OK, here comes a concerted effort to catch up on the last 2 weeks, then I can say I've caught up. Just when you think you've found the end, someone moves the end......

The Band were back out 2 days after Skipton slightly closer to home at the Junction at Queensbury. This time there was no fog and more people. Almost a respecatble amount no less. The reception was none too bad, despite the presence of musicians in the audience which are easy to spot but very hard to please. As a poor spectator myself I can understand this, although it's something that's gone on for years in the pubs of the Thornton/Queensbury district. Still, any audience is welcome these days. Well, nearly any.

The weekend of the 7/8 June showed up the remarkable contrast that exists in my career, and that of most working musicians. On Saturday night I played at the Midland Hotel in Manchester with the fabulous Atlanta Soul Band. We had a dressing room with a balcony overlooking the square and the library, and generally could bask in the surroundings of one of the few hotels that can still be called 'grand'.
The following afternoon was The Bridge in Huddersfield.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the Bridge, indeed my band had a much better time of it there than last time. But perhaps you wouldn't pay £150 a night to stay there?

As I said, the Bridge was a decent gig this time, on the hottest day of the year it was a lovely sunny afternoon. We played as loud as possible which seems to be the done thing there and despite around 50% of the punters sitting outside it was still an enjoyable gig. Afterwards we all embarked on a trip to Cleckheaton for a curry, just like old times. This was the 2nd sit-down meal the band had had in a week, and it does help to socialise with the band. Indeed, many of you may be surprised to read that the musicians could afford 2 meals in one week!

The first two weeks since my 'week off' have been very hectic, and the work-life balance went awry at times. I think I'm now starting to catch up a bit, but it was a bit difficult at times last week. The gigs were another mixture of good and bad.

On the Thursday the band played at The Abbey Inn, threw in a new cover and generally looked set for a decent night at what is one of the few pubs that can be classed as a 'music venue'. But it wasn't to be. We all knew the Thursday was not going to be like a Saturday gig there, but can someone please tell me why the gig wasn't advertised on the pub's own whiteboard???

The same thing happened on my last solo gig there in April. My posters were up, but so were several other bands' in a muddled up manner. Lots of people know me there from the open mics and solo and beer festival slots. Lots of musos and music enthusiasts go too. I was pretty annoyed at this slip up to be honest. It's hard enough work these days playing in pubs as it is, and yet again the warm night means the smokers can stay outside all night. Fair play to them, but the fact remains, how many had come to see a band? Hardly any, because none knew there was one playing. I'd like to say I love playing at the Abbey, but for all it's charm, friendliness, and support for live music, it seems to flatter to deceive, and in the process threw up possibly the worst PJ Band gig so far.

Having navigated Friday the 13th, there was another Atlanta Soul gig on the Saturday in deepest Lancashire, near Nelson. I keep mentioning these gigs because it gives a more rounded view of what I do, and at least means I get the occasional smart venue thrown in amongst the pubs. There was a lovely touch at this one right at the end (and I don't mean from the Finnish girl!). Instead of the usual fireworks, they let off paper chinese lanterns carrying a small flame. It was such a site as they all flew high into the night sky, lighting it up. It was almost like an alien invasion, except that this probably happened some years ago in Barnoldswick, and no-one could tell any different.

Last night I returned to Leeds to support Jon Strong at the Roscoe. My slot went really well and I managed to sell quite a few CDs. I played Cold Cold Day as the 2nd number and it had the best response it's ever got at a solo set. I think Gods And Angels is here to stay in the set too. I also threw in If He Knew You and a cover of One Of Us. It was also busier than last time, and all in all is just the sort of exposure I need.

I'll hopefully finally get around to plugging the Paradise Street myspace page in a special midweek blog, stay tuned.