Old Market Inn shenanigans

It was a great gig last night - most enjoyable as both performer and listener!

The barman was a lot of fun. When I told him I liked real ale, he kept trying to get me to have one of the local brews which he said was "great, but it'll knock your head off." I kept telling him couldnt do that till after I'd been on stage - once I'd finished my set, I did - and he was right! Cant even remember the name of it now hahahaha

First up was Stevie Jones who was also running the night (http://www.wildfiresessions.com/) and it was great to see him performing a few of his originals to get the night started. I can never remember the proper title, but "sometimes loving is not enough" is a great song

Then it was Tim George (http://timgeorgemusic.com/). While I'm biased having known him since we were both 8, he was stunning!!! And the best of the night for me. Playing mostly originals, songs like Busy Life and Cyclone hushed the audience until he'd finished then they'd explode into noise! He also played a cover of M Ward, who was covering someone else who I cant remember which was quite beautiful. An Artists Tale I think was the title. Always makes me laugh to see how humble Tim is, both on and off stage, as in a world that rewarded talent properly, he'd be a millionaire. I wanted to go round the audience shaking hands with people saying "I know him, GIVE ME REFLECTED GLORY!!!" Hahahahaha

After that, I had to get up and follow him, no easy task! I started off with some of my mellower and more meaningful songs and meandered into the more raucous through Cross The Borders "Black Dog" then "King Of The Swingers" from Jungle Book, but it was when I started on the comedy material that, suddenly, I felt at home. I'd intended to finish on "You Should've Been A Blowjob" but with some time left I also did Facebook Bullshit (which for reasons unknown even to me, I've not played live nearly often enough).

This has led me to the conclusion that comedy material is definitely the way forward for me. Not only does it seem to go down better both recorded and live, but I feel more confident and full of swagger when presenting it.
Not to say I'll never write "normal" songs again, but for a long time I'd hold back comedy ideas, thinking they were too silly when compared to my friends and influences songs, but then I realised I'm not my friends and I'm not my influences. Now I will not be holding them back!

After me, My Jaike were on stage. I really love these guys bouncy feel - and the harmonies are fantastic! What sticks out most for me though is the Snoop Dogg song they did. If all rapping was done like they did it, I'd be a huge fan!!!

Them Urban Foxes closed the night. They've got some really fast paced and raucous noise, but with a good bit of 90's indie feel. Almost like putting Ocean Colour Scene and Sonic Youth into a blender. A lot of fun

All in all, a good night. Got to catch up with some old friends (Julia and the Kettering gang who are everything that's great in an audience) and meet some new as well

It's a pity it's so bloody far for me, coz I'd be happy to gig there every week!

Next up though is the Sir Pickering Phipps, Northampton on Sun night

As it's been relivened in my head by playing it live last night, here's an old video of Facebook Bullshit