3 gigs this week: Tuesday I went back to the popular open night at The Abbey, Bramley. It was a lively session as usual and I performed 'I Don't Need' and a couple of covers: Handle With Care and Your Song.
I Don't Need (Look At Me) was written in November 2003 and recorded in 2004. Since then it's been performed quite a lot but never been released. Now it will be featured on the new mini-album, due out within the next week or so. The track is already on my site and is also uploaded on to the soundclick site. Click the link please! I'm trying to give this song the exposure it deserves, it's always been one of my favourites. The more plays it gets the higher up the charts it will go!!
Back to the gigging and Thursday was a new venue for me. The Puzzle Hall at Sowerby Bridge.
This is a real goldmine as far as live music is concerned. They run all kinds of music, on many nights of the week. The setting is good, as is the beer, and it's very small and intimate too. Amazingly, despite it's proximity for me, I've never played there before. I did 3 original songs: These Eyes, Your Shadow and Whiskey. I went down pretty well and was pleased to discover yet another friendly open night. I'm in the process of sorting out a booked gig there, hopefully with the band in some guise. It would be well worth a visit.
On Saturday I played a showcase for Notitle magazine at Dare Cafe in Headingly. I played about 40 minutes, including a live debut of a song called....Dare!! Well it had to be done really....it's a song written by Pete and me in 1998, and will be included on the 3rd album for those of you keeping score. I also performed 'Tiny Dancer' and 'One Of Us' to round things off. The venue is a small cellar bar, tailor-made for acoustic gigs. The audience is mainly students, who struggled to listen but remembered to clap heartily. All in all, a good night. Speaking of students, that area of Headingly is absolutely crawling with them. I nearly knocked several over driving in, better luck next time I guess.
This week there are 2 major shows. On Wednesday I'm making my debut at Sandinistas in Leeds for the Grain Division 'Late Night Colour' gig. This is another acoustic night. There's 3 artists doing 30 minutes each. I'm on at 10pm in the middle slot. Gary Stewart (who I've supported before and is excellent) is headlining, and Kris Mersessman is opening at 9.15.
On Thursday I'm doing my regular opening slot for the Cloth Cat night down at The Primrose.
More and more gigs are being added, with the Paul Jeffery Band getting in on the act too. I might have to start a seperate blog for that soon! Suffice to say for now that the band will be playing 2 acoustic showcases for NoTitle mag (as featured on Look North!) on Wednesdays 16th May and 20th June, both are in Leeds city centre.
5-STAR REVIEWS ON GARAGE BAND.COM
Rather like hotels, songs on garageband.com are rated on a 5 star basis. I've currently got 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' up for a grilling. At the moment it has an excellent 5 star rating, with over half the reviews completed. Remember this is the site where musicians and writers review each other's songs on a 'blind' basis. ie, you are sent a song at random to review, irrespective of whether you like the music or know who it is. As we all know, musicians are a cynical set of bastards, so to achieve anything like the reviews it's had is an achievement. Especially as I don't consider myself to play musicians' music, my tastes and influences are more akin to a housewife's (when such a thing existed).
More news very soon on the new mini-album, as soon as the cover design is finished!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Fresh from a Sunday gig in Sheffield, I went back to Doc Wu's on Tuesday 17th April. I played 'These Eyes', 'Words', 'I Don't Need' and The Letter. The set's theme kind of reflects the new mini-album I'm putting out very soon.
I'll mention that in more detail at some point, surfice to say it's going to be 6 tracks, and features 5 of my vocals plus one female guest. It's the usual mix of co-writers and the artwork is new and stunning. You can treat it as an interim release between the 2 albums if you like. It will be on sale shortly and the tracks will be hearable on all the usual upload sites.
A Chance Encounter.....
Directly after Wu's I decided to check out a couple of other places, so it became a non-alcoholic pub crawl around Leeds. Firstly, the Duck and Drake. I wanted to size it up for possible gigs there myself, but found I'd stumbled across a really good musician performing there. His name is Adrian Byron Burns and he's an amazing singer. Great bluesy, deep vocals. I only saw about 3 tunes, but was compelled to leave him a message on his website. I greatly recommend you check him out.
It just goes to show you can still walk into a pub by chance and see a talented artist perform. I had no idea who was playing that night when I got there. If only A&R men had the same amount of talent. I wish someone would pay me to go around venues listening to acts. There's always the PRS surveys I suppose.....
Wednesday was my second slot for Dr.H at The Primrose. This falls under the category of a 'quiet night'. The crowd was a bit thin, but I enjoyed my set there nonetheless. I've never been bothered about 'dead' audiences, at least if it's quiet there's less chance of attracting a loony. Something I should start a degree course on. BA (hons) in Scrote-Magnetism. I could teach that course.
Friday and Saturday were kept away from music, as I indulged some other passions I have (no, no those). I could add 'human interest' (which is the idea of a blog) but would probably bore you to death. Suffice to say, I'm contemplating starting a BRISCA Stock Car Racing blog in the near future-you have been warned and be very afraid.
On Sunday I had to be a musician again. This time it was the Paul Jeffery Band and this time not at Zephyr Bar but at The Railway, Berry Brow.
This venue is the local pub of the producer of my 2nd album. I was assured it was ok, and indeed it was fantastic! A throw-back to the old days of playing to Sunday afternoon drinkers, when I arrived I must admit I was a little apprehensive. It was pubs of this ilk where I gained my foundation course in Scrote-magnetism.
However, after a few songs to settle in, and make sure we weren't too loud, the gig really flowed. We went down a bomb too. The original material carried well and the whole thing was a success. Next time promises to be even better with more promotion.
It may not be Wembley, but there won't be many bands playing original material who could work that sort of crowd.
The main one this week is on Saturday 28th April. I'm playing a showcase in association with Notitle magazine, a fast -growing Leeds fanzine.
I'm playing a 30 minute set at 9:30 at Dare Cafe, Headingly. Please come down, I'm told the atmosphere is great at these gigs.
I'll mention that in more detail at some point, surfice to say it's going to be 6 tracks, and features 5 of my vocals plus one female guest. It's the usual mix of co-writers and the artwork is new and stunning. You can treat it as an interim release between the 2 albums if you like. It will be on sale shortly and the tracks will be hearable on all the usual upload sites.
A Chance Encounter.....
Directly after Wu's I decided to check out a couple of other places, so it became a non-alcoholic pub crawl around Leeds. Firstly, the Duck and Drake. I wanted to size it up for possible gigs there myself, but found I'd stumbled across a really good musician performing there. His name is Adrian Byron Burns and he's an amazing singer. Great bluesy, deep vocals. I only saw about 3 tunes, but was compelled to leave him a message on his website. I greatly recommend you check him out.
It just goes to show you can still walk into a pub by chance and see a talented artist perform. I had no idea who was playing that night when I got there. If only A&R men had the same amount of talent. I wish someone would pay me to go around venues listening to acts. There's always the PRS surveys I suppose.....
Wednesday was my second slot for Dr.H at The Primrose. This falls under the category of a 'quiet night'. The crowd was a bit thin, but I enjoyed my set there nonetheless. I've never been bothered about 'dead' audiences, at least if it's quiet there's less chance of attracting a loony. Something I should start a degree course on. BA (hons) in Scrote-Magnetism. I could teach that course.
Friday and Saturday were kept away from music, as I indulged some other passions I have (no, no those). I could add 'human interest' (which is the idea of a blog) but would probably bore you to death. Suffice to say, I'm contemplating starting a BRISCA Stock Car Racing blog in the near future-you have been warned and be very afraid.
On Sunday I had to be a musician again. This time it was the Paul Jeffery Band and this time not at Zephyr Bar but at The Railway, Berry Brow.
This venue is the local pub of the producer of my 2nd album. I was assured it was ok, and indeed it was fantastic! A throw-back to the old days of playing to Sunday afternoon drinkers, when I arrived I must admit I was a little apprehensive. It was pubs of this ilk where I gained my foundation course in Scrote-magnetism.
However, after a few songs to settle in, and make sure we weren't too loud, the gig really flowed. We went down a bomb too. The original material carried well and the whole thing was a success. Next time promises to be even better with more promotion.
It may not be Wembley, but there won't be many bands playing original material who could work that sort of crowd.
The main one this week is on Saturday 28th April. I'm playing a showcase in association with Notitle magazine, a fast -growing Leeds fanzine.
I'm playing a 30 minute set at 9:30 at Dare Cafe, Headingly. Please come down, I'm told the atmosphere is great at these gigs.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
I took in the old firm of open mics on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th April. That means Doctor Wus and The Grove.
Wus was around the normal level, and The Grove was a little more special given it was the 1st birthday do of the people who run the night.
I went on last in the 1st half, and played 'Words' (for the first time in ages) and 'In the Lap of The Gods (Revisited)'-yes, the Queen song which I attempted with partial success to turn into a singalong number. The atmosphere was just right for me and I felt I made a good impression.
The reason behind the choice of tracks: 'Words' was written with Sarah in 2003/4 and was then signed on a publishing deal for 2 years. I've since got the song back and will be putting it out on a new Mini-Album containing 6 tracks. This release may well be before the 2nd album at the moment. The Queen song is one of 2 covers I have recently recorded for the future. Brave I know but I love the song and wanted to give it a go.
On the easter weekend I worked Sunday night back at the New Inn, Barwick-in-Elmet. This is becoming a favourite venue where I can play a full night of covers and originals to an appreciative audience. Thats certainly been the case on the last 2 visits.
Had a lovely day out/off on Tuesday going to the Peak district and then it was a full weekend of gigs. The only originals gig of these was Sunday 15th at the Redhouse in Sheffield. This venue is ideal for acoustic gigs, a hidden city centre gem in my opinion. I was playing on the night hosted by Paul Pearson who I met at the Abbey Inn, Bramley a few weeks ago. I was on last (headlining?) and played a half-hour set. This was my first foray into Sheffield's original music scene and I really enjoyed the venue.
Well, that's the last couple of weeks' gigs dealt with. The band will be at the Railway, Berry Brow this Sunday afternoon at 4pm.
Wus was around the normal level, and The Grove was a little more special given it was the 1st birthday do of the people who run the night.
I went on last in the 1st half, and played 'Words' (for the first time in ages) and 'In the Lap of The Gods (Revisited)'-yes, the Queen song which I attempted with partial success to turn into a singalong number. The atmosphere was just right for me and I felt I made a good impression.
The reason behind the choice of tracks: 'Words' was written with Sarah in 2003/4 and was then signed on a publishing deal for 2 years. I've since got the song back and will be putting it out on a new Mini-Album containing 6 tracks. This release may well be before the 2nd album at the moment. The Queen song is one of 2 covers I have recently recorded for the future. Brave I know but I love the song and wanted to give it a go.
On the easter weekend I worked Sunday night back at the New Inn, Barwick-in-Elmet. This is becoming a favourite venue where I can play a full night of covers and originals to an appreciative audience. Thats certainly been the case on the last 2 visits.
Had a lovely day out/off on Tuesday going to the Peak district and then it was a full weekend of gigs. The only originals gig of these was Sunday 15th at the Redhouse in Sheffield. This venue is ideal for acoustic gigs, a hidden city centre gem in my opinion. I was playing on the night hosted by Paul Pearson who I met at the Abbey Inn, Bramley a few weeks ago. I was on last (headlining?) and played a half-hour set. This was my first foray into Sheffield's original music scene and I really enjoyed the venue.
Well, that's the last couple of weeks' gigs dealt with. The band will be at the Railway, Berry Brow this Sunday afternoon at 4pm.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Tuesday 20th March saw a new venue tried for the first time. I was planning to go to Santiago's, which are advertising a Tuesday Open Mic, but while trying to find details I stumbled across a night at the Abbey Inn, Bramley. Yes, Bramley, not normally associated with a vibrant live music scene, or so I thought! I've played quite a few gigs in Bram, all the main 3 clubs, and all gigs had one thing in common-they were all shit. However, that was in the old days, and the Abbey had actually been recommended to me some weeks ago by a poet at The Grove.
To start with, it's a nice place, with a friendly atmosphere, vital if you want my support. It takes the form of a 'singaround', which at first reminded me of Baccapipes-an instant chill down the spine! However, this particular singaround is not exclusively anal folk. There's a variety of musicians playing a variey of styles, and I was made to feel very welcome. I played 'Hide Your Love Away', '7 Shades of Grey' and 'Waterloo Sunset'. A lovely night, and productive too in terms of CD sales and bookings. I'm now booked for a solo night and a festival slot there in the summer.
Wednesday 21st March brought us another new place. The Fox and Newt in Leeds. This place broke all the rules in terms of scroteiness, but luckily there was an open mic and I got out with my head still attached to my shoulders. The landlord has been described elsewhere on the net as a 'character' and this certainly helps create a strangely friendly atmosphere. Rough as a bears' backside, but friendly. To start with there were a few folk from the WTS, playing their first public performance-what a place to start! Then I took over and did 3 covers, 'Hide Your Love Away', 'Sunny Afternoon' and 'Weather With You', the latter of which was something of a favourite of the glass collecter. An interesting experience, and one which I peversely enjoyed, but I woulnd't be too sure about a repeat performance just yet. Put it this way, I dared not plug my CDs for sale!
The following week was busy with a repeat performance at the Abbey on the Tuesday 27th. This time I did 'Stuck in a Moment', 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' and 'Freefalling'. By coincidence I met up with the chap who runs the Fox&Newt open mic. I think he did a good job under trying circumstances at the latter!!
Onto Thursday, and yes-the band's 2nd gig at the Zephyr Bar. Billed as having 'a bigger PA than Knebworth' (I've a photo to show you when I get it uploaded). The night was another belter, with me right on the limit of vocal adhesion by the end. The first set wasn't as tight as we would have liked, but the 2nd was bang-on. 'Even' stood out as a strong song, and we debuted 'Old Wishing Well' from the EP too. I can't wait for the next gig on the 22nd April (4pm) at the Railway, Berry Brow, Huddersfield.
The following day me and Paul Flieshman recorded some guitars for the 3rd album, and that brought an end to a busy week.
This week it's just the old faithful of Wu's on Tuesday 3rd April and The Grove on the 4th. On Sunday the 8th, Easter Sunday, sees the second coming at the New Inn at Barwick-in-Elmet. A full set of originals and covers starting at 9pm.
Happy Easter.
To start with, it's a nice place, with a friendly atmosphere, vital if you want my support. It takes the form of a 'singaround', which at first reminded me of Baccapipes-an instant chill down the spine! However, this particular singaround is not exclusively anal folk. There's a variety of musicians playing a variey of styles, and I was made to feel very welcome. I played 'Hide Your Love Away', '7 Shades of Grey' and 'Waterloo Sunset'. A lovely night, and productive too in terms of CD sales and bookings. I'm now booked for a solo night and a festival slot there in the summer.
Wednesday 21st March brought us another new place. The Fox and Newt in Leeds. This place broke all the rules in terms of scroteiness, but luckily there was an open mic and I got out with my head still attached to my shoulders. The landlord has been described elsewhere on the net as a 'character' and this certainly helps create a strangely friendly atmosphere. Rough as a bears' backside, but friendly. To start with there were a few folk from the WTS, playing their first public performance-what a place to start! Then I took over and did 3 covers, 'Hide Your Love Away', 'Sunny Afternoon' and 'Weather With You', the latter of which was something of a favourite of the glass collecter. An interesting experience, and one which I peversely enjoyed, but I woulnd't be too sure about a repeat performance just yet. Put it this way, I dared not plug my CDs for sale!
The following week was busy with a repeat performance at the Abbey on the Tuesday 27th. This time I did 'Stuck in a Moment', 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' and 'Freefalling'. By coincidence I met up with the chap who runs the Fox&Newt open mic. I think he did a good job under trying circumstances at the latter!!
Onto Thursday, and yes-the band's 2nd gig at the Zephyr Bar. Billed as having 'a bigger PA than Knebworth' (I've a photo to show you when I get it uploaded). The night was another belter, with me right on the limit of vocal adhesion by the end. The first set wasn't as tight as we would have liked, but the 2nd was bang-on. 'Even' stood out as a strong song, and we debuted 'Old Wishing Well' from the EP too. I can't wait for the next gig on the 22nd April (4pm) at the Railway, Berry Brow, Huddersfield.
The following day me and Paul Flieshman recorded some guitars for the 3rd album, and that brought an end to a busy week.
This week it's just the old faithful of Wu's on Tuesday 3rd April and The Grove on the 4th. On Sunday the 8th, Easter Sunday, sees the second coming at the New Inn at Barwick-in-Elmet. A full set of originals and covers starting at 9pm.
Happy Easter.
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