The very first TalkingGig ... and unfortunately so few photos to record what was a truly wonderful start to the series. The gig was sold out days in advance and there was a real air of anticipation about what we were all about to embark on.  Jim Moray came with a reputation as someone who had been a seen as a challenge by many in the world of traditional UK folk ... and a real thinker about the meaning of tradition and its place in the varied world of music today.

 

Jim proved to be every bit as fascinating and engaging as we had all hoped - he was really open about his own personal background and musical path, and really thoughtful in exploring the concept and meaning of "tradition" and other topics. Simon Keegan-Phipps was a star interviewer/conversationalist ... and there were some great questions from the audience. And the chance to hear some stunning versions of songs from Jim's past ... and some as yet unrecorded.

 

The evening really couldn't have gone better or been more engaging as illustrated by a couple of comments from the audience:

 

"I've seen Jim a number of times, but I felt that I really got to know him at this gig."

"A couple more songs would have been great ... but would I have cut any of the conversation? No."

 

Thanks to Jim, Simon, all at the Lantern Theatre and everyone in the audience ... the first TalkingGig was brilliant.