It's nearly time for my summer break. I'm glad really, as the gigs have been wearing me down a bit this week. I think it's time for a little breather. I did 2 solo shows last week on Thurs (Murgatroyd Arms, Halifax) and on Sunday aft (Fernandes, Wakefield). Both were very easy-going 'background music' affairs, where no-one listened much and the crowds were thin on both occasions. Yesterday was especially tough as it was such a hot day outdoors. Thursday made me laugh a little as Halifax holidays were blamed for the poor crowd, that's an excuse I've not heard for many years! The last time being when only 5 turned up to watch my band at The Bowling Green. The 5 consisted of: My parents, our soon-to-be bassist, and.......a couple on holiday from Aberdeen!

In between, the PJ Band did it's bit in Batley at the Church Steps on Saturday night. This was a lot better than I'd feared, and the crowd were at least willing to be entertained. The new songs are working well and the 2nd half especially was very pleasing from a musical point of view. At one time a gig in this sort of environment would have got me down, but now I actually don't mind. Everyone in the band is very upbeat and we didn't have any trouble.

A final word on these 'background music' solo acoustic free and easy gigs. They're a ball-ache but are at least paid. I'm usually tired before I start, especially the Sunday ones which normally come hot on the heels of a Saturday with the band. There's no adrenalin to be gained from a flat crowd, and unless I prepare in advance, there's no new material added on the spot. So I end up going through the motions. And then forgetting the words to things I've sung hundreds of times, like I did yesterday with 'Your Shadow'. At least I'm home in time for tea though! And after a night's sleep, it doesn't seem half as bad....that's why I'll be playing there again in September.

That's about it for this week. I'm sorry it's all a bit negative, I'm easily bored. Just one show with the band at the Snooty Fox, Oakworth, this Friday, and then 2 weeks off. There was little time for recording this week, but progress is being made on those front, slowly as usual!