It’s been a really productive time this past month as I’ve been in the studio recording some songs which I can’t wait to share with you! I’ve recorded a few songs with Jose McGill who is the singer and guitarist of renowned band The Vagaband and he has been adding some lovely subtle instrumentation. Noel Dashwood, who recently performed with me at OPEN when we supported Eliza Carthy, has also contributed his wonderful dobro as well as ukulele, harmonies and harmonica. The mixes are already sounded great and I’ve posted some little video clips from the studio on my Instagram
Also I’ve been writing my music column for the Evening News. All my music activities plus previewing great gigs and live music.
It’s that time again! My Christmas single ‘St Benedict’s Christmas Fair’ is available on iTunes and Bandcamp ~ here’s a new live video, performing the song unplugged.
Had a great gig supporting Eliza Carthy at OPEN Norwich. It was lovely to be joined for the first time on stage by amazing musician Noel Dashwood. The lovely sound of the dobro is something that really adds to the songs.
Here’s us warming up backstage playing ‘Music and the Mountains’:
And on stage performing ‘Carolina Rain’. More videos will be added to the YouTube Channel
Meeting Eliza after the show, such infectious energy and inspiring musicianship in her Wayward Band, try and catch them on this UK tour!
Had a lovely day in the autumn sunshine filming a little live video at the historic Wolferton station on the Royal Sandringham Estate. Thanks so much to John there for letting me film.
Here’s the video, performing Neil Young’s beautiful song ‘Birds’:
I’ve also recorded the song and here’s a free download
My latest music column was in this week’s Evening News. This time I’m talking about my fun time at Reload Festival, looking at music charity The Black Dog Music and also reviewing great gigs by Boo Hewerdine and The Wombats. Plus there’s previews of Norwich Sound & Vision Convention and my upcoming gig at OPENNorwich supporting the wonderful Eliza Carthy
Really exciting news! Huge congrats to one of my vocal students Breeze for winning her category in national competition TeenStar! Pre Teen winner 2015! She performed my song ‘Here Alone’ at Birmingham’s NEC and earned the highest marks from the music industry judges – so proud!
Here’s her stunning winning performance of my song ‘Here Alone’
My latest column for Songwriting Magazine now online. This time I’m discussing crowd funding for musicians, something I’ve not embarked upon but have been considering. I’d be really interested to hear from artists who have funded projects this way.
I’ve also had my latest column for the Evening News published and as well as sharing my latest news I preview some creative workshops happening in Norwich this month:
I’ve added new videos to my YouTube channel and new songs to SoundCloud including this ukulele cover of a lovely new Kacey Musgraves song. Really enjoying the sweet sounds and melodies on her Pageant Material album.
Looking ahead to Autumn and I’m really excited to be supporting Eliza Carthy and The Wayward Band at OPEN Norwich on Wednesday October 14th. Details here
Festival season is now in full swing and thankfully we’ve mostly had some beautiful summer weather to accompany it.
Last Saturday I played at Dubs in the Hall Festival. Aimed predominately at owners and lovers of Volkswagen Campers, it has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and the sultry weather we had certainly contributed to a really relaxing feel. The festival is located in the beautiful setting of Holt Hall in North Norfolk and with an eclectic mix of live music, from reggae, rockabilly, rock, indie, folk and acoustic plus DJ sets, there was something for everyone.
Here’s a little video I’ve put together from my fun and very warm day there:
Sunday was another great event with a visit to the Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre. Now in its 11th year, the fayre is bigger than before and it’s easy to see why it’s become such a popular day in the city’s arts calendar. Huge crowds soaked up the buzzing atmosphere and there was an array of lovely vintage and craft stalls, street food, live music, art, DJ’s, performances and fairground attractions along the various areas of the historic busy streets.
The Summer Fayre really showcases the vibrant arts scene here in the city and my friend, local film maker and photographer Claudia Taveira has captured some lovely shots of the day as shown here. Check out her WordPress Photography blog Claudia Taveira Photography Blog
Also this past month I’ve been in the studio. I really love the process of recording and have recorded a lot of material in the area including my first album ‘Slipstream’. I’ve also recorded and collaborated with some amazing musicians in New York City and Nashville which is always inspiring and really broadened my musical horizons. This time I was recording the guitar part to create an instrumental to one of my acoustic songs ‘Here Alone’ as one of my incredibly talented vocal students Breeze Redwine wanted to record a version. The biggest thrill as a songwriter is when an artist covers one of your songs and Breeze has done a beautiful soulful version.
I recorded in The Mill Studio (photo above) which is based near Diss. Established for over 10 years, it’s responsible for producing releases by local bands and international signed recording artists. The setting is really lovely and peaceful, away from the city and owner Johnny Cole says the studio’s goal is to provide a relaxed and enjoyable approach to recording, whilst aiming to achieve the best results. Check out the studio here at The Mill Studio
Lately I’ve recorded and performed songs by Mumford and Sons, James Bay and Years and Years. Acoustic versions and free downloads are on my SoundCloud
Performing James Bay’s lovely song ‘Let It Go’ in the garden on a sunny day:
In my regular music column for Norwich Evening News in print today I’m remembering my fun week at BBC Radio 1’s Academy including the songwriting masterclass and BBC Introducing gigs which included sets by Port Isla and Montagues and Capulets. I’m discussing the rewards of teaching music and Access to Music and also previewing some great upcoming gigs including Good Lovelies at Southwold Arts Festival and Danny And The Champions Of The World at Norwich Waterfront.
Under dramatic Norfolk skies, here are some more stills from the upcoming music video that Claudia Taveira Photography is working on. Check out her impressive photography blog on WordPress
Free Downloads on SoundCloud
Original acoustic song ‘Here Alone’ which features Nashville producer David Henry:
New cover, trying a live acoustic version of ‘Believe’ Mumford and Sons. Like the emotion and dynamics of this tune:
Hey everyone! hope you had a lovely Easter. Been busy doing lots of writing recently. My new music column was in Wednesday’s Evening News. As well as writing about life as a musician, I’m also previewing some great upcoming gigs at Norwich Arts Centre, Waterfront plus there’s info about Record Store Day.
Hope you enjoyed the live videos from C2C. I’ve also added some more videos to my YouTube channel from a recent fun gig at supporting The Dreaming Spires at The Bicycle Shop The band have had some well deserved excellent reviews for their great new album ‘Searching for the Supertruth’ and huge thanks to Joe from the band for joining me on 2 of my songs. It was also so much fun singing on their lovely song ‘We Used to Have Parties’:
‘Carolina Rain’ with Joe from The Dreaming Spires
‘Lost Again’ with Joe from The Dreaming Spires
‘Be Around’ a cappella version live in Greenwich Tunnel!
New Interviews!
Another great part of playing C2C festival was getting to meet some of my fans and do some interviews with them for their blogs and channels. Here’s a fun interview video with French YouTube Channel L Teste:
https://youtu.be/cDdpcbAOjmY
Plus an interview with country music blog Six Shooter Country, chatting about playing the festival and my music inspirations:
Hectic but really fun weekend performing at C2C Country to Country saw lots of great live music and as last year there was such a lovely warm atmosphere and it was amazing to see how busy it was. Thanks so much to everyone who came along to my set at the Saloon and signing to say hi! Hope you enjoyed the special EP. Thanks also to W21 Music and Jeff G Photography for taking some great shots.
I’ve posted quite a few videos from my performance. Following on from last year, here’s another fun little highlights video I’ve put together with a clip of ‘Carolina Rain’ what a weekend!
Here’s also some live videos from my performance, singing ‘Never Was a Yesterday’
Road to #c2c2015 can’t wait to play C2C Country to Country pop up stages next weekend. Playing brand new stage The Saloon on Sunday March 8th at 2.10pm amongst a great line up.
Hope to see you there. Thanks so much toW21Music for this lovely banner!
I’m also excited to be doing a signing after my performance. Goodies past and present will be available! Signing will be in the Town Square between 3.45 and 4.15pm. Here’s the full information.
Also had fun doing a video and photo shoot this week with Claudia Taveira Photography. Some photos below:
Also I’ve been writing my music column for the Evening News. All my music activities plus previewing great gigs and live music.
