old news

11th October 2004

The mini-German tour with the Ben Waters Band was a great success and great fun.

We started on Thursday 30th September with the launch party in Munchengladbach for Henning ‘Scooter’ Otte’s new album, which we recorded at Derek Nash’s studio last February. This was followed by five gigs around the Berlin area for the wonderful folk at Sound’s Promotions (Details on the ‘dates’ bit of this site or at www.benwaters.com or www.sounds-promotion.de). As usual, we were treated to the usual wonderful hospitality of our hosts, who treated us to all the Radeberger (the best beer in Germany) and bratkartoffel that we could handle.

The gigs ranged from arts centres to concert halls to bars, and were all sold out or jam packed. The reception was great at all of them.

There’s always the fear of anti-climax on the first gig back in Blighty, but we needn’t have worried. Little Dixie’s gig at the Ropemakers in Bridport on Sunday 10th October was a cracker, despite Ady’s throat infection and my broken rib (rigours of touring etc). I also had a chance to try out my new baby, a USA Fender De Luxe that I picked up second hand in Ringwood. It’s a beauty.

We’re off for our eighth appearance at the Cork Jazz Festival on Saturday 23rd October, where we play in the ballroom of the Metropole Hotel on Saturday and Sunday night. It’s rated as one of the best music festivals in the world, and is highly recommended if a weekend of wall-to-wall quality live music and Irish hospitality appeals to you. Details on www.corkjazzfestival.com

As usual, the jam sessions continue at Finns, Westham Road, Weymouth, Dorset. If you want to play, contact me or just turn up before 9 p.m. and book yourself a slot.

Chris Lonergan





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