Schizophrenic Saturday

So, last Saturday we did a 1 day mini tour of the M1, with Bomfest in Barnsley, Sonic World Festival in Derby then home to our beds (London). When people are describing our music comparisons are often made between Joni Mitchell and Patty Smith and this day I did feel a little schizophrenic. The acoustic set in Barnsley was a gentle pleasure, we had been especially asked to play the folky side of our repertoire and we were happy to oblige. Songs like “Alright” “Girls Best Friend” and “Silvertown” all got people swaying dreamily on this beautiful afternoon. The beer tent was experiencing some major problems so a hearfelt thanks to Pop who furnished us with beer when the rest of the festival was dry. Sonic World Festival was an onslaught of friendly faces from the start, we arrived on sight minutes before going onstage but with some superb co-operation we were on time and on form. I loved this set, diametrically opposed to the afternoon gig we got our rock rocks off in 45 minutes of smoke and lights and a spectacular crowd. Sonic World Festivals first year, but it felt very familiar may there be many more. We finally hit home at 3am, mighty grateful for a brilliant day and a soft pillow. Thanks to Ammo, Sue, Alan and Kevin.

New Tyres Please

We’d been burning up and down the endless grey ribbon to the point of nearly losing it – so we parked up, slept in a lay-by on the A303 and made a triumphant entry to the city at sunrise, breakfasting like kings on yesterday’s taters n rice…but I’m jumping ahead here.

It’s been a while since a Bruise blog got itself writ and posted so let’s get you up to speed. The acoustic duo took a stroll up to the British Oak (our local) with PA and guitars on our backs. We got a gentle real ale buzz on and played a gorgeous, intimate gig to a room full (and I do mean full) of lovely, appreciative people. We had a happily similar experience last week when we played The Sanctuary Café in Hove for Deuce Promotions. An atmospheric cellar this time, with a great sound and all those happy nodding heads. You know you’re cooking when even the gentle tunes are given such a rapturous reception. There was Scandinavian singing along! There was transatlantic chair dancing!!

Make chronology history, I say. I’ll have no truck with it. In no particular order, therefore: The Catapult Club at the White Hart, New Cross. I’ve realized that I sense a slight whiff of danger in this bar. Maybe it’s because the first time we played there it was as an electric two piece (never seen outside rehearsals) taking loads of chances with new material, and this time the unrehearsed Jevon (seat of the pants) Beaumont stood in on bass for the unavailable Bob (Birmingham bound) Kelly, so we had to be well sharp. Or maybe it’s because there’s a gangland connection behind the bar who likes bands to “play a good gig, yeah?”

Green Futures stage at Glasto 2008. Acoustic this year - we’ve only just hosed the mud out of the drums after last year – and perfect for a warm, sunny Sunday afternoon. A flying visit (off the back of my older sister’s ordination party), we were on site for precisely three and a half hours. Not really long enough to catch much atmos perhaps, but we did catch Leonard Cohen and he was superb (spelt SOOOPEEEEERB!!!).

And finally (but without reference to time): The Railway (Ipswich) and The Bull & Gate (Kentish Town). We played support to Gunslinger - turbo charged British rock music fronted by our good friend Alan Davey. This was proper, gritty, road behaviour. We were playing for dyed-in-the-wool, festival hardened space rock fans who like it hard and fast. We were totally up for it and they were up for us being up for it. Everyone was UP! The spirit of these gigs followed us down the motorway and had us making illegal U-turns and overtaking on the left like we just didn’t care. Last thing I remember, Isobel was throwing Bob from the moving vehicle as we passed through Kingston.

New tyres please!
Jim X