A bit more to report on this week. 3 gigs, 2 of mine and 1 of somebody else's!

A GOOD INNINGS AT THE CRICKETERS....

Yes, OK, I'll never make a headline writer. This was my band's first visit to the Cricketers Arms in Keighley on Friday night (the 22nd). The venue had come highly recommended to me by several musicians as a good one to try, a musician's pub no less. There's always a bit of nervous anticipation playing somewhere for the first time, as is only natural there's a slight fear of the unknown. This often makes for a better gig (if it goes well of course!).

I needn't have worried about anything, it was a superb night and a real little gem of a venue. It's quite small but with a stage and as it's just one room it's easier to get people's attention. Apparently this was a quiet night by their standards (due to the bank holiday) but it was still rather full and generated some real chemistry between band and punter. So I can't wait to fix another date and go back there, I'd add this to the growing list of 'finds' we've made. The band always tends to go down better in this sort of pub, where there's a real effort made to get live music going. They run about 4 bands a week (!), including a popular blues night on Tuesdays. This one scores a 7.


JEAN-MICHEL JARRE

This is the one of somebody else's. I went to see the godfather of synthesised music at Manchester Arena on Saturday night. It may not be obvious these days, but I was and am a huge fan and his music has been a huge influence on me. It was quite an emotional night. I've seen him before, in 93&97. This was an indoor, more scaled-down production, with modest lighting and no fireworks! It let the music breathe better and it also sounded superb, definetly one of the best sounds I've ever heard in there.

In the days when I'm more likely to quote Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen as major influences, it's easy for me to forget what a childhood hero Jarre was to me. When I was about 11 all I wanted to do was compose and perform instrumental electronic music. It's a love I've often neglected but one I feel I might just re-kindle now. To that end I dusted off my Roland Keytar for Sunday's gig and warned the band to prepare for electronic drums, lazer harps and a big firework bill.


OUTDOORS AT THE GROVE

Yes, it finally happened yesterday (Sun 24th), the sun came out big time. As we arrived at the Grove it became clear that the best option would be for us to set up outside and play to the people enjoying some much-needed sun. After health&safety requirements were satisfied (ie, the pub found me a baseball cap to wear) we played an enjoyable outdoor set. The Grove is surrounded by huge modern buildings and this created a good atmosphere as the sound reverberated around. Playing my keytar, I couldn't help think of the possibility of screening giant projections off the buildings and letting fireworks off the roof....maybe next time we play there. Score this one 6.


I'm not doing a full days' work today (if I ever have done one) as I'm off to the stock cars at Belle Vue, it's sunny at the moment so hope it holds out, otherwise it could become a mudbath like last time!

The band is doing a show this Friday (29th) at the Plough in Warmfield near Wakefield. This is another of our favourite venues so we shall be looking forward to that one.