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Post by Jeff on Dec 4, 2008 14:43:03 GMT
Walking alone through the woods on Broadlands Estate on a hot July afternoon being drawn ever onward as the sound of "May It Be" came drifting through the trees as Hayley did her soundcheck. Still unseen, there was something enticing about hearing Hayley's voice without yet being able to see her. As I eagerly followed the rough gravel track, even the birds had fallen silent in awe............
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Post by stevemacdonald on Dec 4, 2008 22:14:52 GMT
What Jeff remembers of 2008
Was Hayley's fine voice at Broadlands Estate.
But let's go back further to 2001 --
That is when Hayley's career had begun.
And then a year later in 2002,
Higher and faster and farther she flew!
Then there's the breakthrough of 2003:
Her glorious debut, Pure as can be!
Further successes in 2004
Charmed leaders of nations right to the core.
Visiting Ghana in 2005
She donated bikes, keeping school hopes alive!
And who can forget that in 2006
Hayley and five Celtic Women did mix.
Oh and the Treasure of 2007 --
To my little ears a big slice of heaven!
This year's 'bout over, and that is just fine...
Hayley's best year will be 2009!
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Post by martindn on Dec 4, 2008 22:38:00 GMT
This year, lots of stuff.
Six wonderful concerts
Buxton. Hayley's signing and 21st birthday celebration afterwards, singing Happy Birthday to Hayley, and a cold night camping in the snow!
iTunes KOKO. A free concert at short notice, suddenly finding that I would be able to get into London midweek for it the weekend before, and managing to obtain a ticket due to the generosity of a HWI member who couldn't make the concert. He knows who he is. Thank you Dean! A hall with weird acoustics, almost pitch black, and all DSLRs confiscated on entry. A lovely evening close to the stage, thanks to HWI friends, surrounded by some of Hayley's biggest fans.
Kilworth House. Hayley's first and only concert ever in Leicestershire, my home county. Arriving back from France the day before. Nice outdoor location, and camera police watching the audience throughout. At one point the birds joined in with the music! We sat on the very back row! Beautiful sunset.
Lincoln Castle. Hayley and Aled. Another lovely location. Front row position again, Got back from Sydney the day before (where I had been shown around by Graemek).! No restrictions on photography. Lots of picnics.
Stoke on Trent. Fabulous performance by Hayley. First concert with the Lumix (bought after being shown similar cameras by two HWI members, it was everything I had hoped for and more), and even got a video of Hayley's encore, which came out better than I expected. We are still waiting to hear how much was raised for COPA and UNICEF. I had an inspired choice of seat, third row of the circle with two empty seats in front of me.
Derngate Northampton (as far as I can remember this is still her last full concert). Part of the ROD Tour. The best performance of Wuthering Heights I have ever experienced. Even though Hayley was suffering from a chest infection.
Four great CD releases
Music of the Spheres (Mike Oldfield)
Hayley Sings Japanese Songs
iTunes EP from KOKO
River of Dreams
For those who say Hayley has only released three CDs in her career, that is four more this year alone! Then there are my own Hayley CDs, constructed from recorded TV performances, concert videos and YouTube etc downloads. Something I have learned how to do this year.
Meeting lots of HWI folk. I can now put faces to many of the names I see here. A year ago I couldn't.
Thanks to everyone who helped to make this year so enjoyable, all the HWI people I met and especially to Hayley, without whom none of this would have happened. She enriches our lives in more ways than she knows!
Martin
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Post by Colin on Dec 4, 2008 23:21:43 GMT
Hi Martindn and everyone A wonderful post Martin! My top memories are similar to yours. Being able to give Hayley a birthday present close to her 21st at Buxton is the top memory, with a concert that will live in my memory as long as I shall live. I honestly doubt that I shall go to a Hayley concert as spectacular as that one - well, until the next one maybe  The night at iTunes and finding that we would eventually get some live recordings by Hayley. That was so good - and thanks to Dean for finding them when they eventually were released. Being absolutely mesmerised by the Japanese album - which is still my most listened to album this year. I think I'd die if I ever heard Hayley sing I Believe in concert - that song is just soooo good. The two outstanding televised duets Hayley sang with Jonathan Ansell that Dave so beautifully recorded for us. Too many goosebumps... And for the kindness that one member at HWI has shown me here - I hope you know who you are - I say a very heartfelt thank you to you. In spite of all the gloom we hear on the news day by day I hope that 2009 is a spectacular year for everyone who comes on here. And a very big thank you to Roger and Dave and Co who run the site without whom our pleasure in listening to Hayley would be severely lessened. And finally a big thank you to Hayley for sharing with us her sublime gift - life really wouldn't be the same without your voice, so thank you from the bottom of my heart for the joy you've brought me these last five years. Kind regards Colin |
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Post by larryhauck on Dec 5, 2008 2:23:26 GMT
I treasure my three trips to the UK and to Ireland in 2008. Although I was dissapointed on my last trip it still was better than not going at all.
I treasure all the wonderfull people I have met in HWI.
But most of all I treasure the six times I was able to see Hayley sing.
I look forward to seeing you all in 2009. That is if Hayley doesn't decide to come to the U S.
But I'll probably be back to the U K next year anyway. I just can't get enough of Hayley.
Larry
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Post by grant on Dec 5, 2008 19:19:30 GMT
Statistically, 14 amazing concerts and almost 1000 digital images. A huge HWI gathering at Buxton to celebrate Hayley's 21st Birthday; singing to Hayley for a change and seeing Hayley almost lost for words as a result. A quick kiss stolen just before we said our goodbyes. Thinking that Orwell Park would be the first occasion where I would not get to see Hayley afterwards and then being called back by Ray because "Hayley wants to say hello!" An amazing and humbling experience at St James Church Piccadilly; meeting Dame Malvina; hearing Hayley sing in concert without a mike for the first time. Hayley touching my life in a very special way by being the inspiration that guided me to dedicate my sixtieth birthday to raising £400 for her "Pumps For Ghana" Campaign. The arrival of the amazing "Japanese" album and hearing Hayley sing "Wuthering Heights" live for the first time. The many hours I've spent in the company of members of this forum, either sharing a meal, a drink or whiling away the time waiting for Hayley - thank you all so much for your hospitality and your company. The many hundreds of hours I've spent with 'Hayley's HWI Family' (her guys) on this very special forum. Where would I be without it (yes, someone already said lost!!) So a big thank you to all Admin and moderators and contributors for making this one of the best forums in the world. And finally, the biggest thank you of all to you Hayley for just being you! Because what I will always remember the most, whatever year it is, is your beautiful smile. God Bless Grant |
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Post by postscript on Dec 12, 2008 18:15:27 GMT
A lovely memento of the year, Grant. Thank you for sharing so openly your joy. I am sure we can all concur with your thoughts and sentiments. My best wishes to all, too. Especially those with whom we may have passingly interacted at some time and hoped we had sown a seed for follow-on--yes, I am thinking of youj] Peter when we met and chatted in the circle at Derngate! I hope you are keeping well  Peter S. |
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Post by pjrcorreia on Dec 13, 2008 19:19:23 GMT
What I'll remember about 2008... Well, a lot of things... I do not remember ever buying so many CDs in a year, as well as many different album versions of a single artist, CDs that come from countries all over the world. Or even collecting so different items, like books, programs, some of them signed, one of them is very special, it's personally signed by Hayley to me! PRICELESS!  Although I have a computer since 1994, until 2008 I hadn't: ...made any purchase from the Internet... ...use ebay... ...an Itunes account... ...use Youtube, I only "discover" it when I was searching for Hayley... ...joined any Forum, I joined first the Official Forum and then here... ...follow any of my favorite artists career... ...have a myspace page... ...write so many words in English... ...interact with many fans (wich I consider friends) from very different countries, cultures and religions all over the world... ...And all of that thanks to our WONDERFUL Hayley! PS: In the future: ...I think I have to try the chat someday... ...To travel to the UK to attend an Hayley concert... ...To perhaps have the privilege to meet her afterward and some of the HWI members... ...To have a photo taken with Hayley... I have to put all of this in my wish list! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifPaulo Correia |
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Post by grant on Dec 13, 2008 19:53:51 GMT
HaHa Paulo! You've had quite a year! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif...To travel to the UK to attend an Hayley concert... ...To perhaps have the privilege to meet her afterward and some of the HWI members... ...To have a photo taken with Hayley... Take care of the first one on your list and the other two should follow.  Meeting Hayley after a concert can never be guaranteed, but we always do our best to at least say 'hello' and Hayley never seems to tire of posing for photo's. I look forward to meeting you in 2009! Best wishes Grant |
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Post by gra7890 on Dec 14, 2008 12:24:48 GMT
My best Hayley memories. 1) Buxton for many reasons including. My first Hayley concert, Her 21st celebration, my first meeting and photo with Hayley, a great venue and town etc......... (I will also remember the weather !) 2) Three Hayley concerts in four days, in what little summer we had. Broadlands, Wimbledon and iTunes. With Wimbledon probably my best 'concert ' of the year. But to answer the original question...... What I'll remember about 2008 is..............Everything  as each Hayley concert has been incredible for many reasons and is well etched in the memory! I also must mention the enjoyment from meeting all other members of HWI. Best Wishes, Graham |
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Martin
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team
Posts: 3,335
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Post by Martin on Dec 14, 2008 18:53:07 GMT
I have three particular highlights from 2008:
1) The August concert at St. James's Church in Piccadilly, London featuring Dame Malvina Major. Surely, a unique event of the hightest calibre unlikely ever to be repeated (sadly).
2) The album "Hayley Sings Japanese Songs" which although was targeted solely at the Japanese market gave Hayley the opportunity to try a new direction musically. In my book very successful.
3) The concert at Dunstable. Whether it was the superb auditorium or just Hayley on top form but this was my most enjoyable concert of the year. It was made even more amazing when we learnt later on that Hayley wasn't feeling too well that evening.
The year has certainly had its ups and downs but I believe we all agree that Hayley has continued to progress as a singer and performer so may it continue in 2009.
What is certain for next year is continued, unrivalled support from me and my fellow HWI's and we can't wait for the experiences to restart in early February after what seems to be an interminable but understandable wait.
Martin
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Post by stevemacdonald on Dec 14, 2008 19:56:58 GMT
... The year has certainly had its ups and downs but I believe we all agree that Hayley has continued to progress as a singer and performer so may it continue in 2009. ... Hi Martin, I respectfully disagree that Hayley has "continued to progress". As I see it, she arrived as a fully wonderful, perfectly realised singer and performer in 2003 with Pure and has stayed at that superior level all along. What might indeed have shown progress is her fans' appreciation for how amazing she actually is -- something it takes a few years to wrap one's mind around! |
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Martin
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team
Posts: 3,335
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Post by Martin on Dec 14, 2008 20:36:46 GMT
I respectfully disagree that Hayley has "continued to progress" Hi Steve I acknowledge your comment but perhaps I should define what I mean by "progress". Essentially, I mean that Hayley continues to mature as a singer and performer. Without doubt Hayley has progressed as a live performer, notably her confidence and rapport with the audience. Some may say also that Hayley's continuing maturing voice is a progression. Hayley I am sure would also like to think she has progressed over the last five years, venturing more and more into songwriting and trying new musical styles. If, for example, you had been fortunate to attend the concert last year in London with Dave Dobyn then you would understand. The experiments with West side story and Japanese Songs also were all progressions and each of the three contracted albums have allowed Hayley to mature more and more as a singer and I expect the fourth album due next year to do likewise. Admittedly, "Pure" set a standard almost impossible to emulate but I believe Hayley has achieved it. Martin |
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Post by martindn on Dec 14, 2008 21:34:57 GMT
I respectfully disagree that Hayley has "continued to progress" Admittedly, "Pure" set a standard almost impossible to emulate but I believe Hayley has achieved it. Martin She has more than achieved it, she has blown Pure out of the water in my opinion And she did so this year. But unfortunately, not too many people know about it. Why? Because Hayley Sings Japanese Songs, which to my mind is undoubtedly her best album, and one of the best of all time by a female singer, was only realeaed in Japan. I have done track by track comparisons against Carole King's Tapestry, and Shania Twain's Come on Over ( which is the best selling abum of all time by a solo female singer), and to my ears HSJS beats both of them easily. Yes, Pure was a great album, and I was as blown away as everyone else when I first heard it five years ago, but that is history. HSJS shows how Hayley has progressed, as a singer and as a lyricist. I can't wait for the next one (but I'm sure I will have to). Oh, and I should also ask you to listen to the four new tracks that were recorded for ROD and have been made available. All are absolutely stunning! Martin |
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Post by stevemacdonald on Dec 15, 2008 4:50:08 GMT
... Without doubt Hayley has progressed as a live performer, notably her confidence and rapport with the audience. Some may say also that Hayley's continuing maturing voice is a progression.... Some of this perception I believe stems from the fact that Hayley is so much younger than her typical audiences. There is the expectation that maturation will naturally occur, just as it always does with anyone entering adulthood. No matter how superb she was at 16, 17 and 18 she must be better now as age and sophistication set in. So they say. However, I'm not sure I buy that in Hayley's case. I think what many people are seeing is their own expectations fulfilled to the extent they take an elder's perspective, whether it be a paternal, avuncular or even teacherly interest in her development in addition to being thoughtful fans. Also, there has always been a strong, protective undertone to many of the forum posts we've seen following her concerts -- and especially now that she is in need of recuperation. What I suspect is that Hayley has been preternaturally mature since the early days of her career and has made a very convincing attempt to seem more normal for her age than she really is. Now that she's legitimately all grown up it makes more sense for her to appear that way to her public. Truth is, she's always been very comfortable onstage -- did you not see her at age eight belting out "Lullaby of Broadway"? I saw her hold a New York studio audience in the palm of her hand back when she was just 17. It appeared effortless from where I stood (20 feet away). Maybe she's just now taking full advantage of her maturity, which, as I say, has been there long before most people noticed. Yes, I have heard all of her songs on HSJS and ROD. They're all brilliant, but not appreciably more so than what I heard on Pure. |
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as each Hayley concert has been incredible for many reasons and is well etched in the memory! 