So the scarves are out and we’re all looking for that other glove, raincoats need re-waterproofing and the heaters are cranking up with that dusty-haven’t-been-used-for-6-months smell. Well, I am very pleased to say that at least half the album is done and with one more recording session scheduled I am quietly optimistic about being able to shave soon! (see the beard in proud style in the above photo by Ollie Hammick). I spent the weekend up at SAE studios in Oxford working with sound giant Dean McArthy and the calming influence of Max Jones and I think we got some really good takes done. The irony is not lost on me that when this album is finished i’m sure it will sound like i just sat down in front of a mic one afternoon and bashed it out. The long, frustrating but ultimately important journey that it’s been to get this album together will be largely unknown and I guess that’s how it should be, but jeez, it’s not easy! Onwards!

Anyway, while the album nears its conclusion (touch wood), I am really excited to be doing two great gigs before the year is out. The first is tomorrow night, Friday 15th November, at ‘Word Is Born’ – an awesome night that brings together musicians and spoken word artists from all different genres. Tomorrow i’ll be playing alongside spoken word artist Sean Mahoney and jazz group Pocket-Size. Entry is a steal at £3 and i’ll be playing last about 10ish so come down if you’re around. To get in the groove, the Word Is Born crew interviewed me for their ‘Ultrasound’ podcast where they asked me to bring three tracks that i’ve been listening to over the last month and talk about them (Chris Hyson, Sam Amidon and Rozi Plain in case you’re wondering!) and you can hear it here!

Then to close out the year I am thrilled to have been asked to play at the beautiful Wilton’s Music Hall supporting the mighty soul/jazz/world ensemble Teotima, brainchild of guitarist-composer Greg Saunders, at the launch of their debut album ‘Counting The Ways’. Wiltons is one of the best preserved original east london music halls left and has the most amazing acoustic. I’ll be opening with a 45 minute set which Im really excited about. Please come down if you’re around, its going to be a special gig, you won’t have seen anything quite like Teotima in London before!