SILVER THREADS: SONGS OF PAISLEY
"Silver Threads" began as a passion project for my
home-town Paisley, growing up in a time when the town
was a bustling hub of industry. Times have changed but
I believe in the power of culture led regeneration to
transform perceptions, people and places.
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The project celebrates the historical and cultural significance of the town of Paisley and the long lasting weaving heritage in Paisley and the West of Scotland.
Together with fellow Paisley Buddie and award winning
Jazz singer and songwriter Evelyn Laurie we have developed the "Silver Threads" collection discovering Paisley stories and songs from the past, featuring old Scots and keeping
the tradition alive by engaging with the local community
and performing to local audiences.
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Silver threads was officially released on the 20th of November
and was performed in full in front of a full house at the new Paisley Central Library on the 21st of November hosted by One Ren, Paisley's official body promoting culture and the arts in Renfrewshire.
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Silver Threads is available as a limited edition CD in gatefold cover with accompanying 12 page leaflet containing all lyrics and stories behind the tracks.
It's a unique collection of traditional and original songs celebrating the rich heritage and people of Paisley, fusing folk and jazz influenced musical sounds.
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Paisley Heritage interviewed Evelyn and Neil about Silver Threads and what it means to the town on their official podcast.​
FUNDING
At the end of 2023 Silver Threads applied for and received funding from The Cockaine Fund which supports musicians engaged in creative, challenging and original projects which connect cultures and traditions past and present and feature community initiatives.
Administered through Foundation Scotland which specialises in community support across Scotland we are now able to record the music of Silver Threads and deliver it online and in cd as a reminiscence project targeting health and well being for the elderly in the Renfrewshire area.
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REMINISCENCE
Musical memories have a positive impact in helping Dementia patients suffering from Altzheimers and Parkinsons.
Silver threads will help individuals connect long term memories and trigger emotional responses through reminiscence by being presented at day care and care homes that specialise in Dementia care in the local area.
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LOCAL SONGS AND STORIES
We are creating a body of work which will provide a lasting record of the cultural and social history of the town and surrounding area for future generations.
Traditional stories such as the Paisley Pinks, the 'reeking' Espedair Burn & the Tatabella character are almost forgotten and these stories and characters have been brought these back to life, setting them to music together with the work of Weaver poets Robert Tannahill and Hugh MacDonald and contemporary folk artists who have an impact on the town and the thread industry such as Danny Kyle and Ewan McVicar. ​
COMMUNITY & EVENT ENGAGEMENT
Silver Threads has been performed at the Sma Shot Festival, Tannahill Arts Festival, Renfrewshire Cycle Arts and the Spree Music & Arts Festival.
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We are accessing the resources of Luminate - Scotland's creative ageing organisation and have attended one of their creative singing workshops aimed at helping Dementia sufferers.www.luminategroup.com
We have also made contact with the Fèis Phàislig arts organisation that promotes interest, education and participation in the traditional arts and Gaelic culture across Renfrewshire to provide song content for their work with young people. https://feisphaislig.com
Music from the collection has also been used to help promote the Behind Close Doors: Paisley's Forgotten Tenement Tiles and Architecture project. www.facebook.com/groups/behindclosedoorspaisley
No collection of musical material celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Paisley currently exists. Considering the international impact of Paisley’s weaving industry and the famous Paisley pattern, we aim to create a body of work which will provide a lasting record of the cultural and social history of the town for future generations.
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Silver threads tube channel at:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqmhd0q3PSpMZeq3KA0GyGpVgSpMpA2OR&si=6-8YWdXH7BJU-EkB