Portland's extraordinary tradition of the appreciation of blues-orientated live music continued with the return of C Sharp Blues for two gigs at the George Inn, Reforne. The first, on Saturday 24th April, featured a late appearance by USA blues guitarist Colin John. C Sharp returned on the Sunday 25th for another afternoon of original and vintage blues, after which I had to leg it off for a belting Little Dixie gig at the Three Horseshoes, Burton Bradstock, Dorset.

It's going to be tough on the following Friday and Saturday nights, 30th April and 1st May. I've got to put up with two consecutive gigs with the Ben Waters Band at the Sherborne Beer Festival in Sherborne, Dorset. Two nights of boogie, blues, rock'n'roll and beer. Ah me. It's a tough life, etc.

There's lots of developments regarding the Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra – a live recording of the Orchestra's performance of the Rolling Stones classic Jumping Jack Flash, recorded at Bryanston Arts Centre and featuring ex-Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, is due for release soon. There's a lot of media interest about this event, and a tie-in with Bournemouth Football Club is emerging. More details as things develop, but a gig at Bournemouth's ground on Thursday 13th May is confirmed.

Speaking of developments, Robbie McIntosh is now officially a part of Norah Jones' band. Anyone who's heard his wonderful acoustically-orientated album ‘Unsung', or heard his playing in an unplugged-type environment will know how much sense it makes. He's currently on tour with the band – check out www.norahjones.com and go to ‘tour' for details.