Strike Up The Band

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.