The Great North Eastern

Graham Andersons Jumpin Hot gig at The Tyne in Newcastle turned out to be one of those gigs that you'd happily re-do again...and again. Great listening people, musician focused, I shared the bill with one of the most accomplished blues finger style players you could ever wish to hear name of Gypsy Dave Smith. Turns out we're both Julian Cope fans and Dave toured the highlands with Julian on his first solo tour. Contacts were exchanged to sort out something similar on behalf of VP, a kind of adventure retreat into the wilderness tour, be great if it comes off. Stayed over at Bens from local progeccentrics JUMBO and shared sythesiser stories late into the night. Ben's house is like a science fiction art-horror gallery of comic book porn and boho sensibility- a giant Black Sun canvass dominates the living room, I forget the name of the painter-but someone should commission the place an arthouse. Tonight I'm at Manchesters snug bar capital The Britons Protection-from what exactly I've no idea- but the beer is from the wood [a good thing if you're a bitter boozer] and the promoters [popart] are local favourites of mine. Forward the buffs..VPx