Alan's Blogs http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:50:10 GMT http://bandzoogle.com Alan's Blog (and some free music) April 17 2013 http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=4028440 Hi Guys,Last summer when I was up in West Virginia with Lynn's family, one Tuesday evening we went to a singers night in the backroom of a hardware store in Shepherdstown.....it was a really cool gathering of local musicians playing and singing traditional West Virginian songs....I've never seen so many banjos and hammer dulcimers in one room and when it was over, as enjoyable as it was, a beer was very necessary!!We toddled a few yards up the street and low and behold, an English pub....called The Devonshire Arms....well we had to....however the only English things in there were us, a dartboard, oh and they served Boddingtons on draught. In the corner was a local musician whose name I never got, she was singing and playing a four string banjo and to her left stood her Mum and little sister around one microphone singing harmony vocals. To be honest, having just sat through 3 hours of banjo based music, a quiet pint was the order of the day and another banjo was the last thing I was wanting to see!! So a quick one it was, but just as we were about to make our way home, she did a version of John Denver's "Country Roads" that I had never heard before and it had me rooted to the spot. By the time I got home, to be truthful, I'd forgotten about it but just before Christmas, Blacky & I were at a party, a little worse for wear as I remember, and someone asked us to sing. That version of that song was the first thing that came into my head. I've just finished recording it for my new EP that will be released later this year but you can download it now, for free, (and feel free to share it with the world !!) from my website www.alanwest.co.uk . Enjoy.Hope you are wellKindest, Alan Last summer when I was up in West Virginia with Lynn?s family, one Tuesday evening we went to a singers night in the backroom of a hardware store in Shepherdstown?..it was a really cool gathering of local musicians playing and singing traditional West Virginian songs?.I?ve never seen so many banjos and hammer dulcimers in one room and when it was over, as enjoyable as it was, a beer was very necessary!!

We toddled a few yards up the street and low and behold, an English pub?.called The Devonshire Arms?.well we had to?.however the only English things in there were us, a dartboard, oh and they served Boddingtons on draught. In the corner was a local musician whose name I never got, she was singing and playing a four string banjo and to her left stood her Mum and little sister around one microphone singing harmony vocals. To be honest, having just sat through 3 hours of banjo based music, a quiet pint was the order of the day and another banjo was the last thing I was wanting to see!! So a quick one it was, but just as we were about to make our way home, she did a version of John Denver?s ?Country Roads? that I had never heard before and it had me rooted to the spot.

By the time I got home, to be truthful, I?d forgotten about it but just before Christmas, Blacky & I were at a party, a little worse for wear as I remember, and someone asked us to sing. That version of that song was the first thing that came into my head. I?ve just finished recording it for my new EP that will be released later this year but you can download it now, for free, (and feel free to share it with the world !!) from my website www.alanwest.co.uk . Enjoy.

Hope you are well

Kindest, Alan]]> Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:50:10 GMT 80E6A30D3C886AD6D9D3227B34963B74 Alan's Blog (and some free music) April 17 2013 http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=4028245 Hi Guys, Last summer when I was up in West Virginia with Lynn’s family, one Tuesday evening we went to a singers night in the backroom of a hardware store in Shepherdstown…..it was a really cool gathering of local musicians playing and singing traditional West Virginian songs….I’ve never seen so many banjos and hammer dulcimers in one room and when it was over, as enjoyable as it was, a beer was very necessary!! We toddled a few yards up the street and low and behold, an English pub….called The Devonshire Arms….well we had to….however the only English things in there were us, a dartboard, oh and they served Boddingtons on draught. In the corner was a local musician whose name I never got, she was singing and playing a four string banjo and to her left stood her Mum and little sister around one microphone singing harmony vocals. To be honest, having just sat through 3 hours of banjo based music, a quiet pint was the order of the day and another banjo was the last thing I was wanting to see!! So a quick one it was, but just as we were about to make our way home, she did a version of John Denver’s “Country Roads” that I had never heard before and it had me rooted to the spot. By the time I got home, to be truthful, I’d forgotten about it but just before Christmas, Blacky & I were at a party, a little worse for wear as I remember, and someone asked us to sing. That version of that song was the first thing that came into my head. I’ve just finished recording it for my new EP that will be released later this year but you can download it now, for free, (and feel free to share it with the world !!) from my website www.alanwest.co.uk . Enjoy. Hope you are well Kindest, Alan
Last summer when I was up in West Virginia with Lynn’s family, one Tuesday evening we went to a singers night in the backroom of a hardware store in Shepherdstown…..it was a really cool gathering of local musicians playing and singing traditional West Virginian songs….I’ve never seen so many banjos and hammer dulcimers in one room and when it was over, as enjoyable as it was, a beer was very necessary!!

We toddled a few yards up the street and low and behold, an English pub….called The Devonshire Arms….well we had to….however the only English things in there were us, a dartboard, oh and they served Boddingtons on draught. In the corner was a local musician whose name I never got, she was singing and playing a four string banjo and to her left stood her Mum and little sister around one microphone singing harmony vocals. To be honest, having just sat through 3 hours of banjo based music, a quiet pint was the order of the day and another banjo was the last thing I was wanting to see!! So a quick one it was, but just as we were about to make our way home, she did a version of John Denver’s “Country Roads” that I had never heard before and it had me rooted to the spot.

By the time I got home, to be truthful, I’d forgotten about it but just before Christmas, Blacky & I were at a party, a little worse for wear as I remember, and someone asked us to sing. That version of that song was the first thing that came into my head. I’ve just finished recording it for my new EP that will be released later this year but you can download it now, for free, (and feel free to share it with the world !!) from my website www.alanwest.co.uk . Enjoy.

Hope you are well

Kindest, Alan

]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:50:00 GMT DEF08D79C5029C304975B7C8DE5D5F78 Alan's Blog March 3 2013 http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=3727823 Hi Guys, Just a quickie, but thought you might like to know that on Friday this week I found out that Blacky & I have been included on the bill at probably the biggest country music event The UK has seen in many at year at The C2C Festival at The O2 in London on the weekend of 16th/17th March. Needless to say we're chuffed as nuts!!! All the details are at www.c2c-countrytocountry.com .Hope you're well, Kindest, Alan.
Just a quickie, but thought you might like to know that on Friday this week I found out that Blacky & I have been included on the bill at probably the biggest country music event The UK has seen in many at year at The C2C Festival at The O2 in London on the weekend of 16th/17th March. Needless to say we're chuffed as nuts!!! All the details are at www.c2c-countrytocountry.com .

Hope you're well, Kindest, Alan.
]]> Sat, 16 Mar 2013 03:06:13 GMT DCF6420DD54FA2CA3955EA93576BCABF Alan's blog Feb 23 2013 http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=3727824 Hi Guys, Just a quick note to let you know the latest goings on down here in Devon.... I have been working away in my little studio lots of late, both on some new stuff for me and producing a new album for my friend, the incredibly talented young blues guitarist, Adam Sweet. Both projects are coming along really well, in fact in the next couple of weeks there should be something of mine for you to hear.....Last September when I was in Nashville I went along to The Bluebird with my friend Thomm Jutz to see a show that was promoted by The Folk Alliance. It was incredibly memorable, for lots of reasons, but for me the performance of Tommy Womack was outstanding. As soon as I heard he was touring the UK, I just had to put him on....and the show is this Tuesday, 26th Feb at The Dolphin Hotel in Beer. He is touring with Ben Reel from Northern Ireland and myself, Blacky and our buddy Adam Sweet will also be on the bill. Tickets are still available from 07773 768110 for what promises to be a great evening of acoustic Americana...can't wait!! As always, busy with the gigs down here, incredibly on April 4th Blacky & I will have played every Thursday at The Axminster Inn for 5 years....we are also working live a little more with Adam and this year we have a few more adventures planned a little further afield, even some talk of a trip to Scandinavia, now that would be nice!! Trust this finds you well, Kindest, Alan Hi Guys,

Just a quick note to let you know the latest goings on down here in Devon?.

I have been working away in my little studio lots of late, both on some new stuff for me and producing a new album for my friend, the incredibly talented young blues guitarist, Adam Sweet. Both projects are coming along really well, in fact in the next couple of weeks there should be something of mine for you to hear?..
Last September when I was in Nashville I went along to The Bluebird with my friend Thomm Jutz to see a show that was promoted by The Folk Alliance. It was incredibly memorable, for lots of reasons, but for me the performance of Tommy Womack was outstanding. As soon as I heard he was touring the UK, I just had to put him on?.and the show is this Tuesday, 26th Feb at The Dolphin Hotel in Beer. He is touring with Ben Reel from Northern Ireland and myself, Blacky and our buddy Adam Sweet will also be on the bill. Tickets are still available from 07773 768110 for what promises to be a great evening of acoustic Americana?can?t wait!!

As always, busy with the gigs down here, incredibly on April 4th Blacky & I will have played every Thursday at The Axminster Inn for 5 years?.we are also working live a little more with Adam and this year we have a few more adventures planned a little further afield, even some talk of a trip to Scandinavia, now that would be nice!!

Trust this finds you well, Kindest, Alan]]> Sat, 16 Mar 2013 03:05:04 GMT AF9425D85F42A18295B7A05A5B5982EF Alan's Blog Oct 21 2012 http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=2867944 And there it was gone. Summer 2012 that is!! The gigs down here in Devon, mostly with Blacky, have been a blast. It really is humbling that so many of you made the trip to see us. It seemed every night someone from some far-flung part of The UK would show up unexpectedly. Thank you!!I was privileged to have been in Nashville for the Americana Music Awards in September. The show itself was awesome but eclipsed by the amount of world-class live music in some fantastic venues around town for the whole week. The most impressive thing about it for me, was the amount of collaboration that goes on there. It really is about having faith in ability, sharing talent, learning from each other and creating great new original music. Looking forward to my next visit, which looks like it'll be June 2013 to do few shows myself.Lots planned for this winter too. Blacky and I have started regular writing sessions. Songwriting has never been at the top of my agenda, but is now something that I am keen to work on. It is a massive stroke of luck that I live 4 miles from someone who, I believe, is one of the finest, and is happy to share his knowledge with a novice!! All the regular gigs seem to remain unaffected by the change of the seasons and we are in our fifth year at The Axminster Inn, fourth year at The Dolphin and third year at The Kings Arms, Seaton. Long may it continue!!A few months back I heard a band from Brighton, called Society ( www.societymusic.net ), do a session on Bob Harris's Saturday night show on BBC Radio 2 and really liked them. So much so that they will be playing at The Dolphin Hotel in Beer on Sat Nov 3rd. Myself, Dean Barnes and our special guest Sarah Jory will be doing the opening set. Tickets are £10 and are available from 07773 768110. Can't wait!!The next installment of Blacky's wonderful Christmas play, Turkey a la Vera, is well into rehearsals. It is always one of the highlights of my Christmas, and this year, that too will be at The Dolphin in Beer on Dec 9,10,11,12. Tickets are available (and usually sell out quite quickly) from 01297 33595 from Nov 5th.Well, best crack on, playing this afternoon at, yes you've guessed it, The Dolphin in Beer!! It seems like a second home sometimes!!Hope this finds you well,Kindest,Alan
I was privileged to have been in Nashville for the Americana Music Awards in September. The show itself was awesome but eclipsed by the amount of world-class live music in some fantastic venues around town for the whole week. The most impressive thing about it for me, was the amount of collaboration that goes on there. It really is about having faith in ability, sharing talent, learning from each other and creating great new original music. Looking forward to my next visit, which looks like it?ll be June 2013 to do few shows myself.

Lots planned for this winter too. Blacky and I have started regular writing sessions. Songwriting has never been at the top of my agenda, but is now something that I am keen to work on. It is a massive stroke of luck that I live 4 miles from someone who, I believe, is one of the finest, and is happy to share his knowledge with a novice!! All the regular gigs seem to remain unaffected by the change of the seasons and we are in our fifth year at The Axminster Inn, fourth year at The Dolphin and third year at The Kings Arms, Seaton. Long may it continue!!

A few months back I heard a band from Brighton, called Society ( www.societymusic.net ), do a session on Bob Harris?s Saturday night show on BBC Radio 2 and really liked them. So much so that they will be playing at The Dolphin Hotel in Beer on Sat Nov 3rd. Myself, Dean Barnes and our special guest Sarah Jory will be doing the opening set. Tickets are £10 and are available from 07773 768110. Can?t wait!!

The next installment of Blacky?s wonderful Christmas play, Turkey a la Vera, is well into rehearsals. It is always one of the highlights of my Christmas, and this year, that too will be at The Dolphin in Beer on Dec 9,10,11,12. Tickets are available (and usually sell out quite quickly) from 01297 33595 from Nov 5th.

Well, best crack on, playing this afternoon at, yes you?ve guessed it, The Dolphin in Beer!! It seems like a second home sometimes!!

Hope this finds you well,
Kindest,
Alan]]> Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:32:28 GMT C22D4A88462AD68F2A0459E27CEAB780 Alan's Blog Jan 17th http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=1721860 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
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]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:13:22 GMT 4D5192EAAC37BCF722786BB3D0D78BB9 Alan's Blog Nov 30th http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=1565572 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
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]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:12:18 GMT B5E8656D78ED5C9D2FBDF48F2914AED1 Alan's Blog Oct 24th http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=1567400 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
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]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:38:31 GMT D26AD110BB4E3A88A286D382FBD31132 Alan's Blog Oct 24th http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=1425920 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
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]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:00:00 GMT F42186BC92FD929DDB2A00592F8FA481 Alans (interim!) Blog Sept 20th http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=1554888 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 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]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:03:57 GMT F1115F6F372183E67A8DE354440863AB Alans Blog Thurs 8th September 2011 http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=1275403 Blimey, where should I start!! Well, gig wise, still lots on, the summer has been amazing. We have had some blinding gigs and I can't believe how many of you holiday in Devon! Wednesdays at Chideock have stopped now and our Mondays at The Kings Arms, Seaton have moved to Wednesdays for the winter, apart from that it's business as usual!!An extra night off a week is very welcome actually, it will allow me a little extra time to focus on a project that I have set up with my friend Kirstin Reynolds. It is called NEO Music and it is the most exciting project I think I have ever been involved in. The first phase involves the setting up of a small project studio here in Devon, that's nearly complete. Then the real fun starts, because the next phase is to make lots of music there with a bunch of like minded people and the final phase is to share that music with the rest of the world!! Lot's still to do, but very optimistic right now.A few years ago I spent six months or so working with the incredibly talented Johnny Butten. We lost touch for a while then a few months ago he called me from The US where he is now living and said he was coming across with his bluegrass band Telegraph Road and did I fancy putting him on.......... They, along with Me, Blacky and the odd guest, will be at The Dolphin in Beer, on Sunday 18th September at 8pm. It really is first class bluegrass and well worth a look. Tickets are £10 and will almost certainly be available on the night but if you'd like to reserve any, just let me know.Better get on, playing The Ax tonite at 6.30 and it's now time to get the kids from school. I hope this finds you well,Kindest Regards,Alan West
An extra night off a week is very welcome actually, it will allow me a little extra time to focus on a project that I have set up with my friend Kirstin Reynolds. It is called NEO Music and it is the most exciting project I think I have ever been involved in. The first phase involves the setting up of a small project studio here in Devon, that?s nearly complete. Then the real fun starts, because the next phase is to make lots of music there with a bunch of like minded people and the final phase is to share that music with the rest of the world!! Lot?s still to do, but very optimistic right now.

A few years ago I spent six months or so working with the incredibly talented Johnny Butten. We lost touch for a while then a few months ago he called me from The US where he is now living and said he was coming across with his bluegrass band Telegraph Road and did I fancy putting him on???. They, along with Me, Blacky and the odd guest, will be at The Dolphin in Beer, on Sunday 18th September at 8pm. It really is first class bluegrass and well worth a look. Tickets are £10 and will almost certainly be available on the night but if you?d like to reserve any, just let me know.
Better get on, playing The Ax tonite at 6.30 and it?s now time to get the kids from school. I hope this finds you well,

Kindest Regards,
Alan West]]> Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:15:54 GMT 2C44F2C8A96E3ED4919125B06F91B691 Alan's Blog Wed 27 July 2011 http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=1166060 Well we went to The Shed , actually by the time we got there it was "Shed of The Year 2011". Thanks again to Jon Earl, it was truly a memorable experience! The results should be available in the next couple of weeks at www.songsfromtheshed.com.Then followed a trip to John Taylors studio in the North East. It's always a total pleasure working with John on my music, he just seems to get what it is I'm wanting to achieve and does it with the minimum amount of fuss and maximum amount of fun. The upshot is I have a new 6 track mini CD ready to go, which I'm hoping will be available to download very soon. If you know of any radio Presenters who might like to download a pre release copy of one of the tracks, to play on their programme, you could point them to www.airplaydirect.com/alanwest and they can get it, and a whole bunch of other stuff, all for nothing!!!I think I was home for about 36 hours, a couple of gigs and I headed North again, this time with Blacky to do some gigs in Scotland. I think I can speak for both of us when I say we had a blast, and all without a hitch. One (shareable) highlight would have to be "The Coaltown Daisies" whom you can check out here www.reverbnation.com/thecoaltowndaisies . We shared the bill with them at a house concert in Fife (I think!!), truly memorable songs, singing and playing, a real breath of fresh air in my humble opinion.Over the last couple of months, a friend of mine has been helping out with all that online/networking/website/blah blah blah stuff that I never really understood. I'm still not sure that I fully understand it all, but I'm coming round to the idea of Facebook and I have a page there at http://is.gd/alanwest , am quite liking Twitter, and you can find me there @AlanWest65 and now have a presence on Reverb Nation at www.reverbnation.com/alanwest.So back to it now with Blacky here in Devon, pretty much 'til summers end. I have been quite astonished this summer as to how many of you guys have made trips down here to see us, it really is much appreciated.Kindest Regards,Alan
Then followed a trip to John Taylors studio in the North East. It?s always a total pleasure working with John on my music, he just seems to get what it is I?m wanting to achieve and does it with the minimum amount of fuss and maximum amount of fun. The upshot is I have a new 6 track mini CD ready to go, which I?m hoping will be available to download very soon. If you know of any radio Presenters who might like to download a pre release copy of one of the tracks, to play on their programme, you could point them to www.airplaydirect.com/alanwest and they can get it, and a whole bunch of other stuff, all for nothing!!!

I think I was home for about 36 hours, a couple of gigs and I headed North again, this time with Blacky to do some gigs in Scotland. I think I can speak for both of us when I say we had a blast, and all without a hitch. One (shareable) highlight would have to be ?The Coaltown Daisies? whom you can check out here www.reverbnation.com/thecoaltowndaisies . We shared the bill with them at a house concert in Fife (I think!!), truly memorable songs, singing and playing, a real breath of fresh air in my humble opinion.

Over the last couple of months, a friend of mine has been helping out with all that online/networking/website/blah blah blah stuff that I never really understood. I?m still not sure that I fully understand it all, but I?m coming round to the idea of Facebook and I have a page there at http://is.gd/alanwest , am quite liking Twitter, and you can find me there @AlanWest65 and now have a presence on Reverb Nation at www.reverbnation.com/alanwest.

So back to it now with Blacky here in Devon, pretty much ?til summers end. I have been quite astonished this summer as to how many of you guys have made trips down here to see us, it really is much appreciated.

Kindest Regards,
Alan]]> Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:43:44 GMT E8EAD5127F8120FBDA23A39472EB327B Alan's Blog Wed 29 June 2011 http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=1166061 Yesterday I went to the funeral and extraordinary celebration of the life of Henry Watts. If there is such a thing as a perfect send off, I think that was it. Henry was a man who clearly enriched many peoples lives in a huge way and to Pam, every generation of his family, and his many friends, you did him proud, and that was a tall order!!Talking of tall orders, every time I go to see one of Blackys plays I say to myself "He'll never top that" but he always seems to manage it!! And his next production "Kitty Kingsleys Poem" will be at The Dolphin in Beer next week 6,7 & 8 July, I'll be there.Tons of musical stuff going on right now. I'm working on some new stuff with cellist Kirstin Reynolds, the summertime gig schedule with Blacky has kicked in and is pretty full on, we're going in "The Shed" to record an acoustic session next week and I've finally booked the studio to finish the new recordings.So no complaints here, in fact, to quote one of those many guests yesterday, if I was having any more fun, it would be illegal!!Kindest,Alan
Talking of tall orders, every time I go to see one of Blackys plays I say to myself ?He?ll never top that? but he always seems to manage it!! And his next production ?Kitty Kingsleys Poem? will be at The Dolphin in Beer next week 6,7 & 8 July, I?ll be there.

Tons of musical stuff going on right now. I?m working on some new stuff with cellist Kirstin Reynolds, the summertime gig schedule with Blacky has kicked in and is pretty full on, we?re going in ?The Shed? to record an acoustic session next week and I?ve finally booked the studio to finish the new recordings.
So no complaints here, in fact, to quote one of those many guests yesterday, if I was having any more fun, it would be illegal!!

Kindest,
Alan]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2011 01:20:58 GMT B1934C47E082B3241760C6ABC259E31B Alans' Blog Fri June 10 2011 http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=1166062 At the beginning of this year one of my resolutions was to at least try to be a better communicator. Well, I'm very rarely lost for words in a conversation, but my understanding of and faith in all this new fangled technology was lacking a little. My, how things can change so quickly!! Yesterday I had a telephone conversation with a guy I met on Twitter AND as a direct result of a Facebook "liaison" am helping to put together the first Oxjam Music Festival in the gardens of Pecorama at Beer on Sat 27 August. Result!!Blacky is busy with his play, Snap, this week at The Dolphin, so had the pleasure of Deans company on Thurs at The Ax. I've been working on and off with Dean Barnes now for probably 8 0r 9 years and he never ceases to amaze me. His understanding of what is required to embellish my music, his feel, his sound and his technique are nothing short of genius. Dean will be around again July 6 & 7 & 8 when surprise, surprise Blacky has another play "Kitty Kingsleys Poem", the tale of the unexpected revelations at a meeting of a small poetry group. Tickets for this are going well already, you can book them at The Archway Bookshop, Axminster 01297 33595.I think I might be a bit behind the times on this one but I heard Jason Isbell for the first time on Bob Harris Country a couple of weeks ago, Wow! Do yourself a favour, check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clqH-notmZE&feature=BFa&list=SPB6CE40653B6CE3BC&index=1 . Class!!! Oh and this made me laugh enough to want to share it with you....... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g0AJPqKybs&feature=feedrec_grec_index .So things ticking along nicely here in Devon, the sunshine & showers are very welcome for my veggies which I am very pleased to say are looking the best they have for many a year, and it's always good during the summer to hook up again with folks we met last year & the year before that and................ Life is Good!Kindest,Alan
Blacky is busy with his play, Snap, this week at The Dolphin, so had the pleasure of Deans company on Thurs at The Ax. I?ve been working on and off with Dean Barnes now for probably 8 0r 9 years and he never ceases to amaze me. His understanding of what is required to embellish my music, his feel, his sound and his technique are nothing short of genius. Dean will be around again July 6 & 7 & 8 when surprise, surprise Blacky has another play ?Kitty Kingsleys Poem?, the tale of the unexpected revelations at a meeting of a small poetry group. Tickets for this are going well already, you can book them at The Archway Bookshop, Axminster 01297 33595.

I think I might be a bit behind the times on this one but I heard Jason Isbell for the first time on Bob Harris Country a couple of weeks ago, Wow! Do yourself a favour, check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clqH-notmZE&feature=BFa&list=SPB6CE40653B6CE3BC&index=1 . Class!!! Oh and this made me laugh enough to want to share it with you....... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g0AJPqKybs&feature=feedrec_grec_index .
So things ticking along nicely here in Devon, the sunshine & showers are very welcome for my veggies which I am very pleased to say are looking the best they have for many a year, and it?s always good during the summer to hook up again with folks we met last year & the year before that and................ Life is Good!

Kindest,
Alan]]> Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:41:01 GMT 00364E27C4F3B31E73D9AD3E089835D4 Alan's Photo Blog Thurs May 5 2011 - Nashville Special! http://alanwest.co.uk/blogs.cfm?feature=2636236&postid=1166407 I was looking through some old emails this week and came across these pics from Deans camera of our little adventure last year!! It was a cracking time and Pat Mac was THE perfect host. We packed a lot of stuff into 10 days, all of which I will remember fondly for a long time to come. The night before we did a little gig in Twyford I&rsquo;m getting &ldquo;The Look&rdquo;!!?? &nbsp; The first morning and we HAD to go to Browns, the &ldquo;birthplace&rdquo; of &ldquo;You&rsquo;re on Your own&rdquo;. &nbsp; Another morning, eyes not quite open, but, what a fantastic place for the first of the day, Panera Bread right next to The Ryman!! As much as we went to Nashville to work, I am a huge fan of Country Music and this is me being a tourist. If this were a panoramic shot, off to the left you would see the crew from last nights&rsquo; gig loading the kit into the wagons ready for the next one. &nbsp; And Dean being a tourist (it happens to the best of us!!!) And that&rsquo;s whose kit they were unloading, not a bad show huh? The Station Inn on a Monday night, the only place to be, The Time Jumpers. You probably recognise Vince Gill and maybe Paul Franklin on steel, but on this occasion there were 11 people on stage and every one of them was a star. The best live gig I have ever seen, a masterclass in teamwork, genius! &ldquo;Sitting in Browns, watching you waiting for your day to change&rdquo;................................... The first time I ever went to Browns was in 2006, and it transpired that on that trip I became a fairly frequent visitor. This song was born out of one of those afternoons, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2198OqMTtSE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2198OqMTtSE .................................. &nbsp; Work!!!!! More work......... The glasses are off, must be serious? End of Work........... Work again........... And again....... Play........ Ditto..... What a trip, the smiles say it all................ an absolute pleasure.

The night before we did a little gig in Twyford



I’m getting “The Look”!!??


 
The first morning and we HAD to go to Browns, the “birthplace” of “You’re on Your own”.


 
Another morning, eyes not quite open, but, what a fantastic place for the first of the day, Panera Bread right next to The Ryman!!



As much as we went to Nashville to work, I am a huge fan of Country Music and this is me being a tourist. If this were a panoramic shot, off to the left you would see the crew from last nights’ gig loading the kit into the wagons ready for the next one.

 
And Dean being a tourist (it happens to the best of us!!!)


And that’s whose kit they were unloading, not a bad show huh?


The Station Inn on a Monday night, the only place to be, The Time Jumpers. You probably recognise Vince Gill and maybe Paul Franklin on steel, but on this occasion there were 11 people on stage and every one of them was a star. The best live gig I have ever seen, a masterclass in teamwork, genius!


“Sitting in Browns, watching you waiting for your day to change”...................................

The first time I ever went to Browns was in 2006, and it transpired that on that trip I became a fairly frequent visitor.

This song was born out of one of those afternoons, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2198OqMTtSE ..................................


 
Work!!!!!


More work.........



The glasses are off, must be serious?


End of Work...........



Work again...........


And again.......


Play........


Ditto.....


What a trip, the smiles say it all................ an absolute pleasure.
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