So far 2013 has been good to me – hope the rest of the year continues in the same way. How has it been for you?
I seem to have hit a really creative spot and have finished a couple of new songs in the last few weeks – I guess it’s down to two things; pressure and the lack of it! Pressure to write quality songs for my forthcoming CD, and the removal of the pressure to run a school. I know the kind of pressure I prefer.
It’s been great getting out with Eddie Walker on some of his gigs during the last couple of weeks and being able to try out new songs before doing them at my own gigs. I enjoyed a trip with him down to Pete Coe’s club in Sowerby Bridge – Eddie’s guitar playing just gets better. It was also good to see Peter Bond there. Pete is one of my favourite song-writers. He wrote some real classics in the 70s and 80s. I’ve not seen him for many years but the good news is that he’s still writing and starting to do one or two clubs again – so I hope to catch him doing a full night in the near future.
Mink Bar
I really enjoyed playing at the Mink Bar in Middlesbrough. There was a good turnout on a very snowy night for the gig at a coffee lounge/tattoo parlour – never done a venue quite like it! What a fantastic night though – lively audience, spot on PA system, resident MC Rikki doing a good job of organising the evening, staff that are so friendly and support from the inimitable Shea Family. They’re putting on a whole range of music 4 nights per week – definitely worth checking out.
Thanks to Phil at Mink for the picture.
House Concert
The House Concert in Yarm in aid of Chernobyl Children Lifeline was a total contrast to Mink – a very different venue and audience – but just as enthusiastic. It’s great to play to people who wouldn’t normally experience my kind of music and have them queuing to buy CDs at the end of the night.
I’m looking forward to playing in Liverpool with friends Brian Dales and Jon Chamberlain who recreate the music of James Taylor brilliantly. It will also be good to catch up with Roy Sheriff and Rob Abrahams – friends from college who I haven’t seen for 30 years.
Keep in touch! I hope to see you soon or at least connect via Facebook or Twitter.
Forthcoming Gigs
Friday 22 February – Appearing with “Sweet Baby James”
The Lantern Theatre, Liverpool, 57 Blundell Street, Liverpool, L1 0AJ
0151 703 0000