OK – so born from the inhumane injustice of slave-labour – I’ve finally been forced into writing one of these…actually its because I really don’t want to face anymore maths or thermodynamics – or other boring things you don’t care about!

Anyway, Tom sent me the latest pre-mixes for the new EP last night and been taking a good listen – and I must say I’m very excited!  Can’t say too much here – but Chris is doing a fantastic job –  so heads up to you man!

Otherwise I’ve been insanely busy with uni work – but I’m keeping a good portion of playing in. Me and Jamie did a local Jazz gig for my brother’s Trio on Wednesday evening – which went down well. I think we were all inspired by the irreplaceable masterworks of the Bill Evans Trio we had all been listening too. My brother’s harmony was incredible, while Jamie’s solos and solidarity were just so smooth to sit on! Thoroughly enjoyable!

Also this week, I’ve been rehearsing with the university ‘flagship’ orchestra – The Sinfonietta – in preparation for Vaughan Williams’ fantastic ‘Sea Symphony’ #1 – in consecutive concerts, sat and sun evening. Still on the high from last weekend’s rehearsals/gigs with Tom has made all of this week feel really good – and I feel at a peak in my playing, with plenty of inspiration coming through.

This inspiration was most likely fired from seeing Tower of Power the other weekend in London with DG on drums (if you don’t know who’s those initials are – look them up – because you should!) They were ridiculously tight – with those horns that just blew me away! Vocals, and the whole band made it possibly/probably the best gig ive ever seen! Also booked my tickets to see Dave Matthews Band on his European tour with Carter Beauford on drums – those cats (a ‘Beauford-ism’) are some of the best musicians in the ‘pop’ scene. I highly recommend listening to their latest album – Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King!

Well…Christmas is nearing and I can’t wait for it! Its a sign that my work is nearly over, but also this holiday is going to see plenty of playing/recording – so It’ll be great to be back with the guys. May not write before then (depends if i’m let out!) – so hope you all have a wicked Festive Period – and if you’re around – get down to 1/some of the many gigs I’ve/we have got lined up!

Take it Merry!

Dave

P.s My lightning fast reactions saw Jamie’s unbeaten ‘Ace’ record broken – and that ball fully returned in his court…or whoever decides to return it for him!