11/10/06

Setlist for Kilkenny Cat open mic night last night was as follows:

"Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "Cry of the Harbour Master", "Hallelujah" and "To Save a Draining Battery".

Thanks to all who came along and well done to those who played. Another fun night had by all.

Are you going to the Kilkenny Cat (Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme)

Played a great open mic night down the Cat tonight. Has been quite a while since I played the last one but there was some cool stuff happening there tonight. The usual pub rock from Steve and co which always goes down really well. Some nice spanish acoustic which was worth the effort to listen to and a welcomed appearance by popular Llanelli singer/decorator Dennis Lemon.

I did a nice little set which was as follows:

"Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "Beer Money", "That's Entertainment" by The Jam, "The Rug Song", "Octopus" by Syd Barrett and "Scarborough Fair (Simon and Garfunkel)/Tickets".

Thanks to those who came along and glad you enjoyed.

This month I have been mostly listening to "Close to the Edge" by Yes, "Counterparts" by Rush and "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" by Genesis.

My first visit to the Gwachel

Just over a month ago I signed up for a slot at the Pontardawe Inn (Gwachel) open mic night and so that evening finally arrived (August 1st). What a lovely place - nice atmosphere and some really talented acoustic musicians played some fantastic originals and covers. My set was as follows:

"Communicating", "Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "Tickets" and "The Jury's Out".

Thanks to everyone who came along to see me play. I will defnitely be playing there again soon!!

Should be recording some stuff with the band this week so stay tuned for news on that front.

This week I have been mostly listeing to "Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd, "Heavy Horses" by Jethro Tull, "Spectral Mornings" by Steve Hackett, "Rise" by The Answer, "Punch the Clock" by Elvis Costello and the Attractions, "Bossanova" by the Pixies, "Twice Removed From Yesterday" and "Bridge of Sighs" by Robin Trower, "Moonmadness" by Camel, "Awake" by Dream Theater and "In Rock" by Deep Purple.

Huff the Talbot

After a crappy day at work the last thing I felt like doing was playing a gig so my trusty bassist got his first taste of performing with me for a few songs to entertain the crowd at the Talbot Inn open mic evening last night. It was a fairly relaxed night and everybody had fun which made blagging a set of covers with minimum practice an enjoyable (if a little shaky) experience. The "Half-Time Circus" set was as follows:

"Summertime Blues" by Eddie Cochran, "I Can't Explain" by The Who, "Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads, "Seduced" by myself and "Ziggy Stardust" by David Bowie.

Later on in the evening I took to the stage again to perform a few more numbers. Solo set was as follows:

"Communicating", "Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "Beer Money", "Mother Goose" by Jethro Tull and "Octopus" by Syd Barrett.

On a spooky note this was a very fitting song to end on as I discovered this afternoon that the legandary once-Pink Floyd frontman Syd had actually passed away this weekend. I feel honoured to have known his solo material well enough to have covered his song "Octopus" twice in one week. I cannot describe enough how influential Syd and the Floyd's music has been to me over the years.

Shine on youy crazy diamond........ R.I.P. Syd

Last minute giggage at the Jolly Tar

Well I got a call last night to come to the rescue at the Jolly Tar in Carmarthen cos the support bands all jibbed out. So off I went. Delivered a nice chunky set as follows:

"Seduced", "Communicating", "Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "The Jury's Out", "Octopus" by Syd Barrett, "The Rug Song", "The Grinding Wheel", "Mother Goose" by Jethro Tull and "Beer Money".

This was then followed by a short set from the awesome Kayleigh Morgan and then the place was rocked up by Red All Over.

Cheers to all who attended

giggageage

Gig at Uplands Tav on 20th June went fine - was still a bit rough from the weekend preceding it though hahaha! Set was as follows:

"Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "To Save a Draining Battery (Parts 1-3)" and "I'm into Something Good" by Herman's Hermits (yes yes silly I know hahahah!)

The Time Circus has arrived....

The Time Circus has arrived....

Combining the intricate prog leanings of classic Rush with the timeless cool of King Crimson and staggering musical chops of Planet X this collective of virtuoso musicians is on a mission. A mission to blow away the pretence, predictability and mediocrity of popular music.

The Time Circus have prepared well. Bassist and acknowledged Paganini of the deep Richard Hankinson earned his craft in numerous local acts, wowing audiences with his blend of chops and sheer musical innovativeness. Lead guitarist Matt Collins is also a well known name on the local circuit having thrashed, burned and destroyed audiences with his mind blowing guitar pyrotechnics citing influences as varied as Ian Anderson and Nuno Bettencourt. Drummer and multi instrumentalist John.W.Honour provides the rhythmic lynchpin for the act, combining complex polyrhythmic conundrums with powerful song felt grooves. The icing on this pulsing, palpitating accumulation of rock is singer, rhythm guitarist and keyboard player Daniel.K.Morgan, a stalwart of the regional scene who regularly displays his prowess as a performer in select acoustic gigs.

The Time Circus is currently recording its debut album, which they will be touring in support of this summer. Watch this space and follow The Time Circus! For more information why not visit The Time Circus on MySpace by clicking HERE

Excellent Open micage

Played at a really nice venue in Pwll called the Talbot Inn this evening - a very pleasant open mic evening. Setlist was as follows:

"Cry of the Harbour Master", "Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "January Comes Around Again", "The Rug Song", "The Grinding Wheel", "Beer Money".
ENCORE: "Across the Universe" by The Beatles and "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen.

Everybody played a really good set (I think 4 Beatles songs were covered in total this evening as well too so that was excellent!) and I think we will all be going back there soon to play again. I think they are planning on having one there every month so stay tuned for more info on the next one.

The grinding wheel keeps spinning...

Thanks to all those who came to see me supporting Ana-ligital and Mark "The Legend" Foster at Altalia on May 3rd. Setlist was as follows:
"Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "To Save a Draining Battery (Parts 1-3)", "The Rug Song", "Seduced" and "The Grinding Wheel".

Really getting my head down to get some coursework finished this week. Got a really mental couple of months ahead of me! Got this coursework to finish, then got a bunch of exams to do (2 in store and 1 in Cambridge on my birthday on June 2nd), then I've got the production on june 8, 9 and 10th, then I'm off to see the Eagles, then its my belated birthday weekend celebration, followed by the mighty Bob Dylan and finally off to Hyde Park to see Roger Waters from Pink Floyd performing Dark Side of the Moon!!!

Not to mention my new band...........................

Hey Dude!

Played a short set at a money-raising event for my drama group this week. Made £100 for the group which is good. Setlist was as follows:

"Communicating", "Summer In The City" by Lovin' Spoonful, "Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "Mother Goose" by Jethro Tull, "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen and "Beer Money".

Went to see Kula Shaker on Sunday in Coventry! Was amazing! So glad they have reformed!

This week I have mostly been listening to "Aqualung" by Jethro Tull, "K" by Kula Shaker, "Farewell to Kings" by Rush, "Led Zeppelin 3" by Led Zeppelin and "Red" by King Crimson.

Jethro Tull and the Mighty Boosh in one weekend

Jethro Tull - To summarise: AWESOME!

The Mighty Boosh Live - To summarise: HILARIOUS!

What a great weekend!

Now I have to study for a maths test on wednesday as part of my course. Bah! I'll get round to it I'm sure..... heh heh, now wheres my guitar. Oh thats right, in my hands. mwahahaha

Kilkenny frog

Kilkenny Cat Open Micage 15/03/06. Some interesting drumming music and more excellent tunes from Val and John. Did two songs: my folk prog (or frog) epic "To Save a Draining Battery" and the ever popular "Beer Money". Crowd seemed moderately interested and then loads of guitarists went up and jammed for ages as usual until the neighbours complained. Typical night then, but enjoyable nevertheless.

This week I have been mostly listening to "Aqualung" by Jethro Tull, "Tresspass" by Genesis, "Louder Than Bombs" by The Smiths and "Close To the Edge" by Yes.

Off to see Jethro Tull tomorrow night and then off to see the Mighty Boosh on Saturday night. So should be an awesome weekend! Also, booked tickets to see Kulashaker in Coventry in April!! So excited that they have reformed - awesome band!

Altalia 08/03/06

Pleasant crowd in tonight, though less familiar faces. A dude called John Honour did a cracking set of folk tinged melodicness and was supported by Ioan Lloyd, Jon 'Kilkenny' & Becky, Valerie Crowe and myself (that would be The Artist Formerly Known as Dan). Set was as follows:

"Who Loves the Sun" by the Velvet Underground, "Casey Jones" by the Grateful Dead, "That's Entertainment" by The Jam, "Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "Tattoo" by The Who, "Communicating", "Ymaelodi A'r Ymylon" by the Super Furry Animals, "The Rug Song", "Hi Ho Silver Lining" by Jeff Beck and "Beer Money".

This week I have been mostly listening to the Grateful Dead and Counting Crows.

Solo giggage

Well i bought that new guitar. Used it last night to play my first proper solo gig at Altalia café in Llanelli. Went really well and all the support acts were absolutely awesome too! Set was as follows:
"Communicating", "Beetlebum" by Blur, "Cold Answers to Warm Questions", "I Talk to the Wind" by King Crimson, "Summer in the City" by Lovin' Spoonful, "To Save a Draining Battery (Parts 1-3)", "Across the Universe" by The Beatles, "Octopus" by Syd Barrett, "The Holiday Song" by the Pixies, "Tattoo" by The Who, "Cry of the Harbour Master", "Perfect Day" by Lou Reed, "The Rug Song", "Gallows Pole" by Led Zeppelin, "Beer Money" and "Hallelujah" by Leornard Cohen.

Thanks to everyone who came along; it was an extremely enjoyable gig to play. Hope to see you all there again when I play on March 22nd!

This week I have been mostly listening to "HQ" by Roy Harper, "Crosby, Stills and Nash" debut album, "Waiting for the Sun" by The Doors, "Some Cities" by Doves, "Surfer Rosa" and "Come on Pilgrim" by Pixies, "Aqualung" by Jethro Tull, "Still Got the Blues" by Gary Moore, "Killing Joke" by Killing Joke, "Psychocandy" by The Jesus and Mary Chain, "Talking Heads: 77" by Talking Heads, "Breakfast in America" by Supertramp, "White Light/White Heat" by The Velvet Underground, "Camel" debut album and "Selling England by the Pound" by Genesis.

Acousticage... It is a real word. I made it with my mouth

I am so excited.... I just put down a deposit for a beautiful electro-acoustic guitar. It's a Martin & Co. (model DX1RE if that means anything to anybody!!) and I can't wait until I've had this month's pay now so I can claim it as my own! :D

Should be all set to do some solo giggage around the place then, so stay tuned for more updates on that. There should be some acoustic nights coming up in a few months at Altalia in Llanelli town centre, plus the usual Kilkenny Cat open mic nights so be sure to check back here, on my personal home page or on my MySpace page for up to date info.

This week I have mostly been listening to "Songs from the Wood" by Jethro Tull, "Hotel California" by The Eagles, "Close to the Edge" by Yes, "Red" by King Crimson, "Substance: Best of Joy Division", "A Day at the Races" by Queen, "Love and Theft" by Bob Dylan, "De-Loused in the Comatorium" by Mars Volta, "Duke" by Genesis, "Harvest" by Neil Young, "Leaders of the Free World" by Elbow, "ELP" by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, "More Songs About Buildings and Food" by Talking Heads and "Gish" by the Smashing Pumpkins.

We'll take a cup o' kindness yet...

Has been quite a while since I posted on here so here we go!

21st of December was the annual Kilkenny Cat Christmas Party and as usual it was an open mic night! Played a short set; "Beer Money" and "We Are The Champions" by Queen. Got a pretty good response and had people singing along to both songs!! In fact I didn't really do much for that Queen one, I just sort of started people off and let the crowd do the rest! Wasn't even playing my guitar by the end I don't think! Anyway, great night, and all the other acts were fantastic as well. TFI Blues rounded the evening off with a predicatable but nevertheless brilliant set and a good time was had by all!

New Years Eve I headed to Swansea with my friends from work and had an amazing celebration! Lost count of how much beer I drank but I'm guessing it was quite a lot!

Haven't made any New Years resolutions... no point really! If I have stuff to achieve then I will get it done in my own time. I guess I could make more of an effort to be tidier or something? Dunno. E-mail me if you have any ideas on how I can improve my self!

Recently I have been mostly listening to "Aqualung" by Jethro Tull, "Sonic Temple" by The Cult, "Lions" by The Black Crowes, "Peter Gabriel 2" and "4" by Peter Gabriel, "Leaders of the Free World" by Elbow, "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" by Genesis, "Close to the Edge" by Yes, "Larks' Toungues in Aspic" by King Crimson, "Brighten the Corners" by Pavement, "More Songs About Buildings and Food" by Talking Heads, "Antics" by Interpol and "Marchin' Already" by Ocean Colour Scene.

I have also been listening to a lot of acoustic artists on MySpace! There are some truley talented unsigned acoustic guitar players on that site and it is my intention to find them all! Haha!