Looking back and moving forward

Reflections since Bookfest

A lot has happened since April. Bookfest was a magical night. We sold the venue out, selling 100 tickets and raising over £500 for the fundraising campaign. Each act was worthy of their own wee review, so here goes. This reads like a gig review, which it is, but that gig was fundamental to the success of the publication for Blood Red Sky, and the two are forever entwined in my mind.

The night started with an opening acoustic slot by Dave Wood and Mike Wilson. I had never heard them before but took my good friend’s word for it that they would not disappoint, and am I glad I did! Dave was on guitar and Mike was on cajon. Dave’s voice was flawless and mesmerising. They opened the night for us brilliantly with many folk being completely surprised by the power of the two man set and telling each other all night ‘those guys were amazing!’

Next up was The Coaltown Daisies. Lynzy and Vivienne are treasured in Fife and once seen they are never forgotten. They have been on the Scottish music scene for a long time and have two albums under their belt as well as hundreds of gigs. Their stage presence is magical, hilarious and engaging; everyone in the room feels involved and valued as they connect with the audience on a very natural level. I was truly honoured to join them on stage for two songs; Red and Green & Little Jane. Red & Green has a beautiful piano line that I was very grateful to play; when I saw my best friend’s eyes fill with tears when I played it I knew we had nailed it. Little Jane was written for a care experienced girl let down by the system and whilst it is the opposite of Red & Green musically; it tells an important story that aligned with the night’s themes. The Coaltown Daisies have been supporters of Blood Red Sky at every stage and having them along enriched the night.

The party was well and truly underway by the time Got Got Need took the stage. I am a huge fan of these guys; each individual is a phenomenal musician. Bez on drums; the most universally loved man I have ever come across and man, can he play the drums. Michael, rhythm guitarist, songwriter, singer, harmoniser and musical director - he can play and play and play forever. Doug; front man, powerful singer, entertainer of people and always has a hug and a kind word for me. Nathan; someone said on the night ‘every song is better for having Nathan playing on it’ and that sums it up. Someone told me once I was the musical equivalent of Nathan and it’s the highest compliment I’ve ever received as a musician! And of course Ewan, my friend; there is nothing that man can’t do when it comes to being in a band and he played the bass like a boss for their set. I was kindly invited to partake in playing two songs with them; Holding On To The End which I just LOVE playing and also Tears (for Her), a stunning ballad by Michael that I was privileged to record with them in the studio. Thank you GGN for the laughs and the music.

Finally, The Long Road took to the stage. Ewan quickly swapped guitars to become our lead guitarist. You rock that lead guitar! Olly, what a drummer. He was by far the best dressed musician of the night; looking absolutely fabulous in that shirt. Olly kept calm even when one of the speakers were making such a noise that we thought it was on fire! Olly’s drumming makes me happy. Mark our bass player wisely decided to move house that day, whilst all the people who could have helped him move were doing sound checks! He somehow managed it and appeared right on time and rocked that bass for our set, bringing fun and happiness to the stage like he always does. For two songs were were joined on stage by Lynzy the Daisy and Nathan for their harmonies on Dig It Up and Voices. Voices is a song that has inspired Blood Red Sky and is woven throughout the story; this song is fundamental to the novel and it is a true joy to play it on the piano. We finished the night with Somewhere We Belong; an epic rock ballad that brings out the best in every musician in the band and once heard, you will not forget it.

Craig gets a paragraph of his own. Craig, my friend. None of this would have ever happened without you. When you asked me to be in a band two years ago, and I initially said no, I am glad you talked me round. Your songs are a thing of true and rare talent. Your lyrics are moving and universal and your songs have made it all around the world and back in a very short space of time. Never stop songwriting and moving forward musically. Thank you for your support and friendship over these years and thank you for being the final front man of Bookfest and closing the night so beautifully.

The book launch is 4th November and there will be another post about that, another day. For now, thank you for Bookfest and for everyone who made it happen. The Kings Theatre staff, Lewis on sound, Abbie Venters Photography - thanks to you all.