Rationalising a few things and decision making as the year comes closer to ending. Not taking any additional bookings this year, but…
Bad Bob Bates solo work – need some more in next year to add to what’s already come in. Happy to cover support slots as well as full two/three set sessions. The archtop guitar and Laney 15 watt amp have really helped the range of material I can do comfortably now, so gentle Americana to full on foot stomping blues and boogie with the foot percussion! Looking forward to my next solo run out at The Blue Bell in Belford from 3pm Sunday 13th November.
Oil City Shakers – similarly, need more of this duo in for next year. It’s a great format for a pretty varied set of material, and Ronnie’s blues harp and gentle wailing makes all the difference.
The Bandits – on hold for now until we can get our transport and approach sorted, though a couple in already for next year. It’s a great band, and like OCS is the biggest duo you’ll ever see, The Bandits are the biggest trio you’ll ever see…
Ma Kelly’s Boys (old Quo, 70 to 76) goes from strength to strength and is now cooking on gas. Well worth all the work put in to date. See you at the O2 Academy in Newcastle on 27th December with our friends from The Dirty South, and next up we’re at The Skinner’s Arms, Belford Club, Belford, Northumberland on Saturday night, 12th November. That’ll be a belter.
The Velvets venture is ticking along nicely now too, in preparation for the 50 year anniversary of The Velvet Underground and Nico release next year. We’re at Cluny 2 in Newcastle on Sunday 20th November, 3.00-6.30pm, delivering classic Velvet Underground in the spirit and style of the originals, with weird drum kit, spiky guitars and the material that has influenced so many artists and bands ever since. Up to Kinross with it in the New Year, then we plan to gate crash John Cale’s VU Liverpool bash weekend with a gig hot on his heels.
Oil City Connection. This has been one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done – let’s see if we can do some more in 2017…
Recording. I’ve already got the majority of three new tracks recorded (Ally Lee’s Mill Studios) and new songs are coming through. It’s all about finding the time to put another album together for release in 2017, all being well.
Custom CoolEtch etched metal guitar parts is also chugging along nice thanks to the artistry, skill and talent of Janie D. I’ll keep doing my best to support marketing, promo and sales, though not much time left over for it. See links.
Bridge Street Guitars. Let’s see how much time I left for this next year. See links.
Oh, did I mention I also have a “real” job too, and additional freelance work. Need to rationalise some of that too!
Pleased to have a couple of “different” solo bookings coming in for January 17. Mostly my solo performances are full nights at various venues, or supporting touring bands, but this time I get to share the stage with other songwriters – very Nashville, ha ha!
