Enjoyed blasting up many motorways yesterday from Isle of Wight to make it to my hotel in good time for shower and chill out. Some golden oldies on Radio 2, ‘Roxanne’ and ‘Sound+Vision.’ Can only take so much Jeremy Vine though. On a pure production note, noticed the new Katie Melua single disappears against the background of a diesel engine.

The Roots bar @ the Verve is a nice little venue, and Hayley did a good job running the night and manning the desk. As is often the case these days, impressed by the high standard of musicianship on display with the other acts.

Travelodgia, Goddess of Budget Travellers, was actually smiling a lot on me yesterday. The Merrion Hotel was very nice for the price (booked via Destinia) and there was a really nice Lebanese/Italian just a few doors down from the Verve which was really pretty damn good. Cosmopolite, I think it was called, probably not tipping the hat to Terry Pratchett.

Stand out act for me was a band called Lymon Willis (http://www.lymonwillis.com/). It was their first gig, and I was really knocked out by the detail and control they had over their sound. So nice to see a band who aren’t just hammering away at full volume. The drummer was playing with brushes, and some of the crescendos he played on the cymbals were just beautiful. The other great thing was that three of the band were singing for much of the set – and a very manly harmony effect was created. Some bands they remind me of (in no particular order) – REM, Pearl Jam, The Wrens, Magic Numbers. Be interesting to see how these guys sound after they’ve done a few more gigs – I think they’re onto something.

Had some time this morning to head to Leeds’ central art gallery. Pictures I enjoyed: Paul Nash ‘s ‘The Shore (at Dymchurch), an unnamed painting which I can only assume was the Charge of the Light Brigade, and a massive photo of five soldiers walking over duck boards at the Third Battle of Ypres. Absolutely spine-chilling.

Then getting lost on the Leeds ringroad many more times, before finally escaping onto the M60 and down to Stockport. Sitting in a cafe now, with a bit of time on my hands before the venue opens at 7pm. Am enjoying the ‘E-Myth’ at the moment, so may do a bit more homework there for the day job.

BD

Enjoyed playing at the Harrison last night, through a slight haze of Guiness and cough medicine. James Uphill runs a good night – the acts all fitted together, was a crowd that was there to listen to the music, and he’s not a bad performer in his own right.

Hope to return – it’s very handy just 5 minutes from King’s Cross.

Had a great night at the Betsey last night, with a surprising amount of Veuve Clicquot being consumed by such a select audience. Thanks again to Blackheart and Karl Culley for some great music, and for the Lodge for being the most wonderfully supportive bunch of nutters as usual.

The single is on Amazon now – here’s a short link:  dalby.net/doctor

Finally a quick link to Karl on YouTube – live, this song went on for about 5 minutes, and was just jaw-dropping:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw3RWKCMkxo

Enjoyed playing the Metropole last night – another one to thank Nacho Jase for. Was good to have a few friends watching, and didn’t really want to stop playing.

Drive home was a bit hairy – down to 5 mph at one point going into Minstead, with my friend blithely saying ‘just a little dip here’ and me thinking ‘we’re going car skiing into that bloke’s garden’

BD

Very nice to finally meet Nicholas Dobson and Michael Mellender at the ICS Dragon’s Ball last night. Their enthusiasm for making music is really inspiring – very glad they made it over the pond to Europe. Am now the proud owner of an ICS ‘Destroy’ T-shirt

It was also very nice to see the Plan C Allstars and Buffalo Typewriter playing – both bands were formed specifically for this gig. I think it was the first time the guys in each act had played for many, many years. Highlight for me? Brother Buffalo’s searing synth solo in ‘Over the Line’ – very loud, and the crowd loved it.

BD

Enjoyed playing at Down2Earth on Saturday night. I am having a minor rebuild on my vocal style at the moment, and I felt like I was beginning to be able to ‘do the business’ live during the gig. Met a producer who asked for a promo pack, which was gently encouraging …

Also have just been confirmed for Romsey Beggars Fair, which is very exciting.

BD

Played a Monday Xmas Market in Southgate last Monday. Definitely the coldest gig I have ever played: outdoors in a flimsy picnic awning, temperature 3°C with a strong wind! Most of me stayed warm, but my guitar playing was definitely hampered by playing with gloves. Tried one number without, but quickly couldn’t feel my fingers. Still, I enjoyed the outing, and was given a warm welcome by Mark and the guys from Down2Earth.

Played DoorJam again – it’s a good atmosphere, and there are some good people playing there also.