In the hope that someone, somewhere, enjoyed my first post, here’s post number 2.
As I sit to write it, the snooker is on, World Championships from Sheffield, but unfortunately, the fire is on as well, due to the unseasonably cold and wet weather we are having.
The countdown is on to our first gig (3 days as I write this), and even though we haven’t had as many rehearsals as planned, I’m looking forward to it. I’d like to say a huge thank you to the guys in the band who have put in their time, efforts and talents, and if the last rehearsal is anything to go by, the folks at The Cantaloupe Jazz Cafe are in for an evening of new grooves and dancing. The word on the street is that it will be a busy evening, so get there early. O.W.T.O. 27th April
I’m also pleased to say that the guys at The Portugal News have also heard about the band and this project, so it was great to chat with Laiana, one of their team, about the music we are making and the people we hope to connect with.
Along with rehearsals, the band have also been putting some finishing touches to some recordings (or to be exact, band demos), which have been used and developed as part of our upcoming live schedule. We hope to make these available soon, but for now, watch this space………and get yourself down to the gig!
At this point, I‘d like to give what is commonly referred to as ‘a shout out’ to the guys at Soundbunker – Portugal. It was great to meet Steven there, and I look forward to collaborating on future projects, the first one probably being some mastering for O.W.T.O.
In the interests of promoting new music, it was great to hear from an old bandmate of mine, Alex Spall. Now based in Thailand, Alex’s latest musical project, Bangkok Reggae Massive, has a new EP hot off the press. Alex has been the guitar brain and fingers behind some of my past recordings and releases, so it’s good to see him as writer and producer on this one. Congratulations on the release, Alex. Here’s to us sharing a stage again together soon.
Another colleague of mine, Dr Robin Harrison, the brains and energy behind The Maestro Online, has also been getting up to some amazing work. His recent trips to Uganda have seen him impart some of his knowledge into the musical education of some of Uganda’s brightest musical talents. Well done, Robin.
In other news…….The Ashes are coming to UK shores! Yes, folks, it’s the Rugby League bit, so prick up your ears. The Australian Rugby League team (The Kangaroos) are making their way to England for the first Ashes test in nearly a decade. I have my ticket ready and waiting. The last time GB beat them was 1972, before I was born (and for the hardened fans amongst you, you will no doubt at this point be seeing Clive Sullivan running down the wing, in a full-length try spectacular). The Kangaroos are considered the best Rugby League nation, for one reason only. It’s because they are the best Rugby League nation, but we have a chance to, once again, believe we can do it! So come on, Big Mal Meninga (an incredibly talented and ferocious centre, in the 80s and now Australian coach, and Nathan Cleary (the captain and exceptionally talented Australian half-back of the current squad), bring us what you got. I think, I think, we can beat you!