Well, I now have the new version of blogger, whether I wanted it or not....why can't things just stay the same, recent experiences with yahoo messenger have taught me if it ain't broke, don't fix.
Therefore I'm back using a version of messenger from 2003 (!) vintage in computer terms.
Of course this is irrelevant, but still, human interest content is what sets blogs apart.
I seem to have slipped into only updating this every 2 weeks now, which is not as intended, just that time is getting tighter, as things get busier.
Gigwise, it's been as hectic as ever.....from where we left off last time, I was straight back to O'Donoghue's on Monday 12th Feb. This was my second open mic slot there and I played 'Your Shadow' into 'Money From The Satisfied Man' and then a cover of 'One' by U2. This time it wasn't so much a listening crowd but I was still impressed by the vibe down there, let's hope the booked slot on Thurs March 8th is as good.
Tuesday saw a late decision to go to Wu's, as I was after all headlining the week after. Unfortunately I'd have been better off staying at home as 2 scrotes walked in just on cue as I got up. My days as a scrote-magnet are clearly not over yet, but the difference here is that with little to lose at least I don't have to contest them. Therefore after playing just 2 songs (Whiskey Coloured World and Money From the Satisfied Man) I jumped ship, not wishing to become a target for the brainless pair.
Wednesday was back to The Grove and here a more civilised reception is received, again 'Money For The Satisfied Man' and 'Your Shadow' were played, the former getting it's induction over the previous 4 nights. This was the most succesful run-through. Inspite of this there was still time for the least intelligent member of the audience to heckle over the price of a (£3) CD. 'Jim's are only £2' quoth the twat in blue....his point being what exactly?
Saturday was a lovely night, as a spectator this time. I watched Gordon Giltrap at the Halifax Square Chapel. It was in 1994 that I first saw the virtuoso acoustic guitarist but it's been a while since I've seen him, pre-beard indeed. He's as talented and modest as ever, and very entertaining. I was also impressed by the number of Cds he shifted at the interval, something to aim for there. And, to my knowledge, no one moaned about the price....better quality of customer I guess!
Into this week, and Tuesday was my headline slot at Doctor Wu's. I was wary of this, and it turned out I was right. Being right however brought me little satisfaciton. I don't want to publicly say too much about venues, but I knew that going on last is not the best time to play on this night. Indeed any time after 10pm is not the best time. I picked up another encroaching idiot, who thankfully didn't ruin the night. The sad thing is that when I arrived the audience was perfect-busy but attentive. Of couse by the time muggins went on it was thinning out and we were getting the usual post-10pm scrote influx.
I stuck to it, playing about 30 minutes, but with very little prospect of a good response, let alone any sales, I can't say I had a great time.
Wednesday was everything Tuesday night wasn't. It WAS a great night.
Yes, the Paul Jeffery Band made it's debut at Huddersfield's Zephyr Bar and although I'm getting blase in my old gigging age, this one was a corker. And looking back on it now is very satisfying. Lots of people came to watch and I'd like to say a big thank you to all of them. The band was superb, and despite our under-rehearsed state it proved what I always knew-that put together good like-minded musicians and you will get a good show.
The originals played were as well received as the covers, the debut performance of 'Hell Freezes Over' being backed up by 'Whiskey', 'Shadow', 'Gods And Angels (solo), 'These Eyes', 'Even', 'Prisoner' and 'Cold Cold Day'.
All in all a fantastic night, and I just hope we can sustain it and continue to do live shows as a band. Come to think of it, I want to do it every night right now!
That just leaves today, with an afternoon session at Lounge Bar on Merrion Street, Leeds. I played 2 half-hour slots of mainly covers, with 'Whiskey', 'Shadow' and 'I Can't Believe The News' being the only originals performed. It was background music, as required, so not too much to read into this one. A big thanks to Nadine at NoTitle mag who organised it, and I hope they get the break they deserve with their live promotions.
This week will be quieter, with just the 3 shows(!). At the moment it's O'Donoghues Monday, The Grove on Wednesday and The Primrose on Thursday-the latter being a half-hour opeing slot.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
OK, 2 weeks to catch up on.....very busy and very tired at points last week, hence no blog. Keen followers will be aware that I forcast a nervous breakdown for about now! Well, ok that's being over-dramatic.
I'll start where I left off on Sunday 28th January. My worst fears about Morris and the Minors being too loud for the golf club proved totally unfounded...we had a really good night and everyone enjoyed themselves.
The following night, it was back to my stuff, and on to a new venue for me, O'Donoghues in Wakefield.
This it has to be said was one of the best open mic nights I've been to. Maybe I just caught a good night, but it will be a major bonus as there's not much else happening on Mondays. I played 'These Eyes Of Mine', 'Whiskey Coloured World' and 'Rocket Man'. The response and the people running the night were great. I don't want to tempt fate, but I found the pub had a really nice atmosphere and is right behind live music-rare these days. I was booked for a full gig on Thursday the 8th March, so am looking forward to that.
Tuesday was another new venture. This time the Ship on Briggate in Leeds. This one took a bit of finding, as it's on a precinct, then tucked away down an alley.
A really nice pub, the open mic night is in need of more support. Ben Greaves is the host, and I played a couple of covers: 'Wish You Were Here' and 'Walking in Memphis' before doing 'Whiskey Coloured World' and '7 Shades of Grey'.
Below is Ben doing a tune.
Thursday was back to The Primrose this time, just open mic after the headline band had been on. It was nice to see Steve and Louisa's full 30 minute set, as they were the booked opening act. I've seen them quite a few times at Doctor Wu's. Very catchy songs, one of which I had in my head was a cover but it's there's, which is a good sign I guess. My set comprised 'Your Shadow', 'Whiskey Coloured World' and 'I'm Coming Out'.
Steve and Louisa @The Primrose 1/2/07.
The weekend was very busy. After a Morris gig in Hull, which ended at 4am and included too many pints of over-priced smooth, I had to head off the hangover ready for Sunday night and my first full solo gig of the year at the New Inn, Barwick-In-Elmet. Full means 2 45 min sets, or a 45 and an 80 as it turned out! I played lots of covers and a fair few originals thrown in. They were 'Your Shadow', 'Whiskey', 'Young,Lost And Hopeful', 'Cold Cold Day', 'I Don't Need' and 'These Eyes'. A lot of artists are allergic to playing covers, but I really enjoy playing ones I want to. On this occasion the audience was very good and enjoyed it too. So all in all a great night and I hope to be back there very soon.
Into week 2 of this double-header, and Doctor Wu's was played on Tuesday night, the 6th of Feb. I played 'These Eyes' and 'Your Shadow', 'Gods And Angels' and U2's 'Stuck In a Moment'. 'Gods' was only played due to a surprise request to 'play the Angels song'. I assume it was that one anyway.
Thursday, amidst the snow, was the 2nd rehearsal for the new band. The first gig is but 9 days away now, and it's sounding really fantastic. Most of my songs are 'band songs' really, and the ones I've been doing solo really come alive. I'm hoping for a good night at Zephyr bar, the potential is most certainly there.
Firday, amidst even more snow, was back to The Primrose, this time for a booked slot of 30 mins. Both bands pulled out, so just the 2 acoustic acts remained. In an informal night, where I opened, what had the potential to be a dull one became a really solid night. It was helped in part by the surprise apperance of a party of Aussies and Kiwis, out for a regular night out! Just goes to show you never know who might be there! And it's always the audience that make a show what it is, no matter how well you think you have performed.
I played 'These Eyes', 'Your Shadow', 'Even', 'Whiskey', 'Gods and Angels', 'Old Wishing Well', 'Cold Cold Day', 'Rocket Man' and 'One Of Us'(the encore).
A really fun night.
The final gig of this marathon was last night, Sunday the 11th at Santiagos in Leeds.An intimate setting, and a really good acoustic showcase, just the sort I have wanted to do for a while.
I played 'Your Shadow', 'Whiskey', Gods And Angels' , 'Money From the Satisfied Man' (debut performance, nearly remebered all the words!), and 'Life'.
So this week is thankfully a bit quieter. I'm going to O'Donoghues tonight and then possibly The Grove on Wednesday. The final band rehearsal before the gig is Thursday.
All the best :)
I'll start where I left off on Sunday 28th January. My worst fears about Morris and the Minors being too loud for the golf club proved totally unfounded...we had a really good night and everyone enjoyed themselves.
The following night, it was back to my stuff, and on to a new venue for me, O'Donoghues in Wakefield.
This it has to be said was one of the best open mic nights I've been to. Maybe I just caught a good night, but it will be a major bonus as there's not much else happening on Mondays. I played 'These Eyes Of Mine', 'Whiskey Coloured World' and 'Rocket Man'. The response and the people running the night were great. I don't want to tempt fate, but I found the pub had a really nice atmosphere and is right behind live music-rare these days. I was booked for a full gig on Thursday the 8th March, so am looking forward to that.
Tuesday was another new venture. This time the Ship on Briggate in Leeds. This one took a bit of finding, as it's on a precinct, then tucked away down an alley.
A really nice pub, the open mic night is in need of more support. Ben Greaves is the host, and I played a couple of covers: 'Wish You Were Here' and 'Walking in Memphis' before doing 'Whiskey Coloured World' and '7 Shades of Grey'.
Below is Ben doing a tune.
Thursday was back to The Primrose this time, just open mic after the headline band had been on. It was nice to see Steve and Louisa's full 30 minute set, as they were the booked opening act. I've seen them quite a few times at Doctor Wu's. Very catchy songs, one of which I had in my head was a cover but it's there's, which is a good sign I guess. My set comprised 'Your Shadow', 'Whiskey Coloured World' and 'I'm Coming Out'.
Steve and Louisa @The Primrose 1/2/07.
The weekend was very busy. After a Morris gig in Hull, which ended at 4am and included too many pints of over-priced smooth, I had to head off the hangover ready for Sunday night and my first full solo gig of the year at the New Inn, Barwick-In-Elmet. Full means 2 45 min sets, or a 45 and an 80 as it turned out! I played lots of covers and a fair few originals thrown in. They were 'Your Shadow', 'Whiskey', 'Young,Lost And Hopeful', 'Cold Cold Day', 'I Don't Need' and 'These Eyes'. A lot of artists are allergic to playing covers, but I really enjoy playing ones I want to. On this occasion the audience was very good and enjoyed it too. So all in all a great night and I hope to be back there very soon.
Into week 2 of this double-header, and Doctor Wu's was played on Tuesday night, the 6th of Feb. I played 'These Eyes' and 'Your Shadow', 'Gods And Angels' and U2's 'Stuck In a Moment'. 'Gods' was only played due to a surprise request to 'play the Angels song'. I assume it was that one anyway.
Thursday, amidst the snow, was the 2nd rehearsal for the new band. The first gig is but 9 days away now, and it's sounding really fantastic. Most of my songs are 'band songs' really, and the ones I've been doing solo really come alive. I'm hoping for a good night at Zephyr bar, the potential is most certainly there.
Firday, amidst even more snow, was back to The Primrose, this time for a booked slot of 30 mins. Both bands pulled out, so just the 2 acoustic acts remained. In an informal night, where I opened, what had the potential to be a dull one became a really solid night. It was helped in part by the surprise apperance of a party of Aussies and Kiwis, out for a regular night out! Just goes to show you never know who might be there! And it's always the audience that make a show what it is, no matter how well you think you have performed.
I played 'These Eyes', 'Your Shadow', 'Even', 'Whiskey', 'Gods and Angels', 'Old Wishing Well', 'Cold Cold Day', 'Rocket Man' and 'One Of Us'(the encore).
A really fun night.
The final gig of this marathon was last night, Sunday the 11th at Santiagos in Leeds.An intimate setting, and a really good acoustic showcase, just the sort I have wanted to do for a while.
I played 'Your Shadow', 'Whiskey', Gods And Angels' , 'Money From the Satisfied Man' (debut performance, nearly remebered all the words!), and 'Life'.
So this week is thankfully a bit quieter. I'm going to O'Donoghues tonight and then possibly The Grove on Wednesday. The final band rehearsal before the gig is Thursday.
All the best :)
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