Manson Grant and the Dynamos

Manson Grant and the Dynamos with Friends

Manson Grant and the Dynamos | Pan Records | DVDPAN111

This DVD recorded live in the Ryan Centre, Stranraer, a concert situation. Manson Grant, David Shearer and Robert Ca...Read More

Available now on the Pan Records website

STOP PRESS

STOP PRESS updated 12 June 2010

ECMA Top 100 Country Radio Airplay Chart

No 88 - Manson Grant - 'Cinderella' a track from his 'A Tribute To Buck Owens' album.

No 99 - Keith Macleod 'It Must Be Love' a track from his 'In My Father's Words' CD debut album

'Country Christmas' a track from Manson's "The Greatest Gift Of All" album was No 5 in the top played Christmas tracks over the festive period.

Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival 2010

It's Monday night and looking back over the Easter Weekend, I was at the Festival in Halkirk from the opening act on the Friday night to the closing act on the Sunday night and enjoyed every minute of it. For our own part we have not been touring south of the border for 10 years now, it was nice to have people come and say how much they missed us off the circuit, it gave me a real nice feeling to be remembered after such a long time and also a big thank you to all our own supporters who complemented us on our spot on the Festival.

For me personally it was a truly magnificent weekend. I enjoyed every set from every act and couldn't help reminiscing about all these years ago the country music weekend in Wembley, it is really something quite extraordinary to see these top American artistes with their own bands playing in our home county.

Without getting on a soapbox it is disappointing to see the lack of support from our local council. The amount of people visiting Caithness over the weekend, we had phone calls from individuals who could not get acccommodation in Thurso because everywhere was sold out. A number of these people although only here for the weekend, I am certain will return to holiday here. The tourist organisations don't seem to grasp this. When I think back to the days of Wembley the national press and London press had pages promoting all the country music acts and informing their readers of their credentials, surely our own local papers and even Scottish national papers could do more to support this event. Enough critisism from me this is merely an observation. While talking to one of the TV guys to quote "he was gob-smacked at the organisation and the efficiency of the committee". I must say we have played many festivals both in this country and others and there is none I can think of organised better than the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival.
In our young days the Assembly Rooms in Wick had many top 10 bands play there, later to be known as the 60's. I recall Rockin Berries, Hollies, Sounds Incorporated etc. The standard of these musicians was a great inspiration to us locals, not realising it at the time however, it was a huge education in music. We see young local bands share the stage with these acts such as Rick Trevino and his band (musically in a class of their own). This has got to provide inspiration and education for these youngsters. Another reason why the Festival needs all the support it can get.

Running an event of this magnitude is obviously hard work for the committee and their helpers. I'm sure I speak for all the acts when I say it is very much appreciated. We wish them all the best for next year and as one might say - "how do you top that". Many thanks. Robert

Our visit to Shetland and Up Helly Aa 2010

Although we have been in Shetland many, many times it was our first visit around Up Helly Aa. We would just like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in this trip - Scalloway Boating Club, Whalsay Boating Club, Christine for showing us around, Janette and Sandy for looking after us in Sound School, Sheila for the use of her doorstep, Brian Robertson and all the folks from the Shetland Country Club and most of all everyone who attended the gigs and supported us. A special mention to Brian Robertson for his organisation and help so we were able to make the most of Up Helly Aa. Monday night we all attended the accordion and fiddle club, a special thanks for Brian Gere for his welcome. This guy is an incredible fiddle player both traditional Scottish and country, fantastic. Tuesday up very early and followed Up Helly Aa and the galley, the atmosphere was undescribable, the torches procession fantastic, Keith was playing guitar with one of the squads which he enjoyed greatly. He also took some footage with his mobile phone which we have put up on You Tube. You can view this from our link. All in all a fantastic experience, to really appreciate the Up Helly Aa festival you have to be there in Shetland.

Up Helly Aa 2010 Shetland