Well, last night’s Recycle Collective gig was an absolute blinder! For starters, it was the biggest crowd we had so far (more than 80, possibly 90…), the air conditioning was just perfect after the sweatiness of London these last few weeks, and then there was the music…
I started off with a solo set – I sat down to play and realised that all my song-remembering space in my head was full of the New Standard tunes, and I wasn’t sure I could remember my own stuff! But thankfully they all went really well – definitely the best solo set I’ve played at the RC. Finished off the set with a lovely and slightly shorter than the album version of ‘One Step’ with Julie. Fab first set, well done me!
Then came The New Standard Edinburgh set – as y’all know, we’ve rehearsed long and hard for this, and it all went off without a glitch… well, without a noticeable glitch. Small screw up on the play out to the last tune, but I rescued it, and I v. much doubt anyone but Julie noticed. Julie sang beautifully, and the audience loved it. What fun!
And Set three started with two solo pieces by Cleveland Watkiss – the first a baroque counterpoint thing that was just sublime, and the second a dub/drum ‘n’ bass/gospel thing that was equally amazing. Two fine trio improvs finished off the evening, and everyone went away happy, Julie and I both sold lots of CDs (Cleveland is his usual style didn’t bring any merch).
I think Edinburgh’s going to be magique.
If you were there, please write a review, and post it in the comments here, or over in the forum – thanks for coming!
Quite correct Steve. A superb and inspiring performance all round. Julie’s voice is sublime and demonstrates an extraordinary alloying of your mutual talents. Pity I couldn’t catch Set 3 – but not being a youngster any more, I need my sleep. Excellent venue too. Thank you so much for alerting me to this, and I wish you both enormous success in Edinburgh. And yes, I will be doing my homework. Promise!
Best
Howard.