January has traditionally been a quiet time, but 2012 seems to have bucked that trend. Haven’t stopped yet this year and thankfully, it would appear that nothing is about change any time soon!!

Mine & Blacky’s new albums have gone out to radio and for review, which inevitably creates a little apprehension, but, the first reviews have started to trickle in, are very favourable and already a good few radio plays too. So far so good!!

I am working in the studio on a couple of acoustic albums. The first is actually just back from mastering. It’s a live EP by an incredibly talented guy called Adam Sweet, you can check him out at www.adamsweetmusic.com . I would describe it as acoustic blues, not something that would have necessarily been on my radar, however, the first time I saw Adam I was blown away. So much ability and understanding of what’s required in one at such an early stage of his career is unusual and potentially very exciting, we’ll see! I’m also working on an acoustic album myself, just the early stages but great fun and the beauty of a studio at home is that it’s always there when the mood takes you. Perfect!!

Blacky has a new comedy play coming up in Feb (15,16,17) at The Dolphin, Beer. It is called The Letter. A brief synopsis, “A letter arrives out of the blue, but mustn’t be opened. Why?”. I’m sure all will be revealed.

I often get emails from folk asking when I might be doing a gig in their area and it has been a constant source of frustration over the last few years that I haven’t, for whatever reason, done a lot more travelling. Well, just recently I came across a website, www.stageit.com , advertising a live, interactive Gretchen Peters gig streamed straight to my lounge. Could this be true? I had considered this concept many years ago, but then it was just a futuristic fantasy. Well it was true and I watched the show with Lynn & the kids in our lounge (along with countless other people in their lounges across the world) and we all absolutely loved it. The purpose of this? On Mon March 5th at 8pm, I will be doing a live, streamed show from my lounge with guitarist Dean Barnes. Tickets are available (incredibly simply) from www.stageit.com/alanwest . It would be great to see you………

Onward and upward then, it’s time to make some music I feel…..

Take good care,
Alan

Well what a month that was!! It began with two nights at Blacky’s rock musical, “Biggles flies undone” at The Guildhall, Axminster. Congratulations to everyone involved, it was an absolute spectacle that was, clearly, thoroughly enjoyed by all and £2000 was raised for Hospicecare Southwest to boot!! Blacky’s next production is at The Dolphin Hotel, Beer, 11, 12, 13 & 14 December, it is the next episode of his annual Christmas comedy, which this year is called “Turkey Ole”. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without it!!! Tickets are bookable at Archway Bookshop, Axminster, 01297 33595.

Got Blacky’s album finished up. My first attempt at production brought a whole new set of challenges. The seven Ps (Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents P**s Poor Performance) proved their worth once again and Thomm Jutz expertly guided me through the rest. The general consensus is that it is the best Blacky has done thus far, result!! Titled “All the best”, it, along with my new EP “The way it is”, will be available from Mon 5th Dec from www.neo-music.net and of course, all our gigs!!

Talking of gigs, our regular Wed, Thurs & every other Sunday seem to chug along nicely, still folks showing up from far and wide even in November. The NEO Music launch night was a success too, Cole Stacey, Adam Sweet, The Coaltown Daisies, Blacky, Dean Barnes & Pete Ariss really did us proud. To work with so much talent is a real buzz, of course there is a grand plan, from little acorns and all that………..watch this space!!

The other highlight this month would have to be the gig at The Irish Centre in Leeds with John Taylor, opening for Moe Bandy who was backed by an excellent band from here in The UK, C’est la vie. It really was a quality gig from beginning to end, venue, hospitality, sound, audience and all the tea I could drink, huge thanks to the promoter, Nicky James, great job.

So, off to rehearse those now infamous carols, it’s just around the corner you know. In fact, talking of Christmas, there is a free track available to download on my website (www.alanwest.co.uk) right now, it’s a live version (it might even be my favourite one!!) of “You’re on your own” that I recorded at Woodworm Studios in Oxfordshire, with the band, back in 2009, enjoy!!

Alan

Where to start! Well as good a place as any is to say congratulations to my buddy Steve Black whose song was crowned “Original song of the year” at last nights British Country Music Awards. I have long said his songs are right up there and I am exceptionally pleased that a little recognition is coming his way. His new album is nearly finished up, just a few last minute tweaks and it will be ready for release on the NEO Music label at a planned launch night in early December.

Talking of NEO Music, we’re putting on a little launch night on Sun 20th November. It might well be the first time some of you will come across The Coaltown Daisies, I guarantee you though, it won’t be the last!! All the details can be found at www.neo-music.net .

The visit of Johnny Counterfit was totally enjoyable. His show at The Dolphin was world class and unquestionably his was the outstanding performance at said BCMAwards. It was a joy to spend some time with one who is clearly so knowledgable and passionate about the music I love. He will be back!!
Looking forward to doing a gig with John Taylor in Nov at The Leeds Irish Centre opening for Moe Bandy, allegedly we might even have little band thing going on that night too. Also excited about Blackys new Rock Musical, “Biggles flies undone” which will be at The Guildhall, Axminster Nov 3,4,5. A live band and a cast of 21, absolutely can’t wait……

So things still pretty good here in Devon, I guess settling in for the winter, all that’s left in the garden are the sprouts and parsnips, although the ground is ready for the onions and shallots that need to go in on the shortest day!! Still lots of gigs locally, in fact after Biggles, Blacky and I have some rehearsals pencilled to refresh on his infamous alternative Christmas Carols that provide us with much fun and frolics during the month of December.

Trust this finds you well,
Kindest Regards, Alan

Where to start! Well as good a place as any is to say congratulations to my buddy Steve Black whose song was crowned “Original song of the year” at last nights British Country Music Awards. I have long said his songs are right up there and I am exceptionally pleased that a little recognition is coming his way. His new album is nearly finished up, just a few last minute tweaks and it will be ready for release on the NEO Music label at a planned launch night in early December.

Talking of NEO Music, we’re putting on a little launch night on Sun 20th November. It might well be the first time some of you will come across The Coaltown Daisies, I guarantee you though, it won’t be the last!! All the details can be found at www.neo-music.net .

The visit of Johnny Counterfit was totally enjoyable. His show at The Dolphin was world class and unquestionably his was the outstanding performance at said BCMAwards. It was a joy to spend some time with one who is clearly so knowledgable and passionate about the music I love. He will be back!!

Looking forward to doing a gig with John Taylor in Nov at The Leeds Irish Centre opening for Moe Bandy, allegedly we might even have little band thing going on that night too. Also excited about Blackys new Rock Musical, “Biggles flies undone” which will be at The Guildhall, Axminster Nov 3,4,5. A live band and a cast of 21, absolutely can’t wait……

So things still pretty good here in Devon, I guess settling in for the winter, all that’s left in the garden are the sprouts and parsnips, although the ground is ready for the onions and shallots that need to go in on the shortest day!! Still lots of gigs locally, in fact after Biggles, Blacky and I have some rehearsals pencilled to refresh on his infamous alternative Christmas Carols that provide us with much fun and frolics during the month of December.

Trust this finds you well,
Kindest Regards, Alan

Hi Guys,
A couple of months ago I mentioned we went to "The Shed of The Year 2011" to do a session. Well, the results, and a whole raft of wonderful acoustic sessions can be seen at www.songsfromtheshed.com . Big Thanks to Jon Earl.
Enjoy,
Alan