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
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