We have a date 21st June for normality we hope and the end of socially distancing at a gig. I have my first gig pencilled in for 7th June a seated affair at the Jazz Café to hopefully set up the rest of the year. I have still have about half a dozen gigs that will either be cancelled or postponed some for the third time. So cautious optimism is the watch word here. Given that the summer months are usually a little quieter the autumn could be crazy for gigs if things get back to normal. So with everything crossed let’s hope there is real light at the end of this horribly long tunnel.
When I first started this little exercise we were a month into lockdown on the 24th April. Like most of you I expected this to last a month or two. The reality now is clear and sadly it will be a full twelve months and probably a lot more between my last gig and the next one. We go again and hopefully this brings back memories for my gig going chums who have joined me on this great musical journey down the years.
A couple of belters today for my look back down memory lane.
2015, Matthew E White, Village Underground, London
Another super gig from this guy although he evening was slightly marred by a terrible support act. All reviewed here at the time
2012, Dave Alvin, Jazz Café, London
It’s a packed Jazz Café tonight which it often is and it’s so full you find yourself alternating your breathing with the person next to you so you don’t breathe out at the same time. After a storming show with the Blasters a few years before we weren’t going to miss this rare Dave Alvin show. A few London musicians in the crowd for this night and I have a brief chat with Alan Tyler of the Rockingbirds before the main man came on.
Notionally supporting the ‘Eleven Eleven’ album the sets takes in tracks from across his long career. A super show in a tiny venue with a legend of the country scene. Brill stuff.
That’s it for today so don’t forget, support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.