My 2013 has been fairly action packed so far, my first week back at college contained various rehearsals and a performance with the Royal Northern College of Music Session Orchestra! As well as this, a gig in Dimitri's Tapas Bar with an Acoustic Pop Band, but the Session Orchestra project was in the forefront of my mind.
After a Christmas holiday of learning songs written by such bands as Jamiroquai, Amy Winehouse, The Jackson 5 and Michael Buble, rehearsals began with the Session Orchestra, comprising of a rhythm section (Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Drums and Percussion) a 15 piece string section, a 5 piece horn section and 5 singers for the gig. The 32 strong ensemble rehearsed a 45 minute set of 10 songs ready for performing in the RNCM Theatre as part of the Lunchtime Concert Series.
Andy Stott and the Royal Northern College of Music Session Orchestra
The whole experience was fantastic. From rehearsing my own parts, to putting the songs together with the orchestra, soundchecking the equipment and doing the concert I loved every minute. The response from the 750 person audience was incredible. Standing on stage made me feel proud to be part of a project that united all of the schools of teaching and all ages of students at RNCM in one ensemble.
Another factor that helped the event's success was the addition of a live video link to the concert for all the people who couldn't make it to the gig. The concert can be seen here...
http://new.livestream.com/accounts/2465314/rncm
In other news, over Christmas my sister Catherine took some professional pictures of me. I've now added them to my website and updated it. If you would like to take a look, the address has now changed to http://www.alsimpsonmusic.co.uk
And finally, check out James Christy! http://www.jameschristymusic.com I'm playing Bass in his live band. His album "Man Made of Glass" is now out, and our first gig together is the 3rd of February.
So yeah, that's it for now.
Alasdair
