Time for a change

Work

What I've been up to lately

It's been a really busy start to the year this year. Looking back to last year I feel really lucky to have had some of the experiences I got.

• I was fortunate enough to play with pop acts Sugababes and The Wanted as well as African Jazz Musician Somi - including a performances at the world famous TED Global conference, which was a total honour (see picture above).
• The Discordian Trio were picked by Jez Nelson and Jamie Cullum to close the BBC Introducing stage at Cheltenham Jazz Festival, and our set was played in it's entirety on Jazz on 3, we then followed that up by selling out our show at Edinburgh Jazz Festival with Haftor Medboe Group. 
• My guest stint with Horndog Brass Band took me back to T in the Park to perform again - on a very wet day as I remember. 
• Had some epic gigs with Carrie Mac, including a great gig during the Edinburgh Festival at Edinburgh Playhouse. 
• Homework recieved some awesome support and airplay from Radio 1, Radio 6 and Radio Scotland, and we went on to do a bunch of festival shows over the summer including Belladrum, Wickerman and Go North.

So that was just a few of my highlights of last year in a nutshell I really could not have predicted any of that as the start of the year! This year is also looking to be great, I'm really excited at some of the things I'm working on at the moment.

• I've just finished tracking the drums for the new Homework album. It's been an amazing experience, I'm really proud of what we've created, the drum parts on this album are very different from previous recordings. Almost all of the parts I have written/programmed and then worked out how on earth to play it. From that perspective this album has really challenged me as i've had to find solutions and ways of playing the percussion and drum parts which I want to hear on the song. This has lead to me having a pretty strange setup (see below) and using some slightly off techniques. Some examples - I play half of the set open handed, I use a lot of left foot woodblock/hi hat to free up my hands, I used cymbals and pitched bits of metal on toms to create Kraftwerk style percussion parts. It's been quite challenging but a heck of a lot of fun. 

• I just cut drums tracks for former X-Factor singer Danyl Johnson's new album - it was a great experience and got to work with legendary songwriter/producer Jud Mahoney who has written with the likes of Michael Jackson. It was a total pleasure to work with Jud, I learned so much, and it looks like we might be working together again soon. Can't wait. 
• Next week I am rehearsing and recording with The Ged Brockie Band - the recording is also going to be videoed so I look forward to sharing some footage of that soon. Really excited about this one, the band is made of some of Scotland's finest musicians (and me) and some of the compositions are a challenging read/play - really looking forward to making this music come to life. 
• Also next week I begin rehearsals with The Discordian Trio for our second album. It's been a good few years since our last studio recording, and I feel playing wise and composition wise we have come on leaps and bounds. I cannot WAIT to get stuck into the new material, including some stuff which I have been co-writing with the guys. I feel this is going to be our best yet and we have some VERY special guests lined up for the album too. Recording begins in May, watch this space.
• Not quite so new - but a good while back (well over a year now) I recorded drums from Grammy nominee Muhsinah - she is an amazing talented musician who has toured with The Roots and US Rapper Common as well as performing with The Noisettes. Well word has it this album will be seeing the light of day some time soon...exciting.
• I'm also booked into the studio for 2 exciting sessions next month, which sadly I can't disclose yet, but both things I'm looking forward to immensely. I'll blog about them nearer the time if i'm allowed!

On the gig front it's been a pretty cool start too:

• I got to play for US Rapper B. Dolan on the Scottish date of his tour this year, alongside Horndog Brass Band - what a banging gig. Also had an EPIC gig at The caves with Horndogs and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - such a crazy energy. What a buzz, and what an amazing drummer Gabriel Wallace is. The dude has played for gorillaz, De La Soul, Maurice Brown amongst others. A total inspiration. 
• Had a totally rocking gig in Glasgow with the Homework guys at MILK (see photo below). Awesome crowd. 

• Also, I've been percussion tutor for Tinderbox Orchestra this term, which culminated in our performance at Teviot Hall last month. The orchestra performed electronic works as an orchestra, in what I think was a really ground-breaking performance. Collaborations with Anchorsong and Conquering Animal Sound were also performed during the gig both of which were spectacular. Next gig is at The Queen's Hall - can't wait.
• Had a cracking gig with The Paul Simon Experience at the Jazz Bar too - some of Edinburgh top musicians paying tribute to Paul Simon songs complete with brass section. Blown away by the awesome talents of all involved and a total honour to try and replicate such influential drum grooves as '50 Ways To Leave Your Lover', 'The Obvious Child' and "Late in the Evening". 
• Currently planning the CD launch for The Banjo Lounge 4 - in June. Before that we're off to Rock (Bluegrass) London in May. Check out some of the new pics up on the website. 
• Homework have a gig coming up this Thursday at Wide Days - it's FREE! All you got to do it sign up for tickets HERE!!! Also our latest single, 'Thoughts' is FREE to download HERE 
• I also have an exciting gig coming up in a couple of weeks with US Jazz Vocalist Jess Abrams - see poster below for details

Looking Forward

Changes...

Whilst I've had an amazing couple of years as a freelance musician, I've had an itch which is now becoming impossible to ignore. Whilst having a (somewhat inebriated) conversation with a friend, we began talking about output - that is what you leave behind as an artist when you bite the dust. It got me thinking about how many things I commit to, and weather I'm doing any one of those the very best I can when I'm so busy. During the time of the homework writing/recording, it really lit a fire in me to practise more and explore the potential of my creative ideas and indeed my instrument. With that in mind I've made a commitment to work less and commit more time to working on my own ideas and on my instrument. This starts with me moving out of my home in June in order to put me in a place where I can spend more time on music. I'm really looking forward to the change, I don't want to say much more about it - but I think this could be the most positive this I do since I started playing music. 

Listening Post

Some things I like at the moment:

• Robert Glasper Experiment 'Black Radio'
• D'Angelo 'Brown Sugar'
• College and Electric Youth 'A Real Hero EP'
• Panda Su 'Sticks and Bricks'
• Janek Gwizdala "live at the 55 bar'
• Michel Camilo "Rendezvous"
• Eliza Carthy "Neptune"
• Admiral Fallow 'Boots Met My Feet'

All incredible pieces of music worth checking out. That's it from me for another 3 months or so. Look forward to all the exciting things the world of music and the arts throws my way over the next wee while. 

R

The more I know, the less I know

Work

What I've been up to lately

• Just finished playing Edinburgh Jazz Festival with The Discordian Trio - what a fab night. Also on the bill were the amazing Haftor Medboe Group - total top night of music with lovely people doesn't get any better than that. It was nice to play again with The Discords - our last Jazz Festival gig was in Cheltenham back in May - it's been too long. Keep you eyes peeled for a tour later in the year. 
• Speaking of festivals, I've just done T in the Park with The Horndog Brass Band, as well as Insider Festival and Wickerman with Homework who I'm at Belladrum with this weekend. 
• I also played with The Wanted on BBC TV recently - you can see footage Right Here
• It's worth mentioning that the guys from The Discordian Trio have not been sitting around on their arses though - we were performing as Somi's backing band at the TED Global Conference in Edinburgh. Pretty much the coolest gig of the year!
• Been rehearsing with Carrie Mac for her show at The Playhouse this Sunday, it's gonna be rocking - full band and members of The Gospel Truth Choir accompanying - ouch!
• Been in the studio with my good pal Shahab cutting some beats and gospel fills for a Canadian Hip Hop producer - wee sneak preview HERE!!!!
• Speaking of videos I have been making some cheeky little clips with my pal Haftor for your amusement - see our tribute to Stevie Chunder here
• Was also in the studio with Andy Chisholm, Anna Smith, Carrie Thomas and Joe Rattray cutting some trad stuff for the Edinburgh sounds website - that shit's gonna be rocking. 
• And speaking of rocking trad - been making a few guest appearances with Norman MacKay and chums lately - ROCK!
• And speaking of rock I've been through in glasgow rehearsing something pretty special. More on this soon. 
• Also been playing with the wonderful Zack Moir again - can't wait to get some of this stuff laid down in the studio. 
• I've also been doing lots of other stuff but I can't be bother typing any more. 

Listening Post

Some things I like at the moment:

• Jr Walker and The Allstars - 'Shotgun'
• Panda Su - 'Eric is dead'
• State of Affairs 'You Were the First'
• Rachel Musson's Skein 'Flight Line'
• Cinematic Orchestra 'Live at the Royal Albert Hall'
• DJ Danger Mouse 'The Grey Album'
• Drive By Argument (RIP) 'sex lines are expensive comedy'
• Norman MacKay 'Kitchen Criminal'
• James Brown 'The Funky Drummer' (never gets old)
• John Martyn 'Solid Air' - how the hell was that recorded in 72/73?!
• Headhunters 'Evolution Revolution'
• Coltrane 'Meditations'

Play

Stuff that doesn't have too much to do with music

• Taken a couple of very short breaks away to the west coast this summer - kind of makes the 18 hour days worth it when you can then spend 2 hours sat in a hot tub with a cold beer watching the tide come in. Anyone want to buy me a holiday home there please? Seriously though, I have a taste to do quite a bit of hiking this winter when i got a little more free time. Any suggestions for my first munro?
• Picked up the Sherlock Holmes back catalogue on paperback the other day - Conan Doyle might have believed in fairies but he could fairly write a good crime novel. Fair play to the guy. Seriously though - fairies? 
• I'm never going near a casino again, thanks to the guys from homework for encouraging me to lose money.
• Your man Morrissey is an idiot. Click here if you haven't heard his latest comments. Sometimes it's best to keep your opinions to yourself pal. 
• Been working through some new concepts on the drums for a project lately, really making me realise how infinite the learning curve is with almost everything in life. If I had 3 lifetimes it wouldn't be enough to study the instrument.

R

Jazz,/Latin/Dance/Funk/Folk/etc

I'm getting lazy with the blogging - probably because my life has become incredibly hectic, take tomorrow for example - leave the house at 7:30am and arrive home at midnight if i'm lucky. Anyway maybe I just need to dry my god damn eyes.

Work

What I've been up to lately

• Gigging some pretty tidy Latin/Jazz for Whighams 2nd anniversary night. Totally swish line-up featuring myself, Haftor Medboe, Mario Caribe, Konrad Wiszniewski, David Patrick and Jessie Bates. Lovely wee gig and some killer playing.
• Writing some new stuff with Homework. We were supposed to be supporting the amazing Errors on sunday but that got canned, oh well. Incidentally the new single 'Why Oh Why' is available for free download from the website. The album is now also finished (at-long-f*cking-last) - watch this space for a release date
• Off to rehearse with Carrie Mac next week for a show or two later in April - looking forward to hanging with the crew again and playing some tunes. 
• Some interesting happenings with The Discordian Trio - we've been picked to play the BBC stage Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Thanks to Mr Jamie Cullum, Mr Jez Nelson and Mr Giles Peterson for picking us. If you can't make it down the set will be broadcast on BBC Radio :-) We are currently writing for our 2nd album which is going to kick the last installment out the park. Really cannot wait to record this stuff. 
• I've also been seeing quite a lot of Stu Goodall and Lewis Rumney - been doing lots of gigging across Edinburgh, lovely music and a lot of Partridge banter. Incidentally the wonderful Donna Macioca joined us for a few songs last week - she's freaking awesome. Go and see her gigging. NOW!
• The solo album! Well, it's pretty much on hold until I get some time to do some more work on it but there's gonna be some killer musicians on it who might just manage to make my shit ideas sound good. So far we'll be having some appearances from Haftor Medboe, Calum McIntyre, Japenese War Effort, Nicholas Ashton, Stacey Bell, Stu Goodall, Norman MacKay, Chris Grieve, Ewen Maclean and many more. It's going to be epic.
• Cheeky wee gig with Norman MacKay's Ceilidh Experience - first time playing with Norm for me and it was total banter. Check out the tunes on the website - 'Kitchen Criminal' being my favourite. 
• I've also recently joined The Tinderbox Orchestra as the percussion tutor. Awesome bunch of musicians and some awesome music. The tinderbox will gigging a little later this year - it's going to be something completely unique and musically pretty astounding I reckon. Check out a video of last term's antics here...awesome huh?
• On top of that the usual banter has been happening: Teaching drums at Stevenson College, some corperate/wedding work with Jenni Gibb Band and the Magic Keys, some random ceilidh action. The summer is looking pretty ace too - festivals ahoy and some touring in Europe is on the cards - so really shouldn't complain. 

Listening Post

Some things I like at the moment:

• After seeing Kurt Elling's arrangement of 'Resolution' with the SNJO i've been all about 'A Love Supreme' again. Just doesn't get old.
• Janek Gwizdela's 'The Space Inbetween' - not a massive fan of the arrangments but there is some classic Jojo on this album, warts and all. Nice to hear someone taking some risks and not ironing them out with protools. 
• Celia Cruz - anything and everything that's up on spotify. 
• Roni Size 'New Forms' - totally inspiring beats. Really feeling this at the moment. 

Play

Stuff that doesn't have anything to do with music

• Looks like GSP is going to fight Anderson Silva this year really hope this happens. 
• Next blog is going to be a discursive yin like the last one - keep 'em peeled as it might actually be interesting to a few folk. 

R 

Why we do, what we do?

This is an impromptu blog. Today I've been thinking a lot about why I am a musician and what I try to say and do with music. The question I've been contemplating is 'WHAT SORT OF MUSICIAN DO I WANT TO BE'?  I think it's pretty important.

I didn't start out playing with any of this in mind. I started drums basically because my brother became a musician, formed a band and the band rehearsed at my parents' house. I saw that big drum kit setup and couldn't help but want to play the thing - simple as that. I played in some (aweful) bands in high school and by the end of it I somehow decided I wanted to study music at college for a year, and after college I somehow got into uni to study music. Up until 4th year of university I didn't 'get it'. Music that is. I wasn't a musician, I was a drummer and a pretty shit one at that. My time wasn't great, my touch was terrible and my listening skills were rank. I wasn't even that into music, certainly not in the way I am now.

But sometime in April 2009 I feel I started to 'get it' a bit more. I went to a masterclass and then a gig and I was inspired in a way I had never been before. It was like when that spoilt brat in Gran Torino looks under the dust sheet in Clint Eastwood's garage to find that shiny, untouched, green sports car that oozes nostalgia, beauty and reminds people of when high quality, mass-manufacturing was an industry not only reserved for the tiger economies.

I'm not going to bother to tell the story of April 09, it'd sound pretentious and wanky. However, since that day i've really seen music and drumming in a new light. Here's my outlook:

I play drums because I love music. When I sit down on a drum kit on a stage I feel empowered and comfortable, I feel like I can speak clearly to people. I think that when people watch me play they might be able to see and hear some of what's going on in my head, and I definitely feel that some of personality comes across when I play. I'm not up my own ass though. I know there are bags of people of there who are so much better than I ever could be. That said I truly believe that every musician can have their own voice, and there are people who claim to really enjoy my playing ahead of other drummers - both musicians and non-musicians. Unless all these people are liars (possible to be fair) then maybe something I do on the drums gives other people pleasure in way some other drummers don't. Maybe.

On the flip side of that I know there are things I do on the drums that a lot of people don't like - again both musicians and non-musicians. There are also things I cannot do on the drums that people would like to heae. Some of these things I can remedy and some I cannot - the ones I can't will probably shape me more as a musician than anything else.

People's imperfections say more about them than anything else; take my favourite mixed-martial artist for example. George Saint-Pierre is a role model for me and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world...I think the reason I like him so much is that he isn't as naturally gifted as Anderson Silva when it comes to boxing. Nor is he as naturally giften at Royce Gracie at Jui-Jitsu. Nor does he have the chin of Chris Levin (he once got knocked out by Matt Serra in a freak defeat that he later avenged in pretty epic style).  But he is incredibly intelligent and he is incredibly good at athletics. This has made his the fighter he is - he is the perfect strategist (He doesn't have the best chin in the world so he fights in a way that keeps him out of high risk positions where opponents could expose this) and the most explosive mixed-martial-artist around...no-one has the plyometric power he does. What makes him argueably the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet is the way he was made the most of his strengths and addressed his weaknesses as best he can.

So yeh in regards to music - I got some good things and some bad things going on. And I guess we all do - no matter where we are in the hierarchy. And in my own regards to music I think I want to 'say something, and say it as clearly and as well as I can'. That means using creativity and technique together create the best music I can. I'm not overly arty - but a bit of arty farty crap doesn't hurt now and again, so long as you can back it up with the goods (ie good music - whatever that is).

In my work as a musician I encounter lots of other musicians who have varying attitudes to music. We're not all in it for the same reason, that is a given. I've come across a lot of people who's attitudes are quite different to mine - and I've learned loads from them. In fact the fact they disagree with my approach or feelings about music has made me grow as a musician and question my own opinions. That said there are a few polar extremes I still don't get:

1 - The Scientist


The Stereotype
The person that has all the chops and sees music as a competitive sport. They want to be fastest, strongest meanest. They often love the term 'technical' e.g 'technical drumming'.

What I don't like about this
Chops mean nowt without musiciality - without intent and good contect chops can be totally rank. Also i feel that technique is a means to an end and that music isn't borne out of a need to showcase technique, in fact I feel technique is born out of the need of the player to play the music he wants to be able to play.

What I like about this
People who spend a lot of time on the chops side tend to respect their instrument and they have the ability to not be limited by their technique - provided they are not guided by it.

2 - The Creative Hippy


The Stereotype
The person who is perhaps only interested in the creative side of music. Trying to not conform to the existing parameters of music

What I don't like about this
Being creative is awesome but it's not a sin to be influenced by other music. Sometimes the creative hippies arn't exactly technically solid either - and sadly in my eyes the execution and presentation of the ideas and concepts in a piece of music are as important as the idea. Just as you can't polish a turd, you've got to make sure a fine piece of art isn't easily mistaken for a turd due to it's poor presentation! Additionally just because something is innovative it doesn't make it good

What I Like About this
Creativity is important and most of my favourite artists have made their own mark in music by doing something different from their contemporaries.

3 - The Scene-ster


The Stereotype
Not sure this needs much of an introduction but everyone knows someone who makes music to be part of a scene and are often more worried about image and being cool than the music itself. Perhaps the person will make and perform  music in a particular way to appeal to that scene.

What I don't like about this
Most things - to me good music speaks to a large demographic of people and reaches across boundaries. Maybe i'm being cheesy, naive and a bit of a dick though. But yeh - the idea music is made to speak to a specific type of person isn't one that I agree with it. Additionally the idea you have to dress, look or act in a certain way to make your music believable or appealing makes me want to spew my guts out.

What I Like About This
N/A


I guess at the end of the day everyone gets their own thing from music, including the people I disagree with. And the people that pay to hear music do so for different reasons so my opinion counts for sod-all...APART FROM my prejudices and opinions have helped me realise what kind of musician I want to become. And that is super-important if we are to learn and develop in a way that suits us best. So maybe next time you contemplate what kind of musician you are, or want to be maybe you'd be better thinking about the things you don't want to be. Add that to your strengths and weaknesses, and how you think you can best combine the two - any maybe you'll come to the same conclusion as me: I don't know, and I don't care I'll just keep learning, keep loving music, and keep on doing my thing.

R

When life give you lemons - man up!

Work
What I've been up to lately


It's been a while since my last blog since which I've had some pretty major ups and downs but all in all it's been a good start to the new year. 




2010

Looking back - 2010 has been quite a year. It was the first year I've worked full time as a musician, and it was the year I graduated from uni too (no coincidence these came together). It's been a pretty amazing journey so far and despite some recent hiccups I'm glad I've chosen music as my profession. Looking the last 8 months there are a lot of things that make me smile, here's a few things:


- Going to New York City and being lucky enough to perform, as well as catch some of my favorite players play intimate gigs. That trip changed my life - if it wasn't for that I'm not sure I'd still be doing music. Before I went I was extremely close to selling all my music gear and starting again, really I was!

- Playing in Hungary with Homework. I heard some amazing music and the people I were just so lovely. I want to go back so bad. There was some seriously good banter and some good stories from that trip too. None of which I can mention on here!

- Getting the Carrie Mac gig. I owe a certain guitarist a lot for putting my name forward. Cheers Pal. Not only have I had a pretty awesome musical journey so far, I've made some damn good friends, and met some awesome musicians. Playing to 10,000 people at the SECC was pretty special, and racking up a food bill of over £1250 in 5 days between 5 of us on tour was pretty cool too!

- The Discordian Trio reunited! The Discords were on hold for a year while Craig was honing his Jazz chops in the states, and it felt so good to play with these guys again. We've been doing our thing for a couple of years now and we've grown and developed so much in that time - I'm constantly getting pushed and inspired by them. We've properly cut our teeth together in the jazz world (and still very much are still doing so). Currently working on a new album, watch this space

- there are so many more that I won't bore anyone with but when I think about it a lot has happened: from musicals to free-jazz; high-profile r&b sessions to playing taking a ceilidh gig in Ireland and coming within minutes of missing my flight to Turkey; sold-out pop arenas to a dance/rock gig to an empty room; late night recording sessions that turned into a crazy party leading to a stupid bet involving me eating dog food... and pretty much everything in between. 



2011


So on to 2011 - well it's been a strange start to the year. I was due to be doing some touring in Jan and Feb, and had cleared my diary to do so, but unfortunately due to circumstances beyond everyone's control the tour didn't happen for the band. No one's fault really, but it certainly made me sit up and realise that I had to get some work for the next couple of months. 


Thankfully I've rolled with the punch and a lot of positives have come out of it. I've got enough work coming in to keep the wolf from the door and i'm using the free time to try and get myself in order - back running and training for the martial arts, as well as being involved with a lot of music projects. My diary is also filling up pretty rapidly between March and October so it's all good. 


Musicy things which I'm looking forward to in 2011 in no particular order:

• My solo album - it's taking an age but i'm getting there
• The debut Homework album - it's almost finished should be done by the end of the month
• The 2nd Discordian trio album - just started writing for it
• The 'as yet unnamed' big band which is tip top secret at the moment
• Carrie Mac - think this is going to be a big year, watch this space
• Zack Moir Collective - new recordings are on the agenda as is some more writing - giggity
• Stu Goodall Band - we're reworking some stuff, and Stu's got some big plans for 2011. Can't wait already
• Flux Velociraptor - again recordings on the horizon

Listening Post

Some things I like at the moment:

Coltrane  'A Love Supreme' - I know it's a total classic and a bit of a cliche to even mention it but it kind of passed me by a bit 'til now. I can't say anything more than this is better than I can even appreciate. Truly tremendous. 

Miles Davis 'On The Corner' - Cheers to Craig MacFadyen for getting me listening

Norman MacKay's Ceilidh Experience 'Kitchen Criminal'  - totally pumping trad. So good. 

Mario Caribe ' Hands On

Oz Noy 'Oz Live

Play

Stuff that doesn't have anything to do with music

• Looks like GSP and Anderson Silva will finally fight this year to see who is the best pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world. Oh boy, I can't wait. I have to admit though, given GSP is my role model, I hope he wins or I might be in a bad mood for a long time. 
• What's been happening in Egypt -  totally inspiring that (mainly) peaceful protest can be so effective. Here's hoping people get the democracy that they want.
• I'm pretty sure  got a 'cheese hangover' last week - don't mix your cheeses folks...

R

Holy crap...a day off!

Okay, so i know i've been moaning a lot lately about people going n about christmas. Well seen as it's the 23rd now, I guess it is Christmas time. Merry Christmas everyone (I won't say it again this year so treasure it)...

Work

What I've been up to lately

• Recorded the last track for the Homework album called 'Is Gold'. My favourite track yet to record me thinks. So that's all the tracks recorded. Just mixing, mastering, cover design, duplication and a launch night to sort out.
• Rehearsing and Gigging with Carrie Mac  - had a good old time in Glasgow apart from the uber-rude concierge in the hotel (which shall remain nameless). Truely the rudest man I have ever met such a role - not what you expect from a swanky hotel!
• Had a scary journey to and from Aberdeen in atrocious weather with The Jenni Gibb Band  - thanks a million to Gary Oliver for getting us home safely. Gary - you the man, seriously.
•  Also had my last of the 'Off-Piste' gigs at Hawke and Hunter - I will never ever miss the fake snow they put everywhere - it took about 5 hours to rid my clothes of that stuff!
• Chucked down a couple of cheeky drum tracks for the ever great Haftor Medboe - he's got a new project going so keep your eyes and ears peeled. 
• Started recording some bits and bobs for my solo album - it's miles away from even 1 finished track but - it's a step in the right direction.
• Learning how to use my newly acquired Fender Jazz Bass - so far i got my major scales and pentatonics down. Now, thanks to Haftor i'm working on walking bass lines - hopefully have Autumn Leaves in original key down by the end of the year. On top of that i've been busting my ass learning Harmony with Renee Stefanie - she's a patient woman let me tell you!
• Rehearsing with The Soul Foundation for their show at Vegas on the 31st...actually can't wait for this.
• As this will be my last blog of the year there's a particularly entertaining video for you of what i've been up to this week :-)

Listening Post

Some things I like at the moment:

• EST 'A Picture of Boris Travelling with Dorris' - I love this song so much!
• Steely Dan 'Alive in America' - Dennis Chambers strikes again!
• 'When You Wish Upon A Star' from the Disney soundtrack - dammit if those strings don't get me every time
• John Williams "Home Alone Soundtrack" - still on the playlist this week!

Play

Stuff that doesn't have anything to do with music

• Inverness Caley Thistle are still kicking butt at the moment - yus!
• Gonna try and get to Inverness for Christmas tomorrow - wish me luck!

Well - that's about it, have a lovely festive period. Got a very very exciting January coming up. More on this soon. Rock on.

R 

Gig, Sleep, Gig, Sleep, Gig, Sleep...Gingerbread House!

December has certainly been a busy old month so far, and just like the snow in 'it doesn't show signs of stopping'. The snow meant a couple of things were postponed cancelled but it's still been a good couple of weeks

Work

What I've been up to lately

• Stu Goodall Band - Rehearsal and EP Launch. The weather meant the EPs didn't arrive in time but there was still an awesome turnout from an awesome crowd. Cheers to everyone who out. You can see a little video from the gig HERE - thanks to Lewis Rumney for capturing a little bit of it and uploading it.
• Gigging with Homework in support of Bronto Skylift - great gig. Bronto were excellent, really original, creative musicians. Crap weather threatened to wreck the night, but thankfully it all went ahead, despite us forgoing soundchecks due to a late start, but hey - that's life.
• Laid down drums for Kerrie Stirling's debut album, expect her bluesy goodness to be with you sometime soon. Tip of the hat to Dan and Doug for their playing and Shahab + Tom for their engineering skills and supreme chat. Looking forward to hearing the end product.
• A wee video of some of the stuff I've been up to

• Cheeky rehearsal with The Soul Foundation for their New Year show at Vegas - get you tickets from the website only £30. It'll be beast.
• Learning some new material for Carrie Mac - she's writing some awesome new stuff just in time for her tour with Alexandra Burke
• Gigging with a bunch of cool people at Hawke and Hunter for their Off Piste nights. Not a fan of the fake snow though, I gotta tell you.
• Also doing some playing for The Jenni Gibb Band - had a class gig on Saturday which involved Al pulling the plug on a DJ, very funny.
• Got myself a lovely Jazz Bass - watch this space for how I get on trying to tame this beast.

Listening Post

Some things I like at the moment:

• Charles Mingus 'The Clown"
• Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (Self Titled) - Groovetastic
• Count Basie "16 Men Swinging" - Wouldn't get away with calling an album that nowadays!
• John Williams "Home Alone Soundtrack" - this is frightenly good.

Play

Stuff that doesn't have anything to do with music

• Inverness Caley Thistle are kicking butt at the moment - c'mon the wee teams!
• I spent my first evening off in 5 days baking a gingerbread house - how rock and roll is that?
• It's still nowhere near christmas yet guys - so shut up about it already!

And that's about it - off to shred for the next few days ahead: 2 rehearsals, 3 gigs, 1 studio session, 1 potentially dodgy trip up to Aberdeen and apparently more snow - all in 4 days.

R