New Venue - Saturday 19th July - Minto Lounge, Lochgelly - New Venue

Well it's about time I got back to work, don't you think?  Nerve wracking enough coming back after over a month off, but to come to a new venue?  Scary stuff! 

I (as I am forever saying) needn't have worried.  The Minto Lounge is a friendly wee pub, full of people like you and me - Jock Tamson's bairns - who are out for a good night, and a bit of banter.  Suits me fine, as you know.  It's always difficult going to a new venue, as I don't have the `measure` of the crowd until around the end of the first set.  Before that, I tend to stick to my usual mixture of songs and styles, and I pay attention to the reactions of the crowd.  Then I try and pick the next set to suit, and finish with a third set of mixed styles once more, changing the songs to suit the people still in the pub at that time. 

Now why has it been so long?  Well if you have visited my website over the last month you'll see that I haven't mentioned much.  This is because I was off at exactly the same time of year last year, and my website became a weekly moan.  Now we all have enough troubles without reading about someone else's illnesses, don't we?

Anyway - I had allergic rhinitis, causing a post nasal drip, causing a cough, causing laryngitis. With rest, (haha) antihistamines and the use of both a humidifier and an air purifier, I seem to be back on track.  If it happens this time next year, I am officially taking a month off to save myself the guilt of continually cancelling gigs.  To those of you I have let down by cancelling, I apologise.  But please know that I NEVER lie about being ill.

Saturday 21st June 2008 - Sandylands Holiday Park, Ayrshire

This was my second visit to Sandylands, but my first time was at the end of the season, so I wasn't sure what to expect this time.  I needn't have worried.  The very quiet main hall didn't take long to fill up once the bar opened, and we got on with the job in hand quite happily.

Last time I was on with a duo called "Foreign Affair", which consisted of Jackie Storrar and her husband, Steve Thiebault.  This time I was surprised to find I was on with another solo act, the very entertaining Brian Le Vell. I bow to Mr Le Vell and his well polished act.  He is so at ease in front of an audience, and is happy to chat away with the crowd.  At the same time he gives an amazing vocal performance, and delivers a class act.  His swing and jazz style versions of some of my favourites was particularly welcomed, including a "Fever" style rendition of the Beatles' classic "I saw her standing there".  Inspired.  He is also very approachable, and down to earth - something I reckon we all should be no matter who we are.

I did two 45 minute sets, giving the crowd a mixture of old and new for the first set, then following Brian's lead in my second set with a few jazzy numbers and a couple of Bond themes before dusting off the old ABBA songs to get the dancers up on the floor.  I finished off with the great "I am what I am", to great applause and cries for more.  But I had no more to give, as I had to finish at 12.  So apologies to those who wanted more.  Please feel free to download my mp3 samples though!

The audience seemed to be pleased with their evening's entertainment, and I must admit to enjoying myself.  Result!

I also had the opportunity of bumping into the talented Louise Hyland, who also works through Emkay Lothian Entertainments. I had previously met her at one of the agency's showcases.  Again, a friendly down to earth singer with a great voice. 

Saturday 14th June - Styx/Kitty's
My thanks to Lesley, ma pal, for inviting me out for her birthday.  I had a great time, and it was amazing being out at the weekend.  I'm usually the one doing the entertaining on a saturday, so to sit back and enjoy was good.  I can't believe how tiring a social life can be!  I must be geting old!

Friday 13th June - The Fun Pub, Leven
Another excellent gig by Patrol, possibly the best punk band in Levenmouth!  (That's a tenner you owe me, Paddy!).  I had faaaaar too many Jack Daniels, and ate for Scotland when i got hame.  Fab night.  hi to Everyone who was there, and to the other bands - P*ssed on, P*ssed off, Acid Tongue.  Looking forward to the next gig......

So back to work next saturday - the Sandylands Caravan Park in Ayr.  Fab. 

I've decided to make my writing a little bolder, so I apologise if your eyes are sore!!!

Saturday 7th June - The Goth, Newmills

I always enjoy my visits to The Goth, even though sometimes it can be a bit quiet, especially if there is something else on in the town. I know, however, that even with a small audience I will be appreciated there.

On this occasion I had a 21st and an 81st birthday in the room, so it wasn't one of the quieter nights - at first. Unfortunately the gentleman who was celebrating his 81st was in to Scottish music so I wasn't his cup of tea. I apologized to him, but explained that the shortbread and tartan thing is just not my cup of tea.

When doing pub gigs where I feel comfortable, I tend to have a go at the new material I've been working on. I've also been going for material that suits my taste a bit more recently. It all appeared to go down well and I was even asked to do two of my tracks a second time. Usually I would refuse but as it was the birthday girl and the boss who asked, so what else could I do? I went for it. I aim to please....

This pub is one where a good part of the punters come from other towns and tend to go to their own clubs or home on the last bus. Unfortunately the bus timetable has been changed and there was a mass exodus at the end of my second set. I can't complain though as I was left with a good bunch of youngsters who seemed to be enjoying my rockier stuff and who were happy to have a bit of banter - which I'm usually happy to go along with..

Saturday 10th May - The Weavers, Kirkcaldy

Wow, what a night!  What a weekend!  I am pretty much shattered after the last two gigs!  I know it's not working down the mines, or working in a shop 40 hours a week, but gigs can fairly take it out of you!  Most people will never understand how much energy and effort goes into each performance, but can I ask that you pay a little more attention to the work we do next time you are having a drink down your local.  We are much underestimated, believe me.

Anyway - Saturday night was another good 'un.  I was forewarned about a 21st Birthday Party that was taking place, and I had time to get together some appropriate music and songs, as well as having a good rest during the day.  Thank goodness I did! 

The birthday girl, Kimberley, arrived at around 9.15pm in a limo (I think she had been told she was going to Dundee), and proceeded to have a flaming good night.  If anyone has any pictures they would like to share, please send them in!  I did 2 great hours of dancy and rock music, and I seemed to please everyone, young and - erm - more mature, as the dance floor was filled all night.  I then had a wee break and went back on to play til midnight.  I had rested well during the day, but still needed a wee can of Cola to keep my energy levels up.

I am finding that I can perform at my best without drinking any alcohol, and keeping myself well hydrated during the night.  Occasionally I might sneak the odd Jack Daniels in, but I make sure I have enough water to compensate.  I know it sounds boring, but water really is the best thing when you are singing for a night.  It also means I am not dried out the next day, and, given enough vocal rest, I can perform again the next night to the same quality.

Friday 9th May - Partners, Cowdenbeath

I arrived at this venue to find a wedding party in full swing.  Had I known, I might have dressed a bit more appropriately.  As it was, I had a black and white shirt and trousers on, so I wasn't too scruffy.

The happy couple, Alan and Linda, had got married in the afternoon, and been invited to the pub for a party.  The party had been on for quite a while - most of the guests had had a merry time already by the time I arrived!

I went on and did two one hour sets of dancy and then rock music, which went down a treat.  The dance floor was rarely empty, and I must confess to having a good time. A few times previously I had been greeted at the end of a song by total silence, and I was thinking about not coming back.  But hey, I couldn't have been more wrong on this occasion.

I also got to meet the fabulous Jimmy Jack, another local singer/entertainer doing the rounds of Fife and beyond.  I hope to keep in touch with him and who knows, we may even work together at some point.  Watch this space!