March 2006

Hi Candice,
My name is Katya. I am 11 years old. I am very good at playing flutes and we have all of your albums and dvds and I watch and listen to you play the shawm. I got a shawm for Christmas this year but am having a hard time getting the hang of it. It is hard to get it to make a sound when I blow. This is my first reed instrument. Is there a secret to playing or some other help you could give me? I would like to learn to play all of the songs you do.

My Mom and Dad went to see your concerts in Chicago and Las Vegas. They loved your shows. They dressed in medieval clothes so they got right up front. My Dad builds castles and he says maybe you will come and play at the one he is building now when it is done. Did you see him on the History Channel? He built a castle tower in 2 weeks! It would be fun to play the shawm with you if you do come to visit here. We live in Idaho.
Love, Katya
PS I have a black and white cat named MooMoo that I love very much too.

Hello dear Katya,
What a beautiful name...I am very impressed by your knowledge and skill of playing instruments! Good for you! Yes, the shawms are difficult to play... Believe me I know...I would first need to know about your instrument so I will narrow down some easier ways to deal with the shawm monster! If your shawm has a cane reed it will be more difficult. There are many different types of shawms and of reeds. For instance one of the Moeck shawms that I play, which you can see if you click here.

I use a plastic bagpipe chanter reed that you can pick up at any music shop that deals with woodeind instruments like oboes and clarinets. They will usually have those reeds, but call around first so you don't have to get your parents to go to lots of different shops looking for them like I have had to do! Plastic reeds are always easier to play than cane reeds. I usually get a few of the reeds because some of them aren't in tune. But when you get the one you like the sound of...hold on to it for as long as you can! The cane reeds are trickier. They have to be dunked in water a little to moisten them, but not too moist or they won't work. They also can't be in a dry room or they will dry out. If you do have a cane reed and can get a humidifier that they usually use in guitar cases it will help this problem. Perhaps the easiest thing is to call your local music shops that give instrument lessons and speak to someone who is local that knows about reed instruments. They should be able to help you and answer any questions you may have and they may even learn something beause you have brought in something new to them! But don't give up... it is tricky- but its worth learning. People are usually amazed because it is such an interesting instrument that many people don't know about. So, try the plastic reeds...if the bagpipe chanter reed is too small...bring the instrument into one of those shops and try an oboe reed perhaps or ask them to match the one you bring in with your instrument. Good luck! And most importantly have fun...

By the way- we did see your Dad's show on the History Channel and were amazed ! Although, of course, we would have prefered other music to go along with the special

He does incredible work... Let us know when the new castle is finished and maybe we can come visit and do a show! That would be such fun... How wonderful to have a father that does something so interesting and special. You must be very proud. And he must be proud of you for learning the shawm! And for just being you....
Give kisses to Moo moo for us...
Love always,
Candice

Hi Candice,

I am writing to you basically to tell you.......
Thanks for teaching me how to smile... and thanks for the wisdom that flows
through your words every time you answer the "between us" questions.. you
are a true inspiration to me... I love it when my day starts with your music... For instance, today it began with the Ghost of a rose album...

In my previous letters i had asked you a question that really "torments" me, but unfortunately i didn't get a reply from you. Really, what is the reason of a skeleton speeding in the highway on a motorbike at the end of such a beautifully touching song as "Hanging Tree"?
Please try to answer me, i am really curious to know.

I shall be waiting patiently [or rather, impatiently! : ) ]

Lots of love from your eternal soul sister throughout the ages and the
centuries...

Elizabeth

PS By the way, please... if you get the chance, come over to Greece...
You'll love performing near the Acropolis i am sure..... Tell Richie about
it... Thanks.......

Dear Elizabeth, soul sister...
Thank you for your beautiful words. I am pleased to say that we are looking at venues right now for a show in Greece that will happen, hopefully, later this year. Also there is a kindred spirit of ours named Natasha who will be setting up a Greek website for fans in your country so I hope that you are able to view that and be part of the Greek fanbase via the internet very soon! Last time we were there was too many years ago and we played at the Lycabettus Theater, but that was long ago and the band has evolved since then. So, keep checking into the tour dates page on blackmoresnight.com and when we play your area it will be posted there. As far as your question is concerned, I didn't actually make the video animation, it was presented to us by a friend who is versed in computer graphics. But I have always been fascinated by the tarot cards and through that have always equated the sign of the skeleton, or death card, to be one of not ending or finality...but change... And so with this perception I would have to say that within the story of the Hanging Tree song, that particluar symbol would mean the changes that she had gone through througout the centuries to bring her to the place she is in now. A happier place...though her memories sometimes haunt her...
Thank you for your question.
Love and light,
Candice

Dear Candice,

I would like to express my best wishes for you. You are for many people of
this world something specially, including me of course :) You are really the
God´s gift to help everyone with yourself, with your music, with your smile
etc.
Let me pls ask you if will be some chance to visit the concert Blackmore´s
night for all of funs from Czech&Slovak republic next time ? I mean if you
plan to make an appearance in Prag or everywhere in Czech republic (or maybe
in Slovak republic :) .....
Thanks a lot for your answer,

One more best wishes for you, for Ritchie and for all your company :)

Eva, Slovak republic

Hello Eve,
What beautiful words! Thank you so much...I am so happy to tell you we will be back in Prague very soon! You may know, it's one of my very favorite places in the world. We will play the Lucerna Theater on April 30th. There's more information on how to get tickets here.
I hope that you can make it to the show...
See you then...
Love and light,
Candice

Hello Victor,
You are very perceptive! Yes, I do have Russian in my blood. In the early 1900's when the borders were not as they are now, my granfather and his family lived in Odessa on the Black Sea. My grandmother was from Prussia, which as you know, no longer exists, but for what she experienced I wrote the lyrics to Gone With The Wind which has the roots in a traditional Russian folk melody. You will recognize it, I am sure. I love to read the Russian fairy tales about the pictures on the lacquer boxes. And my mother still loves to cook traditional Russian soups and bring them to me! Thank you for sending me the songs. I am always interested in folk melodies from far away places! We are coming back to Russia very soon! In April we play Moscow and St Petersburg. Hope that you can make a show or two...
Love and light,
Candice