Monday 28th Jan was the Priestley gig. There's something about this place that I like, there's a good vibe. I think the acts are always good quality and it's such a pity that the place is in administration and the gig itself seems to be constantly under threat. I played Shadow, Chains Around My Heart, Gods n Angels and These Eyes. I was chuffed to bits by Naomi filming the set, so hopefully there will be some film footage I can put on the myspace site.
Owing to the loss of O'Donoghues as a band venue, I had an extra night to play with. I decided to go to the Old Vic open mic at Bramley. I hadn't had chance to plan anything so took a late decision to throw in some covers I hadn't learnt fully! Norwegian Wood, Just Like A Woman, Listening to Levon and Hey Jude. I have to confess to not playing them all brilliantly, but it was good discipline to do them. The crowd there was the best its been so far, busy enough to generate an atmosphere. The local crowd is a bit 'clubland' and seem to treat the night a bit like a cabaret audition night-getting free entertainment for nowt. The highlight of the night was my 2nd encounter with Ian Wingate who played at the Priestley back in September. He has some great comedy songs, a potential genius in my view....so I asked him to support me at the New Inn on Sunday night!
I had a brief receeing night on Friday. During which I was offered a booking, saw a band set up to play to nobody, and saw an old long-standing venue long since boarded up. Again, all useful trips which go to show how commited I am to doing the right gigs.
The weekend was all about the solo covers+ a few originals set. On Saturday 2nd Feb I was at the Abbey Inn at Bramley. The first set didn't really draw people in, and the 2nd was a lot better. Encours followed as people finally got into the swing of things. I really like the venue and was pleased with some of my set.
The night after was the New Inn where Ian Wingate did the support slot. He proved me right by coming up with even more hilarious material from his repertoire. I'm told he's off to play some shows in the US soon-they'd better be ready-I think he's got a fantastic act. I played 2 shorter sets and with all my favourite people in the crowd I was able to perform more originals and look back on an excellent night.
After the drive home I hurridly switched on the TV for the Tom Petty superbowl performance. I was interested to see him looking slightly nervous in the first song, but thereafter looked totally cool as he usually does! The following day I got to see it again and it moved me so much, particularly in Freefallin. All week since I've been inspired by that show. It's moments like that that leave me inspired. I'd so love to be in something remotely like that position-it keeps my ambitions burning.
So until next week, it's goodbye from him....
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Past 2 weeks...
Owing to the sudden closure of the Puzzle Hall at Sowerby Bridge there was no band gig in 'week 3' as planned. This meant the 'one gig a week' aim was interfered with at an early stage, proving once more that when running a band- nothing ever goes to plan! We've since lost another long-standing pub at O'Donoghues in Wakefield. Both gigs off for the same reason-the pubs are closed!
Both as I said were long-standing recognised music venues. Not periferal pubs who'd given it a try. On hearing the news, one of my band questioned the logic behind pubs taking bookings then closing. O'ds had been booked since October, the pub closed in November and I found out in January! The simple fact is: don't apply logic to these situations! Pubs close suddenly nowadays, most run not by their owners but by whichever monkey can be found to do a job no one else wants. They don't care if a band might turn up with members from Lancashire only to find the doors locked.
A bit of a re-shuffle was needed that week, so I went to the Grove on Wed 16th Jan. This is my favourite open mic (the kiss of death saying that), simply because people listen and I don't even have to take my keyboard! The out-of-tune piano has 'character' although it's getting a bit beyond the joke now in that it has a natural sustain all of its own. I played 'Seven Shades' followed by a radical departure into Marc Cohn's 'Dance Back From The Grave'. The latter is off the new 'Join The Parade' album I've been banging on about for months. It has a mainly spoken-word verse, something I've never done before. I needed the words in front of me (there's a lot of them) but got through it fairly well. It was a shame the response wasn't great, the night was fairly quiet all in all. I have to say I thought Giles' set was brilliant.
That pretty much concludes the week as far as gigs were concerned. The next outing being Wed 23rd January at The Primrose. I played 6 songs: 'These Eyes', 'Even', 'It Will Pass', 'Gods&Angels', 'If He Knew You' and 'Your Shadow'. The sound as usual makes it almost worthwhile alone turning up. The audience was mainly the other acts so it wasn't a great response. As usual their capacity to listen and not talk wasn't great, but it went fairly well.
On Friday 25th the band played at the Snooty Fox at Oakworth (not to be confused with the one in Wakefield, as it's in Oakworth). This was a mainstay venue for me in the old days, and it hasn't changed a bit! It wasn't a very busy night and we didn't get much in the way of response. But I have to say I was really chuffed with the people that made the effort to come and watch, it was blowing a gale that night. Norm was making his full debut (it's starting to sound like a sports report) at fullback on the drums. We played pretty well and I'm looking forward to retaining the same line-up for the next gig at The Bridge Tavern on Feb 10th. Hopefully there, in a smaller venue, we can get a better response.
The following night was a receeing night. As you will know by now, I try and have a look at venues before booking them, in order to try and limit the damage caused by dodgy venues-and there's quite a few of them around here! I visisted 4 pubs in all and it proved a very useful outing. 2 of them were old haunts circa 2000-02, but which have since gone downhill, quite a shame really.
I'm awaiting with interest the Tom Petty Superbowl half-time show this coming Sunday. I plan to stay up and watch it anyway. This will be followed by a tour of the US/Canada with Steve Winwood as support. What a mouth-watering line-up! Big shame there's no UK dates. I've even offered to stand in for Winwood to save on shipping the Hammond Organ. It's a long shot, but I'm always being told off for not approaching famous people who could hold the keys. Do you think it will work?
That pretty much concludes the week as far as gigs were concerned. The next outing being Wed 23rd January at The Primrose. I played 6 songs: 'These Eyes', 'Even', 'It Will Pass', 'Gods&Angels', 'If He Knew You' and 'Your Shadow'. The sound as usual makes it almost worthwhile alone turning up. The audience was mainly the other acts so it wasn't a great response. As usual their capacity to listen and not talk wasn't great, but it went fairly well.
On Friday 25th the band played at the Snooty Fox at Oakworth (not to be confused with the one in Wakefield, as it's in Oakworth). This was a mainstay venue for me in the old days, and it hasn't changed a bit! It wasn't a very busy night and we didn't get much in the way of response. But I have to say I was really chuffed with the people that made the effort to come and watch, it was blowing a gale that night. Norm was making his full debut (it's starting to sound like a sports report) at fullback on the drums. We played pretty well and I'm looking forward to retaining the same line-up for the next gig at The Bridge Tavern on Feb 10th. Hopefully there, in a smaller venue, we can get a better response.
The following night was a receeing night. As you will know by now, I try and have a look at venues before booking them, in order to try and limit the damage caused by dodgy venues-and there's quite a few of them around here! I visisted 4 pubs in all and it proved a very useful outing. 2 of them were old haunts circa 2000-02, but which have since gone downhill, quite a shame really.
I'm awaiting with interest the Tom Petty Superbowl half-time show this coming Sunday. I plan to stay up and watch it anyway. This will be followed by a tour of the US/Canada with Steve Winwood as support. What a mouth-watering line-up! Big shame there's no UK dates. I've even offered to stand in for Winwood to save on shipping the Hammond Organ. It's a long shot, but I'm always being told off for not approaching famous people who could hold the keys. Do you think it will work?
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Freaky Pest Keyboard player strikes again
Into 'week 2', which I'm bound to lose count of before too long. On Tuesday 8th I had a rehearsal with the bass player who would be standing in for us on Friday. After which we did what all musicians do after a rehearsal, and went to the pub. The pub in question is a band pub of which my band is playing at next month. I met up with one or two other old acquaintances (I've not been doing many pubs like this since 2005), and we were quickly bemoaning the state of live music in pubs.
It's a strange beast, full of complications and contradictions. The smoking ban may shut pubs-but it may mean some have to put bands on, so we might be alright. Or perhaps they'll all run out of money and we won't have any gigs, it's probably better not to worry about it. Anyway, so far we seem to be doing ok. The trick is to keep a big enough network and database and continually look for new places to play. That way when one shuts un-expectedly (as with the Puzzle at Sowerby Bridge-taking my Jan 17th gig with it), there's still others to approach.
I love doing the bookings, it's a great feeling when you secure one, and it's fascinating how the landscape changes and new places appear, some dissappear and some change hands.
At the moment I'm looking for gigs for the band in March and April. We only want one a week so it's not too bad, but the pressure is always on to try and keep the work coming in.
Friday's gig with the PJ band was at the Cricketers at Horbury. And here we had a busier night than I've ever seen in there. It was basically the first gig the band has done where we've been in at the deep end with a 'covers' audience. We also had a dep bass player as mentioned above, as Keith had his op on Tuesday.
We went off well with the first 5 covers doing well. It died a bit with the originals and then rallied towards the end. It was well appreciated and we were re-booked for the rest of the year. I was well pleased with that! The originals (5 in all) did better later on and I certainly won't be leaving them out of the set altogether at any of these gigs. They were reasonably well-received later on.
Yorkshire audiences are tough to please though. It's a brave (or foolish) man (me) who tries to sell CDs afterwards. Some of the looks and reactions are priceless....if looks could kill! The basic disc I sell at band nights costs £2, less than most pints of beer these days. This, added to the fact that it's always free entry, makes me wonder if the phrase 'value for money' is being stretched a bit too far.
I noticed on Sunday night (more of which in a minute) a few people entered, saw the hefty door price of £3, and left again. What can you reasonably expect for £3 these days?? And musicians getting paid to entertain? They should do it for nowt and be grateful for t'not to be chucked out.
I'm getting into dangerous territory here, but please-a little less tightness would go a long way, it's hardly a rip-off on any level, and we are actually working on stage and not just prancing around for the fun of it. Sometimes I wonder if this is the only county where people expect value for money on something that's free in the first place.
Sunday was New Roscoe Acoustic Springboard night, and then after the diving we all play a few songs.
4 acts in all, me solo this time, 2nd act on. I have to confess to getting a little bit hot under the collar at one point. The set was being filmed (only on a small scale, not for MTV) and I'd made a few mistakes which I was kicking myself for. I got a bit annoyed that some of the people near the front weren't listening but really it was no big deal. I'd played 'Chains Around My Heart' this time and 'Gods And Angels', 'Life' and 'Old Wishing Well' were in there too.
All in all a better night than the September one, and busier too-it wasn't a bad do.
I had to laugh afterwards at the pearls of wisdom from my fellow performers. One said 'it never looks right to me with the keyboard', to which the reply was 'why's that then?'. I can't remember the precise reason but why say something so innane in the first place? Shall we ban them altogether so that the evil guitarists can take over the Earth? Shall we have keyboard burning sessions in the Town Hall square and our hands chopped off like they do in Saudi Arabia?
Over the years I've encountered much prejudice from guitarists towards keyboarders. Bass players occasionally join in when the left hand part gets too loud, but generally its the fretwankers who rear up. I've always liked to think they find it a bit threatening. I have more range on the instrument and a better chance of being able to read music. Sometimes there's the 'we don't want them this is heavy rock' mentality. Again, pathetic. I can well imagine Jon Lord auditioning for Deep Purple and Richie Blackmore saying 'we should really be looking for a 2nd guitarist', then again he probably did.
This leads me onto my pillock of the week award. No, not the forementioned anti-keyboard front, but another who seems, well, anti-many things.
I refer to a promoter of acoustic nights in Leeds, who won't even accept me as a myspace 'friend' let alone book me. Perhaps its the keyboard working against me again (it's not acoustic) perhaps it's some other reason. I don't really care. What bothers me slightly is the arrogance of the myspace blurb regarding booking acts:
Please Do Not apply. I..will ask for you!!!! THE FREAKY PESTS THAT KEEP APPLYING ONLY GET 'BLOCKED'!
Yes, it's terrible as a promoter when people want to help you out and play at one of your nights, promote your interests and probably make you some money.
Freaky pests indeed.
Thank God it's Friday.
Next week I'll be being a freaky pest at The Primrose on Wednesday (23rd January) and with my band at the Snooty Fox at Oakworth. These musicians who want to play gigs, disgusting vermin the lot of them.
Tune in to see who wins next week's award. I doubt there'll be a shortage of candidates.
It's a strange beast, full of complications and contradictions. The smoking ban may shut pubs-but it may mean some have to put bands on, so we might be alright. Or perhaps they'll all run out of money and we won't have any gigs, it's probably better not to worry about it. Anyway, so far we seem to be doing ok. The trick is to keep a big enough network and database and continually look for new places to play. That way when one shuts un-expectedly (as with the Puzzle at Sowerby Bridge-taking my Jan 17th gig with it), there's still others to approach.
I love doing the bookings, it's a great feeling when you secure one, and it's fascinating how the landscape changes and new places appear, some dissappear and some change hands.
At the moment I'm looking for gigs for the band in March and April. We only want one a week so it's not too bad, but the pressure is always on to try and keep the work coming in.
Friday's gig with the PJ band was at the Cricketers at Horbury. And here we had a busier night than I've ever seen in there. It was basically the first gig the band has done where we've been in at the deep end with a 'covers' audience. We also had a dep bass player as mentioned above, as Keith had his op on Tuesday.
We went off well with the first 5 covers doing well. It died a bit with the originals and then rallied towards the end. It was well appreciated and we were re-booked for the rest of the year. I was well pleased with that! The originals (5 in all) did better later on and I certainly won't be leaving them out of the set altogether at any of these gigs. They were reasonably well-received later on.
Yorkshire audiences are tough to please though. It's a brave (or foolish) man (me) who tries to sell CDs afterwards. Some of the looks and reactions are priceless....if looks could kill! The basic disc I sell at band nights costs £2, less than most pints of beer these days. This, added to the fact that it's always free entry, makes me wonder if the phrase 'value for money' is being stretched a bit too far.
I noticed on Sunday night (more of which in a minute) a few people entered, saw the hefty door price of £3, and left again. What can you reasonably expect for £3 these days?? And musicians getting paid to entertain? They should do it for nowt and be grateful for t'not to be chucked out.
I'm getting into dangerous territory here, but please-a little less tightness would go a long way, it's hardly a rip-off on any level, and we are actually working on stage and not just prancing around for the fun of it. Sometimes I wonder if this is the only county where people expect value for money on something that's free in the first place.
Sunday was New Roscoe Acoustic Springboard night, and then after the diving we all play a few songs.
4 acts in all, me solo this time, 2nd act on. I have to confess to getting a little bit hot under the collar at one point. The set was being filmed (only on a small scale, not for MTV) and I'd made a few mistakes which I was kicking myself for. I got a bit annoyed that some of the people near the front weren't listening but really it was no big deal. I'd played 'Chains Around My Heart' this time and 'Gods And Angels', 'Life' and 'Old Wishing Well' were in there too.
All in all a better night than the September one, and busier too-it wasn't a bad do.
I had to laugh afterwards at the pearls of wisdom from my fellow performers. One said 'it never looks right to me with the keyboard', to which the reply was 'why's that then?'. I can't remember the precise reason but why say something so innane in the first place? Shall we ban them altogether so that the evil guitarists can take over the Earth? Shall we have keyboard burning sessions in the Town Hall square and our hands chopped off like they do in Saudi Arabia?
Over the years I've encountered much prejudice from guitarists towards keyboarders. Bass players occasionally join in when the left hand part gets too loud, but generally its the fretwankers who rear up. I've always liked to think they find it a bit threatening. I have more range on the instrument and a better chance of being able to read music. Sometimes there's the 'we don't want them this is heavy rock' mentality. Again, pathetic. I can well imagine Jon Lord auditioning for Deep Purple and Richie Blackmore saying 'we should really be looking for a 2nd guitarist', then again he probably did.
This leads me onto my pillock of the week award. No, not the forementioned anti-keyboard front, but another who seems, well, anti-many things.
I refer to a promoter of acoustic nights in Leeds, who won't even accept me as a myspace 'friend' let alone book me. Perhaps its the keyboard working against me again (it's not acoustic) perhaps it's some other reason. I don't really care. What bothers me slightly is the arrogance of the myspace blurb regarding booking acts:
Please Do Not apply. I..will ask for you!!!! THE FREAKY PESTS THAT KEEP APPLYING ONLY GET 'BLOCKED'!
Yes, it's terrible as a promoter when people want to help you out and play at one of your nights, promote your interests and probably make you some money.
Freaky pests indeed.
Thank God it's Friday.
Next week I'll be being a freaky pest at The Primrose on Wednesday (23rd January) and with my band at the Snooty Fox at Oakworth. These musicians who want to play gigs, disgusting vermin the lot of them.
Tune in to see who wins next week's award. I doubt there'll be a shortage of candidates.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Happy New Year everybody, I'll try and make sure I update this blog more often this year, see how long that one lasts!!
I tend to get very into the idea of a new year, as if last year now counts for nothing and somehow everything will be different after the clock strikes midnight. Bullshit. I've already realised how stupid that is, ok it's great for me personally to renew my efforts and focus etc.... but I've already received bad news from others this 'year' on a few occasions, luckily not for me personally but there are several friends I know for whom the year has not started well.
On the music front, the major change is the upping of the band gigs to one a week. The solo shows continue about normal and I've left Morris & The Minors.
I'll start with the latter as my last gig with them was on New Years' Eve. I don't often mention their shows because strictly speaking they're not relevant to my own material. Here though is where the old year ends and the new one begins...with a wedding (!) near Wetherby. Who has a wedding on New Years' Eve?? A rich bugger I guess. There was a room for the night for all guests, fireworks on the terrace at midnight, and of course a band.
One thing I will miss about the band is the class of venue. This was no exception, a beautiful stately mansion-cum-hotel in it's own grounds (about a mile's drive to get from the gates to the front door). There have been others similar over the past 2 years, and whilst I love some of the smaller venues I'm sure there will come a point where I'll miss this side of things. I don't like getting my feet wet.
The gig itself was routine enough, and then it was the last load up and off we went. Into 2008 and God only knows what. One thing for definite is that it will be busy to start off with. For on top of trying to make a 'fresh start' and do as much work on New Years' Day as I did in the whole of 2007, there's a lot of gigs coming up.
The first one was on Thursday 3rd at Verve Bar in Leeds. This is arguably the place best suited to acoustic gigs in Leeds at the moment. It's small but with an atmosphere, and it has a good PA. On a night like this I could have been forgiven for expecting a quiet do. Not so. The little room was packed, 50 people being a lot in there. I was on first, playing through a set of 'Your Shadow', 'You Never Understood', 'Even', 'Can't Believe the News', 'Laura Jones' and 'These Eyes'. Fairly succesful all in all. 'Can't Believe The News' was on it's 10th anniversary since being written and both halves of the writing partnership were there.
I decided to have a go at 'Laura' to stretch myself and this almost came off. The best received numbers were still the first and last but I was pleased with how it went.
One other act caught the eye, although I honestly can't remember his name. He had some innovative ideas including a drum machine and some effects pedals, some short witty riffs and lyrics, and most importantly a following. The only downside was that they all followed him straight up the stairs after his set and left the last artist to suffer the quietest crowd of the night.
Luckily it didn't seem to phase him, it's happened to me a few times and it leaves a bit of a bad taste in the mouth. I have to admit I've left venues before the end of the night a few times, but not when it's a good, well-organised night like this.
On Friday night I went to see Paul Carrack doing his regular show at the Ritz in Brighouse. For those not familiar, the Ritz is an old cinema converted into a ballroom and is straight out of the 1960s. It keeps getting threatened with closure which would be a tragedy because with a bit more effort it could house name artists every week-just like Holmfirth picturedrome have managed! As usual, Paul was brilliant and the whole band seem to rock this year. His Hammond playing is the highlight for me, for there are few equals, especially now that Billy Preston is no longer with us. His voice is classy as always, and although I don't care for the 60s cover songs, the ballroom was bouncing once again.
Saturday night was the first band gig of the year at the Owl in Rodley. This is the 3rd member of the West Leeds Triangle including the Old Vic and the Abbey. The landlord here has quickly established the venue for live music and a nice atmosphere. If only there were more places like this, we certainly need them! The band had a good night, playing all the originals we know plus 'I Don't Need' which I did solo.
It was the first test of the year, and I only hope we can stay on top of things this year, because it's really fun to do and it went down very well.
As always there's an idiot present, this time the cheeky bastard who suggested I got a wig. Pillock of Week 1 I think.
The following day, I had yet another show in the afternoon, this being at the Travellers, Hipperholme. This is a truly lovely pub in beautiful surroundings, great beer and no scrotes in sight. Perfect except for one thing, they haven't come to listen to a musician. Thus I played, and a few people listened.
I only played covers this time, and although it was by no means a disaster, I have to question the strategy to putting an act on. By all means do it, but please do it once a week not once a month and make sure people know and aren't left thinking the poor bloke has intruded for the afternoon. Potentially the idea works but it needs more effort on the promotion so that the musician isn't just left to fend for themselves against a frowning audience.
To be fair, I think more enjoyed it than I first thought, but it was hard to tell when people weren't paying much attention.
That just about wraps up Week 1. This week it's the band at the Cricketers, Horbury on Friday and solo at New Roscoe Sunday. As usual check out the myspace page for upto date news!!
I tend to get very into the idea of a new year, as if last year now counts for nothing and somehow everything will be different after the clock strikes midnight. Bullshit. I've already realised how stupid that is, ok it's great for me personally to renew my efforts and focus etc.... but I've already received bad news from others this 'year' on a few occasions, luckily not for me personally but there are several friends I know for whom the year has not started well.
On the music front, the major change is the upping of the band gigs to one a week. The solo shows continue about normal and I've left Morris & The Minors.
I'll start with the latter as my last gig with them was on New Years' Eve. I don't often mention their shows because strictly speaking they're not relevant to my own material. Here though is where the old year ends and the new one begins...with a wedding (!) near Wetherby. Who has a wedding on New Years' Eve?? A rich bugger I guess. There was a room for the night for all guests, fireworks on the terrace at midnight, and of course a band.
One thing I will miss about the band is the class of venue. This was no exception, a beautiful stately mansion-cum-hotel in it's own grounds (about a mile's drive to get from the gates to the front door). There have been others similar over the past 2 years, and whilst I love some of the smaller venues I'm sure there will come a point where I'll miss this side of things. I don't like getting my feet wet.
The gig itself was routine enough, and then it was the last load up and off we went. Into 2008 and God only knows what. One thing for definite is that it will be busy to start off with. For on top of trying to make a 'fresh start' and do as much work on New Years' Day as I did in the whole of 2007, there's a lot of gigs coming up.
The first one was on Thursday 3rd at Verve Bar in Leeds. This is arguably the place best suited to acoustic gigs in Leeds at the moment. It's small but with an atmosphere, and it has a good PA. On a night like this I could have been forgiven for expecting a quiet do. Not so. The little room was packed, 50 people being a lot in there. I was on first, playing through a set of 'Your Shadow', 'You Never Understood', 'Even', 'Can't Believe the News', 'Laura Jones' and 'These Eyes'. Fairly succesful all in all. 'Can't Believe The News' was on it's 10th anniversary since being written and both halves of the writing partnership were there.
I decided to have a go at 'Laura' to stretch myself and this almost came off. The best received numbers were still the first and last but I was pleased with how it went.
One other act caught the eye, although I honestly can't remember his name. He had some innovative ideas including a drum machine and some effects pedals, some short witty riffs and lyrics, and most importantly a following. The only downside was that they all followed him straight up the stairs after his set and left the last artist to suffer the quietest crowd of the night.
Luckily it didn't seem to phase him, it's happened to me a few times and it leaves a bit of a bad taste in the mouth. I have to admit I've left venues before the end of the night a few times, but not when it's a good, well-organised night like this.
On Friday night I went to see Paul Carrack doing his regular show at the Ritz in Brighouse. For those not familiar, the Ritz is an old cinema converted into a ballroom and is straight out of the 1960s. It keeps getting threatened with closure which would be a tragedy because with a bit more effort it could house name artists every week-just like Holmfirth picturedrome have managed! As usual, Paul was brilliant and the whole band seem to rock this year. His Hammond playing is the highlight for me, for there are few equals, especially now that Billy Preston is no longer with us. His voice is classy as always, and although I don't care for the 60s cover songs, the ballroom was bouncing once again.
Saturday night was the first band gig of the year at the Owl in Rodley. This is the 3rd member of the West Leeds Triangle including the Old Vic and the Abbey. The landlord here has quickly established the venue for live music and a nice atmosphere. If only there were more places like this, we certainly need them! The band had a good night, playing all the originals we know plus 'I Don't Need' which I did solo.
It was the first test of the year, and I only hope we can stay on top of things this year, because it's really fun to do and it went down very well.
As always there's an idiot present, this time the cheeky bastard who suggested I got a wig. Pillock of Week 1 I think.
The following day, I had yet another show in the afternoon, this being at the Travellers, Hipperholme. This is a truly lovely pub in beautiful surroundings, great beer and no scrotes in sight. Perfect except for one thing, they haven't come to listen to a musician. Thus I played, and a few people listened.
I only played covers this time, and although it was by no means a disaster, I have to question the strategy to putting an act on. By all means do it, but please do it once a week not once a month and make sure people know and aren't left thinking the poor bloke has intruded for the afternoon. Potentially the idea works but it needs more effort on the promotion so that the musician isn't just left to fend for themselves against a frowning audience.
To be fair, I think more enjoyed it than I first thought, but it was hard to tell when people weren't paying much attention.
That just about wraps up Week 1. This week it's the band at the Cricketers, Horbury on Friday and solo at New Roscoe Sunday. As usual check out the myspace page for upto date news!!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
My next original material-related gig was on Sunday December 2nd at the New Inn, Barwick. This time I had support from Matt 'Whiter Than' White and so I did one set straight through, just like the pros do LOL.
This has been one of my favourite venues all year, small but homely and a good listening audience.
The following Thursday was the final band gig of the year, and with big plans for 08 this was a fairly steady affair. The Plough at Warmfield is of course Ali's pub and he does more to make a band welcome than most other landlords put together. It's just a shame he can't get a few more people through the door. The night was ok for us though, and we bedded in some more well-rehearsed material (all true except the last bit) and can now look forward to 2008, when I attempt....one gig a week.
On Saturday I was out and about again. Paul came over in the daytime and we worked through some recordings for a new project. Yes, yet another new project. This time it's not my next album but an album of female-singer stuff. More to be unveiled in the near future. It's part of the masterplan to get all my tracks recorded, and there's a lot of them.
In the evening it was time to go out and look at some more local delights. I called in at 2 Bradford pubs to watch the bands. Both bands I saw were excellent, even if their surroundings weren't. The latter I'll say were really experienced players who deserve better. I chatted to their drummer who seemed to be in the same boat as me, looking for a gig wherever they can get one. It's a shame but at least made me realise I was doing the best I could.
By the following week I must admit to being a bit knackered. The weekend 14-16 Dec was hectic to say the least. The earliest night I got was 3AM on Friday (well, Saturday) and this wasn't self-inflicted as it sometimes is. Christmas can be a very hard time for musicians. On Saturday I drove to Boston, Lincs for a gig with Morris&The Minors, a 4AM finish to my night there. On Sunday, well this one was more my doing, going down to London to see Joe Cocker at the 02.
As you will probably know by now, Joe Cocker is one of my favourtie singers. And the thought of a tour with a 9-piece band was too much to miss. I couldn't do Sheffield because of the Boston gig, so London it had to be. The Spice Girls were on in the main arena, whilst music lovers could see Joe in the smaller Indigo Theatre.
I'm glad I made the effort. Great band, great voice. Again, truly an inspiration for me. I was too tired to appreciate it at the time, but it was a night I shall long remember. The journey back across London I hope to forget, a 4.30 finish this time.
My final gig of the year involving my material was on Sat Dec 22nd at the Old Vic in Bramley. This is the latest venue to spring up around that area and provides another night's work for musicians, which is good. I played a reasonable set, which was better received towards the end. It all bodes well for next year and with a few nights' decent sleep, I can't wait to get on with it. Merry Christmas.
This has been one of my favourite venues all year, small but homely and a good listening audience.
The following Thursday was the final band gig of the year, and with big plans for 08 this was a fairly steady affair. The Plough at Warmfield is of course Ali's pub and he does more to make a band welcome than most other landlords put together. It's just a shame he can't get a few more people through the door. The night was ok for us though, and we bedded in some more well-rehearsed material (all true except the last bit) and can now look forward to 2008, when I attempt....one gig a week.
On Saturday I was out and about again. Paul came over in the daytime and we worked through some recordings for a new project. Yes, yet another new project. This time it's not my next album but an album of female-singer stuff. More to be unveiled in the near future. It's part of the masterplan to get all my tracks recorded, and there's a lot of them.
In the evening it was time to go out and look at some more local delights. I called in at 2 Bradford pubs to watch the bands. Both bands I saw were excellent, even if their surroundings weren't. The latter I'll say were really experienced players who deserve better. I chatted to their drummer who seemed to be in the same boat as me, looking for a gig wherever they can get one. It's a shame but at least made me realise I was doing the best I could.
By the following week I must admit to being a bit knackered. The weekend 14-16 Dec was hectic to say the least. The earliest night I got was 3AM on Friday (well, Saturday) and this wasn't self-inflicted as it sometimes is. Christmas can be a very hard time for musicians. On Saturday I drove to Boston, Lincs for a gig with Morris&The Minors, a 4AM finish to my night there. On Sunday, well this one was more my doing, going down to London to see Joe Cocker at the 02.
As you will probably know by now, Joe Cocker is one of my favourtie singers. And the thought of a tour with a 9-piece band was too much to miss. I couldn't do Sheffield because of the Boston gig, so London it had to be. The Spice Girls were on in the main arena, whilst music lovers could see Joe in the smaller Indigo Theatre.
I'm glad I made the effort. Great band, great voice. Again, truly an inspiration for me. I was too tired to appreciate it at the time, but it was a night I shall long remember. The journey back across London I hope to forget, a 4.30 finish this time.
My final gig of the year involving my material was on Sat Dec 22nd at the Old Vic in Bramley. This is the latest venue to spring up around that area and provides another night's work for musicians, which is good. I played a reasonable set, which was better received towards the end. It all bodes well for next year and with a few nights' decent sleep, I can't wait to get on with it. Merry Christmas.
Covering Nov 12-Nov 25
Looking at the diary, the week beginning Nov 12th was quieter. I played the Primrose on the Thursday, which as mentioned was a lot quieter than the week before. Nevertheless it went well on the playing side. I've played there umpteen times in the last 12 months and I really hope the venue can continue to shine, it has a real heart and soul.
Sunday was the last Stock Car engagement of the year, and this was the Frankie Wainman Testimonial meeting. He was my favourite driver from day one and now 22 years later, he was retiring for good. A truly emotional occasion was dampened by the awful weather, which eventually caused the meeting to be abandoned part-way through, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Since the beginning of March this year I've been soaked to the skin, snowed on, burnt my head, and finally nearly frozen to the spot but as I said, I can't wait for March 1st 2008 when all the madness starts again.
Monday 19th was what turned out to be my last Doctor Wu's appearance. It was for Rowena's night which features comedy and music. I was on last (not my favourite slot wherever I go) and it was not brilliantly received. Somehow the audience seems to be there more for the comedy and even Gary Stewart seemed to struggle for much reaction. I do hope the night can continue in Verve where it will be ideally suited.
Some last thoughts on Doctor Wu's. A brilliant training ground for me personally, and the first Open Mic I ever did. I've played there dozens of times and had some really cracking gigs. Towards the end I felt the scrote count had gone up a bit, and didn't really enjoy the last few nights. I took the view that you were ok there playing before 10pm, then after that a few 'characters' could come in and spoil it. I suppose you can get that in most venues, but overall I'm glad to say I got a lot out of Wu's and it will be missed.
Over to Wednesday 21st and a new venue. The PM Freestyle Bar/Lounge in Shipley. This is their open night and again a venue with great potential. Good room and PA, it just needs some support and more people. I played a short set for which Tommy had introduced me. His set was good too which followed mine.
Sunday was the last Stock Car engagement of the year, and this was the Frankie Wainman Testimonial meeting. He was my favourite driver from day one and now 22 years later, he was retiring for good. A truly emotional occasion was dampened by the awful weather, which eventually caused the meeting to be abandoned part-way through, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Since the beginning of March this year I've been soaked to the skin, snowed on, burnt my head, and finally nearly frozen to the spot but as I said, I can't wait for March 1st 2008 when all the madness starts again.
Monday 19th was what turned out to be my last Doctor Wu's appearance. It was for Rowena's night which features comedy and music. I was on last (not my favourite slot wherever I go) and it was not brilliantly received. Somehow the audience seems to be there more for the comedy and even Gary Stewart seemed to struggle for much reaction. I do hope the night can continue in Verve where it will be ideally suited.
Some last thoughts on Doctor Wu's. A brilliant training ground for me personally, and the first Open Mic I ever did. I've played there dozens of times and had some really cracking gigs. Towards the end I felt the scrote count had gone up a bit, and didn't really enjoy the last few nights. I took the view that you were ok there playing before 10pm, then after that a few 'characters' could come in and spoil it. I suppose you can get that in most venues, but overall I'm glad to say I got a lot out of Wu's and it will be missed.
Over to Wednesday 21st and a new venue. The PM Freestyle Bar/Lounge in Shipley. This is their open night and again a venue with great potential. Good room and PA, it just needs some support and more people. I played a short set for which Tommy had introduced me. His set was good too which followed mine.
Nov 5-Nov 11
I've got way behind with this as you can probably gather. I start these things with the best of intentions (see the first few blogs of 07!) and then, well, get busy with other things and can't keep up. I need a secretary. No don't laugh I really do! It would suit someone looking for a bit of pocket money, or someone in so much debt they'll accept any offer. Don't get me wrong, I only need someone to update the myspace page and so forth, but for the moment I'd be lieing if I said it was well paid. Oh well, if you know anyone who might be interested please let me know.
One reason it's been busy is the way in which my myspace page has taken off. When I first joined the music upload community, I favoured soundclick, whilst also running pages on mixposure and garageband. My myspace was very slow, until I realised eventually that it was my best way of networking, and being able to do something proactive to actually network. I started putting real serious effort into this in about August and it's since meant I've gone from roughly 2000 hits to almost 10,000. I'm never ceased to be amazed by the number of positive comments from people and the number of likeminded folk out there. It's become a bit addictive, but is starting to take up a lot of time. Hence the need for a bit of help.
In the middle of all this, there's been the usual round of gigs and I was telling you last time about early November.
The first night of the following week was November 5th, which means it's Bonfire Night in the UK. This is a night I've never really liked, mainly because I'm a coward who doesn't like sudden loud bangs. (I love loud music though, and loud car engines). As a kid I used to hide in the kitchen like a family pet and over the years have never really got to grips with it. A compromise was reached a few years ago by which we had a few fireworks with some friends and then moved swiftly on to the food and drink. I still stand watching the fireworks looking a bit lost but it gets us by.
On the 6th I travelled over to Chapel Allerton which is a lovely part of Leeds and really deserves better neighbouring areas, it should be in the Cotswolds or something. I was there to deliver some copies of my new album for sale in the local bookshop. This is run by Beth Raddish who until recently promoted the Leeds Revolution nights.
I then returned to Leeds in the evening for the Doctor Wu's Open Mic, possibly for the last time as it's closing at the end of the year. On arriving I found it wasn't actually happening as they'd mistakenly thought it was the 5th (!)-this is true. So I hiked up Briggate to The Ship, which is also on the same night. As usual it was fairly quiet but I did at least get to play a few songs, including 'Piano Man' which went fairly well.
The following night was Gaftarnick and guests at The Wardrobe, my 2nd gig there. I was on first and enjoyed a fairly good set, well received and all that. On 2nd was the highly-rated Hannah Wilson who was also excellent. She's a fellow Keyboarder and also being younger and more female than me I was potentially jealous, but it went ok. I really like Hayley's nights and now she's running 3 so it's a good job!
Thursday I did the Primrose Open Mic for the first time in ages. Spanish Dave was the compere, and he managed to get more expletives into his introduction than Chubby Brown could have managed-not bad for a driving instructor! The night is a bit hit and miss at the moment, this one was busy and I enjoyed my set, the following week I went again and it was a bit quiet. The former night I did some songs I hadn't done for ages, namely 'It Will Pass' and 'Chains Around My Heart', both off the first album. I was delighted with how they went, and also with 'If He Knew You' which came last. Through their big PA the intro sounded really chunky and the soundman was certainly aware of this-great sound.
Friday the 9th, which is the British 9/11 if you see what I mean, I went off to recee some pubs. The first was in Meltham near Huddersfield. I won't name the pub as it wasn't too pretty and I don't think we'll take the band there, but it did lead to some minor amusement on myspace. I posted a comment on the status board about going overseas to Meltham, and several Americans wished me a safe journey. I have to say it's only 20 mins drive from home, but thanks-I did return safely ( not always easy in Meltham). I called in at The Fleece in Elland on the way back, where a band was struggling for an audience in a cold, dark room-just the same as when I last played there in '05 and got paid off at half-time (the only time this has happened). I have to wonder who is fooling who at that venue.
It may sound like a wasted night but please bare in mind, it could have been worse, we could have been the bands playing there-at least now we are fully warned.
I took Saturday off and then Sunday was for me. It was the final meeting of the Stock Car series and I drove early on down to King's Lynn. It was cold, but a day to remember. The championship went right down to the last race of the season, and having been at the first race of the year I felt I had to see it through. I remember sitting in the car park listening to the new albums by Ray Davies and Marc Cohn, and I think now every time I hear them that's where I'll be. I can't wait for next season.
One reason it's been busy is the way in which my myspace page has taken off. When I first joined the music upload community, I favoured soundclick, whilst also running pages on mixposure and garageband. My myspace was very slow, until I realised eventually that it was my best way of networking, and being able to do something proactive to actually network. I started putting real serious effort into this in about August and it's since meant I've gone from roughly 2000 hits to almost 10,000. I'm never ceased to be amazed by the number of positive comments from people and the number of likeminded folk out there. It's become a bit addictive, but is starting to take up a lot of time. Hence the need for a bit of help.
In the middle of all this, there's been the usual round of gigs and I was telling you last time about early November.
The first night of the following week was November 5th, which means it's Bonfire Night in the UK. This is a night I've never really liked, mainly because I'm a coward who doesn't like sudden loud bangs. (I love loud music though, and loud car engines). As a kid I used to hide in the kitchen like a family pet and over the years have never really got to grips with it. A compromise was reached a few years ago by which we had a few fireworks with some friends and then moved swiftly on to the food and drink. I still stand watching the fireworks looking a bit lost but it gets us by.
On the 6th I travelled over to Chapel Allerton which is a lovely part of Leeds and really deserves better neighbouring areas, it should be in the Cotswolds or something. I was there to deliver some copies of my new album for sale in the local bookshop. This is run by Beth Raddish who until recently promoted the Leeds Revolution nights.
I then returned to Leeds in the evening for the Doctor Wu's Open Mic, possibly for the last time as it's closing at the end of the year. On arriving I found it wasn't actually happening as they'd mistakenly thought it was the 5th (!)-this is true. So I hiked up Briggate to The Ship, which is also on the same night. As usual it was fairly quiet but I did at least get to play a few songs, including 'Piano Man' which went fairly well.
The following night was Gaftarnick and guests at The Wardrobe, my 2nd gig there. I was on first and enjoyed a fairly good set, well received and all that. On 2nd was the highly-rated Hannah Wilson who was also excellent. She's a fellow Keyboarder and also being younger and more female than me I was potentially jealous, but it went ok. I really like Hayley's nights and now she's running 3 so it's a good job!
Thursday I did the Primrose Open Mic for the first time in ages. Spanish Dave was the compere, and he managed to get more expletives into his introduction than Chubby Brown could have managed-not bad for a driving instructor! The night is a bit hit and miss at the moment, this one was busy and I enjoyed my set, the following week I went again and it was a bit quiet. The former night I did some songs I hadn't done for ages, namely 'It Will Pass' and 'Chains Around My Heart', both off the first album. I was delighted with how they went, and also with 'If He Knew You' which came last. Through their big PA the intro sounded really chunky and the soundman was certainly aware of this-great sound.
Friday the 9th, which is the British 9/11 if you see what I mean, I went off to recee some pubs. The first was in Meltham near Huddersfield. I won't name the pub as it wasn't too pretty and I don't think we'll take the band there, but it did lead to some minor amusement on myspace. I posted a comment on the status board about going overseas to Meltham, and several Americans wished me a safe journey. I have to say it's only 20 mins drive from home, but thanks-I did return safely ( not always easy in Meltham). I called in at The Fleece in Elland on the way back, where a band was struggling for an audience in a cold, dark room-just the same as when I last played there in '05 and got paid off at half-time (the only time this has happened). I have to wonder who is fooling who at that venue.
It may sound like a wasted night but please bare in mind, it could have been worse, we could have been the bands playing there-at least now we are fully warned.
I took Saturday off and then Sunday was for me. It was the final meeting of the Stock Car series and I drove early on down to King's Lynn. It was cold, but a day to remember. The championship went right down to the last race of the season, and having been at the first race of the year I felt I had to see it through. I remember sitting in the car park listening to the new albums by Ray Davies and Marc Cohn, and I think now every time I hear them that's where I'll be. I can't wait for next season.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Things must be busy at the moment as it's been a while, so I'll do my best to bring things up to date.
It has to be said that the week beginning October 15th wasn't a good week. To start with The Police concert was cancelled owing to Sting's allergy to Northern venues, then there was a less than happy night at Sandinista and then it was my birthday. I hate birthdays really, its not much fun when you already feel too old . I've often been accused of being old before my time, so I can only hope that it will all even out sometime, soon hopefully!
Sandinista for NoTitle magazine was on Wednesday October 17th. I say less than happy because I didn't catch the listening element of the audience during my set. I did however catch Gold Junk saying something about Elton John as I left the gig. I do hope it was complimentary.
On Sunday 21st I returned to the steadier pace of the Primrose to be part of Acoustoc 5, for Charity no less! I did a fairly solid half hour and it went well although from what I hear the day was a bit slow throughout.
I then had a week off in South Wales at The Gower Peninsula, very nice indeed. I returend for the Revolution gig on Monday 29th. This was very quiet, but a reasonably happy night. I played 40 minutes as one act had pulled out and did some covers including 'Stuck in a Moment' and 'Handle With Care'.
On Friday I had a look at some potential pubs for the band, which included going into Halifax town centre on a Friday night. This nearly scared me to death.
On Sunday it was time for the latest PJ Band gig at The Railway Berry Brow. I have to say it's been 3 out of 3 good ones there this year, so let's hope it can continue into next year. A thoroughly enjoyable day on every level.
I'll leave it there for now, only a couple of weeks behind now!
It has to be said that the week beginning October 15th wasn't a good week. To start with The Police concert was cancelled owing to Sting's allergy to Northern venues, then there was a less than happy night at Sandinista and then it was my birthday. I hate birthdays really, its not much fun when you already feel too old . I've often been accused of being old before my time, so I can only hope that it will all even out sometime, soon hopefully!
Sandinista for NoTitle magazine was on Wednesday October 17th. I say less than happy because I didn't catch the listening element of the audience during my set. I did however catch Gold Junk saying something about Elton John as I left the gig. I do hope it was complimentary.
On Sunday 21st I returned to the steadier pace of the Primrose to be part of Acoustoc 5, for Charity no less! I did a fairly solid half hour and it went well although from what I hear the day was a bit slow throughout.
I then had a week off in South Wales at The Gower Peninsula, very nice indeed. I returend for the Revolution gig on Monday 29th. This was very quiet, but a reasonably happy night. I played 40 minutes as one act had pulled out and did some covers including 'Stuck in a Moment' and 'Handle With Care'.
On Friday I had a look at some potential pubs for the band, which included going into Halifax town centre on a Friday night. This nearly scared me to death.
On Sunday it was time for the latest PJ Band gig at The Railway Berry Brow. I have to say it's been 3 out of 3 good ones there this year, so let's hope it can continue into next year. A thoroughly enjoyable day on every level.
I'll leave it there for now, only a couple of weeks behind now!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Covering Oct 3rd-Oct 14th
Well blimey how time flys....another month nearly over, indeed another year nearly over and my least favourite month (december) still to come. Still, you have to laugh.
It appears the last blog was on the 1st of October, so I think I'll start with Wed Oct 3rd when I played at The Grove Open Mic. I did 'Gods & Angels' followed by 'Dancing In The Dark'. I'm still raving about Bruce Springsteen as you can see!
The following night was a new venue for me which was Verve Bar in Leeds. This is the latest night run by Haley Gaftarnick. It's a great little downstairs bar, ideal for acousitc sets. A bit like Dare Cafe but with an entertainments license. I played half an hour, and after a bit of trouble finding any electricity (vital for keyboards) I played my set which went pretty well. The set went 'Shadow', 'Nobody Said', 'Whiskey','Money From The Satisfied Man', 'Young, Lost Hopeful', 'How Do You Sleep', and 'These Eyes'.
There was a decent crowd too and I enjoyed the other acts. One well worth watching for in the future. It was also the first time I'd seen Hayley play a set and despite me being a poor spectator (see previous blogs!), I thought that was cracking too.
Friday 5th was spent receeing pub venues for the band. 2 more old haunts were visited, and I left with a favourable impression of one of them-so not a bad night.
On the Saturday I should have been playing with Morris, so to speak, but this was cancelled which left an opening to voluntarily go to Coventry. Yes, you guessed it, Stock Cars again and my first visit to Coventry Stadium since 1986.
Sunday was another spectating job, easier this though as it was Jon Strong. He being the producer of my new album. The gig was at Square Chapel in Halifax where earlier this year I'd seen Gordon Giltrap perform. Jon's not done too many arts centre venues of late, where people actually sit quietly and listen. The night was very succesful I thought, in terms of attendance and the all-important Cd sales!!
Oh how I'd love to do gigs like that. On the solo side of things at least. To have 50 or 60 people pay to watch a set, listen, appreciate and purchase merchandise would be wonderful!
Into the second week of October, and we're looking at Wednesday 10th here. This was my band's latest assault on the public at Sheffield Under The Boardwalk. I played solo pretty well there the month before. Most importantly this was Norm's first gig with us on drums. Given the nature of the band and other's commitments, I can't always have the same line-up, but that's ok as I'm lucky enough to know some great musicians.
Norm is certainly one of those. A true pro and a wonderful drummer, I've worked with him since Uni days in 1998. The set was just the half hour. We did: Eyes, Shadow, Even, Whiskey, Hell, Wishing and So Lonely.
We were on first, so it wasn't too busy, but as with last time there were enough to generate some atmosphere so it went well. I have to say after the last band gig at Zephyr I think I personally needed this one to go better, and it was very relaxed too!
On Friday I ventured out into more lawless zones to look at pub venues. Some point soon this will all hopefully make sense. The band will be playing some of them, in the new year.
Saturday 13th was Atlanta Soul at Northwich. This was memorable mainly for being on stage 5 minutes before the Rugby Union finished. So I saw 75 minutes of England v France and missed the bit where England got in front and won the game. And I don't even like Union.....
The second was DJ Martin The Mod's announcement to the crowd just before our encore.
I think you had to be there but it's still making me laugh now.
"Right then you half-arsed bastards, it's Atlanta fuckin' Soul"
How I wish I'd have said that at several WMCs in the past.
Sunday was Stock Cars at Skegness, and great weather too which is not something you can say very often about Skeggy. This side of things seems to be getting more mentions, so I'll just point out again that I don't race I merely watch. I'm a far better spectator for this than of other bands! Especially those with talented female members!
It appears the last blog was on the 1st of October, so I think I'll start with Wed Oct 3rd when I played at The Grove Open Mic. I did 'Gods & Angels' followed by 'Dancing In The Dark'. I'm still raving about Bruce Springsteen as you can see!
The following night was a new venue for me which was Verve Bar in Leeds. This is the latest night run by Haley Gaftarnick. It's a great little downstairs bar, ideal for acousitc sets. A bit like Dare Cafe but with an entertainments license. I played half an hour, and after a bit of trouble finding any electricity (vital for keyboards) I played my set which went pretty well. The set went 'Shadow', 'Nobody Said', 'Whiskey','Money From The Satisfied Man', 'Young, Lost Hopeful', 'How Do You Sleep', and 'These Eyes'.
There was a decent crowd too and I enjoyed the other acts. One well worth watching for in the future. It was also the first time I'd seen Hayley play a set and despite me being a poor spectator (see previous blogs!), I thought that was cracking too.
Friday 5th was spent receeing pub venues for the band. 2 more old haunts were visited, and I left with a favourable impression of one of them-so not a bad night.
On the Saturday I should have been playing with Morris, so to speak, but this was cancelled which left an opening to voluntarily go to Coventry. Yes, you guessed it, Stock Cars again and my first visit to Coventry Stadium since 1986.
Sunday was another spectating job, easier this though as it was Jon Strong. He being the producer of my new album. The gig was at Square Chapel in Halifax where earlier this year I'd seen Gordon Giltrap perform. Jon's not done too many arts centre venues of late, where people actually sit quietly and listen. The night was very succesful I thought, in terms of attendance and the all-important Cd sales!!
Oh how I'd love to do gigs like that. On the solo side of things at least. To have 50 or 60 people pay to watch a set, listen, appreciate and purchase merchandise would be wonderful!
Into the second week of October, and we're looking at Wednesday 10th here. This was my band's latest assault on the public at Sheffield Under The Boardwalk. I played solo pretty well there the month before. Most importantly this was Norm's first gig with us on drums. Given the nature of the band and other's commitments, I can't always have the same line-up, but that's ok as I'm lucky enough to know some great musicians.
Norm is certainly one of those. A true pro and a wonderful drummer, I've worked with him since Uni days in 1998. The set was just the half hour. We did: Eyes, Shadow, Even, Whiskey, Hell, Wishing and So Lonely.
We were on first, so it wasn't too busy, but as with last time there were enough to generate some atmosphere so it went well. I have to say after the last band gig at Zephyr I think I personally needed this one to go better, and it was very relaxed too!
On Friday I ventured out into more lawless zones to look at pub venues. Some point soon this will all hopefully make sense. The band will be playing some of them, in the new year.
Saturday 13th was Atlanta Soul at Northwich. This was memorable mainly for being on stage 5 minutes before the Rugby Union finished. So I saw 75 minutes of England v France and missed the bit where England got in front and won the game. And I don't even like Union.....
The second was DJ Martin The Mod's announcement to the crowd just before our encore.
I think you had to be there but it's still making me laugh now.
"Right then you half-arsed bastards, it's Atlanta fuckin' Soul"
How I wish I'd have said that at several WMCs in the past.
Sunday was Stock Cars at Skegness, and great weather too which is not something you can say very often about Skeggy. This side of things seems to be getting more mentions, so I'll just point out again that I don't race I merely watch. I'm a far better spectator for this than of other bands! Especially those with talented female members!
Monday, October 01, 2007
As the weddings season winds down, I've found I've got more time or more likely braintime to think about doing blogs.
So for the first time in ages, I've only a week or so to report on.
Last week's major event was the Band gig at Zephyr on Thursday. This featured a stage in the venue for the first time. Unfortunately I couldn't fit on it ( and I'm smaller than average) so I played in the audience pretty much. It was also the debut of the new PA system (or at least the bottom end of it) and so naturally the set up and soundcheck were fraught.
It's at times like this when you realise just what a job has been undertaken doing this. And at the lowest moment you wonder why you are bothering at all! Fortunately this feeling passes but running a band is HARD and everyone who's been on at me to do this over the years would be well advised to remember this at times. It's the best feeling in the world when a band gig goes well, when one is more testing it can leave you with a lot more questions than answers.
Thursday's fell into the latter category, although it still went down well. The pub is small but as busy as ever and we put on a good show, worthy of a few CD sales! There were some touching moments like the Spanish guys who enjoyed it, they were only here for a week! Generally, there's some problems to iron out with the new sound system-and one or two lessons to learn, but I took this on knowing it would be the ultimate challenge......
The previous night I had a tour around looking at potential venues. This is part of what I do and I always enjoy it. It's an effort to eliminate that sinking feeling you get when you arrive at a gig unseen and want to turn around and go home again! It's also good for networking and keeping my face a little bit familiar. I started at O'Donoghues in Wakefield, which is still open and still un-refurbished, and then onto Harry's Bar which is a gem of a venue for an acoustic solo show. They're heavily booked but I hope to get a slot there soon. The really promising thing was that the landlord actually preferred to hear original material-not something you hear very often!
The new Bruce Springsteen album 'Magic' is fuckin Magic. If I was to sum up what sort of songwriting I appreciate the most, then this comes pretty close to doing so. Along with Tom Petty, these are the guys I think influence me the most nowadays. To me, there's something special about making a song sound big and poweful over just simple chord progressions. And the vibe created by their attitude is just what I would love to create. To date, I reckon 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' is the closest I've come to achieving this, and maybe 'I Don't Need'.
The weekend for the first time in ages was fairly restful. It even gave me time to work in the studio a bit. I was at the Stock Cars on Sunday night getting shale in my hair (what's left of it) and generally enjoying something totally unrelated to music. If only there was a way of combining the two!
So for the first time in ages, I've only a week or so to report on.
Last week's major event was the Band gig at Zephyr on Thursday. This featured a stage in the venue for the first time. Unfortunately I couldn't fit on it ( and I'm smaller than average) so I played in the audience pretty much. It was also the debut of the new PA system (or at least the bottom end of it) and so naturally the set up and soundcheck were fraught.
It's at times like this when you realise just what a job has been undertaken doing this. And at the lowest moment you wonder why you are bothering at all! Fortunately this feeling passes but running a band is HARD and everyone who's been on at me to do this over the years would be well advised to remember this at times. It's the best feeling in the world when a band gig goes well, when one is more testing it can leave you with a lot more questions than answers.
Thursday's fell into the latter category, although it still went down well. The pub is small but as busy as ever and we put on a good show, worthy of a few CD sales! There were some touching moments like the Spanish guys who enjoyed it, they were only here for a week! Generally, there's some problems to iron out with the new sound system-and one or two lessons to learn, but I took this on knowing it would be the ultimate challenge......
The previous night I had a tour around looking at potential venues. This is part of what I do and I always enjoy it. It's an effort to eliminate that sinking feeling you get when you arrive at a gig unseen and want to turn around and go home again! It's also good for networking and keeping my face a little bit familiar. I started at O'Donoghues in Wakefield, which is still open and still un-refurbished, and then onto Harry's Bar which is a gem of a venue for an acoustic solo show. They're heavily booked but I hope to get a slot there soon. The really promising thing was that the landlord actually preferred to hear original material-not something you hear very often!
The new Bruce Springsteen album 'Magic' is fuckin Magic. If I was to sum up what sort of songwriting I appreciate the most, then this comes pretty close to doing so. Along with Tom Petty, these are the guys I think influence me the most nowadays. To me, there's something special about making a song sound big and poweful over just simple chord progressions. And the vibe created by their attitude is just what I would love to create. To date, I reckon 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' is the closest I've come to achieving this, and maybe 'I Don't Need'.
The weekend for the first time in ages was fairly restful. It even gave me time to work in the studio a bit. I was at the Stock Cars on Sunday night getting shale in my hair (what's left of it) and generally enjoying something totally unrelated to music. If only there was a way of combining the two!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
It looks like last time I was just about to go and look at some more pubs, which means it was Sept 13th. Indeed I did, one of them I wouldn't risk standing in there having a drink let alone playing there and the other had no band on at all. The latter wasn't too bad, but it reminded me of just what a job I'm about to take on.
The truth is a lot of pubs are on very tight margins and this doesn't sit well with the need for band nights to be built up slowly and steadily. It can take a long time for a venue to establish itself and a lot of pubs want an instant return-which very rarely happens. This means they need bands that pay for themselves by bringing a following- the F word as I call it. The trouble is most bands can't do that and rely on the venue having a following-as in people who go there no matter who is on. This is the bit they seem to miss.
Anyway, this pub had had to cancel its bands and was contemplating a fortnightly fixture-we shall wait and see.
Friday and Saturday were gigs with the weddings band and then on Sunday 16th I played on my own at The Railway, Berry Brow. The band has played 2 really good sets there and the solo one saw me start a bit later, when the pub is traditionally busier-between 6 and 8pm-only in Huddersfield!
It wasn't a bad gig, a bit jaded and I had to play a lot of covers, but I was pleased with the outcome, and the new album sales!
Into last week now, on Wednesday 19th I went to the open mic at the Old Vic, Bramley. This is the second time I've been there, and the night is steaily gaining. The landlord is enthusiastic and booked me for a proper slot there. I played 'First Cut is the Deepest', 'Nobody Knows You', 'The Letter', 'Lost In Love Town', and later a duet with Scouse Andy on 'I Saw Her Standing There' and 'No Other Baby'. I missed half of the latter because I was talking business with the landlord!
I also concluded the first half doing California Dremin and Freefallin.
The following night was a new venture for me: Trash in Leeds. This place used to be called the Mixing Tin and I must say I prefer the old name. I was booked as the opening act before 2 bands. My set was played to a very sparse crowd almost bang on 8pm. I did my 'dark' set of 'Shadow', 'Even', 'Whiskey','Won't Back Down', 'Prisoner', 'Life' and 'These Eyes'.
The PA was huge so I got a good sound, unfortunately the bands were ear-splitting so I didn't stop around. I was pleased if only for my own amusement that I segued Prisoner and Life together-both being in Eflat!
Friday was set aside for the rugby. And by that I mean Rugby League, not the kick and clap world cup. You won't know this, but I support Bradford Bulls and have done since 1985. It's not quite the big part of my life it once was, which is probably just as well as we suffered a heartbreaking last minute defeat against Wigan. Not the best start to Autumn.
Saturday wasn't much better. A corporate charity do with Morris &The Minors which featured a five minute slot by Norman Collier-including the microphone routine but no chicken walk.
After taking the usual hour to set up, we were then told we'd set up in the wrong place and would we mind moving everything. Never happens at Sheffield Arena. Nor the Railway at Berry Brow for that matter. Anyway, we didn't move in the end, I just hope the cheque turns up this week-I hate charity dos.
Finally Monday 24th was my second slot at The Priestley in Bradford. It's one of my favourite nights, and this time the standard of act was very high. Its funny because in Leeds its not usually so high, and yet here is a much smaller pool of musicians. I thought last night they were all very good. I went on last, which is never the best slot but someone has to do it and I'm glad enough people stayed to the end. I played 'Shadow', 'Life', 'Seven Shades' and 'These Eyes'. I also accompanied a jazz singer called Stephanie.
All in all another busy few weeks. This Thursday (27th) its the band returning to Zephyr Bar and I'm very much looking forward to that.
The truth is a lot of pubs are on very tight margins and this doesn't sit well with the need for band nights to be built up slowly and steadily. It can take a long time for a venue to establish itself and a lot of pubs want an instant return-which very rarely happens. This means they need bands that pay for themselves by bringing a following- the F word as I call it. The trouble is most bands can't do that and rely on the venue having a following-as in people who go there no matter who is on. This is the bit they seem to miss.
Anyway, this pub had had to cancel its bands and was contemplating a fortnightly fixture-we shall wait and see.
Friday and Saturday were gigs with the weddings band and then on Sunday 16th I played on my own at The Railway, Berry Brow. The band has played 2 really good sets there and the solo one saw me start a bit later, when the pub is traditionally busier-between 6 and 8pm-only in Huddersfield!
It wasn't a bad gig, a bit jaded and I had to play a lot of covers, but I was pleased with the outcome, and the new album sales!
Into last week now, on Wednesday 19th I went to the open mic at the Old Vic, Bramley. This is the second time I've been there, and the night is steaily gaining. The landlord is enthusiastic and booked me for a proper slot there. I played 'First Cut is the Deepest', 'Nobody Knows You', 'The Letter', 'Lost In Love Town', and later a duet with Scouse Andy on 'I Saw Her Standing There' and 'No Other Baby'. I missed half of the latter because I was talking business with the landlord!
I also concluded the first half doing California Dremin and Freefallin.
The following night was a new venture for me: Trash in Leeds. This place used to be called the Mixing Tin and I must say I prefer the old name. I was booked as the opening act before 2 bands. My set was played to a very sparse crowd almost bang on 8pm. I did my 'dark' set of 'Shadow', 'Even', 'Whiskey','Won't Back Down', 'Prisoner', 'Life' and 'These Eyes'.
The PA was huge so I got a good sound, unfortunately the bands were ear-splitting so I didn't stop around. I was pleased if only for my own amusement that I segued Prisoner and Life together-both being in Eflat!
Friday was set aside for the rugby. And by that I mean Rugby League, not the kick and clap world cup. You won't know this, but I support Bradford Bulls and have done since 1985. It's not quite the big part of my life it once was, which is probably just as well as we suffered a heartbreaking last minute defeat against Wigan. Not the best start to Autumn.
Saturday wasn't much better. A corporate charity do with Morris &The Minors which featured a five minute slot by Norman Collier-including the microphone routine but no chicken walk.
After taking the usual hour to set up, we were then told we'd set up in the wrong place and would we mind moving everything. Never happens at Sheffield Arena. Nor the Railway at Berry Brow for that matter. Anyway, we didn't move in the end, I just hope the cheque turns up this week-I hate charity dos.
Finally Monday 24th was my second slot at The Priestley in Bradford. It's one of my favourite nights, and this time the standard of act was very high. Its funny because in Leeds its not usually so high, and yet here is a much smaller pool of musicians. I thought last night they were all very good. I went on last, which is never the best slot but someone has to do it and I'm glad enough people stayed to the end. I played 'Shadow', 'Life', 'Seven Shades' and 'These Eyes'. I also accompanied a jazz singer called Stephanie.
All in all another busy few weeks. This Thursday (27th) its the band returning to Zephyr Bar and I'm very much looking forward to that.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
OK, I've just watched the dvd of the Roscoe set, it works ok so hopefully I can post a few clips on the myspace page soon. Speaking of videos, the 'Money From The Satisfied Man' clip which is on the said page is now also on youtube. This being my first foray on to there-so please click here and leave a nice comment.
Moving on from that gig on the Monday night, there was then the small matter of a radio interview with bcb on Tuesday. This was specifically to talk about songwriting with Tina Watkins, and being a non-lyricist I invited Chris Breen along as well. It wasn't a live broadcast due to the football but we more or less recorded as if it was live. It went very well, although due to a technical error the first part had to be re-done, sods law dictating that this was the best bit of course!
On Wednesday I paid a very brief visit to the Grove-to promote the following night's gig. I played 'Your Shadow' and 'Freefallin', promoted it and left-and of course nobody came to the see the band!
Well, nobody from the Wednesday night anyway. Thursday was the first proper PJ Band gig since my religous experience mentioned in the last blog. I was so pleased with how it went, it was much tighter and fresher and I hope, gives something to aim for in the near future. Thanks to everyone who came down to watch too.
That's nearly brought us up to date I think. Last night was Wed 12th September, and my latest new venue-Sheffield Under The Boardwalk. This is located under the more famous venue, as the name implies. I played the opening slot, acoustic, and it was a great set really. It was reasonably busy and I have to say it was enjoyable. I played 'Shadow', 'Nobody Said', 'Whiskey', 'I Won't Back Down', How Do You Sleep, Gods & Angels, Words and These Eyes. The band will be playing a slot there on Wed Oct 10th.
Right then, I'm off to recee some more pubs for the band, if they're not too bad maybe you'll see my band there at some point!
Moving on from that gig on the Monday night, there was then the small matter of a radio interview with bcb on Tuesday. This was specifically to talk about songwriting with Tina Watkins, and being a non-lyricist I invited Chris Breen along as well. It wasn't a live broadcast due to the football but we more or less recorded as if it was live. It went very well, although due to a technical error the first part had to be re-done, sods law dictating that this was the best bit of course!
On Wednesday I paid a very brief visit to the Grove-to promote the following night's gig. I played 'Your Shadow' and 'Freefallin', promoted it and left-and of course nobody came to the see the band!
Well, nobody from the Wednesday night anyway. Thursday was the first proper PJ Band gig since my religous experience mentioned in the last blog. I was so pleased with how it went, it was much tighter and fresher and I hope, gives something to aim for in the near future. Thanks to everyone who came down to watch too.
That's nearly brought us up to date I think. Last night was Wed 12th September, and my latest new venue-Sheffield Under The Boardwalk. This is located under the more famous venue, as the name implies. I played the opening slot, acoustic, and it was a great set really. It was reasonably busy and I have to say it was enjoyable. I played 'Shadow', 'Nobody Said', 'Whiskey', 'I Won't Back Down', How Do You Sleep, Gods & Angels, Words and These Eyes. The band will be playing a slot there on Wed Oct 10th.
Right then, I'm off to recee some more pubs for the band, if they're not too bad maybe you'll see my band there at some point!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
I must be mad but I want to play in pubs again
I've had a holiday since the last post, a lovely week away in Cornwall. 2 days of which were spent queing in traffic, but it was nice to get away. I visited quite a lot of places I'd been to when I was little, (I'm not much bigger now), and it was interesting to see them through adult eyes. It was also great to finally see some sun, in fact it's hardly stopped shining here since I got back.
Of course you're really here to find out about my exciting career as a singer-songwriter, so for that we must go back to before Cornwall, (B.C.), well before I went anyway.
On Thursday August 16th Peter and I went to watch a band at the Queen Vic in Northowram. I've already mentioned some of this in my new blog on myspace (see below), but to summarise we saw the Chantell McGregor band and it was a little bit of a religous experience for me. Just a little one, but a little twinge of inspiration nonetheless.
Chantell was, I think, the girl I used to see around the various local jam sessions such as the Wilsons Arms at Mirfield and the Barge in Brighouse. She's now got her own band and it made quite an impression on me. Not because of the immediate impact of watching a girl in a corsette playing Steve Vai licks like there's no tomorrow, but because it was a tight band in a pub. Or should that be a band in a tight pub. The point being it got me thinking how I could do that......
Unfortunately I couldn't find a corsette I liked and I'm a useless guitarist, in fact no guitarist at all, but I did think how good it would be to have my band, the Paul Jeffery Band no less, playing tightly in some pubs.
I'm already rambling, so surfice to say I've played a few hundred pub gigs in the past. So it's not like I've never done it before. I had a cover band called One Night Stand which did them all between 2000-2005. By '05 I'd fallen out with the pubs a bit, dirty smelly places where people didn't really seem to like what we did. The majority were of course good gigs but the bad ones always stick in my mind. So after 2 years doing the wedding circuit (cleaner and less smelly), I'm about ready now for some muck and bullets.
The PJ Band has been going since December last year, the first gig was in February and we've done about 8 since then. I wasn't overly happy with the one at the Puzzle Hall on Aug 2nd, so seeing a band that obviously played and rehearsed regularly really fired me up. I'm a terrible spectator anyway, unless it's one of my heroes I'm watching. A few other things have changed recently in that I'm leaving one of the wedding bands, so I'm hoping to have more time to do my own band, and play in smelly pubs again.....
I must be insane, but part of the reason for this is the distinct lack of concrete opportunities to play with that sort of band. Clubs are OUT, weddings and functions are too, it only leaves pubs and the 'music venues', given that the ice hockey arenas are still slightly beyond our current fanbase of 15 (I love you all). Music Venues are hard because they tend to involve playing 30 minutes unpaid, and neither suits us too well. We need the discipline of regular paid gigs to sort things out, then use them to subsidise a few music venue showcases.
So from now on, the band is my priority, dirty pubs and all, and it's going to be very tough. I don't mind being honest with you, because that's what this is about. When I came back from Cornwall I went and spent a bit of money on a new mixing desk and some active sub bass speakers-very nice. I've also set about finding a few more musicians to cover for when the regular players can't make it, so you'll also get the excitement of not knowing who'll be playing at each show- a bit like seeing Amy Winehouse (or at least Atlanta Soul).
NEW EXCITING MYSPACE BLOG
I mentioned briefly above that I have a new blog. Here you can read about what music I've been listening to lately, it's just for fun really, but I think it's interesting for would be fans. My music reviews are not very hot, but my music taste is nothing if not varied, so click on to find out about everything from Tori Amos to Jim Mackie.
OTHER GIGS
After the excitement of the Queen Vic, I had the small matter of a gig with my band on the following Saturday (the 18th). This was a house party at Meltham, booked through one of our shows at the Railway, Berry Brow. It was similarly chaotic but quite good fun playing in someone's front room. Hardly the most auspicous gig but we got everyone dancing. Later a guy fell over passed out on the steps, so I hope he was OK as we had to leave around this time.
After Cornwall, I did the Ship Open Mic on the Tuesday (28th), playing 'Your Shadow', 'Cold Cold Day', 'Nobody Knows You' (which I forgot the chords to), and 'Rocket Man'. The Ship night is run by Ben Greavs and Al Leeming, who I see at quite a lot of other gigs. It's a night I tried in January and it's nice to see it a bit more established now.
On the 29th I was at The Grove playing 'Cold Steel Lover' and 'Nobody Knows You' (which was better this time). There then followed another Thursday night of receeing pubs-the Brewery Tap, Idle and the Queen Vic again. The former is definetly in the muck and bullets category, very heavy rock orinetated audience who growl if you play a Status Quo song(this is true believe me). I'm not certain it would suit my band, but it hosts 3 bands a week so must be considered seriously. The Queen Vic was mainly to establish what I assumed-that it was a lot quieter with Amnesia playing than Chantell McGregor. For the record we caught the opening numbers of Dufflegoat at the Tap.
After a marathon weekend of 3 Morris and the Minors gigs, during which I came out in a heat rash, (the stress of running a pub band already showing before the first gig), I then had another job on Monday night Sept 3rd playing at New Roscoe.
The acousitc springboard night hosted 3 acts, the others being Bryan Matthews and Kreinczes&McNaughton (although only one half of the latter played). I did a solid half hour set to a small audience, but got a live dvd recording, which in true tradition I've not looked at yet, but if it's any good you may well see a few clips appear on myspace and youtube. I played 'Shadow','Nobody Said','Whiskey','Can't Believe the News', 'Life', 'How Do You Sleep','Freefallin' and 'These Eyes'.
I think I'll leave it there and go and have a lie down.
Of course you're really here to find out about my exciting career as a singer-songwriter, so for that we must go back to before Cornwall, (B.C.), well before I went anyway.
On Thursday August 16th Peter and I went to watch a band at the Queen Vic in Northowram. I've already mentioned some of this in my new blog on myspace (see below), but to summarise we saw the Chantell McGregor band and it was a little bit of a religous experience for me. Just a little one, but a little twinge of inspiration nonetheless.
Chantell was, I think, the girl I used to see around the various local jam sessions such as the Wilsons Arms at Mirfield and the Barge in Brighouse. She's now got her own band and it made quite an impression on me. Not because of the immediate impact of watching a girl in a corsette playing Steve Vai licks like there's no tomorrow, but because it was a tight band in a pub. Or should that be a band in a tight pub. The point being it got me thinking how I could do that......
Unfortunately I couldn't find a corsette I liked and I'm a useless guitarist, in fact no guitarist at all, but I did think how good it would be to have my band, the Paul Jeffery Band no less, playing tightly in some pubs.
I'm already rambling, so surfice to say I've played a few hundred pub gigs in the past. So it's not like I've never done it before. I had a cover band called One Night Stand which did them all between 2000-2005. By '05 I'd fallen out with the pubs a bit, dirty smelly places where people didn't really seem to like what we did. The majority were of course good gigs but the bad ones always stick in my mind. So after 2 years doing the wedding circuit (cleaner and less smelly), I'm about ready now for some muck and bullets.
The PJ Band has been going since December last year, the first gig was in February and we've done about 8 since then. I wasn't overly happy with the one at the Puzzle Hall on Aug 2nd, so seeing a band that obviously played and rehearsed regularly really fired me up. I'm a terrible spectator anyway, unless it's one of my heroes I'm watching. A few other things have changed recently in that I'm leaving one of the wedding bands, so I'm hoping to have more time to do my own band, and play in smelly pubs again.....
I must be insane, but part of the reason for this is the distinct lack of concrete opportunities to play with that sort of band. Clubs are OUT, weddings and functions are too, it only leaves pubs and the 'music venues', given that the ice hockey arenas are still slightly beyond our current fanbase of 15 (I love you all). Music Venues are hard because they tend to involve playing 30 minutes unpaid, and neither suits us too well. We need the discipline of regular paid gigs to sort things out, then use them to subsidise a few music venue showcases.
So from now on, the band is my priority, dirty pubs and all, and it's going to be very tough. I don't mind being honest with you, because that's what this is about. When I came back from Cornwall I went and spent a bit of money on a new mixing desk and some active sub bass speakers-very nice. I've also set about finding a few more musicians to cover for when the regular players can't make it, so you'll also get the excitement of not knowing who'll be playing at each show- a bit like seeing Amy Winehouse (or at least Atlanta Soul).
NEW EXCITING MYSPACE BLOG
I mentioned briefly above that I have a new blog. Here you can read about what music I've been listening to lately, it's just for fun really, but I think it's interesting for would be fans. My music reviews are not very hot, but my music taste is nothing if not varied, so click on to find out about everything from Tori Amos to Jim Mackie.
OTHER GIGS
After the excitement of the Queen Vic, I had the small matter of a gig with my band on the following Saturday (the 18th). This was a house party at Meltham, booked through one of our shows at the Railway, Berry Brow. It was similarly chaotic but quite good fun playing in someone's front room. Hardly the most auspicous gig but we got everyone dancing. Later a guy fell over passed out on the steps, so I hope he was OK as we had to leave around this time.
After Cornwall, I did the Ship Open Mic on the Tuesday (28th), playing 'Your Shadow', 'Cold Cold Day', 'Nobody Knows You' (which I forgot the chords to), and 'Rocket Man'. The Ship night is run by Ben Greavs and Al Leeming, who I see at quite a lot of other gigs. It's a night I tried in January and it's nice to see it a bit more established now.
On the 29th I was at The Grove playing 'Cold Steel Lover' and 'Nobody Knows You' (which was better this time). There then followed another Thursday night of receeing pubs-the Brewery Tap, Idle and the Queen Vic again. The former is definetly in the muck and bullets category, very heavy rock orinetated audience who growl if you play a Status Quo song(this is true believe me). I'm not certain it would suit my band, but it hosts 3 bands a week so must be considered seriously. The Queen Vic was mainly to establish what I assumed-that it was a lot quieter with Amnesia playing than Chantell McGregor. For the record we caught the opening numbers of Dufflegoat at the Tap.
After a marathon weekend of 3 Morris and the Minors gigs, during which I came out in a heat rash, (the stress of running a pub band already showing before the first gig), I then had another job on Monday night Sept 3rd playing at New Roscoe.
The acousitc springboard night hosted 3 acts, the others being Bryan Matthews and Kreinczes&McNaughton (although only one half of the latter played). I did a solid half hour set to a small audience, but got a live dvd recording, which in true tradition I've not looked at yet, but if it's any good you may well see a few clips appear on myspace and youtube. I played 'Shadow','Nobody Said','Whiskey','Can't Believe the News', 'Life', 'How Do You Sleep','Freefallin' and 'These Eyes'.
I think I'll leave it there and go and have a lie down.
Friday, August 17, 2007
August started with August 1st. I took a last minute slot at Carpe Diem for Leeds Acoustic Showcase and played 2nd on the bill. It was fairly quiet but I really enjoyed this one, for some reason it sticks in my mind. The sound was great through a full PA and it was all very relaxed. I played 'Nobody Said It was Going To Be Easy' for the first time in a long time. Also 'Dare' again and 'How Do You Sleep'.
August continues with August 2nd. Here the band was playing at the legendary Puzzle Hall in Sowerby Bridge. In our search to find the smallest pub venues in England (or indeed in the world), we played a good set- I felt a little down on what we did at the Railway, but still a good night.
I was back at the Abbey twice last week, firstly for the open mic on tuesday (this time duetting Hey Jude with Andy), and then on Saturday the 11th for the command performance full set. I'd like to thank all the people that came to support, because without you- it'd have been empty! I enjoyed playing the covers again though.
The following night (the 12th) I was back at the New Inn in Barwick playing to an even smaller audience of 7.....but they all knew me, liked me and bought some cds-so it was still a really nice night.
Monday was a bit busier and certainly trendier with my first gig at Revolution in Leeds. This is a relatively new night which seems to be working well. I was on first and played half an hour including 'Nobody Said' again and covers of One Of Us and Freefallin. This time 'Can't Believe the News' was introduced as Why does the drummer always get the girl, the bastard. Which I think is a good title.
Playing first enabled me to pop across to Doctor Wu's (is it really closing??) and watch Rob from Grain Division's band Silverlode. It was nice to see a properly tight band on this circuit for once.
I was back at The Grove on Wednesday (15th) playing 'Cold Steel Lover' and another new cover 'Nobody Knows You when you're down and out', I played the latter so well that I was asked to play a blues night, that's versatility for you!
I was partly there to promote a very important gig for the band there on THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH. Make a date!
August continues with August 2nd. Here the band was playing at the legendary Puzzle Hall in Sowerby Bridge. In our search to find the smallest pub venues in England (or indeed in the world), we played a good set- I felt a little down on what we did at the Railway, but still a good night.
I was back at the Abbey twice last week, firstly for the open mic on tuesday (this time duetting Hey Jude with Andy), and then on Saturday the 11th for the command performance full set. I'd like to thank all the people that came to support, because without you- it'd have been empty! I enjoyed playing the covers again though.
The following night (the 12th) I was back at the New Inn in Barwick playing to an even smaller audience of 7.....but they all knew me, liked me and bought some cds-so it was still a really nice night.
Monday was a bit busier and certainly trendier with my first gig at Revolution in Leeds. This is a relatively new night which seems to be working well. I was on first and played half an hour including 'Nobody Said' again and covers of One Of Us and Freefallin. This time 'Can't Believe the News' was introduced as Why does the drummer always get the girl, the bastard. Which I think is a good title.
Playing first enabled me to pop across to Doctor Wu's (is it really closing??) and watch Rob from Grain Division's band Silverlode. It was nice to see a properly tight band on this circuit for once.
I was back at The Grove on Wednesday (15th) playing 'Cold Steel Lover' and another new cover 'Nobody Knows You when you're down and out', I played the latter so well that I was asked to play a blues night, that's versatility for you!
I was partly there to promote a very important gig for the band there on THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH. Make a date!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Is it really a month since the last post? Yes it is.
Quite a lot happening as always, including most importantly the long-awaited finish of the 2nd album! Yes, the new 10-track CD is finished, and awaiting final printing and duplication before I'll be selling copies.
As usual, these will be available at gigs and on cdbaby.com, and in due course various other digital distributors such as apple itunes and napster.
The album is entitled 'Seven Shades Of Grey' and 4 of the new tracks are now on my myspace site.
There's also a VIDEO of a LIVE PERFORMANCE from Zephyr Bar in March of 'Money From The Satified Man'. Carol Douglas also has the track 'Through Heartache and Back' on her page.
PAUL GOES MAD ON MYSPACE
Speaking of myspace.....apart from ranging between over-worked to lethargy the other reason for the long delay since the last blog is that I've finally become addicted to myspace, about a year after I started with it and about 2 years after everybody else cracked it and moved on.
Slow developer again.
I've progressively been getting more 'hits' on there than on here basically. Website traffic is a slow trickle and without constant mailshots and new releases seems to stay that way. Myspace is there, it's immediate and the networking potential is of course infinite. I've realised fully the power it can have for promoting my music and very slowly I'm learning how to utilise that power.
The site is virtually a website in itself, apart from the limit on songs (4). But with soundclick.com allowing limitless uploads that is easily stepped around. Pics, videos, and then your 'guestbook'-where people leave nice comments and promote their own wares-all add to the instant networking appeal.
Of course, you all knew this long before me and are probably now bemoaning it's lack of 'edge' and championing facebook and bebo. I think I'll stick to myspace for now, who knows I might even get nostalgic about that too.
Back to the gigs then, The 18th July Primrose was cancelled due to 2 bands pulling out. So I went off to try another new open mic night in West Leeds, the Old Vic at Bramley. This is run by Scouse Andy (who used to be riot controller/compere at the Fox & Newt open mic). Here in more civilised surroundings we had a good night. I played 'Your Shadow', 'Laura Jones' (over their heads a bit), and then a special impromtu duet of 'No Other Baby' with Andy. He happened to be playing it in the soundcheck which I remarked on.
'No Other Baby' is by the Vincents from about 500 your ago, and was covered by Paul McCartney on his 1999 Run Devil Run rock n roll album. I loved the vibe of the latter version and used to cover it in my old band. There's very little to it, just a 12-bar that builds up-the rest of the band hated it but I always loved the song. Andy sang the lead vocals and I harmonised, to me at times it sounded like the Everleys....
Saturday 21 July featured my set in the afternoon at the Abbey. Their festival brought indoors by the council this year, just as well with the abismal weather. I played around 20 mins and with Andy compering again, in went the duet for a 2nd time!
Dare Cafe was on the schedule for that evening but was cancelled as the venue has music licensing problems. These problems seem to have become more perminent since then so I hope they can sort it out.
Sunday night was my 2nd time at Santiagos. I played a set comprising 'Your Shadow', 'Whiskey', 'Can't Believe The News', 'Dare' and 'These Eyes'. I really enjoyed this one, and am now starting to recognise some of the other acts that are around, as well as having a bit of fun with the passing City Varieties Blues Brothers audience as they made their way home.
The Grove open mic on Wed 25th July was pretty special. I played '7 Shades' and 'Words' and sold quite a few CDs. It is currently my favourite of the open nights. The following night I played a set at the Puzzle Hall open mic, again pretty succesful, mainly to promote the following weeks' band gig. 'I Don't Need' had an airing this time.
The last Monday of the month was another first, a set at The Priestley Bar in Bradford. This is based in Little Germany and is a studio theatre with a bar. Another hugely succesful night in terms of cds sales and networking. It was here that I hooked up with bcb radio to do some interviews for the new album. I really hope this night survives because it deserves some success.
I'll pause there with August still to go, stay awake at the back....
Quite a lot happening as always, including most importantly the long-awaited finish of the 2nd album! Yes, the new 10-track CD is finished, and awaiting final printing and duplication before I'll be selling copies.
As usual, these will be available at gigs and on cdbaby.com, and in due course various other digital distributors such as apple itunes and napster.
The album is entitled 'Seven Shades Of Grey' and 4 of the new tracks are now on my myspace site.
There's also a VIDEO of a LIVE PERFORMANCE from Zephyr Bar in March of 'Money From The Satified Man'. Carol Douglas also has the track 'Through Heartache and Back' on her page.
PAUL GOES MAD ON MYSPACE
Speaking of myspace.....apart from ranging between over-worked to lethargy the other reason for the long delay since the last blog is that I've finally become addicted to myspace, about a year after I started with it and about 2 years after everybody else cracked it and moved on.
Slow developer again.
I've progressively been getting more 'hits' on there than on here basically. Website traffic is a slow trickle and without constant mailshots and new releases seems to stay that way. Myspace is there, it's immediate and the networking potential is of course infinite. I've realised fully the power it can have for promoting my music and very slowly I'm learning how to utilise that power.
The site is virtually a website in itself, apart from the limit on songs (4). But with soundclick.com allowing limitless uploads that is easily stepped around. Pics, videos, and then your 'guestbook'-where people leave nice comments and promote their own wares-all add to the instant networking appeal.
Of course, you all knew this long before me and are probably now bemoaning it's lack of 'edge' and championing facebook and bebo. I think I'll stick to myspace for now, who knows I might even get nostalgic about that too.
Back to the gigs then, The 18th July Primrose was cancelled due to 2 bands pulling out. So I went off to try another new open mic night in West Leeds, the Old Vic at Bramley. This is run by Scouse Andy (who used to be riot controller/compere at the Fox & Newt open mic). Here in more civilised surroundings we had a good night. I played 'Your Shadow', 'Laura Jones' (over their heads a bit), and then a special impromtu duet of 'No Other Baby' with Andy. He happened to be playing it in the soundcheck which I remarked on.
'No Other Baby' is by the Vincents from about 500 your ago, and was covered by Paul McCartney on his 1999 Run Devil Run rock n roll album. I loved the vibe of the latter version and used to cover it in my old band. There's very little to it, just a 12-bar that builds up-the rest of the band hated it but I always loved the song. Andy sang the lead vocals and I harmonised, to me at times it sounded like the Everleys....
Saturday 21 July featured my set in the afternoon at the Abbey. Their festival brought indoors by the council this year, just as well with the abismal weather. I played around 20 mins and with Andy compering again, in went the duet for a 2nd time!
Dare Cafe was on the schedule for that evening but was cancelled as the venue has music licensing problems. These problems seem to have become more perminent since then so I hope they can sort it out.
Sunday night was my 2nd time at Santiagos. I played a set comprising 'Your Shadow', 'Whiskey', 'Can't Believe The News', 'Dare' and 'These Eyes'. I really enjoyed this one, and am now starting to recognise some of the other acts that are around, as well as having a bit of fun with the passing City Varieties Blues Brothers audience as they made their way home.
The Grove open mic on Wed 25th July was pretty special. I played '7 Shades' and 'Words' and sold quite a few CDs. It is currently my favourite of the open nights. The following night I played a set at the Puzzle Hall open mic, again pretty succesful, mainly to promote the following weeks' band gig. 'I Don't Need' had an airing this time.
The last Monday of the month was another first, a set at The Priestley Bar in Bradford. This is based in Little Germany and is a studio theatre with a bar. Another hugely succesful night in terms of cds sales and networking. It was here that I hooked up with bcb radio to do some interviews for the new album. I really hope this night survives because it deserves some success.
I'll pause there with August still to go, stay awake at the back....
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
It's been a while since the last blog, and I've realised the longer I leave it the longer it will take me to do it, so I thought I'd better catch up. Ok, not a very positive way to start, but you must have wondered why my material is so depressing.
As mentioned before, the last week in June involved some recovery from the week before, and after getting rained on at all the weekends' wedding gigs it was Tues 3rd July before I did any of my own stuff again.
This was at The Abbey open mic, where I've made many friends and contacts since I started going there. I played 'Words', '7 Shades of Grey' and 'One Of Us' on the night.
I spent a long time on the Wednesday sorting out the 2nd album, bringing it to the point where only a few last minute adjustments remain, it'll be here soon.
On Thursday I was at the Primrose supporting the first night of their new self-run Open Mic. It was pretty busy and I was playing first. I did 'These Eyes', 'Gods And Angels' and 'If He Knew You'. I managed to sell a couple of discs which bodes well for the next show there on July 18th.
Saturday the 7th was finally a gig-free night. So in the best tradition I went to watch one instead! I say gig loosely because it was Genesis in front of 60,000 at Old Trafford. I've been a fan of there's for years so it was great at last to see the 5-piece line up. Despite being sat far back the sound and the show were great and it had a superb atmosphere, reminding me just how many fans they still have, despite what the music press would have you believe.
There was almost an exciting moment on our row when a punter to my left turned round and bollocked the 3 pissed up scrotes sat behind. Quite why these 3 wise men were there I'm not sure, but fair play to the gent for shutting them up, perhaps I could employ him at my gigs.
It seems reunion tours are going to shape this decade's 'memorbale gigs', which says it all about the current state of the industry. The Diana concert at Wembley was a flat fart. There are those who are not what they were combined with those who never will be. I thought Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli were the highlights by far. When you think back to the original Live Aid (and yes it was that good), it seems we've taken an alimighty dive when it comes to putting on a show and it's difficult to see where an improvement will come from. Perhaps it's time to 'try a little Freddie'.
So thank heavens for Genesis for proving it still can be done and I hope the Police play with the same energy.
I digress.
At Doctor Wu's on Tuesday I played 'These Eyes', 'If He Knew You', 'Your Shadow/One Of Us'. This was one of the better Wu's nights with a good music audience.
This takes us up to Sunday when I played my first show at New Roscoe supporting Jon Strong. It went very well with a great sound and at last a listening audience. I'm pleased with the way it went and hope to be back there soon.
This week it's the Primrose on Wednesday the 18th and then the Abbey Festival, Dare Cafe and Santiagos on the weekend, so a quiet weekend by current standards.
As mentioned before, the last week in June involved some recovery from the week before, and after getting rained on at all the weekends' wedding gigs it was Tues 3rd July before I did any of my own stuff again.
This was at The Abbey open mic, where I've made many friends and contacts since I started going there. I played 'Words', '7 Shades of Grey' and 'One Of Us' on the night.
I spent a long time on the Wednesday sorting out the 2nd album, bringing it to the point where only a few last minute adjustments remain, it'll be here soon.
On Thursday I was at the Primrose supporting the first night of their new self-run Open Mic. It was pretty busy and I was playing first. I did 'These Eyes', 'Gods And Angels' and 'If He Knew You'. I managed to sell a couple of discs which bodes well for the next show there on July 18th.
Saturday the 7th was finally a gig-free night. So in the best tradition I went to watch one instead! I say gig loosely because it was Genesis in front of 60,000 at Old Trafford. I've been a fan of there's for years so it was great at last to see the 5-piece line up. Despite being sat far back the sound and the show were great and it had a superb atmosphere, reminding me just how many fans they still have, despite what the music press would have you believe.
There was almost an exciting moment on our row when a punter to my left turned round and bollocked the 3 pissed up scrotes sat behind. Quite why these 3 wise men were there I'm not sure, but fair play to the gent for shutting them up, perhaps I could employ him at my gigs.
It seems reunion tours are going to shape this decade's 'memorbale gigs', which says it all about the current state of the industry. The Diana concert at Wembley was a flat fart. There are those who are not what they were combined with those who never will be. I thought Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli were the highlights by far. When you think back to the original Live Aid (and yes it was that good), it seems we've taken an alimighty dive when it comes to putting on a show and it's difficult to see where an improvement will come from. Perhaps it's time to 'try a little Freddie'.
So thank heavens for Genesis for proving it still can be done and I hope the Police play with the same energy.
I digress.
At Doctor Wu's on Tuesday I played 'These Eyes', 'If He Knew You', 'Your Shadow/One Of Us'. This was one of the better Wu's nights with a good music audience.
This takes us up to Sunday when I played my first show at New Roscoe supporting Jon Strong. It went very well with a great sound and at last a listening audience. I'm pleased with the way it went and hope to be back there soon.
This week it's the Primrose on Wednesday the 18th and then the Abbey Festival, Dare Cafe and Santiagos on the weekend, so a quiet weekend by current standards.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I've just finished watching Tim Henman win a match that seemed like it would go on forever, and after the last couple of weeks I know how he must feel. There've been 9 gigs in total since the last blog, 3 of which were cabaret admitedly, but viewed as a whole there were 8 shows in 9 days, six on consecutive nights.
The Primrose on June 13th was an improvement on the last 2 solo shows down there. Mainly due to there being an audience present. I was pleased with how my set went, and it was a much more enjoyable night.
On Sunday afternoon I had the band back together at The Railway and here we had the best gig of the June 'tour' and the best band gig so far. A really relaxed and friendly atmosphere complete with a great performance. It was one of those gigs that makes you glad to be a musician and I felt fully justified in going to the trouble of putting a band together in the first place.
I had to keep it all together last week, not having done 6 nights on the trot like that. In the end the 2 most tiring were the Morris and the Minors shows on Friday and Saturday, and with my own stuff it was a case of 2 points a-piece.
The bad ones came first. Tuesday solo at Zephyr Bar is always a gig that has the potential to be dodgy, it simply depends who's in the pub. This time, with the students gone, it was wall to wall townies, not one of which looked compus mentis to me! I can't honestly say there was one person in there who looked sober or clean. This was early Tuesday evening for Christ's sake. It looked like a scene from a 4am bar. Everyone just looked wasted, like what little brain was there to start with had been washed away in a heavy drinking binge.
Needless to say nobody was really listening. And I had the added bonus of an encroacher asking for Oasis songs. As I duly obliged he came over and asked me when I was going to do it. He musn't have heard of Don't Look Back In Anger, their biggest hit. Still, that's about your average Oasis fan's mentality I suppose. He was more keen on his pissed up mate who was dancing on the tables and trying to chat up some giggling girlies than anything else.
It didn't get out of hand though and at least I was spared a long night.
Wednesday with the band at Sandinista! was dissapointing more than anything else. We were due on at 11.20 which put paid to us getting much of a following. We managed to get on for about 11, by which stage a lot of the crowd had gone. On top of that the sound was difficult, although this was partly our fault, and really the night never achieved what it was supposed to for me.
On Thursday, the first day of summer, it was time for the Plough at Warmfield and here things went to plan. Ali, the landlord, is that rare breed: a live music enthusiast who happens to run a pub. Let's be honest, it wasn't very busy, but he managed to extract more added value than you would get in 100 pub gigs. Just think what he could do with a central venue and a bigger crowd! Along with his barstaff he managed to secure me 10 cd sales, a whipround for petrol money (not beer as I was driving) and an attentive polite audience. Thanks to Jon for recomending me to the venue, and I hope to be back there with the band in September.
Sunday night thankfully left me demob happy because it was the perfect way to wind down. A quiet solo set at Sandinista, not busy, but perfectly relaxed and comfortable for me.
I'm having a few days gigfree now so will update you on the next shows soon.
The second album is being worked on as we speak and I'm getting strangely addicted to myspace, as usual after everyone else has washed their hands of it. I'm only just coming round to Nirvana.
The Primrose on June 13th was an improvement on the last 2 solo shows down there. Mainly due to there being an audience present. I was pleased with how my set went, and it was a much more enjoyable night.
On Sunday afternoon I had the band back together at The Railway and here we had the best gig of the June 'tour' and the best band gig so far. A really relaxed and friendly atmosphere complete with a great performance. It was one of those gigs that makes you glad to be a musician and I felt fully justified in going to the trouble of putting a band together in the first place.
I had to keep it all together last week, not having done 6 nights on the trot like that. In the end the 2 most tiring were the Morris and the Minors shows on Friday and Saturday, and with my own stuff it was a case of 2 points a-piece.
The bad ones came first. Tuesday solo at Zephyr Bar is always a gig that has the potential to be dodgy, it simply depends who's in the pub. This time, with the students gone, it was wall to wall townies, not one of which looked compus mentis to me! I can't honestly say there was one person in there who looked sober or clean. This was early Tuesday evening for Christ's sake. It looked like a scene from a 4am bar. Everyone just looked wasted, like what little brain was there to start with had been washed away in a heavy drinking binge.
Needless to say nobody was really listening. And I had the added bonus of an encroacher asking for Oasis songs. As I duly obliged he came over and asked me when I was going to do it. He musn't have heard of Don't Look Back In Anger, their biggest hit. Still, that's about your average Oasis fan's mentality I suppose. He was more keen on his pissed up mate who was dancing on the tables and trying to chat up some giggling girlies than anything else.
It didn't get out of hand though and at least I was spared a long night.
Wednesday with the band at Sandinista! was dissapointing more than anything else. We were due on at 11.20 which put paid to us getting much of a following. We managed to get on for about 11, by which stage a lot of the crowd had gone. On top of that the sound was difficult, although this was partly our fault, and really the night never achieved what it was supposed to for me.
On Thursday, the first day of summer, it was time for the Plough at Warmfield and here things went to plan. Ali, the landlord, is that rare breed: a live music enthusiast who happens to run a pub. Let's be honest, it wasn't very busy, but he managed to extract more added value than you would get in 100 pub gigs. Just think what he could do with a central venue and a bigger crowd! Along with his barstaff he managed to secure me 10 cd sales, a whipround for petrol money (not beer as I was driving) and an attentive polite audience. Thanks to Jon for recomending me to the venue, and I hope to be back there with the band in September.
Sunday night thankfully left me demob happy because it was the perfect way to wind down. A quiet solo set at Sandinista, not busy, but perfectly relaxed and comfortable for me.
I'm having a few days gigfree now so will update you on the next shows soon.
The second album is being worked on as we speak and I'm getting strangely addicted to myspace, as usual after everyone else has washed their hands of it. I'm only just coming round to Nirvana.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
FIRST REVIEW!
I think I mentioned this was happening, a recent gig at Sandinista's was reviewed by Sandman magazine. The review is printed in this month's edition and is also online at http://www.sandmanmagazine.co.uk/sandman/pages/frame.html
It's only a short review, see what you make of it:
If you’ve heard anything by Paul Jeffrey before you see him you’re liable to end up rather confused. A slight balding man with glasses, a striped jumper and cheeky Yorkshire humour greets you before belting out emotional piano ballads that Bon Jovi would be proud of. The intensity of the emotion on the surface meant at times I found it hard to get into the rumbling chord progressions, they moved fast and his voice was constantly twisting and turning. There’s something of Elton John in the campness of this and bizarrely the songs retain a weird transcendent balance between despair and positivity. copyright Sophie Kemp
So there you have it, my first live review. It's the sort of thing I've part wanted and part dreaded for a long time. I suppose it's a positive review so I'm happy with that. I think it's interesting to get someone else's opinion although there is this feeling of circumstances being beyond my control, especially in the visual department. But we are up there to gain exposure so it's no bad thing.
Last week there were 2 gigs, the first was for Cloth Cat at The Primrose on Thursday 7th June. Here I had the band in 3-piece guise with Keith and Steve. We played for about 40 minutes including covers of You Do Something To Me, The Letter and So Lonely. The audience was a bit indifferent (as was the rest of the music that night!), but at least there was a crowd after some disasterous attendances there lately.
On Sunday I was at The New Inn at Barwick for the 3rd time. Again it went well and I was pleased that people listened well for the whole set. As usual the 2nd set was very long and it was a very hot night too. I was quite tired by the end of it, even more so after running out of petrol on the way home!
The 2nd album is almost ready. I think I can now say this with a degree of confidence as all the track arrangements are now finished. All that is left to do is tweak the mixes and sort out the running order. The last track to be finished, 'Laura Jones', is going to be one of my favourites, it's sounding superb.
Tonight (wednesday) there's another Primrose gig, solo this time, and I'm told there will be another review, this time for NoTitle Magazine. So I'd better not be too camp this time. On Sunday the band is playing in the afternoon at the Railway, Berry Brow, which was a great gig last time. The one I'm really looking forward to is Sandinista next Wednesday (the 20th) which is the band's second acoustic gig. I'd be glad though to see anyone supporting at any of the nights.
I think I mentioned this was happening, a recent gig at Sandinista's was reviewed by Sandman magazine. The review is printed in this month's edition and is also online at http://www.sandmanmagazine.co.uk/sandman/pages/frame.html
It's only a short review, see what you make of it:
If you’ve heard anything by Paul Jeffrey before you see him you’re liable to end up rather confused. A slight balding man with glasses, a striped jumper and cheeky Yorkshire humour greets you before belting out emotional piano ballads that Bon Jovi would be proud of. The intensity of the emotion on the surface meant at times I found it hard to get into the rumbling chord progressions, they moved fast and his voice was constantly twisting and turning. There’s something of Elton John in the campness of this and bizarrely the songs retain a weird transcendent balance between despair and positivity. copyright Sophie Kemp
So there you have it, my first live review. It's the sort of thing I've part wanted and part dreaded for a long time. I suppose it's a positive review so I'm happy with that. I think it's interesting to get someone else's opinion although there is this feeling of circumstances being beyond my control, especially in the visual department. But we are up there to gain exposure so it's no bad thing.
Last week there were 2 gigs, the first was for Cloth Cat at The Primrose on Thursday 7th June. Here I had the band in 3-piece guise with Keith and Steve. We played for about 40 minutes including covers of You Do Something To Me, The Letter and So Lonely. The audience was a bit indifferent (as was the rest of the music that night!), but at least there was a crowd after some disasterous attendances there lately.
On Sunday I was at The New Inn at Barwick for the 3rd time. Again it went well and I was pleased that people listened well for the whole set. As usual the 2nd set was very long and it was a very hot night too. I was quite tired by the end of it, even more so after running out of petrol on the way home!
The 2nd album is almost ready. I think I can now say this with a degree of confidence as all the track arrangements are now finished. All that is left to do is tweak the mixes and sort out the running order. The last track to be finished, 'Laura Jones', is going to be one of my favourites, it's sounding superb.
Tonight (wednesday) there's another Primrose gig, solo this time, and I'm told there will be another review, this time for NoTitle Magazine. So I'd better not be too camp this time. On Sunday the band is playing in the afternoon at the Railway, Berry Brow, which was a great gig last time. The one I'm really looking forward to is Sandinista next Wednesday (the 20th) which is the band's second acoustic gig. I'd be glad though to see anyone supporting at any of the nights.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
New Photos!
I forgot to mention the other day....
there's some new photos online taken at the recent Paul Jeffery Band acoustic gig at Carpe Diem, Leeds.
http://www.mppix.com/2007_music_pj_cd.htm
The photos were taken by Mark Sayer at MPPIX Photography. The above link will go straight to his site, so you can check out his other work.
I've also got the pics running as a slideshow at my myspace page.
there's some new photos online taken at the recent Paul Jeffery Band acoustic gig at Carpe Diem, Leeds.
http://www.mppix.com/2007_music_pj_cd.htm
The photos were taken by Mark Sayer at MPPIX Photography. The above link will go straight to his site, so you can check out his other work.
I've also got the pics running as a slideshow at my myspace page.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Ok, loads to get through as a cold, a burnt head and a holiday have come and gone since mid-may.
'Young, Lost and Hopeful' continues to garner good reviews. It's gained these 'awards' they give out too, in addition to being Track Of The Day on May 21st.
Best Male Vocals overall, week of 21May2007
Best Male Vocals in Pop Rock, week of 21May2007
Best Production in Pop Rock, week of 21May2007
Best Melody in Pop Rock, week of 21May2007
Potential Soundtrack overall, week of 28May2007
Potential Soundtrack in Pop Rock, week of 28May2007
Shame it wasn't for the Ivors, maybe next year.
I was going to have a go at the two Norwegian reviews I received which went very much in the opposite direction to the general trend. Perhaps the word 'Hopeful' is too positive. However, I'm going to let them off as the poor person somehow had to review the same track twice, so it was actually only one Norwegian. I had it in my head that the only 2 bad reviews the song got were from the Scandanavian funland, but it's actually only one.
As I said at the start, it's been a funny fortnight for me. I made the old British era of forgetting a hat on Sunday the 20th, torching my head in the process. Although it gave me an excuse to say I'd been in an open-top car...still very painful though. Not sure if it was sunstroke as I also had a cold and was knackered from the two gigs already played that weekend.
Of course sods law dictated that the only Monday I felt off it, I had a gig to do. This was Doctor Wu's where they run a night of poetry, stand -up and even short films. I was not at my best, and wasn't too happy to be playing so late. But I found a comfy sofa and sat it out.
Everyone listened intently until the musicians went on. Gary Stewart copped it worse than me, as once again people displayed an inability to shut the fuck up during his set. They'd listened intently to some of the drivel earlier on no problem. I managed to get a rousing introduction from the compere which helped-there should be one of these at every mixed night-and mananged to sweat my way through 6 songs. I decided to debut 'If He Knew You' and 'Laura Jones' here, which will be on the new album. All in all not a bad set for me, and well received despite feeling like crap.
The following two days were given over to trying to feel better, and by Thursday things were back to the usual hectic pace. I went to watch old Elton at Sheffield and it was interesting to view from seats at the side of the stage. What a joy it must be to play a set from such a huge catalgue, as the mood takes you, and have 12,000 people go wild. No wonder Davey Johnstone says it's the best job in the world, too right!
The best moment came right at the end though. He finishes 'Your Song', walks off stage, and straight into a limo backed up with the doors open. Oh yes, I'd love to finish a gig like that too....he never spoke a word to the rest of the band, just straight off to a helicopter. And he never helped pack any gear away.
Saturday was the Barge and Barrel beer festival gig in Elland. This one is always more of a covers gig but I managed to play a good few originals too. They warmed up towards the end and it went down well. I had to laugh at the guy who said to me 'I liked half of what you did', damning with faint praise-Elland style! I know what he meant.
And that pretty much takes us into Spring Bank Week, which I spent in the Lakes, avoiding the Hole in t'Wall of course. Just time to mention one more gig which was last night, Sat 2nd. My first performance at the Royal Park Cellars, Headingly. Not a bad set, despite the lack of an audience, and another chance to play the 2 new songs.
'Young, Lost and Hopeful' continues to garner good reviews. It's gained these 'awards' they give out too, in addition to being Track Of The Day on May 21st.
Best Male Vocals overall, week of 21May2007
Best Male Vocals in Pop Rock, week of 21May2007
Best Production in Pop Rock, week of 21May2007
Best Melody in Pop Rock, week of 21May2007
Potential Soundtrack overall, week of 28May2007
Potential Soundtrack in Pop Rock, week of 28May2007
Shame it wasn't for the Ivors, maybe next year.
I was going to have a go at the two Norwegian reviews I received which went very much in the opposite direction to the general trend. Perhaps the word 'Hopeful' is too positive. However, I'm going to let them off as the poor person somehow had to review the same track twice, so it was actually only one Norwegian. I had it in my head that the only 2 bad reviews the song got were from the Scandanavian funland, but it's actually only one.
As I said at the start, it's been a funny fortnight for me. I made the old British era of forgetting a hat on Sunday the 20th, torching my head in the process. Although it gave me an excuse to say I'd been in an open-top car...still very painful though. Not sure if it was sunstroke as I also had a cold and was knackered from the two gigs already played that weekend.
Of course sods law dictated that the only Monday I felt off it, I had a gig to do. This was Doctor Wu's where they run a night of poetry, stand -up and even short films. I was not at my best, and wasn't too happy to be playing so late. But I found a comfy sofa and sat it out.
Everyone listened intently until the musicians went on. Gary Stewart copped it worse than me, as once again people displayed an inability to shut the fuck up during his set. They'd listened intently to some of the drivel earlier on no problem. I managed to get a rousing introduction from the compere which helped-there should be one of these at every mixed night-and mananged to sweat my way through 6 songs. I decided to debut 'If He Knew You' and 'Laura Jones' here, which will be on the new album. All in all not a bad set for me, and well received despite feeling like crap.
The following two days were given over to trying to feel better, and by Thursday things were back to the usual hectic pace. I went to watch old Elton at Sheffield and it was interesting to view from seats at the side of the stage. What a joy it must be to play a set from such a huge catalgue, as the mood takes you, and have 12,000 people go wild. No wonder Davey Johnstone says it's the best job in the world, too right!
The best moment came right at the end though. He finishes 'Your Song', walks off stage, and straight into a limo backed up with the doors open. Oh yes, I'd love to finish a gig like that too....he never spoke a word to the rest of the band, just straight off to a helicopter. And he never helped pack any gear away.
Saturday was the Barge and Barrel beer festival gig in Elland. This one is always more of a covers gig but I managed to play a good few originals too. They warmed up towards the end and it went down well. I had to laugh at the guy who said to me 'I liked half of what you did', damning with faint praise-Elland style! I know what he meant.
And that pretty much takes us into Spring Bank Week, which I spent in the Lakes, avoiding the Hole in t'Wall of course. Just time to mention one more gig which was last night, Sat 2nd. My first performance at the Royal Park Cellars, Headingly. Not a bad set, despite the lack of an audience, and another chance to play the 2 new songs.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Young, Lost and Hopeful to be garageband.com Track Of The Day!
Yes, as the title suggests, the main news this week is the progress of 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' on the garageband.com review/charts system. As I mentioned recently, the song had been getting some belting reviews, mainly from other musos too-which is never easy! The song's star rating has enabled it to progress into 'round 2', which means more reviews, and a higher chart placing.
But the big plus is that the track has been chosen to be garageband.com's 'Track Of The Day' on Monday 21st May!
This puts the song on the front page of the site on this link.
The song also had it's live band debut last night at Carpe Diem, where we were performing a set for NoTitle magazine's Leeds Acoustic Showcase. The set went very well and I think was well received. The standard of the other acts was good too.
Of course, being a scrote magnet, I had the pleasure of a couple of close calls, but thankfully there was no full scale pitch invasion-well it was Leeds after all.
The previous night I'd done a little set at Doctor Wu's, where again there were a couple of paralytic nobs, but again thankfully no infiltration of the stage area. I played 'Your Shadow' and 'How Do You Sleep', and also a couple of covers: 'Stuck in a Moment' and 'Boys Of Summer'. The latter especially helped to endeer me a bit more to the audience.
Last week I just did the Grove on Wednesday the 9th, which was a good do. I did 'I Don't Need' and 'Rocket Man', and managed to sell a whole album in the process. Not bad for a gig that means I can leave my keyboard at home!
This weekend it's cabaret time with a double helping of Morris followed by on Monday night a slot at Wu's. This one is a proper music night, with poetry, comedy and even films thrown in. It promises to be interesting for sure.
Thanks to everyone who found this link on their way to playing the new songs from the new mini-album. Last week there was a rush of excitement when 'These Eyes Of Mine' and 'Words' went high up the charts. Still no downloads, but we live in hope.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
MINI ALBUM RELEASE
OK, it's been at least 3 months since the last cd so....I now have a 6 track mini album availble!
The track listing is as follows:
1.These Eyes Of Mine
2.Words
3.I Don't Need (Look At Me)
4.Take It Back (Original Version)
5.How Do You Sleep
6.Breathe (Featuring Ema Dane)
You can link directly to hear 3,5 and 6. The other 3 will be uploaded shortly. All songs are available as mp3 downloads for just $0.75.
A bit about the songs.......
'These Eyes' and 'Words' were both part of a publishing deal which finished last year and thus are now free to actually be heard by people. They are both produced by Marc Barnes of Angelstar who also did the remix of 'Whiskey Coloured World'. 'These Eyes' may be familiar to you from gigs, both solo and the band. It's my normal opening song solo and the band has played it at every show so far. 'Words' has been drafted into the solo set recently, it's an uptempo track which helps.
'I Don't Need' is one of my favourite tracks. I think along with 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' it's my favourite melody. I love doing it live as it builds well after a quiet start. On one famous occasion it got an audience's attention, turning the rest of the gig into a tear-up. A real turning point.
I'm really trying to push this track because it deserves to be heard.
The original version of 'Take It Back' was recorded in August 2003. It's similar to the version on 'Lost in Love Town' but without the guitars and including Cheryl Barnes' backing vocals.
'How Do You Sleep' was written way back in 1998 and recorded at the same time as the 1st album. It's a lovely song with a great mini moog lead line and the guitar capoed high so it sounds a bit like a mandolin. I think you will find it was mentioned in a blog last year.
'Breathe' features another special guest, Ema Dane, on the vocals. I've worked with Emma for a few years now. She's a superb singer and 'Breathe' always works well for her. We first recorded it acoustically in 2002, and finally got round to doing a more polished version. Again, a song with a long history, I'm keen to get them out in the open and heard by everyone. Which is the general idea of songwriting.
There is of course an actual CD too. And this is the good bit....It includes the fantastic artwork by Carolina DaRoch from Chile. I'm happy to say she's a friend of mine and I think the artwork is very striking. I've got the first copy of the CD sitting at home and I just keep looking at the front cover, I'm really impressed by the pictures!
These CDs will be onsale at gigs for £5 starting very soon.
As far as gigs are concerned.....last week I was in Leeds 3 nights running. On Tues 1st May it was Doctor Wu's open mic. Very quiet this week and as is usual there a very small number of listeners. However it did feature the debut live performance of 'How Do You Sleep' and also another run at 'To Heartache and Back'. I also played 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' to finish with.
Wednesday was the best one, perhaps the best solo gig so far. It was my first time at Sandinista playing for the Grain Division's 'Late Night Colour' showcase. Kris Messerman and Gary Stewart were the other 2 acts, and I thought the overall standard was very high. The venue is small enough to be intimate and enough people listened and enjoyed the music. I was very pleased with my set, especially as I noticed a reviewer present, scribbling away, who turned out to be from Sandman. There should be a review of the show in June's magazine which will be my first and also good publicity.
Thursday was my opening slot at the Primrose Cloth Cat night. This can only be described as 'challenging' given the lack of audience! For the second time in a row the Primrose was virtually empty and whilst this didn't distract me, the inclusion of a token nobhead did! Not to worry, I played 'Dare' again, plus 'Heartache' and 'How Do You Sleep'. I can only hope things are back to normal on the Thursdays when my band plays there on June 7th.
On Friday I went to watch the aforementioned Adrian Burns perform in Bingley. He really is worth checking out. An acomplished guitarist with a great voice and some fab arrangements of well known songs. In common with my gig the previous night, there was a token nobhead interfering there too! It's not a bad pub, but it does make me wonder what planet people are on when they can totally ignore someone of Adrian's talent. To be blunt he's way better than that type of venue.
This week is quiet on the gig front, as O'Donoghue's is still being refurbished, so Thursday's gig has been postponed. The following week it's the band's first acoustic showcase at Carpe Diem, Leeds on May 16th-can't wait for that.
'Young, Lost and Hopeful' is still showing 5 stars with all it's 1st round reviews now in on garageband.com. You can read them all here. I'm hoping it will progress to round 2 thus gaining further reviews and a higher chart placing, all very exciting!
The track listing is as follows:
1.These Eyes Of Mine
2.Words
3.I Don't Need (Look At Me)
4.Take It Back (Original Version)
5.How Do You Sleep
6.Breathe (Featuring Ema Dane)
You can link directly to hear 3,5 and 6. The other 3 will be uploaded shortly. All songs are available as mp3 downloads for just $0.75.
A bit about the songs.......
'These Eyes' and 'Words' were both part of a publishing deal which finished last year and thus are now free to actually be heard by people. They are both produced by Marc Barnes of Angelstar who also did the remix of 'Whiskey Coloured World'. 'These Eyes' may be familiar to you from gigs, both solo and the band. It's my normal opening song solo and the band has played it at every show so far. 'Words' has been drafted into the solo set recently, it's an uptempo track which helps.
'I Don't Need' is one of my favourite tracks. I think along with 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' it's my favourite melody. I love doing it live as it builds well after a quiet start. On one famous occasion it got an audience's attention, turning the rest of the gig into a tear-up. A real turning point.
I'm really trying to push this track because it deserves to be heard.
The original version of 'Take It Back' was recorded in August 2003. It's similar to the version on 'Lost in Love Town' but without the guitars and including Cheryl Barnes' backing vocals.
'How Do You Sleep' was written way back in 1998 and recorded at the same time as the 1st album. It's a lovely song with a great mini moog lead line and the guitar capoed high so it sounds a bit like a mandolin. I think you will find it was mentioned in a blog last year.
'Breathe' features another special guest, Ema Dane, on the vocals. I've worked with Emma for a few years now. She's a superb singer and 'Breathe' always works well for her. We first recorded it acoustically in 2002, and finally got round to doing a more polished version. Again, a song with a long history, I'm keen to get them out in the open and heard by everyone. Which is the general idea of songwriting.
There is of course an actual CD too. And this is the good bit....It includes the fantastic artwork by Carolina DaRoch from Chile. I'm happy to say she's a friend of mine and I think the artwork is very striking. I've got the first copy of the CD sitting at home and I just keep looking at the front cover, I'm really impressed by the pictures!
These CDs will be onsale at gigs for £5 starting very soon.
As far as gigs are concerned.....last week I was in Leeds 3 nights running. On Tues 1st May it was Doctor Wu's open mic. Very quiet this week and as is usual there a very small number of listeners. However it did feature the debut live performance of 'How Do You Sleep' and also another run at 'To Heartache and Back'. I also played 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' to finish with.
Wednesday was the best one, perhaps the best solo gig so far. It was my first time at Sandinista playing for the Grain Division's 'Late Night Colour' showcase. Kris Messerman and Gary Stewart were the other 2 acts, and I thought the overall standard was very high. The venue is small enough to be intimate and enough people listened and enjoyed the music. I was very pleased with my set, especially as I noticed a reviewer present, scribbling away, who turned out to be from Sandman. There should be a review of the show in June's magazine which will be my first and also good publicity.
Thursday was my opening slot at the Primrose Cloth Cat night. This can only be described as 'challenging' given the lack of audience! For the second time in a row the Primrose was virtually empty and whilst this didn't distract me, the inclusion of a token nobhead did! Not to worry, I played 'Dare' again, plus 'Heartache' and 'How Do You Sleep'. I can only hope things are back to normal on the Thursdays when my band plays there on June 7th.
On Friday I went to watch the aforementioned Adrian Burns perform in Bingley. He really is worth checking out. An acomplished guitarist with a great voice and some fab arrangements of well known songs. In common with my gig the previous night, there was a token nobhead interfering there too! It's not a bad pub, but it does make me wonder what planet people are on when they can totally ignore someone of Adrian's talent. To be blunt he's way better than that type of venue.
This week is quiet on the gig front, as O'Donoghue's is still being refurbished, so Thursday's gig has been postponed. The following week it's the band's first acoustic showcase at Carpe Diem, Leeds on May 16th-can't wait for that.
'Young, Lost and Hopeful' is still showing 5 stars with all it's 1st round reviews now in on garageband.com. You can read them all here. I'm hoping it will progress to round 2 thus gaining further reviews and a higher chart placing, all very exciting!
Monday, April 30, 2007
3 gigs this week: Tuesday I went back to the popular open night at The Abbey, Bramley. It was a lively session as usual and I performed 'I Don't Need' and a couple of covers: Handle With Care and Your Song.
I Don't Need (Look At Me) was written in November 2003 and recorded in 2004. Since then it's been performed quite a lot but never been released. Now it will be featured on the new mini-album, due out within the next week or so. The track is already on my site and is also uploaded on to the soundclick site. Click the link please! I'm trying to give this song the exposure it deserves, it's always been one of my favourites. The more plays it gets the higher up the charts it will go!!
Back to the gigging and Thursday was a new venue for me. The Puzzle Hall at Sowerby Bridge.
This is a real goldmine as far as live music is concerned. They run all kinds of music, on many nights of the week. The setting is good, as is the beer, and it's very small and intimate too. Amazingly, despite it's proximity for me, I've never played there before. I did 3 original songs: These Eyes, Your Shadow and Whiskey. I went down pretty well and was pleased to discover yet another friendly open night. I'm in the process of sorting out a booked gig there, hopefully with the band in some guise. It would be well worth a visit.
On Saturday I played a showcase for Notitle magazine at Dare Cafe in Headingly. I played about 40 minutes, including a live debut of a song called....Dare!! Well it had to be done really....it's a song written by Pete and me in 1998, and will be included on the 3rd album for those of you keeping score. I also performed 'Tiny Dancer' and 'One Of Us' to round things off. The venue is a small cellar bar, tailor-made for acoustic gigs. The audience is mainly students, who struggled to listen but remembered to clap heartily. All in all, a good night. Speaking of students, that area of Headingly is absolutely crawling with them. I nearly knocked several over driving in, better luck next time I guess.
This week there are 2 major shows. On Wednesday I'm making my debut at Sandinistas in Leeds for the Grain Division 'Late Night Colour' gig. This is another acoustic night. There's 3 artists doing 30 minutes each. I'm on at 10pm in the middle slot. Gary Stewart (who I've supported before and is excellent) is headlining, and Kris Mersessman is opening at 9.15.
On Thursday I'm doing my regular opening slot for the Cloth Cat night down at The Primrose.
More and more gigs are being added, with the Paul Jeffery Band getting in on the act too. I might have to start a seperate blog for that soon! Suffice to say for now that the band will be playing 2 acoustic showcases for NoTitle mag (as featured on Look North!) on Wednesdays 16th May and 20th June, both are in Leeds city centre.
5-STAR REVIEWS ON GARAGE BAND.COM
Rather like hotels, songs on garageband.com are rated on a 5 star basis. I've currently got 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' up for a grilling. At the moment it has an excellent 5 star rating, with over half the reviews completed. Remember this is the site where musicians and writers review each other's songs on a 'blind' basis. ie, you are sent a song at random to review, irrespective of whether you like the music or know who it is. As we all know, musicians are a cynical set of bastards, so to achieve anything like the reviews it's had is an achievement. Especially as I don't consider myself to play musicians' music, my tastes and influences are more akin to a housewife's (when such a thing existed).
More news very soon on the new mini-album, as soon as the cover design is finished!
I Don't Need (Look At Me) was written in November 2003 and recorded in 2004. Since then it's been performed quite a lot but never been released. Now it will be featured on the new mini-album, due out within the next week or so. The track is already on my site and is also uploaded on to the soundclick site. Click the link please! I'm trying to give this song the exposure it deserves, it's always been one of my favourites. The more plays it gets the higher up the charts it will go!!
Back to the gigging and Thursday was a new venue for me. The Puzzle Hall at Sowerby Bridge.
This is a real goldmine as far as live music is concerned. They run all kinds of music, on many nights of the week. The setting is good, as is the beer, and it's very small and intimate too. Amazingly, despite it's proximity for me, I've never played there before. I did 3 original songs: These Eyes, Your Shadow and Whiskey. I went down pretty well and was pleased to discover yet another friendly open night. I'm in the process of sorting out a booked gig there, hopefully with the band in some guise. It would be well worth a visit.
On Saturday I played a showcase for Notitle magazine at Dare Cafe in Headingly. I played about 40 minutes, including a live debut of a song called....Dare!! Well it had to be done really....it's a song written by Pete and me in 1998, and will be included on the 3rd album for those of you keeping score. I also performed 'Tiny Dancer' and 'One Of Us' to round things off. The venue is a small cellar bar, tailor-made for acoustic gigs. The audience is mainly students, who struggled to listen but remembered to clap heartily. All in all, a good night. Speaking of students, that area of Headingly is absolutely crawling with them. I nearly knocked several over driving in, better luck next time I guess.
This week there are 2 major shows. On Wednesday I'm making my debut at Sandinistas in Leeds for the Grain Division 'Late Night Colour' gig. This is another acoustic night. There's 3 artists doing 30 minutes each. I'm on at 10pm in the middle slot. Gary Stewart (who I've supported before and is excellent) is headlining, and Kris Mersessman is opening at 9.15.
On Thursday I'm doing my regular opening slot for the Cloth Cat night down at The Primrose.
More and more gigs are being added, with the Paul Jeffery Band getting in on the act too. I might have to start a seperate blog for that soon! Suffice to say for now that the band will be playing 2 acoustic showcases for NoTitle mag (as featured on Look North!) on Wednesdays 16th May and 20th June, both are in Leeds city centre.
5-STAR REVIEWS ON GARAGE BAND.COM
Rather like hotels, songs on garageband.com are rated on a 5 star basis. I've currently got 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' up for a grilling. At the moment it has an excellent 5 star rating, with over half the reviews completed. Remember this is the site where musicians and writers review each other's songs on a 'blind' basis. ie, you are sent a song at random to review, irrespective of whether you like the music or know who it is. As we all know, musicians are a cynical set of bastards, so to achieve anything like the reviews it's had is an achievement. Especially as I don't consider myself to play musicians' music, my tastes and influences are more akin to a housewife's (when such a thing existed).
More news very soon on the new mini-album, as soon as the cover design is finished!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Fresh from a Sunday gig in Sheffield, I went back to Doc Wu's on Tuesday 17th April. I played 'These Eyes', 'Words', 'I Don't Need' and The Letter. The set's theme kind of reflects the new mini-album I'm putting out very soon.
I'll mention that in more detail at some point, surfice to say it's going to be 6 tracks, and features 5 of my vocals plus one female guest. It's the usual mix of co-writers and the artwork is new and stunning. You can treat it as an interim release between the 2 albums if you like. It will be on sale shortly and the tracks will be hearable on all the usual upload sites.
A Chance Encounter.....
Directly after Wu's I decided to check out a couple of other places, so it became a non-alcoholic pub crawl around Leeds. Firstly, the Duck and Drake. I wanted to size it up for possible gigs there myself, but found I'd stumbled across a really good musician performing there. His name is Adrian Byron Burns and he's an amazing singer. Great bluesy, deep vocals. I only saw about 3 tunes, but was compelled to leave him a message on his website. I greatly recommend you check him out.
It just goes to show you can still walk into a pub by chance and see a talented artist perform. I had no idea who was playing that night when I got there. If only A&R men had the same amount of talent. I wish someone would pay me to go around venues listening to acts. There's always the PRS surveys I suppose.....
Wednesday was my second slot for Dr.H at The Primrose. This falls under the category of a 'quiet night'. The crowd was a bit thin, but I enjoyed my set there nonetheless. I've never been bothered about 'dead' audiences, at least if it's quiet there's less chance of attracting a loony. Something I should start a degree course on. BA (hons) in Scrote-Magnetism. I could teach that course.
Friday and Saturday were kept away from music, as I indulged some other passions I have (no, no those). I could add 'human interest' (which is the idea of a blog) but would probably bore you to death. Suffice to say, I'm contemplating starting a BRISCA Stock Car Racing blog in the near future-you have been warned and be very afraid.
On Sunday I had to be a musician again. This time it was the Paul Jeffery Band and this time not at Zephyr Bar but at The Railway, Berry Brow.
This venue is the local pub of the producer of my 2nd album. I was assured it was ok, and indeed it was fantastic! A throw-back to the old days of playing to Sunday afternoon drinkers, when I arrived I must admit I was a little apprehensive. It was pubs of this ilk where I gained my foundation course in Scrote-magnetism.
However, after a few songs to settle in, and make sure we weren't too loud, the gig really flowed. We went down a bomb too. The original material carried well and the whole thing was a success. Next time promises to be even better with more promotion.
It may not be Wembley, but there won't be many bands playing original material who could work that sort of crowd.
The main one this week is on Saturday 28th April. I'm playing a showcase in association with Notitle magazine, a fast -growing Leeds fanzine.
I'm playing a 30 minute set at 9:30 at Dare Cafe, Headingly. Please come down, I'm told the atmosphere is great at these gigs.
I'll mention that in more detail at some point, surfice to say it's going to be 6 tracks, and features 5 of my vocals plus one female guest. It's the usual mix of co-writers and the artwork is new and stunning. You can treat it as an interim release between the 2 albums if you like. It will be on sale shortly and the tracks will be hearable on all the usual upload sites.
A Chance Encounter.....
Directly after Wu's I decided to check out a couple of other places, so it became a non-alcoholic pub crawl around Leeds. Firstly, the Duck and Drake. I wanted to size it up for possible gigs there myself, but found I'd stumbled across a really good musician performing there. His name is Adrian Byron Burns and he's an amazing singer. Great bluesy, deep vocals. I only saw about 3 tunes, but was compelled to leave him a message on his website. I greatly recommend you check him out.
It just goes to show you can still walk into a pub by chance and see a talented artist perform. I had no idea who was playing that night when I got there. If only A&R men had the same amount of talent. I wish someone would pay me to go around venues listening to acts. There's always the PRS surveys I suppose.....
Wednesday was my second slot for Dr.H at The Primrose. This falls under the category of a 'quiet night'. The crowd was a bit thin, but I enjoyed my set there nonetheless. I've never been bothered about 'dead' audiences, at least if it's quiet there's less chance of attracting a loony. Something I should start a degree course on. BA (hons) in Scrote-Magnetism. I could teach that course.
Friday and Saturday were kept away from music, as I indulged some other passions I have (no, no those). I could add 'human interest' (which is the idea of a blog) but would probably bore you to death. Suffice to say, I'm contemplating starting a BRISCA Stock Car Racing blog in the near future-you have been warned and be very afraid.
On Sunday I had to be a musician again. This time it was the Paul Jeffery Band and this time not at Zephyr Bar but at The Railway, Berry Brow.
This venue is the local pub of the producer of my 2nd album. I was assured it was ok, and indeed it was fantastic! A throw-back to the old days of playing to Sunday afternoon drinkers, when I arrived I must admit I was a little apprehensive. It was pubs of this ilk where I gained my foundation course in Scrote-magnetism.
However, after a few songs to settle in, and make sure we weren't too loud, the gig really flowed. We went down a bomb too. The original material carried well and the whole thing was a success. Next time promises to be even better with more promotion.
It may not be Wembley, but there won't be many bands playing original material who could work that sort of crowd.
The main one this week is on Saturday 28th April. I'm playing a showcase in association with Notitle magazine, a fast -growing Leeds fanzine.
I'm playing a 30 minute set at 9:30 at Dare Cafe, Headingly. Please come down, I'm told the atmosphere is great at these gigs.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
I took in the old firm of open mics on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th April. That means Doctor Wus and The Grove.
Wus was around the normal level, and The Grove was a little more special given it was the 1st birthday do of the people who run the night.
I went on last in the 1st half, and played 'Words' (for the first time in ages) and 'In the Lap of The Gods (Revisited)'-yes, the Queen song which I attempted with partial success to turn into a singalong number. The atmosphere was just right for me and I felt I made a good impression.
The reason behind the choice of tracks: 'Words' was written with Sarah in 2003/4 and was then signed on a publishing deal for 2 years. I've since got the song back and will be putting it out on a new Mini-Album containing 6 tracks. This release may well be before the 2nd album at the moment. The Queen song is one of 2 covers I have recently recorded for the future. Brave I know but I love the song and wanted to give it a go.
On the easter weekend I worked Sunday night back at the New Inn, Barwick-in-Elmet. This is becoming a favourite venue where I can play a full night of covers and originals to an appreciative audience. Thats certainly been the case on the last 2 visits.
Had a lovely day out/off on Tuesday going to the Peak district and then it was a full weekend of gigs. The only originals gig of these was Sunday 15th at the Redhouse in Sheffield. This venue is ideal for acoustic gigs, a hidden city centre gem in my opinion. I was playing on the night hosted by Paul Pearson who I met at the Abbey Inn, Bramley a few weeks ago. I was on last (headlining?) and played a half-hour set. This was my first foray into Sheffield's original music scene and I really enjoyed the venue.
Well, that's the last couple of weeks' gigs dealt with. The band will be at the Railway, Berry Brow this Sunday afternoon at 4pm.
Wus was around the normal level, and The Grove was a little more special given it was the 1st birthday do of the people who run the night.
I went on last in the 1st half, and played 'Words' (for the first time in ages) and 'In the Lap of The Gods (Revisited)'-yes, the Queen song which I attempted with partial success to turn into a singalong number. The atmosphere was just right for me and I felt I made a good impression.
The reason behind the choice of tracks: 'Words' was written with Sarah in 2003/4 and was then signed on a publishing deal for 2 years. I've since got the song back and will be putting it out on a new Mini-Album containing 6 tracks. This release may well be before the 2nd album at the moment. The Queen song is one of 2 covers I have recently recorded for the future. Brave I know but I love the song and wanted to give it a go.
On the easter weekend I worked Sunday night back at the New Inn, Barwick-in-Elmet. This is becoming a favourite venue where I can play a full night of covers and originals to an appreciative audience. Thats certainly been the case on the last 2 visits.
Had a lovely day out/off on Tuesday going to the Peak district and then it was a full weekend of gigs. The only originals gig of these was Sunday 15th at the Redhouse in Sheffield. This venue is ideal for acoustic gigs, a hidden city centre gem in my opinion. I was playing on the night hosted by Paul Pearson who I met at the Abbey Inn, Bramley a few weeks ago. I was on last (headlining?) and played a half-hour set. This was my first foray into Sheffield's original music scene and I really enjoyed the venue.
Well, that's the last couple of weeks' gigs dealt with. The band will be at the Railway, Berry Brow this Sunday afternoon at 4pm.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Tuesday 20th March saw a new venue tried for the first time. I was planning to go to Santiago's, which are advertising a Tuesday Open Mic, but while trying to find details I stumbled across a night at the Abbey Inn, Bramley. Yes, Bramley, not normally associated with a vibrant live music scene, or so I thought! I've played quite a few gigs in Bram, all the main 3 clubs, and all gigs had one thing in common-they were all shit. However, that was in the old days, and the Abbey had actually been recommended to me some weeks ago by a poet at The Grove.
To start with, it's a nice place, with a friendly atmosphere, vital if you want my support. It takes the form of a 'singaround', which at first reminded me of Baccapipes-an instant chill down the spine! However, this particular singaround is not exclusively anal folk. There's a variety of musicians playing a variey of styles, and I was made to feel very welcome. I played 'Hide Your Love Away', '7 Shades of Grey' and 'Waterloo Sunset'. A lovely night, and productive too in terms of CD sales and bookings. I'm now booked for a solo night and a festival slot there in the summer.
Wednesday 21st March brought us another new place. The Fox and Newt in Leeds. This place broke all the rules in terms of scroteiness, but luckily there was an open mic and I got out with my head still attached to my shoulders. The landlord has been described elsewhere on the net as a 'character' and this certainly helps create a strangely friendly atmosphere. Rough as a bears' backside, but friendly. To start with there were a few folk from the WTS, playing their first public performance-what a place to start! Then I took over and did 3 covers, 'Hide Your Love Away', 'Sunny Afternoon' and 'Weather With You', the latter of which was something of a favourite of the glass collecter. An interesting experience, and one which I peversely enjoyed, but I woulnd't be too sure about a repeat performance just yet. Put it this way, I dared not plug my CDs for sale!
The following week was busy with a repeat performance at the Abbey on the Tuesday 27th. This time I did 'Stuck in a Moment', 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' and 'Freefalling'. By coincidence I met up with the chap who runs the Fox&Newt open mic. I think he did a good job under trying circumstances at the latter!!
Onto Thursday, and yes-the band's 2nd gig at the Zephyr Bar. Billed as having 'a bigger PA than Knebworth' (I've a photo to show you when I get it uploaded). The night was another belter, with me right on the limit of vocal adhesion by the end. The first set wasn't as tight as we would have liked, but the 2nd was bang-on. 'Even' stood out as a strong song, and we debuted 'Old Wishing Well' from the EP too. I can't wait for the next gig on the 22nd April (4pm) at the Railway, Berry Brow, Huddersfield.
The following day me and Paul Flieshman recorded some guitars for the 3rd album, and that brought an end to a busy week.
This week it's just the old faithful of Wu's on Tuesday 3rd April and The Grove on the 4th. On Sunday the 8th, Easter Sunday, sees the second coming at the New Inn at Barwick-in-Elmet. A full set of originals and covers starting at 9pm.
Happy Easter.
To start with, it's a nice place, with a friendly atmosphere, vital if you want my support. It takes the form of a 'singaround', which at first reminded me of Baccapipes-an instant chill down the spine! However, this particular singaround is not exclusively anal folk. There's a variety of musicians playing a variey of styles, and I was made to feel very welcome. I played 'Hide Your Love Away', '7 Shades of Grey' and 'Waterloo Sunset'. A lovely night, and productive too in terms of CD sales and bookings. I'm now booked for a solo night and a festival slot there in the summer.
Wednesday 21st March brought us another new place. The Fox and Newt in Leeds. This place broke all the rules in terms of scroteiness, but luckily there was an open mic and I got out with my head still attached to my shoulders. The landlord has been described elsewhere on the net as a 'character' and this certainly helps create a strangely friendly atmosphere. Rough as a bears' backside, but friendly. To start with there were a few folk from the WTS, playing their first public performance-what a place to start! Then I took over and did 3 covers, 'Hide Your Love Away', 'Sunny Afternoon' and 'Weather With You', the latter of which was something of a favourite of the glass collecter. An interesting experience, and one which I peversely enjoyed, but I woulnd't be too sure about a repeat performance just yet. Put it this way, I dared not plug my CDs for sale!
The following week was busy with a repeat performance at the Abbey on the Tuesday 27th. This time I did 'Stuck in a Moment', 'Young, Lost and Hopeful' and 'Freefalling'. By coincidence I met up with the chap who runs the Fox&Newt open mic. I think he did a good job under trying circumstances at the latter!!
Onto Thursday, and yes-the band's 2nd gig at the Zephyr Bar. Billed as having 'a bigger PA than Knebworth' (I've a photo to show you when I get it uploaded). The night was another belter, with me right on the limit of vocal adhesion by the end. The first set wasn't as tight as we would have liked, but the 2nd was bang-on. 'Even' stood out as a strong song, and we debuted 'Old Wishing Well' from the EP too. I can't wait for the next gig on the 22nd April (4pm) at the Railway, Berry Brow, Huddersfield.
The following day me and Paul Flieshman recorded some guitars for the 3rd album, and that brought an end to a busy week.
This week it's just the old faithful of Wu's on Tuesday 3rd April and The Grove on the 4th. On Sunday the 8th, Easter Sunday, sees the second coming at the New Inn at Barwick-in-Elmet. A full set of originals and covers starting at 9pm.
Happy Easter.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Primrose gig on Sunday March 11th was one of my most satisfying solo sets this year. I went on first, and got a very warm reception. I'm already looking forward to returning on April 18th to do another promoted night.
Speaking of future gigs, you can now view my up to date gig list on the website. Just simply click on 'gigs' on the front page.
Last week I played just the one night, which was Tuesday at Doctor Wu's. I debuted a new song 'To Heartache and Back' which is hopefully going to be on the new album. In addition I opened with 'Life' and brought back 'Money From The Satisfied Man' as well as the popular 'Your Shadow'.
I had 2 days' recording sessions also. On Monday it was a vocal session with Sally, working on tracks for what will be the 3rd album(!), you have to plan ahead...
And on Friday with Jon Strong on the 2nd album, which is nearing completion, I will of course let you know when!
Interstingly, I am starting to get mentioned occasionally on the web, which is an exciting experience. So after googling myself last week (I still walk with a limp) I found that there has been some comment on the leedsmusicscene forum, and also a random mention in a blog. The latter can be viewed here. The post is dated March 9th and refers to the O'Donoghue's gig the previous night.
Speaking of future gigs, you can now view my up to date gig list on the website. Just simply click on 'gigs' on the front page.
Last week I played just the one night, which was Tuesday at Doctor Wu's. I debuted a new song 'To Heartache and Back' which is hopefully going to be on the new album. In addition I opened with 'Life' and brought back 'Money From The Satisfied Man' as well as the popular 'Your Shadow'.
I had 2 days' recording sessions also. On Monday it was a vocal session with Sally, working on tracks for what will be the 3rd album(!), you have to plan ahead...
And on Friday with Jon Strong on the 2nd album, which is nearing completion, I will of course let you know when!
Interstingly, I am starting to get mentioned occasionally on the web, which is an exciting experience. So after googling myself last week (I still walk with a limp) I found that there has been some comment on the leedsmusicscene forum, and also a random mention in a blog. The latter can be viewed here. The post is dated March 9th and refers to the O'Donoghue's gig the previous night.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Monday the 26th February was straight back to business with O'Donoghue's again at Wakefield. I played 'Your Shadow, Whiskey Coloured World' and the Beatles' 'You Got to Hide Your Love Away', complete with Wakefield's answer to Ringo on tambourine... the latter song is one of the covers from my set.
On Wednesday I took in The Grove again, this time with the express interest in playing some new songs! So therefore 2 more songs made their live debuts, these being 'Cold Steel Lover' and 'Lost In Love Town'. The former is a new song from the forthcoming album, which is also getting nearer to completion now, more news soon!
March began with, you guessed it, another gig! On Thursday 1st I did the opening spot at The Primrose-doing half an hour's worth of originals plus the Rocket Man cover. The originals were These Eyes, Shadow, Whiskey, Prisoner, Old Wishing Well and Cold Cold Day. It was busy but well-received, although the latter song didn't seem to capture the public's imagination on this occasion.
This week just ending featured 3 full-on gigs. On Tuesday it was Zephyr Bar, scene of the band's debut recently. The solo set went well too, rising to a strong reception at the end. There was a bizarre moment when someone requested Waterloo Sunset, a song that I've only just started doing and never done there before. Perhaps that's 3 people who read this!!
On Wednesday it was The Wardrobe in Leeds, for a 25 min set. This is the sort of venue us musicians are always chasing after, as it's the sort of place where people come to listen to the live music, and not just talk over it. I was pleased with my performance which contained 'Shadow, Whiskey, Gods+Angels, I Don't Need, Old Wishing Well, Life and Cold Day. Nice to see the latter went well on all three nights this week, and I was also the last act on of the 3 on the night.
Last night it was my first booked slot at O'Donoghue's and despite it being a 'quiet night' (or intimate as we prefer to call it), I did 2 one hour slots of covers and originals. As well as the normal numbers, I brought in 'Even', 'Young Lost and Hopeful' and 'Lost In Love Town'. Quite a strong gig and well received by those there, I was very happy with it.
In between all this, I've been working on some tracks at home which will be the mind-boggling 3rd album soon. Please follow myspace also for further gig updates. I'm playing at The Primrose this Sunday evening, doing another half hour, the next week will be quieter gig-wise with 2 rehearsal nights, and probably a trip to Doctor Wu's on Tuesday.
On Wednesday I took in The Grove again, this time with the express interest in playing some new songs! So therefore 2 more songs made their live debuts, these being 'Cold Steel Lover' and 'Lost In Love Town'. The former is a new song from the forthcoming album, which is also getting nearer to completion now, more news soon!
March began with, you guessed it, another gig! On Thursday 1st I did the opening spot at The Primrose-doing half an hour's worth of originals plus the Rocket Man cover. The originals were These Eyes, Shadow, Whiskey, Prisoner, Old Wishing Well and Cold Cold Day. It was busy but well-received, although the latter song didn't seem to capture the public's imagination on this occasion.
This week just ending featured 3 full-on gigs. On Tuesday it was Zephyr Bar, scene of the band's debut recently. The solo set went well too, rising to a strong reception at the end. There was a bizarre moment when someone requested Waterloo Sunset, a song that I've only just started doing and never done there before. Perhaps that's 3 people who read this!!
On Wednesday it was The Wardrobe in Leeds, for a 25 min set. This is the sort of venue us musicians are always chasing after, as it's the sort of place where people come to listen to the live music, and not just talk over it. I was pleased with my performance which contained 'Shadow, Whiskey, Gods+Angels, I Don't Need, Old Wishing Well, Life and Cold Day. Nice to see the latter went well on all three nights this week, and I was also the last act on of the 3 on the night.
Last night it was my first booked slot at O'Donoghue's and despite it being a 'quiet night' (or intimate as we prefer to call it), I did 2 one hour slots of covers and originals. As well as the normal numbers, I brought in 'Even', 'Young Lost and Hopeful' and 'Lost In Love Town'. Quite a strong gig and well received by those there, I was very happy with it.
In between all this, I've been working on some tracks at home which will be the mind-boggling 3rd album soon. Please follow myspace also for further gig updates. I'm playing at The Primrose this Sunday evening, doing another half hour, the next week will be quieter gig-wise with 2 rehearsal nights, and probably a trip to Doctor Wu's on Tuesday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)