two bad gigs and one good one

What have I been doing for the past month. Reading a lot, cooking in my new kitchen and going to gigs.

The first disappointing gig was the Nico tribute thing at the Festival Hall. John Cale curated it and there were some interesting things going on, but no idea who was who as they came on stage in a rather disorganised fashion. A couple of beautiful, evocative numbers, but mostly mediocre. John Cale had been on the radio the day before saying it would be -I think he used the word difficult - as Nico herself was a difficult person. It wasn't difficult at all - maybe that would have been preferable...mediocre in parts. I wonder what she would have thought? We had a fun evening though as we went with Di and Paul, and had a quick drink in The Hole in The Wall afterwards, before getting the last train home that night.

Disappointing gig number two. was at my old stomping ground, the Half Moon in Putney. Again with Di and this time with Alan and Patricia. The support man was great - sadly I can't remember his name, so that made the gig for me - plus of course being out with friends, but the main act - Jacqui mcShee's Pentangle was disappointing. A few of us had gone to see the original members of Pentangle do a 25th anniversary gig at the Festival Hall in the Summer and it was beautiful. This was different - Jacqui, too self effacing, straining at notes - the band , well they were very good, but it felt like they were playing in their own style and seperately to Jacqui. The band were reminiscent of Weather Report not that that's a bad thing -just didn't work for me, in conjunction with Jacqui's style. Good bits were when Jacqui and the band first came on with the support guy still playing, and they all slotted in to what he was doing as they built their own stuff up - that was perfect. Also some of the second half was good, where Jacqui did a few folk songs I hadn't heard before Can't believe a Guardian journalist who described this set up as 'the English Grateful Dead'  I don't think so.

On to the good gig. Last Saturday Phil and I went with Rebec to the Half Moon again to see John Otway. Hadn't seen him since the 80s, and then in the King's Head, Fulham - another old haunt. This time there was another good build up, a band with Loyd Grossman off the telly. They were good - lively american punk - all band members thoroughly enjoying themselves -Mr Loyd not at all starry, just part of a hard working band. Very good - lucky with support bands at the Half Moon. This time the main act was fantastic - John Otway; witty, energetic and musical the whole evening made me feel full of life. Shame to have to wait 25 mins for the train home though...

Lewes 3

Sunday came. We had a lazy breakfast and I settled the bill. Another pleasant surprise on top of many was that they hadn't charged us for our late night brandies and olives. I mentioned this and they said gave me a 'don't worry about it' type of gesture. Fantastic. Another plus for Pelham House. Phil and I went for a walk, down the hill to a beautiful walled park with a formal garden and stream. The plan was, to walk about a bit and then go for a roast lunch in the White Hart. This was a low point unfortunately. It was hot and stuffy in there, and we fancied sitting outside, but the waiter said we couldn't do that. In fact later on, they even shut the doors to the terrace. We could see other people come and go from the main part of the pub to the terrace with drinks which made is feel even hotter inside. The food was delicious though, and they had marrow as one of the vegetables on offer, which is quite a rarity on a Sunday lunch menu and was very tasty. The service was pretty good too, but lost marks for not letting people sit outside and then closing the doors.

Anyway, then it wastime to go home. We gathered our belongings and strolled down to Lewes Station. An easy journey home apart from a 40 minute or so wait at Clapham Junction for our train home.

By good fortune, we met Di and Paul as we got off the train, and all agreed to catch up in the Magpie later. The predicted end to a great time away.

Bellowhead here we come

Well, we're off to Lewes on Friday night...can't wait. So much stress the past few months, actually since the day after we got back from Whitby last summer. This year is going to be about recovering and moving on, with the minimum of stress. Here goes then. Arrive in Lewes around 6.30, book into the hotel, visit Sam and Fiona who moved to Lewes from Hove about four years ago spend the evening catching up, drinking wine and being cooked for. Back to hotel. Sleep. Saturday wander about in Lewes, weather permitting. Late lunch. Go to Bellowhead gig. Still don't know what to wear. Try to sleep afterwards! Sunday, find somewhere nice for lunch and then back to Brentford...possibly go to the Magpie for a quick catch up with Di and Paul and any others to round off the weekend. It will be brilliant and here it all comes, just two short days away.

Saturday and Sunday

A good weekend again; a little more relaxed after a hectic couple of weeks, Went to on the regular Saturday jaunt to Putney, saw my dad and did a few bits and pieces for him...Phil joined me there, and sat with my dad while I shopped. We had lunch at Wagamama, which is always good; not sure why people are against it, is it because it's a chain? Phil and I have tried loads of noodle bars in London, and think Wagamama packs more of an interesting punch than many of the others, our absolute favourite is number 37 chicken itame mmmmmmmmm chilli and lemongrass! Coco Noodle in Ealing does the best raw juice though. In the evening, I spent about an hour and a half preparing a letter for Phil and son for their visit to Wembley. They went to see Metallica but their seats had been upgraded due to the booked ones being unavailable due to some sort of production issues, however they needed to take a letter from me plus id for both of us. Goodness it stressed me out quite a lot getting it right. Anyway all done and packed. Then Phil went out to meet Di and Paul at the now smokeless Globe to watch the Surfing Brides. I needed a quiet night in, practicing the fiddle and chatting to Jake. So I did that for a bit and then Di and Paul knocked at the door...after resisting for less than two seconds, I went with them to the Globe. So pleased I did though, I hadn't seen them before, but really enjoyed their mix of cover versions and clever original songs. Liked the theatricality of each band member and the way the lead singer reminded me of boys I knew when I was a teenager who sang/played in bands. Only managed just over half a pint of some sort of Fullers beer, (as part of my educational foray into the world of beer)but it was very nice.
Sunday- Phil and son set off early to sort out Metallica tickets and see Metallica; a whole day's adventure. I went off to Church and planned a leisurely day after that. Church was good and I enjoyed playing the violin there and chatting to people...so wierd that Ceri has materialised there. He is someone who I only vaguely knew through my Chiswick Village friends and he just arrived at St Paul's one Sunday, keyboard ready. His presence has given a lovely focus to the music group, and what's more has given Marjorie the chance to play the flute, her first instrument! He's a record producer and will record Phil and Paul's (Talismen)album, soon as they all get it together! Ceri knows loads of other people I know, and his sister lived at the notorious co-op house in Hanger Lane. (will write about that another day). Anyway after Church we had quite a chat and possibly a not very charitable one, about why Brentford is a better place to live than Chiswick, yes it is, yes it so is!!! Anyway after that, walked round the long way to home, hoping that the coffee shop in the High St would be open, but it wasn't...up through the Butts, admiring the sunlight on the trees. Home to a peaceful house. Spent the day doing bits of housework, violin practice and blog, as well as cooking two days worth of food. 8.30 came around very quickly and off I went to call for Di and Paul for further beer education at the Magpie. First half was pretty sickly called Frulli. I do like a fruity taste, but this was fruity beyond the bounds of decency. Can't remember what was next, but they were nice. Also the Magpie was nice...all the upholstery had been replaced or cleaned, woodwork had been painted it was very pleasant. Yasmin and Jim came too, and we had a bet on when the 2000 real ale would be introduced. I reckon Feb 14 09. They all reckoned around summer 08. Pleasant walk home and then goodnight.