Despite the best efforts of software incompatibility and computer gremlins, these performances finally tip-toed through the cyber minefield and are there for your perusal. I hope you enjoy them. 2 of the songs will feature on my new Ulysses-related album, ‘Anatomy Of A Goddess’. One is the little-heard ‘We Danced All Morning Long’, and there is also a version of one of my favourite cover’s, ‘Street Spirit’ by Radiohead. All four videos were shot at the 2009 Sherkin Shindig.
Speaking of the new album, I decided to get my head back into gear and get the creative juices flowing again by visiting the scene of the crime, so to speak! ie. Dublin. Trying not to look too much like a tourist in my own country, I wandered all over Dublin City in the footsteps of Bloom and Dedalus et al visiting Holles Street, Denzille Lane, Westland Row, Pearse Street (Brunswick Street in Ulysses), Little Britain Street & Little Green Street where I ascended into heaven like shot off a shovel! I was also spotted on Ormond Quay and Merchants Arch before crossing the river again to O Connell Street and Eccles Street. I also had a lovely time in Sweny’s Dispensary on Lincoln Place, which has been taken over by Joyce fans and is run voluntarily. There can be no more authentic Joycean treasure on the planet with its unspoiled interior and exterior. It as close as walking onto the set of Ulysses as is possible without the aid of a DeLorean! They have daily lunchtime readings there and a course on Thursday nights. It really is worth a visit if you’re in Dublin. Of course the obligatory purchase of a bar of Lemon soap must be made. Pay them a virtual visit @ www.sweny.ie
It was great to brush up my geography of the city and I can’t wait to get back up to Dublin soon and continue wandering around. However, might I suggest the import of some more potable stout to the city- Murphy’s or Beamish perhaps? My poor lily-livered southern constitution is not up to the task of processing the Guinness, and I was a shadow of my former self as I hit for the M7 yesterday. Must start those Sandow's exercises again! The picture above, by the way, is the cover of Sandow's, 'Strength and How to Obtain It'- a book that features in Ulysses. Ironically, regarding the comment above about Guinness, Sandow is said to have lifted a horse in the yard of Ladyswell Brewery, the home of Murphy's. The image was used until recently as one of Murphy's Stout's logo's.
The ‘Releasing Spike’ project has proved to be a great success and there are definite plans to perform the songs that were written by the young people of Cobh in a special gig in The Sirius Arts Centre on Saturday evening, the 13th November at 7pm. Ashley, Paul , Mark and myself will provide the backing band on the night. More about ‘Releasing Spike’ soon.
Finally, there are some new photos added to my website, www.kencotter.com, including some from Bloomsday 2009 & 2010, Newfoundland 2005, and some that were sent to me recently taken at a gig in Exeter when I was promoting ‘Blue Letter Day’ in the late 90’s!
0 comments:
Post a Comment