I hope 2022 finds you well and relatively unscathed by the virus. My heart goes out to anyone who is ill or bereaved. It has been a particularly turbulent and uncertain time for many, especially those working in the entertainment sector. Many of my work colleagues have really struggled emotionally and financially throughout the pandemic and continue to do so. I feel very blessed to have had the love and support of my family through the dark times.
It was a delight to perform at St Clement Danes Church, London with The Bader’s Big Band in aid of Elizabeth’s Legacy of Hope and The Douglas Bader Foundation. Both foundations raise funds for children with limb deficiency/limb difference. St Clement Danes Church is the Central Church of the Royal Air Force. Re-consecrated in 1958 as a perpetual shrine of remembrance to those who have died in service in the RAF.
The saviour of the independent artist throughout the pandemic has been Bandcamp, allowing their artists to receive full revenue for any music sold on its site via the ‘Bandcamp Friday’ promotion. Hat’s off to Bandcamp!
I had high expectations for 2020! Scores were being prepared and rehearsals in place to record a studio Big Band album leading to a series of concerts to be staged later in the year ……. little did we know that we were heading towards an 18 month shut down of the entire world!
Very excited to be part of a new series of live jazz events staged at the gorgeous Repertory Theatre in Birmingham. I’ll be accompanied by some of the regions finest musicians – Richard Jones, John Hodgetts and Mark Trounson.
A lovely gig on a fine, hot summer’s day! Always a joy to share the beautiful bandstand with Richard Jones on piano and Ian Hill on saxes.
Another lovely day spent at the gorgeous Gospel Oak Studios in Warwickshire – laying down strings on my album tracks with the hugely talented Rebecca Rose and Julianne Bourne.
Very excited to release some of my original compositions in the form of a five track EP – ‘A Better Place’. The track is now available in CD and digital format. Heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the recording: Richard Jones, Matt Ball, David Williams, Wayne Matthews, Mike Green, Dave Anderson, Jim Bashford, Tommi Vokinen, Bryan Corbett, Chris (Bebee) Aldridge, Julianne Bourne, Rebecca Rose, Olly Sansom, Matt Cotterill, Nathan Morris, Barry Bayliss and Ian Riley.
