Life Outside The Rat Pack!?!
It’s been a good week or so touring around Denmark so far. The show has been well received and, despite long hours on the bus, everybody seems to be getting along ok! The heartening thing for me has been glimpses of life outside of the tour. I’ve had a few communications with home that mean I’ll have some other things to do to break up the grind of playing the same show for months on end.
The other day I was pleased to receive a call from AlmeidaGirl herself. Kirsty called to ask when I was around to go into the studio with Descarga and record the new CD. I’ve been looking forward to this for a while and it seems like it’ll happen in a couple of months time. Watch this space for more details!
I heard from my good friend Tony Faulkner yesterday. He’s planning to reform and record his Jazz Orchestra in the summer. I used to play in his LCM band when I was at college and the writing is terrific. I understand that he’s written some new charts and wants to put them down with “a decent band”. I’m honoured to be included in that! I’ve had the good fortune to have Tony play in my Quintet for the last few gigs we’ve had and he’s been great to have around. It’s sometimes a little strange to work with your former teachers but Tony has always treated me as a peer, something for which I’m most grateful!
Finally, I ran across an announcement on the Jazz In Leeds Forum from my friend Colin Byrne. He started his own Jazz Orchestra last year which I unfortunately wasn’t around to participate in. Nevertheless, he’s just released the bands debut CD and launched a new website. I wish him the best of luck and I hope to have a chance to play with the band sometime. Check it out at BigBandByrne.com!
