto is a heck of a town. In Goderich, the weather bared its teeth and it was raining in Stratford just as it has done each time we've been through it. Stratford is the only place in the world where the umbrella was invented before the wheel.
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the US Department of Homeland Security. Not sure if any of them are actually on our mailing list, but it pays to keep them on your side if you plan to spend any time in the USA. Doing a great job, guys!
It was terrific to meet so many new people on the road; making new friends and meeting old ones again.
Flower and Iron (not a recipe for a very bad cake!)
We're very happy to say that our new CD, "Flower and Iron" is now available worldwide and can be purchased direct from our website using Paypal. We hope you'll buy it in droves because it makes an ideal present for Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays, St Andrew's Day, Michaelmas, Bar Mitzvahs, or as an apologetic gift in the event of a forgotten wedding anniversary or other marital misdemeanour.
10th Anniversary Show at Celtic Connections – 17th January 2009
On 28th October we celebrated 10 years since our first gig, which was a floor spot at Edinburgh Folk Club supporting Robin Williamson (ex Incredible String Band member, not ex Take That member). On Saturday 17th January the current line-up will be joined by all 5 former members of the band for a one-off anniversary show featuring material from all four Malinky albums. This will be held in the Strathclyde Suite at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and we're looking forward to it immensely.
You can find more information here
http://www.celticconnections.com/whatson/event/81666
Malinky Radio Appearances
Steve featured on a recent "Reel Blend" on BBC Radio Scotland. You can listen to it here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00f135b/Reel_Blend_19102008/
On October 21st, both Steve and Fiona appeared on Mary Ann Kennedy's Global Gathering, also on BBC Radio Scotland. It's available here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00f1thj/Mary_Ann_Kennedys_Global_Gathering_21102008/
Malinky