So, I never write anymore and that's a bit tragic honestly. Think I've lost the knack of writing, or maybe I've had to unlearn the bullshit before my mind has been free to write some sense again. It seems like as good a time as any to get into the habit again. I became formulaic and trite and arse-licking. I became everything I think good journalism and good writing should not be. So, in advance of the new year, here's a new start.
Haven't been to enough shows lately, but poverty has something to do with that. And yes, I know that there are endless free shows, but let's face it, in London no show is truly free. There's food and drink and transport. After that's set you back, if you have to buy a ticket too then you're out a decent amount for shows. Having said that... on the horizon is a show I am insanely excited about which is Roy Ayers.
Got into Roy Ayers when I was producing a radio show called Broomhill Mix up in Glasgow. Was producing this for a guy called Alan. I was head of programming at subcity radio at the time so every two weeks I would get up early on a Saturday and head to the studio to produce Alan's show. Alan was blind, so unlike most presenters at the station he couldn't produce the show himself. He introduced me to jazz properly for the first time and Roy Ayers was one of the artists that stood out the most for me, especially "Everybody loves the sunshine".
Alan still presents "Broomhill Mix" once a week and you can check it out on subcity.org
I'd get to the studio and we'd spend two hours eating twixes, drinking tango and irn-bru and playing tunes to whoever happened to be listening. Alan's show was after a programme called soulful all sorts and was followed by a crazy industrial show if I remember correctly. I really miss my student radio days sometimes.
It pushed me to find new music and learn more about new bands and genres. Spending those 2 hours a fortnight locked up in the studio with Alan meant I discovered a whole new world of music that I had never engaged with before. I didn't like all of it, but the Roy Ayers tracks and some D Train Williams stayed with me years afterwards.
I can't wait to see Roy Ayers next month and I can't wait to spend time finding new bands either. Here's to the next musical adventure. If you know any bands, albums or genres you think it'd be worth exploring, just let me know and I'll add them to my list.
