The Far Eastern

Next day at breakfast we’re on the marmalade on toast and I’m complementing Tony on the comfort factor of his rock n roll sofa. We head off into town where I play a short busk along set in Borders Bookshop as people are coming and going, some of them stop for a listen. It’s a bit hit and miss and I get paid in gift vouchers. Then we head off to the BBC where I’m playing a couple songs on Roy Waller's afternoon show http://www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk/content/articles/2005/07/05/radio_norfolk_biog_roy_waller_feature.shtmlf . I do Confessions of a Sperm Donor and Batman from the new album. Roy is the longest serving DJ on the station and seemed positive enough. We talk about genetics and fathers for justice and the pros and cons of living with two names.... Later that afternoon Tony gets a call from tonights Winelight venue where the power has been cut off so the gig has to be moved. This involves a considerable amount rejigging on Tonys part but finally a restaurant cum bar is located and ticket holders notified of the changes. In the interim I buy plecs and write lists of things I'll never do in my little book of not so calm. I do a soundcheck eat some food and catch the first support, Sean Redmund, a genuinely inpiring talent, great player and wonderful songwriter. I don’t typically rave about these things but this performance was an exception. Lyrically tenacious, dry michevios delivery, after the show I tell him he’s destined for glory; he doesn't believe me. After the gig I sell CDs and make pleasant small talk with several people who want to most notably Paul Monkhouse…man of tilting sky and comedy sir name. Paul knows whats what and whats not and I tend to agree with him. Then it’s a cab back back to Tonys, the rock n roll sofa, gassing half the night, drinking on the patio and talking to the snails. The drive home is remarkably stress free.

On the new album release front it's looks like it'll be coming out on pronoia records I'll update everyone soon on the details. I just sent them the audio master so with any luck it'll see the light of day in time for the UK tour. More on this to follow, VP