The Sands of Loch Bee and The Dark Waters of Loch Shiel

[@lizgower4996]

Really enjoyed the bright way you played those two great tunes

[@JohnsMandolinUk]

Thanks, Liz. A couple of good tunes for the Wednesday fiddlers and open sessions.

[@octaveobsessions]

That guitar makes for a jaunty reggae-ish pace that would bring tears to Bob Marley's eyes. Lovely key change at the transition between tunes.

[@JohnsMandolinUk]

Bertram, you always manage to create amazing responses. Thanks again.

[@MandolinSunrise]

Bright, lively and cheerful performance John. Love it!

[@JohnsMandolinUk]

Thanks for listening and commenting, MS.

[@angeladevlin8369]

Love these both John, well played sir, and Happy Christmas to you and yours!

[@JohnsMandolinUk]

Season's greetings to you too, Angela. Thanks for listening and commenting. 🤗

[@glennysmoran9550]

I love these. Always love your performances John. Could be my kin. Maybe why these tunes appeal so much.

[@JohnsMandolinUk]

Glennys, great to get your latest comments. You are very kind (or even kin!) How is your own playing going now?

[@glennysmoran9550]

@@JohnsMandolinUk I play most days but on my own now. I subscribe to a few musicians like yourself on KZbin. Get a thrill when I can play along. Learning without notation or tabs is a wonderful way to increase memory and the concentration slows down an overactive brain! A perfect boost to feelings of well-being as I age. (I meant John McDonald could be kin).

[@JohnsMandolinUk]

​@@glennysmoran9550 You are right about the benefits of learning by ear, Glennys. I play a lot with fiddler friends and am often aware of how much the notation intrudes into their playing and how much more freely they play those tunes they have committed to memory. Unless you are a fast sight-reader (and I am not especially fast) then the notation seems to be an obstacle to the fluency of playing. Re Sands of Loch Bee - I have just read and interesting discussion on The Session website over whether this tune is actually called The Road to Gerenish. Quite a discussion there!

[@CelticMandolinsGinnyAitchison]

So nice and bright and cheerful just in time for the holidays, John. Lovely pictures although I can't see any snow in them ! I like the key changes and the jaunty feel of your creativity. 🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@JohnsMandolinUk]

No snow here, just gales and heavy rain at present, Ginny. Thanks for your kind comments and have a great Christmas. 🌲🌲

[@dianaaldridge-ukulele7785]

I love this music! I’m getting an octave soon. I may have questions for you. Thanks so much for sharing 🎶

[@JohnsMandolinUk]

Diana, very kind of you to listen and respond. Happy to discuss octave playing with you whenever you get your new one. They are fun to play but depending on your hand size and stretch you may have to adjust how you finger the instrument.

[@dianaaldridge-ukulele7785]

@@JohnsMandolinUk I’m understanding that from what I’ve read. I’m getting one handmade from Tom Buchanan. He says it is shorter so that may help. I’ll be happy if I can play several songs that I want to sing and accompany myself😊🎵