I normally write this column by the rather admittedly unsophisticated process of dumping my uppermost thoughts, largely uncensored and certainly unedited, onto the page. Sam, the editor of this august tome might well be forgiven for thinking this a somewhat lazy technique, to say the least, but I try and cloud the issue somewhat citing the advantages of 'creative organic thinking' and the benefits of 'flowing streams of consciousness' (who am I fooling?). I also am only too aware that as this is a monthly exercise, most of any good - and repeatable gossip - is not exactly front of mind. So I shall cheat. I shall, in good Piers Morgan fashion (isn't there a law which prevents the words 'good' and 'Piers Morgan' appearing in the same sentence?), consult my diary and pick out the best, and most clattering name dropping bits and report accordingly. Even if, in my case, the clatter wouldn't disturb a mouse. Problem is I've recently managed to pour hot tea over my computer so, while it's in the menders/graveyard, I can barely struggle to remember anything but l here's what happened at BiGiAM towers last week. But hey ho, here we go....
Sunday 22nd January - Up to the smoke as the Harmanator booked to play her first ever gig at the prestigious Pizza Express in Dean Street, Soho. A quick scan of wall photos reveal that the likes of Sting, Diana Krall, Courtney Pine, and just about every member of blues and jazz royalty, from not just here but the States too, have graced this famous stage. However the name ('hey we've playing some pizza joint!')
- not helped by a totally uninformative website, in terms of it's heritage - always amuses my friends from America when I try and big up the place. Anyway, it was a fine gig, a full house, the promoter kindly tweeted his approval of Jo the next day. Jo, being Jo, decided to sign the artist wall immediately squeezed between the signatures by Tony Bennett and US sax legend Michael Brecker (RIP). Go girl!
Monday 23rd January - Invite to the Dome by the formidable artist Z Star (who was part of the show) and her lovely manager Lucy to see Nigel Kennedy and his biggish, multi-genre orchestra perform the Four Seasons and much much more. Jaw dropping show, must be said, and the backstage party started immediately in the dressing rooms, before moving on, in earnest, to Nigel's rather large suite at the Grand.
Suffice to say it was one of the most memorable after parties I've been to in recent times. Everyone was lovely, everyone was out to have a good time and we were the first to leave.... at, er, 4am...well, it was a school night, after all.
Tuesday 24th January - missed the start of the regular BiGiAM Tuesday meeting (funny that), rolling up at 11am. Caught a couple of hours in bed (sleeping!) before the evening gig at the Latest for the 'Reverb Live' showcase. Very enjoyable that was too, another good crowd and local artists Jack Brett, Gypsy and The Switch, Raising Maisie and Jetglo all performed well, gaining new fans and admirers along the way.
Wednesday 25th January - I actually stayed in and watched TV but the Harmanator went up to St Pauls to hang and have a little sing with The All Stars....basically a collective of London's finest soul sessioneers and sidemen. Actually, that's wrong...I was planning to stay in and watch TV but ended up going to Lewes for a meeting at Cafe Des Artists (exciting news about this to follow soon, I hope) and then to Yellow Fish studios where owner Ross McCracken failed to offer a single Kit Kat or biscuit for the entire 2 hours I was there!
Priorities, Ross, priorities!.
Thursday 26th January - up early for Reverb breakfast show with Paul Mex where one of our clients, Deadbeat Descendant, were doing a session, before another enjoyable client meeting in Havanas (much more civilised than my normal greasy spoons!) with international artist prptection organisation, Future Copyright. Back up to town to the lovely Bulls Head in beautiful Barnes for 'Never The Bride's' monthly residency where the powerhouse vocalist Nikki Lambourne had invited us up. Jo had a little sing - well would have been rude not too! - as did Chesney Hawkes. Yes, you heard it right; Chesney Hawkes got up and performed 'The One and Only'. Nikki, apart from being a wonderful singer (and writer) is also a huge, very funny, personality and it was a wonderfully chaotic night of great music, fun, (unplanned) comedy and more. Good times.
Fri 27th January - more meetings, including a quick cheeky pie and ice cream with Gary Hutchins at his local Carvery (Gary for once, dissisted!) and more ideas were thrown about and some were even caught before smashing to the floor. Oh, and the tax return. A very good..indeed an exceptionally good week...was so very nearly spoiled by her Majesty's finest who seem to turn the act of paying ones tax due into an episode of Crystal Maze. First you have to find out which office needs to get the money (Cumberland or Carlisle? ...dunno is it a quiz? Can I phone a friend?) then what reference number is needed to be quoted. It says the number is quoted on my payslip but I don't have a pay slip. I have a gateway access number, there's my 11 letter password (very top secret..sent by special mail, complete with peel off sealed paper!), my UTR number, my national insurance number and my employer reference number (apparently I still have a number, even though I have no employer!). My word, this is fun. I reckon the people at Bletchley found it easier to break the German's enigma code than cracking the Inland Revenue payment system. It's not like the country doesn't need the money. It's not that I'm not keen to pay it. But hey, we got there in the end, as we always do, so till next month, keep your powder dry and I'll see you soon. Hopefully with a de tea-ed computer back in tow. Be good. Marky Mark.
Cafe des Artistes Page
