Stripped down in Salford.

 Photo by Carol Middleton 

It can be a rough old game this music one: a game that more often than not involves juggling portfolio careers as the financial rewards are so low, schedules beset with last minute changes, changing facilities little better than vandalised toilets, and promoters more interested in painting-by-numbers covers than true originality. But now and again you get a wonderful night that reminds you of the wholly positive side of this business of show, and this fundraising night at Acoustic Amnesty was just such an occasion. 

We headed to the historic King's Arms Salford for a rare (for us) stripped-back acoustic set with Dave on his Cajon instead of the full kit and me plugging my acoustic straight into the PA, the rich tones of my Martin Dreadnought Junior actually providing a surprisingly great range in terms of dynamics - you can really dig into that guitar. 

Unfortunately James Heaton had to pull out following a positive Covid test, but Fraser Lindsay, Tracey Browne and Last Race Home all genuinely provided warm, plaintive, uplifting & emotive sounds and the lively audience were great for us too - thank you! 

Sound engineer Gareth gave us a great on-stage sound making it easy for us to really dig in and give it up to the music. 

Many thanks to the organisers who raised hundreds of pounds on the night to one of the local Amnesty campaigns buying books for children & families in the Salford area unable to access or afford reading for their children. 

Just wonderful - thanks again all x 

Photo by Fraser Lindsay