I spent Sunday evening watching the Olympic closing ceremony. A great combination of a big event, music and beer (I was at the pub at the time!). I enjoyed watching it, and not just because of the beer. There has been an increasing sense of belonging as the games progressed. And by the end of the weekend, there were people on Twitter actually wishing it would continue a bit longer, I know how they felt.
Now it's back to normal which means bad news will return to our screens. It's amazing how the Olympics has managed to push most of the bad news out of the picture, and leave us with mainly, well, good news! I'm all for positivity (as long as I can still moan about things) so I think for me that will be the lasting effect of the games: the positive effect it had on everyone. Even if you didn't like sport it pushed away a lot of negative stories and everyone can benefit from that.
Oh, and Queen with Jessie J has a lot of potential, I think we should see more.
GIGS
Back in my little world, I played 2 gigs last week, both bookings for a change. The first was the White Swan in Leeds on Thursday night which is next door to City Varieties. Resisting the temptation to play 'On Mother Kelly's Doorstep' I played a 20min set including some of my songs. The venue is pristine, and a couple of free drinks for performers are always welcomed! I'm still feeling my way a bit with the solo gigs. I used to do these sort of gigs 3-4 times a week so now I feel just a little bit rusty, under-rehearsed and over-aged! Let me just say I'm enjoying it immensely though.
On Saturday night I played at the Rose & Crown at Greetland, which is a local venue to me and a different style of gig. Here I did the full night, around 2 hours' playing in the end, and it's largely a covers gig with the emphasis on entertainment. The crowd is so welcoming there that it's a very enjoyable experience. I just wish there were more places like this, I shall keep looking!
This week is a little quieter as we're doing some mixing for BitterSweetShop, but I will be at the Chemic Tavern again on Thursday (16th) continuing my 're-learning curve'.
LISTENING
If someone had told me 15 years ago that I'd one day be talking positively about a Noel Gallagher album I'd have put them straight. But times change, and so do tastes. His 'High Flying Birds' album for me is very good indeed. It's also extremely well-produced. Whilst his voice isn't as penetrative as Liam's his songwriting most certainly is. I really rate this album, in particular the signature song 'What A Life!', a really tasty production job.
I also listened to Jethro Tull's 'Rock Island' album. I'm still a newcomer to their music, which can be a bit challenging at times. Some of the lyrics and sections are so far off the wall it's hard to fathom, but I must say I love the flute bits which sound really distinctive.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
OLYMPIC FEVER is gripping the nation at the moment, and I must say it's making the world a more positive place in general. I did my bit over the weekend, travelling down to London to watch the Tennis final at Wimbledon on Sunday. The weekend was already going well from the night before, as we sat in the hotel bar watching Jessica Ennis and Mo Farrar run to gold. The atmosphere in the bar was tremendous.
Despite getting soaked walking into Wimbledon on Sunday morning the day was very special. I got a superb view of the action as Andy Murray won gold, and nearly got another later on. In addition there were the Williams sisters and Viktoria Azarenka (she of the owl noise), all in all a day I'll remember for a long time.
GIGS
Back up North, I performed at The Ship again on Tues 31st July. Just before I started my last song I got a shouted request to play a Joe Cocker song. It's a nice feeling to actually get a request like that, rather than some of the stuff that's been shouted out over the years. So an impromtu (that means un-rehearsed) version of 'With A Little Help From My Friends' followed.
STUDIO
I've been recording vocals for BitterSweetShop. We're going to do a mini-album of the songs in their 'live' format, ie just keyboards and vocals, no overdubs etc... All the vocals have been recorded for the 6 songs so it's onto the mixing next. Shouldn't take long as there's only a maximum of 3 parts playing (2 voices, one keyb.), but with mixing anything you should never tempt fate!
LISTENING
I was very excited to listen to the new (yes, new) Beach Boys album 'That's Why God Made The Radio'. It's been recorded to mark the 50th anniversary of the band. Yes, all the classic elements are there but there's no real gem of a song, and it all sounds strangely dated to me. It certainly sounds like the Beach Boys but from about 40 years ago. Maybe that was the idea, but I'd rather have a timepiece that relates to the here and now rather than something that's purely nostalgic.
I also listened to a Melissa Etheridge album 'Brave And Crazy.' I had the pleasure of seeing her perform in Huddersfield supporting Bryan Adams many years ago and I like her style. She's a bit of a female Bruce Springsteen in a way, lots of emotion and power in the songs.
Next up was Deacon Blue's 'Raintown' album. It's worth it for 'Dignity' which to me is a highly moving song.
More news coming soon!
Despite getting soaked walking into Wimbledon on Sunday morning the day was very special. I got a superb view of the action as Andy Murray won gold, and nearly got another later on. In addition there were the Williams sisters and Viktoria Azarenka (she of the owl noise), all in all a day I'll remember for a long time.
GIGS
Back up North, I performed at The Ship again on Tues 31st July. Just before I started my last song I got a shouted request to play a Joe Cocker song. It's a nice feeling to actually get a request like that, rather than some of the stuff that's been shouted out over the years. So an impromtu (that means un-rehearsed) version of 'With A Little Help From My Friends' followed.
STUDIO
I've been recording vocals for BitterSweetShop. We're going to do a mini-album of the songs in their 'live' format, ie just keyboards and vocals, no overdubs etc... All the vocals have been recorded for the 6 songs so it's onto the mixing next. Shouldn't take long as there's only a maximum of 3 parts playing (2 voices, one keyb.), but with mixing anything you should never tempt fate!
LISTENING
I was very excited to listen to the new (yes, new) Beach Boys album 'That's Why God Made The Radio'. It's been recorded to mark the 50th anniversary of the band. Yes, all the classic elements are there but there's no real gem of a song, and it all sounds strangely dated to me. It certainly sounds like the Beach Boys but from about 40 years ago. Maybe that was the idea, but I'd rather have a timepiece that relates to the here and now rather than something that's purely nostalgic.
I also listened to a Melissa Etheridge album 'Brave And Crazy.' I had the pleasure of seeing her perform in Huddersfield supporting Bryan Adams many years ago and I like her style. She's a bit of a female Bruce Springsteen in a way, lots of emotion and power in the songs.
Next up was Deacon Blue's 'Raintown' album. It's worth it for 'Dignity' which to me is a highly moving song.
More news coming soon!
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
THERE APPEARS TO BE something called the Olympic Games being held at the moment. As you will know, I am a sports fan, just not particularly of the sports that make up the games. I used to follow Track& Field Athletics avidly, but that interest faded a long time ago as Rugby League became a summer sport and more and more athletes seem to get caught cheating.
I've felt fairly indifferent about the olympics as an event even though I'm going to watch the Tennis next week. Tennis being the one sport I do follow. This indifference continued well into early Friday evening, but my cynicism began to melt and by the time the Opening Ceremony started I must admit I was fairly keen. I thought the event went very well and I did feel a sense of 'belonging' which I find is a nice feeling more people should try more often!
Gigs
My 'solo tour' (consisting so far of 2 Leeds venues) has continued with appearances at The Chemic on July 19th and The Ship again on July 24th. I can't exactly how much I'm enjoying doing these gigs, nor really why. Being self-reliant is clearly one aspect I enjoy. Another is the 'back to basics' feel. If I didn't mention it before, I've been practicing and performing arrangements I've been working on, rather than just going in the hope of remembering all the words and ploughing through each song. Now I go with an idea of dynamics, where songs should be louder or quieter, a radical approach I know! Being obsessed with figures (did I mention Beach Volleyball ?), I'm enjoying annalysing which songs go down better than others and which ones I play better...it's something that fascinates me and if it seems a bit over the top all I can say is it's something I'm very passionate about. I even sold a CD last Tuesday so things must be going fairly well! I think another factor is that it's been so long since I played some of the songs live that they have regained a vital freshness.
Web
I'm continuing my root and branch revamp of my web presence by having a go at Facebook Timeline. Believe me, there's plenty I could have a go at about it. I like the idea of entering in milestones such as previous album releases, major gigs, band events, break-ups etc....that's the obsession with figures again...but I find that once the info is on the page it looks very messy. I can't honestly see that fans find it easy to follow, the wall was far easier being as it was straight up and down. I hope things settle down but as always Facebook seem to conspire to make life awkward, especially for musicians. If you're interested to see how I'm getting on with it you can have a look at my page here.
Listening
Again, a very varied range of stuff. 'Lies' by Guns N Roses is more of a mini-album which shows off both sides of their character. Heavy, fast-paced live tracks followed by acoustic songs that are as melodic as they come, 'Patience' is a very tasty song I must say. Other blasts from the past included 2 of the most expensive albums of their era: Michael Jackson's 'Bad' still sounds awesome. It's actually the first time I've heard it on CD and about 20 years since I've heard some of the songs at all. The production is still fresh, brilliant synth bass sounds, and just some great pop songs in general. My favourite is still 'Smooth Criminal' but the title track is well up there. I had to laugh because I thought for years track 4 was called 'Librarian Girl.' I hope no-one ever heard me singing along to the lyrics on my Sony Walkman...
On the subject of lavish production, I also listened to Def Lepperd's 'Hysteria' album. This is the other side of the coin to Quincy Jones/Jacko. It's all glossy but the songs just aren't there to me. OK, I love 'Pour Some Sugar' as it brings back memories of a Dallas nightclub, but other than that it seems to me however hard Mutt Lange tried to make them sound exciting, he was essentially polishing a turd, and boy was he polishing it, one layer at a time.
And with that delightful thought I'll see you next time, thanks for reading.
I've felt fairly indifferent about the olympics as an event even though I'm going to watch the Tennis next week. Tennis being the one sport I do follow. This indifference continued well into early Friday evening, but my cynicism began to melt and by the time the Opening Ceremony started I must admit I was fairly keen. I thought the event went very well and I did feel a sense of 'belonging' which I find is a nice feeling more people should try more often!
Gigs
My 'solo tour' (consisting so far of 2 Leeds venues) has continued with appearances at The Chemic on July 19th and The Ship again on July 24th. I can't exactly how much I'm enjoying doing these gigs, nor really why. Being self-reliant is clearly one aspect I enjoy. Another is the 'back to basics' feel. If I didn't mention it before, I've been practicing and performing arrangements I've been working on, rather than just going in the hope of remembering all the words and ploughing through each song. Now I go with an idea of dynamics, where songs should be louder or quieter, a radical approach I know! Being obsessed with figures (did I mention Beach Volleyball ?), I'm enjoying annalysing which songs go down better than others and which ones I play better...it's something that fascinates me and if it seems a bit over the top all I can say is it's something I'm very passionate about. I even sold a CD last Tuesday so things must be going fairly well! I think another factor is that it's been so long since I played some of the songs live that they have regained a vital freshness.
Web
I'm continuing my root and branch revamp of my web presence by having a go at Facebook Timeline. Believe me, there's plenty I could have a go at about it. I like the idea of entering in milestones such as previous album releases, major gigs, band events, break-ups etc....that's the obsession with figures again...but I find that once the info is on the page it looks very messy. I can't honestly see that fans find it easy to follow, the wall was far easier being as it was straight up and down. I hope things settle down but as always Facebook seem to conspire to make life awkward, especially for musicians. If you're interested to see how I'm getting on with it you can have a look at my page here.
Listening
Again, a very varied range of stuff. 'Lies' by Guns N Roses is more of a mini-album which shows off both sides of their character. Heavy, fast-paced live tracks followed by acoustic songs that are as melodic as they come, 'Patience' is a very tasty song I must say. Other blasts from the past included 2 of the most expensive albums of their era: Michael Jackson's 'Bad' still sounds awesome. It's actually the first time I've heard it on CD and about 20 years since I've heard some of the songs at all. The production is still fresh, brilliant synth bass sounds, and just some great pop songs in general. My favourite is still 'Smooth Criminal' but the title track is well up there. I had to laugh because I thought for years track 4 was called 'Librarian Girl.' I hope no-one ever heard me singing along to the lyrics on my Sony Walkman...
On the subject of lavish production, I also listened to Def Lepperd's 'Hysteria' album. This is the other side of the coin to Quincy Jones/Jacko. It's all glossy but the songs just aren't there to me. OK, I love 'Pour Some Sugar' as it brings back memories of a Dallas nightclub, but other than that it seems to me however hard Mutt Lange tried to make them sound exciting, he was essentially polishing a turd, and boy was he polishing it, one layer at a time.
And with that delightful thought I'll see you next time, thanks for reading.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I'M FINALLY BACK OUT on the road as a solo artist! Yes, it may not have made any headlines but I've now done 2 gigs in the past week. I've been practicing for a while (this may come as a shock to you) but I still felt very rusty and under-rehearsed. Around 5 years ago I was doing these sort of gigs (open mics, acoustic showcases) at a furious rate. But lately this rate has dropped off and it's amazing how quickly you get out of the habit. I've also been trying to put a bit more thought into the arrangements this time, with some better dynamics and musical stuff like that.
So it was Thursday 12th July when I appeared at the Chemic Tavern in Leeds. It's slightly quieter in summer when the students go home but it's still a cracking intimate venue. The audience was very attentive and despite several bum notes it felt good to be back.
This was followed on Tuesday 17th (last night) by The Ship on Briggate in Leeds. A fantastic old-style Leeds pub. I played 4 songs this time and again it was a small but appreciative crowd. The sound is always good at this gig and host Ben has recently acquired a TC vocal harmoniser. I want one I must say. It made Simon & Garfunkel tracks sound really authentic.
So all in all it feels like the start of a journey, often the best part I find! I'm cracking on with another visit to the Chemic tomorrow night (Thurs 19th). I almost squeaked an encour out of last week's set so I said I'd come back next week ! The challenge now is to practice and perhaps sneak in a couple of different songs to last week.
LISTENING:
A quieter week than before but I still found time to listen to Paloma Faith's new album 'Fall To Grace.' Very nice, the first 4 songs especially which were excellent pop songwriting. Her voice is reasonably captivating although I can't help wondering what Joss Stone would do with the same songs....then again I often wonder about her.
More tales from my world tour of Leeds (open mics only) next week!
So it was Thursday 12th July when I appeared at the Chemic Tavern in Leeds. It's slightly quieter in summer when the students go home but it's still a cracking intimate venue. The audience was very attentive and despite several bum notes it felt good to be back.
This was followed on Tuesday 17th (last night) by The Ship on Briggate in Leeds. A fantastic old-style Leeds pub. I played 4 songs this time and again it was a small but appreciative crowd. The sound is always good at this gig and host Ben has recently acquired a TC vocal harmoniser. I want one I must say. It made Simon & Garfunkel tracks sound really authentic.
So all in all it feels like the start of a journey, often the best part I find! I'm cracking on with another visit to the Chemic tomorrow night (Thurs 19th). I almost squeaked an encour out of last week's set so I said I'd come back next week ! The challenge now is to practice and perhaps sneak in a couple of different songs to last week.
LISTENING:
A quieter week than before but I still found time to listen to Paloma Faith's new album 'Fall To Grace.' Very nice, the first 4 songs especially which were excellent pop songwriting. Her voice is reasonably captivating although I can't help wondering what Joss Stone would do with the same songs....then again I often wonder about her.
More tales from my world tour of Leeds (open mics only) next week!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
IT'S NOT RAINING today, I want an explanation. Apparently this is the wettest summer of the previous 6 consecutive wet summers we've had. Last Friday was a particular low-point with torrential rain and flash flooding. I've twice boated down the M1 motorway, never seen it that bad before. Then when it finally stops raining we've had fog! Damp and muggy, my crushed snail count is painfully high. (for the snails at least).
As you know, my favourite rugby league team (my only favourite) is cliff-hanging again. It seems though that the administrator has at last found his voicemessages and contacted a potential buyer. We now have a further 2 week stay of execution. The interested party is none other than that fabulous Curry establishment Akhbars. If they get us out of this mess I'll be straight down there.
GIGS
The time has at last come for me to do some solo gigs. I've finally had the chance to practice and sort out some arrangements, so this Thursday (12th) I'm going to go to one of my favourite open mics venues The Chemic in Leeds. This really will be like starting over as I've not done many shows like this in a long while. It seems an age since I was doing them at the rate of 3-4 a week.
STUDIO
Work continues on various projects including the BitterSweetShop CD which is moving forward and will feature stripped down 'as you hear them live' versions of our set.
WEB
As mentioned last week, a new song I've co-written, 'Crude Oil Stains' was aired on Whistle Radio. I''m struggling to find a link to where the show is archived at the moment, their site mentions it but there's no link. I've already had word from across the pond that the song was well received though!
LISTENING
I've again listened to a fair old variety of music this past week. Keane's new album 'Strangeland' was a pleasant one. I particularly liked the opening track 'You Are Young' which built up nicely and was very uplifting, a truly positive song. At times the songs are Beatle-esque but without ever quite achieving that level of potential. But still enjoyed it and still no guitars in sight!!
I also enjoyed the debut Texas album 'Southside' which still sounds fresh. I like all the Scottish bands of that era, their music has worn well. Very clear production and a driving rhythm throughout.
Then it was onto what I would term 'death by AOR' with the FM album 'Tough It Out' followed by Bon Jovi's 'New Jersey'. Let's just say I don't like this type of music anywhere near as much as I once did, tastes change I'm afraid! 'You are sentanced to Death by AOR', ohhh nooo.....
I'm off to practice for the Chemic, see you next time.
As you know, my favourite rugby league team (my only favourite) is cliff-hanging again. It seems though that the administrator has at last found his voicemessages and contacted a potential buyer. We now have a further 2 week stay of execution. The interested party is none other than that fabulous Curry establishment Akhbars. If they get us out of this mess I'll be straight down there.
GIGS
The time has at last come for me to do some solo gigs. I've finally had the chance to practice and sort out some arrangements, so this Thursday (12th) I'm going to go to one of my favourite open mics venues The Chemic in Leeds. This really will be like starting over as I've not done many shows like this in a long while. It seems an age since I was doing them at the rate of 3-4 a week.
STUDIO
Work continues on various projects including the BitterSweetShop CD which is moving forward and will feature stripped down 'as you hear them live' versions of our set.
WEB
As mentioned last week, a new song I've co-written, 'Crude Oil Stains' was aired on Whistle Radio. I''m struggling to find a link to where the show is archived at the moment, their site mentions it but there's no link. I've already had word from across the pond that the song was well received though!
LISTENING
I've again listened to a fair old variety of music this past week. Keane's new album 'Strangeland' was a pleasant one. I particularly liked the opening track 'You Are Young' which built up nicely and was very uplifting, a truly positive song. At times the songs are Beatle-esque but without ever quite achieving that level of potential. But still enjoyed it and still no guitars in sight!!
I also enjoyed the debut Texas album 'Southside' which still sounds fresh. I like all the Scottish bands of that era, their music has worn well. Very clear production and a driving rhythm throughout.
Then it was onto what I would term 'death by AOR' with the FM album 'Tough It Out' followed by Bon Jovi's 'New Jersey'. Let's just say I don't like this type of music anywhere near as much as I once did, tastes change I'm afraid! 'You are sentanced to Death by AOR', ohhh nooo.....
I'm off to practice for the Chemic, see you next time.
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
IT'S BEEN A BUSY COUPLE OF weeks so let's get straight on with it.
I was in France all last week on holiday, staying in the Pas De Calais region. More of that in a moment.
Following on from the amazing experience of seeing Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, 4 days later it was time for 'US Singer-Songwriter Legend Part 2' with Bruce Springsteen at the Etihad Stadium, closer to home this time in Manchester. Closer to home but a considerably wet day meant hopes weren't high! So we all stood there in the great British outdoors on the longest day of the year, me wearing a dayglo overcoat. I was hoping to be at least once mistaken for a steward but it wasn't to be. Anyway, by some minor miracle it stopped raining just before The Boss took to the stage, and there were only a couple of minor showers during his 30 hour set!
Needless to say it was a high-octane, passionate performance (actually 3 and a half hours long!). You can't fault the band's effort or enthusiasm. It could have done with being a bit louder to be honest, as the noise of the devotee fans singing out of tune often drowned out the man himself! He gives a lesson to us performers in stagecraft though. The songs come rapidly one after another. Fast songs or slow songs, new or old, everyone is delivered as if it's life dependent. Another memorable night leaving me with plenty of inspiration for the future.
France was my first experience of driving abroad, hence the short distances covered. I stayed for 3 days each in St Omer and Boulogne. Again, by luck rather than judgement, the weather was great. Fairly hot and dry in fact. It's an area often over-looked by tourists as everyone piles off the ferry and onto other places. But that's just the way I like it. Quiet towns with beautiful architecture, and huge deserted beaches. Now I could get used to that!
GIGS
Just prior to my trip I did a wonderful gig with BitterSweetShop at The Chemic in Leeds. This time we were the 'headline' act doing a 40 minute set. It was great to play a longer set but moreover it was great to play in front of an enthusiastic audience! Long may this continue, it was a one of the better gigs I've done.
I'm aiming to be out playing solo too very soon. I'm rusty and currently practicing some arrangments, it's all quite exciting and another 'back to basics' project.
STUDIO
Amazingly I'm finding time to write as well. I've just started work on a big heavy prog song that I'm really excited about. Warning: it's easily as depressing as 'Even', 'The Prisoner' or 'Gods &Angels' !!
WEB
Another new song that's already completed is about to be aired for the first time. It's called 'Crude Oil Stains' and was co-written with an American poet Nell Ledger Bolden. The song will be aired on Tuesday 10th July on Whistle Radio at 9pm EST. The station is Canadian but I'm sure with the benefit of the internet it can heard all over the place. Just click the links to find out more!
LISTENING
I enjoyed Amy MacDonald's new album. Solid, direct songs. I'm having my first taste of The Cure with their 'Disintegration' album: Am finding it doesn't taste very nice. Also on my travels I've been listening to Erasure 'The Innocents' and Spandau Ballet's last album 'Heart Like A Sky.' 'Kick' by INXS is an iconic album, and I still love 'Mystify' which I used to play live a lot. I'm in no doubt there's about 4 or 5 really memorable tracks on this album but I'm still unconvinced the band were really that special. It's the old 'style over content' dilemma for me. The lyrics are pretty poor and some of the other songs don't stand up too well. But it's all part of the learning process and at least now I've actually heard the records.
I was in France all last week on holiday, staying in the Pas De Calais region. More of that in a moment.
Following on from the amazing experience of seeing Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, 4 days later it was time for 'US Singer-Songwriter Legend Part 2' with Bruce Springsteen at the Etihad Stadium, closer to home this time in Manchester. Closer to home but a considerably wet day meant hopes weren't high! So we all stood there in the great British outdoors on the longest day of the year, me wearing a dayglo overcoat. I was hoping to be at least once mistaken for a steward but it wasn't to be. Anyway, by some minor miracle it stopped raining just before The Boss took to the stage, and there were only a couple of minor showers during his 30 hour set!
Needless to say it was a high-octane, passionate performance (actually 3 and a half hours long!). You can't fault the band's effort or enthusiasm. It could have done with being a bit louder to be honest, as the noise of the devotee fans singing out of tune often drowned out the man himself! He gives a lesson to us performers in stagecraft though. The songs come rapidly one after another. Fast songs or slow songs, new or old, everyone is delivered as if it's life dependent. Another memorable night leaving me with plenty of inspiration for the future.
France was my first experience of driving abroad, hence the short distances covered. I stayed for 3 days each in St Omer and Boulogne. Again, by luck rather than judgement, the weather was great. Fairly hot and dry in fact. It's an area often over-looked by tourists as everyone piles off the ferry and onto other places. But that's just the way I like it. Quiet towns with beautiful architecture, and huge deserted beaches. Now I could get used to that!
GIGS
Just prior to my trip I did a wonderful gig with BitterSweetShop at The Chemic in Leeds. This time we were the 'headline' act doing a 40 minute set. It was great to play a longer set but moreover it was great to play in front of an enthusiastic audience! Long may this continue, it was a one of the better gigs I've done.
I'm aiming to be out playing solo too very soon. I'm rusty and currently practicing some arrangments, it's all quite exciting and another 'back to basics' project.
STUDIO
Amazingly I'm finding time to write as well. I've just started work on a big heavy prog song that I'm really excited about. Warning: it's easily as depressing as 'Even', 'The Prisoner' or 'Gods &Angels' !!
WEB
Another new song that's already completed is about to be aired for the first time. It's called 'Crude Oil Stains' and was co-written with an American poet Nell Ledger Bolden. The song will be aired on Tuesday 10th July on Whistle Radio at 9pm EST. The station is Canadian but I'm sure with the benefit of the internet it can heard all over the place. Just click the links to find out more!
LISTENING
I enjoyed Amy MacDonald's new album. Solid, direct songs. I'm having my first taste of The Cure with their 'Disintegration' album: Am finding it doesn't taste very nice. Also on my travels I've been listening to Erasure 'The Innocents' and Spandau Ballet's last album 'Heart Like A Sky.' 'Kick' by INXS is an iconic album, and I still love 'Mystify' which I used to play live a lot. I'm in no doubt there's about 4 or 5 really memorable tracks on this album but I'm still unconvinced the band were really that special. It's the old 'style over content' dilemma for me. The lyrics are pretty poor and some of the other songs don't stand up too well. But it's all part of the learning process and at least now I've actually heard the records.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
WELL I'VE finally done it. I've now seen probably the last of my singer-songwriting heroes previously unseen. It was a long trip but fully worth seeing Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers at London's Albert Hall on Monday night. They haven't played in the UK for a long time, since probably before I was a fan, and bearing in mind they might not come around here no more there was no chance of me missing out.
It was also my first visit to the Albert Hall, which is a unique venue in terms of it's size and shape, thus giving a unique ambience too. By rock legend concert venue standards it's pretty small, and extremely raked up at the sides. I can only imagine what the atmosphere must be like at the Proms. I'm pleased to say the gig was brilliant, with Steve Ferrone doing what is expected and braying out a powerful groove...the band are all great musicians, everything was live, and the songs, well they just play themselves really!
All in all a wonderful night, too many highlights to mention but certainly the acoustic version of 'Learning To Fly' was one. Other commitments meant there was no chance of staying overnight so it was straight back to North London to fetch the car, and then back home by about 3:30am. It annoys me when people say this is madness. Isn't this what dreams are all about ?
GIGS
I was rehearsing with BitterSweetShop on Thursday at our new rehearsal venue (!) and then I was playing covers gigs at Shipley and then a magnificent mansion just outside Grantham on the weekend.
This Thursdsay (June 21st) BitterSweetShop are doing the headline slot for the Chemic Tavern open mic night. Judging by the response on Facebook it should be a good night and we're playing at 10pm for this one.
It was also my first visit to the Albert Hall, which is a unique venue in terms of it's size and shape, thus giving a unique ambience too. By rock legend concert venue standards it's pretty small, and extremely raked up at the sides. I can only imagine what the atmosphere must be like at the Proms. I'm pleased to say the gig was brilliant, with Steve Ferrone doing what is expected and braying out a powerful groove...the band are all great musicians, everything was live, and the songs, well they just play themselves really!
All in all a wonderful night, too many highlights to mention but certainly the acoustic version of 'Learning To Fly' was one. Other commitments meant there was no chance of staying overnight so it was straight back to North London to fetch the car, and then back home by about 3:30am. It annoys me when people say this is madness. Isn't this what dreams are all about ?
GIGS
I was rehearsing with BitterSweetShop on Thursday at our new rehearsal venue (!) and then I was playing covers gigs at Shipley and then a magnificent mansion just outside Grantham on the weekend.
This Thursdsay (June 21st) BitterSweetShop are doing the headline slot for the Chemic Tavern open mic night. Judging by the response on Facebook it should be a good night and we're playing at 10pm for this one.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I had one of those 'what's the world coming to' moments last Friday. Yes sports stadium regulations in the name of 'health & safety' never cease to amaze me. I've been refused entry before on the grounds of carrying offensive sandwiches but this time it was umbrellas! I wouldn't have minded so much but it was raining (I don't normally carry an umbrella when it's dry). So after a 20 minute walk from the car park to a well-known brand new stadium in St Helens it was a case of 'ditch your brolly or be gone'. The problem with all these incidents is that although I'm laughing about it now at the time the only thing you want to do is to allow the steward who gave the order a much closer inspection of the item. The point is it's all getting rather silly in my opinion. Refusing food and drink is simply a commercial decision, but an umbrella (unopened I might add) is hardly an offensive weapon, except at the point when a punter is told they can't take it inside with them.
GIGS
There wasn't supposed to be a gig last week but in the end I did play one with BitterSweetShop at the New Conservatory in Leeds. It was raining (again) which meant it wasn't so busy and I got wet walking to the gig. (I'll save moaning about car parking charges in Leeds for another time!). Thankfully, having got soaked getting there, the gig was rather good. Perhaps the smaller audience helped because all present were listening to what we were doing which gave it a nice intimate atmosphere. The room sounded good too. Definetly a succesful gig I think.
This weekend I'm playing at being a working musician again with covers gigs in Bradford and Lincolnshire.
INTERNET
Things are hotting up a bit on Twitter at the moment, which I've finally decided is the best site to promote oneself. If you're a tweeter but not a follower of mine then please find me and follow me by clicking here: FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER
I should add of course that it's only my favourite site until they'll probably decide to change everything!
LISTENING TO MUSIC
My latest listening of the week started with the new album by Rumur 'Boys Don't Cry'. I enjoyed the last Rumur album and this one is very good too. There's still a lot of Karen Carpenter in her sound although this time less so. Nonetheless I find it a relaxing experience hearing her music.
I then moved onto 'Season's End' by Marillion which is actually my first proper taste of their music. It's everything I hoped for but unfortunately ends up being a bit of a poorman's Genesis album. They sound very similar but without the finesse or melodic inspiration. Simple Minds' 'Street Fighting Years' album lacks any inspiration and depsite the mouth-watering prospect of Trevor Horn producing them I found the album very hard-going with messy arrangements, over-long songs and nothing really solid in the songwriting department.
I'm currently on with Shakespear's Sister's 'Sacred Heart' album. I love Marcella Detroit's voice but unfortunately this album is predominantly Siobhan Fahey with Detroit only on selected tracks. Her vocal range is about 3 tones which is ironic given that Marcy's is about 300. Then again maybe that contrast is what makes a succesful duo!
By next week I should have seen my hero Tom Petty perform live so will fill you in on that one next time.
GIGS
There wasn't supposed to be a gig last week but in the end I did play one with BitterSweetShop at the New Conservatory in Leeds. It was raining (again) which meant it wasn't so busy and I got wet walking to the gig. (I'll save moaning about car parking charges in Leeds for another time!). Thankfully, having got soaked getting there, the gig was rather good. Perhaps the smaller audience helped because all present were listening to what we were doing which gave it a nice intimate atmosphere. The room sounded good too. Definetly a succesful gig I think.
This weekend I'm playing at being a working musician again with covers gigs in Bradford and Lincolnshire.
INTERNET
Things are hotting up a bit on Twitter at the moment, which I've finally decided is the best site to promote oneself. If you're a tweeter but not a follower of mine then please find me and follow me by clicking here: FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER
I should add of course that it's only my favourite site until they'll probably decide to change everything!
LISTENING TO MUSIC
My latest listening of the week started with the new album by Rumur 'Boys Don't Cry'. I enjoyed the last Rumur album and this one is very good too. There's still a lot of Karen Carpenter in her sound although this time less so. Nonetheless I find it a relaxing experience hearing her music.
I then moved onto 'Season's End' by Marillion which is actually my first proper taste of their music. It's everything I hoped for but unfortunately ends up being a bit of a poorman's Genesis album. They sound very similar but without the finesse or melodic inspiration. Simple Minds' 'Street Fighting Years' album lacks any inspiration and depsite the mouth-watering prospect of Trevor Horn producing them I found the album very hard-going with messy arrangements, over-long songs and nothing really solid in the songwriting department.
I'm currently on with Shakespear's Sister's 'Sacred Heart' album. I love Marcella Detroit's voice but unfortunately this album is predominantly Siobhan Fahey with Detroit only on selected tracks. Her vocal range is about 3 tones which is ironic given that Marcy's is about 300. Then again maybe that contrast is what makes a succesful duo!
By next week I should have seen my hero Tom Petty perform live so will fill you in on that one next time.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
It hardly seems 2 minutes since last Wednesday, and yet here it is again already. The Jubilee weekend has been and gone and now we're already on the verge of looking forward to Friday! Bless you Your Majesty.
I didn't see too much of the celebrations, and virtually none of the big concert. It was good just to have a few days to myself (with the exception of Sunday...see below). On Tuesday I went from place to place around the Trough Of Bowland, a truly magical part of the UK, and one which still largely seems undiscovered...I should keep quiet about it in that case!
Gigs:
Of course no British bank holiday weekend is complete without torrential rain. This was certainly true of Sunday, the same day I happened to be playing an outdoor gig! I was playing at Barwick-in-Elmet for part of the Big Lunch/Jubilee weekend. I was playing undercover (a tent I mean, not an alias), so on that score there were no problems. It was just going to be the audience that got wet! I have to say I was amazed that there were so many people at the festival. It rained continuously throughout and even came on harder during my set. I played for an hour expecting very few people to brave the conditions. I'm so glad to report that many did stay and see it through and I must say I've had far worse audiences indoors! So a big thank you to the crowd for supporting my set. I know I moan a lot but I do always appreciate people listening to what I'm doing, but I would say even more so on this occasion due to the beautiful British weather!
There's no gigs this week due to the short turnaround into the weekend.
Studio
I've been enjoying some writing time recently too. I mentioned last week the huge backlogue of material so it was good to just delve into several sets of lyrics and make some progress. The songs cover various genres and so will have varying end results. All in all though it was productive and will leave me plenty to do in the coming weeks!
Listening to music
I've been listening to quite a range of songs this week too. I started out with an ABC album entitled 'Up' (I was driving past Sheffield at the time so it seemed appropriate). I was also listening to Runrig's 'Searchlight' album. It's been a fair number of years since I heard any of their music and it's amazing to remember now that I saw them live several times back in the 90s. I enjoyed the anthemic quality of the songs, definetly another to play at top volume. I'm now on with a David Byrne solo album called 'Rei Momo' which is largely latin based music with lots of typically quirky lyrics over the top. Quite a diverse selection I'm sure you'll agree but actually they were all released in the same year.
See you next week,
Paul
I didn't see too much of the celebrations, and virtually none of the big concert. It was good just to have a few days to myself (with the exception of Sunday...see below). On Tuesday I went from place to place around the Trough Of Bowland, a truly magical part of the UK, and one which still largely seems undiscovered...I should keep quiet about it in that case!
Gigs:
Of course no British bank holiday weekend is complete without torrential rain. This was certainly true of Sunday, the same day I happened to be playing an outdoor gig! I was playing at Barwick-in-Elmet for part of the Big Lunch/Jubilee weekend. I was playing undercover (a tent I mean, not an alias), so on that score there were no problems. It was just going to be the audience that got wet! I have to say I was amazed that there were so many people at the festival. It rained continuously throughout and even came on harder during my set. I played for an hour expecting very few people to brave the conditions. I'm so glad to report that many did stay and see it through and I must say I've had far worse audiences indoors! So a big thank you to the crowd for supporting my set. I know I moan a lot but I do always appreciate people listening to what I'm doing, but I would say even more so on this occasion due to the beautiful British weather!
There's no gigs this week due to the short turnaround into the weekend.
Studio
I've been enjoying some writing time recently too. I mentioned last week the huge backlogue of material so it was good to just delve into several sets of lyrics and make some progress. The songs cover various genres and so will have varying end results. All in all though it was productive and will leave me plenty to do in the coming weeks!
Listening to music
I've been listening to quite a range of songs this week too. I started out with an ABC album entitled 'Up' (I was driving past Sheffield at the time so it seemed appropriate). I was also listening to Runrig's 'Searchlight' album. It's been a fair number of years since I heard any of their music and it's amazing to remember now that I saw them live several times back in the 90s. I enjoyed the anthemic quality of the songs, definetly another to play at top volume. I'm now on with a David Byrne solo album called 'Rei Momo' which is largely latin based music with lots of typically quirky lyrics over the top. Quite a diverse selection I'm sure you'll agree but actually they were all released in the same year.
See you next week,
Paul
Friday, June 01, 2012
AS THE HOT weather continues, I've had another busy week. I was down in Kings Lynn on Saturday night for the stock car meeting there. After a night of warm ale I was back up North on Sunday in time to see the Bulls match at Manchester as part of the 'Magic Weekend'. There was little of magic for my team though for in addition to losing the match we have subsequently lost 5 players with injuries ranging from a broken wrist to a heart attack. I kid you not.
GIGS
I played with BitterSweetShop at The Hop in Leeds on Wednesday night (23rd). It's an interesting place to play, especially when a train passes overhead and the whole place rumbles!
This weekend I'm doing a solo set on Sunday June 3rd for the 'Barwick Big Lunch'. This is part of a nationwide event started by the Eden Project, with the added bonus this year of being part of the Jubilee celebrations. I'm playing an hour from 2:30 to 3:30. As always with outdoor gigs, hope it doesn't rain!
STUDIO
Work is continuing on the BitterSweetShop project I mentioned last week and I've also been doing some writing. I've so many new songs to work on it's untrue but I've also had fun re-working an old song that never really saw the light of day first time around. It was a fascinating experience playing the original demo for the first time in 8 years!
LISTENING TO MUSIC
The Gotye album I mentioned last week is interesting. It features some predictably quirky tracks but perhaps the biggest quirk of all is the inclusion of a straight motown track in the middle! I was momentarily wondering if it was a rogue track by another band! After all the years and years of record industry types talking about 'branding' and pigeon holing people into pre-determined genres I can only wonder how the A&R meeting went with this track included....perhaps that's the brand...complete diversity and unpredictability.
I've also been re-listening to Soul 2 Soul's famous 'Club Classics' album which is still sounding fresh and makes a great sound whilst cruising the streets of Brighouse :)
Enjoy yourselves, and especially enjoy the extra-long Jubilee Weekend!
GIGS
I played with BitterSweetShop at The Hop in Leeds on Wednesday night (23rd). It's an interesting place to play, especially when a train passes overhead and the whole place rumbles!
This weekend I'm doing a solo set on Sunday June 3rd for the 'Barwick Big Lunch'. This is part of a nationwide event started by the Eden Project, with the added bonus this year of being part of the Jubilee celebrations. I'm playing an hour from 2:30 to 3:30. As always with outdoor gigs, hope it doesn't rain!
STUDIO
Work is continuing on the BitterSweetShop project I mentioned last week and I've also been doing some writing. I've so many new songs to work on it's untrue but I've also had fun re-working an old song that never really saw the light of day first time around. It was a fascinating experience playing the original demo for the first time in 8 years!
LISTENING TO MUSIC
The Gotye album I mentioned last week is interesting. It features some predictably quirky tracks but perhaps the biggest quirk of all is the inclusion of a straight motown track in the middle! I was momentarily wondering if it was a rogue track by another band! After all the years and years of record industry types talking about 'branding' and pigeon holing people into pre-determined genres I can only wonder how the A&R meeting went with this track included....perhaps that's the brand...complete diversity and unpredictability.
I've also been re-listening to Soul 2 Soul's famous 'Club Classics' album which is still sounding fresh and makes a great sound whilst cruising the streets of Brighouse :)
Enjoy yourselves, and especially enjoy the extra-long Jubilee Weekend!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
I HAVE BEEN driven inside by the sweltering Brighouse heat (no, really). It's the hottest day of the year so far here and I'm not complaining, the last couple of months have been very wet and cold. It remains to be seen if we'll finally get a 'summer' or whether it will just be another 'British summer' consisting of 2 hot days and a thunderstorm.
I hope it stays this way for when I go to France soon. I've been trying to learn French which is proving difficult. I've got one of those CDs for the car which is teaching me lots of things: mainly that I shouldn't be learning while driving and also that I should have done this years ago. Being a northerner doesn't help either. The pronunciations are so alien when you're used to talking like what I do...German was much easier, especially if you like shouting a lot.
GIGS
Latest gig was at the esteemed Chemic Tavern last Thursday (17th May). This was with my duo The BitterSweetShop. Katie and I are getting things really moving with this project now and I could feel a fresh vitality to the performance. It helped that the sound was excellent, as was the audience. It's a great place to showcase your material in front of a friendly crowd.
We're playing another set at The Hop in Leeds tonight (Wed 23rd) so all is well on that front.
STUDIO
As well as gigging, the duo is also making a CD at the moment. We've decided to alter the original plan a little and record a series of 'stripped back' songs, basically as you hear them live-just keyboards and vocals, but perhaps without the mistakes! The original plan to do elabortate overdub recordings has taken a long time to complete but this way we will quickly have a batch of recordings to showcase which capture what we're really all about at the moment...I hope people agree it's more representative. I will keep you posted as it nears completion, and it won't be too long away.
WEB
I am currently conducting a 'root and branch' review of how my music (and indeed music in general) is promoted on the web. You'll find I'm using that expression a lot at the moment...and probably annoying people as I go along!
I admit I'd become a bit dis-enchanted with the internet for music. You will know this from previous blogs as I bemoan constantly the fading of Myspace (which gave me so much exposure in it's heyday), the changes made at Youtube and the elephant in the room that is Facebook.
The main thing I found so far surprised me a little, and very pleasantly too. If you type the words 'PIANO SINGER SONGWRITER MALE' into google...look what happens. Look who comes out number 3! Maybe all those days in front of the computer weren't wasted after all. I'm actually amazed by this result...which means I come out on top of Elton John, so to speak.
I still hold a candle for Myspace though, because it still generates me more 'hits' than any other site. This is perculiar because no one on Planet Earth seems to use it anymore! However, even though you the reader probably aren't a member on there anymore you can still view my page easily enough. Here you will find cool things like the 'Paul Jeffery Radio' link right at the top. Here you can listen to lots of my songs, basically any that are currently on iTunes....there's even an easy to use 'Buy' button as the song plays. (That's my only commercial plug this time!).
LISTENING TO MUSIC
As I tweeted yesterday, I've been enjoying listening to Tracy Chapman's self-titled album recently. I think as a piece of pure singer-songwriting it's superb, so concise. Short songs from the days when singles were a bit longer on average, and the production is spot-on too. Returning to the 21st century I'm also listening to Gotye at the moment....after hearing their song on the Radio 2 TV ads. Another very pleasurable experience.
Until next week,
Bye.
I hope it stays this way for when I go to France soon. I've been trying to learn French which is proving difficult. I've got one of those CDs for the car which is teaching me lots of things: mainly that I shouldn't be learning while driving and also that I should have done this years ago. Being a northerner doesn't help either. The pronunciations are so alien when you're used to talking like what I do...German was much easier, especially if you like shouting a lot.
GIGS
Latest gig was at the esteemed Chemic Tavern last Thursday (17th May). This was with my duo The BitterSweetShop. Katie and I are getting things really moving with this project now and I could feel a fresh vitality to the performance. It helped that the sound was excellent, as was the audience. It's a great place to showcase your material in front of a friendly crowd.
We're playing another set at The Hop in Leeds tonight (Wed 23rd) so all is well on that front.
STUDIO
As well as gigging, the duo is also making a CD at the moment. We've decided to alter the original plan a little and record a series of 'stripped back' songs, basically as you hear them live-just keyboards and vocals, but perhaps without the mistakes! The original plan to do elabortate overdub recordings has taken a long time to complete but this way we will quickly have a batch of recordings to showcase which capture what we're really all about at the moment...I hope people agree it's more representative. I will keep you posted as it nears completion, and it won't be too long away.
WEB
I am currently conducting a 'root and branch' review of how my music (and indeed music in general) is promoted on the web. You'll find I'm using that expression a lot at the moment...and probably annoying people as I go along!
I admit I'd become a bit dis-enchanted with the internet for music. You will know this from previous blogs as I bemoan constantly the fading of Myspace (which gave me so much exposure in it's heyday), the changes made at Youtube and the elephant in the room that is Facebook.
The main thing I found so far surprised me a little, and very pleasantly too. If you type the words 'PIANO SINGER SONGWRITER MALE' into google...look what happens. Look who comes out number 3! Maybe all those days in front of the computer weren't wasted after all. I'm actually amazed by this result...which means I come out on top of Elton John, so to speak.
I still hold a candle for Myspace though, because it still generates me more 'hits' than any other site. This is perculiar because no one on Planet Earth seems to use it anymore! However, even though you the reader probably aren't a member on there anymore you can still view my page easily enough. Here you will find cool things like the 'Paul Jeffery Radio' link right at the top. Here you can listen to lots of my songs, basically any that are currently on iTunes....there's even an easy to use 'Buy' button as the song plays. (That's my only commercial plug this time!).
LISTENING TO MUSIC
As I tweeted yesterday, I've been enjoying listening to Tracy Chapman's self-titled album recently. I think as a piece of pure singer-songwriting it's superb, so concise. Short songs from the days when singles were a bit longer on average, and the production is spot-on too. Returning to the 21st century I'm also listening to Gotye at the moment....after hearing their song on the Radio 2 TV ads. Another very pleasurable experience.
Until next week,
Bye.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
I spent the week leading up to Easter in the Lake District, managed to miss most of the snow and did some good walks. Stayed in Bowness as usual. The Bodega Bar (the only Tapas bar with Theakston's Best Bitter, hand pulled) continues to be my pub of choice on the evenings. We ventured into the Hole In The Wall for one pint, but found the same unwelcoming atmosphere prevailes as has been the case for many a year. A great pub ruined in my opinion.
The Easter weekend was fairly restful, although it's still taken a few days to get back to full power again. I'm back in my practice routine, with so many songs now to choose from I can't wait to get back out playing some solo gigs soon. The recording situation is good too. Every day songs edge closer to being finished, today it was a good vocal session on a new song. The web situation continues to bemuse me slightly, as Facebook changes again and I still yearn for the glory days of Myspace and Soundclick when I could invite a friend without being told off for it.
That's the current situation my friends. Slowly building things up, one piece at a time. Exciting things will follow!
The Easter weekend was fairly restful, although it's still taken a few days to get back to full power again. I'm back in my practice routine, with so many songs now to choose from I can't wait to get back out playing some solo gigs soon. The recording situation is good too. Every day songs edge closer to being finished, today it was a good vocal session on a new song. The web situation continues to bemuse me slightly, as Facebook changes again and I still yearn for the glory days of Myspace and Soundclick when I could invite a friend without being told off for it.
That's the current situation my friends. Slowly building things up, one piece at a time. Exciting things will follow!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Hi everyone,
it's been a while since the last update...hope all is good :) There haven't been too many gigs but the ones I have done have been good quality. None more so than on Saturday night at Cafe Artisan with Atlanta Soul, which is a cracking venue as I'm sure I've stated before on here. I've also been doing some gigs with the BitterSweetShop at The Ship in Leeds and The Hop in Wakefield. I should hopefully have some photo updates from those to bring you soon.
Last time on here I was going on about the various social networking sites, good and bad! Since then I've more or less curtailed activity on Myspace and been more active on Facebook and Twitter...I've a feeling most people were doing this a while ago! My Twitter account is @paul_jeffery so if you want to hear more about the financial crisis at Bradford Bulls, stock car racing and even occasionally some music please follow me there!
On Facebook I recently re-named my music/group page so it should be easier to find. It's now the same as for Myspace which is www.facebook.com/pauljefferymusic
I've been busy in the studio too lately, actually getting a few things finished off. It's going to be a fair while before another album is ready but it's highly likely some songs will be online before then so I will of course keep you posted.
it's been a while since the last update...hope all is good :) There haven't been too many gigs but the ones I have done have been good quality. None more so than on Saturday night at Cafe Artisan with Atlanta Soul, which is a cracking venue as I'm sure I've stated before on here. I've also been doing some gigs with the BitterSweetShop at The Ship in Leeds and The Hop in Wakefield. I should hopefully have some photo updates from those to bring you soon.
Last time on here I was going on about the various social networking sites, good and bad! Since then I've more or less curtailed activity on Myspace and been more active on Facebook and Twitter...I've a feeling most people were doing this a while ago! My Twitter account is @paul_jeffery so if you want to hear more about the financial crisis at Bradford Bulls, stock car racing and even occasionally some music please follow me there!
On Facebook I recently re-named my music/group page so it should be easier to find. It's now the same as for Myspace which is www.facebook.com/pauljefferymusic
I've been busy in the studio too lately, actually getting a few things finished off. It's going to be a fair while before another album is ready but it's highly likely some songs will be online before then so I will of course keep you posted.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Thankfully it's been a bit warmer this week. I'm not a fan whatsoever of snow and ice and the past two weeks have seen plenty of that. We in West Yorkshire (sheltered by the Pennines) avoided the worst of it but the one night it did choose to come down of course I had a gig! Sadly I had to turn back from going to play with Atlanta Soul in Stockport but the following night's solo gig at nearby Greetland went ahead as planned.
There's not been that many gigs of late but that's about to change with a busier week or so ahead. This Saturday it's Altanta Soul again, this time on my side of the hills and the The BitterSweet Shop is back and playing at The Ship in Leeds on Tuesday night (the 21st). On Thursday 23rd it's the return of the Acoustic Trio at the Chemic and then on Saturday I'll be performing with Morris & The Minors in Bingley.
I've been listening to some interesting music lately. I finally heard my first Ryan Adams album 'Ashes And Fire' a few weeks ago. After years of mistakenly thinking people were talking about Bryan (I'm joking slightly, but it did once happen!) I thought it was time to find out why so many people rate him so highly. Well, I can sort of see what they mean but I think if you've already heard plenty of Jackson Browne and Bob Dylan the result is less impressive. Also the lyrics didn't move me in the slightest. The production is excellent and it's all real instruments and vintage sounds but I'm afraid I'll stick my old man mentality and say music 'ain't what it used to be' and 'it's all been done before'.
I moved on to listen to Noah & The Whale's 'Last Night On Earth' album. I was forewarned this was more derivative and there is one track which is a dead ringer for Tom Petty's 'Don't Come Around Here No More.' It's a good album though, and short too. There's no unwanted songs on there.
After what I said about Adams, Ryan I thought it would be a good idea to dig out some Bob Dylan. I selected his 80s release 'Oh Mercy' and was immediately more moved by the lyrics. There wasn't one song on here that I'd heard before but there were several I would listen to repeatedly, which shows the sheer depth of his writing if nothing else.
Inspired by the Strictly Come Dancing touring band (!) I also listened to 'Club Classics Volume 1' by Soul 2 Soul. This was never my thing back in the day but bloody hell fire it is now. What a brilliant record, with very little evidence of 80s dating in the sound. It may have taken me 22 years, but I'm now a big fan of this album!!
There's not been that many gigs of late but that's about to change with a busier week or so ahead. This Saturday it's Altanta Soul again, this time on my side of the hills and the The BitterSweet Shop is back and playing at The Ship in Leeds on Tuesday night (the 21st). On Thursday 23rd it's the return of the Acoustic Trio at the Chemic and then on Saturday I'll be performing with Morris & The Minors in Bingley.
I've been listening to some interesting music lately. I finally heard my first Ryan Adams album 'Ashes And Fire' a few weeks ago. After years of mistakenly thinking people were talking about Bryan (I'm joking slightly, but it did once happen!) I thought it was time to find out why so many people rate him so highly. Well, I can sort of see what they mean but I think if you've already heard plenty of Jackson Browne and Bob Dylan the result is less impressive. Also the lyrics didn't move me in the slightest. The production is excellent and it's all real instruments and vintage sounds but I'm afraid I'll stick my old man mentality and say music 'ain't what it used to be' and 'it's all been done before'.
I moved on to listen to Noah & The Whale's 'Last Night On Earth' album. I was forewarned this was more derivative and there is one track which is a dead ringer for Tom Petty's 'Don't Come Around Here No More.' It's a good album though, and short too. There's no unwanted songs on there.
After what I said about Adams, Ryan I thought it would be a good idea to dig out some Bob Dylan. I selected his 80s release 'Oh Mercy' and was immediately more moved by the lyrics. There wasn't one song on here that I'd heard before but there were several I would listen to repeatedly, which shows the sheer depth of his writing if nothing else.
Inspired by the Strictly Come Dancing touring band (!) I also listened to 'Club Classics Volume 1' by Soul 2 Soul. This was never my thing back in the day but bloody hell fire it is now. What a brilliant record, with very little evidence of 80s dating in the sound. It may have taken me 22 years, but I'm now a big fan of this album!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Well it's been a long while since the last blog. I'd like to wish my reader a happy new year and hope he had a good Christmas too!
There's not many gigs planned at the moment as I'm working off my 'quota' from before Christmas. On the schedule I work from, I reckon I'm the equivalent of about 6 weeks over-quota at the moment! Now that may well sound like a cop-out but when there's lots of gigs and an outbreak of rehearsals with various projects other things I'd like to be doing get put off. (I think I wrote in one of the previous couple of blogs about the number of bands I'm in at the moment).
The things that get put off are namely recording/songwriting and practicing. The latter may come as a shock to you, but yes-getting to do some proper, structured, productive practice is not very easy to fit in when you're hanging round some hotel waiting to play a gig.
The writing and recording process is of course more time-consuming. I'm fairly quick at writing songs (not necessarily any good, but quick) but the arrangement and production process takes a lot longer. There's so many decisions to make every step of the way, and then there might be some backing vocals to arrange and record, or a dreaded tambourine part. Anyway, the main thing is that I would at some stage soon like to put some new songs out as it's getting on for 3 years since the last album and I always find it exciting working towards the next album.
So I'm not being idle, honest!!
There were a couple of great gigs with Atlanta Soul just before 2011 ended. The Cafe Artisan gig on Dec 17th was excellent with a great sound, and the New Year's Eve gig at Heywood Civic was also a belter, and easily the best NYE gig I've ever done. I've had some really dodgy Dec 31st gigs (mentioning no caravan clubs) so perhaps this wasn't the stiffest competition, but I think it's still worth saying how much I enjoyed it.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
Things are changing rapidly on the social networking front so I thought I'd fill my reader in on this area too. The current state of play from my point of view is:
nb: click the title to link to my page for each one!
1) MYSPACE (remember that one?): Completely deserted and one-legged compared to it's heyday with numerous programming issues. A shadow of it's former self. However, still better than Facebook for promoting music (see below!).
2) FACEBOOK: The biggest site and easily my least favourite. Any site that persistantly tells you what to do, who you can or can't add and only lets you add people you 'know' is no good to me for promoting my music. The whole bloody idea is to attract people you don't 'know' who then you get to 'know' if they decide they like the songs. People I already 'know' I 'know' already and therefore I don't need to pester them to get to 'know' me when they already 'know' me anyway. This whole 'say no to strangers' culture has meant that in nearly 2 years of daily persistance, I've managed to attract 200 people onto my group page. I could do that on Myspace in a couple of days. For me, Facebook only works if you have a circle of friends to gossip to about nothing in particular. I have a different medium for doing that, it's called a pub. Everytime I trawl down the 'home' page I feel like I've gatecrashed a gigantic coffee morning.
No wonder I keep getting banned!
3) YOUTUBE: The site that now means there's virtually no need to buy a CD ever again (oops, that's buggered up my next album!) and a musician's dream for learning coversongs quckly. It also had a modest but very useful social networking content called 'friends' and for the more commited you could be a 'subscriber'. With a little effort over the past few months inviting people with similar tastes in music to be my 'friend' I'd managed to treble my number of channel and video views....
Then wallop, they change the format, do away with the 'friends' function and make everyone be a 'subscriber'. This removes the social networking tool called being a 'friend' and leaves anyone attempting to reach out to people (me) with only the 'subscribe' function which makes me seem like a spammer. Of course the net result was no-one subscribed back (they were happy to be 'friends') and my traffic plummeted in the first week to a fraction of what it had been. Great.
The most frustrating thing about youtube now is that there's all these people saying exactly the same as me on commenting about favourite songs, but I've no effective way of reaching them.
4)GOOGLE+: I levelled with youtube (owned by Google) in thinking they must have tactically killed youtube as a networking site in order to lure people onto Google +. I joined a couple of weeks ago. Any site that offers to take on Facebook is a friend of mine! Unfortunately no-one uses it and it's a complete waste of time.
5) TWITTER: The last great white hope and, thankfully, one that appears to be working well. I've been on it only a few days and already I'm really enjoying it. I'm finding that the simple approach of short messages is the best way to communicate with people within this multitude of choice. Even better, by syncing it to Facebook I now don't have to go on Facebook. AND, better still, I can pretend I'm a personal friend of Sharron Davies, oops.
So there you go, have fun with whatever you're doing and remember: Do you know this person personally, and have you read our draconinan spam policy? xx
There's not many gigs planned at the moment as I'm working off my 'quota' from before Christmas. On the schedule I work from, I reckon I'm the equivalent of about 6 weeks over-quota at the moment! Now that may well sound like a cop-out but when there's lots of gigs and an outbreak of rehearsals with various projects other things I'd like to be doing get put off. (I think I wrote in one of the previous couple of blogs about the number of bands I'm in at the moment).
The things that get put off are namely recording/songwriting and practicing. The latter may come as a shock to you, but yes-getting to do some proper, structured, productive practice is not very easy to fit in when you're hanging round some hotel waiting to play a gig.
The writing and recording process is of course more time-consuming. I'm fairly quick at writing songs (not necessarily any good, but quick) but the arrangement and production process takes a lot longer. There's so many decisions to make every step of the way, and then there might be some backing vocals to arrange and record, or a dreaded tambourine part. Anyway, the main thing is that I would at some stage soon like to put some new songs out as it's getting on for 3 years since the last album and I always find it exciting working towards the next album.
So I'm not being idle, honest!!
There were a couple of great gigs with Atlanta Soul just before 2011 ended. The Cafe Artisan gig on Dec 17th was excellent with a great sound, and the New Year's Eve gig at Heywood Civic was also a belter, and easily the best NYE gig I've ever done. I've had some really dodgy Dec 31st gigs (mentioning no caravan clubs) so perhaps this wasn't the stiffest competition, but I think it's still worth saying how much I enjoyed it.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
Things are changing rapidly on the social networking front so I thought I'd fill my reader in on this area too. The current state of play from my point of view is:
nb: click the title to link to my page for each one!
1) MYSPACE (remember that one?): Completely deserted and one-legged compared to it's heyday with numerous programming issues. A shadow of it's former self. However, still better than Facebook for promoting music (see below!).
2) FACEBOOK: The biggest site and easily my least favourite. Any site that persistantly tells you what to do, who you can or can't add and only lets you add people you 'know' is no good to me for promoting my music. The whole bloody idea is to attract people you don't 'know' who then you get to 'know' if they decide they like the songs. People I already 'know' I 'know' already and therefore I don't need to pester them to get to 'know' me when they already 'know' me anyway. This whole 'say no to strangers' culture has meant that in nearly 2 years of daily persistance, I've managed to attract 200 people onto my group page. I could do that on Myspace in a couple of days. For me, Facebook only works if you have a circle of friends to gossip to about nothing in particular. I have a different medium for doing that, it's called a pub. Everytime I trawl down the 'home' page I feel like I've gatecrashed a gigantic coffee morning.
No wonder I keep getting banned!
3) YOUTUBE: The site that now means there's virtually no need to buy a CD ever again (oops, that's buggered up my next album!) and a musician's dream for learning coversongs quckly. It also had a modest but very useful social networking content called 'friends' and for the more commited you could be a 'subscriber'. With a little effort over the past few months inviting people with similar tastes in music to be my 'friend' I'd managed to treble my number of channel and video views....
Then wallop, they change the format, do away with the 'friends' function and make everyone be a 'subscriber'. This removes the social networking tool called being a 'friend' and leaves anyone attempting to reach out to people (me) with only the 'subscribe' function which makes me seem like a spammer. Of course the net result was no-one subscribed back (they were happy to be 'friends') and my traffic plummeted in the first week to a fraction of what it had been. Great.
The most frustrating thing about youtube now is that there's all these people saying exactly the same as me on commenting about favourite songs, but I've no effective way of reaching them.
4)GOOGLE+: I levelled with youtube (owned by Google) in thinking they must have tactically killed youtube as a networking site in order to lure people onto Google +. I joined a couple of weeks ago. Any site that offers to take on Facebook is a friend of mine! Unfortunately no-one uses it and it's a complete waste of time.
5) TWITTER: The last great white hope and, thankfully, one that appears to be working well. I've been on it only a few days and already I'm really enjoying it. I'm finding that the simple approach of short messages is the best way to communicate with people within this multitude of choice. Even better, by syncing it to Facebook I now don't have to go on Facebook. AND, better still, I can pretend I'm a personal friend of Sharron Davies, oops.
So there you go, have fun with whatever you're doing and remember: Do you know this person personally, and have you read our draconinan spam policy? xx
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
There's not been too much tangible to report on lately, which is curious seen as I'm actually very busy at the moment! The less time I spend on solo projects the busier everything else seems to be which is good but it can make balancing everything up a little tricky.
So I thought just for fun I'd list all the projects I'm currently involved in. They say blogs should always have a human interest angle after all! Let's call it 'a fascinating insight into the daily life of a (poor) working musician'!!
In no particular order:
1) Solo gigs:
These could be either original material or covers-orientated or a mixture of both. Either way I have to practice new and existing songs in order to do the gigs. Covers can also be sub-divided into well-known numbers (for the paying customer) and less well-known ones.
2) Paul Jeffery Trio gigs:
A similar scenario to the above, with it's own set of rehearsals, different songs, and the all-important vocal harmony rehearsals (not strictly necessary in the case of my solo gigs!).
3) The BitterSweetShop gigs:
This is my project with Katie Chadwick which involves yet more rehearsals, different songs and also an album project which is part finished.
4) Atlanta Soul Band gigs:
For which I am a member and we also rehearse for these.
5) Blueprint gigs:
Another covers band I play with and rehearse with.
6) Morris And The Minors gigs:
Yet another covers band I play with.
7) Songwriting and Recordings:
Yes, when I'm not gigging or rehearsing with 6 different live projects I'm writing, arranging and recording new original material! And just to sub-divide things further, these songs may be for me to sing or someone else to sing and could be for a variety of destinations. These include my own solo albums and also other possible future collaborations and side projects such as the Paradise Street one a few years back.
8) Throw in updating and networking via myspace, youtube and facebook, oh and typing this right now, that should give you some idea of why I've been busy lately! As I said that's just the music projects too!
I hope that was at least a bit interesting! I also think it helps explain why questions like 'what sort of music do you do' are not that straightforward to answer!
So I thought just for fun I'd list all the projects I'm currently involved in. They say blogs should always have a human interest angle after all! Let's call it 'a fascinating insight into the daily life of a (poor) working musician'!!
In no particular order:
1) Solo gigs:
These could be either original material or covers-orientated or a mixture of both. Either way I have to practice new and existing songs in order to do the gigs. Covers can also be sub-divided into well-known numbers (for the paying customer) and less well-known ones.
2) Paul Jeffery Trio gigs:
A similar scenario to the above, with it's own set of rehearsals, different songs, and the all-important vocal harmony rehearsals (not strictly necessary in the case of my solo gigs!).
3) The BitterSweetShop gigs:
This is my project with Katie Chadwick which involves yet more rehearsals, different songs and also an album project which is part finished.
4) Atlanta Soul Band gigs:
For which I am a member and we also rehearse for these.
5) Blueprint gigs:
Another covers band I play with and rehearse with.
6) Morris And The Minors gigs:
Yet another covers band I play with.
7) Songwriting and Recordings:
Yes, when I'm not gigging or rehearsing with 6 different live projects I'm writing, arranging and recording new original material! And just to sub-divide things further, these songs may be for me to sing or someone else to sing and could be for a variety of destinations. These include my own solo albums and also other possible future collaborations and side projects such as the Paradise Street one a few years back.
8) Throw in updating and networking via myspace, youtube and facebook, oh and typing this right now, that should give you some idea of why I've been busy lately! As I said that's just the music projects too!
I hope that was at least a bit interesting! I also think it helps explain why questions like 'what sort of music do you do' are not that straightforward to answer!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
I was performing solo at Verve in Leeds on Thurs Oct 27th. I haven't done many solo gigs lately due to all the band commitments but I'm still as keen as ever to get back to doing more of that. I'm talking mainly about the 'originals' type of gig as opposed to the covers ones. I can't believe it's 5 years since I started making 2 or 3 trips on average per week into Leeds to play at open mics and songwriter/acoustic nights.
On the Saturday just gone it was back to the Rose & Crown at Greetland with the Trio where it was the busiest night I've seen so far in there. It took a while to warm up, but eventually the response we got was very enthusiastic, with a second set running to around an hour and a quarter!
This Week:
Coming up this Sunday (20th) is my final New Inn, Barwick-in-Elmet gig of the year.
Music:
I've just started re-listening to Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds. A musician friend of mine said recently that a good arranger is more valuable than a good composer, and if there is some truth in that then it's certainly born out on this album. Everybody with an interest in how music is arranged should go and listen to it. The choice of sounds alone is amazing, and of course the songwriting isn't exactly mediocre either.
Web News:
It's taken me over a year to realise it (!) but garageband.com has shut down. This is the site I once used quite regularly to get my music reviewed by other musicians (very brave) and to see how the songs ranked alongside others as they moved up and down the charts. I had two songs ranked as 'track of the day' which were 'Young Lost & Hopeful' and 'Coming Up For Air', the latter being under the Paradise Street name.
The reason I found this out is that I was looking to revive my presence there and get some of my new material reviewed. So I'm now on the lookout for a similar site to join, so please let me know if you can recommend one.
On the Saturday just gone it was back to the Rose & Crown at Greetland with the Trio where it was the busiest night I've seen so far in there. It took a while to warm up, but eventually the response we got was very enthusiastic, with a second set running to around an hour and a quarter!
This Week:
Coming up this Sunday (20th) is my final New Inn, Barwick-in-Elmet gig of the year.
Music:
I've just started re-listening to Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds. A musician friend of mine said recently that a good arranger is more valuable than a good composer, and if there is some truth in that then it's certainly born out on this album. Everybody with an interest in how music is arranged should go and listen to it. The choice of sounds alone is amazing, and of course the songwriting isn't exactly mediocre either.
Web News:
It's taken me over a year to realise it (!) but garageband.com has shut down. This is the site I once used quite regularly to get my music reviewed by other musicians (very brave) and to see how the songs ranked alongside others as they moved up and down the charts. I had two songs ranked as 'track of the day' which were 'Young Lost & Hopeful' and 'Coming Up For Air', the latter being under the Paradise Street name.
The reason I found this out is that I was looking to revive my presence there and get some of my new material reviewed. So I'm now on the lookout for a similar site to join, so please let me know if you can recommend one.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Paul Jeffery Trio was out again last Friday night (Oct 21st) playing for the Keighley/Worth Valley Beer Festival in the Oxenhope railway shed. As venues go this was fairly unique. I can honestly say I've never played in a room with so many huge steam trains before, nor have I played in such a nice smelling room either (I like the oil smell). I have however played in many rooms that smelt terrible.
The room was also enormous and contained hundreds of people and Lord knows how many beers. We played for an hour and I was really pleased with our set. Music at beer festivals is largely for background purposes but it was still more or less well received.
This Week:
I've a fairly hectic week playing solo at Verve in Leeds tomorrow night (Thurs 27th) at about 9pm. I haven't done many solo original sets lately so I'm really looking forward to that. Then on Friday and Saturday I'm playing keyboards for a new band, Blueprint, with both gigs over Bingley way.
Music:
I heard the new Evanescence album. No really, I did. You must play it loud. Over the years there have been 2 occasions when it's been suggested I produce a song in their style. Unfortunately both times this occured after I'd finished the song and produced it in a different style. Now I've finally heard them properly and it's really impressive. I'm not sure if I'll get asked to produce something like that again, but just in case maybe I should do a version of all my songs like that.
The room was also enormous and contained hundreds of people and Lord knows how many beers. We played for an hour and I was really pleased with our set. Music at beer festivals is largely for background purposes but it was still more or less well received.
This Week:
I've a fairly hectic week playing solo at Verve in Leeds tomorrow night (Thurs 27th) at about 9pm. I haven't done many solo original sets lately so I'm really looking forward to that. Then on Friday and Saturday I'm playing keyboards for a new band, Blueprint, with both gigs over Bingley way.
Music:
I heard the new Evanescence album. No really, I did. You must play it loud. Over the years there have been 2 occasions when it's been suggested I produce a song in their style. Unfortunately both times this occured after I'd finished the song and produced it in a different style. Now I've finally heard them properly and it's really impressive. I'm not sure if I'll get asked to produce something like that again, but just in case maybe I should do a version of all my songs like that.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
I must apologise for the lack of blog action lately. I'm well behind with news updates although I can't believe it's over a month since I got chance to get on here....so I'll do my best to rattle through some of the happenings since what looks like Sept 14th!!
The BitterSweetShop did a gig at the New Conservatory in Leeds on Thurs Oct 6th. We were the 'headline' slot on what is basically an open mic night. Main feature of the venue is the grand piano which is in fairly good condition and would be even better facing side on rather than backwards with the player facing the back wall and having his/her back to the audience! Needless to say I didn't offer to turn it round!
We played 6 songs which went well and despite not being able to see the audience Katie tells me they were listening and watching!
I must just quickly mention the Atlanta Soul gig at the Hilton on Sat 8th in Manchester. This was an amazing night with such diverse acts as Anthony Costa (from Blue) and Bruce Airhead sharing the bill (and dressing room) with us. Please google Bruce Airhead to find out what he does because if I try and describe it in words on here you'll think I've totally lost it this time.
I was away for a few days on the Isle Of Man last week before returning and playing with the trio last Saturday at the Abbey Inn. It was a fairly quiet night but good to play a longer set of acoustic stuff. Highlight of the night happened before we'd played a note when a punter asked who the singer on the piped music was that she liked, well it was one of my songs.....needless to say she'd gone home by the time we went on stage. That is the true story of being a musician!
Plenty more going on but that's the last 5 weeks or so in a nutshell, cheers.
The BitterSweetShop did a gig at the New Conservatory in Leeds on Thurs Oct 6th. We were the 'headline' slot on what is basically an open mic night. Main feature of the venue is the grand piano which is in fairly good condition and would be even better facing side on rather than backwards with the player facing the back wall and having his/her back to the audience! Needless to say I didn't offer to turn it round!
We played 6 songs which went well and despite not being able to see the audience Katie tells me they were listening and watching!
I must just quickly mention the Atlanta Soul gig at the Hilton on Sat 8th in Manchester. This was an amazing night with such diverse acts as Anthony Costa (from Blue) and Bruce Airhead sharing the bill (and dressing room) with us. Please google Bruce Airhead to find out what he does because if I try and describe it in words on here you'll think I've totally lost it this time.
I was away for a few days on the Isle Of Man last week before returning and playing with the trio last Saturday at the Abbey Inn. It was a fairly quiet night but good to play a longer set of acoustic stuff. Highlight of the night happened before we'd played a note when a punter asked who the singer on the piped music was that she liked, well it was one of my songs.....needless to say she'd gone home by the time we went on stage. That is the true story of being a musician!
Plenty more going on but that's the last 5 weeks or so in a nutshell, cheers.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Firstly some photos from the aforementioned biker do with Atlanta Soul in Stockport!
Last (2) Weeks:
2 weeks to catch up on here, starting with my solo gig at the New Inn, Barwick-in-Elmet which was on Sunday 4th Sept. I always enjoy this gig as it's almost my 'local' gigwise. I've been playing there now for nearly 5 years, and I still haven't quite got it right...no, seriously, it's a great gig for me because I get to play a wide selection of originals and covers and I have a loyal following who listen to what I'm doing. As a gig that certainly would be classified as 'intimate' I also get to practice talking to an audience, which in the context of solo gigs is very important. I'm really keen to develop this side of my act, so that the stories and comments add to the songs I'm playing.
This particular gig also saw me attempting to develop another idea, which is that of doing happier songs! Anyone who knows my own material will know that it's not the most cheerful bunch of songs. Now there was a time when the more emotional, heart-ripping the song was the more I felt I could get behind it and perform it. Now I'm realising that it's wise not to always be like that and to develop my sunnier side as well! I'm in the process of addressing this regarding originals but more immediately I'm adding more happy covers, particularly for the full-length gigs like this.
I've noticed 2 things from playing gigs over the past couple of years: 1) Slow songs are often frowned upon and 2) Introspective ie 'depressing' songs are frowned on. Bugger. That's about 90% of my repertoire gone!! I have a theory both are connected to the recession we're in. Yes, you know the one the govt denies but the one we're actually in. People need cheering up and taking out of themselves at gigs, not taking into themselves and being made to think too much about the darker side of life.
So anyway, another enjoyable night at the New Inn, with some happier songs too! It's just a shame that there aren't more venues like that in the local area. I hope I'm wrong in saying that so if anyone knows of any intimate pubs within a fuel-affordable range of Brighouse that host solo/acoustic nights to an attentive audience, please let me know!
That pretty much takes us up to date for the time being, I'm more than freeman, thank you for listening*
*that last bit will mean nothing if you live outside the UK, and probably nothing if you do.
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