It was tough going last Friday and Saturday night, 30th April and 1st May. I had 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.

That was followed by an extremely pleasant Sunday afternoon at the Park Hotel, Weymouth, Dorset with Brahms & Liszt. Those of you familiar with rhyming slang will know that a band was never more appropriately named.

Next weekend, it's a pair of gigs in lovely little boozers with Little Dixie – at the George, Reforne, Portland on the Saturday (8.30 pm– ish start) and at the Hope & Anchor, Bridport on the Sunday, starting at 3pm.

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 13 th 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.

Meanwhile, don't forget the regular jam session at Mariner's, Maiden Street, Weymouth on Thursday night. As ever, new bands, established acts and solo musicians are invited to take to the stage. If you want to book a slot (maximum four numbers) contact me.