Elaine Gilmore

Celebrating 12 Months of “Strength of a Woman” with another lovely guest MARI WILSON!

What a pleasure to chat  with Mari for just over an hour about her life, and what she's got coming up.

It's not every day one gets to talk with a 80's POP STAR!!

Check it out on my YOUTUBE Channel:  elainegilmore@ 5439

My next release is coming up with video, which will be on the YouTube Channel and socials.

THANKS to EVERYONE who voted for Al Steele and I on The Heritage Chart!

It was quite special to hear DJ's Mike Read. Dave Lee Travis, Paul Newman, Sean Usher and the Team  at Heritage enjoying this version of “I Close My Eyes and Count To Ten” , ‘sandwiched’ between Suzi Quatro, Paper Lace, Rolling Stones and the many other fantastic Heritage Artistes ALL continuing to produce amazing. beautiful music….. a lovely suprise  to GET TO 10!!

THANKYOU ALL!

Keep enjoying the music everybody!

Lots of Love!

Elaine xx

Hi Everyone,

I really don't know where the time is going, but it is!

I have some news!

We (Al Steele & myself) have reached No. 20 position in Mike Read's Heritage Chart TODAY with “I Close My Eyes and Count To Ten”! 

We thank everyone who's taken the time to vote for us!  

VOTING IS OPEN AGAIN TONIGHT! (SUNDAY)- IF YOU'D LIKE TO DO IT AGAIN!

I must admit it's a thrill for me to hear Mike Read, DLT, Paul Newman, Sean Usher and the team at Heritage playing the song/my voice!!

I've never been ‘a pusher’ so to have this ‘nice’ actually LOVELY recognition happen especially after what's been a ‘tough’ few years IS FANTASTIC!

What do ‘they’ say? Celebrate the wins however big or small!

“Strength of a Woman” on my YouTube Channel is going well, really enjoying getting to know my guests a little better… @elainegilmore5439

My next guest on 28th May is a wonderful violinist, Bethan Frieze.  Beth will chat to me about her life in music, and insights into her journey so far! Join us on YouTube & Facebook 28th at 6 GMT. Please Follow/Subscribe.

I had a rather excellent welcome at Ringland Labour Club last night, I feel it's worth congratulating them as it was almost full, the atmosphere was reminiscent of years gone by when these clubs (and BTW it's a BIG club) were full and buzzing with dancers and good Cabaret acts……(well the dancers were in!) …..so all the best to the club for a good summer ahead/ lot's of activities organised from there for the surrounding community.

I don't know ‘how’ this happened, but my phone connected to my car with a playlist last night which had some beautifl jazz, some soul along with the interjections of songs released lately from Al Steeles' new album “Let's Play The God Game” which IS rather brilliant, please order the CD it really is special.. from:- thekorgis.co.uk

AND add AL STEELE/ELAINE GILMORE to your playlists!

“Come Summer” (Heritage Chart Top 40)

“I Close My Eyes & Count To Ten” Currently at No.20 in Mike Reeds Heritage Chart!

THANK YOU as always for your ongoing support…

Lots of love,

Elaine xx

Hi Everyone! 

Where the time has gone I really don't know! 

It's been a rollercoaster time for Paul and I and unfortunately too many friends but we have to put our best foot forward and make the best of things going forward as we find ourselves in April already! Wow!

My YouTube show “Strength of a woman” continues monthly.  We've really enjoyed creating the new set, learning as we go, getting a little less nervous about it all (not a lot!) but I am ‘relaxing’ a little into it! 

The most ‘rewarding’ thing for me is the reaction of my guests, who've all said that they've thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience! THAT is all I can ask for, I'm delighted at that, I really am!   The next show is scheduled for the 29th and I have a lovely  Folk Singer/Songwriter who I've not met before so I'm really looking forward to talking to her about her life in music……..please look out for updates/ notifications/links on Facebook - follow on my socials and PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel Elaine Gilmore @elainegilmore5439 where you will find all episodes.

We have 2 shows coming up with Al Steele's “Let's Play The God Game” Musical Album being performed at The Earl Haig, Cardiff Thursday 9th (a small venue friends/family bit of a squeeze) and THE big one at Chapel Arts, Bath on the 18th (April) Tickets for Bath are available @ thekorgis.com OR chapelarts.org OR  Box Office 01225 463362 - A musical treat and feel-good evening guaranteed! Come on down!

Recording News!

We're currently in The Heritage Chart at no.42 with “Come Summer” Al Steele & Friends which has been very nice to hear being played and supported by some very talented radio DJ's Paul Newman & Sean Usher to name a couple and of course the man himself Mike Read, Heritage Chart Radio & T.V (Available on Talking Pictures T.V Ch)

AND…

My latest release OUT NOW on all platforms is a cover song!

“I Close My Eyes and Count To Ten” was written by Clive Westlake & was a hit for Dusty Springfield

I hope you will enjoy it and add to your play-lists!  -  Let me know if you like it?!

Gigs and more recording is the plan ahead a bit of this ‘n’ that!

All we can hope for is to enjoy these times with our families and our music friends & families….

Time is precious and the music helps us now and will live on forever - Please ENJOY!

Thank you as always for your kind comments & continued support

Elaine xx

Hi All,

Again THANK YOU for all kind words of support and encouragement…

Over the last couple of months, I've been very grateful to be asked to be in a new mini-musical, and consequently recorded some new songs and sung many harmonies for Al Steele's new project  ‘Let’s Play The God Game'  a musical & another album, plus backing vocals for other songwriters. 

I've also started a new livestream called “Strength of a woman” where I'm talking to ladies in music and the creative arts about what role music has played in their lives, their inspirations, aspirations and anything else that crops up in conversation. 

This show that I'm developing is going out monthly (generally the 1st Monday of the month) on You Tube!

Very much appreciated for the show to grow - PLEASE FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE!   *Elaine Gilmore “Strength of a woman”  You Tube Channel*

Also looking forward to releasing new music as promised very soon and performing my “Simply Bacharach” show at Swansea Jazz Club at venue  "Cu" in the beautiful Mumbles by the sea  15th August so please book your tickets, come on down for great music, ambience, drinks and the company of real music lovers! Why not mae a night or a weekend of it?! The weather's looking good!

A week TODAY!  Book 'em Dano!

For tickets: Telephone Swansea jazz club: 01792 677287 OR Book online: www,swanseajazz.co.uk - Be quick!

Take good care of yourselves

Elaine xx

Hi All,

I would just like to thank those of you who've been so kind and supporting me over the last few years and particularly the last 12 months. It's not gone unnoticed.

Grief is so different for us all in all circumstances and we don't quite know ‘how’ it's going to affect us until it happens to us but for sure we need to be kind to ourselves and just do our best to cherish the good memories, accept and deal with it hourly, daily, weekly, monthly as life goes on….

I'm very fortunate, humbled, blessed with lovely family, good old friends and for those who've helped, understood and given me time and space to ‘adjust’ to getting my life into new order…..a work in progress..

There's a lot going on both inwardly but thankfully outwardly also!

NEWS!

Monday 4th August Live-stream “Strength of a Woman” on YouTube and Facebook at 6.00 Please tune in/ follow/ SUBSCRIBE!

My guest this month I will reveal very soon, a clue is that there will be a very meaningful, exciting countdown from 5!

Last month I talked to the wonderful Susanna Warren, shes a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and thoroughly fabulous person!

She talked of her memories of music as a child, about her family influences and how her career in music has developed from childhood up to present day and for a 1st live-stream, it was a very pleasant experience!

(I had just stepped off a cruise ship earlier in the day and unfortunately couldn't print my notes off from my tablet in a readable size!  There were a few other issues but we won't focus on what went ‘wrong’..I'll just say..We did ok!)

The live-stream is available to watch on my YouTube channel and in time we'll iron out our ‘hiccups’ and bring you other interesting guests who'll share their experiences in music and the arts, talk about their inspirations, who inspired them throughout their lives and what positives/challenges they've had along the way!

Please follow “Strength of a Woman” on my socials and I'm looking forward/very excited to be bringing a fabulous guest to the table/piano each month!

ALSO:

**My “Simply Bacharach” show is coming to Mumbles, Swansea 15th August with my band:

Dave Cottle (piano) Alun Vaughan(bass), Paul Smith (drums) and Al Steele (guitar, b.v's!)

Tickets available now for this great venue by the sea! Come on down! Swansea jazz club/Cu Mumbles where there'll be a big welcome, a great ambience, fabulous drinks, and a thoroughly fabulous atmosphere!

The music wont be too shabby either!!

We'll celebrate the work of the wonderful Burt Bacharach, Hal David and their collaborators….

Hope to see you there!

More news/updates soon xx

The title is from an analogy that I saw on line somewhere…

Fleas were put into a jar, the lid was put on and the fleas jumped around but got used to the lid being on so didn't jump high…..

when the lid was taken off, the fleas didn't jump higher, jump out of the jar……so used to being confined!!!

I'm trying to jump out of the ‘jar’ that I've felt I've been in, not just because of looking after my mum but from always looking after/ thinking of others before myself.  Its a long story,,,as old as I am!

So…..

Turning the pages now and trying to moving forward and learning to enjoy more of what I want for my life….. I've enjoyed my singing life, working with many wonderful stars famous and not so famous, singing in clubs, holiday parks, restaurants and hotels UK and abroad whilst also being a mum. 

I've served a long apprenticeship!

Absolutely grateful for everything so far and everything coming up!

Please come along to my shows, come say hello if you can!

Look out for my new LIVESTREAM  called “Strength of a Woman” where I'll be chatting with inspiring women for whom music has played a big part of their lives…why? how? whats their past, who's inspired and what;s ahead……….

Keep smiling,  keep shining……knowing you can always count on me……….

That's what friends are for 

**Album “ Love is still the answer” The Songs of Burt Bacharach available from the SHOP section.**

Lots of love all 

Elaine xx 

Hello My Friends Hello!

You may or may not be aware of my recent “challenges”/affairs of the heart…………………..

Caring for my mum over the past few years has been a privilege and also posed some difficult questions and decisions for us, namely Paul (my husband) and myself.

We decided to move into her home to care for her as she really was unable to live alone and was very “scared”/wanted to remain in her home of nearly 60 years.

Its been a “challenging” few years ……………..there's no need to go into any further detail………………………..

Mum passed away recently, peacefully at home, as she had hoped for and we are very thankful that she slipped away without pain almost reaching her 90th birthday!

We're sad she didn't make it to that birthday but with a few health issues including C.O.P.D. we are very proud of how well she did, very proud of how we all did!

Understandably my motivation, my singing hasn't been priority as it's been increasingly difficult …..but I want to say thank you, a very heartfelt thank you to those who've helped me through…family and friends and on this message thank you to those who've bought my album from this website and messaged me very kind words-it's made me smile/helped me to look forward….

A special mention to Jane, Rachel & Pat from St Davids Hospice and the district nurse team (I'm sorry I forget their names but so very kind)  who were a tremendous help in the short time they were involved.

Please donate to these hospice charities if you can ever- they were so amazing.

I'll finish by saying that of course I'm still ‘processing’ all that's happened but I'm getting ‘back on the horse’/ gigs are going well and I;m back into a lead vocal and B.V. session at Shabbey Road Studios later on in the week!

Also if you can tune in and say hello on Thursday I'll be on YouTube -The Korgis Livestream on Thursday eve 6.00 GMT! 

Please say Hi!

Thank you again for all kind messages  and purchases of support…resuming asap!

Be kind to yourselves and all who love you…

“Love is..still the answer”! 

Elaine xx

A quick hello!

Hoping all's well & wishing everyone a healthy year to include many good times and lots of wonderful new music!

I'll update this blog as we go through January, dates are listed in Events but there's quite a lot to talk about…..

Catch up with details after Thursdays (9th) The Korgis Livestream 6.00 ( available on YouTube )

Cheers All

Bye for now

E.

I can't believe where the time is going!

Gosh I ‘Must’ be having fun!!

Well as a matter of fact, through all life's challenges, I'm very thankful to say that between those challenges there are some great things happening.

Another successful “Simply Bacharach” show, various club, private functions & holiday park bookings and a  few studio sessions for my songs written by Ian Mitchard, backing vocals/harmony recording sessions for others, my own song which I've renamed “Strong” nearly ready to release & indeed onto another project,,yes a musical!! - Details to be revealed!

With all that's going on in the world….I can certainly reiterate the words sung by Dionne Warwick

“What the world needs now…is love sweet love”

Hi All,

With everything that continues to go on in this world, from our daily challenges to what we see and hear in the news, is it any wonder that we benefit from switching off and love to enjoy music?

Recently I was asked if I'd like to get involved with a very special project! The Music Man Project.

Would I like to sing at The Royal Albert Hall?

I thought about it for a second…Oh Yes! 

Straight away I KNEW this was going to be very special and as we rehearsed, the excitement built knowing what this was going to mean.

It was indeed an absolute joy and a pleasure to meet so many open hearted people working TOGETHER to create opportunities for people with learning difficulties, raising awareness and providing accessible music tuition led by a very special man who had this vision around 20 years ago!

The beginning of this groundbreaking project is heartwarming and very inspiring and yes it was an amazing experience to ‘join hands’ with everyone and experience this beautiful theatre absolutely FULL of LOVE!

The Music Man Project being led by David Stanley BEM is supported by so many wonderful volunteers, family, Global Ambassadors, who work tirelessly to raise awareness), Patrons, Choirs, HM Royal Marines bands and many more who are enthused when they hear about the fantastic work going on in this charity that was loved by its president Sir David Amess who they lost after he was brutally murdered back in October 2021.

The Music Man Project has risen in his memory and  will continue to lift peoples hearts and change lives for the better!

Proving that there are in this world many ,many good things happening which is something we can lose sight of going back to the start of this blog! 

I will support them in any way I can moving forward. 

In the meantime, my life was also enriched by getting to know some of these people.

It was an honour and a privilege to sing backing vocals in this very special concert, very touching indeed when Michael Ball sang a song which explains the ethos and we all joined him in the chorus :-  “Make a Difference”

If you can donate to this project in any way I urge you to…

We can all just keep trying to ….make a difference ….

Thank you!

(I try to not leave it so long to update again!)