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June began with a hometown gig for me seeing the amazing Carol Hodge play in Reading. She was supporting Ginger Wildheart and she played an absolute blinder right at the top of her game. I’m so up to date with her merchandise that the only item I could buy was a tea towel! A slightly strange night as Ginger Wildheart performed a shortened set and vanished. What he did play was excellent, but he has struggled with his mental health, so I think everyone there was more concerned for his welfare more than the music. Hopefully he play Reading again at some point. For me the highlight was always going to be Carol and I shall be hoping to see her play more live shows in 2024.
My good friend Paul Huggett aka Billy Liberator released his brilliant second album in June entitled In Your Headspace In Your Dreams. He has become quite a big influence on my own music. A superb singer-songwriter who has got Smiley of The Alarm producing his music. He writes classy songs and is an accomplished performer on the live music circuit. As I perhaps look towards playing live in 2024, Paul has been a great support encouraging me to take the plunge.
The last weekend in June is the traditional date for Henley Regatta. It’s an event I really enjoy even if I can’t stand much of the snobbery of the class system antics that are still all over the event. My dad was a local oarsman for Maidenhead Rowing Club, and as children we spent many Sunday lunchtimes there with Dad and his friends. Mum and Dad went to the regatta every year for 50 years until Dad died in 2009. I’ve picked up the tradition and it’s for that reason I always enjoy going as I feel that extra bit closer to the folks x This year the event was extended to 6 days so I tend to work in the mornings and go in for the afternoon. Rather than hit the bars as I might have once done, it’s bliss chilling in the deckchairs watching the racing and the world pass by at the same time.
June also saw me continue working on the new Fields of Dawn album. I was in full flow by now and what I was recording was sounding pretty good, so I just kept going and going with it…
