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It seems 2012 is to be a year of many albums. I've just finished the artwork for my album, "Blood & Honey", thanks to the wizardry of Jacob Stow. So along with the mastered recordings (thanks to the one and only Gaz Williams of Fliskin Manor Studios) it should be off to the manufacturers imminently.

Jacob's band, Ten Ton Tongue, masters of heavy wood, have released "The Boudiccan Destruction Layer" online, and will be releasing the physical CD at The Attic Bar in Bristol on Saturday March 10th. I'll be doing a brief set before the main act, it's sure to be a memorable night.

I've been working with one of my favourite bands, The 32-20s; Gareth Austin, Rico Aalst and Smithy "The Smith" Smiffer, getting ready to record an album of original, Somerset, Cowboy Jazz. They've written a really strong set of songs to get you dancing, crying and of course, herding cows.

Today, I'm recording some harmonica lines on Avalon Roots' forthcoming album which is sounding fantastic. Excellent work from Green and the tribe.

I've been listening to some new tracks from Symeon Webb and the New World Order, and looking forward to hearing a full album from them.

In mid-February, Canadian fiddle maestro, Zoe Moffat will be back on these fair shores just in time to release the album. We'll be joined by the silky bass-notes of Nye Parsons to play a few shows in the spring. Check the gigs page for times and venues as they come in.

Posted: 26th Jan 2012 | Contact

Happy Year of the Dragon to all corners of the world, and especially to all my comrades in Taiwan who at the moment have the pleasure of entertaining Scott Cook on his "Moonlit Rambles" Tour, promoting his new album, and enjoying Isla Formosa astride his borrowed motorcycle. Makes me a bit homesick to be honest.

He'll be touring the UK in the Autumn and I've spent the past couple of weeks on the phone to venues, working out the details.

The new year is starting well. I was lucky enough to play a couple of gigs with the fabulous Nathan Ball, just after Christmas, which went down a treat. One in Bristol and one at the newly-refurbished Secret Garden Pub in Battersea, where Cornelius of Small World fame is doing a great job of creating a vibrant music scene. This was followed by a fantastic welcome (as always) at The Somerset Arms in Maiden Bradley for New Year, playing with The 32-20s. Roy and Kate spoiled us rotten with roasted meats and fine wines til dawn. I packed it in about 6:30am, but Gaz, Rico and Roy were still going at eight. Now that's stamina. Praise the lord for good landlords.

Last weekend, I was asked to play, along with Chloe Laing's tight new band, Creation Sounds, at Artspace Lifespace on the site of the former Bedminster College. It was a great night, and such a treat to see such a hugely creative bunch of people reusing abandoned public spaces in such a positive way.

This was followed on Saturday by a brief appearance with the gorgeous Kesty Morrison at Bocabar, then a mad rush to Narnia (undisclosed location) for set with the 32-20s at a truly memorable party for Rich and Lisa's birthdays. When you still have members of the band in the kitchen on Monday afternoon, you can be sure you've had a good party. Thanks to all of the Narnians for such a warm welcome through the wardrobe.

I'll be back with the 32-20s for a show at The King Arthur in Glastonbury on Saturday, February 4th.

Posted: 23rd Jan 2012 | Contact

Thanks to all the fine folks who braved the whistling winds to come to Bath Folk Club last week to see the fabulous Dick Gaughan play a fine and impassioned set, despite having a stinking cold after too many days shivering on the road.

I had a ball playing the opening set. To play to such a crowd of attentive music lovers, who don't just tolerate, but demand political and poetic material, is a pure joy. Perhaps its sad that it seems a rarity to find such opportunities to really communicate with people, but its best to enjoy them when they come. It's a testament to Dick's tireless passion, and commitment to his ideals that he draws such a group of engaged and dedicated fans.

Thanks Dick for your humble and supporting presence, (you're one inspiring role-model), to Marick for pristine sound, to Lou for keeping the whole thing running smoothly and to The Widcombe Social Club for the welcome, the beer and the canteen. Be sure to catch future shows at Bath Folk Club. Always a pleasure.

Posted: 14th Dec 2011 | Contact