Resipole Studios hosts final music gig of the season
It was some 20 years ago that Hilary James and Simon Mayor last played to an audience in Strontian – and that was a class of school children, writes Nic Goddard.
The welcome from the audience at Resipole Studios for their gig last week was just as enthusiastic though and the performance ended with their famous parrot song, which required audience participation and parrot impersonations aplenty.
This multi-talented duo seem to have every single creative art covered between the two of them, and as they passed a guitar back and forth to accompany each other singing, reciting selfpenned poetry or playing an impressive array of stringed instruments they crossed over as well as complemented each other with their talents.
The event began with a short film of Hilary’s art work, thanks to digital technology capturing every stroke and correction of her tablet drawn pieces almost like an animation, inspired by the poetry and song writing skills of Simon and accompanied by playing and singing.
It was mesmerising to watch and listen to and a great introduction to the evening.
Simon is widely recognised as a world leader in mandolin playing and composing while Hilary has released countless solo and collaborative albums of her singing and instrument playing.
Weaving their music with funny stories and anecdotes, encouraging the audience to join in with choruses and engaging everyone in conversation before and after, this was an intimate evening with two talented artists.
Resipole Studios is an art gallery and arts venue near Acharacle open all year round.
This was the final musical event of 2019, ending a programme of eclectic events, but gallery owner Andrew Sinclair has promised another great programme for 2020.