Last week:

My first solo gig since the band finished was last night (Mon 19th) at Mr Foleys, on the Headrow in Leeds. I saw this as something of a fresh start, and it's amazing how much better a gig goes when you're in a positive frame of mind. Perhaps I should have tried that earlier!

When the night is not very busy, being in a good mood is very important to stop the dark clouds of doubt creeping in. A brighter mood can turn most gigs into a positive experience.

I played a mixture of covers and originals last night, and the room has a good sound, which helps, and this time I had no technical problems....my thanks go to Alan for the lone of the amp, and Ken for turning up to watch!

Working backwards a little bit, I saw the new Roman Polanski film 'The Ghost' on Friday night. I don't go to the cinema very often at all (and neither does anyone else judging by how quiet it was!), but I do have occasional cinematic moments. I've seen one of his films before and I love his low-fi approach, it's very atmospheric. Love the music he uses too.

I was away with the Stock Cars again over the weekend, at Birmingham and I'm thankful it stayed dry again.


NOW ON FACEBOOK

Yes, after all this time saying 'no' to facebook I've finally given in to it's advances and started a page. I've only just today figured out how to set up a 'music' page and am still tackling the art of adding 'friends'. As a long-time Myspace user it's taking some getting into.

I've taken the decision because I feel myspace is on the decline, although I will certainly be continuing with my page there. The music side of myspace is fine but the 'personal' pages are rapidly drying up as everyone moves to Facebook. Actually, they did this some time ago but it took me a while to realise!

As a songwriter promoting my own work, the main aim of these social networking sites is to find new fans, and potential customers, for my music. Bands don't tend to buy each others' music so attracting genuine musiclovers is the key. Now Facebook holds that key so I'll be on there as well now seeing how it goes. I'm also working on my Youtube channel, which I see as a half-way house between the two.


This week...

The next gig will be the debut of the new acoustic project with Dan and Ol, starting with The Grove Open Mic tomorrow night (Wed 21).


A-Z Of Music...

George Harrison: Living In The Material World:
The alphabetical side of this project has gone to pot, as you can see, but there's always time to listen to George Harrison. Not an album that really grabbed me, despite some of the trademark chord progressions and guitar work. 'Sue you, sue me blues' being about the best one, in typical whimsical Harrison style.

Alison Krauss: Every Time You Say Goodbye:
Foraging at it's best here, as I listen to this purely off the back of the aforementioned Plant/Krauss album. This one is purely country/bluegrass and not really at all in my line. I shall have to forage a little further!

Doobie Brothers: Best of:

I enjoyed this one thoroughly. Quality and energy throughout, good music for driving!