2020

Here we go again, again, this time I will make an update every week 

BT Officially The Worst

I have had issues with them in the past, so today I decided to make a proper complaint. Let's see what happens, I'm assuming nothing as they still think they are the GPO. Absolutely appalling

Ok here we go

Something new coming soon I promise

Crikey

Has it been that long? I really must update this soon!

New Phone

So I have a new phone maybe these posts will be more frequent but who knows

Update on the book

Seriously its on the way - I promise. No seriously it's coming!

A sad time

My friends Mum passed away recently. Although she only knew me for a short while she was a big influence on my life. She and her husband took me under their wing when I was at a really low point in my life, and for that I owe them a debt that can never be repaid. God bless you both.

This just made me smile

The Book

It's on it's way - I promise!

Pedal Power

Now normally I don't use a lot of pedals for my guitar (actually make that none, my Crate VTX200 is good enough on it's own), but recently I've made a change.

I purchased the incredible Electro Harmonix B9. It took some getting used to, and not all the sounds are accurate, or even useable. That said, this thing has blown me away! After a week of solid practice I'm now at a point where I could easily gig with it. I can't wait to get the C9 now!

For those of you who are even remotely interested, here is the rig I use. USA Fender Stratocaster Deluxe (neck pickup mainly) into the B9, dry signal into Crate VTX200, organ signal into an Ashdown EVOII 500. The end result is that I can finally play keyboard parts without the mistakes. If only Electro Harmonix can make the 'D9' (come on guys you know you want to make one) sound like a Rhodes!

If you want to check it out follow this LINK

ps: since this was published the I bought the C9  - it is awesome!

pps: the KEY9 is even better

How The Hell Did That Happen!

I'm about to turn fifty. Fifty! I've no idea how that has happened. So I've decided to compile an alternative to a bucket list. Rather than a list of things 'to do' this is list of things 'not to do' at fifty. I'm sure I can easily fill the list, so stick with me on this one...

... thanks to my friend Will for inspiring me to do this...
... and this list is in no particular order:

1. DON'T PANIC
2. Don't have a midlife crisis
   (I did that at 30)
3. Don't buy a sports car when you really need a Transit van
4. Don't stop eating tasty things that are 'bad for you'
5. Don't start seeing my GP on a regular basis, or get on 1st name terms
6. Don't get a tattoo
7. Don't buy a ridiculously expensive guitar
   (my old Strat is perfectly fine, in fact it's much better than fine, it's fantastic!)
8. Don't stop working on that album of German-inspired electronica that has taken 20 years so far and might one day actually get released, even though no-one will want to hear it
9. Don't expect anyone to buy the album
10. Don't give up the hunt for that 'Plexiglass' Stratocaster that Nile Rogers owns
    (it will be mine)
11. Don't lose touch with old friends
12. Don't become a grumpy old man
13. Don't convert to a PC, stay true to Macs
14. Don't forget to call my family, even if there is no reason to call
15. Don't stop listening to new music 
16. Don't buy a new amp, get the old one fixed instead
    (if you need to know it's a Crate Vintage Club 50 and it's terrific when it's working) It's fixed, and sounds like thunder!
17. Don't stop trying to play 'gypsy' type jazz, even though I'm no good at it and it's really hard 
18. Don't stop dancing to the radio in the kitchen 
19. Don't get G.A.S
    (only the musicians will understand this one) 
20. Don't take piano lessons
    (it will take away the mistakes and therefore the creativity from my awful keyboard playing) 
21. Don't go on a health kick
    (I tried this before, eating dried fruit and pine nuts really didn't suit me, as for jogging, don't even get me started)
22. Don't ever forget how important my wife is to me
    (we're not actually married, but our bond is closer than any piece of paper could make us. Oh, and she makes me a better person too) 
23. Don't forget my toothbrush 
24. Don't forget the past, but learn to let it go gracefully
25. Don't be afraid to buy new T-shirts
    (yes the old ones are nice and baggy, but give it time and the new ones will be comfy too) 
26. Don't be afraid to say "no" sometimes
27. Don't let things that I can't control bother me
28. Don't put if off, do it now!
29. Don't ask for advice and then just ignore it
30. Don't ever wear flip-flops
    (this is a general rule for all men, not just me)
31. Don't ever use the phrase "music was better in my time"
32. Don't don't don't believe the hype
33. Don't give up teaching music
    (yes it's frustrating but the end results are worth it)
34. Don't stop listening to Steeley Dan
35. Don't grow a moustache
    (tried it during 'Movember' looked hideous)
36. Don't dismiss new tech it does make things better 
37. Don't get a Facebook account. You hated everyone at school and you're not going like them now either 
38. Don't use Twitter, nobody cares that at 11am you had a Twix. Seriously no-one cares 
39. Don't buy cheap cables, they will fail 
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Gypie Mayo - Hospice Benefit Gigs

Sadly late last year we lost a truly great musician, Gypie Mayo. I supported Gypie on 2 occasions one when he was with the Yardbirds and one with the Band of Sceptics.

2nd of March this year I'm lucky enough to be able to be involved in a tribute night to this great man. Proceeds from the gig will go to the Bath Hospice who cared for Gypie before his death. If you can get to the Tropic @ Ruislip, it will be well worth it!

2014

Right, well 2014 is going to be a challenge. I'm going to turn 50, going on a completely new musical journey, and releasing a book crikey!

Merry Christmas

OK, well after a serious hiatus it seems I'm back. Many thanks to Will and Leigh for inspiring me to kick this off again and let's see where we go from here!