What a fantastic weekend!

First we played at the Bite Street Food event in Poplar then we set off for a weekend of four stringed fun in deepest Wales…playing, eating, drinking and – in a few cases – walking!

We worked on a couple of new arrangements, napped, read the weekend papers…..what more could you want?

The best bit though, was Andy’s open mic night at The Bell in Glengrwyney. It’s a great pub – landlord John is what every landlord should be…welcoming, engaging and open.

We heard Steve King, an excellent singer/guitarist/songwriter, who, as well as doing his own set, joined Andy for an unforgettable acoustic duo version of Dark Side of the Moon. All of it. No – really!

We also hugely enjoyed guitar/banjo/vocals duo Pangolin, who gave us a couple of Kirsty Maccoll numbers among a massively wide ranging set, all delivered with clarity, wit and energy.

We always love a chance to collaborate, so we were delighted to perform impromptu accompaniment for lovely singer Karen. There’s nothing wrong with Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Que Sera Sera. Smashing.

Jim, of course, did a rendition of When I’m cleaning windows with Cockney Vic….no uke, though, just the voice. Vic sang some great songs and raised more than a few smiles. Imagine finding a Canning Town boy this far from home.

I have to say we went down pretty well ourselves, too.

Overall this was one of the most positive musical experiences any of us could remember- there was only one fly in the ointment – we missed you, Tony & Graham.

Thank you all – we’ll be back…if you’ll have us.

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