How are you? Its starting to feel a bit chilly here with Autumn finally finding its feet here in Australia. Its a great time of year with the sun cutting through the crispness in the air. Most days we wander down to the seaside and feel lucky to be where we are. Come up to Terrigal sometime and say hi!
Since last time I dropped an email I’ve done the mini tour and some small shows with Mike McCarthy. Mike’s songs are amazing and I love just playing guitar and going along for the ride. I’ve probably said this a few times already but if you need some great music go and get The Lion’s Share. You will love it.
I’ve also done some writing with Cam Mackellar including a track we co-wrote which will be on his impending album. I’ve been listening to mixes of the album and it is incredible. I will also be playing some guitar with Cam on some shows so keep an eye out for those. If you are on the Central Coast put July 7 in your diary for the Lizottes show supporting Mark Moldre.
In regards to my own stuff I have been writing a lot of new stuff and will be releasing some new stuff this year. Last night I went to the legendary Bill Chambers’ songwriter’s night and did some tunes and it was an amazing time. A great bunch of music lovers appreciating some great songwriters and players. If you are local you must come along. Its on every second Thursday at Quattro Cafe and offers a free night of music by some of the best writers and musicians in this country. I’m going to make it my regular spot to go and trial out new songs so come along and check it out. I will buy you a beer if you buy me one.
That’s about it for now. If you want to get in touch or see what’s happening with gigs and stuff pop me a message on my Facebook page. I’d love to hear from you.
It was super fun playing with Mike on the launch tour of “The Lion’s Share” in October. Flying to Melbourne, playing some shows, seeing Bells Beach (Yew!), a lovely homecoming gig at Avoca Picture Theatre, and a week later an absolute belter of a gig at The Vanguard in Newtown. Fun Times! I even learnt some things:
- I absolutely love playing guitar (I already knew that but anyways).
- I absolutely love playing music with good peeps.
- Mike has written a stonker of an album.
- Melbourne is ok. Avoca is better. Newtown is the best.
- I love my James Trussart Deluxe Steelcaster more than anything (other than my family and close friends).
- I’m not 21 anymore. I find myself saying things like “I’ll just have one beer so I’m in good shape tomorrow.”
- Loading gear into a car is nearly always best done by the bassplayer (unless he is drunk).
Life lessons for all there. Next we head south soon for a show near Nowra. I’m also writing now for a new release of some description in the new year. In the meantime have a listen and look through some of the bits from the album and tour and stuff below.
Check out a few pics from my recent little trip to the UK. Photos by Dan Weeks.
By means of an update the trip contained:
- Catching up with great friends.
- A few gigs with the greatest band a man could dream for. Great players even better people. Big love to Dan, Matt, Willie, Nicki and Ed.
- Hanging at my old local, Cafe Fredo.
- Swine flu taking down the drummer/manager/force of nature and his family. So nasty.
- Working on my whiskey appreciation.
- Telling the crowd at New Wine B that it would be a shame if some of them would drown in their tents.
- Regretting that last comment a little. Only a little though.
- Some new work done by Valerie Vargas.
- Playing more electric guitar on the gigs. Strat into a Blues Junior turned up very loud. Simple joys.
- Plenty of time and space to think and get some clarity on life and the universe and all that.
- Average flights with Thai Airways.
- Visiting Denmark Street but not buying anything. Good effort.
- Great late night chats with Mr Weeks. Although he called me a lightweight when I went to bed before The Commitments finished.
- Meeting all the new Weeks babies, Mr Amos and Miss Della. So Beautiful.
- My old friend Ben coming to The Halfmoon Putney gig with his little lady and a great camera setup. We should have footage up here shortly.
- Getting home and being so thankful to be back with my girls.
It really was a great little trip. Had a blast. Maybe again next year?
I had a great week handling the house act duties at the ‘Rendezvous’ cafe at New Wine again this year. I packed pretty light just taking myself, a tent, a sleeping bag, my old camp worthy guitar, a few hats, some books, one pair of jeans for the week and a few t-shirts. I packed just about right. I also packed my frisbee but its so hard to play frisbee by yourself. Man I felt like a loser. Read the rest of this entry »
“This is a lovely, honest EP, capturing the essence of hope as well as fear. Influences such as Bob Dylan, Ray Lamontagne and Ryan Adams definitely shine through.”
