MUSIC.

 

I got to see Thomas Dolby twice in the last month. First show was at Bristol's O2 Academy.

My good friend Jakko Jakszyk was on Guitar and vocals. He was/still is a pivotal member of King Crimson.

I've always loved Thomas's synth work and songs. They are a journey, that keeps unfolding.

Jakko did tell me that Ana Pshinko, the Ukrainian bassist was stopped boarding the flight to the UK.

A real shame, but the show went on. Thomas spent all the previous day putting video and bass parts into his computer.

I travelled up with my long time great friend and collaborator Robert Reed. Rob used Jakko on his Kompendium album back a few years ago.

 

I then got to see YELLOWJACKETS in the Sub Rooms in Stroud. Russel Ferante is a wonderful pianist and musician.

It was a revelation (sorry for the Pun) to see such incredible musicianship on offer. I got to see some of my old mates who've I've worked with many times for a pre Pizza before the gig.

 

Then on the Friday, back to the Sub Rooms to see Thomas Dolby again, This time with two wonderful friends Adrian Bamford and Jeff Rees. We were in a band late 90's who played a few Thomas Dolby tunes.

The sound was brilliant, and as always there are some curve balls on Thomas's tours.

Jakko caught up with us for a beer after the show.

 

Prior to all this, I managed to collect Rob's Roland SH1000 from Mr Guy Wilkinson, who had serviced the synth. Guy had gone through everything with a fine tooth comb, finding wire wool on the keyboard contacts.....which were either blocking the note or retriggering multiple times. Guy cleaned the SH1000, replaced some Capacitors and Resistors, rebuilt the power supply and having delivered it to Rob....it now sounds as good as the day it left the factory....in 1972/1973. Just in time for Rob to add the finishing touches to his new Sanctuary album, but not before the Legend Simon Phillips adds his incredible drum parts.

 

 

 

 

ELECTRIC CARS

 

My car is a Renault Hybrid. It's comfortable and economical.....but there's always a BUT.

I drove back the 50 minutes from Stroud late Friday night, and pulled into the hotel car park...around 12.30am.

On the Saturday morning, having had a check out time of 10am, I approached the car, clicked the key fob and NOTHING.

I tried it again to see if it was me, but it wasn't. I eventually found where the manual door locking key was....and applied it to the driver's door. I managed to get inside, and did all the internet suggestions....but to no avail.

A quick call to the garage I purchased the car off last November. EvansHalsahw Darlington are of litle use and have been since I bought it. I called the Renault helpline who put me through to the RAC. After most of my Saturday gone, Andrew turned up, checked my battery and replaced it. All that was needed now was to get Renault to pay for the Battery, considering the car was less than 6 months old.

The Joys of Motoring. To be fair, it's not the car's fault. The garage might have something to do with it. Renault in Swansea were far more help with the matter.

 

Talk of motoring, We went to the TRUKFEST in Bishop Auckland. Many wonderful trucks were there, and every owner was out polishing each inch of the machines. The Sun shone all day. Some nice bike stunts were performed.

 

Gigs

I'm gearing up for doing some shows with ARKANSAS Dave, who's coming over from the USA to entertain the United Kingdom audiences.

That'll be July, but before that.....I'll be heading to China/Hong Kong this month with the "Some Guys Have all the Luck" show and my lovely mates from the Chris de Burgh band.

 

 

Ciao for Now. or in China....CHOW FOR NOW.