September started with gigs in Yorkshire, naturally. Mainly working with the New York Brass Band, I enjoyed doing a couple of gigs for the Doncaster Races and a notable club gig at Smokestack which was an absolute riot. Needless to say, it was a load of fun getting my Drum Kit chops back.
Moving on. Returning to RNCM saw me playing in a variety of "Fresher's week" related events. These included a playing for a Jam Session with Keep Swinging on the first night. It was great to see so many first years from my course get up and show off a bit. The confidence in this new crop of pop students is a little bit concerning! But needless to say, everyone had a great night. I also enjoyed playing with Pretty Young Things at the Fresher's Ball at the Palace Hotel in Manchester. We played a variety of Popular Music which went down a storm. A great time was had by all.
A picture from the Fresher's Jam Session. To date, my only picture with my Overwater Aspiration Artist 4 String Bass (Ruby)
As well as the Fresher's Events going on all week, I had the opportunity to play an Acoustic Set with James Christy at Waxy O'Connors Bar at the Printworks Complex. This was great fun to do and it serves as extra practice for our upcoming tour. (SEE BELOW) As well as this, I played with Jack Tinker, Joe Luckin and Matt Wilmot for a Jam Session at the legendary Deaf Institute, and Indigo Bar in Withington. Great well attended Jam Sessions with a fantastic array of talented musicians!
Heptonstall Festival was also a highlight of this month! A great event with some great artists and performers. James Christy and I performed an acoustic set, and we played a set with the full band later on that day! A great practice gig for the upcoming tour... (SEE BELOW) and a great response from new West Yorkshire fans.
The James Christy Band at Heptonstall Festival
More recently, I played a Showcase Event with The Spinoffs in Morley near Leeds! We watched a number of acts perform to earn the chance to get gigs at Havens Holiday Camps. These included two covers bands, a Katherine Jenkins tribute act, a Martha Reeves and the Vandellas tribute act and Katy Kerry (The UK's premiere Katy Perry show.) I really enjoyed the event, and I'm glad to say that The Spinoffs performed well. So we'll keep our fingers crossed for 2014!
And finally, the big one. Last Saturday I performed with Black and Gold function band at an event in Aberystwyth. The event was great! The band played well and the audience had a great time. It also counts as my first gig playing songs to Backing Track which was fantastic experience for me. The elephant in the room being that we didn't get back to Manchester until 3:50 in the morning. Ouch. A great gig all told though!
So, I've been back at RNCM, but still shooting about the places playing for anyone and anything. It can't be bad I suppose? Although, I might go and get some sleep now.
Before that, THE JAMES CHRISTY ATOM LIVE TOUR IS REALLY SOOOOON!
The dates are...
14/10/13 Fibbers - York
15/10/13 The Forum - Darlington
16/10/13 Night and Day Cafe - Manchester
17/10/13 The Platform - Lincoln
18/10/13 British Academy of New Music - London
I'll expect to see you there! Especially for the gig in my hometown of York! You guys have got no excuse!
Alasdair
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