Another busy month. When I stopped teaching I thought that I would have so much time on my hands – everyone told me that I wouldn’t and I didn’t believe them. I was wrong and they were right. The big difference, however, is that instead of trying to fit songwriting and gigs into the few spaces left after my responsibilities in running a school, I now have time to reflect and do things at a more measured pace.
I’ve had really good feedback regarding the website, perhaps best summed up by Bernie O’Hagan,
“I’ve just had a good look at the website and I now know a lot more about you. Funny thing this technology, how many conversations have we had in the last 25 years and 10 minutes at a computer …”
Let me know what you think.
Is there anything extra that you would like to see on the website?
Get in touch via Facebook
Facebook is something I have avoided until now, but I’m fully signed up and love it. It’s helped me to get in touch with long lost friends from my early singing days and from my time at college in Bradford. Get in touch using this link.
September Gigs
Vin Garbutt and Pete wait to audition for a new series of Phoenix Nights in Chesterfield
Two very different but enjoyable sold out gigs in September.
The first with Vin Garbutt (www.vingarbutt.com) in Chesterfield was special as my whole family turned out in force. It was a real surprise to see my brother Ian, his wife Lesley and our nephew Jonno made the journey from Milton Keynes arriving just before the start – they hadn’t even told my mum that they were coming so it made the night extra special for her too. The capacity crowd were very attentive to both Vin and me – hope to be back soon. Chuffed to have been compared to Peter Bond and Paul Metsers – two song writing heroes from the 70s/80s.
“… ex Bolsover resident Peter Davies, delivered a selection of mostly self penned songs with a confident, clear baritone that set the tone for the evening beautifully. He reminded me of that crop of singer songwriters like Peter Bond and Paul Metzers (sic). He had the winning combination of a simple but effective guitar style coupled with meaningful lyrics. I particularly liked ‘Is it ever going to rain?’ and ‘Go on and dance, Joanne’.” Martin Sumpton, Derbyshire Times (see Derbyshire Times for full review)
Really enjoyed the gig with “Sweet Baby James” at the Stapylton, Eston. What could have been a noisy pub gig was actually more like a concert with great order and a receptive audience. Bri Dales (guitarist on The Witness) and Jon Chamberlain on keyboards really have the James Taylor sound nailed. Definitely worth checking out. Hopefully will be doing more work with them around the country.
Lots of family, friends, fans and the merely curious in attendance. My mum who is 86 has seen me perform 3 times now in the past 3 months – solo, with Vin Garbutt and with Sweet Baby James — she loves the music and the atmosphere. It was also good to see old fans from the Albert Folk Club of 20 years or so ago turn up – born again folkies! Nice one Billy Cowell.
No gigs in October as the month will be taken up with a trip to Portugal and recording sessions.