Last Week:

I did the Ship Open Mic, solo this time, last Tuesday. I played five songs which isn't bad for an open mic night. I feel my playing's a bit rusty at the moment. I've got a busier period coming up so maybe that will help things.

One other bit of news is that the new camcorder is working well. I've managed to set a sound balance that is at least passable, so I'm hoping to crack on and post a few films very soon.

I was also out with Katie last night doing the open mic night at The Hop in Wakefield. This is one of the best music venues in the area and we did a good short set.


This week:

I'll be out with my other project, the acoustic 3 piece, on Thursday. We're giving it a blast at the Chemic Tavern in Leeds, meaning that now all 3 of my projects will have been there! Then on Saturday the 24th I've got a full night session at the Rose & Crown in Greetland. Solo this time, it starts about 9pm and will be covers and originals.


A-Z of music:

I've recently finished listening to a Bonnie Raitt live album called 'Road Tested'. In music circles, she's extremely highly regarded, and I can see why. There's a quality that's so consistent about her music. And despite the fact there isn't really a massive hit song, there's just a constant thread of good tunes, well played. Her band is so tight. I'd just love to be able to step on stage every night and play through songs that way. There's not much fancy stuff on there, it just keeps on chugging along through every number, very enjoyable to listen to.

I've also had a bit of a Genesis session recently. Ok, I've listened to the same albums many times before but it was good to re-visit the 2 live albums from the 'We Can't Dance' tour. There's a sonic quality to these that was similar to when I saw them live in 2007. It's almost too good to be true. But it really is that good! The depth to the sound, coming mainly from the keyboards, gives it an orchestral quality.

There's a moment in 'Firth of Fifth', part way through the guitar solo, when a deep rich synth pad enters, and suddenly I'm on the road to Damascus. That moment somehow typifies what I love about them. Strange, but true.