Diary
It’s been a busy time since I got back from Canada. It’s been good to play some festivals over here and have had storming gigs at the Trowbridge and Sidmouth and Morwellham gatherings. I’m also looking forward to playing the Edinburgh Festival next week and a few others before returning to America and Canada for two weeks. It’s also a creative time with songs flowing but I always find it hard to finish stuff off in between shows. Note to self..need more down time..note back..not going to happen.
Travelling up to Heathrow a week or so ago to terminal three it occurred to me that it was the first time in many visits to that terminal that I wouldn’t be flying out to somewhere. We were picking up our middle child Stefan, who came back from a 4-week trip with school friends in Cambodia and Thailand. They did some amazing stuff like help to build a road through an orphanage, spent nights out in the jungle, visited the killing fields museum and the bridge of the River Kwai, the temple at Angkor, rode elephants and slept near scorpions. Its all had quite an effect on him and it’s fascinating to see that. I’m not sure how I would have handled some of that culture shock at the age of 17. I remember seeing it all for the first time when I was 28 and it was life changing, though I’m still slow to remember the lessons. I’m sure it will all bode well for his future. He turned 18 on Sunday and we had quite a party!
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-last-of-the-noblest-generation-1761467.html
Why I love the game of golf - 2009-07-20
Jet lag seems to have its way no matter what I do and this morning, finding myself wide awake at 3 am I waited for it to get light before slipping out to play 14 holes of golf on my own. It was magical to be out as the sun rose and have the path of my ball recorded by a heavy dew across a beautifully early morning sunlit green. Rabbits were my only audience and they witnessed both the good and the bad of my golf game.
I have a well-prepared sermon for those who tell me they don’t get Golf and I have converted quite a few through the years. It includes such jewels as how on any given occasion, one can actually do what Tiger Woods couldn’t in that you might hole the putt he misses (how many can hit any of the shots Roger Federer hit on his way to another Wimbledon title last month?), how you could pop along to Turnberry this week and play the same course that saw yesterday`s drama in the British Open. That’s a bit like being able to take your Sunday kick-about friends to play at Wembley the day after the FA cup Final. You play the game with yourself as referee and call penalties on yourself. There is the handicap system, which means a relative beginner can have a competitive game with a seasoned good player and all that’s before I get into the history, the social side of it all and the spiritual for that matter. The way pro golfers will acknowledge each other’s good shots and even help on the practice ground if they think they have spotted something wrong with a fellow competitors swing. Imagine Alex Ferguson calling Arsène Wenger to tell him where he thinks the weakness in his defence is! I have played the game since I was a little boy and, despite my early dreams of becoming a touring pro being quashed by reality a long time ago, it has brought much richness into my life.
More fuel for my argument was offered up yesterday in the example of one Mr Tom Watson. He almost won his sixth British Open at the age of 59 and after having a hip replaced eight months ago. He won the Open at Turnberry back in 1977 when he and Jack Nicklaus blew the rest of the field apart with amazing golf. The oldest winner of a major remains 46, which is a record that belongs to Nicklaus, but it was nearly, so very nearly smashed apart yesterday. In fact, I’m pretty sure that no-one will come close to achieving what Watson did yesterday. Coming in the top ten at 59 (he is actually nearly 60) would have been an amazing achievement let alone losing in a playoff. Golf, like all sports, can be very cruel. If Tom had hit a nine iron for his second shot into the eighteenth instead of an eight his ball would have nestled nicely on the green giving him two putts for the title. Instead the ball skipped through the back and he failed to get down in two from off the green. Had he won it would have been without doubt be one of the greatest sporting achievements of all time. On a course that had caused Tiger Woods to miss the halfway cut, Watson finished ahead of the best golfers in the world with only Stewart Cink matching his score and going on to beat him in an anti- climatic 4-hole playoff. I love that this can happen and I confess to shedding a little tear that it didn’t, but then again I was not alone. But more than the record he would have set, more than the achievement of it all (in tennis terms it would be like Bjorn Borg loosing in the Wimbledon final this year) there was something else on display yesterday that I treasure about this ancient game.
Despite the enormous disappointment of not writing the victorious final part of what Watson described later as a ‘great story’ his attitude and demeanour to those around him did not change. He smiled at the man who took victory and history from him; he smiled at everyone though at times he was close to tears. He had gracious words for everyone but himself. Earlier in the day Oliver Fisher had led the tournament by two shots but took a disastrous eight on an early hole to end his chances. Within seconds of tapping the ball into the hole to complete those eight strokes he raised his hand to acknowledge the sympathetic applause and managed a smile. It may have been a moment of intense wisdom in realising that the imminent birth of his child was what was really important in the world, but it is seen time and time again in this purest of sports that these things are important and that the game itself is much bigger than any individual player. My rambling here is in danger of sounding like some sort of Tory policy to bring back the good old days and family values. But it’s so much more than that.
I used to love watching football as a kid. Match Of The Day and the Big Match on ITV were looked forward to every weekend, but these days apart from the big occasions I cant bear to watch the beautiful game. This is because I don’t want to watch players pretending to dive, the infantile behaviour of managers who think the world is against only them, the abuse of officials and the over the top celebration of someone scoring and gesturing to crowds as if they were the saviour of the world, though I guess in that moment for many they are. But we deserve our heroes to grant us glimpses of redemption in a far more noble and truthful way. I have seen that ‘nobleness’ offered up ever since I was a little boy glued to late night broadcasts from Augusta and as a man I see it even more. Give me the grace of Tom Watson every time. Only that time has probably run out, but who could have imagined yesterdays story.
In the Independent today James Lawton put it far better than I ever could.
Tom Watson, aged 59, grew old before our eyes in the gloaming last night. It was a sight which he had led us to believe was unthinkable but if there was pain in seeing it, and a frustrated longing for him to find just for a few minutes more the old and brilliant snap that he had displaying here so magnificently, there was also something you could hold against the weariness and the despair. It was the privilege of being around Tom Watson when he not only played some of the most brilliant golf of his life but also defined himself. It was how it is when you know you have touched something that will always shine like gold.
Long before the moment of decision came, with such awful finality, Watson's achievement was beyond any analysis of pro and con, any feeble attempt to measure the demands of one sports discipline against another. It was simply to create the greatest, most compelling, and ultimately the most poignant story in the history of any sport you care to name.
The ending of the story was savage and true of life in a way which Watson had suspended since he arrived here at the start of a week which claimed for itself a charm, a fascination and an intrigue beyond anything most here could ever remember in any arena of sport.
When he shared the lead after three days of golf which most experts believed would inevitably drain his ability to keep fighting, to keep the firmest control over his driver, his irons and the putter which at a much earlier age had threatened to drive him away from the golf course because it had become so erratic, and such a betrayer of his other much more enduring skills, he was asked if had yet pinched himself. He said there was no need for such an exercise. He was alive, he was awake, and he was gunning for the most remarkable triumph in the history of his sport and, maybe when you thought about it, any other.
There was no reason for him or those watching to question that assessment – at least not until the glorious spell was broken, irretrievably, when the 138th Open was torn from Watson at the moment of what appeared to be astonishing triumph.
It wasn't, in the desperate, bone-jarring end, that Watson played golf that wasn't smart as Cink moved irresistibly to victory in the four play-off holes. No, the man from Kansas City who tried to rework time and the possibilities of the game and his own self-belief in an entirely breathtaking way, didn't play any form of crazy golf. He played golf that was exhausted, worn down by the most astonishing effort ever seen in a major tournament.
Walking up the 18th fairway less than a hour earlier Watson seemed to be holding so much more than the Claret Jug and the £750,000 that goes to the winner of the oldest golf tournament of them all. He had in his possession a secret beyond price for so many men of his age. He had found a way to reinvent himself, his youth and the best of his talent.
But it had come to him, we would learn with a terrible bruising of the spirit, only for a limited time – only for the best of four days in a place for which he would always be remembered for something he had done so long ago.
Now there is another memory and it is even more deathless than the one that went before. It is of a man who made sport, time and the inevitable passing of a young man's brilliance stand still. It was only for those few days, but for a little while we thought we would have it forever. And really, we do. Tom Watson didn't win this Open but he did make it the greatest ever played.
Spent my birthday in Prince George canoeing down 55 km of the Nichako River, which took around 6 hours with a few stops on the way. Martin Daburger and myself ran a little white water but he got us through fine. Must have have seen about 8 bald eagles, one Osprey, and a Moose and her calf bathing in the water. We saw one human on the run. It was just bliss though I now a little ached up in a few joints. As soon as I hit the water and drift on the current the world changes. The sound of it all, the gentle power of the water as it caresses the hull, then the rhythm of the paddle and the sense that everything is slowing down. Back home to the UK tomorrow where it will all speed up again.
So after a few UK festivals and a run of great shows with Steve Knightley I find myself across the pond for a few weeks. It ís wonderful to be back in Canada. Have been playing the Vancouver Islands Music Fest on Vancouver Island this past weekend. Having done a lot of the major festivals here last year, I came over just to play this one and also put in a show in Connecticut USA on the way over. That was in Ridgefield at The Playhouse Theatre and was a wonderful night. I then took the long flight over to the West Coast.
I last played the Island Festival back in 02 and its almost doubled in size since then. Two very hot days have seen some wonderful music being played and a rich coverage of styles. Good to meet up with old friends like Dick Gaughan, Eric Bibb and Michael Wrycraft who designed my last three album sleeves. Shared a workshop concert with Steven Page of Bare Naked Ladies fame and had a wonderful moment on the main stage on Saturday evening. David Lindley had been scheduled to play but sadly was unable to make it due to illness, so a number of artists played cover songs with Jennifer Warne's band backing us. Without any rehearsal I stepped with these great musicians and played One Of Usí. We nailed it and it was very powerful and took me a while to come down after. I must get me one of those bands sometime! It ís strange really as I almost always play solo and have to create sound that represents the kick, bass, snare, the rhythm of the off beat etc. It ís a strange thing to have that done for you in such a powerful way and I really could get use to it! Playing to five thousand people helps though.
I will play a charity show in Vancouver this evening and then fly to Prince George to visit friends for a few days then fly home. My love affair with Canada continues and I feel so at home here.
As we limped back to Porthcawl - 2009-06-11
Last Saturday I took part in a discussion with Billy Bragg on music and protest. Billy is on a tour to highlight 25 years since the miners strike and this seminar took place in the Pavilion in Porthcawl before his gig that night. There was a big emphasis on the work of Paul Robeson as the event was promoted by members of the Bevan foundation in Wales www.bevanfoundation.org as well as a group committed to promoting the memory of Mr Robeson and his work. Bev Humphreys hosted the discussion, which included Billy and I singing a couple of songs each and taking questions from the floor. At the end we were presented with miners lamps, which was a very kind gesture from the foundation.
It was a thrill to finally sing “Proud Valley Boy” in the building that is referred to in one of the verses. Indeed there is some moving memorabilia of Paul Robeson scattered around the theatre in memory of his phone call from New York to the Welsh Miners conference in 1957. He couldn’t be there in person as the US government had confiscated his passport. I thought the event went well and was very worthwhile.
I have done a number of events with Billy now and we always get on well and good work comes out of it. It was interesting to hear him talk of the differences he sees between Wales and England in terms of the politics. One of the reasons he wanted to do this tour of Wales was to try and connect with the passion he sees here that won`t tolerate the likes of the BNP no matter how bad things get, whereas in England he sees some folk turning towards them and that obviously makes him despair. Interesting stuff and what a good man he is.
Have been doing the odd appearance here and there in between writing and recording. Played the Acoustic Festival UK a few weeks ago, took part in the launch for Patrick Jones` poetry album ‘Tongues for a Stammering Time’, having written the music for one of the tracks, joined Show Of Hands on stage for a few tunes at a show and on Saturday will take part with Billy Bragg in a discussion on music as protest. The good weather has led me to the golf course where I managed to shoot a 73 gross and win a local comp. That also brought my handicap back to six from seven, which is something of a relief though its going to be a hard struggle to get back to the glory of my days of youth. Have a number of new pieces on the go in the studio and will try some of it out in the upcoming shows. Also looking forward to the gigs I’m doing with Steve Knightley in a few weeks.
Tough times for everyone out there but no story sadder than that of the Puttick family who took their lives by jumping together from a cliff after their young son died, and the loss of the flight from Brazil to Paris, with little chance of families recovering the bodies of their loved ones. I once took that flight from Rio to Paris returning from the trip with Christian Aid and the MST. Heartbreak beyond imagination and never far from mind. I don’t know why I mention these things in this dairy other than I don’t want to just record the everyday drone of my life but rather remember the path of life of others and ponder how fortunate many of us are.
Pete Seeger: Elder Statesman of Topical Song
Born 90 years ago this May 3, Pete Seeger has been a tireless performer of topical song and a champion of global folklore, focusing his strongest efforts on that which was created b y, for and about, the so-called common man. The product of a Left-wing composer father and a concert violinist mother, Pete almost singlehandedly resurrected, of all things, the 5-string banjo and introduced its application as a fiercely American instrument, one derived from African origins and developed by the sweat and blood of the oppressed. In his wake, the banjo-or at least his banjo-- became a symbol of the power of song and an icon of more than one "folk revival". It still sings with pride in light of the passage of time…even Bob Dylan's decision to go electric. No matter what, Pete and his music were always there and continue to ring out today.
During the depth of the Great Depression, Seeger took to folk song collecting with his father, Charles Lewis Seeger, a member of the Composers Collective of New York who saw the need for the dissolution of the Modernist, experimental music Collective once he became convinced of the revolutionary potential of traditional song. The mission was clear: American workers needed to hear accessible music with radical content; he never looked back and clearly neither did Pete. In the 1930s, Daily Worker arts columnist Mike Gold wrote of the need for, "a Communist Joe Hill", to offer musical organizing on the front lines: a few years later Woody Guthrie came to prominence in the political Left. Guthrie, a firestorm of creative energy and radical philosophy was introduced, in 1940, to a young Pete Seeger by folk archivist Alan Lomax and the two became inseparable. Once Woody had taken up Pete's offer to join him in the Almanac Singers, they wrote and performed music together and Seeger, through musical and political osmosis, rapidly morphed into a new kind of cultural force.
Early on Pete developed a strong kinship with the political Left and quickly became a first-call performing artist for May Day parades in New York City and radical Labor unions around the country. Seeger became a prominent part of Communist Party cultural organizations, anti-fascist collectives and American Labor Party rallies throughout the 1940s and into the `50s, even as the specter of HUAC haunted his musical groups, the Almanacs and then the Weavers, as well as his organization People's Songs. By 1961, he too would be subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee which riddled him with questions that scandalized not only his patriotism but that of the many he'd been associated with. To his credit, Seeger refused to name names, but he did offer to sing for the HUAC inquisitors. They refused his offer and called it contempt of Congress.
A victim of the same tenacious Blacklist that had torn apart Hollywood and the CIO in the post-war period, Pete sang for college students and children, when no one else cared to listen...or, rather, when no one else could hear. And when he could not sing for them, he sang for the trees and forest life about him. Seeger was hell-bent on allowing music to touch deep, whether as a weapon or as a healing force. Uniquely, he almost always achieved both in tandem.
By the time folk music became an area of commercial success for the record business during the 1960s, Seeger was seen as a founder, an elder, but still a contemporary. If the forces of reaction shut him out of broadcast television or commercial radio, his voice resounded loudly as a songwriter. Pete's songs "Turn, Turn, Turn", "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?", "If I Had A Hammer", "The Bells of Rhymney", among others, were smashing successes for other artists, all of whom paid tribute to the composer during their performances. As has been widely reported, it was left to the Smothers Brothers and their irreverent, cutting-edge television program, to break the Blacklist. When the networks refused to allow Seeger on to perform his "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy", a stinging anti-war song driven by Pete's grinding 12-string guitar, the Brothers fought back. It may have been a death-blow for their show, but they ultimately prevailed; Seeger was seen by millions on that historic night and the Blacklist, this terribly fascistic device used to silence so many, was effectively killed off.
With the wisdom of a sage, Seeger has made it a mission to keep the older songs of struggle alive, even through adversity. In performances all over the world, Pete presents the songs of Guthrie and Wobbly icon Joe Hill alongside the music of slaves, native peoples, workers, immigrants, farmers, men and women. He offers us the lost union songs and the disappeared music of repressed peoples. Pete taught us traditional songs of the Spanish Civil War--in Spanish. He sang the praises of Leadbelly, who never got to hear his song "Goodnight Irene" become a Weavers hit in 1951. Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter had died the year prior, but Seeger made sure that his widow would continue to receive royalties, as he did for the family of Solomon Linda, the composer of "Wimoweh", an African song which immortalizes the symbol of the sleeping lion as an avenger-in-waiting, contemplating the atrocities committed by white imperialists.
While it is true that Pete has become a beloved figure with the passage of time, one celebrated at Madison Square Garden this May, and was given Kennedy Center honors a decade ago, his radical heart remains integral to his spirit. Performing for President Obama's inaugural celebration this January, Pete sang Woody's anthem, "This Land is Your Land" along with Bruce Springsteen and Seeger happily led the crowd on some of Guthrie's lesser-known, revolutionary verses including the one about that damned symbol of the high wall tagged "Private Property". In his lifetime, Pete stood onstage with Paul Robeson during "The Peekskill Riot" and marched with Dr. King through the bloodiest of Civil Rights battles. He was a loud opponent of the Vietnam War and a prime voice of the environmental movement. In more recent years, Seeger could be found, during the entire sickening debacle of the Bush Administration as an active part of protest actions, and still stands each week at a peace vigil in New York's Hudson Valley, through broiling heat and frozen winds.
Pete's songs are truly the story of 'the folk', and so they tell the people's story. Long before Howard Zinn wrote his 'A People's History of the United States', Pete Seeger sang it. He stands then and now as the very model of the cultural worker. Taking the distant advice of Joe Hill, he recognized long ago that more can be said in one topical song than in a hundred pamphlets. But, even in silence, Pete's philosophy can be understood by anyone who gets close enough to read what he long ago adorned on his banjo head: 'This Machine Surrounds Hate and Forces It To Surrender'.
John Pietaro is a cultural worker and labor organizer from New York
Travelling down to Dover on Friday night to catch ferry to Belgium next day, I did something I haven’t done in thirty years of driving. I put the wrong fuel in my car, namely petrol instead of diesel. The engine shut down in the outside lane of the M25 but I managed to limp across to the hard shoulder. As I sat there waiting for the nice man from the RAC my tooth fell out, the same one that came out when singing in Cornwall last year. I must get that fixed properly. It added four hours to the journey (the fuel not the tooth), which meant only two hours sleep before rising at 6am to catch the boat, and I had family with me. Silly boy.
All forgotten though after a great gig at the Labadoux festival. I love coming to this beautiful country and its kind and good-hearted people and boy did they sing along. Stayed over till the Monday to visit friends and cities and was especially moved by a visit to the World War One museum at Ypres. I went there about eight years ago, but it was poignant to return with a teenage daughter who is studying the war in school and see the reality sink in.
Well, slap my wrist, as it has been a while. Sorry everyone. I should be a little more regular though am wary of constant blogging as so many do this and I’m thinking why? Journals used to be private, or saved for the end of a journey where perspective could be gathered and items pondered. These days we are constantly letting each other know how we feel, what we`re doing and I’m not convinced people are that interested, its just that no one seems to want to say so.
Anyway, having said that here we go. The tour with Stewart has long since ended and it was a joy. I have a bunch of the nights recorded and am beginning to listen to see what we have. Since then I have been on a round of solo shows and very good they have been too. After a festival in Belgium this weekend I have some weeks between shows and that will take some getting used to. One special show last week was in Cardiff with the Storys and Amy Wadge and I’m happy to say we raised over £2000 for Banardos which is great news. I also did a session on Radio 2 with Bob Harris which is a bit like two old friends nattering over tea. I thought it was our best chat ever and it was good to air two new songs to which we have had a really good response. I’m contemplating a few things over the next few weeks including recording an EP of material which is building up and have some other creative ideas so will see where that leads. Steve Knightley and I are also pondering a few shows together.
Am enjoying albums by Melody Gardot, The Handsome Family and watching the box set of a Band Of Brothers which I have had for a while now but never watched. But hey, this is really blogging now so I will stop. More real news soon!
Because We Can Again - 2009-03-18
On the road with the great poet again and what a wonderful time is being had. I have
forgotten just how mad he is and he keeps me amused and thinking at all times. These shows are quite unique and it’s a shame we don’t get to do it more often. There are moments when I look across at Stewart and feel so proud of both him and language in the sense that words can do so much. This is good work and, though the schedule is tough, you can feel the ripple going moving out and beyond. Grab the show while you can.
Whilst in Scotland last week I spent some time writing with Karine Polwart. That went well and we will do some more and see where it leads.
And a word for my dear brother Michael Baumann in Germany. So much heartache in his little town of Winnenden and indeed close to those he loves. What a crazy world my friend, we are all thinking of you.
Yesterday, on my way to play the final show of this Canadian tour, time stood still on the highway between New Glasgow and Fall River. Heavy rain made the road treacherous and disguised the ice. Suddenly my car, travelling around 70mph, decided to dance and twist around the two lanes of road. Five times we waltzed and I knew there was a big partner who might want to join in behind me. A huge truck had been in my mirror; I didn’t know where it was now. As I spinned time seemed to slow and I felt no great panic, I was simply awaiting the outcome, I thought there would be some big punch but it never came. My car ended in a snow bank facing the wrong way and I still had the can of coke in my hand though it was now crushed. A nice guy stopped to see if I was ok. The truck driver didn’t seem to care. With the exhaust and a few more items hanging down or off I eventually drove on and made the show and played. It was all a bit surreal but when I consider the amount of miles I have driven to play music in the last 27 years I have been fortunate that this has been my only real big incident thus far. Folk pay a lot of money for that sort of ride in Disneyland but it wasn’t much fun. How tenuous it all is. It will be good to be home.
Coat Hanger needed in late night Toronto - 2009-02-10
Tomorrow I fly from New York to Nova Scotia for three more shows before coming home. These will be my first solo shows on the east coast of Canada having played the Stan Rogers folk fest there last summer. The distances travelled don’t really sink in as catching a plane is the same these days as grabbing a cab. It’s a huge country and beautiful country and I so love coming here. I hope the guy at Tim Horton’s got home ok. He told me his girlfriend had a spare key but they had had a disagreement and he couldn’t call her. As his car engine gently ran on in front of us we both laughed at how absurd it all gets.
An extraordinary day - 2009-01-21
I was given this T Shirt a few years ago and have worn it many times to show my disdain of the Bush administration. I wish him a happy retirement from politics, something he should never have been involved with in the first place. Whilst I always looked forward to the particular moment inscribed on the shirt, I don’t think I could have imagined the way it would galvanise and unite people across the world. It really was quite an extraordinary day though of course the expectation is now huge. I don’t know how much can be done or achieved in a short time but I do believe that we have a man in the White House who has huge integrity, humility, inteligence and a heart of compassion and decency. I don’t think we have seen or heard anyone like this for a long long time and certainly not someone who has been able to rise to this level of office. After the turmoil of the last eight years it almost seems unreal to see such a change. I feel, as do many, that at least there is a chance now of some real progress in building hope for future generations. Welcome back from rehab America, we are watching now for all the right reasons.
I'm now gearing up to head out next week and tour across Canada. Thats going to be cold, very cold, but so beautiful.
Five Palestinian sisters were killed during an attack from Israel yesterday. Amazingly enough they were lying together asleep when the deadly rocket hit the mosque next door to their flimsy house causing the roof to collapse on them. The eldest was 17, the youngest 4. Their names were Tahir, Ikram, Sarnar, Dina and Jawaher. ‘They grow up day after day and night after night, within a second I have lost them’. Those were the words of their father Anwar Balousha who turned on fellow Palestinians who tried to turn the burial into a political gain saying ‘this is a funeral, not a rally’. He continued saying ‘we are not those who are firing rockets at Israel, we are just people, human beings and not animals’.
Today Israel refused to have a cease-fire so that emergency services could move freely and safely around so those displaced and maimed by the attacks could receive help.
What on earth does anyone think this will achieve? I don’t condone for a second anyone firing rockets at each other and the taking of life. I do ask myself though how long would it take if you pushed me and those I love and care for to a point where my water supply was tampered with so it came back as filth, stopped me from travelling to find decent work, forced me to live in a third world situation where my children became vulnerable to disease that poverty brings alongside little opportunity for education, before I would have to do something to make a point. But of course no one would listen to my voice outside of the Gaza strip, a written song would not tell the story. After years of this, I might finally sign up to something that I would normally feel strongly against. Why don’t people who hold the power get this? That injustice breeds a need to strike back. Why can’t they see beyond the fanatics to the ordinary folk who want to live in peace? How do people who decide to take this action sleep at night?
Five sisters managed to close their eyes and drift off despite the injustice they lived and breathed on a small strip of land. Just another night for them but it all ended in a second. This enrages me; I know it enrages many thousands of good people. How does this happen? This violence will solve nothing and will only fuel a fire that will continue to burn and bring more violence and loss of life and a greater distance from justice and peace. Why can’t there be a meaningful dialogue between reasonable people to end this no win situation? Fundamentalism is the scourge of the modern world and the world is too small for us to live this way.
Sorry that this is the main content of these final scribblings for 08. It was a good year for this journeyman; although there are many struggles it will have been a good year for many of us who live relatively safe and comfortable lives. We say it at this time every year but let’s hope again that this New Year will bring some true hope and moves towards justice and peace all over our world. Happy New Year everyone and thanks so much for your support for the music.
Shalom
M x
28 dates done, Odetta and Zimbabwe - 2008-12-09
Off the road today after twenty-eight storming gig’s around the U.K. I have to say that as the clock approaches 8pm this evening my fingers are twitching. Sometimes it’s very hard to stop. The crowds were so much a part of this last seven weeks. I saw more smiles than ever which was something I really wanted. Yes, we travel through the tough stuff but we come through laughing. I saw Ani do that in the summer and I thought ‘I want that for my girls and guys’. Thanks to everyone who came out and added so much to some very memorable nights. I have to say I can’t think of a tour I have enjoyed more and I have felt empowered to be standing in front of the 'Evolved' album. I have a little down time now and it's time to write songs; you just get that sense of knowing when they are about to show up.
Odetta, the legendary Black folk singer died on Dec 5th aged 77. I met her a few years ago at the Vancouver folk festival. We shared a stage together and during one very memorable moment she graciously held the cover of a CD for me whilst I sang from the lyric sheet so I could read some words that had slipped my mind. Such was the impact of her personality and music, she had been asked to sing at inauguration of President elect Obama in January. Having lived through the great struggle of the civil rights movement and made such a huge musical contribution to the struggle of her people, it seems so cruel that we lost her at this time.
Last week, before we began the final push of the tour, I listened to a recording of a show I played at the City Varieties in Leeds in April 07. That night, before I played ‘Still This Will Not Be’ I said that part of me wished there was oil in Zimbabwe. I played it again last night in Worcester. It seems to me that having invaded countries for the wrong reasons in recent years it is time to move into Zimbabwe for the right one.
This is my heart. The road can be hard but it’s a love affair. These shows have been some of the most enjoyable of my life and it’s a blessing to have an audience to share it all with. The toughness of issues, life and love is all there, but I think these gigs are life affirming and a good night out thrown in. That could be seen as a new twist and it’s the way it’s going to stay. I remember watching AniDiFranco’s audience on the summer tour and thinking how happy they all looked as they watched her play. I wanted that for the tangled souls that came out on cold nights to here the music this time. I think that’s happening and even after 25 years on the road I feel I found a new map and can’t wait to see what’s around the corner. ‘My fingers are sore and my voice is too’ Ani wrote, but it’s all new and evolving and it’s worth hurting a little for. Nineteen shows played on this tour, nine left in 08. It’s all a little blurred but I know it’s been a good year.
Ring The Bell Of Liberty - 2008-11-05
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Evolved released as is a tooth - 2008-10-28
The first week of the UK Evolved tour was a big success. We started off with a little warm up show in picturesque Port Isaac, moving onto Penzance, Exeter and then Cardiff on Saturday. It was good to gig in Cornwall again and rediscover how well the folk sing down there. Strange goings on in that county though. Half way through singing ‘This Being Woman’ I could feel movement in my mouth. A tooth had worked itself loose and despite my best efforts to keep it in place it eventually worked free and I had no option than to spit it out. The front row no doubt would not have appreciated this gesture but thankfully one of them was a dentist so it wouldn’t have been so shocking to him. Thanks Chris for the advice after the gig. All shows have been buzzing and each different with a different set list each night to start and then it expands from there. Old and new songs and a few more guitars, pedals, new carpet and stomp box are on show.
Stopped off at Perranporth on the way up to Exeter. Found the spot where I sang songs to passers by off my first record in 1983. Time is a strange thing. It seemed like only a few short years ago but there are now a lot of albums since then. Cardiff was a blast. ‘The Point’ is a great venue for what I do and I think we have found a home there. I always feel uneasy about the ‘hometown’ show but that worry is unfounded. Thanks everyone.
‘Evolved’ was released into stores and I Tunes etc yesterday. Shall have to be patient and wait now to see what is made of it. The shows feel energised by the album and I don’t think we have ever had such fun and reaction. Sometimes I wish I were 23 again and ready to run at it all but there is no way I delivered then what happens in that space now. I’m looking forward to the next 24 shows and heading down to Brighton tomorrow.
Belgium and Pipefest - 2008-09-27
I’m in Belgium for some European dates. Played a show at Dranouter last night and had a great time. I played there a few years ago and though it was great to be back it was tinged with sadness as Hilda, the wife of Dirk who runs the venue sadly died in May. I remember her well from last time, especially her great food, and this was the first concert since her passing. I was proud to play. I approached the gig without much of a set list in mind which is something I want to do on the up coming UK tour and it worked very well, though there has to be some plan!
I’m so looking forward to getting the ‘Evolved’ album released and getting some feedback on it. I continue to listen to it, which is very unusual for me in terms of my own recordings, and I’m normally reserved about these things but to me this is happening stuff. I feel very relieved and grateful to have made an album that I think will always stand up.
Pipefest seem to be a big success. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen and for all the good folk who came along. I have to say I thought it went well and I enjoyed the challenge of an all day gig! Hopefully we can develop this in the future and those who came can say you were there at the very first one.
The new album is just about ready to go. Michael Wrycraft has come up with a great image for the front cover. The wrecking ball works on a number of levels for us but will let folk decide what it means to them. The whole idea of this album was for me to do something about the disparity between the recordings of some material in the past that just doesn’t do justice to where those songs are today. I chose and recorded many songs but included the ones I felt were the most evolved and representative of where I am as a musician today. The process has been illuminating and brought about something I wasn’t expecting. This is the best album I have ever made.
I know it has the benefit of containing some of the strongest songs across a long period of time but something else is inherent here. I managed to resist adding anything to the recordings so that they are all one takes with just vocal and guitar and the honesty of it all just works. It’s like a live album but better. The recorded sound is so in your face and true and Denis Blackhams skills at the mastering stage have caused the music to leap out of the speakers. I was maybe hopping for something that would express where I was as an artist but this has surpassed that. As I explain in my line notes on the album I honestly feel that for the first time I have made a record that folk will be able to listen to and understand what my music is about. These are unusually bold statements from myself but that’s how excited and pleased I am with this album. There is a great liberation within me in finally feeling like I have recorded something that represents such a long journey. I’m so looking forward to getting this out there.
Crazy Summer Indeed! - 2008-09-02
Boy its been a crazy time. Came back from Calgary to the UK and played the Stokes Bay festival then a few days later returned back to Canada for the Edmonton folk festival. Three great days were had there with many highlights. Got to hear Brett Dennon play having bought his CD by chance in Santa Cruz a year or so ago. He is doing really well right now, great to hear Michael Franti again. Also good to see Ron Sexsmith. I was re united with Moia Brennan, lead singer with Clannad, who I last shared a stage with in 93. She sang some wonderful backing vocals on All This Time for me..beautiful. Shared stages with wonderful artists like Karine Polwart and Eliza Gilkyson and enjoyed a slot on the mainstage before Joan Osborne, where I was so tempted to play ‘One Of Us’ but thinking it might have upset her a bit decided to ignore that bad voice in my head. It had its way the next day though when I belted the song out with the help of a band of great musicians on a workshop stage. It is nice to have a few folk rocking with you sometimes, I might have to get one of those band things one day.
There was also a lovely re union with Shawn Mullins who I fist met in Atlanta in 92. I was doing a radio tour with Sony and we met and he asked me to come here him play in a local bar that evening. I went down and listened to him play as the rest of the noisy bar ignored him. He gave me a self made CD that evening. About ten years later I was watching TGI Friday presented by Chris Evans and he introduces a songwriter from America singing his hit ‘Lullaby’. ‘I know that guy’ I thought and found the CD stored away somewhere he had given me in Atlanta. Anyhow, Shawn played at Edmonton and it was great to hook up with him again after so many years. We may do some shows together sometime.
Got back from Edmonton and went straight into the studio to mix the new ‘Evolved” album. That meant greeting the dawn chorus for three days in a row by which time my body clock was no where to be seen! I’m really pleased with this recording. It’s a fairly brave record in that its entirely acoustic one takes of songs that have changed so much through the years as they have been performed. We record songs too early, we don’t know them well enough and jump in to soon. This was my chance to put a few things straight. It’s a true representation of where I have got to as an artist and I’m looking forward to getting it out there. We are also planning some beautiful art work, via the award winning designer Michael Wrycraft in Canada, to go with it and hopefully make it a compelling package.
My parents Rose and Brian celebrated fifty years of marriage on the weekend before the Greenbelt festival. That was a lovely occasion with all the family and many friends gathered together to party. Well done Mum and Dad! The it was Greenbelt, with what I felt was one of my best gigs ever there which we recorded and hosting The Rising and a few other events. The day I played my main show at Greenbelt I also played the Tenby folk festival in Wales, so I truly came home. Did a one off show at the lovely Otterton Mill in Devon on Saturday where I was pleasantly surpised to find Andrew Marr of the BBC in the audience..what a lovely guy! Will return to Devon on Thursday for a gig with Steve Knightly to help raise awareness for domestic violence victims. A busy summer indeed.
Airports..Calgary this time. Coming back home after another great trip here in Canada. I flew into Vancouver around ten days ago and then the next day travelled down to Orcas Island of Washington State for the Woodsong festival. It’s a beautiful journey and it was great to return and play this festival again. I then flew into Calgary on the Monday and then for the next few days, and as a prelude to the Calgary Folk festival I took up a role in what they call ‘bootcamp’. A number of artists taking part in the festival give master classes on various forms of performance or creativity..eg Guitar, Vocal and song-writing talks. I had 15 lovely folk for three days and three hours per day. To be honest I wasn’t sure how that was going to go. The most I have talked about this subject is probably around 1.5 hours worth. It was a challenge to take that further but it turned out to be a very rewarding experience for those present and myself. It also ventures beyond mere song-writing because for there is a whole philosophy of life contained within this craft so it was good to explore all that and remind myself of all the benefits of ‘writing it down’. The venue for this outpouring of educational thought was the Canso centre in Calgary. This is a fantastic centre for music where they have a wonderful collection of keyboards dating back to the 15th Century and it includes the piano that Elton John wrote a lot of his earlier hits on..very cool place and well worth a visit.
The festival itself was a great experience too. Hooked up with the boys from “Lau” and it was great to hear them play as I heard a lot of good things..nice guys too. You meet many fine musicians at these festivals and have hundreds pf conversations with great people. It’s like a little Utopia and you have a free pass. My gigs went great but the highlight for myself was my final workshop when a huge thunderstorm broke out over us. The crowd were great and stuck it out so I made up a song for them about playing in the rain in Calgary and the other Musos, including a great band from Trinidad called Koto joined in and it rocked. It was just one of those moments. We were wet and happy!
Ani DiFranco played the festival and it was great to hook up with her and the crew again. Last night I travelled to Edmonton and opened for her at a beautiful symphony hall called The Winspear. This was a wonderful night. I had not bargained on the reception I had and the sound in hall was superb. It was designed by the same people who built the symphony hall in Birmingham UK..just beautiful. It was one of those nights when I float, carried along by the connection with an audience and feeling so blessed that my job is to make music. Ani was as inspiring as ever and I really have felt proud to be a part of this tour. I think we will do more.
So home now to play the Stokes Bay festival in England then fly back here a few days later for the Edmonton folk festival. A deep intake of breath is needed, this is a crazy schedule and I’m pushing the limits of my stamina, but the return is a fantastic sense of purpose and well being that is hard to describe.
Have been home from N. America for around ten days now but will return on Friday for the Calgary Folk festival and ‘Woodsong’ in Washington State, USA. Stanfest in Nova Scotia was a great time. Played the mainstage on the Saturday night and a bunch of workshop stages through the weekend including one with Buffy St Marie. It was also great to hook up with Martin Sexton again who was also playing and has just became a Dad again! So no sooner have I unpacked, than its time to get that big hockey bag out again and find some clean shirts and go again. I just didn’t want to be away for a two-month stretch besides there are festivals I’m playing in the UK as well. Crazy summer.
Nova Scotia was the one provence In Canada I had not been to before. It is really beautiful, though in a more rugged and desolate way to the West coast. Wonderful folk with big hearts and smiles to match. I look forward to returning.
A Dream Rushing By - 2008-07-01
Well a while has passed. Sorry about that, but with 13 flight in ten days and 8 rental cars there has not been a lot of time to sit down and jot diary entries. Let me give a brief summary of events.
After Salt Lake City I flew to Phoenix then drove up to Arizona. Beautiful venue, an outdoor amphitheatre enabling us to play under Arizona stars and obviously Arizona Dreams was sung. The next day Las Vegas was the venue and one I had very much been looking forward to. The show was at the Hard Rock Casino and I think it’s probably safe to say I’m only the second Welshman to play solo at a big Las Vegas Casino venue after Tom Jones! I have covered Vegas as a City amply in an entry back in April 07 but the great part of this visit was being able to track down the eighty year old taxi driver that inspired the song ‘Vegas”. I retraced my steps of the previous visit and discovered that Bob Shears was my man. I was able to give him the album and get him to come out to the show. It was a wonderful example of how music connects people and I think we were both emotional about it. I love the place but two days is enough.
Next day I flew to San Diego and the show was beside a harbour with little yachts and fishing boats alongside the stage. Then back to Phoenix connecting to Tucson for more Arizona Dreams. All these shows were great with Ani’s audience really responding and connecting with what I was doing. There was one funny moment at Tucson when after I had sung a couple of songs and had most folk won over as it were, some wise guy shouted out ‘play ‘Freebird’’. My instant two-word reaction back to him was something I have never done before from a stage and I spent the next two songs thinking did I really say that? Anyhow, it seemed to endear me even more to the crowd and at the end I dedicated the last song to ‘my friend’ and said ‘this song is called ‘Freebird’ part two!’
The last show was in Anaheim near LA. I played at the House Of Blues opening for Martin Sexton last year so it good to be back. These shows have been great fun. Big, enthusiastic audiences, with many new folk on board. Ani DiFranco and her team were a delight and Ani and I had some cool talks about life and music. It has been great to connect with this artist who I have admired for so long and I think we will do more together in the future. It made me feel like all the hastle and cost of renewing my 01 visa was worthwhile.
I’m now in Nova Scotia. Played a small house show here last night and will wait now to play the Stan Rogers Folk festival at Canso this weekend. I’m looking forward to getting home but I have heard great things about this festival and it will be good to play there. Today is Canada day, a holiday here and I’m trying to stop and slow down. It’s been a frenetic two weeks and sometimes it all feels like a dream rushing by.
So, armed with a renewed and stupidly expensive working visa, I’m back in the USA. I usually only suffer from jet lag flying East but its got me this time. Keep waking up at 5am even when I’m not shutting it down till 2am..not good. Colorado is beautiful and the opening show of this tour with Ani DiFranco is in picturesque Aspen. The drive up from Denver was spectacular through the Rocky Mountains and canyons with pounding rivers. I had a little trouble finding the venue (it was a relatively small show for Ani as it’s the first of a run), but the huge tour bus is not too hard to find and that’s what I will be looking for in the next ten days. That didn’t stop me getting a parking ticket though! I’m travelling on my own this tour, which is a challenge but liberating too.
Most of the shows on this tour are before crowds of around 2000 but this is a warm up show with around 500 folk cramming themselves in to the Belly Up. Ani’s team are all very friendly and welcoming, which is an extension of all she is about. I don’t get to meet her as she is busy with interviews etc but when I’m playing she comes and sits on the side of the stage and listens to my set. Later in her show she thanks me from the stage for ‘bringing those songs all this way, I like those songs”. Not that means a lot. The very fact that I’m on this tour is humbling because Ani does not suffer fools gladly and is selective about who opens her shows. Even so one is never sure how things are going to go and her words strangely move me. Her show is impassioned, musically inventive and connecting. She is world class, simply one of the best. I’m looking forward to meeting her properly today in Salt Lake City. Flew in here last night after a day off in Snowmass, just outside of Aspen. It’s an up and coming ski resort sort of place with lots of, err, ski shops. I can’t quite get a handle on Salt Lake though the Mormons did a while back. I shall go Osmond spotting later.
Utah Phillips has died in Nevada City from heart failure. He was a giant of the folk movement in N. America. I say ‘folk’ in its purest sense in that he believed music was meant to accompany change for good and that it could stand against the injustice so many in the world have come to know. He was a wonderful human being who was profound and humble and made everyone feel valued.
I met him for the first time in July 2004. I knew we were doing a workshop together at the Winnipeg Folk festival and I was very much looking forward to meeting him, though I was (without any need to be) a little nervous about meeting this great man. He was an absolute delight to encounter and said that he had heard good things about me. As host of the workshop he was meticulous with well-written notes on the performers on stage who were made up of myself, Eric Bibb and Dick Goughan. I was first up and got up and sang Dic Penderyn. After I had finished and as the large crowd applauded he turned to me and said ‘You’re a fine boy”. It was a moment captured in the picture here and it is a treasured memory for me.
Back in March, when I heard he had had to retire from public performance due to his heart condition, I wrote to Utah expressing how hard that must be for him but also thanking him for all he had done over many years. Many wont know who he was, and that is a great shame, but take it from me that this was a true soldier for humanity, someone who walked the walk, lived it and wrote songs about it. There are as so few of these guys left. Rest up Utah, and thanks for so much.
For more info on Utah’s life and work
www.utahphillips.org
Utah wrote these words back in 95
I'm leaving a trade which I love very much. When I left Utah over 45 years ago, I had only a slim hold on what folk music was, $75 in my pocket, a head full of songs and stories, and no prospects. When I landed at Cafe Lena in Saratoga Springs, New York, I found gradually that I had stumbled into a family that was in fact transcontinental. I found great numbers of people who, as part of their pattern of social responsibility, were committed to the task of making sure that folk music existed in their communities. I found singer-circles, camp-outs, picnics, concert programs, festivals great and small, celebrating a common heritage of song. And I found my community, singers and makers of songs, plying the axis from San Diego Folk Heritage to the Denver Folklore Center to the Ark in Ann Arbor to Lena's and beyond, eking out a bare living sharing what we had together, but, most of all, in each other's company. A family behaving like a family -- good, bad, every shade in between. But mostly of all a community of sentiment in which people substantially cared for each other. Listen. For 25 years now I have been part of a family which has given me a living -- not a killing, but a living -- a trade without bosses where I felt partners with those working in organized folk music, a trade in which I could own what I do, make all of the creative decisions, be free to say and sing whatever I chose to, courting criticism from peers and loving friends. Front porch, kitchen, back yard, drunk and sober, young and old, coast-to-coast folk music, a world in which I discovered that I don't need power, wealth, or fame. I need friends. And that's what I found and still find. You folkies out there! Comrades! We've created together a whole small world of song, story, travel, love and food, face to face, in every corner of the land, mutually supportive and happening at a sub-industrial level, below the level of media notice. Hooray for us! Who needs the "entertainment" industry? Who needs mass media? Small is beautiful! To hell with the mainstream. It's polluted. What purifies the mainstream? The little tributaries up in the wilderness where the pure water flows. Better to be lost in the tributaries known to a few than mired in the mainstream, consumed with self-love and the absurdity of greed. Please. Don't give our world up. It needs to grow, yes -- but subtly, out, through, under, quietly, like water eroding stone, subversive, alive, happy.
Yikes it’s been a while, sorry folks. The spring tour has finally wound down and it was a lot of fun. The Q&A sessions were great and I enjoyed the experience of trying to deal with all your enquiries! All the ‘ordinary’ shows in between were a blast as well and you are sure coming out in force to support the music right now..thank you. The tour ended last week in Edinburgh and Belfast, two great cities. Extra curriculum activities based around those shows happened thanks to George Lowden and Dick Gaughan. On the drive up to Scotland I mentioned that I hadn’t seen Dick since we shared a stage in Canada at the Winnipeg Folk Festival and reminded myself that I must try and get in touch. Two hours later he comes bounding in to my sound check having found out I was playing an hour or so before! So we hung out and shared stuff the way only two miserable Celtic warriors can. In Belfast I went down to George Lowden’s guitar factory and George gave us the royal tour..very impressive and a lot of beautiful instruments to fall in love with. Caught the ferry over to Belfast from Stranraer. Much prefer catching boats than planes. Though cars have taken me through most of the miles and predominantly in the right direction except for after the Hereford show, late night, when Tom Tom decided to take me on a path that had me travelling the wrong way up a dual carriageway! I contacted them to complain and was asked if I had updated my maps recently. I pointed out that the dual carriage way had been there for at least 30 years and therefore they might have got it right in the first place. The case continues.
Right now we are trying to get my work visa renewed in the USA to tour with Ani DiFranco in June. It’s a ridiculous and expensive process but has to be done in order to play there. I’m so looking forward to those dates. Of all the artists I have opened for in the last 25 years, none impress me quite like Ani does. On many levels she is special and it will be some trip I’m sure. And I will get to sing ‘Vegas’ in Vegas! I’m spending a reasonable amount of time in the studio right now recording old stuff again. Some songs have changed so much and I want to try and get them down as they are now and see what we get. I have also been writing some new material and catching up with a lot of stuff that has to wait when I’m on the road.
Life bundles along. Things are going well I know and one has so much to be grateful for. I watched the late news just now and the images from Burma and China are completely devastating. I’m raging at these co called generals in Burma who won’t let foreign aid workers in to help whilst the people they are supposed to govern are stranded and dying. How dare they claim authority over a land and show such disdain for those who suffer on it. Who the hell (and that’s not the word I want to use but I’m aware that younger folk sometimes read these pages) do these people think they are? And whilst I’m at, it if there is a light from heaven that can explain earthquakes and thousands of Chinese kids in rubble then I’m all ears. I'm very hard pressed to put that under the heading of mystery.
Martin Luther King - 2008-04-04
Last week I sat in a Bedouin tent on the edge of the Sinai Desert and read a book about Elvis. Across the Red Sea in front of me I could see Saudi Arabia and Jordan and was a short ride away from Israel. It was beautiful and I have rarely felt such peace resting with me.
Today is the 40th anniversary of the killing of Martin Luther King. Istood below the spot where he was shot in Memphis a few weeks ago. No peace in my heart at that moment.
Off the road now for a few weeks break. Much to do to catch up on stuff, but it is strange not to have a show to focus on for a while. It can become such a big part of ones mental makeup. I'm enjoying the shows and the Q&A evenings are going down very well.
Please check out this link for a very moving picture and news from the MST of Brazil.
http://tinyurl.com/yoa2qo
Still in a bit of a fog since returning home but the UK gigs seem to be going well. The Q &A format shows are actually more tiring than a normal show as you have to be thinking on your feet. Singing a song is intense, but there is an element of autopilot going on. There is very little in answering questions you haven’t seen from a big bucket!
It’s a shame the Democrats haven’t found their main contender yet. They will have to run at each other for sometime yet before they can turn around and tackle the real foe.
Larry Norman died on Sunday in America after a long struggle with ill health. He was a unique artist who's influence across a wide spectrum cannot be measured. In my early years as a songwriter he was a constant inspiration. I have sung his songs many times and, of course, released his wonderful song 'The Great American Novel' as an anthem against the war in Iraq a few years ago. His songs were littered with references to a heaven and a better world. Peace and esteem to him there. x.
youtube.com/watch?v=zTlr-73DQq8&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkbSanu__w8
We just made it to the airport in Chicago this morning. The rental car has a fuel leak and the fuel level fell swiftly. Wish we had known that last night. Am now in Toronto airport waiting for flight home. Thanks to Lynda who made a five hour drive from Wisconsin to see the show last night. Tour done.
A footnote:) and thanks to Illinois Police Dept and 911 - 2008-02-24
Forgot to mention that Elvis’s chiropodist (though it has another name in the USA) came to the Memphis show. He still has his office next door to ‘Graceland’ and told me how he spoke to Elvis just days before died. Thanks Joel for a remarkable conversation.
Tonight I played my last show of the tour in Macomb, Il for Tri State Radio, and then Paul and I drove halfway back to Chicago to catch the flight home tomorrow. Only we kind of had a problem on the way. The fuel gauge on the rental car decided to lie (it did honest) and we ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere in very cold conditions. After a call to 911 and then a visit from a very nice sheriff from the Police department and then a service truck we finally made it to a gas station. Without mobile phones and sat navigation to pin point our position it would have been a very different story.
It’s been a good, but long tour and I’m ready to come home. Strange to think this time next week we will be two dates into the UK tour. But first I get to see those I love the most and to catch up on all the news from Harriet who has been filming as an extra on the new Happy Potter film. Imagine that, I have a daughter at Hogwarts!
If I don’t do regular diary entries on a tour this frantic then it all becomes a bit of a blur. Ok, lets try and cast the mind back. We left Ridgefield a week ago and flew from New York to Memphis. A bizarre cock up on the terminal monitor so us having to go through security three times in fifteen minutes as they kept changing the gate. Memphis was grand. After a great show we strode out to show Paul around a little and stood cold but moved at midnight outside the motel and balcony where Martin Luther King lost his life. We made it to Beal St and Sun recording studios, which was eerie in its legend on a cold Memphis night. The next day on the way to the airport we stopped of at Graceland’s to pay our respects to the King. I hadn’t visited since the eighties and it was as sad now as it was then. The voice that moved me and caused me to shed a tear as a ten year old when I heard it sing the ‘Wonder Of You’ was everywhere, and yet it’s all memory with nothing to touch. What would he be doing music wise now if the inevitable hadn’t happened? Dueting with Bono and Bruce no doubt, and still touching millions. The original pub singer and the only voice allowed as far as my ears are concerned to play it that way.
From Memphis we flew to Houston via Denver and played a show in a great place called Mo Jo Rising. The warmth of Houston was bizarre given the weather we have been through in the last month. It was a great feeling to walk down the street in a t-shirt and the sun on our back. Next day we flew via Denver to San Francisco. Played a house show in Santa Rosa the next day drove up to Lake Tahoe, Nevada to play a huge casino. Pictures of past performers like Tony Bennett, Willie Nelson and of course Tom Jones were on the walls. Elvis played here too apparently. Bryan Adams was playing next door. I was opening for an R&B act called Jackie Greene. He is only 27 years old but is a gifted musician having just been given the gig of becoming the Grateful Dead’s new front man. The surroundings inspired and it was a blinder of a show and very ‘Las Vegas’. A different audience for me but it didn’t seem to be a problem. We drove the four hours back to Berkeley that night under a huge sky, through Californian mountains illuminated by moon, snow and stars.
Last night I played the Freight and Selvedge in Berkeley. I found my name four times on the dressing room wall along with all the other performers who have scribbled through they years. Another great show and the last for me at the venue as it will soon move to a new location. We taped the show and it sounded good in the car just now. I’m not at San Fran airport waiting to fly to Portland for a show tonight. We have been on the road here a month now and it feels like three. By the time we fly home on Sunday evening it will have been fifteen flights. Three days later the UK tour starts so not much time to recover but that’s ok. It will just be good to be home. Change is in the air here, but I’m holding my breath, not quite believing it will happen.
Since writing the above our flight got delayed by three hours so we got to the show at 7.45 with an audience waiting! It went fine and Paul and I are just heading for the airport to fly to Chicago via..you guessed it, Denver.
Am now in Ridgefield, Cn waiting to play this evening. Since I last wrote I have played in Winnipeg, Manitoba followed by a lovely gig in a place called Brandon where I got to taste..see last entry Bison! I have to say it was delicious. A short night saw us on our way to Toronto airport and then a drive to a hockey stadium in Guelph to play the Hillside Inside festival. News reached me from many sources that Wales had got the better of England at Twickenham (that’s going to make the gig there in a few weeks all the more sweeter!) and as I came off stage I was greeted by a man called Paul from Swansea with ‘Cymru’ tattooed on his arm! He is tour manager of a band called The Tokyo Police club who are from Canada and they were playing the festival too. A very cool moment and not what I was expecting.
This last week I have played shows in Guelph, Grafton and Toronto as well as playing some songs at the headquarters of World Vision who I work with here, and played a session with a talk for students at Toronto University. That was a very rewarding experience with some great questions thrown at me. Grafton was an amazing experience with some very severe weather ending in Paul and I walking to the door of our host for the night in snow that came well over our knees! It was really a little intimidating to see the weather creep in and become threatening. Yet still a good crowd turned up for the show. After playing in Toronto we caught an early flight to New York and drove up to Connecticut. Good to see Wales won again against Scotland yesterday. They always do well when I’m away.
So I'm back in the USA. Yesterday David Manners, who is the son of the promoter Barbara in Ridgefield, gave me a tour of Yale University. He is a second year student there with a terrific mind and it was a fascinating tour of the famous campus and its buildings. It really is a fantastic place to come and study. I never made it to University and walking around made me feel like I had missed out on something. Obama won another primary today and is now neck and neck with Hilary Clinton. David was telling me how the young people across America are turning out to vote for Obama and how he feels if he doesn’t get the nomination it would be huge disappointment to the youth of America.
So back in Kanata. This was the word used by the Iroquois Indians to describe a collection of wooden huts or lodges. It somehow became Canada. This four and a half week tour has started well with spectacular weather and landscape. Took this shot near Malinge Lake near Jasper. Flying into Vancouver a week ago we stayed up that night, as tickets were kindly offered to go see the Vancouver Cannock’s play St Louis Blues. Next night I played Vancouver, next across on the ferry to play Victoria, next an early start at 5am (all over the place with jet lag anyhow) to catch boat back to mainland then fly to Prince George where we were met by a balmy minus thirty temperature. Love that town so much and played their ‘Coldsnap’ (aptly named) festival. Since then we have driven down through the Rockies to Jasper, stayed there a few nights and I’m currently at Edmonton airport waiting for a flight to Winnipeg for tonight’s show there. Tour manager and soundman Paul Smith has just passed on a question from the promoter of a show in Brandon tomorrow asking if I would like Elk or Bison to eat before the show! Your average show biz question. A lot of coverage of the race to decide the Presidential candidates here, especially with ‘Super Tuesday’ coming up. Right now I’m a little more interested in Super Saturday back home when Wales (or should I say The Ospreys!) take on England.
My good buddy Simon Curle joined us for the first part of the tour, which has been great fun. It was tough to drop him off at the airport yesterday knowing I had to turn around and be out for another 3.5 weeks. It’s a great job I have but I miss my home.
Canada remains as beautiful as ever and once you get used to some severe temperatures has many visual delights to offer. The wise understanding of ones insignificance and vulnerability in the vast open spaces is a lesson I never get tired of, and this place continues to paint great perspective and provide a certain peace for my heart.
Time to leave again - 2008-01-22
Late night packing. Will be leaving for Heathrow at 5am. Flying to Vancouver to start four and a half weeks of touring in Canada and USA. Just said goodnight and goodbye to young Harriet. It never gets easier.
In the last week or so have finished mixing the new Rachel Taylor Beal’s album ‘Red Tree’. I think it’s a great album and will surely win her new friends. I also put together the freebie CD for PQ members and that’s got some really nice stuff on it with a bunch of surprises, including a cut from Rachels album. And Sunday was Radio 2 session on the Good Morning Sunday programme with Aled Jones. I thought that went well though it was a whirlwind trip to Manchester late Saturday night and straight back after the show in the morning. It’s weird singing live at that time of the day.
So here we go. The year begins in earnest and I look forward to playing one of my favourite Cities on the planet on Thursday night. There are rumours of tickets to go and see the Vancouver Cannucks play when we get there tomorrow evening too! Just need to stay awake.
Early morning thoughts 08 - 2008-01-04
A new year is always a time for many of us to reflect a little on where we are on the road and how we want to continue. We usually start with good thoughts of change and renewed purpose but it doesn’t take long for the reality of true time to take over and sink us back into the same old ways. My personal thoughts right now are of a sense of ‘here we go again’ and yet I only just finished.
In the last few days I have given a lot of thought to what I have become to see as the unnecessary weight of anxiety and expectation that being involved in this ‘business’ brings, and I’m going to try and let go of some of that for as long as I can. There will always be the pressure of another show where I’m supposed to impress some so called important player in my life, but I have become weary of the reliance on folk I barely know for a sense of fulfilment and purpose. Of course I’m grateful for all those people who love music and write about it, promote it and help people to make and play it. Musicians at all levels would not get far without them. But after all these years of travel and playing and building an audience who want to listen and remain interested in the narrative in the music, I think I should be in a place where I can see a little further and wise up. So much energy goes into, and is wasted, in the worry of what’s next and how are we going to move things on from here? There is already so much in place and I’m tired of chasing more. That’s not to doubt good ambition with decent expectation levels or my readiness to walk new roads when they rise up,. But I don’t want my head full of worry about this stuff. It gets in the way of creating the very essence of what I do. It also seems to be the case that, more often than not, a lot of things happen when you stop trying so hard. So that’s my stab at a new years resolution. I can see it falling into dust as soon as I’m a newsagents looking through the music press for a review but I’m going to try. I really am.
I have been writing this early morning as I couldn’t sleep and the result of the Iowa caucus in America has just been announced with Barack Obama winning the Democrat vote there. I believe this is good as I like this man and think much could change with him in the Whitehouse.
Most of this entry is obviously personal, heart on sleeve stuff and when you view the huge and desperate picture of the world around us, then the ‘personal’ seems too pathetic to contemplate. But if you can get that bit right and maintain decent perspective then much good can happen. So here we go again..08.
MST/ Springsteen and me - 2007-12-13
Mr Springsteen and I both chose this evening to play concerts in Belgium. I had a great show in Leuven, I trust his went well in Antwerp.
It has been a few years now since I was in Brazil and worked alongside the MST. Their struggle continues. .
MST NEWS Police Evict 250 Families in Attack on Elizabeth Teixeira Encampment
On Nov. 29, shock troops from the Military Police of Sao Paulo state in Brazil invaded the Elizabeth Teixeira encampment of the Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST) in the Tatu Forest Plot in Limeira municipality near Campinas. The police agents destroyed makeshift homes and violently evicted the 250 families living on the encampment, which has been occupied by the MST since April 21, 2007. The police operation left some 30 people injured, some of them hit by police rubber bullets. MST leader Gilmar Mauro and Jose de Arimateia, coordinator of the encampment, were among those injured. The National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (INCRA) had promised the MST that there would be negotiations to prevent an eviction. The MST blames the state government and the local authorities of Limeira for the police operation. (Adital, Nov. 29 from Prensa MST; Agencia Brasil, Nov. 29).
Read more: http://www.mstbrazil.org/?q=node/555
So on we go. Belgium is as sweet as I remember. Played Brussels on Saturday and my first solo show in Holland for at least seven years on Sunday (not counting opening for Suzanne Vega in Amsterdam). Broke two strings in the same song that night. Last night was back in Belgium in Gent. A smoky (still allowed here) café and bar, but in fairness when asked not to smoke during the show they didn’t and I was grateful. Bit of a storming show, very hot and sweaty. Venues are full and something is beginning to open up for us here. Maybe my pop start mate having a hit with Dolphins will actually do me some good! Set a little looser than the UK Vegas shows, have even been playing a full version Elvis’s Can’t Help Falling In Love a few nights. Gorgeous melody. Don't know what's come over me! Nearly ran out of fuel leaving Gent last night. Unmanned Petrol station would only take debit card, only had credit cards and cash. Eventually Diethard stopped someone and we gave them money and they filled up my car using there card! Kindness is better…and we gave them a five euro tip!
Much needed day off today. Walk in the woods and think a lot. Its been quite a year and Saturdays show will be number 100 of the year.
Am crossing the channel between Dover and Dunkerque to start dates in Belgium and Holland tomorrow. I normally fly out but thought it would be good to take the scenic route for a change. The UK shows ended in Worcester last week and was one of the most enjoyable tours I have undertaken. It’s just been a lot of fun mixing up the nights with different line-ups and the music is very up as have been the crowds. There are too many highlights to mention but standout shows for me were Leicester, Milton Keynes, Southampton, Basingstoke, Windermere and Cardiff.
I think the Cardiff show at The Point was the best ever in my hometown, which is always a night I approach riddled with self-doubt. I guess there are so many folk I know at the show and you just want it to go as well as all the other hundreds of nights you play during the year. This time it all felt right and we got to the place where I can let go pretty quickly. By that I mean being in a zone where you are capable of creating something unique without restriction or thought to anything other than the passing on of the music. I think have at last found the right venue to play in Cardiff. Yeh, it’s been a great tour and now for the last push of 07 in the land of beer and chocolate.
Have been in touch regularly with Steve K. Troubled days for him and the family but many hearts and good thoughts are travelling far. This too shall pass my friend. He laughed on the phone today, which was good to hear.
The Fading Of Light - 2007-11-12
Quite a bit to catch up on really. Touring is a strange mixture of ups and downs, especially in a sense of what it takes out of you, and on days off you have good intentions of doing diary entries but it just doesn’t happen. I usually drive home after shows if there is no gig the next day and that means getting into bed as the birds start singing. Has also been doing a lot of radio and press promotion in between which leaves little time for much else. On one day last week I did ten radio interviews in an afternoon from the same room! Anyhow, tour is going great with each night different. The different combination of musicians is working well as well as the usual solo gigs. It seems that there are lot more ‘younger’ folk coming to the shows which is wonderful, not that the more mature members of my audience are not greatly appreciated!
Just finished a mad dash to Belfast, Birkenhead and Bristol. All were great gigs and very poignant. My Lowden guitar met her maker on Thursday in Belfast. It was a lovely surprise to find George Lowden at the show and to place the guitar he made over twenty years ago into his hands. Bristol last night was a great sing along crowd (standing gig see) and singing ‘The Fading Of Light’ on Remembrance Day was a struggle. Stewart's lyric so powerful that you need a degree in controlling your emotions to get through.
Weird to find out that a German Pop star called Nevio has recorded ‘Dolphins Make Me Cry’ on his hit album. I’m told he sang it as part of his campaign to become the winner of Germany’s Pop Idol competition. Bizarre really after 15 years to think it’s back in the charts. Back in the now Vegas continues to pick up great reviews which is helpful, assuring and puts a spring in my step that makes me look forward to Birmingham on Wednesday.
Despite a great show in Manchester tonight (it really was a cracker), I’m very sad tonight. Just learnt of the passing of Welsh Rugby legend Ray Gravell. He was a wonderful man who I had met on many occasions and he always had something good to say about a song or related issues. I had his name on a list of things to do in the sense that I was very moved by a recent interview on TV with him about his recent health issues, and I was going to send him the new album and say how much I was struck by his humility and demeanour. Can’t do it now. Really shocked by his passing, what a great gentlemen he was.
Late night Glasgow. Played in the city tonight (St Andrews in the Square where I played at Celtic Connections Fest in January) and make our way down to Manchester tomorrow. An old friend passed on a photo tonight of me playing here in 89, the days of the mullet! I’m enjoying the Vegas tour. The solo shows feel good with the new material finding a home alongside older stuff. Have also played one gig (Colchester) with Miranda Sykes on bass and Mike Haughton on sax. Yeh, it’s good to be out here again.
You just never know till you step out there. It is a journey and we always get there in the end. But the best moments are when you are free from anything to do with performing. You just go there, leap off the cliff, get out of the boat and walk and the magic happens. You do have to make sure you reach out for the ledge or climb back aboard at the right moment, before you sink, before you fall. Get it right and it’s the best job in the world, and that’s when I feel I have done something worthwhile and valid. This is what I do and it’s a nice feeling to think I can try and let it happen again tomorrow.
Down through California - 2007-10-15
Have really enjoyed the tour with Martin Sexton. We are coming towards the end now and it will be hard to say goodbye. Last night we played The House Of Blues in Anaheim, right in the middle of Disney town! Tonight we are playing in San Diego, tomorrow Phoenix. I then to fly to Houston for my own show then home. It has been a little different coming here to play these shows, as Martins shows are primarily large standing venues with audiences far more vocal and interactive. It means I have had to be on top of my game but in many ways able to play in a style I prefer. I’m always appreciative of the fact that you can hear a pin drop at my shows at home and people are so respectful in terms of both listening and appreciation. But the mid song interaction of ‘whooping and applauding and whatever’ at these shows is a great boost and makes for an edgy and tougher performance.
I think the highlight for me will to have played the Fillmore in San Francisco. It was great to be on that stage with so much history running through it. The posters and pictures on the wall of artists who have played there are a musical history tour. Because Martin has played there a few times they make up a special poster and it goes on the wall. My name slid on their too so it’s kind of nice to leave your name along with your music DNA in such places. The tour has been a lot of fun, in fact I haven’t laughed so much in a long time. Thanks Martin, Georganne, Jo, Chris, Kevin and Cookie for making me feel part of the family. It’s also quite amazing how well you can sleep on a shelf :)
The Streets Of San Francisco - 2007-10-12
His name was Bob. Though it took me a long time to find that out, way past the time that I first spotted him. Our bus pulled in to its parking space outside the infamous Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, and I thought I would go walkabout. It all looks a little run down though I’m sure residents of the area would take me to task. Seemed like a lot of folk with needs were on the street, which for some was their home. A long way removed from the beautiful homes that make up this wonderful city by the water. So the Starbucks tea revives me and I wander. Outside the senior citizens refuge centre a gentleman sits in a wheel chair just staring into nothing. He has a blanket but is only half dressed with half of his body exposed to a rather cool wind. I observe for a while. Some guy is talking to him about conspiracy theories, how the world is going to end or something. Bob doesn’t seem to acknowledge the conversation. I wander by and on up the road. Half-hour later I’m coming back up the other way and he is still there though alone this time. I walk past but a bunch of messages fill my mind, go talk to him, just say something. Then I counter them by thinking I’m just trying to ease my conscious and that it’s not a genuine act. The mind is a complex place sometimes. I walk down, cross the road and turn towards him. Somehow our faces find each other and I smile. He looks away. So I walk up and say hello and he responds. We talk. He is from Philadelphia; he came here a while ago as the climate is better for his health. He talks in a whisper and I have to bend close to listen. I tell him where I’m from but he never got to the UK. He served in the US Navy for 25 years. His breathe his faint. I ask him if they look after him hear and he says they do, the ladies knitted him the blanket and it keeps him warm. I ask him if he needs a little money but he says, and without anger, that he is not begging but thanks me. I say that I didn’t mean to offend and he says that none is taken. We then exchange names and shake hands. His are small and frail. I wish him well and he says ‘God bless you’.
I walk away but a short while later turn back. Bob is staring into the road again. I walk on and a black gentleman shuffles at my side. ‘How you doin boss?” he says. ‘I’m fine thank you sir’ I reply. He shuffles on and, maybe it’s because I’m six thousand miles from home or that I’m just a little tired, but I well up. I think it’s probably because once again my soul is shaken and saddened by a world that is simply not fair.
Rolling on through Vancouver, great sweaty show at Richards on Richards and last night in Portland, USA..what a crowd. Made me feel like the ‘Boss’ for a while. Much hollering and whooping and my 45 minutes seemed like 5. The other Martin took the roof off. Few artists make me want to go and practice guitar but he manages it with a few notes. Wonderful control and pace, a very gifted man. Plus we get to hang out and have fun. Sleep on the bus comes eventually but I make sure I’m very tired before I hit the bunk.The bus has wireless internet..how cool is that! So I sit on board typing this before we load in for tonights show in Eugene.
On the road with Martin Sexton - 2007-10-05
First night of opening for Martin Sexton was in Calgary. Was a good show and the first time I have actually seem Martin play a full set. He was superb. We drove for ten hours next day to Vancouver, through sun, rain sleet and snow and the magnificent Rockies, they never fail to move me, and I’m here awaiting tonight’s show. The tour bus is fine and it’s good of them to let me ride along. However, claustrophobic me is going to take a while to get used to the small coffin like shelf where I am to sleep :) Last nights hotel bed was heaven.
Sitting at Heathrow waiting to fly out to Calgary. Start dates with Martin Sexton tomorrow night. After this plane takes me to Canada's fair land a tour bus and many miles beckon at the start of the road to Vegas and beyond. It ends in Worcester in December. All aboard.
Never dull but often sad - 2007-09-06
The last few weeks have been spent getting album artwork completed and off to manufacturers, playing a couple of festivals and building a new studio. I’m really pleased with the way ‘Vegas’ looks. Michael Wrycraft did a fantastic job and I think it’ the best album cover we have ever put out. It will hit the shops next Monday. This Saturday is the launch gig in Cardiff so I’m desperately cramming the lyrics into my head. Played ‘Beautiful Days’ festival a few weeks ago, which was great, though the mud was something else. Greenbelt festival was hot and dry and good fun. Hosted the ‘Rising’ song writing sessions and did a bunch of other stuff. Guests on the Rising included Duke Special, Billy Bragg, Sarah Masen, Robert from Willard Grant Conspiracy and Rebecca Worthley. I don’t fancy myself as an interviewer, much preferring the questions to come at me, but it’s an interesting exercise to come from the other angle.
Have been moving my studio set up to a new location as I have had to leave the premises I have been in for some time now. Have actually had something built and were now painting with a ton of gear, wires and instruments waiting in storage to see their new home. Never a dull day.
Today will see the funeral of little Rhys Jones shot dead in Liverpool. His Dad’s simple but moving poem brought me to tears this morning. This is a crazy world messed up world, made even more so by the many thousands of other children who will die today from an absence of daily provision that we simply take for granted. The great voice that was Luciano Pavarotti is also taken away today. Many a sad day.
Well it’s finished, that is to say it will be released. Albums are never finished. When I got back from Canada I spent 7 straight days, apart from escaping to London for the Bob Harris show session, in the same room with the occasional cornflake being slipped under the door. Well, that’s what it felt like. There wasn’t a lot of sleep as the deadline was there and it just had to get done. Five in the morning is a strange time to leave a room and go home. After a few nights you begin to feel like you are on another planet. It fell into place in the end, though there were moments when Vegas didn’t want to be built. I would like to work on it for another few years but who is to say it would be any better than it currently stands. I think it’s good work, we shall see. It needs folk to walk her streets now.The artwork is chosen and will be sent off tomorrow and that’s it. Tour dates are in place. There are moments when you listen and you really think everything is wrong. But that’s self-doubt, it can be a healthy thing and it’s much better (I think) than the alternative. Time to let go.
The album is finished, that is to say its recorded. I will mix it when I get back from Canada, but right now a hall full of musical parts have auditioned and wait to see if they have made the production. I listened last night outside the studio for the first time and I like it..can’t say more than that. Normally I hate it by now but ‘Vegas’ is different, and it had to be with a name like that. I don’t think it’s folk music. My kids like it. I’m in Canada having just played the Vancouver folk festival. Had a wonderful weekend with great shows and response. Highlight was playing on the mainstage last night with the sun going down, a standing ovation (they sit down to start at folk festivals!) and then a birthday cake delivered on stage. Apart from being home with the family I can’t think of a nicer way of spending a birthday. I have now had 4 of my last 7 birthdays here in Vancouver. Have also had a small film crew following me around and I think we have enough for an interesting film.
Songs Do What They Want - 2007-06-22
Really enjoyed the three recent shows in Brecon, Stroud and Hitchin. In between tour/album gigs are probably where one is most relaxed and able to raid the back catalogue a little more. It was also good to see a good reaction to new material and that bodes well as I continue to bury myself in studio land. The album I think will be called ‘Vegas’ and it’s interesting to see how that theme runs through things. I’m avoiding the temptation to put on a white jump suite and get a chest wig. Intriguing also is the way some songs make there way to tape without fuss, whilst others put up a struggle that finds you playing them for the 55th time at 3am. I also know that they will grow in character way beyond their first birth and that frustrates me. I wish I could play them for two years and then record them for the first time. They just do what they want I guess.
Just heard my old mate from California Dave Batstone being interviewed on BBC Radio 5 about slave trafficking. Extraordinary that this still goes on whilst we live blithely on. So much sadness in this world..
Buried deep in album project. It’s not something I like to do much in the daytime, all the best stuff happens at night. The phone is reasonably silent and the world is lot more distant from my mind. I can get lost in there. It’s going well, not so much down on tape yet, just working it all up and getting ready for those dawn moments when you stare out the window and know your onto something.
Went to see Dave Mathews and band at Wembley last night. Amazing musicianship, along with genuine community and kindness on stage. Could have done with a little less jamming and a few more songs but that’s a small gripe on a superb performance. Strange he isn’t so well known here, though a packed Wembley arena would suggest different. (I have that strange problem everywhere!) A lot of Americans present I think and I still can’t see his albums in record stores.
It's been five years now since I travelled to Brazil and discovered the work of the MST. The trip is well covered in the archive pages on the web site, but many of you will know how the song 'Till The End' is centred around the murder of 19 MST members in 1996 and in particular, 17 year old Ozil. The bulletin below was sent out last week by the MST. It still amazes me that the Brazilian government sent officers to the UK because they were keen to see justice was done when Jean Charles de Menezes was shot by the security services here(and so they should have because it was wrong), but then turn a blind eye to the immoral and disgusting behaviour of there own security services, and that’s before we start talking about the kids who disappear of the streets never to be seen again. I can't imagine what resolve it takes by those who loose loved ones to live with such injustice.
[04/26/07] Brazil: 11 Years After Police Massacre of 19 Landless Nobody Has Been Punished
Written by Nina Fideles
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Brazilians just commemorated the 11th anniversary of the Massacre at Eldorado dos Carajás on April 17, 2006. On this day, 19 rural workers were assassinated in the state of Pará, in nothern Brazil. Under the order of then governor Almir Gabriel and under the command of Major José Maria Pereira and Colonel Collares Pantoja, 155 military police circled a group of landless workers who were marching for agrarian reform and opened fire.
Of the 144 who were incriminated, only the two commanding officers were found guilty, and they are roaming freely as they await their appeal. Both of their cases are paralyzed in superior courts.
According to Marco Aurélio Nascimento, the public prosecutor for the case, it is just another instance of impunity: "We lament this mentality on the part of Brazilian court officials, who think that a person can eternally appeal a case and never go to jail.
"This does not happen in other countries. Only in Brazil, unfortunately. The mentality is that persons have this right to appeal, which is called presumed innocence, but is translated as what? Total and absolute impunity."
In 2002, through a decree of then president Fernando Henrique Cardoso, April 17th became the National Day of Struggle for Agrarian Reform. Along with the Massacre at Carandiru (1992) and the Shooting at Candelária (1993), the Massacre of Eldorado dos Carajás is considered one of the most brutal police actions in recent Brazilian history.
What Happened
The autopsy at the time showed that many of the dead had been beaten up and killed in cold blood by the police. Members of the Movement of the Rural Landless families (MST), to which the assassinated belonged, denounced that the police hid the bodies of women and children killed in the attack on the landless group.
Around mid-day on April 17 approximately 1200 landless people blocked highway PA 150. The highway links the state capital, Belém, with the south of the state. The group was one of several groups of landless families which has occupied unused land to put pressure on the government to carry out an agrarian reform.
The MST had arranged a meeting for that day with the head of INCRA (the federal government land agency) in Pará, Valter Cardoso, in Marabá. The state government as part of the agreement had undertaken to send 50 buses to transport the landless people to the meeting. The buses were not sent.
Two days previously (April 15) the Governor of Pará, Almir Gabriel, his secretary for security, Paulo Sette Camara and the general commander of the military police in the state, Fabiano Lopes, had a meeting to discuss the proposed blockage of the highway by the landless.
At the meeting it was decided that no concessions would be given to the landless. The local commander of the military police, Mário Colares Pantoja, was ordered personally by Governor Gabriel to free the highway.
Military police surrounded the landless from the front and from behind. At approximately 5 pm the police attacked with tear-gas. The landless responded by hurdling stones and work implements at the police who opened fire with machine guns. Many of the landless took refuge in nearby wooded areas but were sought out by the police.
In all, the police operation lasted approximately an hour. Official figures claimed that 19 landless had been assassinated by the police and there a further 45 - 41 landless and 4 military police were injured.
Initially the autopsies were carried out by two forensic doctors from Belém and by a team of the local police experts. Human rights groups insisted that they should be redone by Dr. Nelson Massini from São Paulo. After initial resistance to the idea at local level, officials from the federal government intervened and Dr. Massini carried out another autopsy.
His findings were devastating. In the case of at least 7 of the victims he found clear indications that they were executed in cold blood. "It is too much. There are cases which clearly show that the victims were dominated and killed with their own work implements such as knives and sickles. There are two cases of bullets from behind, one in the neck which indicates that they were executed" commented Dr. Massini.
According to Massini, the majority of the bullets were lodged in the thorax and heads of the victims and claimed that "this shows that the shots fired were not meant to intimidate but to kill people".
An example is that of assassinated MST leader Oziel Lima. Many witnesses testify that 17 year old Oziel was alive after the police operation on the highway. TV reporter Marina Romão guarantees that he and approximately 50 other people took refuge in a hut where she also had hidden when the police opened fire.
"I saw them (the police) dragging Oziel out onto the highway. They beat him, they called him a 'good for nothing' and made him shout 'long live the landless movement'". Yet the autopsy results show that Oziel who was alive after the police operation was shot in the head at close range - in other words he was assassinated in cold blood by the military police.
The initial official response was of condemnation of the violence and of the police. President Fernando Henrique Cardoso declared that what happened was "unjustifiable" and went on to state that he was convinced that those responsible would be punished. The President's remarks were in large part a response to international protest which began to pour into Brazil hours after the landless were assassinated - CNN carried news reports of the massacre soon after it took place.
President Cardoso promised agility on the part of the government to pass law projects already in parliament to speed up agrarian reform. On Monday April 22 he held a meeting with the presidents of the Congress, the Senate and of the Supreme Court to speed up the passing into law of these projects. Initially there seemed to be sufficient political support amongst parliamentarians to pass the laws quickly.
However, by mid week it was obvious that conservative interests in both houses of parliament, would block the passing of laws favoring agrarian reform. In a move which seems not to be linked to the massacre, Agriculture Minister Andrade Vieira resigned on April 19.
His ministry had been responsible for the agrarian reform question. Indications at the moment are that a special ministry for agrarian reform will be established. The names of the likely candidates to head the ministry leaked to the press so far have not the support of groups who defend the urgent necessity of an agrarian reform in the country.
In Brazil, religious funeral services for the dead usually take place on the seventh day after the death. Such services were schedules for April 24 and turned into an act of protest throughout the country.
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) at its annual meeting during the week decided that a mass would be celebrated in all the Catholic churches in the country on this date as a way not only to remember the assassinated but to protest the violence.
A message of condemnation of the assassination arrived from the Pope for the occasion. All over the country the religious act became a protest. For example, thousands participated in an ecumenical religious celebration in Sao Paulo after a march through the city center.
Here the leadership of the MST blamed President Cardoso, Governor Gabriel and Minister for Justice, Nelson Jobim for the bloodshed. Calls were made for the resignation of the Minister Jobim.
Brasil de Fato
Am always telling folk who are interested in song writing to write those thoughts and melodies down straight away or you forget them. I’m doing this a lot lately, that is, coming up with good phrases in my head as I drive or sit but not getting them down on paper for some arrogant reason thinking I will remember them. And I don’t. A few have slipped away just like that. Trying to nail my thoughts on Las Vegas to the mast while they are fresh in the gut. Yesterday I stared into the Grand Canyon for the second time in my life. Amazing of course, vast and the humbling effect of feeling like a tadpole in an ocean. This takes us away from ourselves..so good. Then, some hours later we hit Elvisville in the desert where the message becomes you, at least you and your money and we would like it please. Yet, I like this place too, I think. Find myself wandering for hours along mile of strip. Neon, music mingles with the sound of slot machines and you can catch snatches of Springsteen amongst the throng of whirring digits and fortunes. I’m thinking what is Bruce doing in the middle of that, but he’s singing ‘I’m going down, down,’ and I just might be. Very easy to fall here. The cab driver lived in Nebraska till his wife died and then he moved here in his late seventies and says he will die here. And my friend who loves the night says he doesn’t gamble and he wont pay for the other, so its all a little tense and confusing. Cattle pens of poker players remind me of the scene in Star Wars where they walk into some galactic bar and there are species for everywhere eyeing each other up. They were all in there. My old friend Celine is playing Caesars Palace but I wont even ask for the backstage pass. Walking on and all is on offer, my eye is like a roving notebook, sucking all this in for there are a thousand songs out on these streets. The tattoo parlour, the piano bar, the funk club and I’m being told to ‘jump, jump’. How do we ever feed so many people and all those sheets to wash? Who cleans up the mud after the wrestling? It's like Bladerunner without the rain. I’m charmed and alarmed and when I come up for air the light is arriving again on another day in the desert. My eyes know they have missed rest for a whole night and so we walk home to the Sahara, but of course that’s wrong, that doesn’t belong and most of me doesn’t either. I would rather be in the Canyon but I can’t deny the pull of sin city..
Innocent When You Dream - 2007-04-22
I’m in Arizona for 8 days with 12 guys. We hit a white ball onto green bits of desert and occasionally stray outside the fairways and have to bang clubs on the ground to let rattle snakes know we are coming as we look for the errant ball. Before I left I recorded a song for a children’s album that is being released for charity. I chose ‘There was an old woman who swallowed a fly’ and had a lot of fun working out an arrangement. I played it on a tenor guitar I have recently acquired and it sounds, well, good. Woody Guthrie wrote hundreds of kid’s songs. I liked this one because it’s ridiculous and she dies in the end. My version might scare kinds but they would probably like that. Anyhow, a starting time in the desert beckons and a ton of angst awaits as I try to do something I used to do very well but now I’m falling away. I think this rather eclectic diary entry is due to reading interviews with Tom Waits in a book on the flight over. It’s called ‘Innocent When You Dream’.
From Banff to Martletwy - 2007-04-11
Its been a while, sorry. Played two cool shows in wild Wales. Caernarfon was a great night and so good to be playing in the Northern bit of Wales. The drive up there and back down to Pembrokeshire, for the second show in Martletwy, was a vivid reminder of how beautiful a land Wales is. That can be forgotten by City dwellers that think that big buildings and stadiums are our trophies. There are greater prizes available to the eyes out on lonesome hillsides and in mountain streams. I was touched by it all and felt shameful that I had forgotten Her face as I bypass it all on motorways. Martletwy was a riot and a great way to end a long run of dates. An old chapel, built in 1813, and restored by a local community. When I first walked in I wasn’t sure but those folks sure know how to have a good time. I did nearly have a heart attack though when I went into my, ahem, dressing room..kind of a shed add on at the back to find a life-size doll of woman dressed as a Nun. Definitely on my rider from now on! Pre gig tea across the road in the farm house was the best. in January we started this run of dates in Banff Alberta, Canada at the Magaret Greenham Theatre, and so we finish in April, in a chapel in Pembrokeshire Wales..very cool and quite right. Sunday was the big Show Of Hands bash at the Albert Hall, London. I have played there in different guises about a dozen times now but this was my favourite. Was very proud of Steve and Phil and pleased for them that it was such a great occasion. It was good to re-unite with Tom for a bit of FFA too. I think the three of us had forgotten how good that project was. Getting geared up to start recording now and my head is down and writing. I was hopping to be playing a lot more festivals in the UK this summer, especially as we turned down a lot in Canada/USA in order to free up the time. It’s quite hard to break into that (folk fest) scene here, but maybe I need to make an album that opens those doors. Some days though, and after 27 years, I get tired of pushing them.
Just coming down after the tour has finished, though I have two small shows in Wales this week that I’m looking forward to. The dates we have just completed in the UK have been the most memorable for me for some time. It was great to have Miranda adding that low end with great sensitivity each night and I thought Martin Sexton did a wonderful job of starting the show each night and playing to a UK audience for the first time. Leeds on Saturday night was a riot, and we recorded the show so I’m looking forward to listening back. Thanks for the great feedback on the new stuff too. There is always a little emptiness after a long run of dates. If I include the Show Of Hands tour, which started back in October, I have played around 85 shows up till Sunday. There was also a bit of surgery in between! I find myself a little restless around 8.00pm and it actually feels weird not to be travelling to somewhere. After this week I will get into studio mode for a while and see what can be captured.
Stuck between trucks - 2007-03-13
Rehearsed all day for tour with Miranda in Exeter yesterday then drove home. Stopped on the way back to do a radio interview on the mobile. Strange to be wedged between two trucks in a lay-by, in the dark, talking live to radio land. Have done a lot of that this week though. Mostly promotion for the tour but also the ‘Pat Robertson’ thing, which I’m so tired of now. Have even noticed the reaction amongst some of ‘my folk’ has been one of not understanding why I did it. I can debate this forever but my experience is that very few are up for changing minds on it anyhow. I’m not going to enter lengthy debates that are ultimately not going to get anywhere because I just end up being stuck between those trucks again.. I’m now very much looking forward to the UK tour. The Brook Southampton tonight..yum.
Houston, Memphis, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, home - 2007-03-04
Stories indeed. Managed to leave my laptop at the security checkpoint at Boston’s Logan airport. Only realised when I got to Charlotte on the way to Houston. It took another 36 hours before it was located and that was rather a worrying time. With my head a little stressed I played the first of two concerts in the Houston area. I was so relieved when the computer was finally found and forwarded to Memphis. Houston was a lovely time, staying with Sean and Rebecca who are good friends and wonderful people. Sean is the minister of Mercy Street: probably the most socially engaged Church set up I have ever come across. They seem to gather together every social demographic at their Saturday night service and the whole set up and atmosphere was very impressive to this tired sceptic. I played a show after and it really was a great night. Early Monday we flew to Memphis and I got to see my first NBA basketball game. Nancy Chase, the promoter got us some great seats and we watched the Memphis Grizzlies narrowly loose to the Denver Nuggets! The Americans do all that razzmatazz better than anyone and it was quite the experience. The next day I did morning TV and then toured the Civil Rights Museum. This was incredibly moving and told the story of the Civil Rights movement in the USA with the climax being that you stand on the balcony of the motel where Martin Luther King was shot. I had to blink back the tears at almost every exhibit and there is a lot there. Highly recommended. Had a great gig in Memphis that included an Elvis song! I first went to Graceland in 83 and this time I stood by the gates at midnight and peered through. I remember playing in the British Boys Golf Championships at Downfield GC Dundee the week he died. I had reached the last 16 but lost the next day. I blame Elvis. I loved the Las Vegas period, amazing band and that rich melancholy voice contained so much sadness. It still moves me. Two hours sleep then flew to Winnipeg via Chicago. Your head really does get messed up with this schedule. I came in off a balcony at Memphis because it was too hot and the next say I’m in Winnipeg where the cold takes your face off. Superb crowd at Winnipeg show, we had a great night together and after I hung with friends including Russ Romaniuk who played hockey in Cardiff. It’s so good to have all these connections worldwide. One-hour sleep then flew to Edmonton!! Hope your keeping up with all this. Played Athabasca, a small community 2 hours drive north of Edmonton and then Edmonton on Friday night. This show was a big highlight for me, big crowd, so up for it and good timing towards the end of a tour when I’m a little jaded. Finally we drove to Calgary where I played last night and I’m now sitting at Calgary airport waiting to catch the big bird home. It’s been quite a tour. Lost stuff and found it, laptops and pedal boards. A big figure of eight around the continent of N.America. Twenty-five shows with press and radio commitments, 11 flights and too many rental cars to remember. More great memories but it is definitely time to go home though there is not a lot of respite there with the UK tour starting a week Tuesday and a ton of radio to do this week to publicise things and rehearse with Miranda. I talked to Martin Sexton on the phone today and I’m very much looking forward to hearing him open each night and to Miranda adding double bass. Have been playing some new material here as well as covering a Dave Mathews song ‘Where are you going?’. Have written sketches for around 8 others so it’s been a productive time too. I may just nod off on the flight home.
New York and Boston - 2007-02-23
Typing late at night here in Boston hotel room. Snow falling outside on a cold night. New York was fine, small crowd which I expected not having played there since 93, but up for it. Hooked up with Doug Yowall and Billy Masters from Suzanne Vega’s band and had a hilarious dinner somewhere on the East Side at a new restaurant with a very enthusiastic French owner. You would have had to have been there but it was memorable! Boston tonight was great. Club Passim, full of folk history; Dylan, Phil Ochs, Odetta, some of the names who have played there. I really enjoyed the show, played two new songs. Lots of cool stories from the audience about there connection to the music but none to top a young guy called Shane. He was at the Tower Records signing session and show I did in Boston after opening for Rossane Cash in 93..he was two years old. His Dad got me to sign an album for him that day and now he plays and said some nice things about how the music has inspired him etc. That felt good. Snow still falling. We fly to Houston for tomorrow’s nights show in the morning. No snow there but more stories, always stories. I
Ontario and Pat Robertson is at it again - 2007-02-20
Ontario has been good to me. Cold as you would ever want anyplace to be but very warm in its response to the music of this stubborn troubadour. After a day off in Toronto I had a great night playing there at ‘Hugh’s Room’ followed by equally exciting shows in Guelph, Peterborough and Perth. They have left me very uplifted. It’s so good to link up with so many people I know here now. Most of course are original Canadians but some are ex-pats from the UK who come up and say the kindest things about following the music for so long. Last night in Perth there was even a Welsh gentleman wearing a Cardiff Blues Rugby top! I also get to watch a lot of Ice Hockey on TV. This is a long tour though and I confess to being a little more than homesick. Not so much for anything that’s back there in terms of bricks and mortar, but of course for those I love and miss. I’m not a moaner or someone who chooses to decry much of the country I live in (apart from the wider issues) for we are blessed and fortunate beyond compare with the majority of the world. But, there are days when I walk along the street here and imagine how easily I could live in Canada and not miss much of the culture that is prevalent in the UK. We crossed back into the USA today and I’m playing New York City tomorrow night. The last time I played there was on Broadway in 93, at the Beacon Theatre opening for Clannad. I have no idea what to expect. Reading an issue of Time magazine today there is a quote that Pat Robertson made in recent weeks. He states that God has told him that there will be another terrorist attack on the USA in late 2007. He is not necessarily saying it’s going to be nuclear (God didn’t elaborate) but that he (Mr Robertson) believes it will be something like that. In a few weeks time we will release the live Greenbelt album. I have been debating whether or not I should have included that ‘moment’ from the Greenbelt show on the CD. I’m now so pleased I did and I hope Mr Robertson gets to hear it, then try’s to sue me and we can have a huge debate about who is slandering who. My lawyer will be the Big Man.
Giraffes on Skateboards - 2007-02-14
And Denver was mild and sunny! Go figure. Two good shows in Colorado. A great night at Fort Collins care of Steve, Bill and Donna, then the next day down to the city to play in one of the best concert rooms I have ever played in.. The Soiled Dove (not sure about the name though). I would be lying if I said it was full but I played as though it was. It’s still strange to come so far and find someone wearing an MJ t-shirt! Flew into Toronto this evening in the middle of a snowstorm. I know we have had some snow at home, which has caused some problems, but this would shut the country down. We would be like Giraffes on skateboards! It’s very cold outside and snow is really pilling up outside my downtown hotel. They say there is going to be around 70cm of snow by tomorrow. Got a day off here before the show on Thursday which is great because the voice is thin, fingers are bruised and nails short!
It Rains in California - 2007-02-11
Am typing in Phoenix airport waiting to connect to Denver. Early start this morning from San Francisco. I played three shows there..Berkley, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa. It rained the whole time we were there so California was not the great weather contrast I thought it was going to be. Called in at Santa Cruz Guitar company whilst in town there, good to see Richard again and the beautiful guitars he makes. All the shows were great but I’m a little tired right now. Have a show tonight in Denver and another tomorrow then a day off! The first time I Played in Berkley was around 93 when I was opening for Clannad, feels like a lifetime ago. A lovely lady called Barbara flew all the way from Alaska for last nights show in Santa Rosa. That’s devotion beyond the call and that sort of effort leaves me feeling guilty! Did some radio before the gig. Randy always makes me feel so welcome at the show and the audience are always generous and appreciative. How disjointed is this diary blog! Guess I am tired. We are here in Phoenix for an hour where the temp is 45 degrees..nice. Snow awaits in Denver..nice.
Love from Seattle - 2007-02-07
I’m writing from Seattle. Played a show here last night at a place called ‘The Tractor’ and very fine it was too. Tonight we play Portland (I always say we as if I’m a band..hmm) and then fly down to California. The tour has had a great start with a week primarily in the snow. Beautiful Banff, a night in Penticton that I would rate in my top 20 gigs of all time, Vancouver memorable too and a wonderful visit to Prince George which felt like a coming home show. I’m making the shows a little more concise, a little more focussed and it’s intriguing to me, and I don’t want to sound conceited, but it actually feels like a whole new MJ thing is happening. New songs ploughing through and I don’t think I have ever been more on top of things live. I have had a lot of practise though! As we head south now it will get a lot warmer before we head off to snow again in Denver. It’s hard to pack for tours like this. My buddy Simon flew home yesterday and I will miss him. It’s great though to be able to share these experiences with others close to me. I miss home more than ever these days. A sort of panic like fear that time and moments are passing without my presence. I have amazing support from that tribe of mine.
Scotland, home then to Canada - 2007-02-01
Celtic Connections was great. Played the festival Club around midnight on Saturday night then my show on Sunday. Really enjoyed it all and we seem to have made a decent impact. Flew back to Cardiff on Monday and then yesterday to Calgary, Alberta. We then drove to beautiful Banff. Walked around today with my good friend Simon Curle who is travelling with us for the first week of the tour. It was – 10 temp at one point along the trail we chose beneath the Banff Springs hotel. We also flew to the top of mountains on a Gondola..breathtaking. Opening show has just finished here at the Banff Centre and was a great start to a long tour. Hip/leg standing up (ha ha) well though aching a bit after all the walking in the snow today rather than the gig methinks. This place is just a dream. The mountains are so commanding and humbling. They whisper many lessons.
It’s all about to go nuts again. Time seems to have flown by since I finished the Show Of Hands Tour and went in for the hip surgery. My recovery I’m told is very good and I’m on track, though I need to make sure I don’t overdo things..hmm. Depends what they mean by overdoing. I have been in the studio the past few weeks. The album I was producing for Bill Taylor Beales is finished and it sounds, well, pretty damn fine! I’m not sure what the plan is in terms of releasing it, but will let you know when Bill gets it out there. It really is worth a listen with some fine songs in a Leonard Cohn style. I also finished mixing a live album. We are going to release last years Greenbelt gig as a full album. It will be ready for the tour in March and snappily titled MJGB06. It will in fact be the first live concert release as a full album on Pipe Records. All the live stuff released on CD has been on the compilation `Dont talk About Love`. It really does capture things well and there is a grit and edge to it all that I`m happy with. Those of you who were there will wonder if that song is there..you will have to wait to find out! Tomorrow I fly to Scotland to play at Celtic Connections which is a festival I have heard so much about but have never played. From there we fly to Calgary to begin five weeks of touring across Canada and the USA. Time has just flown by. George Bush asked for another chance on Iraq this week…er, no. At least, not if the majority of human on the planet could have their way, but he wont be listening to them.
Happy New Year everybody, and I mean everybody. I hope, that whoever you are reading this, the next twelve months will be sweeter than the last, even if 06 has been a great time for you. My diary entries have been a little sparse this year and its not because I don’t think most days about writing something. I’m anxious to get a balance between thinking anyone might be interested in my day to day coming and going (there are some very ego centric bloggers out there), and wanting to comment on current events and issues. Having said that I become weary of trying to articulate thoughts on mind numbing events that seem to happen now on a daily basis. Maybe they always have and I’m just tired of voicing my opinion or maybe these are indeed some pretty dark times. For example, yesterday and the execution of Saddam Hussein. I have had, like most people, thoughts about the whole thing but find myself veering between different viewpoints. It’s easy to reach for the pen or computer keyboard and start going off on one, but it takes time sometimes to stop and listen to the small voices (and gather plenty of information) before true wisdom arrives. Someone once said it’s easy to know what your against but harder to know what you are for. Maybe to hold peace and wait for the right moment is what I’m trying to do. Maybe I have said too much in the past and sounded a little too loud. Or maybe I’m just getting lazy and a little tired of scrapping with folk. Whatever! For those who wish to know my new hip and I are healing well but find the progress very slow and a little frustrating though at least it is giving me the chance to be creative and write some songs. I’m looking forward to this New Year, it’s going to be very busy with a lot of great opportunities and I will be very interested to see where things are this time next year. Thanks to all of you who stay close. Stay safe too and I do wish you and your loved ones a very happy new year. M xx
"At least Pinochet was able to die a natural death, surrounded by his family, attended to by the best surgeons. We weren`t even able to bring a drink of water to our loved ones as they were tortured and disappeared. But we know the truth: History has cast its judgment on Pinochet." - Vibiana Diaz Caro, whose father was a Chilean union leader who disappeared under the regime of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, who died on Sunday of a heart attack at age 91.
Back home from hospital. A little battered and bruised but very well looked after and impressed by the skill and care given. What a good thing it is to do something in life that helps people so much. I have always been so impressed by those who work in caring professions. Ever since I spent some time in hospital with one of our children when they were small, I have always thought I could work in such a place if I had the skills needed. It takes a certain soul though and those who looked after me were true angels. As for surgeons..Gods i guess. So I’m a tad sore and have been ordered to rest! Hmm.
End of SOH Tour and now to get fixed.. - 2006-12-05
The tour with SOH is done. Think it was around 35 gigs in total and each one a pleasure. The last night in Exeter was a great night, with a few special guests including Tom Palmer and Seth Lakemen. It was good to catch up with Seth again and swap notes; it’s interesting to hear how his current experience is so similar to mine in the first part of the nineties. He has a good head on his shoulders and will be fine. The best part of the tour for me has been hanging with everyone involved. It was good to get know Phil a little better (what a musician he is) and to spend time with Steve and resume the subtle banter and underlining respect and care we have for each other. Miranda was a joy and I would be proud to work with Chris, James and Will anytime. Thanks everyone and to all the SOH fans who welcomed me so warmly and said such kind things. I will be disappearing for the next few weeks. Later today I have to go to hospital for some surgery. Its nothing to serious, just need to get something sorted and then get back to fitness for the 07 schedule that starts at the end of January. I will be mixing Bill Taylor Beales’s album till then as well as writing and recording myself.
Last week of SOH tour - 2006-11-28
The tour with Show Of Hands is rumbling on and all going well. Steve and Phil are a class act and I think they really give their fans value for money. Playing Cardiff Bay with them every night is always an adventure especially when I turn to Phil for solo spots. We always come up with something a little different each time. He is a tremendous musician and I watch him warming up on the fret board and feel like retiring! We also have good chats about folk music and it’s history and I have learnt quite a bit from him. Steve and I have known each other a while now, and it’s a cool thing to be on the road with such a close friend and the understanding that brings. He is also writing a lot of new songs right now and its been good to hear them being worked out live. This week is the last and will bring the tour total up to around 35 shows. Last night I managed to dislocate my thumb..ouch! Its in a sling right now and im hoping its not going to hinder playing the guitar tonight. I might have to play a little more tenderly!
Still on tour with Show Of Hands. Just finnished six shows in a row so have two days off. Catching up with email today and came across this. A lot of these things get passed around and I don’t know why I followed the lead on this one. However, this is an amazing story. I don’t particularly like the music on the video but the whole thing is very moving. Hug your kids. http://cjcphoto.com/can/
Well the tour with Show Of Hands is well under way and it’s great fun. It is good to be disciplined about playing right now and though that 35 mins goes by in a flash it does mean I get to take it a little easier than normal at this time of year. I tend to go back to the dressing room and try and write a little before joining the lads on stage for Cardiff Bay. It’s also nice to have that wider community on the move and feel part of a bigger team. Hope America does the right thing today and speaks out. It would be good to have a shift in the balance of power over there, and some constitutional checks on the current gate keepers. I have an eighteen year old son. That makes little sense to me. I missed the Margate gig to be with him on the special day. He already has attributes that it took me a lot longer to grasp. He has a proud Father.
Forgot to mention last week that I went to see Seth Lakemen play in Cardiff. His special guest was ‘Carus’ from Australia, who Chris (May) also manages. Really enjoyed the show from both artists. Had a nice natter with Seth. Things are going well for him and its great to see him retain the honesty and integrity of where he has come from. There was simply no hype, just honest music, and it was very refreshing.
About to start a night of recording with Mr Beales. Cello and Trumpet no less. Have had bad toothache now for over a week, two teeth in fact. Hip op up coming too, I’m falling apart and its only Tuesday. Tour with Show Of Hands starts tomorrow. Old men together!
Returned from a weeks touring in Belgium on the weekend. Had a a very busy but great time there playing six shows and also singing at a lecture by a guy called Willy who climbed Everest in 2003. My good friend Diethard looked after me and we had some great nights. I think my favourite show was at the Café DeFagot in Ingelmunster. I thought the crowd were going to pick me up and carry me on their shoulders at one point! There were local elections there on the weekend and I must try to find out the results as there was great concern about the rise of fascism there especially in Antwerp. I met nothing but kindness there and of course great choclate.
Have been putting together the next free PQ CD today and getting ready to go to Belgium on Friday. Yesterday my friend Tom Hutton and his lovely partner Stef took me hiking in the Brecon Beacons. It was fantastic and such a beautiful day. It’s amazing what beauty lies within reach and yet we rarely visit. During the walk there were waterfalls, dense forest, enchanting silence and inquisitive wildlife. Also, a memorial to a Canadian aircrew from the Second World War. Their plane crashed in bad weather on a training exercise, and in fact the wreckage is still on the hillside. Though it can become a cliché, the usual thoughts of perspective flood ones senses in such places. Just wonderful and perfect for tortured, middle aged, fustrated, angry, content yet restless, sad but happy songwriters.This is all just 24 miles away from Cardiff. I shall return and soon.
Ryder Cup thoughts.. - 2006-09-25
Proud I was yesterday. Proud of the sport I have most played and loved since I was ten years old. In this current sporting age of the winner takes it all, huge money, individuality and ego, yesterday’s events at the K club in Ireland were a stunning ray of sunshine and hope. True, it was still about winning and losing, but there were bigger themes at work. At the centre of much of this was Darren Clarke, who, despite the loss of his wife Heather a few weeks ago to cancer, was literally playing his heart out. The camaraderie, compassion and overall understanding of ‘this is just a game and we know what really matters’ were huge. How fitting today that Arsen Venger has made a statement about how much football could learn form the spirit that was upheld between the European and USA Ryder cup teams. Good for him. And Darren. All that weight coming down off those big shoulders at the end of his singles game and massive contribution, through tears and the realization that a nation, a huge crowd and his mates on both sides would make the world a different place for him if only they could. That is what gets us through, some of us anyhow, and I think Darren will be ok. For me this was a moment that transcended a sporting occasion, though it was wonderful that it was brought about by such an event. It was like the most beautiful cello solo, a great poem, the height of a U2 or Springsteen show, that moment when it becomes, well, yeh, spiritual. Some might be skeptic and that’s fine, but for me this is the very essence of it all. It is why we rage against darkness and fumble our way on the path. Most of all, it gives me huge hope, it really does. It fuels the fire in the belly that keeps me going. Thanks guys.
Paul Robeson Tribute - 2006-09-20
Follow this link for a great write up about Paul Robeson sent to me today. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5345904.stm link broke so here is what it said.. Remembering dissident superstar Paul Robeson, by Tony Benn Vijay Singh Wed, 20 Sep 2006 06:38:48 -0700 Soul man By Sean Coughlan BBC News Magazine Paul Robeson went from international stardom to obscurity A memorial is being unveiled in London to singer Paul Robeson, blacklisted as "un-American" in the 1950s. Tony Benn, one of the surviving links with a support group in the UK, recalls meeting his hero. Paul Robeson was one of the world`s first musical superstars, his rich, bass voice booming out of wireless sets from Detroit to Dover. In the late 1930s, UK radio listeners, more used to warblers in dinner jackets, voted this black American their favourite singer. And performances on Broadway and in Hollywood movies made the son of an escaped slave one of the biggest-selling names in entertainment. But within a decade, Robeson`s left-wing politics had almost erased him from public view in his own country - driven off the airwaves, blocked from performing and barred by record companies. Such hostility did not face the singer in the UK. In commemoration of his years spent living here, a memorial is being unveiled on Wednesday at the University of London`s School of Oriental and African Studies, where he studied. Last link Making the speech in honour of Robeson will be one of the last surviving links with the British campaign that supported the blacklisted singer - the veteran politician, Tony Benn. ROBESON`S LIFE 1898: Born New Jersey, son of an escaped slave Professional football player, paid his way through law school Starred in Othello on stage and movies including Showboat, singing Old Man River Performed for left-wing causes in US, USSR and UK 1946: Faced Un-American Activities Committee. Concerts cancelled, barred from TV, recordings banned, passport revoked 1976: After prolonged ill-health, dies in Philadelphia "He was one of the greatest figures of the past century. He stood for everything I believed in," says Benn. Robeson had a remarkably eclectic career. In the face of raw racial prejudice, he became a famous athlete, lawyer, Shakespearean actor, movie star and singer - and with success at every turn, he could have basked in well-heeled celebrity status. But instead Robeson became deeply involved in left-wing politics - a path that led him into a grinding battle with the authorities suspicious of his sympathies for the Soviet Union. This confrontation escalated to the extent that Robeson was blocked from leaving the US. Which is how he met Benn. "You could take away his passport, but you couldn`t take away his voice," says Benn. In 1957, infuriated by the travel ban on Robeson, Benn helped to organise a protest meeting in Camden. Unable to be there in person, Robeson sang down a phone line to 1,000 supporters crammed into a hall in north London. "It was only elementary technology, but it was Paul Robeson," says Benn. The whole tea room went silent, it was the most extraordinary experience Benn on hearing Robeson sing And when Robeson`s passport was returned, he came to visit Benn and his family at the Houses of Parliament - an encounter that still stands out for the 81-year-old political veteran. "Robeson was like an electro-magnet going through a pile of iron filings. It wasn`t just admiring fans, it was deep admiration... he radiated personality, a man of great commitment and strength... totally immune to the persecution he suffered." Prompted by Benn`s elderly aunt, Robeson sang Old Man River. "The whole tea room went silent, it was the most extraordinary experience." Treasured memory Speaking in his west London home, surrounded by shelves spilling over with decades of his diaries, Benn is now a great repository of political memories. He recalls canvassing as a child in the 1935 election, meeting figures such as Oswald Mosley and Mahatma Gandhi, watching London burn during the Blitz, losing his brother in World War II. "Experience is the only teacher," he says. Appearing on BBC TV in 1949 But the memory of Robeson still stirs him deeply. When he puts on a video of a scene from Proud Valley, a 1940s Robeson movie set in Wales, he is in tears at the story about overcoming discrimination. "I was brought up on the Bible like Paul, right and wrong is what it`s about. If people are badly treated, you support them. It`s easy to make speeches, but the crucial question is whose side are you on when the going gets rough." He sees Robeson as an example of sticking to beliefs. Whether it was campaigning against lynching in the US or supporting Welsh miners, he backed the underdog. "What really influenced him was the way his people were treated - it was what gave him his motivation, and his enormous talent gave him an opportunity to get that into the public arena." "The establishment still distrust him, because he was a socialist and an internationalist, even in death he`s still regarded in the United States as a suspect figure," says Benn. After a five-year stay in the UK, Robeson returned home to relative obscurity and prolonged ill-health, with his reputation only gradually being rehabilitated after his death in 1976. In terms of Robeson`s relevance, Benn says it`s the way that the singer connected his own experiences with his beliefs. Challenged by the Un-American Activities Committee with the blunt question: "Why do you not stay in Russia?" Robeson answered: "Because my father was a slave, and my people died to build this country and I am going to stay here and have a part of it just like you.
I wouldn’t normally put so much ‘God speak’ on the web site, but this is typical of the sort of stuff I have tried to fight and disassociate myself with for a long time. The only reason it’s here is because my response wouldn’t fit on the space provided at the relevant web site. Therefore I have put a link there to this diary entry. I have withheld the names of those who have written to me to protect their privacy. I will not be wasting any more time on this as quite frankly there are far more important issues to be dealing with..so here goes I was sent a link to the review of my gig at Greenbelt. I`m not sure who to address this letter to, as it`s not clear to me who wrote the `rider` at the end. I will therefore address this generally. For what its worth I have never seen this happen in a review before. Someone is asked to review a show, does so, and then someone else adds on something totally different at the end. Maybe it would have been better to call it an editorial comment separate from the main review? Anyhow, I want to respond. At the end of this message I have included some other correspondence I have had about the gig so that I don`t need to repeat some of the main points I would make in response to the issue. However, I do have some other things to raise. I was at Greenbelt for the full four days and was available for interviews etc. Why didn’t you contact me to ask me about the issues? Why not try and find out what I was trying to communicate or say? This was not about the gap between Greenbelt and the `theology/practice of many evangelical/charismatic churches`. This was about a charlatan who calls for the most dreadful of things to be done because God is telling him so. I`m not interested in building a bridge to Pat Robertson. I wish him no ill, but he needs to sort himself out. As do we all, but `we` are not calling for assassination of leaders of countries who happen not to fall in line with American foreign policy. I can only hope that pages in your publications have been given over to denouncing the outrageous language, posturing and claims that have been part of Robertson`s output in recent times. The line about punching TV evangelists was in the original version recorded on `Far From Silent` in 99. Why is it that the press or critique, within the Christian realm, is so unable to handle or recognise irony, even if it thinks its a bit harsh? I was not able to see the `bunch of youth clutching Tennants cans and clearly the worse for wear`. I do know that the vast majority of the thousands there were not. This is also typical of the almost spiritual `snobbery` that Greenbelt has had to put up with over the years. The `this sort of thing would never happen at Spring Harvest` slight. Out of the estimated 6-7000 gathered there that night I have had only one complaint (see below) so unless some other social ill had befallen everyone present the vast majority seemed to get what I was trying to say. If someone wants to carry on this debate then I`m happy to do so. It would, however, have been better to have done so in a more controlled and amicable way than the shooting from the hip editorial of the review, ironically the very thing I’m being accused of. Yours sincerely, Martyn www.martynjoseph.com Hello there Martyn, I was deeply disturbed at the Friday night concert at Greenbelt. I know it is not for me to discuss your relationship with God, but I was highly offended by your actions in the concert. You may have been trying to shock for effect or try to get a response from the crowd but was it necessary to be so offensive and use the word fuck? To suggest that God would say so to a believer, is in my opinion, offensive and blasphemous. Further, to encourage the audience to take part in your offensive utterance was disgraceful. it is not the fact that you swore, but the suggestion that God would reject someone is the problem. The Christian teaching is clear God is a God of grace who does love all men and has sent his son to die for each individual to win their salvation. It is clear to me that God would never turn his back on those who have trusted in him as personal Saviour, what ever their political/left/right/radical/denomination etc. or stance. To suggest otherwise, is in my opinion a complete denigration of the faith that genuine Christians have in the Lord Jesus Christ. You may think that it is a `hip Christian` thing to do and you can say fuck on stage. I, personally do not want to be represented as a Christian in this way. In my experience non-Christians know how they expect Christians to behave and they are not conned by those who are trying to be something they are not. I know of your work, and in fact, have been involved with your tours in the past when you were less well known. Unfortunately, you have now lost my respect. Don`t think I am being self righteous. I grew up in one of the roughest communities in the world and am used to swearing and all sorts but I am offended for God. By the way do Larry Norman a big favour please be humble enough to give him the credit when you sing his great songs. Hope to hear from you, Thanks ******* Dear *** Thanks for your message, I appreciate you taking the time to write and tell me how you felt. I presume from the line ‘hope to hear from you’ meant that you wanted me to reply, so for what it’s worth here are some thoughts. The words of the chorus I sang actually don’t put the featured words in God’s mouth. I said ‘what if God said?’ Its meant to raise the point that people who claim to speak for God (that’s if anyone can) and take the most unbelievable of positions on issues, should expect God to be very angry if they miss-represent Him. It’s not unprecedented for God to be angry of course and Jesus showed utter distain and contempt (turned a few tables over as well) for those who acted in stark contrast to what they claimed to be. These were nearly always moral/justice complaints, not those of language or dress codes etc. I’m not the least bit interested in being ‘hip’ and I think my journey, as a musician would back that up. I want to communicate stuff and occasionally you upset folk doing that. I’m curious to know if you have also written to Pat Robertson to complain about the way he has miss represented the truths we hold onto. I would be thrilled to know you had but I have my doubts. In the end it is about the word ‘fuck’ and not the miss representation of Christ. You say your offended for God and my friend so am I. I’m offended enough to go around and consistently and publicly voicing my opinion on those in positions of political power who claim to act for God. To me this is the biggest obscenity. I honestly believe God would have some very harsh words for the likes of Robertson and that’s what I’m trying to say. When you perpetuate and support policies that leave millions disenfranchised or dead, claim that following God will make you financially rich and that the heads of countries should be assassinated because they stand up to the might of the USA (and actually put policies in place to provide great care for the poor of their own countries) then the phrase ‘fuck you’ comes to my mind. I am of course very grateful that God’s grace would not reject anyone; my daft little chorus wasn’t about that. I have to say that out of the six thousand people gathered at the mainstage that night, you are the only one who has drawn that conclusion and felt it was important enough to write. I’m not without sympathy for your position ***, but frankly for me there are more pressing issues to get stuck into. As for the Larry Norman comment that’s a cheap shot and I can only presume that it was fuelled by a little irritation on your part at the end of writing your email. I have often given Larry credit for the songs of his I sing (let alone a decent amount in record royalties). I have turned a lot of folk onto his music through the years, especially in the folk community in the USA where many sadly had never heard of him, and I personally know that he is grateful for that. Many artists sing songs by other people but don’t say who the song is written by. It doesn’t always lend itself to everyone’s persona on stage. Again Rob my thanks for taking the time to write. I’m sorry I have lost your respect but in the balance of the correspondence we have had I’m not sure exactly what you respected me for in the first place. Yours sincerely, Martyn www.martynjoseph.com
Greenbelt, Max Boyce and new chapters - 2006-09-05
Played Greenbelt in a bit of a haze after the weekend in Colorado but it was great. Enjoyed the new main stage on Friday night though have had a few letters about my language! As long as they write to complain Pat Robertson about his asking certain leaders to be ‘taken out’ 9which was my point) then that’s fair enough. Tried out a new tune on the weekend too. Great to play with Stewart again, that was fun. Thought Michael Franti was exceptional and enjoyed, to my surprise, much back slapping banter with Daniel Beadingfield. It’s been good to be writing a few songs. Sometimes the schedule gets so nuts that picking up the guitar and writing something is the last thing I get to do. Chris is over from Canada for at least a year now to help with that so I’m looking forward to a little more ‘creative’ time. Have also been in the studio carrying on the production of Bill Taylor Beales’s album. On Sunday I played at the CIA in Cardiff for the Welsh Blood service. It was a celebration of the 500th bone marrow donor success and it was a pleasure to be there. Some of the speeches were very moving and a reminder of the fragility of our lives. Great to catch up with Max Boyce who recited me a lyric he has just written that had me close to tears. He then went on stage and made the whole place laugh hysterically, but beneath all that is a very sensitive and articulate poet. Wonderful stuff. Anyhow. I’m looking forward now to the journey ahead. Its kind of a ‘new chapter’ time, with many good things on the horizon and in place. That is of course tempered by the despair on our screens and the feeling of impotence in the face of it all. So I hug the kids and pick up the guitar to say something…tis all I can do.
Crazy Weekend in USA - 2006-08-23
Now that was one hell of a weekend. Left Cardiff to fly to Amsterdam on Saturday morning, connected to Minneapolis, luggage didn’t make it but they wont let you report it until you arrive at your final destination, which happens to be Denver. Flight to Denver is delayed 3 hours. Arrive there at 2am. Report luggage not there along with all electronic stuff for stage but I have the guitar! Armed with that 5 hours later I head off to the Lyons Rocky Mountain Folk Festival. Take oxygen before show due to the altitude, though I think I was being fussed over and wasn’t sure I needed it. The air was thin though as I played to a packed field of people basking in the sun of the Rockies. Show went great despite lack of tricks at my feet and we sold out of merchandise. Watched Ani De Franco and Martin Sexton play under the stars. Back to hotel, bag has arrived. Sleep for five hours get up and go to airport. Fly to Detroit, Amsterdam and then Cardiff get in at 1.00 pm on Tuesday. A loopy, but great time. I could have stayed out in the States after the Newport festival but there would have been a ten-day wait till Colorado and I wanted to come home and see the family hence the mad schedule. Off to Greenbelt Friday. By the way Martin Sexton was great and Ani De Franco amazing. She truly is in a class of her own and her recent album live at the Carnegie Hall is breathtaking.
Back home. Newport Folk Fest, Rhode Island was brief but great. We had to leave as soon as I had finished for Boston airport to fly home. Was cool to be the second Welshboy playing there that weekend..David Grey being the other! Great line up actually with the Indigo Girls, Chris Smither and others. Have been spending time with the family but will leave for the US again on Saturday, returning on Tuesday morning. It’s a long way to play one show but I’m told the Rocky Mountain Folk fest in Colorado will be worth it. Three flights to get there, three home. That should be great fun right now!
More thoughts on America and New York - 2006-08-05
The concert in Ridgefield the other night was a very hot night as I mentioned in my previous entry. Temperatures had hit 104 at one point in the day and there was little cover from that as I hit the stage at 7 15pm. It was a great gig, about 700 people with a good sound system though some of it blew up with the heat as the evening progressed. However, there was one tangible moment of tension for me and I’m sure for the audience felt it too. I was advised before the gig that certain songs might not go down too well. Ridgefield, Connecticut is a beautiful place and you have to be fairly, well, comfortable on the money side of things to live here. Most of the houses are huge by UK standards and many of the folk who live in them vote for Mr Bush. I played ‘How did we end up here’ about five songs into the set and with some points to make one way or another. I guess its one thing to say ‘stuff’ when you know the choir Is primarily in front of you, but a little different when the ground is more neutral. In those situations I don’t think you get anywhere by yelling out your views at the world, so I tend to appeal to a humanitarian view before stating the obvious. When the obvious was stated I noticed Chris inching towards the side of the stage in case someone decided to take acceptation to my views in a robust way. I do think that this tension at this sort of event is kind of unique to the USA where these things are taken very personally. Anyhow, I was able to stand my ground, as it would have been cowardly to back down when one really suspected that you might be ruffling feathers. At the end of the concert half of the field stood to clap whilst the other sat but still heartily approving. So, who knows? Next day we went down to New York. Love this city and have so many great memories here especially of recording here with Sony for a few months in 91. Hit the ususal sights and met up with the concierge at the hotel I used to stay in. Maria had been very kind to myself and the family back then, and she is still there after 15 years (actually working there 18). I only called by on the off chance but there she was. Also hooked up for dinner with Ben Wisch who produced ‘Being There’ all those years ago, and is still making great records, along with Eugene Ruffolo, a fine singer songwriter I met in Canada few weeks ago. As I said, great memories in this great city. It kind of brings a mood of melancholy to me as I look back on very exciting times. It seems, in some ways, like I haven’t got that far since then but that’s a lie. I’m still here doing it I guess and that’s something in it’s self. The heat in the city was brutal, but like an enormous ‘blade runner’ set this place lives and breathes with everything you might want and don’t need. Central Park remains beautiful amidst it’s protective metal surround, and the palatable sense of community in one of the busiest cities in the world is testimony enough to the good and great that can be America. I play the Newport Folk Festival, Rhode Island tomorrow afternoon and will then fly home in the evening.
Played an open air show in Ridgefield, Connecticut USA last night. It was a shared bill with Mary Gauthier who is great. Its 104 degree heat though and the hottest show I have ever know in that sense. I was soaked in sweat and two amps blew up. Today we are going down into New York for a few days where it’s even hotter. I just dive through doors into air conditioning units!
USA back to Canada..guitar or gun - 2006-07-31
Played the ‘Ark’ in Michigan on Tuesday evening. I really enjoyed the show and the crossing at the border into the USA was equally as enjoyable. It took us around an hour and a half to get through the interview, but there was this guy there who was trying to get in who had to be connected to the mob or something. He was trying to get back into the USA but they were finding all sorts of stuff, like fake guns and severe looking baseball bats and a bunch of clothing in his car. He said he had been camping, though he no longer had the tent and he was wearing a pin stripe suite. It was fantastic entertainment and this guy just didn’t seem to care. We drove back to Canada after the show and were waived through in the car after a short passport check. It took less than a minute. Have just finished playing the Hillside festival near Guelph, Ont. Had a wonderful time and great reception. Played my main set on the main stage today and had a blast. Played in others sessions and sweated it out all day. Just got back to the lovely haven of an air conditioned hotel room to face the same horrifying images of children under rubble and in body bags. It’s a nightmare, its absolutely crazy. Sure, I have a go at the leaders today on stage, talk of these things, ask the questions we all do, but get to thread them through chords and melody. It’s easy to stand there and do that. Kind people even applaud, stand up and applaud, they cry, smile and say the kindest things to me. It’s another thing to pull your kids out of broken concrete and raise your fists to the sky and scream at God or your oppressors. Today we sang in the sun, celebrating the talents of many fantastic musicians who walk in a tradition of ‘telling the story’. I imagine the folk in the village of Qana are struggling to find any words; they must struggle to breathe, take another step. If someone did that to my home, my family, how long before my guitar became a gun..not long. Again I do not condone the rockets that are fired at Israel, my heart bleeds the same for the Israeli casualties in this madness. But it is one thing to see terrorist atrocities; it’s another to see them inflicted by a so-called responsible state. I stare at blue skies from the shared stages, whilst other fine artists sing, a little lost at times. These horrors haunt me and I can never completely disengage from the fact that this goes on, right now, right now..
Back in Canada and the madness abroad - 2006-07-24
I’m sitting with my door open at a motel in Perth Ontario. Cars and trucks are rushing by on a damp road outside after some rain has freshened up a muggy day. Back in Canada again and have just finished playing at the Stewart Park festival. It’s a lovely festival set in a park with a river running through. I’ve had a great time playing here. Have been getting up early to watch the British Open on TV, though flicking through channels and viewing the devastation in Lebanon is a harsh wake up call. I will never condone the actions of any terrorist, but the actions of Israel are disgusting in my mind. Raids are one thing, levelling cities is another. A response to terror and violence surely needs restraint, balance and a responsibility to innocents. I can’t see how Israel is showing any of the aforementioned. I watch discussion and coverage across the networks here and everyone talks politics, but the humanity in it all seems to be asleep. I’m sick of the sight of children hurting, burnt, and dead. It ignites a rage in me and, I know, many others. What is it in the minds of men that cause them to behave like this? When will we learn to find other ways of dealing with conflicts and why does the outside world let it happen? How come we pick our fights so carefully? Why does Condalica Rice say that Hezbollah’s actions are disgusting (I’m not saying they are not) but that Israel has a right to do what it’s doing? I know the issues are complex but it actually makes me proud of the UK’s response to attacks on her soil. If we reacted like Israel then God knows where we would be. I know the history of the nation of Israel, and I know it’s a different situation. But there is a madness going on right now, a complete madness. How we need great leaders in these days and how few and far between they seem to rise. We leave to go back to Toronto tomorrow. Played a show at Hugh’s Room on Wed night which was great, especially as we put up the download of the last show there in October 05, the day I arrived here. I get to wave my new passport and working visa as we drop down to the USA on Thursday.
Across The Pond Today - 2006-07-18
All hustle and bustle and it’s been a while since I updated here. Been giging a bit which has been nice. Larma Tree festival was great on Saturday..nice moment when the crowd sang me ‘happy birthday’..ah. Worksop the night before was the postponed show, Sounds in the Round in Birmingham, where we just got through without the threatened downpour, and the in store appearances at Borders bookstores in Wales. Visa was granted and today I’m flying out to Canada to play Toronto tomorrow at the start of a month stint across N America. Been doing a bit in the studio as well and other developments including signing with a new concert agency that really might be able to move things on, especially on the festival front. It’s always hard to leave home though. I just dropped kids of at school and it’s so hard to watch them walk away. The news tells the story of a world beyond the one we live in everyday. It’s brutal right now, and there are times when you feel like just staying so close. Will be writing regular updates (he says!) as I travel in the next few weeks.
USA visa/Producing Bill/Borders tonight - 2006-06-22
Have been chasing the dreaded USA visa in recent days. We filed months ago, but the authorities there seem to wait until the very last few days of the time they say they can approve. That way we have to spend $1000 to fast track the thing through. So, we play the waiting game. Have been in the studio in the last few weeks as well. Not recording myself but producing an album for Bill Taylor Beales. This is to go with his art exhibition ‘Scratch The Sky’ which is currently on show in Cardiff. Also showing is the portrait he painted of my good self. We are auctioning that off on July 7th and I’m not sure what to expect. It’s a great piece of work but I’m not sure I would want the subject matter hanging on my wall! Playing at Border’s bookstores tonight and tomorrow, another unknown! These sort of things usually go well, but your worst fear is that you look like a busker with folk hurrying buy to find the latest Westlife release. I will let u know!
Admin really bogs me down. I have these lists, which I never get through, and I find it hard to get to that creative place until everything is done and I can play without thinking about what needs to be done. It just seems like a mountain right now, and I know that if worked on it non stop for days the list would n ot be wiped out. So need to be more disciplined about this but am something of a hopeless case and I end up staring out the window. That’s where I see the songs floating by, who knows what I’m missing? Checked out my diary of 79 last week. My Dad and I won a golf tournament. Last Friday we won the same tournament with the same score..spooky. So, yeh, I did get out for one afternoon. Back to the list…
Turning The Lights Out - 2006-05-16
Quite a bit to catch up on, and I’m going to work backwards. Played a show at the Forest Folk Club last night, got back around 3am this morning. Learned on the way home that we had got a review in the Independent Newspaper yesterday of the Wath festival show. Very glowing by all accounts which is always nice to get, especially in a national paper. Maybe it was in because Bono edited today’s edition and had a hand in yesterdays! Played in Aberystwyth on Saturday night with a bunch of other Welsh artists including Amy Wadge, The Story’s, the Keys and the Poppies for Autism Cymru. I enjoyed the evening and it was good to give a little help to the great work being done by Hugh Morgan and his team top combat this misunderstood and heart breaking condition. The drive home later through mid Wales under a full moon was beautiful. Had to turn the headlights off and just gaze. Last Thursday was Rob Lacey’s funeral. It was an amazing send off for him. Black was not allowed and it looked more like a wedding. I guess around 700 people showed up and the most moving moment for me was when Rob’s coffin was carried out and the hall burst into applause. We were all asked to write something of a goodbye to Rob on a label, handed a helium filled balloon on the way out and then, after Robs wife Sandra and son Lucas had released theirs, we all let go and 700 balloons floated away with so many heart felt thoughts attached. Quite a send off for a brave man, who will evidently be missed by many. We cannot articulate or calculate these things. We do our best to be meaningful and strong. I think the greatest comfort is not in the promise of whatever may be to come, but in the overwhelming sense that there just has to be more. This cannot all be for nothing. It is written under the moon and the sun. Maybe the light just has to go out so that we can see.
Bruce and a missing monkey - 2006-05-08
Went to see Bruce Springsteen in Manchester last night on his Pete Seeger Sessions tour. It was one of the greatest gig’s I have ever been present at. I have seen Bruce play so many times, all good, but there was something special about this, something unmentioned and maybe not apparent. It was glorious. Not a hint of ego, inclusive, celebratory, meaningful, entertaining, an eye on justice, an eye on a better place. Everything that I think is vital about music happened. The man is in his prime, nothing to prove but everything to give. He has never let me down. And the DVD is out, and a monkey got of my back!
My good friend Rob Lacey died yesterday morning. After ten years of battling cancer he finally let go. In the last few weeks Robs wife Sandra gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and he was able to hold her and spend a few precious days with his daughter. Rob was am amazing guy who overcame many obstacles in his journey. He has left us with a great body of work and writing that will continue to do good in the world and remain a lasting testament to his passion, vision and commitment. Those words however do very little to take away the huge questions that come rolling in at times like this. I had a little gig in Aberystwyth last night. It was a gathering of activists and like minded folk who have been campaigning and celebrating May Day in Wales. For the last song I spoke about Rob and broke down a little. I know he would have wanted me to play the show last night, to keep on raging. But I shared a thought if we could (if only!) solve the worlds problems, feed everyone, bring justice, world peace etc that there would still be the human condition to deal with, still huge questions of why and what for. Right now I feel further away then ever from answers, in fact, right now, I’m not interested in them because we have to deal with the reality in front of us. This day hurts, but how those closest to Rob are stepping forward right now I cannot imagine. Rest in peace my friend, you have earned it and more. And, well done, great job, go rage somewhere else now and as I told you a few weeks ago, see you soon. M x
Keepin out of trouble - 2006-05-01
Busy week. Showcase in London for the BBC, which went well, though who knows if these things do any good? Have had an offer to play a series of shows in Borders bookstores, which is interesting. Saw a lot of faces that I hadn’t seen since the Sony days. Strange to be auditioning after 22 years though! I don’t know any artists that really enjoy these things. Did a show for BBC Wales and Bob Harris played a track from Because We Can on Radio 2 on Saturday. Can’t imagine he has ever had a bit of poetry on the show before. Played at the Wath folk festival last night and I’m doing a May day, social gathering event in Aberystwyth tonight, a few songs before the wonderful Australian biker John Smith speaks in Swansea tomorrow and the songwrting gig in Cardiff on Wednesday. Keeps me out of trouble.
Happy Birthday Bob - 2006-04-23
Had the honour of playing three songs at Bob Harris’s 60th birthday party on Friday night. Thea Gilmore, Brian Houston and fellow Welsh muso’s the Storys also played. At the end of the night Robert Plant got up and played a few songs with Bernie Marsden and it was a little surreal. I never got to hear Led Zeppelin play live, but they were a huge influence on me as a teenager, and here was that ‘voice’, playing singing to a few hundred folk in a barn in Oxford! Also went to hear the Storys play in Cardiff last night. I think they are great and I really hope it happens for them. Bob Harris is a class act. His burnished voice has kept me company on many a long drive home after a weekend show and always gave hope that if I wrote yet another dreary acoustic dirge, there was someone who would play it on national radio. Even after a few drinks the other night he still got everyone’s name right when thanking everyone who had played. I notice these things and it means a lot.
I know it’s been a while, sorry. It’s one of those things that each day I say to myself that I must jot something down in the diary but never seem to find that moment. Yes, it’s been a busy time as ever. The tour with Stewart finished up and it was a blast, really good fun and fantastic reaction from the audiences. We got asked to bring the show to the Greenbelt festival this week and I’m hopping we can. Got that DVD thing into manufacture this week and I’m now thinking of making a film about making a film. I think it’s going to be worth all the effort though because its looking good and I’m happy now with the final product. When it came to a few days off this week I could hardly lift a muscle to do anything. Still, making plans and putting some new things in place. Spring cleaning I guess. Happy Easter.
Nice show with Stewart in Leyland last night. It really I something very different and there may be a lot of mileage in the concept for the future. Thought Rachel sounded great too. With the news of Milosevic’s death, I played ‘The Good In Me’ as a flash back to remember the evil path of history that his ego and orders had brought about. Took over BBC Lancashire on Thursday evening with a live concert and then playing on the late show. Friday night I found myself playing Thunder Road in an Italian restaurant near Blackpool having played the last six holes at Lytham St Anne’s (supposedly the toughest finish in Open championship golf) in level par in howling wind and rain! Ya hey.
Just finnished editing the behind the scenes footage for the DVD..its 3.45am! I`m trying to get this thing done folks. Really loving the tour with Stewart..smashing. x
Sorry for lack of entries here. Although this is supposed to be some down time its become crazy, still working on the damn DVD and getting the project with Stewart finished in order to have it ready for the tour. Will be sending out more details about it in an email today. What with all the other stuff it takes to run the ship life is a lot simpler on the road with primarily just the gig to do. Anyhow, moan, moan..shut up. Enjoyed playing at Jim Wallis’s book launch in London on Monday. The book, ‘Gods Politics’’ is timely and a good read. He gave out what I found to be a startling statistic in that 44 million Americans have no form of health care..staggering. Have also been doing a lot of radio interviews with BBC stations, mainly down the line from Cardiff. It’s always a little strange to be shut away in a room, talking and playing to someone in a different part of the country. All we need is the video link and I would never have to leave home! Looking forward to the tour with Stewart and giving folks the chance to listen to Rache Taylor Beales who will be opening. More news about her to be sent in the email today as well.
Have been recording with Stewart these last few days. Its a fairly smooth process, all moments, one takes, the best way to make recordings in my opinion. In fact, we have too much material and its a question of what to leave off. Good problem to have.
Wouldnt it be great if.. - 2006-01-25
just half as much coverage could be given to the kids who died because of a lack of clean water today as has been given to Sven and the England managers football job and..If Pat Robinson could just not speak publicly ever again..His latest announcement is that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon`s recent stroke is probably because he has divided Gods land. I think its time something was penned personally for him, Im sure his ego would appreciate that.
Just to say I had a great time last week playing the final two shows. Both in Wales and both very memorable. It was great to sell out in Narbeth and Tregaron was a little cracker. We are plotting the rest of the year now and news will follow. I hope to have every album available as a download very soon, as well as being able to download individual songs. Will be recording a little album with Stewart in Feb and we are looking forward to playing a few shows. Will also have some special news about Pipe Records probably by next week. Have spent the last two days trying to stay warm..I normally tour Canada at this time but there’s no need with these temperatures!
Scotland and Wales - 2006-01-18
Enjoyed very much going to Scotland last weekend. Birkenhead and Caernarfon were great to. It’s nice to leave the cities behind and play other places. I couldn’t remember when I last played in North Wales, but the reception at the Galeri theatre was fantastic..will return. Have always loved playing in Scotland, that great sense of being in a different place. Have a few more shows in Wales this week then I’m off the road for a month so I can catch up with other things. Stewart Henderson and I are going to record something together and dates are being put together for some sort of tour in March. Will also get a chance to listen to all the demos I have been sent the last year. Much more as well but at least I can sleep in my own bed for a while. Was very pleased with the review in Mo Jo. I thought that of I read that and hadn’t heard of the artist I would be intrigued.
Have been sitting patiently whilst i have been painted. Bill talyor Beales is a fine artist living in Cardiff and asked if he could do a potrait of myself in order to enter a competition. He does a lot of good work with his art in the community, and i thought it might be interesting so i agreed. I have been very surprised by the results given the raw material! Will get a pic on the site soon and once the dust has settled we may auction it off to raise money for the trust fund that supports Bills work. His wife Rachel has made a great little album recently, and its really drawn me in the last few days as i have listened. Check it out at her web site and Bill`s at www.racheltaylor-beales.com www.billtaylor-beales.com
A little hope to end with this year.. - 2005-12-31
Last day of the year so want to write something to kiss it goodbye. Came across the review of Deep Blue in Mo Jo magazine today and it’s a nice way, from a creative perspective, to round off the year. I think the album will have a nice walk in 06 and I look forward to following as much as I can. 05 was a tough personnal year for me, and you guys have often carried me at gig`s without knowing it. I want to thank all of you who buy the music, come to the shows and get behind all that the music aspires to. You continue to sustain and allow me to do what I want to do..thank you x And a happy new year to this planet, and all who make Her their home. May it be a better year for so many more than this one was, and lets hope and pray that any good that was done or started in 05 will be carried forward and reach fruition. Saw a quote the other day I liked; we have seen the darkness and we beg to differ. Absolutely, walk on. Peace and love, Martyn x A little hope to end with this year.. "It is not surprising that most people believe global violence is increasing. However, most people, including many leading policymakers and scholars, are wrong. The reality is that, since the end of the Cold War, armed conflict and nearly all other forms of political violence have decreased. The world is far more peaceful than it was." - Andrew Mack, director of the Human Security Center at the University of British Columbia and former UN official, describing how worldwide peacemaking efforts - despite some major failures - have been broadly and quietly successful.
Tour ended in Bristol last night. Its been another long run but I feel fresh and like I could have carried on. Have been very well looked after by a great team so big thanks to Mark and Paul. Will have plenty to do this week to catch up before Christmas so will write again later in the week. Thanks so much for coming out to the shows, there were some very special moments.
I know it’s been a while again, sorry. Gig after gig going well and thanks so much to those who have ventured out so far. Some good things are happening with the album; good early reviews and album of the week on Radio Wales. I’m really enjoying playing the new stuff. Had a few days off to rest the voice this week, though ended up playing a live session on radio Wales and playing with Show Of Hands at their Cardiff show. I have been compiling this years free CD for PQ members today; it’s a bunch of live tracks from the year. Onto more important things: "Personally it has always worried me that I am a `cheap` peacemaker.... talking, writing, demonstrating about peace is in no way taking risks like young servicemen in Iraq. I look for excuses why I should not become involved." Norman Kember, writing six months before he joined a peace delegation to Iraq. Kember, and two team members have been missing since they were abducted in a Baghdad suburb last Saturday.
Opened the UK tour in Coventry last night. Was really pleased with the night, especially as some things were happening for the first time. Each night is always a little different but I really enjoyed myself. I have to say I think the new album looks great. I think it’s the best looking CD we have put out: as the Americans would say..’Nice Packaging’.
Torture and the Whitehouse - 2005-11-10
from Dave Batstone The practice of torture by American soldiers is a hot topic at the Pentagon, in the Congress, and in the White House at the moment. The U.S. Senate already has passed 90-9 a bill that prohibits "cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment" of prisoners in U.S. custody. The lead advocate of the bill, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), was tortured by his captors during the Vietnam War. According to The New York Times, the Pentagon adopted a policy last Thursday to rein in interrogation techniques. The new policy uses much of the same language as the McCain amendment - drawn in large part from the Geneva Convention - to adopt standards for handling terror suspects. Remarkably, the White House opposes the Pentagon initiative, and threatens to veto any legislation to which the McCain bill gets attached. Vice President Dick Cheney has urged Republican senators to allow CIA counterterrorism operations internationally to be exempt from the ban on mistreatment of prisoners, major newspapers reported.
I`m listening to me! - 2005-11-09
Looks like new album will be in stock by the end of the week, which is great. I have actually found myself going for long walks and listening to it while on tour here. This is quite unusual for me, as I normally don’t want to listen to a recording at all once it’s complete. Shows going well here in Belgium. I’m playing a gig tonight to highlight the work of an organisation based in the hospital in Leuven called Leuven Medical Support. They take out equipment from the hospital to Africa and extend the necessary support and skill to use it. Last night we surprised the Carrine, the wife of John Piere, who runs the festival in Inglemunster, where I played a few years ago. I turned up to play a few songs at a surprise birthday party for her. I guess if things go badly wrong I could always start doing birthdays and weddings, but the material would need to change a little.
Listening without listening - 2005-11-06
Walked today alone through Belgian countryside and listened to the new album properly for the first time. That might sound a little weird but by ‘properly’ I mean without listening to mix’s but rather letting it just take me on a journey. Just let it swim over me and listened without listening if that makes sense. I’m happy with it now and it’s going to be interesting to feel out what everyone else thinks. Comments from those who have already heard have been very positive. It has been a while since I last typed here..sorry. American/Canadian tour finished nicely. We taped the show in Toronto and it came out well, so maybe we will put that out in some way. Flew home for a few days of catching up, the box set came out nice, very pleased with that, then headed out to Belfast for a great night in support of the WWF (that’s the wildlife folk not the wrestling) and then here for a week’s touring in Belgium. I’m very much looking forward to starting up the shows with the new album in the U.K. It’s about to start all over again…
Frightening to think that I’m old enough to be Chris’s father. Chris is tour managing me, but it’s a different Chris to last time though he was young enough for me to be his father too. Still, I’m kicking this Chris’s ass at guess the song just the same. Chris May is on tour with someone else in Australia, so I’m in the hands of Chris Puxley. And fine hands they are too. Sang at a Democratic Party fundraiser today; offered my services to the Republicans but they declined. Played a show in Ridgefield tonight, day off tomorrow then off up into Massachusetts for two gigs before heading back to Canada.
Opened for the Strawbs in Pittsburgh and Washington. They were my first ever gig I went to when I was 16. It was an open-air show in Cardiff Castle with Status Quo amongst others. You have to admire the fact that they are still going..good for them. Day off in Washington, toured the memorials again, memories of last time I was here before the election. Also, the Museum of American Indian history..beautiful.
Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and Wallace and Grommit - 2005-10-11
Grand Rapids, Detroit, Cleveland. Nice little gigs and moving on across this vast plain. Staggered that a kind lady called Nancy would get on two planes flying in from Memphis, to here me play in Cleveland, having not even heard me play live before. She said it was worth it but I doubt it, because i must. Day off today, went to Rock n Roll hall of fame in downtown Cleveland and to see the new Wallace and Grommit movie this evening. Dragged one’s head into a different place for an hour or so.
USA/Canada and no zzzzz - 2005-10-06
Played Winnipeg, Manitoba last night and Ames, Iowa tonight. They are not close, especially when you go via Denver, sleep not allowed, just security and check in and soundchecks..all good though.
About to catch a flight from Toronto to Winnipeg. Managed to complete album with big help from Nige before I left. Very frustrating not being able to here the final master before I left but I know it’s in good hands. I think its ok; it will tell its own story and do some good I hope. It will be called ‘Deep Blue’. She is a bright and healthy baby with certain sadness in her eyes, and I can’t wait to watch her walk for the first time.
Where Did Ya Go Boy? - 2005-09-22
I know what your thinking..where the hell is he, not doodling in diary, not like him. Well, deep in the midst of all sorts and hey, if you have nothing to say, then say nothing. Truth is, album is shaping up but with looming deadline, has to be completed in next 10 days, along with much else including American visa which as ever is a pain, box sets, t shirts and general deep thoughts that are not always easy to translate into diary entries. Looking forward to bleating at the Hitchin Folk Club on Sunday, new laments to be tried out. Just going to let the music do the talking right now x
Pat Robinsons latest, and response from Jim Wallis - 2005-08-26
Who would Jesus assassinate? "I don`t know about this doctrine of assassination, but if he thinks we`re trying to assassinate him, I think we really ought to go ahead and do it. It`s a whole lot cheaper than starting a war, and I don`t think any oil shipments will stop. But this man is a terrific danger, and this is in our sphere of influence, so we can`t let this happen. We have the Monroe Doctrine, and we have other doctrines that we have announced, and without question, this is a dangerous enemy to our south, controlling a huge pool of oil that could hurt us very badly. We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don`t need another 200-billion-dollar war to get rid of one strong-arm dictator. It`s a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with." Pat Robertson, advocating the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Pat Robertson: An embarrassment to the church by Jim Wallis Pat Robertson is an embarrassment to the church and a danger to American politics. Robertson is known for his completely irresponsible statements - that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were due to American feminists and liberals, that true Christians could vote only for George W. Bush, that the federal judiciary is a greater threat to America than those who flew the planes into the World Trade Center Towers, and the list goes on. Robertson even took credit once for diverting a hurricane. But his latest outburst may take the cake. On Monday, Robertson called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Robertson is worried about Chavez`s critiques of American power and behavior in the world, especially because Venezuela is sitting on all that oil. We simply can`t have an anti-American political leader who could raise the price of gas. So let`s just kill him, the famous television preacher seriously suggested. After all, having some of our "covert operatives" take out the troublesome Venezuelan leader would be cheaper than another $200 billion war, he said. It`s clear Robertson must not have first asked himself "What would Jesus do?" But the teachings of Jesus have never been very popular with Robertson. He gets his religion elsewhere, from the twisted ideologies of an American brand of right-wing fundamentalism that has always been more nationalist than Christian. Apparently, Robertson didn`t even remember what the Ten Commandments say, though he has championed their display on the walls of every American courthouse. That irritating one about "Thou shalt not kill" seems to rule out the killing of foreign leaders. But this week, simply putting biblical ethics aside, Robertson virtually issued an American religious fatwah for the murder of a foreign leader - on national television no less. That may be a first. Yesterday Robertson "apologized." First he denied saying what he had said, but it was on the videotape (it`s tough when they record you breaking the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus). Then he said that "taking out" Chavez might not require killing him, and perhaps kidnapping a duly elected leader would do. But Robertson does now say that using the word "assassination" was wrong and that he had been frustrated by Chavez - the old "my frustration made me say that somebody should be killed" argument. But the worst thing about Robertson`s apology was that he compared himself to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German church leader and martyr who ultimately joined in a plot to assassinate Adolph Hitler. Robertson`s political and theological reasoning is simply unbelievable. Chavez, a democratically elected leader in no less than three internationally certified votes, has been an irritant to the Bush administration, but has yet to commit any holocausts. Nor does his human rights record even approach that of the Latin American dictators who have been responsible for massive violations of human rights and the deaths of tens of thousands of people (think of the military regimes of Chile, Argentina, El Salvador, and Guatemala). Robertson never criticized them, perhaps because many of them were supported by U.S. military aid and training. This incident reveals that Robertson does not believe in democracy; he believes in theocracy. And he would like governments, including our own, to implement his theological agenda, perhaps legislate Leviticus, and "take out" those who disagree. Robertson`s American fundamentalist ideology gives a lot of good people a bad name. World evangelical leaders have already responded with alarm and disbelief. Robertson`s words will taint and smear other evangelical Christians and put some in actual jeopardy, such as Venezuelan evangelicals. Most conservative evangelical Christians are appalled by Robertson`s hateful and literally murderous words, and it`s time for them to say so. To their credit, the World Evangelical Alliance and the National Association of Evangelicals have already denounced Robertson`s words. When will we hear from some of the groups from the "Religious Right," such as the Family Research Council, Southern Baptists, and other leaders like James Dobson, Tony Perkins, and Chuck Colson? Robertson`s words fuel both anti-Christian and anti-American sentiments around the world. It`s difficult for an American government that has historically plotted against leaders in Cuba, Chile, the Congo, South Vietnam, and elsewhere to be easily believed when it disavows Robertson`s call to assassinate Chavez. But George Bush must do so anyway, in the strongest terms possible. It`s time to name Robertson for what he is: an American fundamentalist whose theocratic views are not much different from the "Muslim extremists" he continually assails. It`s time for conservative evangelical Christians in America, who are not like Islamic fundamentalists or Robertson, to distance themselves from his embarrassing and dangerous religion. And it`s time for Christian leaders of all stripes to call on Robertson not just to apologize, but to retire.
Brazilian Hypocrisy - 2005-08-24
The shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes is a terrible thing and there are questions that need answering. His family deserve the truth and we do democracy, justice and truth no service by covering up mistakes. My heart goes out to his loved ones and I have great empathy and compassion for what they must be going through. I did, however, think that the smell of hypocrisy was strong when the Brazilian government sent a delegation over declaring their outrage at these sad and tragic events. I thought of the thousands of street children murdered by the authorities in that country, and of course the great struggle of my friends the MST for a fair deal, land for the landless and indeed, justice for the seventeen murdered in 96 including 17year old Oziel Alvarez. It stinks and I can only hope that these issues will be raised when the officials from Brazil meet with the powers to be here. Fat chance I guess. Recording going well, hot and sweaty in studioland.
Jim Wallis in todays New York Times - 2005-08-04
Lot of good stuff here. Thanks to everyone at the TTQ message board by the way, for rasing £1000 + for War Child through T Shirt sales. M x This op-ed by Jim Wallis is reprinted from today`s edition of The New York Times. The Message Thing By JIM WALLIS Since the 2004 election, there has been much soul-searching and hand-wringing, especially among Democrats, about how to "frame" political messages. The loss to George W. Bush was painful enough, but the Republicans` post-election claims of mandate, and their triumphal promises to relegate the Democrats to permanent minority status, left political liberals in a state of panic. So the minority party has been searching, some would say desperately, for the right "narrative": the best story line, metaphors, even magic words to bring back electoral success. The operative term among Democratic politicians and strategists has become "framing." How to tell the story has become more important than the story itself. And that could be a bigger mistake for the Democrats than the ones they made during the election. Language is clearly important in politics, but the message remains more important than the messaging. In the interests of full disclosure, let me note that I have been talking to the Democrats about both. But I believe that first, you must get your message straight. What are your best ideas, and what are you for - as opposed to what you`re against in the other party`s message? Only when you answer those questions can you figure out how to present your message to the American people. Because the Republicans, with the help of the religious right, have captured the language of values and religion (narrowly conceived as only abortion and gay marriage), the Democrats have also been asking how to "take back the faith." But that means far more than throwing a few Bible verses into policy discussions, offering candidates some good lines from famous hymns, or teaching them how to clap at the right times in black churches. Democrats need to focus on the content of religious convictions and the values that underlie them. The discussion that shapes our political future should be one about moral values, but the questions to ask are these: Whose values? Which values? And how broadly and deeply will our political values be defined? Democrats must offer new ideas and a fresh agenda, rather than linguistic strategies to sell an old set of ideologies and interest group demands. To be specific, I offer five areas in which the Democrats should change their message and then their messaging. First, somebody must lead on the issue of poverty, and right now neither party is doing so. The Democrats assume the poverty issue belongs to them, but with the exception of John Edwards in his 2004 campaign, they haven`t mustered the gumption to oppose a government that habitually favors the wealthy over everyone else. Democrats need new policies to offer the 36 million Americans, including 13 million children, who live below the poverty line, as well as the 9.8 million families one recent study identified as "working hard but falling short." In fact, the Democrats should draw a line in the sand when it comes to wartime tax cuts for the wealthy, rising deficits, and the slashing of programs for low-income families and children. They need proposals that combine to create a "living family income" for wage-earners, as well as a platform of "fair trade," as opposed to just free trade, in the global economy. Such proposals would cause a break with many of the Democrats` powerful corporate sponsors, but they would open the way for a truly progressive economic agenda. Many Americans, including religious voters who see poverty as a compelling issue of conscience, desire such a platform. Similarly, a growing number of American Christians speak of the environment as a religious concern - one of stewardship of God`s creation. The National Association of Evangelicals recently called global warming a faith issue. But Republicans consistently choose oil and gas interests over a cleaner world. The Democrats need to call for the reversal of these priorities. They must insist that private interests should never obstruct our country`s path to a cleaner and more efficient energy future, let alone hold our foreign policy hostage to the dictates of repressive regimes in the Middle East. On the issues that Republicans have turned into election-winning "wedges," Democrats will win back "values voters" only with fresh ideas. Abortion is one such case. Democrats need to think past catchphrases, like "a woman`s right to choose," or the alternative, "safe, legal and rare." More than 1 million abortions are performed every year in this country. The Democrats should set forth proposals that aim to reduce that number by at least half. Such a campaign could emphasize adoption reform, health care, and child care; combating teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse; improving poor and working women`s incomes; and supporting reasonable restrictions on abortion, like parental notification for minors (with necessary legal protections against parental abuse). Such a program could help create some much-needed common ground. As for "family values," the Democrats can become the truly pro-family party by supporting parents in doing the most important and difficult job in America: raising children. They need to adopt serious pro-family policies, including some that defend children against Hollywood sleaze and Internet pornography. That`s an issue that has come to be identified with the religious right. But when I say in public lectures that being a parent is now a countercultural activity, I`ve found that liberal and conservative parents agree. Rather than fighting over gay marriage, the Democrats must show that it is indeed possible to be "pro-family" and in favor of gay civil rights at the same time. Finally, on national security, Democrats should argue that the safety of the United States depends on the credibility of its international leadership. We can secure that credibility in Iraq only when we renounce any claim to oil or future military bases - something Democrats should advocate as the first step toward bringing other countries to our side. While Republicans have argued that international institutions are too weak to be relied upon in the age of terrorism, Democrats should suggest reforming them, creating a real International Criminal Court with an enforcement body, for example, as well as an international force capable of intervening in places like Darfur. Stronger American leadership in reducing global poverty would also go a long way toward improving the country`s image around the world. Until Democrats are willing to be honest about the need for new social policy and compelling political vision, they will never get the message right. Find the vision first, and the language will follow. Jim Wallis, the editor of Sojourners magazine, is the author of "God`s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn`t Get It."
It’s hard to find words these days. The sadness we feel as outsiders cannot begin to approach the mind numbing grief of anyone who looses a loved one, anywhere on this planet, before time would have suggested such a moment. For it to happen by mindless violence is an obscenity. Where it ends I know not. Though I would never condone it, I think I can understand the pain in a soul that would lead to retribution against those that may harm you or those close to you. But to take it out on innocents who have personally done nothing to hurt or aid those that you have grievances against, will always be an act of cowardice to me. Just watched my boyhood hero Jack Nicklaus play his last ever hole of competitive golf at the Open at St Andrews. Amazing scenes and befitting of such a giant of a figure in sport. The affection he is held in was so obvious and, though it remains a mystery and part of this great walk, it is always sad when some things have to end.
Live 8, G8. It’s quite a week. I enjoyed what I saw of the Live 8 gig last weekend, and, for the most part, thought everyone did a decent job. Adrenalin got the better of a few, but the overall feeling was one of folk coming together under a certain amount of cajoling for something they basically believed in. For me it spells hope, common ground and humanity. Best moment for me was when Sting sang ‘Every Breath You Take’ with pictures of the G8 leaders behind him and worst moment was Snoop Dog. A little bad language doesn’t bother me, but his constant foul mouthed and self-absorbed lyrics were at total odds with what the day was about. It’s the names of the people dying in Africa we were about not his. ‘What’s my name?’ I wish all 150,000 of the crowd had yelled back ‘wanker’. George Bush arrives at Gleneagles, gets on his bike and puts a policeman in hospital. Classic stuff and I wont hold that against him. The anarchists would be proud too, but there behaviour disgusts me. They are an insult to the very folk they may claim to be fighting for and it of course undermines the good work being done by the millions that have been united under Make Poverty History. However, if those leaders get back on their jets with blood on their hands, then we should not approach forgiveness for there lack of decency. Theirs would be an act of the greatest ignorance in the face of overwhelming evidence and opinion of heart from much of the population of the planet.
Last Night`s Show for Advantage Africa - 2005-06-29
Email received today after last nights show in Milton Keynes. Thanks so much to all who came and helped to make it a great evening. Look what you did!! Hi Martyn, I don`t have an exact final total for how much we raised but we hope to have raised £1,230 after all the costs have been covered. This is a fabulous amount and much more than we have ever raised from a one-off event before. Its enough for a stone water tank, a school kitchen, a nurse`s salary for nearly two years ... We took £100 in donations, ran out of white bands, had an invitation to talk at a school, a pledge of a regular monthly gift, gave out about 100 MPH postcards and a stack of white bands as well as creating a lot of goodwill. People were clearly engaging with the theme and we had double the interest at our stall than at one of your regular gigs. We so appreciate you, Brian, Cathy, Karen, Paul, JJ and everyone else that made the evening such a success. Best wishes, Andrew Advantage Africa
Guantanamo and human rights: Practicing what we preach by Jim Rice advertisement Guantanamo Bay has become not only a symbol of the U.S. government`s hypocrisy and dishonesty - or "disassembling," as President Bush might put it - around the war on terror. The prison camp has become one of the more egregious examples of the cost of unaccountable power. Human rights groups have long documented the abuse of prisoners at Guantanamo, including desecration of the Quran. (The International Committee of the Red Cross issued credible reports in 2002 and 2003 on mistreatment of the Islamic holy book, which last week even the Pentagon admitted.) The 540 prisoners at the facility have been held incommunicado, denied access to legal counsel, and, in fact, denied the most basic aspects of legal process. The Bush administration has given mutually contradictory rationalizations for its treatment of prisoners there, claiming on the one hand that those incarcerated are effectively prisoners of war and in other circumstances that they are terrorist criminals. Yet the administration has refused to honor either the Geneva Conventions for treatment of POWs or the rights granted the accused under U.S. criminal law. Defenders of Guantanamo and the policies it represents are quick to point out that our treatment of prisoners is far better than that meted out by the U.S.`s terrorist enemies - or the "gulag" of the former Soviet Union, for that matter. Fair enough. But if the U.S. is to continue to claim a place as a world leader for human rights, our standards must be infinitely higher and conform to or surpass international norms. We must not be satisfied with merely being "better" than al Qaeda or Stalin. Former President Jimmy Carter has joined human rights groups, led by Amnesty International and others, in calling for the closing of Guantanamo Bay. "The U.S. continues to suffer terrible embarrassment and a blow to our reputation...because of reports concerning abuses of prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo," Carter said, according to an A.P. report. President Bush refused to rule out the closing of the facility, saying the administration was "exploring all alternatives" for detaining the prisoners. Guantanamo should be closed. But simply closing the facility - and either moving the detainees to another location or returning them to their country of origin - is not enough. If the United States is to regain any credibility as an advocate of human rights around the world, it must begin to practice what it preaches in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in Guantanamo, and everywhere else. The erosion of respect for human rights by U.S. personnel didn`t begin at Abu Ghraib or Guantanamo Bay, and the responsibility for it goes all the way to the top.
Have ejoyed playing the shows in the last week or so. There is nothing like the feel of a live show under your fingers. Writing a song sitting on a couch may be a place of birth but it isnt life. Playing the songs life is where the thing starts to breathe and i`m pleased with the response to some new material. All the gigs have been cool but special mention to the MJ choir at Fibbers who sang just about evry word they knew. Thank you x
Magnificant Bruce - 2005-05-29
A friend called Will took me up onto the roof of The Albert Hall last night. We surveyed London at 360 degree’s, then moved down to his lighting box. Bruce came on and sat at a little pump organ and sang ‘My Beautiful Reward’. Untold emotion that I have felt for months poured out, and for a few moments redemption breathed. It was simply stunning and he remains priceless.
Long time no write something. Have been setting up our new offices and studio and am now an expert on everything Ikea. Recorded a programme for BBC Wales this week in their songwriter series. It will air in a month or so (we will let you know) and consists of an hour’s conversation about how I try to write etc. It felt good, so hopefully will sound all right. Looking forward to getting stuck into the new studio now and getting creative.
In case you need some guidance - 2005-05-03
When i took part in the Poverty gig in Bristol with Billy Bragg a few weeks ago, i asked him about voteing in the up coming election. His reply to me was the thread of an article he wrote in `The Independant` yesterday. You can help the Lib Dems by voting Labour by Billy Bragg: To anti-war friends, I say: if you want a left-of-centre goverment, then vote tactically 02 May 2005 I have a number of friends who are telling me that they won`t be voting in the coming election. Natural Labour supporters, they cannot bring themselves to vote for a government that took us to war. While I share their opposition to the invasion of Iraq, I strongly disagree with their decision not to vote. The arguments we have sound a lot like the dialogue between Little Britain`s Lou and Andy: "What do you want from this election?" "Want to punish New Labour." "But that means they`ll lose lots of seats to the Tories." "Yeah, I know." "But you don`t like the Tories." "Yeah, I know." "You`re against the war. The Tories voted for the war and you want to reward them." "Yeah, I know." I just hope that, the morning after the election, my friends are not looking at a victorious Conservative Party and glumly saying: "Don`t want that one. Want that one." Because there is just no way of "punishing" New Labour without rewarding the Tories. Of the 77 seats the Government has to retain to stay in power, only a handful are vulnerable to the Liberal Democrats. The rest, if they fall, will go to Michael Howard. Even if Blair wins with a reduced majority, as some hope, Labour abstentions will have helped to create a resurgent Conservative Party who will feel that there is political capital to be gained by pandering to racism. The truth is that Howard is relying on my anti-war friends staying at home on election day. That`s why he is spending the last few days of the campaign attacking the Prime Minister. He knows that many progressives are very angry with Blair and hopes they will think of that on polling day, rather than the possibility of a Conservative government. Knowing that a low turnout will favour the Tories, Howard has stirred up hatred of immigrants in the hope of bringing his core supporters to the polling station, and is now promoting hatred of Blair to keep Labour supporters away. Progressive voters, particularly those in seats which only Labour or the Conservatives can win, face hard choices: vote Labour and Blair will see the result as a vindication of his term in office, pushing for more "unremittingly New Labour" policies and greater closeness with George Bush. Cast a protest vote and run the risk that a Tory MP will be elected. Faced with these two outcomes, is it any wonder that some might seek to wash their hands of the whole process by abstaining? Yet there is a third outcome on offer at this election - one which could help shift the centre of gravity of British politics to the left. The Liberal Democrats are hoping to make big gains at this election. They have a realistic chance of taking 75-plus seats, giving them their biggest-ever total. Yet this would make little difference to the parliamentary arithmetic if the Tories win, say, 200 seats while Labour scrapes home with a workable majority. It would be a pyrrhic victory for the Liberal Democrats if, having defeated Oliver Letwin in West Dorset, their supporters in seats like neighbouring South Dorset vote in a way that helps the Tories to win that seat back from Labour. Cynics would still claim that a Liberal Democrat vote is a wasted vote. In order for the Liberal Democrats to come out of this election with the momentum to challenge New Labour, the Tories must not prosper. At the last election, tactical voting kept Tory gains to the absolute minimum - they only took one seat in the whole country. This time, given the presence of UKIP, tactical voting could result in the Tories losing seats - maybe as many as 30. If that happens, the Conservative Party will go into a tailspin, clearing the way for the Liberal Democrats to become the official opposition. However, for this third outcome to unfold, Liberal Democrat supporters in seats that only Labour or the Tories are capable of winning will have to act in the long-term interest of their party by voting tactically for the Labour candidate. I realise that this will not be easy for them - many feel very strongly about Iraq. But look what has happened in Scotland. There, Liberal Democrats have forced New Labour to move to the left on issues such as tuition fees and care for the elderly. I believe if the Liberal Democrats were to replace the Tories as the official opposition at Westminster, a New Labour administration would be forced to tack left to deal with the perceived threat. So I say to my anti-war friends: if you want left-of-centre government, then vote tactically by supporting whichever party will defeat the Tories. It is the best way to reward the Liberal Democrats for their principled stance on the war.
Managed to grab an early copy of Bruce Springsteen’s new album on the weekend. Devils and Dust is a great work. Its pretty dark in places but with presence of light through it all, spiritual and worldly, sparse and full. He impresses me greatly. A great hold and understanding of the human journey despite his own success story. Highly recommended. Chris (tour manager) just called me this morning form the USA. He was on his way back from Seattle to Vancouver having seen U2. He said it was amazing, like a religious experience. The world is so much better for artists like this, lifting our chins to truth and pain. And how they will be missed in the future at some point, especially as there seem to be few fit to tie there boot laces following on.
Bristol, Bragg, Politics.. - 2005-04-19
Great night last Friday at the Colston Hall in Bristol, with Billy Bragg and friends. Steve and i played a thirty minute set along with other folks like comedian Mark Steele and speakers, George Monbiot and Charles Abyrge. The whole evening raised global issues such as Make Poverty History. I was fascinated listening to Billy both on and off stage, especially this close to a general election. His understanding of the political system in this country certainly put me to shame and made me think. My good friend Stephen Fearing from Canada is touring these parts this month. The dates are below and if you can make a show you will love it. He is a great artist. STEPHEN FEARING SPRING TOUR (UK) www.stephenfearing.com Tue 19/04/2005 Newry Frontier Music Club at The Bank, Trevor Hill Tel: 02830 313180 Fri 22/04/2005 Claygate Ram Club, Foley Arms, Hare Lane, Claygate, Esher, Surrey www.theramclub.co.uk Tel. 020 86869421 Sat 23/04/2005 Belper Queens Head, 29 Chesterfield Road, Belper, Derbyshire Tel: 01773 826750 Sun 24/04/2005 Nottingham The Gladstone, 45 Loscoe Road, Carrington Tel: 0770 226926 Mon 25/04/2005 Manchester The Unicorn, Bridge Street www.popartrecords.co.uk Tel: 0161 832 1111 Tue 26/04/2005 Marlborough Town Hall (opening for While & Matthews’ Blue Tapestry) Wed 27/04/2005 Bristol Jongleurs, Baldwin Street Tel: 0117 9661968 Thur 28/04/2005 Worcester Huntingdon Hall (opening for While & Matthews’ Blue Tapestry) Fri 29/04/2005 Weymouth Weymouth Drama Club, Hope Street, Brewers Quay, Weymouth Tel: 01305 778689 (Angela & Ken) Sat 30/04/2005 Kingsbridge Hazelwood House, nr Loddiswell, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 4EB www.hazelwoodhouse.com Tel. 01548 821232 Tue 03/05/2005 Hempstead Bluebell Inn, High Street, Hempstead, Saffron Walden Essex CB10 2PD Tel. 01799 599199
Yikes, a whole tour without a diary entry. Have got a little lazy this time around but have immensely enjoyed the tour with Steve. It’s been good to be able to take it a little easier on the stage and at times just be there playing guitar to accompany Mr Knightley. Our understanding of each others craft continues to grow and each show reflected this. All were pretty memorable but I think the last show in Sheffield on Sunday was the one I will remember the most. This is probably because it was the end of 17 months on the road with a record number of gigs. I need to count them all up but it’s around 280 odd shows, but it was a great night beyond that. I was really pleased with the response to the ‘Make Poverty History’ part of the show, and we sold over 700 wristbands through the tour. Thanks to all of you who came out to these gigs. I’m sure Steve and I will make more music together in the future, though it may not be for a few years as we pursue other paths and projects. So it’s pick up the threads again time. Lots of re arranging for me, dreams to dream; write and create and find a map that tells me where to go next with all of this. It’s a little strange coming off the road, it takes time for the mind to settle and for eyes not to look at the clock at 8 pm and think its time to play.
The Other Side Of Normal - 2005-03-09
Played Hugh’s Room in Toronto for the fourth time and we finally filled the place. I love that room; just love it. Earlier in the day I played at World Visions Headquarters just outside of the city, and it was good to meet up with the folks there who are doing a fantastic job of working with the some pf the poorest people on the planet. I learnt more about their operation and I’m very happy to be endorsing their work on the road in Canada, and I’m very grateful to Mike Bowman who is responsible for connecting with artists for asking me to be involved. The next day we flew into Detroit and drove the short drive to Ann Arbour, which is where the tour started some five weeks ago. This time I played my own show at the Ark, which was attended by my good friends at Flemming Artists who represent me over here. I think I gave a decent account of myself as they haven’t removed me form their books, at least as far as I know! On Saturday we drove five hours North to Bloomington Illinois and played to a large crowd at the University. It was a great night on which to end the tour. We were staying, believe it or not, in a town called ‘Normal’, just outside Bloomington. Here they have Normal police and a Normal butchers etc. Therefore my gig in Bloomington was just on the other side of Normal; and I could go on but I will spare you. Flew home from Chicago yesterday. What a marathon tour but a good one and an extension of a longer marathon that continues this week with Steve Knightley in the UK. My thanks go to all the promoters and those who came out in Canada and America. I’m tired but this is a great job.
Snow cancels show - 2005-03-02
Winnipeg has plenty of snow. When I was there for the folk festival last summer it was too hot to move. Had a very memorable night at the West End Cultural Centre, where a sold out crowd give as much to me as I to them. Great to see friends like the Terri’s and others I have come to know here, and Russ Romaniuk’s family and friends came out in force. Was able to tell them that Russ had won man of the match against London back in Cardiff that evening. The news that Wales had beaten France in Paris was an added bonus. Just a couple of hours sleep before catching an early morning flight to Regina in Saskatchewan, which looked like a nice place but didn’t have much chance to check it out. Nice gig there then fly to Ottawa via Toronto where a snowstorm has hit the city. This morning I woke up in Ottawa to a blizzard and by the time Chris had flown in from Vancouver after a few days away, we knew we had a problem. After speaking to promoter Paul it became obvious that the sensible thing to do was cancel tonight’s show in Wakefield and try and get through to Toronto by car as soon as possible. I hate cancelling gigs, and have only ever dont it a few times in twenty years, but I will be back here as I play the Ottawa Folk Festival in August and will make sure I play the Black Sheep in Wakefield again (played there last Sept) in the not too distant future. So after a slow drive due to abnormal weather conditions we made Toronto where I play on Thursday. Tomorrow morning I will play for the staff of World Vision who’s works I have been pushing at the gigs here. They are a relief organisation with a big emphasis on child sponsorship and artists like Sarah McLaughlin and the Bare-naked Ladies have endorsed their work. Snow is still swirling and dancing in the wind outside my hotel. Back in the UK it would shut us down, here it’s just another winters day.
Banff, Calgary and Cochrane - 2005-02-26
Banff, though a tourist magnet, is just sublime. To come here and actually be paid for doing so causes me to pinch myself. The Banff centre is a superb facility for the arts and I have loved each of the three times I have now played there. The setting takes your breath away on a 360 degrees angle, you cant fail to be impressed wherever you look. The Bow River that I canoed on in the summer is now walkable. Kurt Bagnell, who runs the place, is a star; enough said. Great to play again in Calgary. I have played a lot of shows here in the past few years and I realise that I’m probably not going to be through again for a year or so. I performed at most of the major festivals in Canada last year and have to concentrate on the States this summer. I will miss Her though, and leave a chunk of my heart here to pick up next time. The gig was in the Macewan Hall in the University with a PA system big enough for me to sound like U2..cool! My good friend Sam Matorana from West Jet flew in with Kim to surprise me, which indeed he did. Chris opened the door of the car for me out the hotel and I get in totally unaware of Sam and Kim hiding in the seats behind. They got me hook line and whatever! Tonight I played the delightful town of Cochrane. The gig was in a Ranchhouse opposite the Southern Baptist Seminary. I wonder what Northern Baptists are like? In the morning will fly to Winnipeg to play there tomorrow night. We are hurtling towards the end of this tour.
Prince George, Edmonton, Athabasca.. - 2005-02-22
Great to be back in Prince George but its all to quick. Limited time to be with folk who are now dear friends and I don’t think I will be back for a year now. Still, it will always have a special place in my thoughts as it was here that I played my first Canadian show back in 99. Thirteen year old Emily Wilson played violin on ‘All This Time’ and brought the house down! Sunday flew to Edmonton and had a great show at the Museum Theatre. I still have to pinch myself to see so many folk coming out for a show of mine on the other side of the world. Voice a little hoarse this night though it’s a little dry in Edmonton. Cold though and more snow than Prince George which was a surprise. They are not getting the prolonged cold of winters past which means that some harmful bugs are not being taken care of which means that they are loosing square miles of trees every year. Still, the USA and Australia are not worried about that and continue to ignore the treaty that everyone else is signing up for. Tonight I played the small town of Athabasca. My new Santa Cruz guitar made it’s debut and sounded very nice.
Leaving Alaska through security and Northern Lights - 2005-02-18
Just past through security at Anchorage airport. I was picked out for a random search and the young and muscle bound customs official asked me where I was from. I could tell from the puzzled look on his face that he wasn’t sure where Wales was but when I said Gt. Britain he got the picture. ‘The British are the only one’s I like over there in Europe’ he said. I replied that the rest aren’t that bad at all but it was weak and as I put my shoes back on I searched for a better answer. By the time I had it he had moved on, and whilst I considered going across to him to carry on the conversation I didn’t want to be hauled off to a back room to miss my flight. What I should have said was that you shouldn’t judge a country by the decisions that its government make. Don’t think he would have agreed with the theory though judging by the posters of 9/11 stuck on his work area. Why don’t the right replies come quicker? Maybe its because it was midnight and I’m catching flights through the night. From Anchorage to Seattle, then to Vancouver, and finally to Prince George. I was driven straight to the airport from the show I played this evening in Palmer. Earlier in the day some very kind folks who were at last night’s gig (Dave, John and Terry) drove me around for a few hours and showed me a small piece of this beautiful state. Alaska is every thing I thought it would be and more; breathtakingly beautiful, rugged, angry, peaceful and worlds apart from mainstream America. The gigs were great and I look forward to returning to explore more. I’m now sat in Vancouver airport waiting for the last flight of this long night (though its now the next day) to Prince George. Had the wonderful experience of flying out of Alaska with the plane surrounded by the phenomena that is the Northern Light’s. Just hauntingly mystical and beautiful.
Anchorage and Earthquakes - 2005-02-17
Woke up to an earthquake in Anchorage. I kid you not. The lamps shook and the building swayed, my room is on the 14th floor of the hotel. It’s so cool to be here at the last frontier. Ever since I read Call Of The Wild by Jack London I have wanted to come here. So I took in a little of the place and then played a cool show in a place called Suzi’s Wollies. It’s a wool shop that becomes a gig venue and it works great, though I have never before played a gig to folk when 4 members of the audience were knitting. Plenty of supplies around if they ran out of wool. This is a great place; it just feels different. Surrounded by snow covered mountains and frozen water. Will explore a bit more tomorrow but have to catch a flight straight after the show in Palmer tomorrow night and travel through the night to get to Prince George, Its no where near enough time to take this place in but it feels good to say I have played in Anchorage, Alaska.
Vancouver to Victoria to Alaska - 2005-02-16
Flew from Kelowna to Vancouver on Sunday to play at the Capilano College Theatre. This was the furth time I have played there now and its just gets better every time. Lovely sound which was inspiring and it was a good night. Got to hang out with Mike MacWilliam after the show..miss the big man. He’s off to Wales next week to skate out in Vez Sacratini’s testimonial game (hockey) and I’m jealous. Up sharp on Monday morning to catch the ferry for the glorious sail across to Victoria on Vancouver Island where we did a pre record for an evening TV show and then played a show at the Gibson Auditorium. I’m not sure my gig is the place to be on Valentines day but out they came, Monday as well! My good friend and cool blues guy Mark reeves was in town so he opened up the show, which worked well. He joined me on blues harp on Sundays Coming. I’m writing this in Seattle airport waiting for my flight to Anchorage, Alaska. Chris dropped me off at the airport earlier as I will be on my won till I hook up with him in Edmonton on Sunday. It will take three flights to get to Alaska but I’m very much looking forward to the experience. I have wanted to go there for a long time.
Seattle then Canada - 2005-02-13
Happening show in Seattle, the club was just about full. It’s still a cool feeling to cross the world and find folk who know your music and come out to hear you play. Caught an early flight to Kelowna, B.C. Canada where I played a large hall in town tonight. Great to be back in this country.
Leaving California for Oregon Neon - 2005-02-11
Mondays show in Santa Cruz was preceded by a radio interview and a visit to the offices of Santa Cruz guitars. They make some of the finest guitars I have ever seen there so one may appear in my hands soon! Nice shows there and at the Freight and Salvage in Berkley on Tuesday. I have played there three times now and its one of my favourite venues anywhere. Tool two flights to Eugene, Oregon yesterday. Second flight was delayed so when we got into town we drove straight to a CD store where I was playing at an in store promo gig. There was a guy there who had a copy of Being There he bought in 92 for me to sign. From the CD store to the gig, sound check and play. Late night food at Denny’s all night dinner..folk laugh here when they find we like eating there but I love it. Today we drove up to Portland, more radio then managed to chill at the..ahem..hotel for a few hours. Its actually a motel and is famed for having the second largest Neon sign, with its name on, on the whole of the west coast. That it may have but that’s about all it has. Anyhow, it’s a roof over ones head and that’s more than many have. Played a great space called the Mississippi studios here in Portland tonight. Headed for all night Denny’s after the show. Taste the chicken soup and tell me it’s not the best.
San Jose, Santa Rosa and Wales - 2005-02-07
At the gig in San Jose were Steve Meredith and his wife. Steve originates from my hometown of Penarth, same schools etc. Had not expected to hear the names of various local haunts back in Wales mentioned that evening, it’s indeed a small world. Right now there is another link between Cardiff and San Jose as due to the NHL lockout, a hockey played called Rob Davidson who normally plays for the San Jose Sharks is playing for the Cardiff Devils. Good to be back playing in Santa Rosa too. A great bunch of folk to play for, especially considering the fact that at one point in the show, when encouraging them to sing along I said ‘come on San Jose’..oops and apologies. Did two radio shows in the day as well. Watched the Superbowl final in the lounge of the Fairmount hotel in San Francisco today which was ok, but I can only imagine the excitement in Cardiff yesterday when Wales toppled the English. It was mentioned in dispatches to a bemused Californian crowd last night.
Played Los Angeles tonight for the first time since 1993. Someone who came to the show had been at that gig in the Wilton Theatre, and had been waiting for me to return! That’s nice. Sound checked and then had to move the gear back so that the yoga class could take place..just like any other stadium rock gig. Enjoyed the show and nice to hear the stories of how folk have discovered the music. Just knocked on Chris’s door to find out where we are flying early tomorrow. It’s Oakland. What a sad indictment that I don’t even know where were going!
From snow to sun and memories of Joan Rivers - 2005-02-03
Chicago, Ft Atkinson, then fly to LA via Phoenix. Amazing contrast in the weather and skies. LA is, well, LA. Went back to some old roaming grounds here last night. Spent a decent amount of time here in the early nineties and nothing much has changed. Was good to walk into Tower Records on Sunset Blvd and find a copy of the album in the ailes. I used to stay in the Bel Age hotel off Suset here. I remembered as i popped in there last night of when (and i`m about to name drop a little) i got into the lift to go up to the pool and Joan Rivers was in the lift going to a wedding with a number of others. She looked at me in my state of undress and eclared i must be with the groom!
Nothing quite prepares you for the snap of the cold. It takes your breath away. Minus ten and beautiful. Played the Ann Arbor folk festival tonight. The Indigo Girls and the Blind Boys Of Alabama were also on the bill, along with some other very good artists. Big hall, around 3500 there, very nice start to this tour. Also met earlier in the day with my agent here Jim Fleming, who is based in the town.
Recording with that guy from Show Of Hands - 2005-01-20
Steve (Knightley) and I have been recording in West Wales this week. We are going to get an album together for the tour in March. It sounds very earthy and organic, a good representation of a couple of mates sitting down and playing a few tunes. Couldn’t help but noticed that Woodie Guthrie’s ‘This land is your land’ was playing as a background to George Bush’s inauguration today. Woodie would have been turning in his grave. I’m getting ready to fly to Detroit next Thursday to start a five week tour across that great continent. Canada beckons as well and I’m particularly looking forward to going to Alaska for the first time.
Why Fear The Dark - 2005-01-08
Why fear the dark? How can we help but love it when it is the darkness that brings the stars to us? What`s more: who does not know that it is on the darkest nights that the stars acquire their greatest splendor? Dom Helder Camara (1909-1999), Brazilian Catholic archbishop
It’s hard to find words to describe the tragedy of the Tsunami. This year has seen enough suffering before the loss, in the last few days, of so many lives. Whereas ninety nine per cent of the suffering seen till this week was from the hands of mankind its hard to lay this one at our own door. I have little else to say about it other than to note the fantastic response from the public, which bears out the fact that goodness and hope remain within the majority. As always it paints huge perspective and I know that our thoughts and prayers (if you pray) go out to so many, or as many as we can comprehend given the huge scale of loss. On Dec 18th I crossed the finishing line. As far as I can work out it was the 249th performance in the last 13 months. It’s not a schedule I think I could do again but it was a great ride. It’s hard to measure these things but I think it was all worth it. I do know that I have never had a year when I have received so much criticism and complaints, not about the music itself but about what I, or the music was saying. I have felt a frustration with politicians and leaders this year that fuelled the crazy schedule and kept me hungry to be doing my little bit. I guess with that sort of response you must be doing a little good and not just preaching to the choir. I think that frustration, combined with fatigue that led to unparallel emotion in the last two shows. I’m not sure what I think about it now, I remember apologising to crew and Nige, but they wouldn’t hear any of it and said some lovely things. I don’t look at the message board that often, but I couldn’t help but notice the discussion that followed those shows. It’s made me think a bit about the message board and its purpose. Some of the rhetoric there makes me a little uncomfortable and it may need some re thinking next year. Yesterday I went to London and played a session on Radio 2 with Bob Harris. It was a good way to end the year and draw a line under everything. Normally when you know its national radio (and the drive time show has an audience of over 6 million) you get a little tense, but Bob was great and I could have been playing in the kitchen at home. It’s already made me look forward to writing and playing music in 05. Thanks to all of you who emailed into the programme and indeed for the amazing support given to me in the last year. When the last minute ticks away tomorrow night I hope it ushers in a wonderful new year for you, and that we can all see some light come seeping though in 05. Lets walk on. Thanks everyone, thank so much…happy new year x
Coming off the road is a strange thing. Though you are tired and your body aches in different ways, part of you longs for show time. Playing this many shows it becomes a way of life, a fixed point in your day when you break through the surface of normal and give and receive more than the mundane. You itch for the chord and ache for the lyric, the nod, the sense of purpose, and the humbling applause. The connection. It makes you feel bereft for a while, but I’m realising you cant hold on to anything too much and we need to walk away. I’m thinking hard about the future. How things are going to be, which direction the music will move, if it does. The thought of separation from the road does that, if you cant find the next one then why go back down the same one. I think the two new songs I have been playing might be arrows..then again? I have three gigs left, they come in a few days. It will be the end of the longest run of gigs I have ever taken on, though only January is the rest bite between Feb in America and March with Steve K. It will then be time to dream it up again if that’s possible, or at least lie down until you do. You have to learn to wait.
Wisdom teeth and children - 2004-12-08
It’s always hard to keep up with diary entries whilst on the road; so sorry I have been a little lapse in this regard. As I said in the last entry, the days just bleed into each other and are made up of travel and then a concert. I did sing at the Vale Of Glamorgan Voluntary Sector Awards on Monday which made for a different day, and have spent the last two days trying to sort out a wisdom tooth that has been causing me problems for the past month, and trying to file for a new passport and USA visa. All the shows have been great, and you are certainly coming out in good numbers..thanks so much for your support. On Saturday in Cambridge, I played two shows in one night, which I have never done before. We have two weeks left now but I’m very much looking forward to the rest of the shows starting in Reading tomorrow. Groans of the day; Mr Paisley needs a picture and Mr Blair says that he wont support an independent enquiry to discover how may civilians have lost their lives in Iraq because its only terrorists and insurgents who are responsible. Like children in the playground.
A few moments here in Scotland to get some thoughts down about the last few weeks. To be honest it’s a blur, concerts just bleed into each other and my brain is unable to pin point each day. The crowds have been great and we have had good times together on faltering journeys across the current landscape. Great to be over in Ireland again, playing Dublin as well as Belfast. I thought the Bush Hall in London was a nice new venue and Nige showed up and played piano on the second night as if we hadn’t left each others side for the last 12 months which is how long it had been since we last played together. The two nights of DVD filming in Milton Keynes were a little stressful, but I think we got it in the can as they say. I managed to loose my wallet and passport in separate incidents coming back from Ireland, which didn’t help matters. Still haven’t recovered the passport which had my USA visa in it so don’t know how that’s going to go down with the Embassy! I think I ignored the cameras enough to make the shows feel like the norm, but I haven’t seen any of the footage at this point. It was great, after all these years, to play with Mike Haughton again. It will take some time to sort the whole thing out but we hope to have the DVD out at some point next year. At Milton Keynes we passed the 226th show in the year beginning Nov 22 03, when we launched ‘Whoever it was’. To be honest I cant see that ever happening again as this has been the craziest schedule I have ever undertaken in one single year. We have just played two nights here in Glasgow and Fraserburgh and tonight move down to play Newcastle. On a different note I just wanted to say how dismayed I am by the fact that we (England) have a cricket team about to play matches in Zimbabwe. I’m not really having a go at the players, more the folk that plan these things and a government that remains mute on the matter. We make a protest about BBC and other journalists, who are not allowed into the country, but when that’s changed by a stand off then off we go. If we can make a stand about our well paid journalists, then why can’t we make a stand for those innocents rotting in jails, those without food because of corruption, those murdered by the evil regime there because they stand against the dreadful human rights abuses etc. How can a government that will take us into the war in Iraq not have something to say about this? How does this make those dissidents feel as they sit in some cell, knowing that we kick up a fuss about our journalists but then come into play sport that gives cred points to a dictator? Shame on us.
sorry i have not penned anything for the last week or so. Its a little manic right now. Will post something in the next day or so. Gotta get in the car again......
Clarification..I`m for the poor - 2004-11-09
The personal message I sent out in regard to the re election of President Bush has caused a bit of a stir. Granted I have had many good willed messages from folk who have said they totally empathise and agree..thanks, but there have been those who, though in my corner, I have upset. This surprises me a little in terms of the fact that the music is my central voice and I think it has told it pretty clear in the last few years. So why my views are a shock to folk I’m not sure. However, for the record, I’m not a Democrat or Republican. I probably shout a little louder when leaders of so called ‘faith’ choose to, as far as I can see, ignore the tenants of that belief in their policies. Ultimately though, I’m on the side of the poor, the marginalized, the voiceless. That’s it for me, and it probably puts me on a collision course with any President. This present one is the worst culprit I know, but I would have been on Kerry’s case in weeks. I think he would have been less dangerous than Bush who has done enough damage already, I wanted him gone along with men who have probably contributed more to the carnage like Rumsfeld. Men of faith. A bible study, then lets send in the bombers. I don’t think I could ever vote Labour again either, though some may persuade me otherwise in the coming months. There is far more compassion there, but they lied too. And of course, if you dig deeper it gets blacker. No, it’s for the poor (who are primarily the ones who have to do the fighting too), the innocent and millions who suffer, and for those for whom it’s all too late. We go for the dictators too, liberation for all, don’t think there’s much chance of invading Zimbabwe though, but a bit of oil might help. I’m going for all those little bastards. Maybe that will clarify things for a few people.
Michael Moore on the election result - 2004-11-06
My first thoughts about the election... Cpl. Roberto Abad, Sgt. Michael D. Acklin II, Spc. Genaro Acosta, Pfc. Steven Acosta, Capt. James F. Adamouski, Pvt. Algernon Adams, Sgt. Brandon E. Adams, Spc. Clarence Adams III, 1st Lt. Michael R. Adams, Pfc. Michael S. Adams, Lt. Thomas Mullen Adams, Spc. Jamaal R. Addison, Lance Cpl. Patrick R. Adle, Capt. Tristan N. Aitken, Spc. Segun Frederick Akintade, Lance Cpl. Nickalous N. Aldrich, Spc. Ronald D. Allen Jr., Sgt. Glenn R. Allison, Lance Cpl. Michael J. Allred, Capt. Eric L. Allton, Cpl. Nicanor Alvarez, Cpl. Daniel R. Amaya, Pfc. John D. Amos II, Lance Cpl. Brian E. Anderson, Airman 1st Class Carl L. Anderson Jr., Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael C. Anderson, Spc. Michael Andrade, Pfc, Spc. Yoe M. Aneiros, Lance Cpl. Levi T. Angell, Army Spc. Edward J. Anguiano, Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Todd Arnold, Lance Cpl. Alexander S. Arredondo, Spc. Richard Arriaga, Staff Sgt. Jimmy J. Arroyave, Spc. Robert R. Arsiaga, Sgt. Evan Asa Ashcraft, Pfc. Shawn M. Atkins, Maj. Jay Aubin, Capt. Matthew J. August, Lance Cpl. Aaron C. Austin, Spc. Tyanna S. Avery-Fedder, Lance Cpl. Andrew Julian Aviles, Pfc. Eric A. Ayon, Sgt. 1st Class Henry A. Bacon, Sgt. Andrew Joseph Baddick, Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Bader, Staff Sgt. Nathan J. Bailey, Spc. Ronald W. Baker, Spc. Ryan T. Baker, Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker. Pfc. Chad E. Bales, 1st Lt. Kenneth Michael Ballard, Maj. Spc. Solomon C. Bangayan, Lt. Col. Dominic R. Baragona, Pfc. Mark A. Barbret, Pfc. Collier E. Barcus, Sgt. Michael C. Barkey, Spc. Jonathan P. Barnes, Command Sgt. Maj. Edward C. Barnhill, Lance Cpl. Aric J. Barr, Sgt. Michael Paul Barrera, Maj. Carlos Barro Ollero, Sgt. Douglas E. Bascom, Spc. Todd M. Bates, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Battles Sr., Gunnery Sgt. Ronald E. Baum, Spc. Alan N. Bean Jr., Spc. Bradley S. Beard, Spc. Beau R. Beaulieu, Capt. Ryan Beaupre, Spc. James L. Beckstrand, Sgt. Gregory A. Belanger, Cpl. Christopher Belchik, Sgt. Aubrey D. Bell, Pfc. Wilfred D. Bellard, Staff Sgt. Joseph P. Bellavia, Sgt. 1st Class William M. Bennett, Spc. Robert T. Benson, 1st Lt. David R. Bernstein, Spc. Joel L. Bertoldie, Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Bertolino Sr., Staff Sgt. Marvin Best, Cpl. Mark A. Bibby, Sgt. Benjamin W. Biskie, Sgt. Michael E. Bitz, Sgt. Jarrod W. Black, Chief Warrant Officer Michael T. Blaise, Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco, Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Blankenbecler, Spc. Joseph M. Blickenstaff, Spc. Nicholas H. Blodgett, Sgt. Trevor A. Blumberg, Lance Cpl. Jeremy L. Bohlman, Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey E. Bohr Jr., Lance Cpl. Todd J. Bolding, Sgt. Dennis J. Boles, Sgt. 1st Class Craig A. Boling, Petty Officer 3rd Class Doyle W. Bollinger Jr, Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Bolor, Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker. Chief Warrant Officer Clarence E. Boone, Capt. John J. Boria, Pfc. Rachel K. Bosveld, Spc. Mathew G. Boule, Staff Sgt. Elvis Bourdon, Pvt. 1st Class Samuel R. Bowen, Staff Sgt. Hesley Box Jr., Pvt. Noah L. Boye, Lance Cpl. Aaron Boyles, Spc. Edward W. Brabazon, Cpl. Travis J. Bradach-Nall, Staff Sgt. Kenneth R. Bradley, Staff Sgt. Stacey C. Brandon, Spc. Artimus D. Brassfield, Pfc. Joel K. Brattain, Pfc. Jeffrey F. Braun, Chief Warrant Officer William I. Brennan, Staff Sgt. Steven H. Bridges, Spc. Kyle A. Brinlee, Staff Sgt. Cory W. Brooks, Sgt. Thomas F. Broomhead, Sgt. Andrew W. Brown, Tech. Sgt. Bruce E. Brown, Lance Cpl. Dominic C. Brown, Cpl. Henry L. Brown, Pfc. John E. Brown, Spc. Larry K. Brown, Spc. Lunsford B. Brown II, 1st Lt. Tyler H. Brown, Spc. Philip D. Brown, Pfc. Timmy R. Brown Jr., 1st Lt. Tyler H. Brown, Cpl. Andrew D. Brownfield, Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal, Lance Cpl. Cedric E. Bruns, 2nd Lt. Todd J. Bryant, Sgt. Ernest G. Bucklew, Spc. Roy Russell Buckley, Pfc. Paul J. Bueche, Lt. Col. Charles H. Buehring, Lance Cpl. Brian Rory Buesing, Sgt. George Edward Buggs, Spc. Joshua I. Bunch, Staff Sgt. Christopher Bunda, Staff Sgt. Michael L. Burbank, Staff Sgt. Richard A. Burdick, Spc. Alan J. Burgess, Lance Cpl. Jeffrey C. Burgess, Pfc. Tamario D. Burkett, Sgt. Travis L. Burkhardt. Pfc. David P. Burridge, Pfc. Jesse R. Buryj, Pfc. Charles E. Bush Jr., Pvt. Matthew D. Bush, Pfc. Damian S. Bushart, Sgt. Jacob L. Butler, Capt. Joshua T. Byers, Cpl. Juan C. Cabralbanuelos, Pfc. Cody S. Calavan, Sgt. Juan Calderon Jr, Sgt. Charles T. Caldwell, Spc. Nathaniel A. Caldwell, Staff Sgt. Joseph Camara, Spc. Michael C. Campbell, Sgt. Ryan M. Campbell, Spc. Marvin A. Camposiles, Spc. Isaac Campoy, Spc. Ervin Caradine Jr., Spc. Adolfo C. Carballo, Pfc. Michael M. Carey, Cpl. Richard P. Carl, Pfc. Ryan G. Carlock, Pfc. Benjamin R. Carman, Staff Sgt. Edward W. Carmen, Spc. Jocelyn L. Carrasquillo, Sgt. Frank T. Carvill, Capt. Christopher S. Cash, Spc. Ahmed A. Cason, Pfc. Jose Casanova, Lance Cpl. James A. Casper, Capt. Paul J. Cassidy, Staff Sgt. Roland L. Castro, Sgt. Sean K. Cataudella, Lance Cpl. Steven C. T. Cates, Pfc. Thomas D. Caughman, Staff Sgt. James W. Cawley, Spc. Jessica L. Cawvey, Petty Officer 3rd Class David A. Cedergren, Lance Cpl. Manuel A. Ceniceros, Cpl. Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse, Spc. James A. Chance III, Staff Sgt. William D. Chaney, Chief Warrant Officer Robert William Channell Jr., Spc. Jason K. Chappell, Pfc. Jonathan M. Cheatham, Sgt. Yohjyh L. Chen, Lance Cpl. Marcus M. Cherry, 2nd Lt. Therrel S. Childers, Spc. Andrew F. Chris. Staff Sgt. Thomas W. Christensen, Spc. Brett T. Christian, Spc. Arron R. Clark, Staff Sgt. Michael J. Clark, Lance Cpl. Donald J. Cline Jr., Pfc. Christopher R. Cobb, Lance Cpl. Kyle W. Codner, 1st Sgt. Christopher D. Coffin, Pvt. Bradli N. Coleman, Cpl. Gary B. Coleman, 2nd Lt. Benjamin J. Colgan, Sgt. Russell L. Collier, Sgt. 1st Class Gary L. Collins, Lance Cpl. Jonathan W. Collins, Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence S. Colton, Spc. Zeferino E. Colunga, Sgt. Robert E. Colvill, Sgt. Kenneth Conde Jr., Sgt. Timothy M. Conneway, Spc. Steven D. Conover, Capt. Aaron J. Contreras, Lance Cpl. Pedro Contreras, Sgt. Jason Cook, Command Sgt. Major Eric F. Cooke, Sgt. Dennis A. Corral, Chief Warrant Officer Alexander S. Coulter, 2nd Lt. Leonard M. Cowherd, Spc. Gregory A. Cox, Pfc. Ryan R. Cox, Lance Corporal Timothy R. Creager, Sgt. Michael T. Crockett, Staff Sgt. Ricky L. Crockett, Sgt. Brud J. Cronkrite, Lance Cpl. Kyle D. Crowley, Pvt. Rey D. Cuervo, Pfc. Kevin A. Cuming, Spc. Daniel Francis J. Cunningham, Staff Sgt. Darren J. Cunningham, Spc. Carl F. Curran, Cpl. Michael Edward Curtin, Staff Sgt. Christopher E. Cutchall, Pfc. Brian K. Cutter, Pfc. Anthony D. D`Agostino, Spc. Edgar P. Daclan Jr., Capt. Nathan S. Dalley, Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Dang, Spc. Danny B. Daniels II, Pvt. 1st Class Torey J. Dantzler, Pfc. Norman Darling, Capt. Eric B. Das. Spc. Shawn M. Davies, Pvt. Brandon L. Davis, Staff Sgt. Craig Davis, Staff Sgt. Donald N. Davis, Spc. Raphael S. Davis, Staff Sgt. Wilbert Davis, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey F. Dayton, Pvt. Jason L. Deibler, Spc. Lauro G. DeLeon Jr., Sgt. Felix M. Delgreco, Sgt. Jacob H. Demand, Staff Sgt. Mike A. Dennie, Spc. Darryl T. Dent, Pfc. Ervin Dervishi, Spc. Daniel A. Desens, Pfc. Michael R. Deuel, Pvt. Michael J. Deutsch, Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher M. Dickerson, Cpl. Nicholas J. Dieruf, Spc. Jeremiah J. DiGiovanni, Spc. Jeremy M. Dimaranan, Spc. Michael A. Diraimondo, Spc. Anthony J. Dixon, Spc. Ryan E. Doltz, Sgt. Michael E. Dooley, Chief Warrant Officer Patrick D. Dorff, Petty Officer 2nd Class Trace W. Dossett, Lance Cpl. Scott E. Dougherty, 1st Sgt. Robert J. Dowdy, Pfc. Stephen P. Downing II, Spc. Chad H. Drake, Pvt. Jeremy L. Drexler, Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, Staff Sgt. Joe L. Dunigan Jr., Spc. Robert L. DuSang, Spc. William D. Dusenbery, 2nd Lt. Seth J. Dvorin, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason B. Dwelley, Pfc. Sheldon R. Hawk Eagle, Staff Sgt. Richard S. Eaton Jr., Cpl. Christopher S. Ebert, Sgt. William C. Eckhart, Spc. Marshall L. Edgerton, Pfc. Shawn C. Edwards, Spc. Andrew C. Ehrlich, Sgt. Aaron C. Elandt, Spc. William R. Emanuel IV, Lance Cpl. Mark E. Engel, Spc. Peter G. Enos, Senior Airman Pedro I. Espaillat Jr. Pfc. Analaura Esparza Gutierrez, Sgt. Adam W. Estep, Pvt. Ruben Estrella-Soto, Pfc. David Evans, Cpl. Mark A. Evnin, Pfc. Jeremy Ricardo Ewing, Sgt. Justin L. Eyerly, Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko, Sgt. James D. Faulkner, Pfc. Raymond J. Faulstich Jr., Capt. Brian R. Faunce, Capt. Arthur L. Felder, 2nd Lt. Paul M. Felsberg, Spc. Rian C. Ferguson, Master Sgt. Richard L. Ferguson, Master Sgt. George A. Fernandez, Staff Sgt. Clint D. Ferrin, Spc. Jon P. Fettig, Cpl. Tyler R. Fey, Sgt. Jeremy J. Fischer, Sgt. Paul F. Fisher, Lance Cpl. Dustin R. Fitzgerald, Pfc. Jacob S. Fletcher, Spc. Thomas A. Foley III, Sgt. Timothy Folmar, Gunnery Sgt. Elia P. Fontecchio, Spc. Jason C. Ford, Capt. Travis A. Ford, Chief Warrant Officer Wesley C. Fortenberry, Sgt. 1st Class Bradley C. Fox, Spc. Craig S. Frank, Lance Cpl. Phillip E. Frank, Staff Sgt. Bobby C. Franklin, Pvt. Robert L. Frantz, Pvt. Benjamin L. Freeman, Sgt. David T. Friedrich, Spc. Luke P. Frist, Spc. Adam D. Froehlich, Pvt. Kurt R. Frosheiser, Pfc. Nichole M. Frye, Sgt. 1st Class Dan H. Gabrielson, Lance Cpl. Jonathan E. Gadsden, Capt. Richard J. Gannon II, Spc. Tomas Garces, Lance Cpl. Derek L. Gardner, Cpl. Jose A. Garibay, Spc. Joseph M. Garmback Jr., Sgt. Landis W. Garrison, Sgt. Justin W. Garvey, Spc. Israel Garza. 1st Sgt. Joe J. Garza, Pfc. Juan Guadalupe Garza Jr, Spc. Christopher D. Gelineau, Lance Cpl. Cory Ryan Guerin, Cpl. Christopher A. Gibson, Pvt. Jonathan L. Gifford, Pvt. Kyle C. Gilbert, Command Sgt. Maj. Cornell W. Gilmore, Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald A. Ginther, Pfc. Jesse A. Givens, Spc. Michael T. Gleason, Cpl. Todd J. Godwin, 2nd Lt. James Michael Goins, Spc. Christopher A. Golby, Spc. David J. Goldberg, Lance Cpl. Shane L. Goldman, Cpl. Armando Ariel Gonzalez, Lance Cpl. Benjamin R. Gonzalez, Cpl. Jesus A. Gonzalez, Cpl. Jorge Gonzalez, Lance Cpl. Victor A. Gonzalez, Cpl. Bernard G. Gooden, Pfc. Gregory R. Goodrich, Sgt. 1st Class Richard S. Gottfried, Spc. Richard A. Goward, 2nd Lt. Jeffrey C. Graham, Sgt. Jamie A. Gray, Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael J. Gray, Sgt. Tommy L. Gray, Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray, Cpl. Jeffrey G. Green, Lt. Col. David S. Greene, Pfc. Devin J. Grella, Spc. Kyle A. Griffin, Staff Sgt. Patrick Lee Griffin Jr., Cpl. Sean R. Grilley, Pvt. Joseph R. Guerrera, Chief Warrant Officer Hans N. Gukeisen, Pfc. Christian D. Gurtner, Lance Cpl. Jose Gutierrez, Pfc. Richard W. Hafer, Staff Sgt. Guy S. Hagy Jr., Spc. Charles G. Haight, Lance Cpl. Michael J. Halal, Pfc. Deryk L. Hallal, Pvt. Jesse M. Halling, Pfc. Andrew Halverson, Chief Warrant Officer Erik A. Halvorsen, Capt. Kimberly N. Hampton, Sgt. Michael S. Hancock. Pfc. Fernando B. Hannon, Sgt. Warren S. Hansen, Sgt. James W. Harlan, Sgt. Atanacio Haro Marin, Staff Sgt. William M. Harrell, Sgt. Foster L. Harrington, Pfc. Adam J. Harris, Sgt. Kenneth W. Harris Jr., Pfc. Torry D. Harris, Pfc. Leroy Harris-Kelly, Pfc. John D. Hart, Sgt. Nathaniel Hart, Sgt. 1st Class David A. Hartman, Sgt. Jonathan N. Hartman, Staff Sgt. Stephen C. Hattamer, Staff Sgt. Omer T. Hawkins II, Sgt. Timothy L. Hayslett, Chief Warrant Officer Brian D. Hazelgrove, Sgt. David M. Heath, Spc. Justin W. Hebert, Pfc. Damian L. Heidelberg, Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, Spc. Jeremy M. Heines, Staff Sgt. Brian R. Hellerman, Staff Sgt. Terry W. Hemingway, Cpl. Matthew C. Henderson, 1st Lt. Robert L. Henderson II, Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Hendrickson, Sgt. Jack T. Hennessy, Spc. Joshua J. Henry, Pfc. Clayton W. Henson, Spc. Armando Hernandez, Spc. Joseph F. Herndon II, Pfc. Edward J. Herrgott, Spc. Jacob B. Herring, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory B. Hicks, Spc. Christopher K. Hill, Spc. Stephen D. Hiller, Sgt. Keicia M. Hines, Pfc. Melissa J. Hobart, Sgt. Nicholas M. Hodson, Sgt. 1st Class James T. Hoffman, Spc. Christopher J. Holland, Staff Sgt. Aaron N. Holleyman, Staff Sgt. Lincoln D. Hollinsaid, Spc. James J. Holmes, Spc. Jeremiah J. Holmes, Cpl. Terry Holmes, Airman 1st Class Antoine J. Holt, Pfc. Sean Horn, Master Sgt. Kelly L. Hornbeck. Staff Sgt. Jeremy R. Horton, Capt. Andrew R. Houghton, Lance Cpl Gregory C. Howman, Pfc. Bert E. Hoyer, Spc. Corey A. Hubbell, Pfc. Christopher E. Hudson, 1st Lt. Doyle M. Hufstedler, Staff Sgt. Jamie L. Huggins, Spc. Eric R. Hull, Cpl Barton R. Humlhanz, Lance Cpl. Justin T. Hunt, Spc. Simeon Hunte, 1st Lt. Joshua C. Hurley, Lance Cpl. James B. Huston Jr., Lance Cpl. Seth Huston, Pvt. Nolen R. Hutchings, Pfc. Ray J. Hutchinson, Pfc. Gregory P. Huxley Jr., Spc. Benjamin W. Isenberg, Spc. Craig S. Ivory, Pfc. Leslie D. Jackson, Spc. Morgen N. Jacobs, Chief Warrant Officer Scott Jamar, Cpl. Evan T. James, 2nd Lt. Luke S. James, Spc. William A. Jeffries, Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert B. Jenkins, Sgt. Troy David Jenkins, Spc. Darius T. Jennings, Pfc. Ryan M. Jerabek, Sgt. Linda C. Jimenez, 1st Lt. Oscar Jimenez, Capt. Christopher B. Johnson, Spc. David W. Johnson, Pfc. Howard Johnson II, Spc. John P. Johnson, Pfc. Markus J. Johnson, Spc. Maurice J. Johnson, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Michael Vann Johnson Jr., Spc. Nathaniel H. Johnson, Staff Sgt. Paul J. Johnson, Chief Warrant Officer, Pfc. Rayshawn S. Johnson, Pvt. Devon D. Jones, Capt. Gussie M. Jones, Staff Sgt. Raymond E. Jones Jr., Spc. Rodney A. Jones, Lt. Kylan A. Jones- Huffman, Sgt. Curt E. Jordan Jr., Sgt. Jason D. Jordan. Staff Sgt. Phillip A. Jordan, Cpl. Forest J. Jostes, Spc. Spencer T. Karol, Spc. Michael G. Karr Jr., Spc. Mark J. Kasecky, 1st Lt. Jeffrey J. Kaylor, Spc. Chad L. Keith, Lance Cpl. Quinn A. Keith, Lance Cpl. Bryan P. Kelly, Cpl. Brian Kennedy, Chief Warrant Officer Kyran E. Kennedy, Staff Sgt. Morgan D. Kennon, 1st Lt. Christopher J. Kenny, Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart, Cpl. Dallas L. Kerns, Chief Warrant Officer Erik C. Kesterson, Capt. Humayun S. M. Khan, Spc. James M. Kiehl, Pt. Jeungjin Na Kim, Staff Sgt. Kevin C. Kimmerly. Spc. Levi B. Kinchen, Staff Sgt. Lester O. Kinney II, Pfc. David M. Kirchhoff, Staff Sgt. Charles A. Kiser, Lance Cpl. Nicholas Brian Kleiboeker, Spc. John K. Klinesmith Jr., Sgt. Floyd G. Knighten Jr., Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric L. Knott, Spc. Joshua L. Knowles, Staff Sgt. Lance J. Koenig, Cpl. Kevin T. Kolm, Pfc. Martin W. Kondor, Chief Warrant Patrick W. Kordsmeier, Capt. Edward J. Korn, Sgt. Bradley S. Korthaus, Cpl. Jakub Henryk Kowalik, Sgt. Elmer C. Krause, Pvt. Dustin L. Kreider, Pfc. Bradley G. Kritzer, Capt. John F. Kurth, Sgt. 1st Class William W. Labadie Jr., Sgt. Joshua S. Ladd, Sgt. Michael V. Lalush, Lance Cpl. Alan Dinh Lam, Spc. Charles R. Lamb, Spc. James I. Lambert III, Pfc. James P. Lambert, Sgt. Jonathan W. Lambert, Capt. Andrew David Lamont, Staff Sgt. Sean G. Landrus, Gunnery Sgt. Shawn A. Lane. Pfc. Moises A. Langhorst, Spc. Tracy L. Laramore, Spc. Scott Q. Larson Jr., Chief Warrant Officer Matthew C. Laskowski, Staff Sgt. William T. Latham, Pfc. Karina S. Lau, Cpl. Jeffrey D. Lawrence, Staff Sgt. Mark A. Lawton, Lance Cpl. Travis J. Layfield, Staff Sgt. Rene Ledesma, 2nd Lt. Ryan Leduc, Cpl. Bum R. Lee, Pfc. Ken W. Leisten, Staff Sgt. Jerome Lemon, Spc. Cedric L. Lennon, Pfc. Farad K. Letufuga, Spc. Justin W. Linden, Spc. Roger G. Ling, Spc. Joseph L. Lister, Staff Sgt. Nino D. Livaudais, Sgt. Dale T. Lloyd, Sgt. Daniel J. Londono, Spc. Ryan P. Long, Spc. Zachariah W. Long, Pfc. Duane E. Longstreth, Sgt. Edgar E. Lopez, Lance Cpl. Juan Lopez, Sgt. Richard M. Lord, Staff Sgt. David L. Loyd, Capt. Robert L. Lucero, Pfc. Jason C. Ludiam, Lance Cpl. Jacob R. Lugo, Pfc. Jason N. Lynch, Pfc. Christopher D. Mabry, Lance Cpl. Gregory E. MacDonald, Lance Cpl. Cesar F. Machado-Olmos, Pfc. Vorn J. Mack, Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Maglione, Spc. William J. Maher III, Staff Sgt. Toby W. Mallet, Chief Warrant Officer Ian D. Manuel, Pfc. Pablo Manzano, Pfc. Lyndon A. Marcus Jr., Staff Sgt. Paul C. Mardis Jr., Cpl. Douglas Jose Marencoreyes, Master Sgt. Jude C. Mariano, Spc. James E. Marshall, Sgt. 1st Class John W. Marshall, Pfc. Ryan A. Martin, Staff Sgt. Stephen G. Martin. Sgt. Francisco Martinez, Pfc. Francisco A. Martinez Flores, Pfc. Jesse J. Martinez, Spc. Michael A. Martinez, Pfc. Oscar A. Martinez, Spc. Jacob D. Martir, Sgt. Arthur S. Mastrapa, Chief Warrant Officer Johnny Villareal Mata, Lance Cpl. Ramon Mateo, Spc. Clint Richard Matthews, Lance Cpl. Ramon Mateo, Cpl. Matthew E. Matula, Staff Sgt. Donald C. May Jr, Pfc. Joseph P. Mayek, Spc. Patrick R. McCaffrey Sr., Lance Cpl. Joseph C. MacCarthy, Pfc. Ryan M. McCauley, Cpl. Brad P. McCormick, 1st Lt. Erik. S. McCrae, Spc. Donald R. McCune, Spc. Dustin K. McGaugh, Pfc. Holly J. McGeogh, Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis, Spc. Michael A. McGlothin. Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott R. McHugh, Hospitalman Joshua McIntosh, Spc. David M. McKeever, Spc. Eric S. McKinley, Pvt. Robert L. McKinley, Staff Sgt. Don S. McMahan, Sgt. Heath A. McMillin, 1st Lt. Brian M. McPhillips, Cpl. Jesus Martin Antonio Medellin, Spc. Irving Medina, Spc. Kenneth A. Melton, Cpl. Jaygee Meluat, Petty Officer 3rd Class Fernando A. Mendezaceves, Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Menusa, Staff Sgt. Eddie E. Menyweather, Spc. Gil Mercado, Spc. Michael M. Merila, Spc. Christopher A. Merville, Sgt. Daniel K. Methvin, Pfc. Jason M. Meyer, Sgt. Eliu A. Miersandoval, Spc. Michael G. Mihalakis, Pfc. Matthew G. Milczark, Cpl. Jason David Mileo, Pfc. Anthony S. Miller, Pfc. Bruce Miller Jr., Staff Sgt. Frederick L. Miller Jr. Sgt. 1st Class Marvin L. Miller, Sgt. Joseph Minucci II, Sgt. First Class Troy L. Miranda, Spc. George A. Mitchell, Sgt. Keman L. Mitchell, Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell, Spc. Sean R. Mitchell, Pfc. Jesse D. Mizener, Staff Sgt. Jorge A. Molinabautista, Pfc. Anthony W. Monroe, 1st Lt. Adam G. Mooney, Lance Cpl. Jason William Moore, Pfc. Stuart W. Moore, Sgt. Travis A. Moothart, Spc. Jose L. Mora, Sgt. Melvin Y. Mora, Pfc. Michael A. Mora, Master Sgt. Kevin N. Morehead, Capt. Brent L. Morel, Petty Officer 3rd Class David J. Moreno, Sgt. Gerardo Moreno, Spc. Jaime Moreno, Pfc. Luis A. Moreno, Spc. Dennis B. Morgan, Staff Sgt. Richard L. Morgan Jr., Pfc. Geoffery S. Morris, Pfc. Ricky A. Morris Jr., Lance Cpl. Nicholas B. Morrison, Sgt. Shawna M. Morrison, Sgt. Keelan L. Moss, Spc. Clifford L. Moxley Jr., Sgt. Cory R. Mracek, Sgt. Rodney A. Murray, Sgt. Krisna Nachampassak, Spc. Paul T. Nakamura, Spc. Nathan W. Nakis, Pvt. Kenneth A. Nalley, Chief Warrant Officer Christopher G. Nason, Maj. Kevin G. Nave, Spc. Rafael L. Navea, Spc. Charles L. Neeley, Staff Sgt. Paul M. Neff II, Pfc. Gavin L. Neighbor, Spc. Joshua M. Neusche, Cpl. Dominique J. Nicolas, Lance Cpl. Joseph L. Nice, Spc. Isaac Michael Nieves, Lance Cpl. Patrick R. Nixon, Spc. Allen Nolan, Spc. Marcos O. Nolasco. Sgt. William J. Normandy, Spc. Joseph C. Norquist, 1st Lt. Leif E. Nott, Staff Sgt. Todd E. Nunes, Spc. David T. Nutt, Cpl. Mick R. Nygardbekowsky, Spc. Donald S. Oak Jr., Pfc. Branden F. Oberleitner, Lance Cpl. Patrick T. O`Day, Spc. Charles E. Odums II, Spc. Ramon C. Ojeda, Cpl. Terry Holmes Ordonez, Cpl. Brian Oliveira, Spc. Justin B. Onwordi, Spc. Richard P. Orengo, Lt. Col. Kim S. Orlando, Lance Cpl. Eric J. Orlowski, 1st Lt. Osbaldo Orozco, Pfc. Cody J. Orr, Staff Sgt. Billy J. Orton, Sgt. Pamela G. Osbourne, Lance Cpl. Deshon E. Otey, Pfc. Kevin C. Ott, Sgt. Michael G. Owen, Lance Cpl. David Edward Owens Jr, Sgt. Fernando Padilla- Ramirez, Pvt. Shawn D. Pahnke, Spc. Gabriel T. Palacios, Capt. Eric T. Paliwoda, 1st Lt. Joshua M. Palmer, Staff Sgt. Dale A. Panchot, Pfc. Daniel R. Parker, Pfc. James D. Parker, Pfc. Kristen Parker, Cpl. Tommy L. Parker Jr., Sgt. Harvey E. Parkerson III, Sgt. David B. Parson, Staff Sgt. Esau G. Patterson Jr., Master Sgt. William L. Payne, Sgt. Michael F. Pedersen, Staff Sgt. Abraham D. Penamedina, Spc. Brian H. Penisten, Sgt. Ross A. Pennanen, Staff Sgt. Gregory V. Pennington, Pfc. Geoffrey Perez, Staff Sgt. Hector R. Perez, Sgt. Joel Perez, Spc. Jose A. Perez III, Pfc. Luis A. Perez, Lance Cpl. Nicholas Perez. Spc. Wilfredo Perez Jr., Petty Officer 1st Class Michael J. Pernaselli, Staff Sgt. David S. Perry, Pfc. Charles C. Persing, Staff Sgt. Dustin W. Peters, Spc. Alyssa R. Peterson, Staff Sgt. Brett J. Petriken, Staff Sgt. James L. Pettaway Jr., Staff Sgt. Erickson H. Petty, Pfc. Jerrick M. Petty, Lt. Col. Mark P. Phelan, Pfc. Chance R. Phelps, Sgt. 1st Class Gladimir Philippe, Sgt. Ivory L. Phipps, Capt. Pierre E. Piche, Pfc. Lori Piestewa, Capt. Dennis L. Pintor, Spc. James H. Pirtle, Pfc. Jason T. Poindexter, 2nd Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney Jr., Staff Sgt. Andrew R. Pokorny, Spc. Justin W. Pollard, Spc. Larry E. Polley Jr., Sgt. Darrin K. Potter, Pfc. David L. Potter, Sgt. Christopher S. Potts, Spc. James E. Powell, Lance Cpl. Caleb J. Powers, Cpl. Dean P. Pratt, Pfc. James E. Prevete, Pvt. Kelley S. Prewitt, Sgt. Tyler D. Prewitt, Pfc. James W. Price, 1st Lt. Timothy E. Price, Lance Cpl. Mathew D. Puckett, Sgt. Jaror C. Puello- Coronado, Staff Sgt. Michael B. Quinn, Staff Sgt. Richard P. Ramey, Sgt. Christopher Ramirez, Spc. Eric U. Ramirez, Pfc. William C. Ramirez, Pfc. Christopher Ramos, Spc. Tamarra J. Ramos, Pfc. Brandon Ramsey, Pvt. Carson J. Ramsey, Sgt. Edmond L. Randle, Pfc. Cleston C. Raney, Capt. Gregory A. Ratzlaff, Spc. Rel A. Ravago IV, Spc. Omead H. Razani. Spc. Brandon M. Read, Pfc. Christopher J. Reed, Pfc. Ryan E. Reed, Sgt. Tatjana Reed, Staff Sgt. Aaron T. Reese, Spc. Jeremy F. Regnier, Sgt. 1st Class Randall S. Rehn, Sgt. Brendon C. Reiss, Staff Sgt. George S. Rentschler, Sgt. Sean C. Reynolds, Lance Cpl. Rafael Reynosa- Suarez, Sgt. Yadir G. Reynoso, Cpl. Demetrius L. Rice, Sgt. Ariel Rico, Spc. Jeremy L. Ridlen, Pfc. Diego Fernando Rincon, Cpl. Steven A. Rintamaki, Sgt. Duane R. Rios, Capt. Russell B. Rippetoe, Pfc. Henry C. Risner, Sgt. 1st Class Jose A. Rivera, Cpl. John T. Rivero, Spc. Frank K. Rivers Jr., Sgt. Thomas D. Robbins, Sgt. Todd J. Robbins, Lance Cpl. Anthony P. Roberts, Lance Cpl. Bob W. Roberts, Spc. Robert D. Roberts, Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Robsky, Sgt. Moses D. Rocha, Pfc. Marlin T. Rockhold, Pfc. Jose Francis Gonzalez Rodriguez, Cpl. Robert M. Rodriguez, Spc. Philip G. Rogers, Sgt. 1st Class Robert E. Rooney, Cpl. Randal Kent Rosacker, Staff Sgt. Victor A. Rosales, Pfc. Richard H. Rosas, Sgt. Scott C. Rose, Sgt. Thomas C. Rosenbaum, Sgt. Randy S. Rosenberg, Spc. Marco D. Ross, Sgt. Lawrence A. Roukey, Capt. Alan Rowe, Spc. Brandon J. Rowe, Sgt. Roger D. Rowe, 2nd Lt. Jonathan D. Rozier, Spc. Isela Rubalcava, Pfc. Aaron J. Rusin, Sgt. John W. Russell. 1st Lt. Timothy Louis Ryan, Chief Warrant Officer Scott A. Saboe, Spc. Rasheed Sahib, Cpl. Rudy Salas, Cpl. William I. Salazar, 1st Lt. Edward M. Saltz, Capt. Benjamin W. Sammis, Spc. Sonny G. Sampler, Spc. Gregory P. Sanders, Pfc. Leroy Sandoval Jr., Spc. Matthew J. Sandri, Staff Sgt. Barry Sanford, 1st Lt. Neil Anthony Santoriello, Spc. Jonathan J. Santos, Pfc. Brandon R. Sapp, Staff Sgt. Cameron B. Sarno, Staff Sgt. Scott D. Sather, Lance Cpl. Jeremiah E. Savage, Capt. Robert C. Scheetz Jr., Spc. Justin B. Schmidt, Spc. Jeremiah W. Schmunk, Pfc. Sean M. Schneider, Cpl. Dustin H. Schrage, Maj. Mathew E. Schram, Lance Cpl. Brian K. Schramm, Spc. Christian C. Schulz, Master Sgt. David A. Scott, Pfc. Kerry D. Scott, Spc. Stephen M. Scott, Spc. Marc S. Seiden, Capt. Christopher Scott Seifert, Pfc. Dustin M. Sekula, Lance Cpl. Matthew K. Serio, Sgt. Juan M. Serrano, Staff Sgt. Wentz Jerome Henry Shanaberger III, Spc. Jeffrey R. Shaver, Maj. Kevin M. Shea, Spc. Casey Sheehan, Sgt. Kevin F. Sheehan, Sgt. Daniel Michael Shepherd, Sgt. Alan D. Sherman, Lt. Col. Anthony L. Sherman, Pfc. Harry N. Shondee Jr., Lance Cpl. Brad S. Shuder, Capt. James A. Shull, Pfc. Kenneth L. Sickels, Lance Cpl. Dustin L. Sides, Cpl. Erik H. Silva, Pvt. Sean A. Silva, Sgt. Leonard D. Simmons. Pfc. Charles M. Sims, Lance Cpl. John T. Sims Jr., Spc. Uday Singh, Spc. Aaron J. Sissel, Pfc. Christopher A. Sisson, Pfc. Nicholas M. Skinner, Petty Officer 3rd Class David Sisung, 1st Lt. Brian D. Slavenas, Pvt. Brandon Ulysses Sloan, Lance Cpl. Richard P. Slocum, Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Slocum, Pfc. Corey L. Small, Sgt. Keith L. Smette, Capt. Benedict J. Smith, Sgt. Benjamin K. Smith, Pfc. Brandon C. Smith, 2nd Lt. Brian D. Smith, Chief Warrant Officer Bruce A. Smith, Cpl. Darrell L. Smith, 1st Sgt. Edward Smith, Chief Warrant Officer Eric A. Smith, Pfc. Jeremiah D. Smith, Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Smith, Lance Cpl. Michael J. Smith Jr., Spc. Orenthial J. Smith, Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, Capt. Christopher F. Soelzer, Sgt. Roderic A. Solomon, Cpl. Adrian V. Soltau, Maj. Charles R. Soltes Jr., Sgt. Skipper Soram, Pfc. Armando Soriano, Cpl. Tomas Sotelo Jr., Pfc. Kenneth C. Souslin, Spc. Philip I. Spakosky, Pfc. Jason L. Sparks, Cpl. Michael R. Speer, Staff Sgt. Trevor Spink, Maj. Christopher J. Splinter, Sgt. Marvin R. Sprayberry III, Pvt. Bryan N. Spry, Sgt. Maj. Michael B. Stack, Pfc. Nathan E. Stahl, 1st Lt. Andrew K. Stern, Staff Sgt. Robert A. Stever, Maj. Gregory Stone, 2nd Lt. Matthew R. Stovall, Pfc. William R. Strange, Sgt. Kirk Allen Straseskie, Pfc. Brandon C. Sturdy. Spc. William R. Sturges Jr., Spc. Paul J. Sturino, Lance Cpl. Jesus A. Suarez Del Solar, Spc. Joseph D. Suell, Spc. John R. Sullivan, Spc. Narson B. Sullivan, Lance Cpl. Vincent M. Sullivan, Staff Sgt. Michael J. Sutter, Pfc. Ernest Harold Sutphin, Chief Warrant Officer Sharon T. Swartworth, Spc. Thomas J. Sweet II, Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swisher, Maj. Paul R. Syverson III, Sgt. Patrick S. Tainsh, Sgt. DeForest L. Talbert, Sgt. 1st Class Linda Ann Tarango-Griess, Spc. Christopher M. Taylor, Maj. Mark D. Taylor, Capt. John R. Teal, Staff Sgt. Riayan A. Tejeda, Lance Cpl. Jason Andrew Tetrault, Spc. Joseph C. Thibodeaux, Master Sgt. Thomas R. Thigpen Sr., Cpl. Jesse L. Thiry, Sgt. Carl Thomas, Staff Sgt. Kendall Thomas, Spc. Kyle G. Thomas, Sgt. Anthony O. Thompson, Spc. Jarrett B. Thompson, Sgt. Humberto F. Timoteo, Capt. John E. Tipton, Pfc. Joshua K. Titcomb, Spc. Brandon T. Titus, Spc. Brandon S. Tobler, Sgt. Lee D. TodacheeneCpl. John H. Todd III, Sgt. Nicholas A. Tomko, Master Sgt. Timothy Toney, Pfc. George D. Torres, Lance Cpl. Michael S. Torres, 2nd Lt. Richard Torres, Spc. Ramon Reyes Torres, Lance Cpl. Elias Torrez III, Sgt. Michael L. Tosto, Spc. Richard K. Trevithick, Pfc. Andrew L. Tuazon, Staff Sgt. Roger C. Turner Jr., Pvt. Scott M. Tyrrell, 2nd Lt. Andre D. Tyson, Spc. Eugene A. Uhl III, Lance Cpl. Drew M. Uhles. Rick A. Ulbright, Pfc. Daniel P. Unger, Spc. Robert Oliver Unruh, 1st Sgt. Ernest E. Utt, Sgt. Michael A. Uvanni, Staff Sgt. Gary A. Vaillant, Lance Cpl. Ruben Valdez Jr., Sgt. Melissa Valles, Spc. Allen J. Vandayburg, Spc. Josiah H. Vandertulip, Chief Warrant Officer Brian K. Van Dusen, Lance Cpl. John J. Vangyzen IV, Lance Cpl. Gary F. Van Leuven, Staff Sgt. Mark D. Vasquez, Spc. Frances M. Vega, 1st Lt. Michael W. Vega, Staff Sgt. Paul A. Velazquez, Cpl. David M. Vicente, Sgt. 1st Class Joselito O. Villanueva, Cpl. Scott M. Vincent, Staff Sgt. Kimberly A. Voelz, Staff Sgt. Michael S. Voss, Spc. Thai Vue, Lance Cpl. Michael B. Wafford, Sgt. Christopher A. Wagener, Sgt. Gregory L. Wahl, Staff Sgt. Allan K. Walker, Sgt. Jeffery C. Walker, Sgt. Donald Ralph Walters, Pvt. Jason M. Ward, Pfc. Nachez Washalanta, Lance Cpl. Christopher B. Wasser, Pvt. David L. Waters, Staff Sgt. Kendall Damon Waters-Bey, Maj. William R. Watkins III, Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher E. Watts, Chief Warrant Officer Aaron A. Weaver, Spc. Michael S. Weger, Staff Sgt. David J. Weisenburg, Spc. Douglas J. Weismantle, Pfc. Michael Russell Creighton Weldon, Lance Cpl. Larry L. Wells, Chief Warrant Officer Stephen M. Wells, Spc. Jeffrey M. Wershow, Spc. Christopher J. Rivera Wesley, Sgt. James G. West, 1st Lt. Alexander E. Wetherbee, Spc. Donald L. Wheeler, Sgt. Mason Douglas Whetstone, Pfc. Marquis A. Whitaker. Staff Sgt. Aaron Dean White, Lt. Nathan D. White, Sgt. Steven W. White, Lance Cpl. William W. White, Pfc. Joey D. Whitener ,Spc. Chase R. Whitman, Spc. Michael J. Wiesemann, Cpl. Joshua S. Wilfong ,Sgt. Eugene Williams, Lance Cpl. Michael J. Williams, Spc. Michael L. Williams, Sgt. Taft V. Williams ,1st Lt. Charles L. Wilkins III, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher R. Willoughby, Spc. Dana N. Wilson, Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry L. Wilson, Staff Sgt. Joe N. Wilson, Lance Cpl. Lamont N. Wilson, Lance Cpl. Nicholas Wilt, 1st Lt. Ronald Winchester, Spc. Trevor A. Wine, Lance Cpl. William J. Wiscowiche, Spc. Robert A. Wise, Spc. Michelle M. Witmer, Pfc. Owen D. Witt, Spc. James R. Wolf, 2nd Lt. Jeremy L. Wolfe, Sgt. Elijah Tai Wah Wong, Sgt. Brian M. Wood, Capt. George A. Wood, Spc. Michael R. Woodliff, Spc. James C. Wright, Pfc. Jason G. Wright, 2nd Lt. John T. Wroblewski, Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Wyatt, Pfc. Stephen E. Wyatt, Sgt. Michael E. Yashinski, Sgt. Henry Ybarra III, Pfc. Rodricka A. Youmans, Sgt. Ryan C. Young, Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Zabierek, Spc. Nicholas J. Zangara, Spc. Mark Anthony Zapata, Pfc. Nicholaus E. Zimmer, Cpl. Ian T. Zook, Lance Cpl. Robert P. Zurheide Jr. May they rest in peace. And may they forgive us someday. Michael Moore
Played two shows this week, in Poole and Oxford. The Poole show was particularly emotional, even more than I expected. I seemed to loose it as I made some comments before singing Arizona Dreams and then basically sobbed and spluttered through the song. It’s interesting the way folk rally round each other in our bitter disappointment. I have had a number of emails from friends offering hope and light, and I have sent messages of the same to various folk, mainly in the USA. I received the following quote of Cornel West by musician Robert David in Montreal.. "Optimism is a notion that there`s sufficient evidence that would allow us to infer that if we keep doing what we`re doing, things will get better. I don`t believe that. I`m a prisoner of hope, that`s something else. Cutting against the grain, against the evidence. William James said it so well in that grand and masterful essay of his of 1879 called "The Sentiment of Rationality," where he talked about faith being the courage to act when doubt is warranted. And that`s what I`m talking about. That hope also means that one keeps keeping on, that one is willing to come together and constitute coalitions, communities, schools, that exemplify what we talk about, that embody democratic principles, that somehow keep a light shining, a democratic light shining in such a dark world. And who knows, history is open-ended. I believe that we do have a chance. But we never know. It depends on the quality of our relations, it depends on the quality of our commitment, it depends on the quality of our courage and vision. If we`re serious about keeping alive the democratic tradition, then we have a chance. " Cornel West I like that line about being a prisoner of hope but it’s hard to feel the ‘hope’ right now. It will be found though, against the evidence, and it will prevail.
Very heavy hearted about the news from America today. It seems that George Bush has won the election and will lead America for another four years..God help us. I feel greatly for the folk over there who have worked so hard to try and repair the damage done, and I know there sadness today will be profound. I simply wonder what Bush would have had to have done not to be re elected. How many more lies (and I’m not even talking about WMD), how many more members of his administration on the take, how many more American lives lost in Iraq, how many more Iraqi lives, how many more children loosing parents, or loosing their own lives because of what Donald Rumsfeld describes as the humanity of precision bombing. The concentrating on a few singular issues (not that they might not be important, but not as important as a greater evil) has ignored a whole picture. And yet all those millions have voted for him, I’m truly without understanding on this other than obvious rhetoric. It appears to me that the world is being torn in two and right now the conservatives have the day and they fill it with fear and misery. I don’t have a clue what to say to my audience in Dorset tonight. Maybe we should have a 2 minutes silence. Not that I, and many other folk were going to get off Kerry’s back had he won, but it seems like the end of an emotionally exhausting time for those who campaign against certain ideologies, and now we have to go again. So be it.
Whilst I think today’s headline on the front cover of the Independent may be a little dramatic, I do think this is a big, big day. We all wait and watch, probably more caught up than ever before to an election in America, which says it all really. Many people realise this is big, very important, one-way or another, the result of this election will determine huge issues in our world. I will retreat to my six string and await the news.
Great start to the tour on Friday in Norwich. Thanks to those of you who were there and made it a sell out. Tried some new stuff out and it seemed to work. Next day was crazy. Played the Musicport Festival in Whitby. Was due on stage at 3.45 and got there at 3.55. Left Norwich at 9.45 am and drove straight there, never thought it would take so long. Got out of the car and walked on stage..it went fine but i may have played songs at a pace they were not used to! Drove home to Cardiff after the gig which meant i drove over six hundred miles that day with a show in between..hey..what a youngster i am!! Looking forward to getting the tour going properly in the coming weeks and getting the new covers album in your good hands. It sounds good.
My apologies to those of you who follow my ramblings, as I haven’t posted anything in over a week. Basically I got back from America and went straight into serious studio hibernation to get the Covers album finished. And finished it is and hopefully ready to dispatch to anyone who wants it around Nov 1st. I got clear of things on that front today so hence my writing something for the diary. Looking forward now to the gigs at the end of the week, it will be nice to be playing shows in the UK again.
Were done. Finished off with a great show in Minneapolis tonight and will fly home via Toronto tomorrow. Its been a good tour and Chris has done a great job of looking after me, which means I feel far less tired than I would had I done this alone. He declined to play ‘guess that tune’ (radio game) with me this time having been soundly put in his place on the last tour over here. However, I have decided to bring him to the UK in a few weeks in the hope that he will take up the challenge there, and tour-manage the up coming shows while he’s at it. In one month we will know the result of the up coming election here. I hope that when I next come back things will have changed, and America will no longer be in the hands of thieves who have stolen much from this great land. It’s going to be a busy week when I get home, as I have to finish recording the covers album and mix it by the weekend. No rest for the wicked.
More days on the road, more flights, more hire cars, including dropping one off at Dulles Airport, Washington and watching the National Car guy drive it away and run over our big box of CD’s. The hotel in Grand Rapids was the only hotel I have stayed at in the last 23 years where they offered free food. Between 5pm and 8pm you can get fruit, soup, salad..free! The gig there last night was in Schuller books, a fantastic bookshop and they have a petition going to reform the Patriot Act. One of the new rules is that the FBI can call the store and demand to know what books people have been buying and reading. Louis, who runs the music side of things in this store, introduced me by telling a story of how he first heard me on the radio driving through the desert in Arizona back in 93. He made a ten mile detour to keep the signal strong in his car to learn who the artist was singing the tune he liked. Turned out it was ‘Dolphins’ and 12 years later he books me for a show. That’s a nice story and he is a nice guy. The hotel tonight in Milwaukee is less salubrious and I haven’t even bothered unpacking as we leave for somewhere else in the morning. Kerry seemed to gain a little headway on Bush in the debate last night; there may be hope. I’m wearing a pin badge at the moment that says ‘Gandalf For President’. I played the Irish Centre here tonight. No hate mail on this tour so far; wondering if I’m doing something wrong.
Bryn Athyn, just outside of Philadelphia. Sounds like Wales. Play a show in a club called The Point where one Mr Springsteen played on his way up. In fact the cover shot for the ‘songs’ box set was shot in the venue. That’s very cool. We move on to the Capitol, well, just outside, Vienna, Virginia. After the show we go on a tour of the sights of Washington D.C. I have seen them before. I first saw the ‘Whitehouse’ in 1985. I stood by the ‘Wall’, which commemorates those lives lost in Vietnam in 93 and I remember sobbing like a child in front of the thousands of names. Now, in the dark and slightly damp night air it feels eerie, but the lesson is still there. It’s all around me; the women’s Vietnam memorial, the new World War 2 memorial, the Korean memorial, and the Vietnam Vets who man the 24 hour kiosks, as if waiting for the ghosts of there comrades to come by for a coffee. And there is Mr Lincoln, looking down on it all. What would he have to say, and indeed Dr King, who`s words are embeded in the concrete on the very spot he gave them to us. All these great structures and buildings are illuminated at night, and in the distance Capital Hill. Only the home of the President is in darkness. Surrounded by Police and fences and barricades, you can get so close, but there is not much to see. The lights are out. By the time I return next, there will undoubtedly be another memorial, which will have the names of the thousand and more USA soldiers who have died in Iraq. We should indeed, never forget.
Out of New York..just - 2004-09-26
Drive hire car though Manhattan (daunting enough), car engine running, get out of car to grab luggage and place in boot (trunk!), door shuts and I’m locked out of the car which is blocking the entrance to a car park, I’m the most popular man in New York, I know this because everyone is honking their horns at me and gesturing with there hands! An hour or so later a breakdown guy breaks into the car using a credit card and a piece of metal. How can you get locked out of a car with then engine running? Answers on a postcard.. Gigs in Ridgefield, Connecticut and Pawtaucket, Rhode Island have happened and gone nicely. Onto Philadelphia tomorrow.
Springsteen Interview with Rolling Stone Mag - 2004-09-24
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/6477832?rnd= 1095945961590&has-player=true&version=6.0.10.505
Ground Zero and Fahrenheit 9/11 - 2004-09-23
Met up with Doug Yowell, with who I struck up a great friendship with on the Suzanne Vega tour. Doug came on and played drums for me on the last few nights of the tour and those of you in the PQ will hear the results on the next free CD due in October. I also visited Ground Zero, which was a humbling event for me. I went to the top of the towers in 91 when my family were over for a while as I was spending prolonged periods of time in New York when I was recorded. I have video footage of us all on the top of the building. Just across the road is a small chapel called St Paul’s. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11 the chapel became a shelter, feeding post and safe haven for the thousands of volunteers. The record of that and displays really got to me. This evening I went to Times Square and I went to see Fahrenheit 9/11. Put that film together with the Ground Zero visit and that’s a lot of America for one day. It was as devastating a piece of work as I thought it would be and I wish every American would see it and before November. I mean even if only 20% of it was true, in the UK it would still be enough to make the Prime Ministers job untenable. The huge issues represented are pushed aside by Bush supporters, either because they are ignorant of them or because they see Abortion and same sex marriages as the most important issues on the planet. I heard one woman in a church say that she was voting for Bush because he was pro life and against same sex marriages, and that all the ‘other stuff’ would fall into place because he was a man of great morality. Basically, because Bush calls himself a Christian that is all that matters and it gives him a visa to the thinking part of a fundamentalist brain and lets him get away with murder, literally. This is why the word ‘Christian’ has become meaningless to me. It has been hijacked and rendered impotent. The Jesus I believe in would not tolerate these so called ‘morals’, and would overturn more than a few tables in the Whitehouse. I don’t want to even think about another term of office for this man but I fear it might happen. One of the problems is a lack of effective opposition, as the USA suffers in the same way as the UK with a blending of messages and policies that make every one sound the same. The people that lost their lives in 9/11 and their surviving families deserve more than they have been given, as do those who’s children are now dying in Iraq. Go see this film. Its not perfect but its good enough, and still may make the difference in the most important election of our lives.
New York always held a fascination for me, which grew into a love affair. It’s a wonderful city and all of life is here. Since I first came here in 86, I have gathered great memories, but most of them come from staying here for two months in 92 when we were recording the ‘Being There’ album. We flew in this afternoon and I have been wandering around all day drinking it all in. We are staying in an apartment building that John Lennon and Paul McCartney stayed in 1968 when they announced the formation of Apple Records, and its right in the heart of Manhattan. Had dinner this evening with Ben Wisch, who produced me back in 92 and we may well do something together again soon. Ironically he is working with Suzanne Vega tomorrow! After, Chris and I wandered around Times Square and it was nice to find some copies of ‘Whoever It Was’ in Virgin records. We also stumbled upon George Bush’s motorcade parked up outside some building. Lots of guys with earpieces and guns surrounded the building, and try though I might they insisted that a chat with George was out of the question…his loss. I don’t wear sunglasses for effect; I wear them to keep the sun out of my eyes. I have always had an urge to go up to folk who wear them in doors (a lot of folk in music business) and tell them that I hope the sun comes out for them later. I don’t buy expensive sunglasses. I have now lost or broken 3 pairs of sunglasses since July. First pair were lost in a river, second pair were left somewhere in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto earlier this week (hopefully now mounted alongside Wayne Gretzkys gloves), and the third were destroyed when I sat on them at the airport today. Lets see how long the pair I purchased for $12 in New York last. My day was capped by an email from my friend, and now victorious Ryder Cup Captain, Bernhard Langer. How nice of him to email at a time when he must be inundated with messages.
Montreal is a great city. Spent some time wandering around today, especially in the old part of town; lots of art gallery’s etc. Played the show at Club One to just eight people plus a few guests. Vez Sacratini’s ( Vez plays for the Cardiff Devils) family came along and it was great to meet them. I have no profile here at all and haven’t played any festivals near by so knew there wouldn’t be a big turn out. I played as though there were hundreds there though, which is kind of satisfying and everyone seemed to have a good night. I hope to come back soon and to build on tonight’s gig. We blew the evenings earnings on some great ice cream and fly to New York tomorrow. Sorry to learn of the death of Brian Clough. Growing up, I always liked listening to him talk football, and enjoyed his outspoken views. Now he would have made a good Ryder Cup Captain, and would have whipped the Amercian lads into shape! Peace to you Brian.
Quebec and the Ryder Cup - 2004-09-20
So have played Brantford (birth place of the great one, that’s Wayne Gretzky not Jesus), Peterborough and earlier on today Wakefield in Quebec. Today’s show was a matinee starting at 4.30, which I though was going to be a bit of a bummer as the Ryder Cup would be reaching its climax at this time. However, as the audience filed in I sat on a pool table and watched the lads clinch their record breaking victory, though my punching of the air and exclamation of the simple word ‘yes’ scared a lot of people! It was a proud moment to see my friend Bernhard lifting that famous trophy..the gig was good too. The start was perfectly timed with my need to watch the golf, and it was a great surprise to have folk requesting songs in a part of the world I was visiting for the first time. Wakefield is a beautiful town and I was sorry we didn’t have more time to look around. After the show, Chris drove us to Montreal where I play tomorrow before we leave to go to the USA.
Touching Stanley in Canada - 2004-09-17
Back in Canada again, only left the place three weeks ago! Toronto is a lot warmer than when I was here in January, when a huge snowstorm hit the city on the night of my show. Last night was a great start to this tour and I love playing Hugh’s Room, a great venue to come and listen to music. I put a new song in the set called ‘how did we end up here’, which went down great. I played for 2 hours and 25 minutes and slept well. Earlier in the day, trying to shrug off jet lag, Chris (tour manager) and I walked a few miles around the city. The highlight of this for me was visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame where I got to touch the Stanley Cup, which is kind of the FA cup of football only more important. Canada won the world championships in the city a few nights ago, whereas back in Cardiff the Devils beat Nottingham 3-2 in there opening game of the season!
From Dave Batstone - 2004-09-10
Read this today from Dave in California This week, the 1,000th U.S. soldier died in Iraq, according to the Pentagon`s own accounting, going back in time since the first day of the invasion. My thoughts immediately went to the parents of those young (in most cases) men and women who lost their lives. I am sure that those parents feel proud for the sacrifice and bravery that their children demonstrated, putting themselves in harm`s way in service for their country. I am equally sure that those parents feel unspeakable grief once the phone call came that their beloved one would not be returning home. Grieving those 1,000 lives is made tragically difficult, since the public relations of war dictates that Americans should not see their soldiers come home in body bags. The Pentagon bans photographs of dead soldiers, let alone the coffins that hold them. The message is, let`s not make the war personal. War is best fueled by ideologies, slogans, and fears. The faces of the victims throw off the tempo of the military parade. It goes without saying that we Americans will not honor the lives of Iraqis who have been killed in this conflict either. We do not know their names, nor do we imagine the pain that the parents of those victims feel. The Pentagon even refuses to track (publicly) the number of their fatalities. They are not people to us. They are terrorists, Arabs, Muslims, aliens, enemies. Modern warfare ceases to be war once it becomes personal. Have you ever stopped to think how ironic it is that of the men who are most responsible for unleashing a pre-emptive strike on Iraq - President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, the former chairman of the Defense Policy Board, Richard Perle, and White House Chief of Staff Karl Rove - not one has spent a single minute in military combat? Nor do any of their sons or daughters put their lives on the line out of patriotism. Surely there would be less swagger in their rhetoric if it was they who walked the front lines, or if it was their own children who would seek to occupy the streets of Fallujah. As a father, the campaign trail leaves me cold. The presidential candidates trip over themselves to convince me that they are more warrior than the other. George W. Bush, who apparently could not even make time to check into his military base in Alabama, tells us that he will rattle the sword to usher in freedom to the Middle East. Not to be outdone, John Kerry greets us with a military salute and wants us to believe that his true legacy from Vietnam is as a war hero, not as a principled anti-war veteran. For my part, I want to hear how the candidate will be a peacemaker. How will they contribute to a lasting peace in Israel and Palestine? How will they stop the violence in Sudan? How will they end the hostility that pushes us toward a clash of civilizations, Christian vs. Muslim? How will they build bridges that terrorists will not aim to blow up? I take peace personally; I do not want to see my children grow up with the imminent fear of a terrorist attack. I wish the next president of the United States would take war - and peace - personally too.
When I wrote my last entry my heart was heavy enough, but I don’t think I could have imagined the carnage that was to follow. So many lives lost in Beslan and so many of them children. One twelve year old girl was shot 46 times..in the back. I have felt so sad in the last few days as I’m sure we all have, but we cant begin to get close to the grief of these folk. Of course, the Chechen rebels are not the only ones who have killed children. The British and US governments have done it for a long time. They don’t like to think they do, but they do. Wars kill children, sanctions kill children. Half a million children from Iraq died as a result of United Nations sanctions against that country, and whenever sane voices try to remonstrate in the chamber, the US veto vote smacked them down. One hundred thousand Chechen people have died in the last four years, with around forty thousand of them being children. I try desperately to understand the human soul, to try and get to a place where I can grasp something of why people do what they do. Whilst often being horrified by the actions of so many, including myself, I think I have been able to get to the point of understanding most human behaviour. I condone little, but will allow my intellect to engage in the process that brings us to acts of despair and deceit, which bring hurt and pain to others. However, in all my years of observing and writing I have never felt so unable to comprehend the cruelty we have seen. It has happened before but never quite so in our faces. Whatever drives a soul to shoot children? I have been trying to record some songs today for a covers album. Have been singing a simple love song for the past few hours. Its much easier than having to engage in some work that takes on this horror, and right now I wish that’s all I sang..simple love songs. Right now, the process of working through some of this stuff is not one I’m looking forward too, but where else do I go? We can’t just shake our heads or fists, we have to walk on and try and understand. It’s just that I don’t want to anymore, at least not today.
High`s and a new low - 2004-09-01
Had a wonderful, if exhausting, time at Greenbelt. Enjoyed hosting ‘The Rising’ again and taking part in the tribute to Mike Yaconelli. My gig in the new Centaur venue was wild though I could have done without the 12.30 am start. We taped the show, and though I haven’t heard the results yet, I’m pretty sure we might have an album there we could release for fund raising for some good cause. As a festival Greenbelt remains unique, and i`m proud of Her. Played the South Sea Roots festival on the Friday before the festival and had a good and sweaty night at the venue on the Pier! A new low I think in the world today. I don’t care what your cause is. To hold children hostage under the threat of mass execution is a cowardly action. Nothing will ever come of the violence we see around us now. The leaders of the world have continued to ignore the voice of people asking for legitimate change, but nothing justifies this.
So I’m contributing to a record that’s coming out with a whole bunch of musicians on it from primarily the folk world called ‘Rumours of Rain’. It’s basically an offering of protest against the war in Iraq. The problem is that it’s being mixed in Nashville right now and I’m in Cardiff. So the chorus of the song is played and recorded onto my answer phone, and I take it from there. I record my parts at home and then convert them into a file and send it down the line to the studio in Nashville and four minutes later its available for insertion into the track..amazing really. The project is the baby of Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby’s. Brian plays with the Strawbs and I met him at the Edmonton Folk festival. He kindly asked if I would like to be involved and there we go. It’s a small world in many ways. Will give you more details when I have them but there are some great folk involved including Nanci Griffiths, Ralph Mactell, Martin Carthy etc.
Prince George and home - 2004-08-17
We fly home tomorrow morning from here in Prince George. The first ever folk fest in PG was a big success and I was very proud of the community here, who I have come to know and love. It was good to hang out with Bruce Cockburn and Janis Ian again and it was wonderful to have them at the very first folk festival in this ‘out of the way’ town. The setting was beautiful and I’m sure they will go from strength to strength in future years..good for them. Well done Jo Beattie and all your team. We had a great week here staying with friends and doing a lot of cool stuff. Golfing, floating own the river, helicopter rides were all on the menu along with great company. I feel so at home in this community and its hard to leave. Home is home and always will be, but I always feel like I leave a part of me behind here in Canada. Maybe its so I can go back and pick it up. That I will do, but in the meantime I’m grateful to everyone who listens to the music here and keep asking me back. This has been another wonderful trip, and i have met some great musicians and made new friends..so worthwhile. So home to the UK, pick up the reigns and play a few festivals including Greenbelt. Then it’s back over here though mainly the U.S. for the second half of September. I haven’t written a song this year and that’s not good. I find it hard to write on the road and that’s where I live right now. Have plenty of ideas though, but not the space in which to paint.
A Press Release From Bruce Sprinsgteen this week A nation`s artists and musicians have a particular place in its social and political life. Over the years I`ve tried to think long and hard about what it means to be American: about the distinctive identity and position we have in the world, and how that position is best carried. I`ve tried to write songs that speak to our pride and criticize our failures. These questions are at the heart of this election: who we are, what we stand for, why we fight. Personally, for the last 25 years I have always stayed one step away from partisan politics. Instead, I have been partisan about a set of ideals: economic justice, civil rights, a humane foreign policy, freedom and a decent life for all of our citizens. This year, however, for many of us the stakes have risen too high to sit this election out. Through my work, I`ve always tried to ask hard questions. Why is it that the wealthiest nation in the world finds it so hard to keep its promise and faith with its weakest citizens? Why do we continue to find it so difficult to see beyond the veil of race? How do we conduct ourselves during difficult times without killing the things we hold dear? Why does the fulfillment of our promise as a people always seem to be just within grasp yet forever out of reach? I don`t think John Kerry and John Edwards have all the answers. I do believe they are sincerely interested in asking the right questions and working their way toward honest solutions. They understand that we need an administration that places a priority on fairness, curiosity, openness, humility, concern for all America`s citizens, courage and faith. People have different notions of these values, and they live them out in different ways. I`ve tried to sing about some of them in my songs. But I have my own ideas about what they mean, too. That is why I plan to join with many fellow artists, including the Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., the Dixie Chicks, Jurassic 5, James Taylor and Jackson Browne, in touring the country this October. We will be performing under the umbrella of a new group called Vote for Change. Our goal is to change the direction of the government and change the current administration come November. Like many others, in the aftermath of 9/11, I felt the country`s unity. I don`t remember anything quite like it. I supported the decision to enter Afghanistan and I hoped that the seriousness of the times would bring forth strength, humility and wisdom in our leaders. Instead, we dived headlong into an unnecessary war in Iraq, offering up the lives of our young men and women under circumstances that are now discredited. We ran record deficits, while simultaneously cutting and squeezing services like afterschool programs. We granted tax cuts to the richest 1 percent (corporate bigwigs, well-to-do guitar players), increasing the division of wealth that threatens to destroy our social contract with one another and render mute the promise of "one nation indivisible." It is through the truthful exercising of the best of human qualities - respect for others, honesty about ourselves, faith in our ideals - that we come to life in God`s eyes. It is how our soul, as a nation and as individuals, is revealed. Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.
Banff and Edmonton - 2004-08-09
After singing one song to celebrate the year of the minor in Canada at the Canmore folk festival, we moved on to Banff for a break. White water rafting, canoeing, basketball, shopping, hiking and the quickest swim of my life in Emerald Lake..it just had to be done but so cold! Great to be having down time with the family in such a wonderful area and Harriet learnt to let go and swim! Have just finished at the Edmonton Folk fest. A big but friendly festival..good workshops, especially enjoyed meeting and playing with Martin Simpson, and what a guitar player and nice guy too. Did two songs (Good In me Is Dead and American Novel) on the main stage in front of the gathered thousands on the hill. It wasn’t easy as Great Big Sea had just finished a storming set but I seemed to drag the crowd to a different place for a while and was quietly thrilled when I finished to see Michael Franti applauding behind me. I think he is an amazing artist working with great integrity and in a cross of hip hop, folk and rock and it meant a lot to know he had been watching. Have also enjoyed watching Natalie Merchant, David Byrne and Ani De Franco play. So, Stefan becomes a teenager tomorrow, so we will celebrate that and then drive a long way on Tuesday up to Prince George for the last festival on this tour of duty.
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we," Bush said. "They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." -from www.boston.com/dailynews/218/wash/Bush_misspeaks_says_his_admini:.shtml
Because we should.. - 2004-07-31
Had a wonderful trip out to the Siksika Nation (Blackfoot) reservation this week. We were giving a tour by the son of one of the elders, a gentleman by the name of Clarence. It’s a stark contrast to the relative wealth of Calgary. There is an average of three families living in one house there but and the difference in life styles is even harder to stomach when you hear of the treaties that have been reneged upon and broken. Yet still these folk have gentleness and spirit within them that is compelling, as they seek to better their lives and build for the future. Particularly poignant was when we stood on the plain by the side of the grave of Chief Crowfoot who signed the original peace treaty around the turn of the century. Some tears were shed, and when asked why the answer spoken was ‘because we should’. Absolutely. Thanks to Heather John for arranging such a wonderful visit. I also want to mention my little buddy Riley who came out with his Mum to the Calgary folk fest. I met Riley in his classroom in Strathmore back in February and we stay in touch. It was great to see him again and introduce him to my family. We are now spending some time in the mountains before moving onto Edmonton on Thursday.
Had a bit of a complaint from someone about my views on the weekend. Came across this quote today; "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has his foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality." Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Calgary fest and hotel flood - 2004-07-27
Calgary Folk Festival has been and gone and was good fun. Enjoyed an eclectic mix of music on the weekend, the highlights for me being ‘Great Big Sea’, Michael Franti and Spearhead and Steve Earl. Also shared a stage with, and got to know Thea Gilmore from the UK, what a great talent she is. I just had no grasp of the depth she already has when I was that young, and I think she will be around for a long time. It was another good festival to be part of and I’m realising that each one has its own characteristics and atmosphere and shouldn’t be compared as such with others. Calgary is a little more urban, being right in the heart of the city and you got the sense that the choir was not always being preached too, and that you were actually challenging some perceptions, which is great. Got back to the hotel on the Saturday night to find that the floor that our room was on was full of fireman and had been flooded by sprinklers going off. It was a bit of a mess to say the least and without going into detail became pretty stressful. The hotel was full so we couldn’t move rooms and being moved to another hotel at that time and what it would entail was a non-starter so we slept in a room covered in white towels! Anyhow, all was ok in the end and I managed to turn up for my 10.00pm workshop the next day; why do I get all the early starts? We now have ten days or so before the Edmonton Folk festival though I am making a guest appearance at the Canmore festival on Saturday. Started the time off in style this morning with a rafting trip down the Bow River..now were talking..don’t mind early starts to do that sort of thing!
It`s the IMF`s Birthday - 2004-07-23
Played three songs tonight on the mainstage at Calgary following on after Taj Mahal and before Stomping Tom Connors!..so there you go. Played Bruce Cockburn`s ‘They Call It Democracy’ to note the 60th anniversary of the International Monetary Fund as it has a few choice lines for them.
At least some one is saying sorry - 2004-07-22
"As the only Anglican bishop to have publicly endorsed the Australian government`s case for war, I now concede that Iraq did not possess weapons of mass destruction.... There is no alternative to concluding that the March 2003 invasion was neither just nor necessary.... I continue to seek God`s forgiveness for my complicity in creating a world in which this sort of action was ever considered by anyone to be necessary." Dr. Tom Frame, Anglican Bishop to the Australian Defence Force.
Vancouver Folk Fest - 2004-07-21
Vancouver Folk fest was another great event to be a part of. Situated at Jericho Beach, the backdrop of downtown Vancouver, ships and yachts and beautiful mountains is simply stunning. I ran into and shared stages with a number of old friends at the festival; people like Janis Ian, Bruce Cockburn, The Wailin Jennys, Eric Bibb, Geoff Burner and more. I also did more workshops with Utah Phillips who floored me with more public praise and also with Odetta, a wonderfully grace filled person who was a big part of the civil rights movement in the USA since the fifties. She has been described as one of the most important musicians of the 20th century but she doesn’t carry that burden in any form that would come near pride, and it was a privilege to be with her on the same stage. I had some wonderful moments on the weekend, occasionally an audience can bless you beyond words and this happened at Vancouver. I sold a record number of CD’s on the weekend, which obviously helps in many ways, but I will remember the weekend for other things. There was one very amusing moment on Sunday when I was singing ‘Whoever It was..’ at the morning workshop with Eric Bibb, Po Girl and Odetta. An accordion was being played rather loudly on an adjoining stage and I stopped after the first verse and chorus and said ‘ I hate accordions!’ This prompted a lot of laughter, which got louder when I said I couldn’t remember the how the next verse starts. I quickly reached down for my bag, took out a copy of my CD, tore the wrapping off and got the lyric booklet out. Odetta helped me do this and it was kind of magical in its own way. It was also great to hook up with more Ice Hockey buddies Mac and Ivan this week. The sun beat down for two days and I was exhausted at the end, especially as I was getting up at six am each morning to watch the British Open on TV. A great time though and lots of inspiration to boot. So now I rest up for a few days, then off to Calgary for their folk fest, which starts on Thursday. The best part is that the family join me on Wednesday for the rest of the tour. On TV here today there was a report of how Linda Rondstat was playing a show in Las Vegas this weekend and she dedicated a song to filmmaker and activist Michael Moore who she called a true patriot. The crowd then booed, spilt drinks and proceeded to tear her posters down. She was escorted from the building and told she would not be welcome to play there again. Amazing that that could happen in the land of the free. Good for her says I.
USA quotes from Vancouver - 2004-07-14
"I`m in love with this country called America. I`m a huge fan of America. I`m one of those annoying fans, you know the ones that read the CD notes and follow you into bathrooms and ask you all kinds of annoying questions about why you didn`t live up to that. I`m that kind of fan. I read the Declaration of Independence and I`ve read the Constitution of the United States, and they are some liner notes, dude." Bono, activist rock star, in his commencement address at the University of Pennsylvania. Father of beheaded American speaks out The words of Michael Berg, whose 26-year-old son Nick Berg was beheaded by Iraqi militants: "People like George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld don`t see the pain that people have to bear - they don`t know what it feels like to have your guts ripped out." "What I`m trying to do is show to the American people and the British people...that war has a wretchedly horrible face." "There are 11,000-plus Iraqi citizens that are dead and each one`s family is as affected as I was, but the American media doesn`t cover these people. It doesn`t cover the people who are suffering the most. Observing someone`s pain just makes you think just how can they [Bush and Blair] possibly do this. There isn`t enough money in the world that could ever make this worthwhile."
Last day at the Winnipeg folk fest was another hot one. Gig went great and Russ Romaniuk and his family came out to the show. Russ plays for the Cardiff Devils. I had a great workshop with Eric Bibb, Utah Phillips, Dick Gaughan and Ted Longbottom. Entitled Working Class Heroes, it was a fairly political affair with Utah setting the scene as the host. Utah is a legend amongst folk circles here and, without wanting to be rude in any way, is the oldest artist taking part here. He cuts a striking figure and has a wonderful glean in his eye. After I sang Please Sir he leant across and said ‘you’re a fine boy’..wonderful moment. Anyhow, it was a good time and the festival was a pleasure to be at. There were the usual after Festival parties, which kept me from my bed till 3.30am, and I got up at 8 to play golf with Russ. Going from a folk fest to a Country Club was quite the culture change but it can be done! You go from a place where know one cares how you dress to a place where some things are not acceptable. All things to all men someone once wrote. Today I fly to Vancouver to start it all again, though I’m taking part in a conference about he future of festivals, politics in music etc for the next few days.
Giovanna and Mark`s wedding was a lovely thing, and i`m glad i was able to be there. I sang the Bruce Springsteen song `If I Should Fall Behind` to them. The sun shone and followed me on the flight to Winnipeg. Winnipeg is very hot and the mozzies are biting. When I was here in Feb the temp was –32 whereas today it was +33. I hosted and took part in a workshop this morning with the title of ‘songs I never recorded’. I thought the title would lead to a bit of a dull event but everyone pulled one out of that hat and there were some fine moments. During the day I had a nice chat with Martin Carthy MBE, who I’m sure wont mind me saying is kind of the grandfather of British folk music. Tonight I played three songs on the mainstage in front of eight thousand folks. I sang ‘The Good In Me’, American Novel’ and Democracy’, the Bruce Cockburn song. Back at the hotel tonight I hung out in the bar with Spirit Of The West, a well known Canadian band that have been together for twenty years..very nice guys. OK, gotta sleep, my main gig is tomorrow and more workshop stuff. The heat really drains your energy out there and you cant escape it, as it’s a forty-minute ride back to town to the hotel. Its probably preferable to rain though.
Weddings in Calgary - 2004-07-09
I’m in Calgary, got here on Wednesday after little sleep the night before in the UK trying to get ready. There’s a lot to get in place where you’re away for six weeks. Canada greets me with its usual smile and comforting embrace; I do love this place. I’m singing at a some good friends wedding today before I fly to Winnipeg tonight to start the Folk Festival there tomorrow (Saturday). Giovanna, who does publicity for me here, and Mark had there pre wedding dinner last night and it wonderful to hear the kind speeches and good wishes for them. They are great people and deserve much happiness. Giovanna’s Father, who is a very politicised and for the people Italian gentlemen, made a number of very funny remarks but my memory will be of him telling us of his delight that his daughter is marrying a ‘progressive’, a radical. He and the other parents are delighted that these tow have found each other and that’s great. There is not enough joy in the world, but I saw a lot on folks faces last night and I’m sure there will be more today. The town is heaving as the famous Calgary Stampede starts today. Lots of guys wearing big hats and boots..kinda glad i`m leaving to return in a few weeks when things have calmed down.
Just going to bed at 2.30 am. Think i have got everything done. Will leave for Heathrow at 7am. Flying to Canada and will be away for six weeks playing festivals. Yesterday i drove a 500 mile round trip to film for BBC`s Heaven and Earth show..i think its being shown around August 4th. Sang a couple of songs and an interview. It was filmed near Hasting`s in a lovely house by the sea. Anyhow, sleep a few hours i must..will be in touch..nite x
I have had a great last few days on the Suzanne Vega tour. We played Oxford on Monday, and on the way up stopped off for tea with Bob and Trudy Harris. Had a very surreal moment when I realised that having finished my cup of tea I began to drink whispering Bob’s! They came to the show, which was very nice of them considering it’s the only evening they get off a week. What a wonderful thing it is to have Bob out their on the airwaves playing music that otherwise would be lost to us. Tuesday was Cardiff. The band learned ‘Cardiff Bay’ during the journey down and Suzanne graciously agreed for them to play with me. It felt wonderful to be backed by such great muso’s who really felt the thing out and played with great sensitivity. I was enjoying the moment so much that I forgot the words to the second verse and for a moment didn’t know what to do. I decided to stop everything and start again. It was a bit of a risk I guess but it seemed right and my mistake was quickly forgotten, as I got lost in the sound and emotion of playing that song in Cardiff with these guys that have become good friends. They joined me again last night in Stoke and it felt even better. It was my last night of the tour, as I have to prepare now for six weeks away in Canada. Saying goodbye to everyone was hard and sad. You become very close in such an environment and connect on many levels. I showed the guys around Cardiff in the morning and I`m sure it wont be the last time I get to hang with them. It has certainly got me thinking a little about playing with something of a band set up at some point. Suzanne has been very kind and i have enjoyed our discussions and chat.It`s been good getting to know her a little more and she impresses me on many levels. What a sweet lady. I wish them well as they move onto Italy.
Scotland but no Golf - 2004-06-28
Only missed the Aberdeen show. Drove up to Edinburgh and enjoyed the gig at the Liquid Rooms. The tour is a very friendly one. You become a portable community on these tours and i`m enjoying the banter and friendship. Have got to know Suzanne Vega a lot more this time too and have enjoyed our chats. Tried to play golf at St Andrews but the weather was a little biblical in its serverity and i bottled out. Glasgow then Coventry, then home for the weekend. Walked some of the coastal path in Pembrokshire today..beautiful. Oxford tomorrow.
The other two Dutch shows were great, especially Groningen. Amsterdam is a great city and I must go back sometime and browse a bit more. During the soundcheck at the ‘Paradiso’ in Amsterdam, Suzanne’s band started jamming along with me, and boy it felt great. I might just have to get me one of those things someday! Some folk on the tour are going down with a stomach bug, but that wont be the reason I will miss tomorrows show in Aberdeen. This afternoon I was getting into my car when I thumped the top of my head, which had my sunglasses on top, into the rim of the door. Thinking ‘that hurt’, I then realised that a lot of blood was pouring on the floor, and I ended up getting the thing glued together in hospital. Having been advised not to drive anywhere for the next 24 hours I will re join the tour in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
No Room At The Inn - 2004-06-17
Get to airport..ticket cock up. Have to buy fresh one, then plane delayed so will miss rendezvous with Vega tour bus. Get to Amsterdam; find train to Rotterdam then cab to gig. Slightly tougher one tonight. Standing crowd with bar, goes fine. There’s a problem with my hotel room, and I may have had to sleep on tour bus in car park, but Doug Yowell (Suzannes’ drummer) comes to my rescue and says I can crash in his room. There is a spare ‘cot bed’ in Suzanne’s room, which Mark Dyde and I carry across the hotel lobby in hysterics. At one point I’m laughing so much I trip up and collapse on top of the bed! It was a wonderful moment and a light end to a rather heavy day.
Phew, what a week! Caught a flight to Belfast on Tuesday and started the Suzanne Vega tour. It’s going very well and Suzanne’s audience is a great one to play too. She has been opening for Sting and played before 250,000 folks in Budapest last week! From Belfast on the tour bus down to Dublin and then Cork on the Thursday. Ireland is a beautiful place and I must try and come back a little more regularly. After the Cork show we travelled through the night (well some of it), getting to Dublin airport at 5 am. Suzanne, band and crew caught a flight to Rome for more Sting stuff and I waited for five hours for a flight to Aberdeen. In was amazed at how busy the airport was at 5am, it was like Christmas Eve! As a side issue I cant figure why Ryan Air only allow 15 kg baggage allowance, it’s the lowest of any airline in the world. My excess baggage bill was more than my flight ticket! The show in Fraserburgh was great. The town has suffered a great deal because of European fishing quotas enforced by Brussels and it has hit the town and community hard. It was hard not to feel a link between this situation and the mining communities, especially when considering the danger that men put themselves in when working their trade. Although not always fatal, the town looses a boat around once a fortnight. On the Saturday morning I gave a song-writing workshop, which had a great turnout. That went well too and I should do more of this as it seems to be something that folk are really interested in. After that I drove south to Comrie for a lovely gig in the village hall. It was good to be playing in towns outside the usual gigs in Scotland. Flew home this morning and have two days now before heading off to Holland for more Vega shows on Wednesday.
Filmed ‘Wake Me Up’ for a BBC Wales art show today and a short interview. Aled Jones is the presenter and it will go out later this week. Will stay up until late into the morning to see if Calgary can clinch the Stanley Cup. I was with them till 5 am on Saturday night and they lost, hence the clincher tonight. Guess that means I’m going to sleep on the plane tomorrow to Belfast, my run of dates opening for Suzanne Vega starts there tomorrow night. Will be happy to do the gigs but at the same time feel that I should be static right now. I wrote this to a friend tonight: How does one stop? Crazy schedules in the hope that something might happen, or out of the fear that you might not do that one gig that..what?..exactly. Meanwhile..your kids grow and you don’t see it happening, and one is so busy trying to get one`s head around the madness of the pressure of trying to be everything to many, before even beginning to take on life`s deeper mysteries, and loving the few folk that life would crumble without. Bed at 4.30 am. Flames lost..damn
I`m coming to the end of this amazing novel by John Steinbeck. It`s one of the most engaging stories I have ever read, and full of paragraphs that have left me staring out the window in thought. This man knew the human condition and describes it so well in his characters. I have tried to pick up some of the themes in a few new lyrics but he says it too well. Beautiful writing.
Oxford PJ`s and Cockburn in Cardiff - 2004-06-01
Have done two gigs since the last entry. Sorry the diary is something short of consistent at the moment. Life has taken on something of an irregular shape recently, and I find myself being less than regular when it comes to certain tasks, plus the added excuse of the web site problems we had. Anyhow, played the Zodiac in Oxford last week, which was a club type venue. PJ Harvey was playing a show upstairs and it was interesting to see the two line ups of audience outside before the show, could you spot the difference? The demographics of an MJ audience is fairly wide, but I would like to think that the music would be of interest to a wide sweep of folk. Earlier in the day I gave an informal talk on the visit to Brazil and the MST. I was almost giving a lecture in Oxford! Sunday saw the Warchild benefit in Cardiff. Thanks to everyone who showed up at such short notice. I thought it was a great evening and was very grateful to Stewart Henderson, Ben Okafor and Bruce Cockburn for giving up their time fee of charge to come and play. Ben was great, I haven’t heard him for a few years and Stewart’s poetry always stops me in my tacks. It was great to have Bruce In Wales for the first time and I thought his performance was stunning: what a guitar player, and combined with his poetry of social and human commentary makes for a very special artist. I was also impressed that at the age of sixty he is still enthused about getting around the world and playing. I think I have had a long career until I compare it to his, and it is kind of inspirational in that respect. I have been a fan for years but Bruce has never seemed to be able to break through over here which again, in a strange sort of way, I find comforting for obvious reasons. Have the rest of the week to catch up and hopefully do a little writing and thinking before going to Ireland next week for the start of the Suzanne Vega tour.
Seems like everything is up and running again, thanks for your patience. Technology is wonderful till it doesn’t work and then it takes up ridiculous amounts of our time while we try and sort it out. Life is simpler with and without it. Enjoyed the show in Bedford last week. Whilst I always like to think that each gig is different, one can fall into a pattern on a tour, and one off’s are usually a little more adventurous. So I played a song or two I had never sung and quite a few I hadn’t performed in a while. Looking forward to Oxford on Wednesday where I haven’t played, as far as I know, since around 96 when I opened for Mike and The Mechanics at the Apollo. I’m also doing a lunchtime event (1.00pm) for Christian Aid at the Quakers Meeting house in Pusey Lane that day if any one is interested. I’m just going to talk and be questioned about the Brazilian trip and any thing else folk want to ask. The miner’s event on Friday was a proud moment. I have sung Please Sir hundreds of times but didn’t feel I got it right on the night but it still seemed to connect with the men and women there which means a lot. There was a terrific exhibition of photographs taken during the strike and they were very moving. There was also a picture of Margaret Thatcher announcing the news that the miners were going back to work and the quote ‘I have been told I shouldn’t gloat, but I’m going to’. I couldn’t think of a worse thing for the leader of the country to say at that moment. Radio 2 on Sunday morning was early but seemed to go ok. So much is down to the person interviewing but there are ways of getting your points across. Manchester was certainly a happy place to be on the weekend. They won the FA Cup in Cardiff and famous son Morrisey came home to play..and i thought my lyrics were on the down side.
Busy days in Belgium - 2004-05-11
Got back from America early last week and, as ever, it was good to touch the green, green grass of home. Spent a few days reminding everyone who I was and then flew to Belgium on the weekend and played the Toogenblik Club near Brussels on Friday night (played there last year, great club venue) and then two shows on Saturday. The first was at the Labadoux Music Festival. I played on the main stage for an hour and had a great time. It’s an interesting exercise to go from playing to a crowd in the USA to Belgium, but the thousand odd Flemish souls decided to reward me with one of those standing ovation things which always leave me not knowing which way to look. We then travelled onto a place called Oudenaerde for a show at the De Boerderery. This was one of those gigs that one always remembers. There was a very special atmosphere in the building with a capacity crowd, a great PA system and a bar! Basically, I took the stage at 8.20pm and left it at 12.30 am, with just a short 15 min break in the middle. It reminded me of a show in Sunderland a few years ago, which I think had set the record up until Saturday. My best recount of the evening tells me I sang 31 songs. The stage was very small and was surrounded by the audience with no gangway. I therefore didn’t have a path to get off! I managed to get a chair onto the stage and said that when I sat on it would signify the last song. They then proceeded to take the chair and passed it over their heads so as this couldn’t happen! Anyhow, it was quite a day with two gigs that will stick in the memory for a long time. I slept well that night! Thanks to everyone in Belgium who made me feel so welcome. Looks like things are building nicely there. Special thanks to Diethard for making it all happen. So, back home picking up the pieces, though my team are taking the heat off me, which is great. Lost of stuff flowing through and I’m excited about the War Child show with Bruce Cockburn at the end of the month. I’m also thinking of recording that covers album that I have talked about for many years..hmm.
Sitting in my hotel room in Detroit. Flight leaves in a few hours for home. This has been a good time and will hopefully be a place to build from in the future here. Nice shows in Madison, Chicago and Ann Arbour last night. Last two gigs were opening for Lucy Kaplansky who is a sweet lady. Some folks travelled a very long way to here me play (two groups from the UK) and its very kind of them. Scott, who did monitors on the Art Garfunkel tour I was on showed up last night and he had driven three hours..so kind. The response has been great and last night I played in the hometown of the Fleming Agency that is booking me here and that was important. They have big plans and over breakfast this morning we discussed a lot of stuff. It’s a big commitment but I will see what we can do. JJ flew into Chicago as a surprise, which was nice of him. He was supposed to fly home with me this evening but has left his passport in Chicago so that wont happen. I thought it was only me who did things like that. Chris has been amazing and I’m very in debted to him. We paused the game with me 50 points up. I look forward to resuming the battle and, indeed, the next time we hit the road. Looks like I will be back here in Sept, just before the election. I only hope this great country does the right thing. My friend who sent me the rather nasty emails has calmed somewhat. I sent him a response a week later, which was considerate and polite. We have since exchanged a few messages and in the last he wished me all the best and thanked me for what I was doing. There is common ground out there for those who seek something of the truth. Please excuse any spelling (as always), typing this in a hurry..now, where is my passport?
St Paul, Cedar Rapids, dust. - 2004-04-29
Great night in St Paul. Tried out the new Bose sound system where you stand in front of this tall thin speaker stack and work without monitors. The sound filled the room and i really enjoyed the feel of playing and listning to the same sound that the audience get. Great crowd of folks too. Played Cedar rapids tonight. Drove four hours to get here across flat terrain of farms and occasional houses. Trucks kicking up big dust stroms as they roll across the terrain. This is a big land. Chris now 49 points down thanks to Lou Reed, Bruce, Paul Simon, Sting and the Rolling Stones. All these guys were around before he was born so he doesnt stand much chance i get. Its when i nick the occasional R&B act from him that he gets nasty!
Long Beach, Anaheim, LA, Cars, Heat - 2004-04-27
Gig in Berkeley was great and also in Santa Rosa the next evening. Fly from Berkeley to Long Beach. Play Anaheim. Didn’t play ‘American Novel’ in Anaheim for the first time on the tour. I played He Never Said instead but still made a few points! A lady came up at the end and gave me a pin badge of the American flag and said I had the spirit of a true American, which I think is good.. Also met Rick Blackwell and his lovely family who drove three hours to be at the show. Rick is a stuntman who worked on films like Pirates Of The Carribean, Superman, Batman and others, and as a result my cred has gone way up with the kids back home. Weather very hot, just under a hundred degrees. Amazed by the amount of traffic on the roads in this part of California, so many vehicles. Yesterday we flew from LA to Chicago and then on to Minneapolis. Cooler. Good. Up at 8 this morning to do a radio interview. Bad. Not the interview, just getting up to do radio that early, thankfully I didn’t have to sing live. Playing a show here tonight. Eyes looking to home though we have a busy week ahead. I’m now 42 points up and think Chris should wave the white flag. He wont lay down though. Steve Fearing is playing more shows in the UK. You can catch him at The Talbot Hotel in Tregaron on the 30th of April and The Cabbage Patch Folk Club in Twickenham May 2nd. You should go if you can.
Sunny California. San Francisco, Golden gate bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, very nice and thank you very much. It’s a beautiful city; first came here twenty years ago and have been back numerous times. Played a show in Santa Cruz last night and earlier in the day went to visit Santa Cruz guitars. Had a cool tour of the factory and how they make their wonderful instruments. What a great job that would be, to make great instruments for folk to play, and just admire and be thankful for the skill of others who would be in turn grateful to you for giving birth to such a wonderful communication tool. Go home each night knowing you’d done a decent job and come back to carry on the next day. Have started reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck and in the opening pages he tells how most of the cities around here (San whatever) were named by Spanish priests after various saints. He says that the Americans tended to name places after events, and how anyone can name a place after a Saint, but it takes a real story to get a name like Shirt Tail Canyon or Lame Moor. Its good to read, to learn, get ideas. I can be so lazy in this regard although sometimes it can be a case of information overload. Anyhow, just about to go on stage at the Freight and Salvage in Berkley. It’s been a hot day here, have even caught the sun and had a haircut. Will leave you with this quote from Greg Brown who plays here in a few weeks. It’s on his poster in the foyer. ‘Enlightenment doesn’t come all at once. It comes in grubby little pieces everyday.’ Name That Tune MJ 31 up..cmon Chris
Special mention for Simon and Helen, who came all the way from the UK to the show in Media, near Philadelphia last night. They also travelled to Canada last year to see me play so they go to the top of the table as far as distance travelled is concerned. Quite a few folk had made journeys of over two hours to be there too, which was very nice of them. The concert was hosted by Neil and Andi..good, kind people. Day off today before we fly to California tomorrow. Tried to write a song today but not much flowing. Went out for dinner with Jim Mussleman who owns the ‘Appleseed’ label that have licensed the new record. He is a fascinating guy with a rich history of fighting for social issues. After we drove around Philly and I ran up the steps that Mr Stalone ascended in the film Rocky and stood on the top looking over the city skyline. I love cities at night; they look better. Name three songs with Philadelphia in the title. Name that song…Joseph 23 points ahead.
Lost my sunglasses in the city tonight. i do this a lot. A few weeks ago, having searched for them for half an hour, a little girl returned them to me on a beach in West Wales. Tonight, having discovered they were gone, i was kindly driven back to the city by Neil and there they were..in the road at the bottom of the Rocky steps. We were happy to be re-united.
More shows and interviews..Nick at WICN had a signed copy of Being There from 92 when i opened for Rosane Cash in Boston..nice to remember those times. Drove a few hours after the show in Northampton Mass last night to get in front of a TV to watch the play off game between the Flames and Cannocks..great stuff. Weather report..nice, warm and sunny. Name that song report..i`m sixteen points up..yeh!
Ridgefield and Cambridge Mass - 2004-04-17
My friend sent me another email. This one a little nastier..mm..will reply when i`m ready. Gig last night was in a Synagogue in Ridgefield..enjoyed it and great acoustics. Did radio at local station and was amazed at how long they had me on for. I was on air for over an hour! This morning we drove up from Ridgefield to Boston and i played on WUMB radio..good session their too. Opened tonight for Tracey Grammer at Club Passim right next door to Harvard Uni. The audience took notes! Ok, name that song comp continues and despite valliant efforts by tour manager Chris, he cant make in roads into my ten point lead. Watch this space. The pain of this country is almost tangible right now and i feel for them. The way things get reported over here is always an eye opener and everyone i talk to is fustrated and anxious for change. However, if i were to walk in a few different places i`m sure a different story would emerge, one in fact of which i`m getting first hand through various messages. I honestly think that there up coming election is one of the most important elections there has ever been on the planet. And the flag..everywhere..we ordered a desert in a cafe today but had to `hold on the flag` that was to be stuck in it, gas stations with no less than 24 US flags fling on the roof and endless cars and houses. On one side its touching but mostly frightning.
Criticism and score update - 2004-04-15
Saw and heard Mr. Joseph`s performance last night and all I can say is "WOW"! It was the first show I`d ever witnessed where one man played the Guitar, Harmonica and Jawbone of an ASS.To your credit sir, you have indeed slain me. Permit me a quick comment on your song with a repetitive phrase "God didn`t say........" Jesus did say "do not lay your pearls at the feet of swine" Rest assurded that you will not be getting any of ours. Mr. Joseph I am not at all familiar with your music or your social, moral, and religious commentary. I do pray however, that your best work still lies in front of you. In the words of Dougie Mclean, " it`s a thin line that leads us and keeps a man from shame". Every man alive is only one word or deed away from disgrace. We are all hypocrites when our words exceed our grasp. You sir, have demonstrated clearly by your performance last evening, that you are no exception. Rest assurred that I will not subject myself to your thoughtless and offensive diatribe again as I found nothing constructive in it. Just the same old Campus hate speech thats been circulating for the last decade or so. It would indeed be a shame to think that a modestly clever wit such as yourself would have to stoop to so low a level as to make that your forte. Then again, a man must eat. So there you go. On to more important things. The score today fluctuated greatly as Chris drove me from Maine to Connecticut. I actually moved 16 points up and then he came back and actually went ahead by two points. The fact thati was asleep at the time apparently has no bearing on the matter. However, i came good at the end (i woke up), and thanks to Jewel, REM, Elton John, Boston, Elvis and Eminem I am ten points clear again. Jaw bone of an ass..must try that.
Had lunch in Belfast, having had dinner last night in Bangor! Not too original in their nameing of towns here! Raining all day..love it. Saw a sign post saying `Freedom` straight on, `Liberty` left. I was told later that i had turned right there i would have come across a town called `Hope`. So, the gig was in the Unity Centre for Performing Arts. A small but appreciative crowd made me feel very welcome, though three people walked at various moments in the show as i made certain points. You can use your imagination as to what they were. I know its going to happen, but it doesnt give me a thrill. There`s not much light between wanting to speak truth, to being radical for radical`s sake. Its a fine line but i hope i stay on the right side of it.
My tour manager Chris May and i have a game we play in the car. As we flip through radio stations you get a point for nameing the song and another for the artist. After Canada in January we were tied at 55 points each. Today i killed him in rally of recognition as i named Elvis, The Troggs and Led Zepplin. I now have a ten point lead and he`s moaning about the fact that ther are not too many top 40 stations in the middle of Maine. However, i also got Beyonce today so it`s just sour grapes on his part! More score updates to follow.
Funny moment of the day.. when i was being interviewed on TV and as the presenter Rob was asking me a question my microphone was slowly making its way to the floor as the stand hadnt been secured..it will end up on one of those blooper progs..have asked for the tape.
Great srtist from Canada in Exeter this week, go if you can, you will love him. Stephen Fearing is at the Bridge Inn, Topsham this Thursday 16th (01392 873862)
We drove over five hundred miles today, from Washington to Portland. We passed through nine states wich is actualy a fifth of America. Passing by New York City was a moving moment, the last time i was there was around 98. As we slipped by i slotted `The Rising` in the CD player. We stopped only to catch the last hour of the Masters from Augusta, which was an amazing last days golf..thought Bernhard was going to do it again for a moment. Had to get here tonight as i`m doing TV in the morning.
Did TV and radio in Portland today before driving to Unity, Maine for tomorrows show. I sang `Strange Kind Of Friend` and `Just Like The Man Said` on NBC TV. It occured to me as i sang `history will slaughter us` that i had slipped through the net as Clearchannel, who own much of the broadcasting (certainly the radio stations), had put a ban on anything anti war being broadcasted. No surprise that they are friends with the Bush administration. The folks at the TV station were very kind and professional, though i do struggle to sing at my best in the mornings.
Looking for America - 2004-04-11
Was allowed in having been finger printed and photographed! Out of the airport to first gig; opening for Lucy Kaplansky. Jet lag makes for edgy performances. Took a deep breath and sang American Novel, string broke as I went into last verse, I’m still alive! They loved it! Great reaction in Philadelphia and tonight in Vienna, Virginia..about 30 mins drive from downtown Washington D.C. Nine hour drive tomorrow, then start my own shows. Wonderful moment yesterday when Arnold Palmer came up 18th at Augusta. His fiftieth and last year in the tournament. I was there in 93 when Bernhard Langer won; I was on tour with Clannad and it was the last time I seriously toured here.
Flying to Philadelphia - 2004-04-08
This is getting more like an annual report, rather than a regular diary, sorry. UK tour finished on Sunday and it’s been great. Thanks to all who cam out and made it a, just about, sell out tour. Tomorrow morning I fly to Philadelphia and play a show tomorrow evening..hey..just like Live Aid. Right now I could do with time off but I hope the US tour is going to be a bit easier on the soul in the sense that I’m being a driven, flown and guided by others and wont have to think too much about where I’m going to be. It will be an interesting time no doubt and I promise to report more regularly than I have been lately. Picked up an Acoustic compilation CD in Woolworth’s yesterday and noticed that Dolphins Make Me Cry was on there. It was in good company so..yeh..cool.
No time to smell the flowers - 2004-03-31
Didn’t do well with the old diary last week either eh? There is not that much to report in the sense that I could go on about how well the shows are going but feel like I’m blowing my own trumpet and don’t want to do that. Thanks for all who came to Belfast, Birmingham, Lancaster, Edinburgh and Leyland last week. Great nights, lots of passion, little sleep, great to have Daniel out there..proud I was. Sunday was quite a day; drove from Scotland to Leyland, played the show then drove home. Matchsticks were the order of the night. Newcastle tomorrow. Have been buried in admin on these two days off, no time to smell the flowers, not good but there we are. America will be easier as there are days off in between and I will be limited by what I can do, so everything will have to wait till I get back. I might even get to grips with some of the new songs I can feel inside. Been reading and replying to many kind letters, many have sad and tough stories to tell. I feel it all.
Have had a great couple of nights playing in Cardiff and one more show here tonight. Particularly enjoyed catching the first period of the Cardiff Devils game at the ice rink on Thursday, leaving there at five to eight and driving straight to the venue and walking straight on stage. We were four nil up as well which helped! The Norwegian Church Arts Centre is a unique gig in the heart of Cardiff Bay and its wonderful to play there and look out the windows at the same time and see such familiar sights. It’s a cool feeling to drive five minutes back and for to work each night!
I haven’t made a diary entry for over a week..sorry. The schedule as most of you know is pretty tough right now and it takes most of my energy to get to and from shows and of course play. Also, there is a lot of promo work going on right now, radio and press interviews etc. I have good intentions each day of catching up with events but it’s hard to get creative at 3 in the morning having played a two-hour gig and driven home for three hours. I do think it’s important to stay in touch here though, and I feel bad about my lack of input. Anyhow, grovelling opening words over, lets catch up a bit. It feels good to be back playing solo concerts, though I loved the shows with Steve and look forward very much to continuing our partnership soon. The solo shows feel fresh and I’m playing a wide range of songs including some I haven’t played in a long time. We carry on this week in Marlborough and I’m obviously looking forward to the three nights in Cardiff this week. It will be cool to drive the five minutes to work each night! The week after that Daniel, my eldest, is coming on the road as part of his work experience with school so that’s going to be a very nice bonus for me. Last night I played a few songs at the Cardiff Devils player’s awards dinner. I wrote a song for the occasion; trying to get inside the life of a hockey player, especially those coming to the end of their playing careers. Gathered around the table tonight for a rare (at the moment) family meal, the item on the news in the background was about the announcement by Sir John Stevens that an attack by terrorists on UK soil was inevitable. I could see that it made the kids look a little anxious and I can’t help but question these statements. It may be inevitable that some may try, but it’s not inevitable that it may be thwarted. To me it smacks of this policy of creating an undercurrent of fear. This is rife in America and I have commented on the way the media do this over there before, but if you scare folk enough they will let you get away with a lot if they think its in their best interests. Madrid last week was just awful. That such evil events take place is mind shaking on so many levels. These are indeed fragile moments and I’m not sure whom to trust right now. True discernment is a treasured gift, and in this age of spin and message, we have never needed it more.
Weeks and months are just flying by. I can’t remember a period of my life quite as busy as this one. Being on the road is in fact the easy bit, its all the stuff that doesn’t get done because I am on the road that’s the problem. Anyhow, BBC Five live was fun last week along with the final Faith, folk and Anarchy gig in Hammersmith on Saturday. The impromptu acoustic set in the bar during the interval was one to remember! Sad in a way that it wont happen again but it was a great project and Steve and i have a few plans up our sleeves. Thank you Tom. New PQ just arrived and looks good. It will be on its way in the next few days. Just got back from BBC in Cardiff where I did a down the line interview with radio Devon. We lost the feed after a while and I apparently disappeared; that would be nice occasionally…
Another done, another begins - 2004-03-02
Finished the tour with Steve in Solihull last night. It’s been great fun and we have plans forming for more so watch this space. FFA last show in London at the end of the week, but will take the train up there tomorrow to play on Simon Mayo’s show on BBC Radio 5 Live. Just when I thought I had a few days off! Beyond next weekend lies the start of my solo jaunt around the UK filling in the gaps. Next PQ went off to the printers today, looks good.
Try this link http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/index.html
Well, that was nice. Picking up the award on Friday night was a good and interesting experience. Many thanks to all of you who voted for me, as you are the ones, as always, that make it happen. It felt good in a sense to feel something tangible was being recognised after so much hard work. I’m not much good at accepting praise but I cant deny it felt good and it will help raise the profile of the music I play. It was a fairly noisy room to play too, but I was glad to get up and say and play something that might just have counted. It’s a strange balloon one enters into..the media and celebrity world..indifference is cool and almost expected, and yet the world cant get buy on that, you cant hold relationships together with that, you cant effect change with that and I’m not sure you can sustain a loyal audience with it either. It was good to be able to publicly thank a few folk who have helped so much during this twenty-year journey, and I look forward to doing it again in another twenty years. This boy is not for turning and has a lot he wants to do and say, I’m still as hungry for it all as I have ever been and I’m looking forward to walking through all the new doors being opened. Great to hook up with Mike Peters after not having seen him for a few years, and how well deserved his lifetime achievement award is. It was also nice to meet Steve Balsamo, who presented me with the award. He won it last year and is a great talent. I had some good friends with me on my table, along with Sian and my Mum and Dad..special. x
Road that never ends - 2004-02-17
Gig after gig with the boy Knightley going well. Particlulary enjoyed Worcester on Saturday especially after Wales won against Scotland. To further rumours about the dress, iam now sporting two false nails as constant playing has worn mine away. Trying to decide wether to paint them or not! There are so mnay gigs ahead but i have to say i look forward to each one..which is just as well. Good to have a few days off though with the tribe this week as its half term. Back to the grinde stone tomorrow though as i have to camp on the USA`s embassy to get my passport stamped for April..will let ya know.
Just because it was there basically! Hanging in the dressing room in Norwich were these two lovely dresses, and come the encore I couldn’t resist and Steve could. Was thinking it could have saved me from being moved on from the Shirley Bassey tour a few years ago. Voice beginning to make it back to normal..these gigs with Steve are good fun. A little bad news today for punters with tickets for the Bridport show..we have had to postpone the gig till Sept 8th. I need to be in attendance at the Welsh Music Awards that night, though I promise you I haven’t taken the decision lightly and feel bad about letting folk down. Hopefully in long run every one will understand. Ok, got to go and find East Grinstead!
Voice Shot Through - 2004-02-06
First night of the tour with Mr Knightley in Stround last night, but i almost didnt play. Was almost going tp pull out but hate the thought of letting anyone down.I lost my voice after rehearsels on Wednesday and could hardly speak last night. I very rarely loose my voice but it has been a brutal schedule with more to come. It always seems to happen when i`m playing with Steve..hmmm. Anyhow, narrated most of my words last night in very low keys and sounded like Lee Marvin on speed! I`m told it has it`s appeal, but frankly its a horrible feelin not to be able to do what you do. Like one of those nightmares when your trying to get somewhere but can never quite arrive. Its a little better this morning but expect another husky low pitched Welshman in attendance at Ludlow tonight.
And so another Canadian tour ends. It was strange to touch down in Vancouver and see no snow. I still find it hard to believe that you can go from –21, snow and ice to mild conditions in a short 45 min flight. Vancouver is mild and welcoming. The show at the Capilano College is great and it’s wonderful to see everyone here again. I have this wonderful network or friends across Canada now, something not in place in the USA, which I tour in April. I decide I need some help for the last leg of the tour and enlist the services of Chris who begins to look after me like he’s done it all his life. When I forget something he has it, I walk out the door and the car is there to drive me away. My main reason for bringing him on board was the thought of carting box’s of CD’s as well as the guitar, hockey bag etc onto the ferry across to Victoria. However, he goes much further than that and becomes a good companion for the last two shows. The concert in Victoria is in a lovely old building called the ‘Gibson Auditorium’. A great crowd shift my fatigue to the side and we have a good night together. The next day it’s a three-hour drive North to Comox for a small show in the Edge pub. We drive back down to Victoria late at night through torrential rain. Caught the ferry back across this morning and I’m now waiting for my flight back to the UK. Have a few days off there and then begin the tour with Steve. The schedule ahead of me is daunting and I’m not even looking at it, just taking a day at a time. For the most part though, this is a great time of shaking and breaking for me. The new album seems to be reaching out and doing what I hoped it would. It’s early days and the next step will be to see how the press and retail react to it. But that’s just business..the practical..beyond that is this vocation, this journey in music that has already given to me more than I ever dreamed of as a young man. As for Canada; it reinforces so much of what I need to know to keep going, and I stand on guard for her.
Red Deer last Wednesday was..different. I cannot imagine more of a contrast from The Arden theatre the night before. I was told I didn’t need to show up till 8 o’clock, which set the alarm bells off as normally I, would be sound checked by 6. When I walked into the Vat Pub the scene was reminiscent of an old Western movie when the stranger walks into the bar and the place falls silent. There were a few folk playing pool and a bunch of folk at the bar of whom, for some reason, I knew were not there to listen to me. I walked through trying to look tough to the end of the room where the stage was. My spirits were somewhat lifted by my spotting someone wearing a Welsh rugby jersey! In the end around 60 folk showed up for what was a memorable night. By the time I had registered the big KISS rock roll band backdrop, and the fact that they switched on a mirror ball lighting effect as soon as I started playing, I realised that this was a night to get your head down and play hard. I went on at ten and finished just after midnight and it all worked out fine. It was just a bit of a culture shock after the plush theatre show the night before. Red Deer was a filler gig between two big cities but I enjoyed it. The next day I fulfilled a promise to go and visit an elementary school in Strathmore. Class 5A were a delight and we had a wonderful time together. Lets just say that these children have more to overcome than most and thanks to a loving teacher in Heather John they are finding a path for themselves despite many difficulties. I had some moments in that’s classroom I will never forget, but it would be wrong of me to single out anyone for obvious reasons. They presented me with wonderful gifts and gave me the honour of granting me an Indian name. Heather is from the Cree Indian nation and asked her elders permission to bestow upon a name that I’m not even allowed to mention in public. I can tell you what it means in English..Almighty Voice. I was told that this was not given lightly or without thought and that I should carry it gently. I was lost for words and it still has not sunk in that I have a Cree name. What an amazing thing to have happen to a boy from Cardiff. As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day I happen across a ticket to go and see the Calgary Flames beat the Nashville Predators (hockey) at the Saddle dome. Friday finds me in another school. This time it is 400 12-14 year olds of the I’Ecole Madeline d’Houet school. They pile into the gym and I play and talk to them about life, growing up, music, community, faith etc. We have a great time and it was a joy to be with them and the staff. That evening I play the Calgary Folk Club which has been going for thirty two years. Another late night finds me with a few hours sleep before rushing through a snow blizzard on Saturday morning to catch a flight to Prince George. Maureen Faulkner meets me at the airport and we drive straight to a radio interview. I have some wonderful friends in Prince George B.C. It’s a shame that I am only here for one day and a very busy one at that. I spend time with as many folk as I can and the gig in the evening is a special one. This is the place where this Canadian journey started for me back in 99, and I feel like I know the place so well. After the gig there is an after show party at Jo Beattie’s house and a magnificent cream cake bears the words ‘to Martyn, thanks for All This Time’. Folk are so kind and I do not take it for granted. After a speech of thanks I leave to get some sleep at Dave and Maureen’s on Bench Drive. They too have a little get together on the go so we sit up talking and the pillow hits my head around 3.15am. Up at 8 to catch the flight to Vancouver, which is snowless. It’s amazing that I can leave a snowy wilderness of -20 degrees, fly for 45 mins south and arrive in a mild and pleasant Vancouver. My good friend Sam Matorama from West Jet Airlines meets me at the gate with my favourite donut. I play Capilano College Theatre tonight, take a ferry to Vancouver Island to play Victoria tomorrow and travel north to play Comox on Tuesday. I’m very tired right now but ok. The majic of this place fuels me and keeps me going. I have been filming a lot of the trip and may put a little feature together as an extra for the proposed DVD we could be recording this year. These are great days for me and I’m blessed to be here. Looks like the powers to be are resigning themselves to no `weapons of mass distruction` being found in Iraq. I`m sure the apolgies will flow.
Calgary as great as ever (have another show there Friday) followed by Banff. Amazing to get payment for actually visiting this breath-taking place. Banff is cradled by the Rocky Mountains and is a beautiful place, I stay in a room overlooking a forest full of snow and beyond mountains so majestic that you stand humbled. All the gigs go so well, and despite the gruelling schedule I feel alive and strong. Special mention to the guys wearing the England rugby jerseys at the Banff gig. They were at the Brook in Sept and were coming over here for a 40th birthday holiday. Have done some TV in the past few days including the big breakfast yesterday morning. Singing ‘This Being Woman’ at 7.30 in the morning is not some thing I want to do every day, but it was fine. In fact, having been in the same studio the night before to play the evening show I could have just slept a few hours on the set! After that I drove three hours north to Edmonton and played the Arden theatre. The Arden is a beautiful venue and 400 Edmontonians turned up despite the fact that the Oilers were playing the Dallas Stars (ice hockey folks). It was a magical night for me; I didn’t want to let them go. When my head hit the pillow at 2.30 am, the fatigue of such a long day hit me..but what a great day. I chatted before the show with my good friend and CKUA radio host Andy Donelley. He remarked about the tough schedule i keep giving myself and i reflected for a moment and said`yeh, i wish i was ten years younger with all thats going on right now. He retorted back in his Scottish drawl `yeh, but you`d be an asshole..i fell about the place laughing..maybe you had to be there. In a few hours I travel south down highway 2 to Red Deer for tonight’s show. Everything is a bit of a haze as the busy days rush by but I’m constantly aware of the freedom my soul feels out here. Its beyond words for me to capture it here, but its such a wonderful blessing to me to be able to fly across that ocean and find so many coming out to have me yell, spit and whisper to them. See Mr Bush has proclaimed how they are making the world safer and that America has not now been attacked for two years. I don’t even want to comment..you decide.
Wow, land of the freeze! Arrived in Toronto on Monday after a mad dash to the airport having been held up for an hour in a jam just outside of Cardiff. Have played three shows so far. On Tuesday I hired a car and drove to Port Dover, which is around 2 hours outside of Toronto. On Wednesday I played Hugh’s Room In Toronto and last night in Guelph. I’m typing this on the flight to Winnipeg. The three gigs have been great, all in different settings but all good and its great to be back playing here. There seems to be a ton of media interest and I have lost track of how many interviews I have done before I got here and since. I have to say they tend to ask more interesting questions than most journalists in the U.K. and pry a little deeper. The new album has been licensed to a label called Jericho Beach on the Fesitval Distribution label. One slight problem has been the fact that the booklet that goes inside the CD has been omitted by mistake, and we have to take people’s name and address’s when they buy the CD in order to send it on to them in a week’s time! I’m happy to say that we have a lot of names and address’s! The weather is the star though. Getting to the gig in Toronto on Tuesday from my hotel was a nightmare. It took my taxi driver an hour and a quarter to drive the few miles across the city. The weather looked like the top of Everest and it took your breath away when you stepped out into it. How anyone turned up at the show was a miracle to me but they did. Some travelled in for four hours or more, one guy abandoned his truck and took the train! Yesterday in Guelph the sun filled the land and the light was intense. I guess for me to come and visit its unique and exciting, but I can imagine how dealing with it on a daily basis for a whole winter must take away some of the thrill. Good to see old friends at shows like Frank Caprice and to be surprised to see Martin and Nikki Woodhead turn up from the UK to surprise me..which they certainly did! Ok, gotta go, we are landing. –27 dowtown I’m told! Have typed a little more now. Great night in Winnipeg. I played a two and half hour set straight through..i didnt realise how the time was going..felt like ten minutes to me. Family and friends of Russ Romaniuk came out to the show..Russ play for the Cardiff Devils. A ton of snow on the streets and a ton of folk at the show..just wonderful. Meeting folk who are in the PQ, chat on the message board, know more about me than I do! It’s amazing to come so far and find these people really into what we are doing. Picking up a whole lot of press out here, big spreads in the newspapers, much more than the UK. I’m about to dash to the airport to catch the flight to Calgary. Tonight’s show is sold out..what a nice thought, might try and make the set a tad shorter though, there are a lot of gigs up ahead.
Just doing some late night packing. leaving for Heathrow early in the morning. Want to say thanks to all the folks that bought the `message board` t shirts..you have raised around £500 for the War Child project which is wonderful..thank you. Looking forward to Canada, love being there but as always, even after all these years, it is no easier to leave home. Next diary entry from Ontario! m x
Met with Steve and Phil from Show Of Hands today and we are planning a double header tour together for early 05. Going to play 800 seater venues for around ten shows..that should be great fun. Got off the phone late last night having licensed the new album to a label in America called Appleseed. This is a label that release`s a lot of political/issue based singer/songwriters and i`m looking forward to developing things in the States with them. See their web site at http://www.appleseedrec.com We have been talking for some time and it feels good to know the album is going to get released over the pond. Have also licensed the album to Festival Records in Canada. See their site at www.festival.bc.ca
though, didnt feel like i stopped to be honest. Was mixing some of the FFA stuff on Christmas Day!! Steve Knightly and i got together today to sort out what to put on the album and decided to throw it all at ya so its a double! Hope to have news off the last FFA gig in the next day or so..sorry for the long delay. Getting readt to leave for Canada a week today. Just did an interview with a journalist in Winnipeg and its minus 48 there..yikes!
Wind howling and rain pouring..new years eve 03. Lets start a new year and see if we can do a better job. Big love, M x
Played at the big bash for Amnesty at Clwb Ivor Bach on Sunday night. Strange contrast to having just finnished the UK tour where folk obviously come to hear you play, to go into a room where some know you and many dont, and having to almost win folk over. Seemed to do that though, got quite militant and focussed actually, think i scared my self! Glad i did it and met some great people. Wierd the way the body knows when your done. Like today here comes the cold and severe soar throat whilst it all stays away knowing there is a schedule to get through, but once your done..look out. Still trying to mix the FFA album today, there`s a lot to do to get that done and dusted before i leave for Canada. The tour with Steve starts as soon as i get bcak so we have to get the thing to the manufacturers soon. Anyhow. Happy Christmas everyone. Sadly war is not over but we fight on the side pf peace and justice. Thanks for joining in this last twelve months, we have done a lot and make quite a team. Will email out Christmas wishes in the next 24 hours but for those of you who read this diary..Walk on..just like the man said. M x
"Everyone thinks [Aragorn] is the man for the job, because he has humility, a concern with the consequences of his actions and words on others, and an interest in finding common ground with other people. All are qualities which I wish there were more of in real life in our modern-day leaders. There`s an unfortunate lack of humility and overabundance of arrogance." Viggo Mortensen, frequent critic of the Bush administration and actor playing Aragorn in the film versions of J.R.R. Tolkein`s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Catching up on a ton of admin..thanks for a great gig in London on Tuesday. I`m singing in my kids school concert tonight which will be a bit different and an Amnesty gig in Cardiff on Sunday. Gonna have to try and find a way to switch off for a few days after that but have a feelin that family life will take care of that..
Good. They got him. Right now then there is another chance to say sorry for putting him there in the first place and, of course, arming him. I look forward to the announcement from the Whitehouse. meanwhile.. Should Iraq`s people pay Saddam`s debts? Want to dry up financial support for oppressive regimes? One good step would be to put world creditors on notice that, if they lend money to help tyrants oppress their own people, their victims won`t be forced to pay up. In the case of Iraq, this idea has been endorsed by sources as diverse as The Economist, Nobel-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the U.S. administrator in Iraq, L. Paul Bremer. Hear more about this topic from Iraqis, and read international news on the topic at Jubilee Iraq`s Web site: http://www.jubileeiraq.org/
Amnesty Show in Cardiff Dec 21st - 2003-12-12
MELTDOWN CHRISTMAS CRACKER in aid of Amnesty International. on Sunday Dec 21st, 8pm - 1am at CLWB IFOR BACH (Womanby St, Cardiff City Centre, Cardiff) ALL THREE FLOORS!!! Live music and bar each floor. Tickets £8-50/£7-50 conc from www.clwb.net or Spillers, The Hayes, Cardiff Featuring: Martyn Joseph, Hassan Erraji, Captain Paranoid and the Delusions, DJ Jaffa, Wonderbrass, Rocketgoldstar, Junior Hacksaw, Railroad Bill, Naughty, Tanya Walker, Red Pony, Sodamen, Spiral Brothers, River Ghosts, Toreth, Neutrino etc. Description of event and performers Cardiff`s legendary venue Clwb Ifor Bach and Cardiff`s renowned anything-goes music and performance club Meltdown join forces to celebrate the best in South Wales music and to raise over £1000 for Amnesty International with a smorgasbord of seasonal sounds. The event will turn all three floors of the venue into a triple decker celebration of the diversity and excellence of the South Wales scene. Music will include Rock, World, Indie, Blues, Hip hop, Folk, Jazz, and Skiffle, with Modern Dance, Comedy and Circus skills also stirred into the mix. And most likely some tinsel. In the Electric Bar on the top floor Explosive music/art/performance collective Captain Paranoid and the Delusions, mixing wild swamp-funk riffs, political suss, and sizzling songs in the spirit of their Alabama 3 soulmates. Rocketgoldstar, superb songcraft and wild experimentation collide. `Cardiff`s answer to the Flaming Lips` NME Red Pony, Exciting, eccentric, delectable new band combining White Stripes rawness with Britpop wit. "Their sterling take on greased-down, slicked-up toerag-style rock`n`roll comes with a curveball of shrieking violin sweeps" NME Nov 2003 Tanya Walker, Stunning songs full of soul and sass with added cello. Naughty sharp songs, funksome rock and awesome attitude. The Sodamen, scorching country tinged indie rock. Cutting edge traditional Welsh Folk from Toreth. Comperes Debbie Manley and Gaz In the Acoustic Bar on the ground floor Chart topping acoustic balladeer Martyn Joseph, acclaimed for his ‘burnished voice’ (Guardian). `Accomplished work such as this deserves to be heard` `Q` magazine. `Martyn proves that the path to integrity is a celebration not a chore` Mojo. Mesmerising North African multi-instrumentalist Hassan Erraji. ‘A master musician’ Ian Anderson, Folk Roots magazine Sizzling blues player and Ray Davies sideman Junior Hacksaw with his blues band. `Virtuoso blues guitarist` Salon magazine USA Indie-skiffle band Railroad Bill. `Glorious` Folk roots magazine. The surreal and rootsy River Ghosts Glastonbury Festival Avalon Cafe DJs, the Spiral Brothers. Comperes Moses (tbc) and Paul Clarke In the Jazz `n` Dance `n` Caberet Bar on the middle floor the amazing 20 piece Jazz Band Wonderbrass (fresh from collaborations with South African trumpeter Claude Deppa). DJ Jaffa Erban Poets founder and winner of the Hip Hop category Diesel U-Music Awards. Dance guerrillas Neutrino and a variety of comedy and circus acts
More from Nige and a little from me - 2003-12-08
Finnished the last leg of this tour in Southampton last night..have some time off now till the London show a week tomorrow..will be in the studio with the FFA live album. The gigs on this tour have been wonderful for me. We had a few technical problems at the Brook last night but once they were sorted we were well away. There really seems to be an acceleration on these dates of everything. Venues selling out, a drive in the music, almost a lift in the whole thing which has caught me by surprise as i thought we were doing pretty good before! Thanks for some amazing shows, the singing at the Brook last night was awesome and i would place the Stables show in my top ten concerts performed. Sometimes after a string of shows its hard not to want to carry on but i`m trying to pace myself..there is a long way to go with this record and we are only just begining..it was a pretty cool start though..thank-you. So, over to the mad man with the great fingers. Once again i give you Swansea`s finest..Nige Nige.. Well where do I start? I suppose it has to be with the Friday. Shazia had made the coach trip to Swansea and we planned to travel to Milton Keynes reasonably early for soundcheck. That didn`t happen as I had so much to do on the Saturday morning. I knew it was going to be a good weekend because "the Stables" and "the Brook" are 2 of my favourite venues. Shazia and I talked all the way to Milton Keynes about previous Martyn gig, meeting Martin and Nikki, The fact that someone had decided to practice getting the roundabouts in Milton Keynes the correct shape and size(and wow! did they get it wrong many, many times). The venue was in it`s usual place, but this time it seemed easier to find off the M1. The last time I played there, I think I must have seen every roundabout in Milton Keynes. It took me ages to find it, yet this time.....we got there straight away. We were greeted by Richard and Chris. Then Jon came along. We loaded in the equipment and then after setting up, I made my way around the auditorium taking photos of Martyn soundchecking. After all the usual last minute checks, we head to the dressing room for refreshments. Keith is always at hand as the man that looks after all the acts and tonight, he`s swapped his shift to look after us. Does that mean that he enjoys our company or is he afraid we`ll steal the fruit bowl? The usherettes are quizzing Shazia if I`m the official photographer that is to be making his way around during Martyn`s set.....she informs them that I am not and I have just got a new digi-camera......boys and toys eh!. We are informed that the venue is sold out. Fantastic......Maybe if there`s a millionaire outside waiting to get in with no ticket, I can swop him my seat on the keyboards for his Rolls Royce. The show was a dream. Every song was sang and played with the usual mixture of anger, passion and....er.....spit!......the occasional tears too....... I was amazed that there were kids all around us. Martyn has such a wide range of audience not only geographically, but in ages too. Everyone knows the words......Maybe if someone would be kind enough to tell Martyn them for "The Mayor of Candor Lied", we`d of been playing it........but the end of the first verse had a brick wall attached to the last word.......and the usual cries of......"OK!.......Cup of tea" were usually heard as the song ground to a rather sudden, but expected halt......Harry Chapin shouldn`t have bothered to write the rest of the song exclaiming as he recorded it in the studio "Guitar SOLO"......."Piano SOLO".......la la la la ........Father! Mother! Son! Daughter!......half Brother! Half sister! oooo naughties!...er!........"Half a SOLO" I remember thinking about the morning on our journey back to London. I was brushing my teeth and in my tired state,was confused as to why it was much harder to brush today than yesterday. Nothing had changed. I still had the same arms and teeth.....Then it dawned on me after 5 minutes of furious brushing........."IT`S ELECTRIC". I hadn`t switched it on.......silly me. As we headed back to London, my petrol gauge suddenly dropped to zero(it was 3/4 full). After making a tentative journey to the services, the gauge made it`s wayback to it`s proper position after we`d pulled up one of the pumps. That was a good laugh I can tell you. Shazia was happy as she`d met one of her ex work colleagues there. Claire came to watch Martyn with Barry, her fiancé. He`s been a fan for sometime and I`m sure Claire will be joining the many fans of MJ.............. Southampton was my last port of call on the Martyn Joseph tour. After all the problems of the monitors subsided, we went headlong into the first set. I don`t remember much about the first set as I was still trying to come to terms with the technical issues. The second half started alot better and when it came to finishing up the second set, I was thinking about what I`d said in an earlier diary. The intro and ending of "Cardiff Bay" is like a little piece of emotion that is exchanged on stage between Martyn and myself. It`s two musicians acknowledging each other by saying " In reality we are far apart on this stage, but musically, we are bound to this given moment by the emotion that we feel within each others playing". Total respect and admiration for one another`s musical and emotional standings. On "One of US". As Martyn is ranting at the end, he mentions that the Pope would not be using and Orange Phone.......I have slipped in for the past 4 nights an excerpt from "In the Meantime" by Spacehog. It`s just two ringtone notes at the top of the song which were used on a Vodaphone advert. Clever eh!.......But who spotted it?.........NO ONE......... I was still chuckling though at the idea to drop it in the song. Shazia and I headed back to London as this young lady had an early wake up and a hard days work awaited her in the big city. For me, the only big thing about Swansea is that we had the highest Car crime records in the UK......that`s the only thing big about Swansea.........Oh! and It`s home to Catherine Zeta Jones`s mum and dad and 21st home or something.......Also we are home to losersville in the welsh assembly elections. we couldn`t even beat Cardiff.........we had everything going for us..............and yet!........they thought about putting someone in charge who allegedly went to look for the wombles on Wimbledon common........ah!!!!!!! Losersville.........You must come and visit us sometime. Take in the sea air, Baglan oil refinery and steel works aroma, avoid the seagull droppings as you make your way towards a lighthouse that only seems to attract-seagulls, eat fish and chips by the pier which has to be closed down half the year because it can`t sustain the pounding from the waves- or from the people who`ve ate too much fish and chips, Come and see the museum where they have a football team who once went from 4th to 1st division and back again in the same amount of seasons. Take a bike ride around the Gower and visit Arthur`s stone. Not King Arthur,but Arthur Jones. Come and park your car in any one of our many NCP multi-storey carparks and return not only to find your car gone, but an invoice for the petrol.........Swansea eh!....... And so to the final farewells and goodbyes.......it was my parting hug that told me I wouldn`t be seeing Martyn for a while as we said our fond farewells and headed out of the door towards the car. Last checks to see we have everything......I ask Shazia if she can see the accordion in the back.."Yes" she replies. "Damn"! thought I`d left it behind....... Sadly I won`t be at the London gig because I`m performing live on TV that night. Nothing spectacular........Just a Crimewatch special about accordionists who haven`t learned to keep the case closed. They just reopened the case on them. ......No actually it`s a welsh version of Pop Idols......."Bone idol"......nah! teasing again...........It`s called Wow Factor. It`s really good and people are going to be voting for the winner LIVE........well if they were dead, that would be a short lived career yeah! It`s down to three girls. They have to sing one ballad and one fast song. It`ll be a fun night of joy and laughter, tears and pain. I would love all three to win, but as Frederic Bulsaro once exclaimed "THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE"..... Highlight of the two days for me was "Whoever it was that brought me here-" at the Stables. It`s taken on a new meaning for me. REFLECTIVE MOMENT ALERT!..... I`ve always wondered about when I pass over to the other side, who will come to see me safely across? I hoped that would be my mum and dad as they brought me here. If it were God, would he take me to my parents? have they got a little plot in heaven? I have many unanswered questions that I think about each night before I drift off into Nigeyland. How is it when you buy a cheese and onion sandwich at the services do they always make them from cheese and onion spread? Why is the coffee always too hot? Why do the coffee machines always seemed to run out of milk before I get there? Who decided the roundabouts should be round?......why not Square? it would have been alot easier....... Why does your partner always look better in your shirt than you do?mmmm........ How come Martyn and the team had a really good "Little Chef" meal when I wasn`t there..........and yet everyone I`ve had has resembled an " It`s a knockout " tournament in the edible world...? Why do people cry when they are happy?? that ones gets me, but I`ve done it........ So My ramblings are over until the next time. I got to meet so many fantastic people on the tour. I took the time to head out to meet some of the fans on this tour. I don`t usually do it as it`s not me they`ve come to see, but I went out to meet the message boarders and got a whole lot more. Thank you all, whoever you are that took your time to come up and say hello to me. Whether it was to compliment me, comment about my messages and diaries or those who asked me "Can I have a 99 with a flake please"?, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and I look forward to the day I set foot upon the stage with Martyn again. Who knows, maybe Little Chef will sponsor us........the plectrums would be replaced by chipped potatoes and the fried bread could be used to mount the merchandise on...... I`ll flightcase my theremin in between the eggs...... mmmmmmmm...................what about those beans?......... Nigey Nige
"Christ`s example is being demeaned by the church if they ignore the new leprosy, which is AIDS. The church is the sleeping giant here. If it wakes up to what`s really going on in the rest of the world, it has a real role to play. If it doesn`t, it will be irrelevant." - Bono, quoted in The Chicago Sun-Times
Thanks for the gigs so far. Really enjoying myself out there and the response from you guys has been great in all respects. I`m carrying on with the mixing of FFA Live in these few days off. Meanwhile Nigel has written in his own `style` a little summary of the first week of the tour..i take no responsibiltiy for the man..he`s mad. Will miss him at the next two shows but welcome him back on Sat and Sunday. Over to you Mr Hopkins.. Nige Writes; The past two weeks has been an interesting period in my life. I`ve been up and down like a brides nightie. My rehearsal with Martyn was a quick talk through the set list, cup of tea, a little bit of playing then Martyn and I finish the first song and Martyn exclaims "What are you doing for the rest of the tour"?....... oooo! Now! he asks me. Originally I was only asked to do the St David`s Hall in Cardiff. Martyn had rehearsed all his songs by himself with a view to performing them with his usual unmistakable style, but now he decides to ask me along to add a hint of madness to the rest of the tour and of course, in my usual style......it`s I oblige. It started when I offered to make Martyn a cup of at the Cardiff gig. I ended up making him a cuppa and instead of sugar, I gave him a coffee sachet. Good start...... The crowd were fantastic and it was lovely to hear Amy Wadge perform as I missed her at the gig she did when I was playing for Steve Balsamo at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff 18 months ago. Birmingham was a great venue. Complete with a Chinatown feel to the stage. My theremin was asked to make an appearance........a little sidetrack. My answermachine message on my mobile features something that usually makes the caller put the phone down and ring again because they aren`t sure they have the right number......It`s an Accordion and Theremin duet...........extremely annoying, but amusing. A usual answermachine message would be preceded by fits of laughter and comments about my sanity.......but hey!.......the sanity went west three years ago when I first toured with Mr Joseph. I`m sure it`ll turn up one day. I wasn`t sure I could make York and Glasgow. I`m glad I did as I got to enjoy the delights of Peter and Fiona Churnsides hospitality. I`m going to ask them to adopt me. At the Cottier theatre, Glasgow I got to meet Stewart Henderson again which was fantastic. It`s been two years or so. His opening poem had me in stitches and then I filled up with tears at the end of it. Got to admit though, they had the heating sorted out an Worksop was a great night. I got to meet some lovely people in the foyer. Seeing Nikki and Kath three nights on the trot sat in the front row made me realise, "they are madder than me". It was nice to meet you both Our last night of the four was Coventry. To be sent to Coventry is usually a means of telling you that you`ve done something wrong, but in this case as always, the Warwick arts centre was a superb evening of great music, laughter and lots of surprises for me. Martyn seems to throw songs into the set that we may not have played for sometime. It`s always a pleasure to be challenged because it steps your game up. I found a few interesting items behind the stage. A dog that resembled "Dougal from Magic Roundabout", Duck calls(which came in handy for "Strange Kind of Friend" to accompany the rain sound effects the audience created), there were gravestones, prams, babies( dolls that is), hats, costumes, melodicas, you name it....it was backstage and I was thinking how to incorporate them into the set. I thought at one point as there was a flat cap, overalls, false beard and a massive brush...Martyn could have made his way back on for the encores by going back on stage, sweeping the requests up which would allow the audience think it was over...that would have been great. My journey home this time was not fraught with wire crocodiles( I hallucinate when tired), but it was very foggy and I was glad to make it to my own house to barge my way through the multitudes of letters and junk mail that awaited me. The past four days has been fun. I got to spend time with Martyn, young Jon Curtis(our trusty front of house soundman and my room mate) and Karen who was selling the merchandise each night and was a great travel companion for the last leg of the journey from Worksop to Coventry. We`d compared Little Chef Olympic Breakfasts, the size and condition of the sausages, the texture of the eggs, the amount of beans ( we were counting), Why do all the pictures look SO GOOD and yet!, why do the mushrooms looked like they`d been left for dead in the pan and the general well-being of the staff that had cardboard cut-out smiles to accompany the pen and order pad they so lovingly gripped onto like it was the winning lottery ticket. It`s always a pleasure to play with Martyn and as we`ve said before, we`ve tried to be as one on stage. I try to follow him in all his Rollercoaster emotional performances and when we pull it off, it`s like magic without the rabbits and glamorous assistant. I look forward to Milton Keynes and The Brook in Southampton where there will be other shows of surprises, more so for me than all of you........where will Mr Joseph take me this time?.......mmmm! what song will we do? What will I find backstage? Is the Chef in the Little Chef little? I never seem to see anyone working there so I assume there is a criteria to be matched for each chef job....... "Here is the Counter, If you are taller, you can`t work in the Kitchen" "Can you hide the eggs amongst the beans and make the breakfast look like it`s been through a furnace"? "Twice" "How many fingers am I holding up"? "Can you make the chipped Potatoes so small they get stuck in the customers throat?" .......am I being Silly? I suppose the Madness of Joseph has descended upon me again............. Take care and I`ll see you all soon........ Nigey
To everyone who came to the opening shows this weekend. Cardiff was everything i had hoped for and some of you put in some serious mileage to get there. Star awards in this regard to go Esther who came from Bucharest and Sally Greenberg who came from Cailfornia..i dont know what to say in the face of such devotion. Its always an emotional gig and i couldnt sleep at all after on Saturday night as my head was spinning with all. Your reaction to the new songs and the vibes of well being you through up at me were wonderful..thanks. I enjoyed last night in Birmingham too..a litttle more intimate but just as passionate and warm. Its good to be back out there again.
Rushing around preparing for the start of the tour in Cardiff tomorrow, including rehearsing and a bunch of interviews out at BBC Wales, down the line to Southern Counties radio and BBC Sheffield. Trying to sort out some sort of starting line up re songs is tricky..looking forward to just getting up there and playing this stuff now..the time has come..
Mac at the movies - 2003-11-20
Went to the Temple to watch Wales loose to Russia last nght..another case of so near yet so far. Tough watching all the little kids with teary eyes. Follow this link http://www.themoviebox.net/movies/2004/IJKLM/Miracle/trailer-page.html and watch Mike MacWilliam (has done sound for me on many occasions and is better known as the much loved ice hockey player who played for the Cardiff Devils) play a part in the trailer for Kurt Russels new movie `Miracle`. Mike plays a Russian Ice hockey player and is the guy putting in the hit with no 2 on his back. More terrible events in Turkey today. George and Tony hang out and tell of their resolve..i watch with many emotions and an honest fear that their `resolve` will not cause any of this to cease and indeed will lead only to more violence. The thing is, i`m not sure what can be done now, i dont know how we change or turn from this road they have taken us down..
I cant type very well but i shall look forward to trying to answer your questions..we have never done this before so i`m looking forward to it. Tomorrow (tuesday 7pm) http://www.piperecords.co.uk/chatroom Was hoping to get Knightley and Phil Beer up on saturday but they have a show..never mind, another time.
did an interview for these guys..good site, check out http://www.music.gb.com
Just me and the six string..getting the voice warmed and ready..pondering some form of set list but nothing in stone..what do you want to hear out there?
It has been decided that all Rugby matches played today will in fact only consist of the first 40 minutes..the score therefore at that point will count as the result..thank you. Either that or only tries count for points not kicks. Couldnt help but feel a little pride has been restored and a large gap narrowed. Well done Wales and all the best to the old foe as they move onto face France.
on this Rememberance day..the thousands that have died in wars and attrocities this year..let us not walk happily through any day less we forget the pain and loss there has been in 2003..i say this in light of the John Simpson Panarama special this evening.
I dont write in this diary every day. Maybe once a week, occasionaly more i will write something down that i think may be of interest; i`m presuming that folks who come this way are not looking for stuff like `today i went to tescos, then the libary, got petrol bla bla`. Of course there are events in the world that i could comment on every day, its just that i dont want it to read like a calender of misery either. Sometimes (like yesterdays awful stabbing and death of a 14 year old boy in school) events are so awful that i feel i want to ignore it; we perhaps only have the capacity to feel so much. I can looks at the news and shake my head in dis-belief, and then a few moments later be joking with a friend on the phone about something triveal. I sometimes feel guilty about this. Sometimes i`m not sure what the correct way to `feel` is, as if we kind of deal with things on a certain level and then move somewhere else because the reality is so bleak. But we have to live in each moment, and i think if we couldnt step in and out of different levels of engagement then it would be hard to function at all. Whats a contradiction the whole thing is sometimes.
So sad today to hear of the death of Mike Yaconelli. Mike died in a trajic car accident yesterday in California. He was a regular speaker at Greenbelt and we first worked together around ten years ago. He was a funny, articulate, and a much needed voice of reason for many young people grapling with life and its challenges. He was a friend. As Stewart Henderson said on the phone to me today `Mike was not one we could afford to lose`. Thoughts are with his lovely wife Karla and their children. Stewart also said `we are here till we go` which whilst simple and honest is also profound in it`s way. Will miss you Mike though i hardly saw you but once a year..i can picture you smoking one of those big fat cigars you like, hope they taste good mate, I will smile with you again..M
amongst the bad news was the rescue of 11 miners in Russia today. Hope was fading a few days ago and i had pressumed the men were lost. Good things still happen in the most disparing of circumstances. Remember looking on sadly at the grieving wifes and mothers a few days ago. How wonderful that for some of them there was a happy ending. Alas, not so good for IDS. Never wanted him in charge of this country, or a Tory government for that matter, but kind of felt sorry for him on a human level.
Walking In The Beacons - 2003-10-20
Went walking/climbing in the Brecon Beacons today with good pal Andy. Just great to get lost in the vastness of that bleak and beautiful place, sit on a ridge with tea and hobnob biscuits and catch up with oneself and a life companion. There are just too few moments like that in our lives.
Just watched Mr Blaine come out of his box..dont think i get what thats all about. I mean, it would have meant a whole lot more if it was in aid of something..like world hunger or whatever, think that would have got a lot more support. More interesting to me was the folks that went down there tonight to see it all. Its this `celebrity` culture that now swamps our screens, and there`s a lot of folk who want there part of it, a bit like the folks who wave behind news broadcasters in the street as they do a report to camera. All very interesting and rather sad. So well done David and i hope your ok, but as for what you have achieved..i really dont care.
Went to the grand opening of the Hard Rock cafe in Cardiff last night. Bonnie Tyler was the main musical attraction..now there`s a voice..huge presence, not really my thing but you couldnt help but be impressed. The PA was so loud though..think i`m getting old.
Discovered a wonderful album thats been around for a while O by Damien Rice just beautiful..
Track list with a story.. - 2003-10-10
goes like this Love is, where the angels sleep so wake me up as every little sign is this being woman and a strange kind of friend will walk down the mountain just like the man said so whoever it was that brought me here will have to take me home.. humour me, i`m just being self indulging..
Just been looking at the touring schedule for the next 12 months and its..intense. Will get them out to you folks soon but basicaly, we have the tour at then end of this year, January is solo shows in Canada, Feb is a tour with Steve Knightly, March is a one off show to put FFA to bed followed by more solo dates around the UK, April is right through the USA, May is a festival and some dates in Belgium, then i get a few weeks before hitting Canada for a lot of festivals and there is more to be added. Still, its a wonderful thing and there is a new album to promote..i`m looking forward to it all. Many thanks for all the kindness posted my way from letters, emails and the message board, its good to know your there.
Off she went. Two DAT tapes in a brown envelope with strict instructions as to what mixs to use. Done and dusted with just the art work to ponder. I look forward to meeting her again in the not too distant future, but right now i dont want to hear it. Dont ask me how it sounds, at the moment i dont know. I mean, its all there and i couldnt have done more to make it better, but the old head is spinning with it. A gentle voice tells me that its going to be of use and thats good. Reaction from those that have heard is exceptional. I`m more cautious. You will tell me soon enough. And anyhow, a young lad from Daniel and Stefan`s school died last week, hit by a train. I guess in the distress and tension following that his father had an argument with the mother and attcked her with a hammer, she is now in hospital fighting for her life, the father went down to the railway line and through himslef in front of a train and died too. I`m lost for words to explain this to my children, how hellish some folks lives become and so close to home. So i make some music, its all i can do.
I attended the funeral in London last Friday of Harry Balsam. He was the father of my manager Colin and they were very close. Harry was an amazing person who meant a great deal to many people and was highly respected within the Jewish community. He survived no less than 8 concentration camps during the second world war, though he witnessed the death of most of his family. Despite this he was not bitter about his life, indeed the very opposite. I was impressed by the ceremony and how the Jewish community come togther to support each other. I know Colin is going to miss him dearly, and i felt priveleged to be at the service. Craig David was also at the funeral and we chatted for a few minutes. He seems like a nice guy..so young too.
and then there is the cover.. - 2003-10-02
to consider. Jewel case or digi pack? Pictures of me or not, not i think and how do you capture this shaking and moving on a few pieces of paper. I wish it was still vinyl, more space to paint the bigger picture..this is me being artsy at 1.15 am. Shut up and go to bed. ok.
Just one mix to go and i think its falling into place. Just got to decide on a track order and see what story this thing is trying to tell. The album has surprised me a bit, its quite mellow and very emotional and certainly feels like a harbour as apossed to the open sea. Think i might have miss spelt a few things there..its late. However, try the following.. Aoccdrnig to rsrceeah at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn`t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Petrty amzanig, huh?
Mixing and mixing - 2003-09-25
mixed till 2 am last night then slept a while got up took kids to school mixed picked kids up from school mixed watched Stefan play in goal for his school mixed took harriet to Brownies mixed just finnished again and its 2 am will get up to take kids to school in the morning...will mix.. (mixed as in, decide levels and tones of musical information so that it sounds half decent)
Breaking the silence;a special report by John Pilger on the `war on terror`, tonight at 10.45 on ITV 1.
Cash Quote and song - 2003-09-19
"[Pop stars] can get all the synthesizers they want, but nothing will ever take the place of the human heart." - Johnny Cash, quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle, Sept. 13, 2003. Man in Black by Johnny Cash (1932-2003) Well, you wonder why I always dress in black, Why you never see bright colors on my back, And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone. Well, there`s a reason for the things that I have on. I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down, Livin` in the hopeless, hungry side of town, I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime, But is there because he`s a victim of the times. I wear the black for those who never read, Or listened to the words that Jesus said, About the road to happiness through love and charity, Why, you`d think He`s talking straight to you and me. Well, we`re doin` mighty fine, I do suppose, In our streak of lightnin` cars and fancy clothes, But just so we`re reminded of the ones who are held back, Up front there ought `a be a Man In Black. I wear it for the sick and lonely old, For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold, I wear the black in mournin` for the lives that could have been Each week we lose a hundred fine young men. And, I wear it for the thousands who have died, Believen` that the Lord was on their side, I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died, Believen` that we all were on their side. Well, there`s things that never will be right I know, And things need changin` everywhere you go, But `til we start to make a move to make a few things right You`ll never see me wear a suit of white. Ah, I`d love to wear a rainbow every day, And tell the world that everything`s OK, But I`ll try to carry off a little darkness on my back, `Till things are brighter, I`m the Man in Black. (c) 1971, House of Cash, Inc.
Once again the talks have broken down about a fairer deal for trade with the third world. Why are we (the West) so arrogant, why cant we just do the right thing?
Phil Beer has been here today laying down some great stuff on the tracks. Its just about ready for mixing now, just a few vocal things... The new MJ songbook arrived today. I have to say i`m pleased with it. There`s a ton of info in there and it all reads well and hangs together. In many ways it tells the tale of a long journey and as i read through most of it this evening it was hard not to feel emotional. I`m glad we have done this and I`m very grateful to Jo Haslam for all her hard work on this. If you have ordered a copy its on its way!
Sorry to learn we have lost the great Johnny Cash. Had not realised that his wife had died earlier this year. He truly was different, a tough/gentle man who told the story. Seems strange to have sung on `When Johnny Cash sung` on Garth Hewitts album only a month or so ago.
and then there are days.. - 2003-09-11
when it all sounds bad, your ears have heard everything too many times and you want to make a heavy metal album and just yell... guess i need a little sleep x
Just watched Nige drive away after a day of watching him work on the tracks. He slides into the music so well. His piano playing on a track called `Every Little Sign` moved me to tears today..thanks mate.
." Springsteen had a few new things to say being back on U.S. soil, this being the first Rising show in the States since April; his comments before "Land of Hope and Dreams" brought some of the biggest cheers of the night: "People come to my shows with many different kinds of political beliefs; I like that, we welcome all. There have been a lot of questions raised recently about the forthrightness of our government. This playing with the truth has been a part of both the Republican and Democratic administrations in the past and it is always wrong, never more so than when real lives are at stake. The question of whether we were mislead into the war in Iraq isn`t a liberal or conservative or republican or democratic question, it`s an American one. Protecting the democracy that we ask our sons and daughters to die for is our responsibility and our trust. Demanding accountability from our leaders is our job as citizens. It`s the American way. So may the truth will out."
Great, hot and sweaty show in Pembroke last night, enjoyed trying out some of the new material. Back in the studio today..its such a journey making a record, its so final; last night i was as free as a bird, today i`m worried about one small note not being in the right place. Weather has cooled though so im wearing clothes to record now..(thats for you guys on the notice board!). M x
Working away on the new album. Trying to capture what happens at a live show and refining it so it works as a recording. Sometimes i`m playing a song twenty times until i get the take i want. Vocal and guitar go down together..one take..no repair jobs..its either there or its not. Its very hot in the room as i need to keep all windows and doors shut to keep the birds and whistling milkman off the record. Still, i get to sing and play with few clothes on which is...different.
Thought For The Day - 2003-08-29
Excerpt from a letter by J.R.R. Tolkien to his son Christopher, 10 April 1944: I sometimes feel appalled at the thought of the sum total of human misery all over the world at the present moment: The millions parted, fretting, wasting in unprofitable days - quite apart from torture, pain, death, bereavement, injustice. If anguish were visible, almost the whole of this benighted planet would be enveloped in a dense dark vapour, shrouded from the amazed vision of the heavens! And the products of it all will be mainly evil - historically considered. But the historic version is, of course, not the only one. All things and all deeds have a value in themselves, apart from their `causes` and `effects`. No man can estimate what is really happening sub specie aeternitatis. All we do know, and that to a large extent by direct experience, is that evil labors with vast power and perpetual success - in vain: preparing always the soil for unexpected good to sprout in. - from "The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien," edited by Humphrey Carpenter (Houghton Mifflin Co.)
Ahhh, the day after my favourite festival. Very tired after a busy weekend, its actually far easier for me to play a gig at the festival rather then host as i have to `work` on those things. Great time though and its always important to plug back into all the things you hold dear. Sp proud to have had Billy Bragg playing last night. After the conversation we had in Canada a few years ago about Greenbelt it was a nice moment to see him walk out on the stage and what a finnish to his set..an accapella version of William Blakes Jerusalem with the crowd in full voice..treasured happenings.
Sitting on a sea kayak, West Wales bobbing beside me, you`d swear there was nothing wrong in the world, everything just drifts away....
I’m tapping this into the computer at Toronto airport, waiting for my connection home, having flown in from Calgary. The last few days of this trip have been amazing. On the weekend I traveled up to Canmore for the Folk festival there. Took part in various events there against the amazing backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The highlight was my main- stage set on the Saturday night. Around 6000 folks listened to me play a fairly emotional set, with a setting sun and the glorious mountains swelling up behind. True, there was a haze over the giant structures of rock due to the raging forest fires some 100 km away, but it did not detract from what has to be one of the top five gigs of my life. Sometimes you walk on and the sound is good and everything feels right and it all flows. Those are the only things I ever really fear, it’s just a question of having the things right that are out of your personal control. This was perfect, and singing ‘Whoever It was..’ for an encore, although slightly misplaced in the sense that right then I didn’t want to be anywhere else, felt very special. I never know where to look when audiences rise out of their seats and stand applauding at the end of a gig..i just said a quite word of ‘thanks’ because it was just one of those moments. On Sunday, a good friend called Mark and I paddled down the Bow River. We put in just below the Bow falls at Banff and then canoed 15 miles through Turquoise colored water and the beautiful mountain scenery to Canmore. It was stunning, and as we swept down one stretch with Mt Rundle before us I felt like I was being summoned to some great cathedral to worship; it was quite a moment. After around three hours we approached Canmore and could hear the sound of music from the various stages at the festival. Driving back to the hotel to get changed before my next workshop, ‘Springsteen’ comes on the radio singing ‘Jungleland’..well, I just floated into the afternoon. I played a final workshop spot and quietly slipped away back to Calgary. A day off yesterday and I’m on my way home. Whether its two months or two weeks, its always good to head home. Canada has done it again though, touched me deeply and inspired. I now have to work hard to get the new album ready in the next month or so, but I feel a little more up to it than when I left home. Gotta go, there calling my flight..
Got up very early today to do breakfast TV. Its very hot in Calgary right now, today reached over 100 degree`s, so at least it was a bit cooler then. Walked downtown after the TV, guitar on shoulder, and a construction guy yells `hey, great show on the TV this morning`..which was kind of nice and very preferrable to a wolf whistle! Popped into McNally Robinson bookstore on 8th Ave and had tea. A young lady called Samantha started work there this morning in the cafe area, she didnt tell me this i just observed it all and she seemed to settle in well. Whilst sipping my tea i read in the paper that local Catholic Bishop Fred Henry has issued a statement declaring that the Prime Minister of Canada may be endangering his eternal salvation if he votes to bring in gay marriages. For gooness sakes.. I feel like issuing one saying that the Bishop may in fact be messing with his standing in the hearafter, especially now that he has decided to start playing god himself. I just despair sometimes.. They play music through speakers strapped to street lights as you walk around the downtown area of Calgary..its kind of soothing and, well, nice.
Flew into Calgary yesterday and played the Ironwood Stage, a new venue here. Went great though i must confess to feelin tired which made for a looser gig. Ad libbed a bit more to stay sharp. The window in the venue comes out in the summer and folk listen on the street outside. Its very hot here and today i cant find the energy to do anything. I have a few days off now before the Canmore Folk festival on the weekend, though there a few interviews and one TV to do. I also have the last bit of writing for the song book to finnish off and a few of the new songs to prepare for recording when i get back. Today though, i`m trying to do nothing which is hard to get used to.
Long day getting here, caught flight from Cardiff to Toronto via Glasgow where we had to get off the plane for two hours so they could clean it! Usual probs with work visas and customs in Canada then catch connecting flight to er, Kingston then met and driven for an hour..zzzzz Perth..great, community based festival, hook up with good friend Dave Francey and family. He`s a wonderful artist..Scottish/Canadian..got to try and get him over in the UK, also met Kevin Welch..good songwriter from Nashville. Check these guys out if you ever get the chance. After Perth i travel back to Toronto and up to Guelph with the Francey`s for the Hillsdie festival. Much bigger than Perth festival but both have their charms. Straight into a workshop that i`m hosting (introducing everyone), much amusement from the Canadian audience who instantly know the bass player from the Bear Naked Ladies but sadly i dont and get his name wrong! I know the group but not the indervidual band members! Today i did another workshop which Stacey Earl ( Steve Earls sister) hosts and that was great, bass player and drummer jammed along with `He Never Said` and it felt good. Played my show tonight and happy to say it went down a storm! Sold out of CD`s which means the bag gets lighter as i travel to Calgary for a solo show tommorow.
Leave in the morning for Toronto. Must admit to feelin fairly tired at the start of this trip, i`m sure i will pick up when i get there. Been trying to record, progress is slow but thats coz i`m fussy, pleased with what i have so far though. The tour dates are in and its going to be a thrill to launch the new record at the St Davids Hall in November. Just got to get it ready on time! Have seen the drafts for the songbook too and thats going to be a nice thing when its finnished. Thanks for all the birthday wishes, you are very kind. Will be in touch from Canada!
Found out today that the company that distribute our product into the shops has gone into liquidation. That means that no money is going to be forthcoming for stuff sold in the last few months, but more importantly the money from the War Child project wont be coming either. After all that hard work and the great effort folks made to go to the shops and buy it, we are unlikely to see a penny come through. I`m angry that the company took on the project, surely knowing that their future was bleak and yet still prepared to take money that was destined for kids in Iraq. It will take a long time before we know if we will get any of the money and it`s a bit of a kick in the teeth. We are going to start selling The Great American Novel off the web site in a week or so so that we can rescue the situation a bit. We can pay off the manufacturing costs and then send the rest of the money to War Child. Meanwhile, we will start looking for new distributors. I can only apolise to all of you who bought a copy so far;obviously its not my fault but it knaws away at me that this has happened. Still, i know the EP will continue to sell well even though we do have to start again! On a more positive note, had a good time playing at the Abbotsbury Show Of Hands Festival on Saturday. Thanks to the guys for having me and for the great welcome i got..kind and easily pleased.
The Angel That Troubled The Waters - 2003-07-14
Many of you have asked for further info regarding the play i refer to when introducing Good man. I found this on the internet tonight. Thornton Wilder has a one-act play called THE ANGEL THAT TROUBLED THE WATERS which is based on John 5: 1-4. The people of the time believed in the power of the pool of Bethesda to heal whenever an angel stirred the waters. When the water was still nothing happened. But when the water began to stir people who were ill would come and try to get into the water. There was only so much room. People would wait and wait and wait. Thornton Wilder tells the story about a physician who is wrestling with melancholy or depression. The physician is waiting because he wants to be healed of his depression. He waits and waits till finally the waters begin to be stirred. The angel is there stirring the waters and the physician rushes forward and is the first to go into the water. But before he gets to the water the angel stops him and says, "No, it is not your time." The physician says, "Please let me be healed of this depression. If I were healed think of all that I could do for so many people and the healing I could do." The angel says, "No. "Without your wounds where would your power be? It is your melancholy that makes your low voice tremble into the hearts of men and women. The very angels themselves cannot persuade the wretched and blundering children on earth as can one human being broken on the wheels of living. In Love`s service, only wounded soldiers can serve. Physician, draw back." "Later, the man who enters the pool first and is healed rejoices in his good fortune and turning to the physician says: "Please come with me. It is only an hour to my home. My son is lost in dark thoughts. I do not understand him and only you have ever lifted his mood. Only an hour. . . There is also my daughter: since her child died, she sits in the shadow. She will not listen to us but she will listen to you." The very angels themselves cannot persuade the wretched and blundering children on earth as can one human being, broken on the wheels of living. In Love`s service only wounded soldiers can serve.
Sorry, its been a while.. - 2003-07-09
Have been staying in Travel Lodges which dont have phones, so it hasnt been easy to get on line. Thats my excuse anyhow for the lack of a diary entry in the last week or so. Finnished the Suzanne Vega tour in London last night. All the dates went really well and seem to have made a lot of new friends. Sunday will remain in the memory a long time though. I woke up in Belfast, having played at the Summer Madness Festival the night before. I played a lunchtime show there too and was then driven quickly to the airport to catch a plane to Liverpool. As i had flown to Belfast from Luton ( we played Milton keynes the night before and it was the closest airport to get to N.Ireland), my car was parked at Luton. I had therefore arranged to hire a car at Liverpool to drive down after the show. Got to Liverpool only to find complications about my driving licence which resulted in having to be driven to the Philamonic Hall, pick up a member of the crew who could hire the car for me, go back to the airport with them, pick the car up and go back to the hall. I had been told i was on stage at 8 oclock but driving back i got a call to say it was 7.30, the only problem being it was already 7.27 and i was still a mile or so from the venue. So, we get there a few minutes later, i step out fo the car, out of the car, my guitar is strapped onto me by a kind roaddie and i walk straight out onto the stage..just like Elvis! I hadnt stopped for 8 hours and for some reason i broke my record of CD sales as a support act! Anyhow, it was a good tour, thanks Suzanne. Apart from Abbotsbury on Saturday i`m done till i go to Canada in a few weeks, time to crack on with the new album.
Harriet came off her bike today, scrapped herself pretty badly, hot day, thin clothing etc. As a parent you want to take the pain not them, i wanted to kick the wall that hurt her. An hour or so later i watch the news as Donald Rumsfeld ( spelling?) walked away from a journalist saying he felt good about `it`, the inteligence they recieved to start the war but aknowledging that they wouldnt always get it right. I imagined the Iraqi children, lying with more than cuts and bruises, many dead, thousands more maimed for life. How he `feels good` is beyond my scope, how he sleeps at night is not far from the edge of the radar too, and in that moment, if i had been close to him and a parent of a child in Iraq hurt by the bombing, i think the wall would have got off light.
Got the PQ Freebie CD back from the mastering process today and i have to say it sounds pretty good. It all hangs together well and i think its the best we have ever given out to the good folks in the Queue. Its interesting the way the voice changes as we go from stuff recorded in the late eighties into a show earlier this year in Toronto. Anyhow, i`m glad we are putting it out and..i`m going to bed..Nos da.
Started the tour in Salisbury tonight, went very well, nice crowd, some folk there that new est moi but didnt know i was going to be there so..cool. Next gig is Glasgow on Wednesday. Just got home and watching Glastonbury, must try and play there one year.
Traffic and Potter queue`s - 2003-06-21
Took six and a half hours to get home from London in the week. the M4 was closed but i was still on it due to an accident and we just sat for two hours. Intersting time to observe human behavioural ( spelling!) patterns. Last night, we ( family) joined the queue to get the new Harry Potter book at midnight. Was very amused by some of the kids there who had dressed up in Potter garb, but not as much as the dozens of blokes, with too much beer in their belly`s staggering past, who could have played Haggrid without even trying. They looked perfect for the part! Flu just about gone, thanks for your good wishes.
Book launch in refugee week - 2003-06-18
Played a song last night in Swansea at the launch of a book called `Between A Mountain And A Sea`. It`s a compilation of poetry and stories by refugee`s in Wales and i was proud to be invloved in a small way. Tommorow morning i`m going up to London for a meeting with War Child to see how we can continue the good work that the Great American Novel EP has started. I also have atouch of the flu which is ironic in this hot weather, and has put recording on hold for a few days.
Have made in roads into the new album this week. Manged to get takes of a few songs down i was pleased with. As i dont lay down the guitar then the voice as seperate parts, each song has to be a one take affier. Sometimes it takes a day of takes before i get something i`m happy with, which is hard but necessary. When you play something at a gig, it has its own moment, when you record a song..thats it, thats how its going to be heard for a long time..so it has to be right. I`m also writing bits for the song book, which is a long time coming but hopefuly will be worth the wait. The EP is still selling well, thanks folks. A report came out today which stated that over 7000 civilians died in the Iraq war. Many thousands are injured and still suffering.Maybe our leaders should do some hospital rounds.
Vega and the Archbishop - 2003-06-09
Went to Lambeth Palace yesterday for Greenbelts 30th anniversary bash..very nice too. The sun shone and it was good to catch up with a lot of friends from the festival. Managed to slip a copy of The Great American Novel to the Archbishop. I think he`s a good guy and like him a lot. Wish i could have chatted to him a bit longer. Here`s to the next 30 GB! Have decided to do the Suzanne Vega shows and we will post the dates on the site in the next few days. I havent recorded much yet and i`m getting abit concerned, its just that there is always so much to do and i like to know everything is done before i get creative. Problem is, everything is never done so...
for the wicked..went to ICC studios in Eastbourne a few days ago to sing on a track for Garth Hewitt, he`s got a 30th anniversary album coming out. The track sounds great and is about Johnny Cash. Not sure when its coming out but will let you know. Last night i played a charity gig with Show Of Hands in Exeter. These shows with Phil and Steve are always a lot of fun, and we plan to do more work together in the next year or so, possibly touring together at some point in 2004. Have also been offered the job of opening for Suzanne Vega on her upcoming tour. Pondering that tonight.
Doodling away the last few days and have the bone of a new song i`m pleased with. What i`m trying to say is that i have come up with around half a dozen songs in the last few days but have found one that i think might make it beyond my ears..its called `Just Like The Man said`. Still wrestling with how the album is going to sound ie just go with the acoustic and me re The Great American Novel or add stuff. I have promised myself many times to do the completely solo acoustic album, but songs lend themselves to so many different sounds and interpretaions (spelling??) and i can hear them as i play the things..hmm. Anyhow, nothing too important to write. There is the crazy world outside of course but i`m getting off the `preach` box today..you have to take a step back some days.
Who am I kidding? - 2003-05-28
Yeh, right….back on the soap box I go. Good on Bob Geldof for opening his big mouth again. He’s so right. All the talk about ’humanitarian issues’, it’s a redundant word because it’s bound in lies. WHY, don we just right off all the debt..WHY?? Give them a fighting chance, let them trade freely. Pity they don’t have oil, we might do the right thing, like bomb them and liberate them, tell lies along the way to justify it all. Ethiopia has nothing, so they don’t get up that priority ladder; at least they have that going for them.
Been trying to get a visa sorted to tour the USA in Sept..very hard work and thats before they hear The Great American Novel!! Its going to cost too, most of the tour income will go to paying off the visa costs!! Also been sifting through my vinyl record collection which is a trip down memory lane. It includes the first singles i ever bought..Ernie The Milkman by Benny Hill and Honey Come Back by Glen Cambell. Its strange not to be on the road, it has become the norm and adjusting to less travel for a while is wierd. Its important to stop for a while though, much recording and writing is the order right now.
Really enjoyed the last two shows of a road trip that started last July. Leicester Cathedral was a dramatic setting and Rugby was an emotional night..thanks to those of you who were there for coming out. As i said at the gig`s i feel i have to ( as a famous Irish band once said) dream the whole thing up again for a while. In the meantime the EP hit the shops today and i`m really pleased with the way it looks. The songbook will not be far behind. I`m going to get the next PQ CD together in the next ten days or so and mix the FFA album..then the first MJ studio album since 99. Came home to this poem from my daughter Harriet..its good to know i can spend some decent time with everyone at last. A Snowy day The dragon’s breath had breathed onto our window like frost Diamonds full of glitter fell from the soft feathery clouds The ground was covered with sugar The world was like a white sugar cake The river was like a frozen ice lolly, as still as a rock There was white fairy dust on the roofs of houses The fairy dust was twinkling and glistening like the sound of Christmas bells The day faded like a fading ghost The white frosty moon winked at me through my window And my sleep carried me away to a world of dreams Harriet Joseph aged 9
Coalport..the never ending gig! - 2003-05-09
Enjoying some solo gigs this week. Played Marlborough on Wed, which was great and Coalport last night. Got in around 4am this morning and will leave for Leicester in a while. I always like to get home if i can, it means i can get some work done in the office before carrying on next day. Last night was a different one! Opened it up for the audience to choose the songs which led to an interesting set list. Came off stage at 11.35 having played a lot of songs, this is the list and order as far as i can remember it.. Gift To Me Please Sir Thunder and Rainbows Arizona Dreams I Will Follow Working Mother Talk About It In The Morning If I Should Fall Behind American Novel Ghost Of Tom Joad Till The End Liberal Backslider Interval Mayor of Candor ( first virse and Chr!) Strangeway I Will Be Waiting Celebrity Ballad Of the Children Of Ireland Do Not Disturb Have An Angel Walk With Her Dic Penderyn Love Is Precious Dolphins Hang The World Good In Me Is Dead One Of Us Stuck In A Moment My Love My Life Cardiff Bay Whoever It Was That Brought Me Here
i`m a celebrity..get me out of here - 2003-05-06
it`s all we deserve.. can someone call the ambulance please. M x
End of the long road.. - 2003-05-03
is in sight. I have basicaly been on the road since Oct and after solo shows in Marlborough, Coalport, Leicester and Rugby this week i`m done for a while. Looking forward to playing the Wath Folk Fest tommorow as well. The EP will be out in a week or so and that may lead to some other appearances, but it`s time to focus on recording the next record. The `Unsung Hero`s` tour ended in Plymouth last night. It was great to be on the road with Stewart and Martin again, sharing a vision of a better world and how we can help bring that about in small but effective ways. I think its time Stewart and i recorded something together, though when that may come about i dont know. Think we will do some dates together soon and fuse the poetry, music and humour. Thanks to everyone for coming out and making each night special. On the way to Plymouth from Penzance yesterday i called in at Perranporth where i was involved in the music of a holiday week around twenty years ago. It hasnt changed much and the memories were vivid and poignant.
American Novel Interview - 2003-04-28
Did this with Steve Stockman today An ep with a purpose? Is the result of being enraged? I think that many folk have felt a helplessness in recent weeks as events in Iraq unfolded. There was an inevitability about it all and i think many were deflated by that. Whilst we are happy to see the liberation of anyone, it comes not only with a price, and indeed we may have to pay more yet, but so much of the tyranny was put in place by the West in the first place. We should hand them their liberty and a huge apology at the same time. The latter is unlikely of course. The EP gives some voice to those feelings and i think its helpful for many to hear that. We are also giving the money it makes to War Child. You`ve been playing the New American Novel for sometime. You started singing it when there was no war. What first drew you to it? I have always been a Larry Norman fan and have been singing the song for fifteen years now. My original reason for getting to know the song is a little hazy now but i know i was drawn by its poetry and sense of protest. When did you realise it had new resonance? That`s the amazing thing about the song, i mean it was written in the seventies and yet still translates to today, which is an indictment in itself. So i guess the resonance never went away. Have you told Larry? Nah, he`ll find out soon enough. The Good In Me Is Dead is quite a song. It has almost a documentary style and depth. Did that take time to write? Yeah, i think a week or so. It was about trying to get inside the head of the guy and feel how you would feel if all this had happened. He notes feelings of violence and retribution, but try`s also to recall that that he knows of community and forgiveness. In the end he search`s for community, though we don`t know if he finds it. You have taken it out of its war and its geography? Where do you see it sitting in this conflict? Its the human condition of so many affected by these events. It doesn`t necessarily relate to Iraq but adds to the EPs documentation of where things are right now for so many. Arizona Dreams. That is you and Henderson journeying through American culture. Why is that so relevant in this context? I thought it was important to have something positive about the USA in there. Many Americans feel that if you criticise their government you are `hating Americans`, which just isn`t true. `Arizona` points to the beauty and grace, and maybe the true essence of the American dream. No temptation to do an acoustic version of Born In The USA? mmm, too well know i think, Larry remains an unknown treasure for many. What is your hope for the EP? I just hope it helps, helps to raise a little money for the children of Iraq and other war zones, and helps to articulate something of what many feel right now. I just didn`t want to be looking back years from now and think`i didnt do anything. Someone recently said that because politics and religion have failed, art is the only thing that can articulate our condition, i guess this is an attempt to do just that.
Tenby Beach and other stuff - 2003-04-23
Tenby beach is like a giant ‘Etch a Sketch’. Wonderful designs are conceived on it’s sand during the tidal retreat and then the whole thing is wiped clean and flat by the tide on its way home. Went across to Caldey Island today..wonderful. Anyhow, back to the ‘Unsung Heros’ tour tomorrow. It started well in Liverpool on Saturday night and its good to be back working with Stewart and Martin again. We play Newport on Thursday, and I’m hoping to attend the presentation of the award from Amnesty for the BBC Wales MST programme before the show in Cardiff. So pleased for Julian, the producer, who stuck his neck out to get that made. On Sunday I played the Gosport Folk Festival with Show Of Hands. It was a superb night and one I will remember a long time. Sometimes you hit the stage and just float, the sound is good, the atmosphere is right and I just go somewhere and it all happens so easy. So much fun to play some songs with Phil Beer and Steve Knightly too. We are talking about a tour together at some point in the future. I know some folks are having trouble ordering the EP through shops. Please keep trying, it will end up on systems in the next few days and the good news through today was that HMV are going to stock a few copies as well. We will email more info next weekend but thanks for your patience..keep nagging em!!
that if any of you good folk are trying to order the American Novel EP in the shops right now, it wont be on the computer system`s till around Friday. Thanks for your patience with this and please pass this on if you know folk trying to order right now. M
Learned a day or so ago that the programme Radio Wales made of my trip to Brazil and the MST has won an award from Amnesty..i`m thrilled about that and very pleased for the producer Julian Carey who worked hard on it all. Yeh, really chuffed! Enjoyed the gigs in Reading and last night at Putney, tried out new stuff which seemed to go down well. So much going on right now..but thats cool.
Liberty and lets say sorry.. - 2003-04-10
Very happy that the war seems to be concluding and can`t deny the liberty that has been brought to the Iraqe people.. `You can only trample people down for so long`...this is a good thing..but the price too. I wish that in the truimph we would aplogise as well, for putting Saddam there in the first place, for arming him and for the suffering that the useless UN sanctions have caused the innocents of Iraq for the last ten years..certainly casuing the deaths of 500,000 children and up to a further 250,000 adults. I`m haunted by the concluding words of Pilgers chapter on Iraq in his new book where he says that in the future, when this age is looked back upon `history will slaughter us (the west)`. But tonight liberty is good, and some know freedom for the very first time. I re recorded The Good In Me Is Dead for the EP today. I felt the studio version from Far From Silent we were going with is a long way from how i play it now. We have just got it done in time to make the April 28th release..., hope it does some good.
Letter from the MST - 2003-04-10
Have had a nice letter from the MST in Brazil thanking us for the money sent that was raised by sales of `Till The End`. They are using the funds ina reading scheme used by all the schools and centres run by the MST. It is to help students read up on polotics, economy and social issues in a straightforward way (i`m quoting directly here). we now have more stock of the album so we can send more dosh and the MST`s story will play a large part in the C Aid tour later this month. Looking forward to playing Reading and the Half Moon in Putney tommorow. See ya there!
Toogenblik, Brussels - 2003-04-06
Had a stormer to end this short tour at the Toogenblik club in Brussels last night. It`s been a nice little tour and i`m looking forward to carrying on with a few shows in the UK next week. I have to give a special mention to Jan and Anita and Bert who came to four out of the five shows! Went to see James Taylor play tonight. It was in the same venue that i opened for Art Garfunkel around five years ago ( i think!). I was a little dissapointed with some of it, it seemed a little souless though he is a wonderful writer and i love much of his stuff. I did notice that folk really smile when he plays his songs..think i need to write a few tunes people can smile through! Have enjoyed riding a bike through downtown Lerven..very European and very..nice. Looking forward to home tomorrow, but its been a great nine days or so here. I look forward to the next time.
The Killing Fields - 2003-04-02
Had a great gig last night in a place called Inglemunster, at the Café de Fagot. Thanks to Jean Pierre and Carine for the great food and everyone who came to the show and made it such a memorable night. The concert off set the sadness and anger I was feeling in my heart after we (Diethard who has organized this tour and myself) stopped at the Tyne Cot War Cemetery. Here are the graves of twelve thousand soldiers from WW1 and the names of another thirty four thousand who died in this part of Flanders. I have started to read John Pilger’s new book ‘The New Rulers Of The World’. The chapter on Iraq entitled ‘Paying The Price’ is soul wrenching and horrifying. He talks of the consequences of ten years of sanctions that have killed half a million children, of how the sanctions have stopped the sending of medicines and drugs and parts for medical machinery that would have saved thousands of lives because they might be used in the making of weapons, amounts that are absurd and petty but have been held back none the less, of how the levels of depleted uranium from the Gulf war in 91 have caused an increase in cancer amongst the population that’s off the scale, and how good men and women who have been in charge of relief for the United Nations have resigned because they could no longer lend their name to the ‘genocide’ being caused by sanctions primarily put in place and adhered to by guess who, the UK and USA. Richard Garfield, a renown epidemiologist at Columbia Uni in New York, says that, in tripling since 1990, the death rate of children in Iraq is unique. ‘There is almost no documented case,’ he wrote, ‘of rising mortality for children under five in the modern world. American researchers Mueller and Mueller conclude that ‘economic sanctions have probably taken more lives of more people in Iraq than have ever been killed by all weapons of mass destruction in history. Having read this, and I wholly recommend the book to everyone, I stood amongst the thousands of white headstones, those I saw with names had ages ranging between 17 and 27. I tried to imagine the 500,000 headstones of those children and then I got angry, so bloody angry. I’m more convinced than ever that the truth really has to be searched out. I mean even if Pilger is only 20% correct it’s horrifying, and I happen to trust him. There is a madness afoot and its scary, right now I have know one I would vote for. But bollocks to votes. Sit and see this carnage and try to even begin to take on its fullness. I’m passing through this world, there is a struggle to be had and I’m up for it, but there are moments when I don’t want to be here anymore.
Check this link out for a song by REM about the War http://www.remhq.com/finalStraw/finalstraw.html Think we might put The American Novel up on the site as an MP3 so you guys can pass it around to friends..more news on that very soon.
Nice little gigs here. Some folk have all the CD`s i have ever made! Special bonus points to Lindy and Paul who came all the way from Southampton for lasy nights show in Belselle. Day off today and walked around Brussels in the sun. Its a beautiful city. Saw a few things that brought back memories..like a huge statue of a lion that i did a photo shoot in front of once for Sony Belgium, and the hall where i opened for Art Garfunkel. I listen to the news on the radio in Flemish and somehow still know what they are saying..wrote the liner notes for the single tonight.
to Belgium..and single info - 2003-03-27
Flying to Belgium in the morning. Have just finished the mixing of the tracks for the single and I’m pleased with it. I think it’s a bit out of sync now to call this an-anti war project, though it certainly is, it’s a more a comment on the times. The track listing is; The Great American Novel..first time ever recorded as a studio project The Good In Me Is Dead..from Far From Silent Arizona D