Tags
Dundee, Dundee United, Football, History of Dundee, Jim Mclean, John Quinn, Juteopolis, Kenga Kuma, Mary Shelley, Mary Slessor, Music, Music Album, V&A Dundee, William McGonagall, Winston Churchill









John Quinn. To answer that question? In a nutshell? NO. The album came from two things. A chance meeting outside a supermarket with a very talented local musician I know, Paul Fitzpatrick, a few years back now, and the fact I am a sometimes poet.
‘I write music,’ Paul said, ‘But I can’t get past June, moon and spoon when it comes to words.’
Me now? Write music? Not for toffee. I sent him a few of my poems fully expecting him to do a runner. But instead he came back with the Ballad of Peter Black. For those who don’t know about Peter Black, he was a local lad from across the water in Newport-On-Tay…….

There’s more about him here.

Anyway, maybe we weren’t Rogers and Hammerstein but that was the beginning. Paul brought a load of Dundee musicians onboard, singers, guitarists, string and accordion players, you name it, all of whom gave their time for free in the hope of putting together an album about the city and its people, past and present that would be sold for charity. It took a while, given the logistics of that AND the fact that yes, we paid for some recording studio time and were helped in this by a local Dundee businessman, but the rates were reduced, so folks came together when they could and when the studio could let us in.

John Quinn That must have been an oversight….. Of course if we had known of Donovan and his great talent…….



John Quinn –-okay guys don’t fight amongst yourselves. Of course I didn’t overlook it but the fact was, there were no Dundee hamsters that..that I knew of. The songs are all about different things. And people, people who were players in the city in some way, for example Jim Maclean, a Dundee footballer and Dundee United football manager, who put Dundee on the world stage, as you can see
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_McLean
Mary Shelley—-who hasn’t heard of Frankenstein, right? William McGonagall the world’s best writer of bad verse. Winston Churchill? Why is he here? Because the last man to take him down before Joe Biden, was Eddie Scrymgeour the phohibionist MP elected by the ‘drunkest city in the British Empire, just to get Churchill, who they also served maggots in kippers to, out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Scrymgeour
Mary Slessor, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Slessor. Dundee mill lassie and missionary in Calabar. So far as I know no Dundee hamsters went there or of course, I’d have made the song about them.



Many of these people had been depicted in my play O Halflins an’ Hecklers an’ Weavers an’ Weemin. So much so that this album also includes two songs that Shey and myself wrote the words and music for. Mother of All the People and No Pasaran, Albert Square. But there’s also a song about Kenga Kuma, who designed the V & A Museum here, as you can see from the back cover, with your typical Dundee bairn, more interested in his mobile phone than any stunning vista!

But it’s not only people who were players that these songs are about.’ In Juteopolis’ was inspired by Annie Golden my Irish born great-grandmother. By the time she was ten she was having her boots packed with jute so she was big enough to stand at the loom in a jute mill!! No Passeran is the story of the Dundee men who went to fight in the Spanish Civil War, and never returned. Peter Black I’ve mentioned already. The title and title track are a slightly surreal take on the stunning view of the city and the river from the top of Dundee Law. The Giza Pyramid may be in Egypt but here ‘Gie’za’ means Give me a, so it’s Giza Pyramid, Gie’za V&A.

John Quinn. There’s every style, rock, pop, folk, Spanish, quite a bit of metal in McGonagalls’s Ghost. Paul’s son Michael, did an acoustic version of the title track, recently at home, just to keep things ticking over, given that like everything else right now, this has been delayed by Covid, and put it on Facebook. Bear in mind it’s not the official recording.

John Quinn. Well, believe it or not, it was quite hard to get a charity onboard and we didn’t want NOT to have them named on the cover.

Yeah, but finally we did and a very good charity it is at that.

In fact the Archie Foundation is the official charity of Tayside Children’s Hospital at Ninewells, who look forward to the pressing and to selling the CDs online.

I have set up a Just Giving page to which many of you have already very kindly donated, so we can go ahead and get the pressing done. But if anyone else feels like putting in any sum at all, believe you me, it’s hugely appreciated.

ABOUT JOHN QUINN
John Quinn’s Twitter profile tells him he’s a persistent Dundonian, left footer, ex-teacher, global justice worrier and “wid be scriever.” His poetry has appeared in numerous publications including Poetry Scotland, Northwords Now, Mind the Time, and Lallans. He has performed his work including slam poetry in various places ranging from public parks to coffee shops and pubs. However, unlike his Dundonian predecessor, Oor Wullie McGonagall, he has found that to date, people have only thrown words at him. He is also the author of the play ‘O Halflins an Hecklers an Weavers an Weemin’ about the history of Jute and its impact on the City of Dundee. In 2017 and 2018 the play was performed in the High Mill at Verdant Works Museum accompanied by the music of Michael Marra. And again in 2019 at the Hamish Matters Festival (The Hamish Henderson Festival) in Blairgowrie, Perthshire. His book, The Eyes of Grace O’Malley is published by Black Wolf Books.
John Quinn lives above the River Tay with his wife.
Find John Quinn here.
So there are some musical overtones happening or at least happened above the River Tay? That sounds like it makes more than seven wonders. The link for WP says the blog has been deleted.
Oh I will need to check that link cos I saw it myself but maybe has not posted right. Do it now x
Yeah actually the blog in the bio I copied from is an old link he replaced. It is there now.
I tried https://perspiringpoet.wordpress.com/ in different browsers and they all come up with “perspiringpoet.wordpress.com is no longer available. The authors have deleted this site.”
Yeah, he changed the name of the site and the link is now https://t.co/ZZ5lUTQVII?amp=1 the one that is there. He just had not updated it on his bio . john is not what one might call technically good at that kind of thing !
Very excited for you, John! I just made a wee donation. Good luck!!
That’s so kind of you Pam, truly. (BTo we kind of set this at more than we need and are ready to put more in ourselves to allow a first smaller pressing. BUT the aim was in setting as we did, to allow for either another pressing or a second album which paul is working on the music of right now. Again it would be for charity.) So many people gave their time and energy and and as I said even the studio never charged anything like full rates. He’s having a day off of it all today but will be back in harness thanking everyone tomorrow. XXXXXXX
Well, best of luck with the project to you and the Mr.!
xxxxxxxxxxxx my lovely friend. The idea is to get the Album released to coincide with the opening of a children’s surgical theatre the charity has raised a ton of money for. Had it not been for Covid it would have been in a record shop with some of the performers. We also had a gig for the local business owners at the opening night of the Oktober Beer Fest here which would have been a great help….. But all that’s gone, But hey we are getting there and we know the Archie are going to sell it in their online shop. So xxxx you again.
Thanks Pam – your support is much appreciated. Hope you and yours are well. x
Good luck with the project, John!🙏🥰
Such a wonderful project, and described so well by John! 🎶 As always, loved the hamstuhs’ comic relief. 😂
Yes well… they just got a little out their cages. I thought it was nice to come by and talk about some of the songs cos they are all very different. Thank you for coming by and your kindness re this project too x
Words and music are, perhaps, the key to worthy sanity. Well done, John. Well done indeed. Rest assured…take it as read…a donation will be on it’s way. Presently my wallet lives in the motor and it’s raining like I don’t know what. Come later this evening, and no later than the morn, a donation will be on its way. Take that’s a given, Sir. Regards, The Old Fool
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Mike. That is very kind. The Mr will be on here tomoz to reply. He was taking a break from it all today. You are right re the worthy sanity. A few times during this have we thought AHHHHHHH, but hey. Great to see you and congrats to George too.
The rain still rains, yet the wallet was recovered. Job done, Ms S, and best wishes for the project. Regards, The Soaking…slightly exaggerated given the umbrella…Old Fool
Been snowing here. Not too badly but this weather is hellish!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx for your support Mike xxxxxx John has nipped on to thank folks on the JG page xxxxxxx Truly indebted.
Such a beautiful collection of songs. Meant to touch the heart and they surely do. I reactivated my FB just to listen. Congratulations, truly beautiful! xx
Aw xxxxxxxxxxxxxx This is just the basic version. The actual recording has more backing etc. But glad you enjoyed it. xxxxxxx
Very much. It’s excellent! xxxxx
I feel that Paul who wrote the music has done a tremendous job here in the array of styles and he’s given his all to the arrangements. you have no idea of the times when someone was hauled back to the studio to rerecord one word or add something. I am not even going to talk about the folks who he summarily fired. Oops I just did. But he gave his all to getting the best quality on these tracks. The guitar playing on the McGonagall’s Ghost track is amazing.
Listening to the song you posted. It’s wonderful.
This is a very honourable project. It’s such a joy to know you, Shey.
Okay, it’s John’s project, but I can’t draw men, just beautiful women!
I just finished taxes and have to give the government way too, much. Our forefathers came to this country, endured many hardships to escape persecution from taxation, and religious persecution.
Seems it has made a comeback. Nonetheless, I will check my PayPal account, and should I have any $ in my wallet, I can make a donation.
sending love!!! xoxoxo
Don’t you worry NONE about that my darling. Hell, we are none of us meant to get ahead, I often think, that way! Here it’s the cost of eating out etc, not that anyone can right now, but they get you every way. Believe me you, it’s enough you came by and listened.
Michael has done a great job of singing that song. He had his own band for a time and I think he still fronts one. Obvi that was just the basic version. So glad to see you xxx
Wonderful! I love the song – even if it is the basic version – and am looking forward to hearing more of them. Huge congrats to you all for a fantastic project in dark times. xx
xxxxxx kate , thank you for coming by and thank you for your kindness at our mention of this too xxxxxx We think the finished project is pretty good . of course we are bias but as I was saying to House of heart there, Paul–who was once a session musician for Elvis Costello and who the Meet Danny Wilson members once credited as teaching them guitar, was beyond dedicated in the production of this album. you aveh no idea of the folks he ‘sacked’, the ones who got hauled back to record a word. . x
Sounds like an exciting and exacting process! Great talent. What a shame you can’t promote it with live performances but nonetheless I’m sure it will be a super success. xx
There was hope for that originally. There was even a gig in the bag at the opening night of the now very upmarket Oktober Fest here at Slessor Gardens, the night given over to the local biz community who are heavily involved in the whole event. Alas… that also had to be scrapped cos of Covid along with plans to launch in a record shop but hey ho. Long as we can get it out that is the main thing.
I am beyond excited about this project, Shehanne! I have saved this post and will be coming back to reread!. The music is incredible.
xxxxxxx Rebecca, thank you so much and also for your kindness to this project. Just saying there to Kate above you here that Paul whose credentials are pretty good was tireless in terms of the production AND the music.
Thanks everyone for your support and for all the encouraging comments.
As always, Dudes, what a cracking interview – both fun and packed with interesting content. Love the sample track. Best good luck wishes on the project – sounds like it was ‘meant’ to happen.
It prob was Cath. How wonderful to see you I know you have been having a we break. Glad you enjoyed the post. AND thank you for your kindess to this xxxxx
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Philip x
This is fabulous. Congratulations John! Great to see Peter Black honoured. I just hopped back to Shey’s original blog about him and made another comment there. I think there is a supreme irony in that his execution achieved the reverse of what the military intended – it created a legacy in his memory.
It has indeed Cat. And thank you for rereading the story. xxxxxxxxx
Congrats to Mr. Shey, lol kidding 🙂 But wow, what a multi-talented family of creativity you all are. Wishing your hubby lots of success with his endeavors. Oye! The dudes must be so jealous. 🙂 ❤
I am sure they are far more creative. At moaning especially. Oh and interrupting. You’re very kind, sistah. Just glad to finally see it to this stage, the way its been held up, after everyone’s hard work and willingness to give of their time. Oye! Great to see you x
Exciting times! ❤
It’s been interesting I must say x.
Uz? Jelus? Perush the thought. Whin wi ir so talinted, at smellin…espesly, how cid we be?
the clivir, bewtiful dudes.
Hey guys, did you maybe mean ‘at spelling’?
Lol Dudes! Who loves ya guys! 🙂 xoxox
We hip u do.
The duds.
Great project! Love the title track, such talent. Best of luck, and I just want to add that I loved The Eyes of Grace O’Malley:)
Aw Inese, I will tell him that. So kind of you. He’s been very busy with this. We’re just glad now to see it as this stage. It’s been a long haul, one way or another, so thank you. The title track is of course far grander in the proper version but Micheel who sings on a number of the tracks did a great job. xx
I so love that song.
Gary, thank you. It’s just the acoustic sung at home version but Michael fronts bands so he did a pretty reasonable recording. We think it has a nice feel to it but hey we are biased!!!!!
Beautiful blog
Rajan xxxxxxxxxxxx As is yours
With john as the lyricist these songs will be belting. Really enjoyed his poems- the man is a massive talent
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Paul.. Just catching up here on a hill of everything. The songs are sharp and funny in places. Nice to see you.
I just need to keep coming on to your wsite as I never get email notifications. John’s work is stunning.
Paul, I never had any notifications for a few days there and suddenly they have all come binging in. It is a bit like our actual snail mail is right now actually.
cute,❗️🎶hamster🐹, I am really happy to you🎵 thank you so much🐧
Thank you again Toshiyu. It is always nice to connect with blog readers . A wonderful Saturday to you and yours.
What a shame for Donovan.
Good blog as always.
I know…poor Donovan….
What a marvelous new achievement! I know the album does not help hamstah dudes, but it does sound like such a grand way to help others and share powerful stories through music at the same time. x
It’s away being pressed Jean so will be out very soon. And it is a great album, truly, every track is very different, there’s everything from ballads to blues, pop, a heavier metal sound, you name it. And yes, it has stories, of people from here, it is not just all the known names though there are songs about them xxxxxxxxxxxx
Sounds fantastic! xxxxxx
I am really impressed with the work the musicians involved did. They truly got behind it, And it would have been out by now had it not been for Covid. All the CD pressing fund raising gigs and appearances that had been set up were cancelled. But hey, we are there.