Chronologically, June began with the James Christy Band making a trip to Birmingham for the Atom Live Tour Audition. We had a great time, saw some fantastic bands and played an ace set. So following this, I am proud to announce that we got through; and following this the band and I will go on tour in October. Towns which we will be performing in will be Darlington, Lincoln, York, Manchester, Birmingham, London, Norwich, Bristol, and Brighton. Rest assured I am excited.
The James Christy Band at Birmingham O2 Academy 2
Next on the list of things to do, a gig with the wonderful RNCM Session Orchestra at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. The event was held for sponsors of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. This was an extremely exciting gig as it included a performance of the material that I arranged for the ensemble, a jazz band set with some fantastic musicians, and finally the opportunity to meet The Earl of Wessex. All in all, a fantastic gig, and a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Members of the RNCM Session Orchestra meeting HRH Prince Edward
Following this, I returned to do a couple of gigs with the New York Brass Band! I have missed the guys and it was a pleasure to be back playing drums for them! It was a busy day gigging at Grassington Festival and The Wardrobe in Leeds in the same day, but an adventure all the same.
Another highlight was playing in the RNCM Revue concert! I was very proud to play as part of 5 ensembles in the gig. These were Illusions Jazz Quintet, Keep Swinging, The James Christy Band, A Group performing "For Good" from the Musical Wicked and finally, I depped for RNCM based function band Pretty Young Things which was a very enjoyable experience. I was smiling all night, it was a great gig altogether.
Finally, I'll say that I am excited to be going on a music tour to Normandy in two days time. I'll look forward to performing with a Soul Band, and a Big Band with some old friends. It'll be nice to get out of the country for a bit, maybe find some decent weather along the way... I don't know.
But for now, that was June. I'm home. I'm exhausted. Wow.
Alasdair
