All Jammed out at the Food Fest.

Friday, September 4th 2015

As with last year's gig here, drummer (not to mention producer/percussionist/all-round brilliant muso) Dan and myself had just one rehearsal together before attempting to nail it on the night, and he's just so damned good that's all he needs. 

Thanks to Liz from stage-sponsors Redshift Radio for this pic.

There were many moments when neither of us probably new quite how we were going to end a song, or do the middle eight or something, but we somehow managed to jam it out and it all seemed to go well, especially once the crowd had a few more glasses or prosecco or gorgeous real ales from the yummy Lymestone and Hafod breweries, stall's of which were handily close to the stage. Well, it would've been rude not to..

I got there in time to see Oli Ng's second set, Oli's a very talented musician and one to watch, as well as doing a lot of solo work he leads The Eyres and is also currently touring with Tom Seals. Look out for him, and them.

It was great fun, and with Dan's use of the full drum kit and a grittier-than-usual sound with my new axe Red Severn through my amazing little Laney Ironheart IRT-Pulse, it almost felt and sounded like a band gig rather than an acoustic duo. Great fun, not diminished by dancing minions, ninja turtles, lots of friendly faces in the crowd (Including Thea Gilmore - so no pressure..). The lovely and very well fed crowd became gradually more up for it as the night wore on more drinks went down. Thanks to all of you!

Rocking the 355(ish) copy, 'Red Severn'
Thanks to talented songsmith Tim Lee for the pic.

Audlem; it's wonderful people and music festival.

May 25th, 2015 - The Audlem Music Festival.

This year was the 15th Audlem Music Festival. What can I say? It's special. Very special.

It really is a case of the people making it so. I have previously waxed lyrical about the Shop Sessions, and in a sense this is like a festival-sized version of the same thing in that; it's very well organised by a great team who know and love music, the artists are really well looked after, and the Audlemers and incomers alike give great audience! Some festivals focus only on one type of music but here entertaining cover bands rub shoulders with original artists and 'novelty' bands, and the lovely folk of Audlem are up for every bit of it.

Thanks Martin for sending me this pic of some newspaper coverage.

The only thing to slightly blight things was the gear-cable on my boat snapping (it's a bit disconcerting when you accelerate forwards towards the bank, to avoid a boat, when instructing the boat to reverse!). This was to be one of very few (perhaps only) gigs this year I could logistically get to by my own home/narrowboat but it was not quite to be, having been stranded by my breakdown some 2 miles away at Hack Green. My music-loving friend and fellow boater Alex gave me a lift in her Porsche, which sounds a very swish way to get to a festival but it's such a tiny car that it meant I was crammed under my 2 guitars and equipment while the bonnet was tied down with string to make way for something I'd displaced! It was a good laugh anyway!

This year I played the annually converted lane, 'Blues Alley' in the center of the village. It was a little chilly but nevertheless Audlem folk gathered and stuck around for my set so thanks to you all! Thanks also to supper talented Oli Ng (of The Eyres (( and of himself)) ) who sorted the sound for me. 

Among the acts I managed to catch, The Ashley Fayth band are worth a special mention, with uber-talented bandees; Oscar South & that man again; Dan Logan!

See more about Ashley Fayth's current album project below;

I Played There She Moves, Flamingos, Romeo and Juliet (Mark Knopfler cover), Big Low Copper Moon, Galleries, Jolene (Dolly Parton cover),  Toast the Night, These Boots are made for Walking (Lee Hazlewood cover), Beachcombing, California Earthquake (Mama Cass cover), No Tobacco No Jesus.

July 31st - The Teenage Cancer Trust Benefit Concert.

Louise Gibson was once again the instigator for a wonderful evening of music which as well as myself included the talented artists Oli Ng, Nigel Kurtis Blonde, Dayve Dean, Connor Thackery, Neil Smith and Ben & Aaron. 
To be honest I was absolutely cream crackered from all i was involved with over the previous days and nights but still enjoyed a great night in Sandbach.

Photo by Dayve Dean. Thanks Dayve!

Oli Ng, who is also the frontman for The Eyres,
giving it some solo goodness!
Sorry for the poor pic quality.