It's been a couple of weeks since the last blog...I guess that's what Christmas does to you, time suddenly gets away. I dislike the Christmas build-up immensely. The most obvious reason is that I don't like shopping at any time of year, unless it's a stock car programme fair. But on a slightly deeper level I destest the commercialism that always ensues from about October onwards. Then there's the lousy weather, and it annoys me to hear the shops moaning about loss of trade as if we should all be ashamed for not venturing out. To my mind, if I didn't get any presents until next March I really wouldn't be bothered, it's not that important.

On a more music-related note, I always get asked how many gigs I'm doing over Christmas. And this year I can proudly and relievedly say 'none'. Again, it's no fun getting around in this weather and despite the possible financial incentives it's really no fun working at Christmas either. I played 8 New Years Eves on the trot and now that I've 'retired' for the safety of my local pub on Dec 31st I'm much the happier person. I also recall some fairly miserable Christmas Eve gigs, yes I think I've done my bit!

That said, the final gig before Christmas with Atlanta Soul in Stockport was very good indeed. The Bakers Vaults is another pub dedicated to live music and you can pretty much guarantee a good weekend crowd in there.


I have a few gigs lined up in January with all three line-ups featured. I'll be solo at the New Inn, Barwick-in-Elmet on Sunday 16th and with Katie/The BitterSweetShop in Leeds twice: @The George on Thurs 6th and The Chemic on Thurs 20th. The latter will be a headline slot for the Cloth Cat night. Then on the 29th my acoustic trio will be performing it's first full night at the Rose & Crown in Greetland.


I've also been to a couple of gigs this past week or so. I went to see Half Man Half Biscuit at Holmfirth. A few past blogs will reveal how much I like their sense of humour. It was a good gig, but with everything hinging on hearing the lyrics clearly it was sometimes a bit hard to follow the songs I didn't know as well. Last Sunday I went to see the fantastic Jon Strong Band supported by the equally fantastic Tim Wood in Chapel Allerton. A lovely sounding room helped this to be one of the finest gigs I've ever seen from these guys. It was a thoroughly worthwhile trip, even with temperatures on the roads down to minus 9!!!

As mentioned recently I've been re-visiting my love for electronic music and in particular Jean-Michel Jarre. I've enjoyed listening to his back catalogue including some albums that I'd never before heard on CD, nor indeed heard at all for about 20 years.

OK, I won't moan on about Christmas any more except to say I prefer Spring, Summer and most of Autumn. It only remains for me to say thank you and wish you a Happy Christmas and New Year.