First one of the new year, Happy New Year everyone. I know this is a depressing time of year for many (when you realise its the same shit, different year) but I've always quite liked it. I'm not a huge fan of Christmas as it is these days, so in some ways I look forward to January more.

Not that there's been much respite since New Year...3 gigs already chalked up for 09.

New Years Day in the afternoon may seem an odd time to play, indeed that's what I though, but the Old Pond at Hove Edge was pretty busy throughout. Busier than a lot of gigs last year anyway!! We played a fairly strong set, had lots of good feedback, and were home in time for tea-a curry in my case. We were even subject to a whip-round to get us to play on, but I politely refused and the money went to charity. What a generous start to the year! Who said people were tight in Yorkshire? This scores a solid 6.

Moving on to the following night (Fri 2nd), we were at the Kings Arms, Heaton. This is fast becoming one of my favourite pubs on the circuit. We're well-looked after and the crowd is appreciative. We played 5 originals and had a good reception, particularly in the 2nd half. I'm very pleased to be going back there to play solo on Jan 24th, as well as with the band later in the year. Tonight's act of generosity: possibly the oldest chap present offered to help us load out! This gets a 7.

The final onslaught was Sunday night at the New Inn, Barwick-in-Elmet. This is one of my long-standing solo venues and I try to play as much original material as possible. Ian Wingate was also playing, doing 2 sets. Whilst not quite as good a night as we had last time, the evening was fairly pleasing. I stuck to my plan of playing lots of my songs, plus less well-known covers of songs I love. These included Tom Petty's 'Learning To Fly' and Jackson Browne's 'Rosie'. It's nice to be able to do songs like those and not get blank looks. Score 6.

That just about wraps up 'week 1'. A fairly busy start considering it was technically still holidays. A last-minute computer problem meant I couldn't sell copies of the new Paradise Street album. Hopefully I can very soon. All the artwork is done, first test copy done, just one final adjustment-and the computer said no!! All being well, it will be released very soon this month. In the meantime I've plenty of other recording to be doing, I've a 3rd album half-way through as well, you have been warned!