Firstly some photos from the aforementioned biker do with Atlanta Soul in Stockport!





Last (2) Weeks:

2 weeks to catch up on here, starting with my solo gig at the New Inn, Barwick-in-Elmet which was on Sunday 4th Sept. I always enjoy this gig as it's almost my 'local' gigwise. I've been playing there now for nearly 5 years, and I still haven't quite got it right...no, seriously, it's a great gig for me because I get to play a wide selection of originals and covers and I have a loyal following who listen to what I'm doing. As a gig that certainly would be classified as 'intimate' I also get to practice talking to an audience, which in the context of solo gigs is very important. I'm really keen to develop this side of my act, so that the stories and comments add to the songs I'm playing.

This particular gig also saw me attempting to develop another idea, which is that of doing happier songs! Anyone who knows my own material will know that it's not the most cheerful bunch of songs. Now there was a time when the more emotional, heart-ripping the song was the more I felt I could get behind it and perform it. Now I'm realising that it's wise not to always be like that and to develop my sunnier side as well! I'm in the process of addressing this regarding originals but more immediately I'm adding more happy covers, particularly for the full-length gigs like this.

I've noticed 2 things from playing gigs over the past couple of years: 1) Slow songs are often frowned upon and 2) Introspective ie 'depressing' songs are frowned on. Bugger. That's about 90% of my repertoire gone!! I have a theory both are connected to the recession we're in. Yes, you know the one the govt denies but the one we're actually in. People need cheering up and taking out of themselves at gigs, not taking into themselves and being made to think too much about the darker side of life.

So anyway, another enjoyable night at the New Inn, with some happier songs too! It's just a shame that there aren't more venues like that in the local area. I hope I'm wrong in saying that so if anyone knows of any intimate pubs within a fuel-affordable range of Brighouse that host solo/acoustic nights to an attentive audience, please let me know!

That pretty much takes us up to date for the time being, I'm more than freeman, thank you for listening*

*that last bit will mean nothing if you live outside the UK, and probably nothing if you do.