The Chase

Sometimes, or more often than sometimes we try too hard to grab hold of something - like a dog chasing its tail.
It's so hard to distinguish between things that need work and pursuit
and the ones that won't be achieved if they're chased too hard.

A purpose to your song.

"I hate a song that makes you think that you are not any good. I hate a song that makes you think that you are just born to lose. Bound to lose. No good to nobody. No good for nothing. Because you are too old or too young or too fat or too slim too ugly or too this or too that. Songs that run you down or poke fun at you on account of your bad luck or hard traveling.

I am out to fight those songs to my very last breath of air and my last drop of blood. I am out to sing songs that will prove to you that this is your world and that if it has hit you pretty hard and knocked you for a dozen loops, no matter what color, what size you are, how you are built. 

I am out to sing the songs that make you take pride in yourself and in your work."

Woody Guthrie on songwriting.

A Little Kick in the Mojo

Hugo Turquet, the A&R Manager from BMG Chrysalis gave a guest lecture today. He gave his opinion on our music too. Born on the Wings of a Butterfly is a song I've been riding for a couple months now. The overwhelmingly positive responses I've been gaining from playing it have led me to believe there really is something special about it. My tutors have also taken an interest in the tune, which gave me even more hope that the song might hold the key I need to open the right doors. Hugo didn't see it. He got bored during the second half of the song and told me I struggle in my upper register. Honest. And much appreciated. I admit I was surprised. I didn't expect that at all. But strangely it excited me to continue improving. I've gotten a bit lazy lately. And this was a strong, awakening dose of reality. On I go.

Diggin' Moles

Tonight was beautiful. I've wanted to play at Moles Cafe ever since I moved to Bath a few months ago - and tonight I did. I had a gorgeous response - more than I could have wished for. I am deeply indebted to all my friends that came to support me and make it an unforgettable evening.
And if the night wasn't going well enough, the band Grace played next door at the Porter after my gig - recording a live album. What a face melt. Honored to have been there.
These are the kind of nights I will reminisce about when I'm old and grey in a few years.

backbone swung over my shoulder

I could spend my life fitting it back into place

Or I could love my fragile companion

A Fine Evening

Last night I was invited by my new host family to a charity event that they had worked to organize. It took place in an old mansion called Jaggard's House. There, after having served food and wine to the participants, I sat by the fire in the main room. The enormous chimney had the date 1657 encrypted into it. I was asked to pull out my guitar and sing a few tunes. The people gathered around on the couch and chairs, listening and sipping the last of the wine.

"House belonged to a holding referred to in 1340, held by Kington family c1560-1766, passed to J. Shore, Leir family and in 1866 to J.B.Fuller of Neston Park"

My New Home in the Wilderness

Today I moved yet again. The old couple I'm staying with have a beautiful old home with antique furniture and all sorts of period decorations. Two giant male labradors rule the downstairs area, but luckily my room is upstairs furnished with an elegant wardrobe through which I may be able to enter Narnia. It feels peculiar typing on my computer in this place. I should be writing on paper with a feather pen - an oil lamp illuminating my page from the corner of this old wooden desk.
It is quiet here, although every half hour or so I can hear the London-Bristol train pass right behind the Wilderness - which is what the house is called. (In England, the practice of naming one's house is not uncommon).
I have a good feeling that I'll enjoy living here. Let's at least hope it plays out better than last time.