It’s been a busy few weeks here, first with ‘Shifting Sands’ at Richard Thompson’s Meltdown. This was the UK leg of a British Council project (see previous blog for more detail and a blog on the Kuwaiti leg of the trip). A collaboration between British and Arabic folk traditions. After a week’s intensive rehearsal we gave two performances in the Royal Festival Hall ballroom. Here’s guitarist Kamal Musallam’s video of the rehearsal period to give you a taste of what we were up to: Shifting Sands Part I

The following week I made another appearance at Meltdown, this time with my trio (Matt Ridley - Bass, Sam Nadel - Drums) playing tracks from Keepsakes and Here In The Ground. I was honoured to have Richard Thompson come down to say hello and give me a warm introduction.

After Meltdown I was straight into my role as Musical Director for an MA student production of ‘The Winter’s Tale’ at Central School of Speech and Drama (see previous blog). Another intensive but really rewarding period of rehearsals that threw up some interesting music and oppurtunities to hit things with hammers.

With the festival season now in full swing I’m gearing up for appearances at Cambridge at Sidmouth. Particularly excitied about performing at the Nic Jones Tribute gig on August 5th. Hope to see some of you there, and whatever you’re up to, have a great summer.