|
|
|
FREE NEWS LETTER>
Danny's year so far he's a very busy man.....
July 20, 2010
Wotcher chums, hoping all is well with your health and spirit.
Phew!! Thankfully I have had another tough but very exciting few months, it's just amazing that I am still invited to play with so many different artists of very differing styles which means learning the repertoire for each one ...in one week I had 44 tunes with 'Transatlantic Sessions' 22 pieces for my Glasgow 'Connected' night plus 23 for the 'Way to Blue' Nick Drake concert....made me think...only briefly, that it maybe a good job to be with a regular band every week, but I love the challenge and the luxury of being involved in so many different styles and so while I am being invited I will continue....I have no prejudices so am always open to be educated in other music forms/styles.
Just as a bit of gig info. I did the Teenage Cancer Trust gig with Roger Daltrey at the Albert Hall, then went to Paris with Mark Knopfler, then Whitby to record the new Eliza Carthy/Norma Waterson CD, Italy/Belgium with Martin Simpson, a CD and 'Live' DVD in the Aladdin Theatre Kristiansand with Norwegian singer Anne-Marie Almedal, back to UK for the Richard Thompson (no relation) Meltdown Festival on the South Bank...talking of playing without prejudice, Richard is amazing! He was involved with so many wonderful artists for the whole festival which he curated brilliantly...many great nights but I reckon 'I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue' was a master touch...fab stuff RT.
Speaking of being a 'Curator'. I was asked by a prominent promoter to think of curating a night for the great John Martyn (God bless him) at first I declined but was convinced by those closest to John that I should do it, and so I began thinking about the best way to present it ...Immediately I made the decision not to have it billed as a 'Tribute' and decided on 'Grace and Danger the songs of John Martyn'. This would be an evening totally dedicated to his words and music without any speeches or flag waving, it was also VERY important to have those musicians that loved and supported the great man over 20 years plus, Alan Thomson (no relation) on Fretless Bass and guitar, Arran Ahmun drums and percussion and Foss Paterson Keyboards. They all immediately accepted my invitation they were to be an integral part of the evening, providing accompaniment to the guest artists, which were Krystle Warren. Eddi Reader, Scott Mathews, Beth Orton, Ian McNabb and Beverley Martyn, who also accepted immediately, I had to ask her of course! It was wonderful to be with her again. Maartin Allcock then agreed to join and was featured prominently throughout.
I have had so many mails and letters from John's fans saying how moved they had been by the evening ...I am so pleased to have done it ...there are plans to do more later this year and I have said "I Don't want to be John's Tribute Band” but we should do a night in Glasgow along with any others, it's so obvious that people want to hear his songs performed by those that were inspired by him. I will always miss him fights and all!! Never realised how much he meant to me ....never mind the blokey, laddie rhubarb, if you REALLY want to know the man listen to his songs..................Finally...I don't have to believe he has gone.
After this I was off for another festival, this one in Hove Norway, a really great festival and one of the best in Europe they even had a beach near the stage so of course I got a swim ...just love swimming and when I see it have to get in ...bit nippy but great after a gig in the sun......very dodgy in Australia but "Gotta be Done".
Home for a day then off to Majorca for a duo concert with Richard Thompson (no relation) fab setting in a castle...back for the Footie final....not going to mention any more of the World Cup.....I did a new load of recording for Fraser Anderson in Willesden (He lives in France) the luxury of being able to park my motor at my friend and assistant Lisa's home must be mentioned, parking is a real stress-loaded task down there, and having to carry a Double-Bass too, speaking of which ...flying is just no fun anymore is it ?? I have even got a new travel bass from David Gage in NY yet still get aggravation, I ask how is it possible for those geezers to fly with wind surfboards.....in all the years I have been flying, I started on Bi-planes, it is now forcing me to contemplate staying at home or even driving and getting boats rather than the horror of being beckoned by a security ?? man's finger...I have paid for this treatment ???????!!!!...happy holidays !!
I am now in the very final stages with the development of my own Double-Bass strings, this has been an enormously difficult undertaking, as of course, I have to Love 'em! But I hope that players will be able to enjoy the result of my work, when the strings are ready for distribution out there I will give details on this site and my Facebook.
Going to have a break and am looking forward to the Thompson family Cropredy annual gathering where my rented mobile terraced home is surrounded by the family and all the grandchildren, I am always spoiled with cooked brekkie, lunches, dins and loads of cuddles, and of course great music as always...fab bill this year too...check it out!
I am still trying to get it together with the site/facebook thing and reply to your mails/comments...be kind to me!
"We pitch our tents far apart so that our hearts remain close!
Whoppers to all as ever
Danny
|
|
