Moody Blues Open Mic

Well, for once there were more customers than musicians at the Moody Blues Open Mic, so talented host, Kev Pallot and myself took it in turns for most of the night.

It was cool hearing Kev's original tunes, with some nice guitar playing and his powerful Tenor voice ripping the P.A. apart. A great Ben Harper cover and a very original version of Wonderwall were also greatly appreciated by the locals.

I enjoyed blowing the dust off a few originals:

Cold River
Lonely Road
Sold
I'm So Cold, Son
My Run

And I did plenty of mellow covers:

She's only happy in the sun ~ Ben Harper
Volcano ~ Damien Rice
Sail Away ~ David Gray
Diamonds on the inside ~ Ben Harper
Amie ~ Damien Rice
Wires ~ Athlete

To round off a chilled out session, a Polish girl called Anya got up and sang three Polish Folk songs, to the delight of her friends and english speaking listeners alike.

Kev is a top bloke, amiable, talented, arty and laid back. It was also nice to hear him play solo, even though he and Bob Vincent make an excellent duo, there is a different dynamic when a musician has to stand on his own with a guitar, sometimes they reveal their flaws but when they are talented, as with Kev, they can shine.

Good stuff.

I am looking forward to New York now, which may include two studios, one in NYC and one in Connecticut... exciting stuff!

Still hoping to play some shows too, we shall see.

JT ~ x

HOLY SHIT!!!

Just about covers it...



Derrin Nauendorf is simply the most incredible guitar player I have ever seen... Phenomenal!!!

I was completely blown away. He plays with this insane funky style, playing percussion by wrapping strings, tapping his guitar and even headbutting the mic! He also plays bass notes, rhythm, harmonics and lead seemingly at the same time... Truly remarkable. I would recommend every single person on the planet, regardless of your musical taste, to check this guy out, he is one of a kind. Made me want to burn my guitar and CLEARLY illustrated that at best, I am a proficient guitar player who uses the instrument as a vehicle to get over my song... THAT guy can play the guitar!

I really enjoyed opening the show and the place was really busy and the crowd were cool, a testament to the popularity of Derrin and as I said above, he appeals to everybody. There were goths, stoners, trendy dudes, pretty women, older business types, just about everybody was there and blown away.

I'm moving house, so found some of my old toys in boxes so I set-up last night with a wah wah pedal and a chorus pedal and played around, the audience didn't seem to mind although my amp nearly exploded.

Set:

Wires ~ Athlete
Volcano ~ Damo
I'm so cold, son ~ JT
Sail Away ~ David Gray
Sold ~ JT
Diamonds on the inside ~ Ben Harper
She's only happy in the sun ~ Ben Harper

Barcelona was brilliant!!!

A very arty place and I loved the Gothic architecture, especially the Gaudi cathedral.

Loads of music and little bars, although our live music was limited to an amazing Flamenco restaurant with singers, dancers and four guitar players who's finger were a blur as they pulsed out the flamenco rhythms.

I would go back to play there for sure.

So, THIS THURSDAY (10th) I am looking forward to opening for Derrin at the MOODY BLUES from 7ish. Come and check it out.

Oh yea, whilst in Barcelona, I read 'Dream Brother' the dual biography of Jeff and Tim Buckley, amazing reading about their lives. Quite an eye opener too, it's hard to believe that Jeff started his second album STILL owing his record label money for Grace!!! Scary stuff. In a way I wish I hadn't read it, it takes away the mystique of the artists and the songs but then, you are reading about their lives through the ideas of a writer and not actually in their heads.

NOTE:

Playing at the Moody Blues NEXT Thursday (10th Feb) not this Thursday as reported... Sorry.

THURSDAY ~ MOODY BLUES FROM 7PM



I am opening for the amazing Derrin Nauendorf, come and check it out.

Derrin is on at about 8:45pm.