A big thank you to those of you who caught my set last weekend at Mama Liz’s in Stamford, Lincolnshire. Thanks also to Stevie Jones (and Dean) for having me on and making me feel so welcome. It’s always great to get the chance to play my own songs and to meet like minded people.

And whilst I’m thanking people, here is another big thank you to those of you who have supported me over this year, whilst I’ve been playing these solo acoustic shows. It means a lot and has helped build my confidence when playing these new songs on my own.

I’m going to have a little break now, although I will be working on my solo album still. I already have some shows booked in for January 2026, including a show in Sheffield, which I’m very excited about. More details on those will follow soon. In the meantime, enjoy the festive period and, in this age of relentless AI, let’s keep art and artists real.

My beloved 2012 Gibson J45 has had some TLC, ahead of my gig this coming Sunday in Stamford, Lincolnshire.

As usual, I’ve restrung it with a set of Elixr 12-53 Phosphor Bronze strings. I’ve used Elixrs on this guitar for many years. They last really well and the inherent brightness of the tone, really helps tighten up the bass end of the J45.

I’ve also installed a new set of Gotoh 510 tuners. I’ve disliked the original Grover tuners for so long and have finally got around to replacing them. The new Gotoh tuners are SO smooth and much more accurate with zero back lash. I went for the Schaller style button, as I think they suit the Gibson headstock more than the standard 510 button.

The nut on the guitar was recently replaced by the genius that is Rob Hodgson (RH Guitars) That has made a massive difference too, in terms of intonation and sound.

My next show, will be in Stamford Lincolnshire, where I’ll be playing at the Wildfire Sessions on November 30th.

This takes place in a pub called Mama Liz’s and runs from 4-6pm. I’ll be performing alongside the host Stevie Jones and also Jess Orestano. It’s free entry and looks like being a fun afternoon of original songwriters.

This will probably be my final show of the year. I already have shows booked in for early next year, but I’ll be putting all my efforts into finishing my new solo acoustic album.

Thanks to those of you who caught my set in the Derby Market Hall last Saturday. It was great to be part of the Derby Folk Festival again and the Market Hall is a lovely building to play in.

Yes, it was echoey!! Let’s call it natural reverb! But I think most people enjoyed what they heard. I’m certain that some of my songs are still reverberating around the roof of the building. I had some really nice comments after the gig, which makes all the faff that goes along with playing live, worthwhile.

Next show will be in Stamford, Lincolnshire in November. Further details on that to follow.

I’m delighted to be playing at the Derby Folk Festival again this year.

I’ll be hitting the Market Hall Stage at 12.45pm on Saturday 11th October. It’s free entry and a chance to check out the newly refurbished Market Hall.

In other news, I’ve been working hard on a solo acoustic album. More news on that to follow soon.

Thanks to those of you who came out to watch The Nightwires this week. We played one of our semi regular shows at The Flowerpot in Derby. It was great to see Jim again and of course play with Russell. In a gigging scene dominated by covers bands, tribute acts and open mics, who knows when we’ll get to do it again. Originals acts are becoming few and far between these days.

My next solo show I have booked in, will be in Stamford in November. Although I hope to have a Derby show in October. Details on that to follow.

So I’ve just played my first solo show of the month, at the DH Lawrence Festival in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. Thanks to those of you who turned out to show your support. There was a good size crowd but unfortunately, it was one of those noisy gigs where the music is just a background to the drinking!! That makes it really hard to get a vibe going and enjoy performing.

I’m not sure these sort of pub gigs suit me anymore. We’ll see what happens moving forward.

The Nightwires have a couple of shows coming up this month. Russell and I will be playing the following shows:

Saturday 13th September – Wirksworth Festival, Derbyshire. An afternoon performance at 5 North End.

Monday 22nd September – The Flowerpot, Derby. Two 45 minute sets.

Both free entry so come and say hi!!

My next solo show will see me play at the DH Lawrence Festival in September.

This festival takes place around the town of Eastwood in Nottinghamshire, and sees music being played all over the town. I’ll be playing on the Tap and Growler stage. Full times etc to follow shortly.

Another weekend, another gig!

This time, I was a late replacement at the Nailed It Original Music Festival in Belper, Derbyshire. Unfortunately, the guy who was opening up the stage at the Rifleman’s Inn, fell ill so I was asked to take his place. I went on stage at 2pm to a pretty sparse crowd but those who were there seemed to enjoy what I was doing. It’s one of the pitfalls I guess, of being on early at any festival show; people tend to turn up later in the day. Or bugger off when their mates have played. Anyway…

It’s great though that promoters want to put on acts playing their own material, as it is getting harder to book shows if you don’t play covers. I sound like a broken record saying that, but I’m not willing to compromise on that. I’m a songwriter and I’d rather get nowhere doing my own stuff, than playing someone else’s!!

Thanks to those of you who came out to watch me play at Victoria Park in Ilkeston yesterday.

The Festivity event was organised by Arts Derbyshire and featured live music, art and dance workshops. The weather just about played ball and stayed dry! It was good for me to play two sets, as I got to play many songs that I’ve never performed live before.

Thanks to Stephen, Jack and the rest of the Arts Derbyshire team for putting on a great day.

Check out the shows I have coming up over the rest of the year. There are a couple to be added soon and some shows for The Nightwires as well.