Unfortunately I did not win the Hop Pole competition, although on the upside, the song that did win was more than worthy, and the performance of it was very moving. The winning song was called ‘Snow on the mountain’, and is by a man called Phil Langran, featuring Steve Benford on second guitar. It features some lovely chord changes and melodies.
The song that came in second place was particularly good also, and was by a man named Marc Block. I can’t remember the name of the song unfortunately, but nevertheless it was a well crafted, uplifting folky-pop song. It had everyone up on their feet and dancing, which was great to see. I stuck to standing awkwardly in the corner though, as I’m not much of a dancer!
Overall I had a great evening and I really enjoyed taking part in the competition. I enjoyed performing my songs, and I got to meet some great musicians, and some great people too.
It was annoying though on the night of the final, as the place was packed and it was a warm evening, which meant that it was boiling inside! I get headachy when I’m really hot, so I had a bit of a headache by the end of the night, but oh well! Such is life, I guess 
Last night I played at The Loggerheads pub in Nottingham. It’s a very modern (but in a good way) place, and also very well hidden! It’s not particularly out of the way, it’s just that unless you’ve been there before you would probably never have seen it, even if you know nottingham pretty well. I thought I knew where I was going in order to get there, but I went in completely the wrong direction at first! I had to ask for directions several times (I get disorientated very easily) but I made it there in the end.
So anyway, they have their main room where you can play amplified, through their PA (which subsequently outputs through the stereo systems around the building, so people don’t have to be in the room to hear you, which is quite cool) or outside, in ‘the cave’, where you play totally unplugged.The cave literally is like a little open cave, with seats all around inside, and lights. It’s really cool and cosy, and has great acoustics.
I did my set in the cave, to a circle of people gathered round me. It literally had a campfire feel to it, and felt very liberating. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to next week, when I play there again! (4th July in case you’re wondering!)
www.theloggerheads.co.uk
The other acts that played last night were great too. Maurice Moore provided some catchy acoustic tunes, in particular ‘Moon Man’ (Don’t know if there’s a David Bowie influence there, but it has that element of psychedelia to it.)
Nigel Beck performed an array of beautiful instrumental acoustic music, and some brilliant folk covers. His voice had a lovely timbre and his guitar playing was exceptional.
Finally Mr. Ford & Mr. Gibbs, who performed in the cave after me, played some great folk tunes. They were very entertaining and obviously passionate about music, and also had a great sense of humour and charm.
Here’s is the info for next week’s line up (courtesy of the Loggerheads website):
Saturday 4 / 7 / 2009Â Â LOG JAM & CURRY NIGHT
Nottingham’s hottest acoustic curry night. Come and tuck into a tasteful freshly made Indian curry all prepared in-house with the finest herbs and spices whilst enjoying the sounds from some of the talented performers we have lined up. LOIS – (Jonny from the band), MARC REEVES – (Experimental alternative folk), ROXY MAY – (Alternative acoustic), PAUL WALKER – (Acoustic folkrock), ROSS DARBY – (Alternative) & THE BONSAI PROJECTS – (Acoustic blues punk). 8pm till 1am. FREE ENTRY!
Hope to see you there!
