The last few weeks have been busy teaching songwriting and helping a few students with their compositions.
It makes us realise when helping others how difficult it can be to find the missing piece of the puzzle.
Also my album Everlasting Circles has at long last gone on sale at HMV records in Shropshire to begin.
Playing with a new jazz trio lead by drummer Tony Small next Friday Feb.19th at the Horseshoe hotel near Shrewsbury on a private party gig so shall see how it feels to work with new musicians.
To follow this I go to London to work with my regular pianist and follow up a publishing deal.
My new new website for my own compositions is www.wondermusic.biz so take a look and listen
Just back from a very hectic visit seeing old friends TV shows on Bla Agenda and radio interviews.Had a fun time but a bit weird to see how the same people were still doing the same jobs whereas here in the UK things change more often but good for me to have kept the Malta connections.
Anyhow had to return to reality for NY eve gig at the Loch Fyne restaurant in Cambridge to a full house and a great evening of music and madness especially by midnite when encouraging the audience to dance the samba with me singing Mas que Nada.Teaching tomorrow singing and ukulele!
Recently been busy teaching music4 health at Shelton hospital for the NHS and so endearing to uplift the spirits of the suffering and mine too.
Music ought to be used with this intention both as a healing element aswell as entertaining the public for money although certainly helps ha!
Anyhow a few local gigs in Shrewsbury which is a great town for jazz and generally lots going on musically and recently went to a tap class.
Off to Malta mid December for a TV show and to see my brilliant pianist Antoine and so many old friends since living there for over 20 years.
Just back from singing at Bellapais Abbey in the moutains of North Cyprus and it really was Heaven on earth. It was a beatiful wedding-not mine I must add.The audience were tearful when I sang Eva Cassidys “Songbird” requested by the bride. To follow, did my jazz swing to a very appreciative audience.The champagne does help i must add especially for me in the roasting heat there.2 days later had to fly off for a stint nearby in Turkey a bit flaked out after the wild boat trip arranged the following day from kryenia harbour.Can you belieev the chef said he was bored with the trips-just shows how relative it all is and how when we become used to something that first stimulates how easy it is to feel apathy even in beautiful surroundings. Perhaps now we can feel sympathy for celebrities especially since most have no talent ah ha! true?
Just got back from a fab evening with the first presenter of Top of the Pops presenter Pete Murray now in his 80s and looking great. What a nice man and with so much history having worked on Luxenburg radio and of course radio 1 and 2.He had a listen to my cover song Oh lori and he said it was terrific and that I had a class act as an entertainer too. He is a gentleman of the old school and believe we can learn a lot from people who have manners and ot texting every 5 minutes or so.
Now preparing for a trip to Turkey and a week singing in Cyprus.This time as a solo entertainer for a concert and a week as a duo with pianist.These days one has to be versatile and cover all aspects of music to survive. It isnt always possible to be true to yourself music wise in 2011. This year hasnt been the most harmonious period in the UK with people going crazy on the streets with lack of direction and to my mind creative pursuits that may bring in some loot instead of looting other peoples hard earned cash.
The last 2 months have taken a turn towards using music as a healing modality. I was asked by the NHS to sing on a concert at Shelton Hospital for entertaining patients recovering with mental health issues. Also sang with my ukeulele for a group of people with dimentia who curiously can recall many songs from their past which uplifts the spirit in wondrous ways.Stuart Goodhew joined me on piano and plays with much sensitivity.
To let music lovers know of our concert at the Brewhouse Arts centre
Burton upon Trent for more details and tickets call 0128 3508100
The line up is myself vocals and trumpet with Chris Gilligan piano and Lee Goodall on sax and flute so promises a great evening of modern jazz standards.
Just giving details about the next concert Sat.May 14th in Bignor W.Sussexwww.bignorchrch/events.com with Linda Angelis vocals/trumpet
Singing a Kaleidoscope of mystical jazz songs taken from several cds
Masters musicians Lee Godall flute and sax and on piano Chris Gilligan
