On the Beaton Path
It’s been several months since my last “Beaton Path” newsletter. So here’s an update about what’s going on now and what’s being planned.
The pressure sore on my tailbone has remained closed allowing me to sit in my chair for longer periods of time on a daily basis. I have built my time up to 8 hours. This has allowed me to run errands with Linda, eat out at restaurants and even catch a couple of concerts.
Naturally there are other health issues that I deal with on a daily basis, but, as they say, it is what it is.
Linda is stretched to the maximum with both her job and the time she spends during the weekends and evenings caring for me. I know I’m repeating myself, but Linda is a truly amazing woman and I am the luckiest man to have her as my wife.
Reflections
Back in 1963, at the age of 19, I started my professional folk singing career with two school friends in a group called, “The Cumberland Three.”
These are the songs that appear on our record album (vinyl LP and featured photo above) entitled, “Introducing the Cumberland Three:”
10) Chilly Winds
11) Had a little girl – but she left me
12) New Land
13) Goin’ away for to leave you
14) San Miguel
15) Autumn to May
2) Wild Mountain Thyme
3) The Cumberland Crew
4) Whisky in the Jar
5) Banua
6) Sur La Route De Dijon
7) Whip Jamboree
8) The River is Wide
This LP was released on the Parlophone label (Capitol Records in the USA). Our 45 r.p.m. single entitled, “Chilly Winds” was released in March of 1964. In later years I was asked by Vincent Harrison if I had an extra copy of this LP for sale. It turns out that Mr. Harrison has been a close friend of world famous entertainer and guitarist Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) since childhood, and the two of them were reminiscing about the first song Mark performed in public. Mark had listened to “The Cumberland Three” LP back in the day and chose “Chilly Winds” to perform, which, in effect, launched his career.
The LP had a wonderful review by the late Oscar award winning writer, director and actor Richard Attenborough who said, “The three inject a wistful, sometimes melancholy air, such that when listening to this LP one can feel the emotion that originally gave rise to the songs.”
I recently listened to this album which brought back some wonderful memories. I had a good laugh listening to my high pitched vibrato vocals. Overall, it was a real treat and a pleasure to listen to this recording and, I’m considering manufacturing the album into a CD. Please let me know if you’re interested in listening to my first professional recording with The Cumberland Three.
CD Single Tracks Now Available
I wanted to mention an exciting addition to my website: you can now download my popular CDs “Over the Border” and “The Songs of Robert Burns” which sold out sometime ago. They are now available to purchase and download as individual songs. Purchase all the tracks and you have the entire CD and save on the shipping because there isn’t any! “Lover’s Heart” and “Daft Ditties,” which are also out of stock, will soon be made available for download on my website. Checkout the singles at https://www.alexbeaton.com/store/products/category/cd-singles/.
St. Louis Scottish Games
On September 26, 2015, I will attend the Scottish Highland Games in St. Louis, MO; this is my only public appearance for this year. For more information go to http://stlouis-scottishgames.com. I would love to see you all and hope you can make it. Please e-mail me at info@alexbeaton.com if you are going to attend this event.
A Heartfelt Thanks
I want to thank all my volunteers for working so hard at my sales tables at the various festivals this year. I am very grateful and appreciative for your kind help.
A very special thank you goes to Bill and Helen Eisenhower. For over twenty years they sold my CDs at many Games throughout the country. Many of you got to know them and some of you have become friends. They manned the table in California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and even, a time or two, in Virginia and Florida. Before my injury, Helen was experiencing respiratory problems. I advised her to slow down or, possibly retire due to the grueling, all day work at these Festivals. Helen’s condition has worsened and she is at home with hospice. Please keep Helen and Bill in your thoughts and prayers.
As a reminder, sales of my recordings help pay for my therapy and care giving. Go to https://www.alexbeaton.com/store/products/ for a list of products for purchase.
As always, my deepest gratitude for your love and support. It is wonderful to hear from you and I look forward to seeing you in St. Louis.
Much love,
Alex
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