Its been a busy few weeks and i’m getting behind on catching up with everything. Almost all my evenings are taken up performing the music for this new play ‘Knoweldge of Angels’ at Shoreditch Church. Its been really fun rehearsing with the actors and writing the music as they devise the movement. We had our first week of shows last week culminating with the press night last friday at which the author of the original book, Jill Patton Walsh’ came down. Thankfully she enjoyed it and said some lovely things about the play which set everyone’s mind at rest. The reviews came in on monday and were amazing, making some particular references to the music:
“Its true triumph is the ingenious way the company flits between physical theatre, puppetry and breakneck costume changes, and Jamie Doe’s live music, which mixes melodies that could be torn out of Simon and Garfunkel’s songbook, with disquieting, drone-like sound effects.” – The Stage
“The music for example, beautifully composed and performed by Jamie Doe, is absolutely haunting as it echoes round the space, and adds further resonance to the actors’ powerful voice work.” – A Younger Theatre
“Finally, a word on the music, as we are serenaded by Jamie Doe and his guitar throughout, creating a beautiful atmosphere that becomes an intrinsic part of the production. Sitting usually where the pulpit would be, Doe’s melodies, far from just being a concept to help to tell the story, just seem to fit within the play beautifully.” One Stop Arts
On the gig front there have been two really exciting solo shows. The first was at the Merge Festival on saturday afternoon outside Tate Modern. The festival line up was curated by our good friends at the Gladstone and it was a great gig. I played it as a duo with Zac Gvi, the first time we’d played together as Magic Lantern for a few years and it was fantasic, great reception and the sun came out shining!
After a sunday of much needed sleep, tuesday night I was up in Bristol for a wonderful solo gig at the Golden Lion. Nuala Honen, the ever amazing host of the night kicked things off with a characteristically wonderful set showcasing her amazing voice. Whenever she sings i’m reminded of a Joni Mitchell at her most powerful. As a fellow antipodean its also great to hang out with Nuala as i feel we share a lot. I played after Nuala and was given a generous 45 minute set which i really enjoyed. I always enjoy playing in Bristol as its a chance to see old friends and it was great so many of them including Andy Skellam, Ben Please from the Urusen (who came all the way from Bath) and Mo from the Black Cat Roundabout. It was a great opportunity to play the new songs live and ‘Stiches’ in particular went well. Watch a video of the whole set thanks to Yourmusic Productions for recording it!
This weekend should see a gig at Oxjam Festival in Islington but details are as yet hard to come by, other than that its performing ‘Knowledge of Angels’ all week and working on some more new songs for the album! Watch this space!
J x