I have a semi-tradition of writing an annual Christmas song; I love the season, the music, and everything about it.
This year I took it slightly further and put together an album of original and covers of Christmas music, supported enormously by James Mason at Island Farm Studios.
Click on the picture to hear the full album on Bandcamp, or find it on your favourite platform.
'Take me away... I just want to be west of the moon... with nothing to do...'
I am so pleased with how this single turned out. With a real post-90s/00s chill out feel, taking inspiration from artists like Groove Armada and Morcheeba, the song is all about that way in which it often feels like everything is too much: life, work, money, leis
'Take me away... I just want to be west of the moon... with nothing to do...'
I am so pleased with how this single turned out. With a real post-90s/00s chill out feel, taking inspiration from artists like Groove Armada and Morcheeba, the song is all about that way in which it often feels like everything is too much: life, work, money, leisure time, side hustles, etc.
The final touch to this song was Nick Samuel's glowing saxophone part, which gelled the song together so smoothly...
In a similar vein, the single Undiscovered Stars (hear it by clicking on the picture above) is about rejecting the classic materialism of the season - or at least, attempting to - and just looking for the magic where you are.
You can also see videos to these songs and the other 6 album tracks by visiting my youtube channel.
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Watch our live performance from 29th Sept. This tune is all about keeping the love going in a long-term relationship and has got a real groove. Enjoy!
Martyn's album 'Solid Air' has been hugely influential on me, from the days I was starting out as a songwriter in Dorset at an open mic of the same name to today. The whole album, particularly in terms of song-writing structure (themes / moods often over lyrics) and loose, soulful vocal style has been almost as influential on me as artists like Carole King and Fleetwood Mac.
'...you finally find a way to be yourself with someone else... no judgement... nothing's wrong... no pressure...'
Don't you think this is how love should be? I tried to put it into a song for you - let me know what you think!
After the launch...
Thank you everyone who attended the launch of Honest Soul at Thames Side Brewery on Sunday 29th September!
As well as playing songs from the album - all except the secret tracks, which can only be heard on the CD or Bandcamp digital edition - we also covered Bob Dylan's 'Every Grain of Sand' with a country flavour, and a song by an artist who has had a huge impact on me, John Martyn; as I said on the night, one of the first ever shows I performed at was an acoustic night called 'Solid Air' in Bournemouth. There are doubtless some copyright issues there, but nonetheless, that album has been a constant theme in my musical life.
Videos and Pictures from the launch to come soon!
News (August 2024)
Are you available on Sunday 29th September?
I am throwing an album launch celebration and would love to see you there! It's on Sunday 29th September, 2-4pm at Thameside Brewery in Staines and will be a very relaxed play through of the album essentially to give people the chance to buy CDs in person, as well as to celebrate the enormous amount of work which Island Farm Studios and the musicians have contributed to help me 'achieve my vision' (I know how pretentious that sounds!).
July has been a big music month for me. In addition to rehearsing 1-2 hours per day (and trying to make this a dedicated habit - it's been hard going!) the gig on Sunday 27th July was so lovely - a really chilled out event and crowd, with almost 20 guests specifically there to see me. It really means a lot. Take a look at the pictures on Facebook if you like.
On Friday 2nd August, I'm so pleased to announce the release of my album 'Honest Soul' with Island Farm Studio's support. To be the first to hear it, join me over on Patreon!