tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61297132986802580532024-03-08T18:40:01.041+00:00The Blog of Andrew Foster (Singer/Songwriter)The slightly Schizophrenic scribbles of a South-Coast Singer/Songwriter
www.andrewfostermusic.co.ukAndrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-83094831469418251442014-12-17T22:44:00.000+00:002014-12-18T20:09:30.457+00:00End of Year 2014!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another year has passed! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2014 was eventful and one of my busiest for many a year. It took me all around the country and also out of it and saw the release of my album 'Science & Magic'. Here's a brief look at just some of the music and other things that have influenced me....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GZo8_IV0IGQ" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>BECK - Morning</b><br />
<div>
This album was Becks love letter to conventional songwriting sensibilities in a traditional sense. With beautiful production, playing, structures and songwriting, it's a meloncollic work of beauty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="290" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EILsIxupmcM" width="440"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>THOMAS PAUL SAUNDERS - A Luna Veterans Guide To Re-Entry</b><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">This album was a late influence on some of the mixing of my album 'Science & Magic'. It holds great memories of the Northern part of the Terry Reid support tour I did in the spring of 2014. It's an intergalactic masterpiece.</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/n889SfEl7mw" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>FLYTE - Light Me Up</b><br />
I've loved Flyte since I saw them at Southsea Fest last year and have adored everything they have done. Still waiting for the album as the process seems to be with so many bands at the moment we are drip fed songs to build the profile up until the time is right. Flyte to me are masterful pop, intelligent lyrics, melodies that you think you have heard in every great classic song from the last 50 years and an 80's image that reminds me of my childhood. This track when I first heard it made me want to go and play guitar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BQeMxWjpr-Y" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>COLDPLAY - Midnight</b><br />
The band eveyone loves to hate came back this year and this will probably be the only blog that includes them :-) I loved Ghost Stories...all meloncollie hues and electronic wistful synths. Lyrically it's not Martin's best and although he gets slated lyrically a lot, I happen to think he's written some killer lines over the years! Whatever you thought...this track midnight reminds me of standing in a field in Sweden with the moonlight cascading down onto the fir trees...beautiful! I'm old enough to not be scared of pop music anymore...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DxqjlV68jm8" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>MARIKA HACKMAN - Cinnamon</b><br />
An interesting songwriter whose album comes out next year but has been drip feeding us songs for too long! This song is old but the session is from this year. I adore it's slightly off kilter bitter/sweet vibe. It's something I explore quite a bit in my writing and her last single 'Drown' is dark but gorgeous.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/802vbfZe9io" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
<b>RYANS ADAMS - Gimme Something Good</b></div>
<div>
I always get so excited when there's a new Ryan Adams record out and although this wasn't one of his best it was still was strong. The album reminded me of listening to the radio as a kid in the 80s enjoying endless summers and thinking of girls. Lyrically it wasn't as inspired as most of his work but the melodies were fantastic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BXDI9zU7C7s" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>DAMON ALBARN - The History Of A Cheating Heart</b><br />
I had the pleasure of seeing Damon play this year at the Wedgewood Rooms and it was one of the best gigs I've ever been to. I seriously believe Damon is one of the only songwriters in contemporary music that is tackling real issues and making music that represents what it means to be human in 2014.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3T9xZCom34U" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>SOHN - Artifice</b><br />
I knew nothing of this guy until I stumbled upon this live session on YouTube performing this song. Part electronica and part pop this video is simple and captivating. The album is good......exploring the dark and melancholic side of expression, but I hope he indulges in pop a little more as he wears it well. Straddling mystery with accessible melodies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fC-s0RVFYc0" width="420"></iframe>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>JON HOPKINS - Breathe This Air</b></div>
<div>
The Asleep Versions EP and versions of his Immunity album tracks, was a venture into full blown ambient music. In this adrenaline fueled instant gratification consumption of music we all have nowadays it was a brave release and one which has turned me onto ambient music again. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6szNCWJt5WA" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>MARK MORRISS - Space Cadet</b><br />
Mark is a bit of a hero of mine...he's a great writer, his lyrics are especially underrated...always with sarcasm, wit, grace and harmony. He writes as Mark...which is so rare nowadays, when you buy a Mark Morriss record you are entering into his world and not a focus group idea of what you should buy. I respect his song-craft and Flash Of Darkness is just one in a long line of successes in my view.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3lLDUED0GPI" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>KASSASSIN STREET - Centre Straight Atom</b><br />
This band will feature in my end of year blog for as long as they are a band. They are very good friends of mine but I am an out an out fan, and am excited as anyone when I hear something new or go to a show. They have had a fantastic year and continue to craft perfect slices of psychedelic napalm bursts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wC1jHHF_Wjo" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>MONUMENT VALLEY - iOS Game</b><br />
Having been an avid gamer over the years I never have time for new games nowadays. I find a lot of games now are repeats and are just extremely expansive versions of first person shooters and racers. The iPad and iPhone have given a platform to bring back retro games and the way things were. This game is a puzzle game based on mind bending perspective. Its like a psychedelic Escher mixed with the beauty of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon...buy it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0vxOhd4qlnA" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>INTERSTELLAR - Film</b><br />
I cant say this year I've been to the cinema very much which is a shame because I adore it. As many people now watch things at home and cant afford ten pounds to go to the movies it is normally saved for big blockbusters like this and I'm sure many film buff's will hate me for that statement! This is epic, beautiful, intelligent and what films should be....an experience. Also those who know me know that I love anything to do with space....I'm in!<br />
<br />
Have a great Xmas and thanks to everyone who has supported me this year. Its been a fantastic time with some memorable gigs, festivals, and experiences and I'm looking forward to 2015.<br />
<br />
Stay Safe<br />
Andrew<br />
xx</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To stay connected to everything going on next year please go to </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.andrewfostermusic.co.uk/">www.andrewfostermusic.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
P.S. Watch the Dr Who Christmas Special.</div>
Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-44024101751711507662014-06-02T08:51:00.000+01:002014-06-02T08:51:50.714+01:00Terry Reid Tour - The Half Moon London<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hi all!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here we are on the last date of the tour with Terry Reid in London at The Half Moon in Putney, a venue I know very well having played there many times before. I've performed here lots with Terry and also done an album release here with Chris Helme from the Seahorses. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was actually a little under the weather for this gig that later developed into an ear infection, but it didn't effect my voice and I was still match fit....just. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jPU85ZPOTtU/U4udQ9prmMI/AAAAAAAACPU/KAbQut5wX2c/s640/blogger-image--1800350445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jPU85ZPOTtU/U4udQ9prmMI/AAAAAAAACPU/KAbQut5wX2c/s640/blogger-image--1800350445.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My performance was a little marred by a few ingredients, some unfortunate sound battles, an early start, a thinner crowd because of said early start and a slight fight with my own energy levels because I was hours away from a health blip!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I performed well considering and people engaged and bought a few records. It's always great to play the half moon and it's nice to see it's still healthy and thriving as a music venue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nur00hq8nd4/U4uUV-yelSI/AAAAAAAACOs/v5jcJVVMkck/s640/blogger-image--294685433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nur00hq8nd4/U4uUV-yelSI/AAAAAAAACOs/v5jcJVVMkck/s640/blogger-image--294685433.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Putney is also the place to go for fish and chips....and rupert the bear comics....apparently.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GJq2Ei7741Y/U4uSLzWiI2I/AAAAAAAACOI/XZ9d4A0O-Bk/s640/blogger-image--291887277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GJq2Ei7741Y/U4uSLzWiI2I/AAAAAAAACOI/XZ9d4A0O-Bk/s640/blogger-image--291887277.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Terry had a great gig slowing all the songs down to a hyper melloncollic state with BJ Cole filing in the gaps as only Terry and BJ can do. The crowd were mesmerised and it definitely showed his cult status and type of person Terry attracts. On a good night a Terry Reid gig is almost a sermon or religious experience to his fans and tonight they lapped it up! For me though Newcastle was still his best night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AldwDF0H8C8/U4uSgxb__xI/AAAAAAAACOg/qU-oBZ0sUTk/s640/blogger-image--1581681738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AldwDF0H8C8/U4uSgxb__xI/AAAAAAAACOg/qU-oBZ0sUTk/s640/blogger-image--1581681738.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This tour has been dashed with incredible experiences that I'll never forget. Meeting Robert Plant, travelling across England seeing places I'd never seen, playing in venues I'd never played before. Going over to Sweden was the highlight for me, a fantastic experience that I hope I can re-visit at some point. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Terry and I will now part company and he will go back to America and do what he does, and I will carry on with my own dates. It's always an adventure with Terry and I learn so much each time we travel together. I've had the chance to spend some time with him away from music, which has given us quite a bond I think.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Till next time Terry.......a well earned rest ;-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TAYTeCgxwVE/U4udKzRaNMI/AAAAAAAACO8/RbH3yNKbPgw/s640/blogger-image--1340304532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TAYTeCgxwVE/U4udKzRaNMI/AAAAAAAACO8/RbH3yNKbPgw/s640/blogger-image--1340304532.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Here's a song I demo'd out in Sweden. Conny and Karin (our amazing hosts) had a fantastic array of guitars with Gibsons being a staple. Saying this a gorgeous little Epiphone parlour guitar took my eye and it didn't leave my side all weekend! As soon as I picked it up this song filtered through obviously being influenced by my surroundings and this had just been finished on the deck of the Saloon Hilbilly. Sky City was the first sign I saw as the plane touched down in Sweden. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/M8-BiSydgGc?list=UU0mkrCNEJsT4pfexlNlKfdA" width="560"></iframe>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
There is still tickets available for my Worthing show that can be purchased online from this link.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://uk.patronbase.com/_WorthingTheatres/Seats/ChooseMyOwn?prod_id=T2&perf_id=1&section_id=M&seat_type_id=S" target="_blank">CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gNkZIuVg0cI/U4udM-L-zQI/AAAAAAAACPE/eRZPpNxr8Eo/s640/blogger-image-690936106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gNkZIuVg0cI/U4udM-L-zQI/AAAAAAAACPE/eRZPpNxr8Eo/s640/blogger-image-690936106.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Next stop this week....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0zTTIBOJ_FY/U4udO2LNBOI/AAAAAAAACPM/mnlR055TFhU/s640/blogger-image-1629705957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0zTTIBOJ_FY/U4udO2LNBOI/AAAAAAAACPM/mnlR055TFhU/s640/blogger-image-1629705957.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Stay Safe</div>
<div>
Andy xx</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mostly listening to....</div>
<div>
I saw Damon Albarn at the Wedgewood rooms in Portsmouth on Saturday night...I can honestly say it was one of the most fantastic gigs I've ever seen. The band he has are exceptional.<br />
<br /></div>
Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-36931156507088428692014-05-26T21:02:00.003+01:002014-05-26T22:49:40.340+01:00Sweden - Saloon Hillbilly OxhagenHi all...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First of all I'd like to say that this little blog write up on this gig will not do it justice and I will have to be careful not to descend into a 'wish you were here' style tourist episode. We flew over on Norwegian Airlines (787's are proper good!) and were greeted by the venue owners who took us straight away to Hard Rock Cafe in Stockholm for dinner and a photo with the staff. Stockholm is absolutely beautiful and everywhere is less populated and clean with shimmering lights over incredible architecture and grace. I fell in love with it instantly....<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxwDT_NO78M/U4OZdAoSJNI/AAAAAAAACMY/b0YWq7LO1UU/s1600/me.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RxwDT_NO78M/U4OZdAoSJNI/AAAAAAAACMY/b0YWq7LO1UU/s1600/me.png" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWFWO409cPo/U4OZ0MeuumI/AAAAAAAACM4/-8Eaj9WFVQs/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWFWO409cPo/U4OZ0MeuumI/AAAAAAAACM4/-8Eaj9WFVQs/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
Conny and Karin (the venue owners) own farmland which they have kept in the family for generations and built their own venue upon its land from which they put on events. Keeping it low key and exclusive they retain all control over what's going on and it gives the place its own vibe. It has a western saloon décor and is situated 30 mins away from the capital amongst a backdrop of Sweden's beautiful rural area. They really are beautiful people and took us in to their home like we were one of the family with the best hospitality I have ever experienced ...period. I feel I have a strong bond with them in the small time I stayed with them sharing a lot of the same ethics and desires.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kobn0qZCNWM/U4OaByEmksI/AAAAAAAACNQ/N1tsloGnmQs/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kobn0qZCNWM/U4OaByEmksI/AAAAAAAACNQ/N1tsloGnmQs/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The first thing I saw as we pulled into the farm that night was a huge wild moose in the garden....just chillin out! The day of the gig we had an extremely relaxed soundcheck having so much time to do what we wanted and explore their home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U83OWKslscE/U4OZv6BKRBI/AAAAAAAACMg/XM_C50DjJ7I/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U83OWKslscE/U4OZv6BKRBI/AAAAAAAACMg/XM_C50DjJ7I/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The gig was packed full of amazing gentle souls who for which Terry and I being there seemed an event they hadn't experienced much. They were lovely to us and I have received messages from them afterwards. The weather was so nice there was food being cooked and people walking in and out which meant the event took a private party style feel. People were talking as we played which is new for the tour but they were enjoying themselves and watching. Of course it's always a little daunting doing something like this as there can be a little language barrier but after the show you could tell people had engaged with both Terry and I because of them expressing how grateful they were for us coming over. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmcMdVhz6VU/U4OZxOehaqI/AAAAAAAACMo/_k68NTwUmg8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmcMdVhz6VU/U4OZxOehaqI/AAAAAAAACMo/_k68NTwUmg8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next day was a free day for us to explore a little of their local area has to offer. We drove their American car over astonishing countryside, hills, and rural Sweden visiting the sea, a Viking church, a castle where we had afternoon tea...all organised by Conny and Karin. Like I said I'm rushing through it as hearing me go on about it isn't good reading ;-) I wrote a song whilst I was over there called "Sky City" as this was the first sign I saw as the plane touched down in Sweden. I will post a video of the song at a later date.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHQFFUG9PnM/U4OZxmXKEqI/AAAAAAAACMs/8qTi6J899Lg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHQFFUG9PnM/U4OZxmXKEqI/AAAAAAAACMs/8qTi6J899Lg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't say thank you enough to Conny and Karin, I hope our stay made them as happy as they deserve to be because I know how much work they put into this event and I wish the Saloon </span>Hill-billy<span style="font-family: inherit;"> every ounce of success and hope to go back sometime soon....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLCDbNzFhvM/U4OaJveuGdI/AAAAAAAACNc/vC16j-NukTw/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLCDbNzFhvM/U4OaJveuGdI/AAAAAAAACNc/vC16j-NukTw/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love Sweden!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWpRSH3BKQk/U4OaJMWeUnI/AAAAAAAACNY/G7Dk7PpvU-c/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWpRSH3BKQk/U4OaJMWeUnI/AAAAAAAACNY/G7Dk7PpvU-c/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next stop London at the Half Moon in Putney this Thursday - 29th May. Stage time approx. 8pm.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>You can still buy tickets for my headline show in Worthing at The Connought Studio on July 5th</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://uk.patronbase.com/_WorthingTheatres/Seats/ChooseMyOwn?prod_id=T2&perf_id=1&section_id=M&seat_type_id=S" target="_blank">CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jnoQ4x1LkW4/U4N2RJTV5xI/AAAAAAAACMA/hVC-ItvOYfM/s640/blogger-image-581332905.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stay Safe</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Andy</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Xx</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZbHiWxQ7aU/U4OZ8V1NFnI/AAAAAAAACNA/cgiythE9ILQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZbHiWxQ7aU/U4OZ8V1NFnI/AAAAAAAACNA/cgiythE9ILQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="311" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mostly listening to</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coldplay - Midnight</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I defy anyone listening to this when standing in a field in Sweden with a ghostly twilight to not be emotionally effected!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOg6ZCOZ_U4/U4OZ-7rAqoI/AAAAAAAACNI/U6SsYmH0EeA/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOg6ZCOZ_U4/U4OZ-7rAqoI/AAAAAAAACNI/U6SsYmH0EeA/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-80594428805968308032014-05-23T10:58:00.001+01:002014-05-24T00:56:16.530+01:00Terry Reid Tour - Newcastle - Cluny 2Hi all...<div><br></div><div>As I was travelling through the north on the train you can see the remanance of old industrial sites, mills, quarry's and mines. Beautiful countryside, rolling hills, bridges, nature and a huge number of farms. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O5WlbbN-PSw/U3_gBFcjQYI/AAAAAAAACLI/KjNWzFg3Ows/s640/blogger-image-1926906608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O5WlbbN-PSw/U3_gBFcjQYI/AAAAAAAACLI/KjNWzFg3Ows/s640/blogger-image-1926906608.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>It got me thinking of feeding the population and how old farming techniques could surely be phased out entirely as in many years to come it may seem an almost primitive way to do things. This got me thinking of a doomsday scenario when oil isn't currency but food becomes the new power......that done my head in...... so I played Sonic the Hedgehog on my iPad instead ;-)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j4wdcp54reY/U3_gGcijDAI/AAAAAAAACLo/jexQxUCaOMI/s640/blogger-image-535840594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j4wdcp54reY/U3_gGcijDAI/AAAAAAAACLo/jexQxUCaOMI/s640/blogger-image-535840594.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I'd never been to Newcastle before and I'm not sure what my ignorance was expecting but it's much prettier than I imagined. Maybe it's the soft southern fairy in me being judgmental, but I haven't really spent much time that far up north before.</div><div>The Cluny is a venue off the Tyne and I believe it was an old whiskey brewery. It's a great location next to a lock with art centres, a woodwork factory and a steampunk submarine....? It has a bohemian vibe and the Cluny 2 (the room which we were playing in) is a fantastic space for a smaller band/acoustic music. In fact I'd go as far as to say that along with the Bedford it's probably one of the best I have played in. Ross the sound guy deserves a mention for his patience and professionalism, and the staff were lovely. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3icQOHkp4JE/U3_gD2CE-7I/AAAAAAAACLY/YAS2bahBZaE/s640/blogger-image-1101354640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3icQOHkp4JE/U3_gD2CE-7I/AAAAAAAACLY/YAS2bahBZaE/s640/blogger-image-1101354640.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>What was quite perturbing though was the announcement by one of the bar staff the minute I arrived that the dressing rooms were haunted and to look out for a "vibe". Now being a guy who tries to stay rational I didn't think anything of it but just enjoyed the story....course when I was down there I was looking!...I think it's human nature. I didn't see anything although my door got stuck and I panicked for a second, it's not really "the ring" that though is it ;-)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HqGFbyytFU8/U3_gFJ6oKVI/AAAAAAAACLg/x-Sz3jd46D8/s640/blogger-image-603880475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HqGFbyytFU8/U3_gFJ6oKVI/AAAAAAAACLg/x-Sz3jd46D8/s640/blogger-image-603880475.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The Geordie crowd were right up my street, interacting, inviting, friendly and respectful. Although I was on a little too early they were fantastic people and a pleasure to play to. I was being cheeky onstage forgetting the name of the Tyne and saying I couldn't understand them...good fun and they engaged with my music. I would definitely want to come back here anytime and people need to support venues like this one. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Ijn6ziPInA/U3_gC4xonmI/AAAAAAAACLQ/ZA_Me4vDWN4/s640/blogger-image--1407828010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Ijn6ziPInA/U3_gC4xonmI/AAAAAAAACLQ/ZA_Me4vDWN4/s640/blogger-image--1407828010.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>As for Terry's set, it was almost like an event, and the show took on a different vibe making Terry talk more. They really hold him dear up here and his northern connections obviously have made a mark on people maybe on a deeper level. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It was like "an evening with" and an evening it certainly was he went way over curfew and played for nearly three hours haha! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xdaErON_vXU/U3_gHjeFPlI/AAAAAAAACLw/p-QsenBorOY/s640/blogger-image-53040326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xdaErON_vXU/U3_gHjeFPlI/AAAAAAAACLw/p-QsenBorOY/s640/blogger-image-53040326.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So a late night, hotel mixup, loooong journey to Gatwick....off to Sweden we go!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Stay safe</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Andy xx</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Mostly listening to Paul Thomas Saunders - Beautiful Desolation</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Listening to this album whilst looking out on these bridges is quite an experience. You should try it sometime ;-)</font></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-80294577067143811592014-05-21T22:41:00.001+01:002014-05-22T09:01:02.861+01:00Wolverhampton - Robert Plant... sorry Robin 2.....Hi all<div><br></div><div>So on the Virgin train cross country bound for Wolverhampton, for another gig with Terry Reid. I like Virgin Trains...plug socket, smooth, comfy, I don't work for them just don't get a chance to use them a lot. Anyone who's ever been to Robin 2 will know it's a great music venue from which there's not many of them left. A great room with a fantastic acoustic sonic, armed with an experienced and cool headed sound engineer. It reminds me of a slightly bigger Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pgqGTYg7e9c/U304yX7d4lI/AAAAAAAACKo/WLqAK_ei_64/s640/blogger-image-93565242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pgqGTYg7e9c/U304yX7d4lI/AAAAAAAACKo/WLqAK_ei_64/s640/blogger-image-93565242.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Terry's in good spirits, soundcheck was great and everyone was relaxed and chilled. What's great about this venue is there's a small hotel attached to it! I wish all venues were like that how much easier would that make touring...it should be default ;-) it just relieves all the leaving the venue angst that can put a downer on the night sometimes. </div><div><br></div><div>Terry's friend Robert Plant came to see him.....what was that? Yes Robert Plant from a little band called Led Zepplin. I shook his hand 15 minutes before I played. His opening gambit when he came through the doors was " who's that imposter" pointing at a poster of tribute act 'Boot Led Zepplin' who were going to be playing the venue soon....which I thought was hilarious. It's not everyday you meet arguably the most famous rock frontman of all time....</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Dx-zYpk71U/U30405vQlsI/AAAAAAAACKw/xBVV55y4IKY/s640/blogger-image--2031182796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Dx-zYpk71U/U30405vQlsI/AAAAAAAACKw/xBVV55y4IKY/s640/blogger-image--2031182796.jpg"></a></div>Terry reading an article on himself from a melody maker from 1969!!</div><div><br></div><div>Zoe was on first displaying some great soulful vocal talent from a bygone era. She reminded me of the singers from the 70's, simple songs but all the performance is in the vocal display rather than a kaleidoscope of arrangements and chord structures. She held the stage like a country rock singer that had been a staple for years.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z6w0aISXYoA/U304wE3JL4I/AAAAAAAACKg/ujxTowYapxc/s640/blogger-image--1698626833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z6w0aISXYoA/U304wE3JL4I/AAAAAAAACKg/ujxTowYapxc/s640/blogger-image--1698626833.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I enjoyed my set even though it was a little weird using Terry's gear as it's set up for him of course. I am using Terry's tree of life Gibson acoustic on this tour and it's absolutely beautiful and people obviously don't get a chance to use a guitar like it. It just goes to show though you need time with an instrument to fully understand how it responds and where it's sweet spots are. The onstage sound was great and I flew through my set. I felt a little dislocated from the crowd tonight but it always seems to be worse in my head than it is. The crowd were extremely polite...like English but turned up to eleven. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wr18lGlHV6Y/U304tyo4TbI/AAAAAAAACKY/RK00iLzeJ68/s640/blogger-image--138481214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wr18lGlHV6Y/U304tyo4TbI/AAAAAAAACKY/RK00iLzeJ68/s640/blogger-image--138481214.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Tonight people were here to see Terry though and that was quite apparent. He was onstage again with legendary pedal steel player BJ Cole who I had a brief chat about royalties over dinner.</div><div>The highlight for me was a down right bizarre and psychedelic versions of his songs that were rediculously trippy, I don't know where BJ's head went but it was fun to witness! Terry was coaxing the polite crowd to settle in to the night with his rock and roll anecdotes and they seemed to be lapping it up. It was quite a downbeat set from Terry with songs being a little slower than usual and breathing more but the venue is great for this.</div><div><br></div><div>With Robert being mobbed by tipsy fans and Terry laughing his way to bed....we retired...</div><div><br></div><div>So next stop Newcastle! Never been there let alone play there, should be fun!</div><div><br></div><div>Stay Safe</div><div>Andy xx</div><div><br></div><div>Mostly listening to </div><div>Damon Albarn - Everyday Robots</div><div><br></div>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0The Robin 2 Hotel 20-28 Mt Pleasant, Bilston52.567741 -2.074194tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-62545047780541621582014-05-20T14:34:00.001+01:002014-05-20T14:40:15.433+01:00Terry Reid Tour 2014 - The Cellars at Eastney - PortsmouthHi all!<br />
<br />
So Its my pleasure to be on tour again with Terry Reid, this time in Portsmouth, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, London and....Sweden! Yes the land of Moomins! I've been to a few dates I wasn't playing on such as Brighton Komedia, and the Jazz Cafe where I had a great chat with Michael Kiwanuka about his second record (he had come to see Terry as "no one does it like him") and Terry is in good spirits for the tour.<br />
So we start with the Cellars in Portsmouth...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gjgtCFa6L78/U3p4TdQgO9I/AAAAAAAACJc/pogAN4x8Nns/s640/blogger-image--1804608702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gjgtCFa6L78/U3p4TdQgO9I/AAAAAAAACJc/pogAN4x8Nns/s640/blogger-image--1804608702.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This time he has brought some cosmic Americans with him from over the pond and cosmic they most definitely are! They are his backing band for most the dates on the tour and also playing a musically bonkers Bluegrass set to open the night. They are called "The Cosmic American Derelicts" and the name is very apt as its though they have been beamed straight from planet Woodstock. They are the most gentle and incredibly musical people I have ever met, they can deal with any genre chucked at them and with George the bass player, there's a Keith Richards alter-ego inside him hiding just below the surface! Lovely fellas though all of them and they compensate Terry perfectly.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4cwbgD2QubQ/U3p4RXC6lQI/AAAAAAAACJU/Ambd60pDdk4/s640/blogger-image-1824969132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4cwbgD2QubQ/U3p4RXC6lQI/AAAAAAAACJU/Ambd60pDdk4/s640/blogger-image-1824969132.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My set is now peppered with some new songs from my up coming album due in the summer "Science & Magic". The songs have been going down well and the older songs that are on the album have now bedded in to a point I can deliver them right. Because of the intimate nature of the crowd there is room for explanations of songs and anecdotes and they engage with the whole evening perfectly. You really can't ask for more :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EtpYvpYt1XI/U3p4PvejdZI/AAAAAAAACJM/taz96-SLHQg/s640/blogger-image-1475828455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EtpYvpYt1XI/U3p4PvejdZI/AAAAAAAACJM/taz96-SLHQg/s640/blogger-image-1475828455.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Terry is in good form tonight after a rather meloncollie start for him (he does like to shake things up), the version of "Brave Awakening" was spellbinding and the evening takes on a kind of "living room" gig kind of vibe. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Next stop Wolverhampton on Wednesday 21st May</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Tickets for my Worthing show in July can be bought from this link</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://uk.patronbase.com/_WorthingTheatres/Seats/ChooseMyOwn?prod_id=T2&perf_id=1&section_id=M&seat_type_id=S" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_Bh-9Il4mo/U3tZhe-mOGI/AAAAAAAACJ4/AyXIyuzwblA/s1600/Worthing+Flyer-page-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_Bh-9Il4mo/U3tZhe-mOGI/AAAAAAAACJ4/AyXIyuzwblA/s1600/Worthing+Flyer-page-0.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Stay safe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Andy xx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
mostly listening to</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Beck - Morning Phase</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0Portsmouth, UK50.8166667 -1.083333300000049350.6561102 -1.4060568000000493 50.9772232 -0.76060980000004941tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-59670324578157089852014-05-02T17:39:00.001+01:002014-05-02T17:41:20.096+01:00James Walsh (Starsailor) @ the Wedgewood Rooms & The Troubadour<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's always an absolute pleasure playing the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth. There's so much history in the place that has formulated my musical life and has influenced, shaped and guided many a musician and music fan for many years. So after a while having not graced that halo'd stage I was very excited to be playing with James whom has also influenced me in past years with his band Starsailor. Particularly the John Leckie and Phil Spector produced 2nd album 'Silence is easy'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">People turned up early and I could tell the crowd were going to be vibey and receptive as the room buzzed with that electricity that many a musician looks out for before they go onstage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My set was mixed with new songs and old but a full and playful crowd helped me relax and get into a groove from which I thoroughly enjoyed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can't write this kind of crowd interaction, when it goes right and people are interacting and bantering back. It makes for a much better experience all round and personally for me I always play better when the crowd are engaged and they feel relaxed enough to enter into the spirit of what I am doing. Some would say that's my job to create that..it often depends on many factors because by the nature of the musical limitations of solo artists you don't take people's heads off volume wise, so a lot depends on a fragile balance of you and them. The real stars of the night were the crowd themselves. James came on with a fantastic set of his new solo material mixed with some Starsailor classics and it was a pleasure to meet him. He gave me some great comments from the stage and completed a great gig for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next up was The Troubadour in Earls Court London. It's another Titan in the formation of the bohemian folk scene in the 60s with many songwriters passing through including some bloke called Bob Dylan. It's a beautiful place as I've said before and even though the night was rather thin on attendance, it's always a pleasure to people watch Londons more refined characters live in a way only people with money can. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OUxWgISthTg/U2PKIPzjtNI/AAAAAAAACIU/_KC0CWT_ajI/s640/blogger-image-1897251785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OUxWgISthTg/U2PKIPzjtNI/AAAAAAAACIU/_KC0CWT_ajI/s640/blogger-image-1897251785.jpg"></a>Photo by Aaron Bennett Photography</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stay Safe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Andy xx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mostly listening to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Damon Albarn - Everyday Robots</div>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-19865092539555814042014-03-30T15:24:00.003+01:002014-03-30T15:24:42.969+01:00BBC Bristol & Chris Helme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A modest but attentive crowd gathered to watch Chris Helme (Seahorses) and myself at The Cellars at Eastney. I've had the pleasure of playing together with Chris a number of times and he never fails to impress with his fantastic song-writing, honest and cheeky demeanour. His performance, if it was possible has grown to be a real lesson in what one man and guitar can do, its a pleasure to watch. It was relaxed in the venue which allowed us to talk more with anecdotes about the Seahorses, touring experiences, and where our songs come from. Always a pleasure to see him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://chrishelme.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chris Helme Website, Click here</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJkcYZ4RIOQ/UzggeZJvY-I/AAAAAAAACEI/4PTLYh_6lgE/s1600/1395612918.437495.IMG_5066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJkcYZ4RIOQ/UzggeZJvY-I/AAAAAAAACEI/4PTLYh_6lgE/s1600/1395612918.437495.IMG_5066.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My BBC Radio Bristol experience was professional and slick which I've come to expect from them. Laura Rawlings and her crew were very hospitable which makes for a relaxing vibe in which to perform live on radio which can always be a nerve-racking experience. After a discussion on the trials of being a solo performer, a live rendition of 'Heartbeats', and my up coming album 'Science & Magic', I ventured out into the graffiti covered streets of 'Stokes Croft' in Bristol.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HQvT8EEBk0/UzgfiXDewfI/AAAAAAAACEA/8JR4n7U0qK4/s1600/BBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HQvT8EEBk0/UzgfiXDewfI/AAAAAAAACEA/8JR4n7U0qK4/s1600/BBC.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stay Safe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Andy xx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>NEXT GIG: </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will be supporting JAMES WALSH (Starsailor) at the Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms on April 16th 2014. Please contact me at andrewfostermusic@gmail.com for reduced tickets. :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gmdH8zRpjH0/Uzgoin4_B2I/AAAAAAAACEY/e3kZ-YUbedA/s1600/james+walsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gmdH8zRpjH0/Uzgoin4_B2I/AAAAAAAACEY/e3kZ-YUbedA/s1600/james+walsh.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0Southsea, Portsmouth, UK50.783565 -1.085558999999989350.7434135 -1.1662399999999893 50.8237165 -1.0048779999999893tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-41360045995676657722014-03-23T09:16:00.001+00:002014-03-26T11:14:56.680+00:00What Definitely Maybe means to me...20 year Anniversary<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />I could elaborate on the music and more specifically the album itself.. the ferocious introduction, the life affirming melodies, the raw production, the psychedelic world it creates, the power in a simple lyrical phrase, but we all know it already. Like any classic album it's woven into the fabric of the musical timeline like the recent discovery of space time waves.<br /><br />Definitely Maybe is the catalyst for millions of people to turn their ears to popular music and many people try to deny its reach, scope, and influence but it is in everything you hear when a band pick up the classic arrangement of guitars, drums and vocals. You can't shake it because it is a right of passage piece of work. Like the many classic albums before that the album took its influences from, it has become a reference point standing like a titan of early 90s popular culture and everything before it, and it's resonance still holds power and grace today.<br /><br />Whether you liked the band or not so many of your brothers, sisters, friends, other bands you have met or are fans of, have started playing guitar because of this record. Yes it spawned many inferior copies or just plain lazy songwriting from a million other bands, but it also created genius and inspired future generations of musicians to even bother restringing the old beaten up acoustic that no one ever knew why was in the loft.<br /><br />Much talk of its class and social comment have led to an 'us and them' style debate over the years with Oasis being the voice of the working class. It is arguably hard to escape this.... I was a normal kid with a good upbringing, Mum's during the week, Dad's during the weekends.. I never wanted for much and I was looked after well... but we were working class, my friends were and my schools were, I spent every night out with friends prowling the streets and I felt like most teenagers, the need to express myself. The album tapped into something that kids like me identified with, a slight grittiness, a truth, melon-collie, aggression, the need to escape but delivered in an aggressive life affirming manner. The fundamental message in definitely maybe to me is hope. Grunge although is another massive influence to me was always far too self absorbed and contained too much self loathing to ever fully embrace. I wanted something that celebrated life because I like being alive and I love those moments that make you feel alive. That's what Oasis did for me.<br /><br />Something that shouldn't be overlooked is the window of music Oasis opened up for so many people. Oasis fans are often condemned as being narrow minded and devout followers of just the Gallagher's and their friends, but this is just not so for so many music lovers like myself. Oasis opened the door to Bowie, The Beatles, TRex, the Stone Roses, the Velvet Underground, Neil Young and to even being interested in rock & roll..period. From this benchmark I went on to love a huge wide range of sonic art that had nothing to do with my indie roots or Oasis. Dance, jazz, blues, psychedelia, heavy rock, even a touch of world music yes...world music! Noel's collaborations only further cemented the impact of the bands endeavours with Knebworth being the epicentre of the British music scene with bands like Cornershop, The Prodigy, and the Chemical Brothers being linked to the band at the time opening more doors to open minded discovery of new edgy pop music.<br /><br />Before the age of the internet and the constant 'big brother' style window into media and bands lives, the myth was still intact. Fans would have to wait for articles and live performances on the TV to get a glimpse of their heroes. Magazines like NME, melody maker, Q, Raw, Select, Uncut, were collected and poured through. Studying there every move I obsessed about everything....the artwork, magazine articles, newspaper stories, live TV performances, what clothes they wore. Even down to the strings they used, the guitars they played, what amps they used. For me it was a life choice, a sense of belonging and a Narnia of possibilities within the world of music was opened because of it.<br /><br />I was the perfect age when Definitely Maybe came out. I loved the melodic sensibilities of pop, the power of grunge/punk, and a band had fused these two elements together to form a life affirming celebration of being alive, ready to take on the world with a soundtrack to shadow your every move.<br /><br />The creams and greens of the artwork, the perfect earthy everyman feel, but with a slight psychedelic distortion. The inside photos were classically shot, reminiscent of The Beatles and late 60s album shoots. Simple, iconic, perfect.<br /><br />I am a songwriter and performer now and I have this album to thank for this sharp turn in my teens. I was going to be a computer programmer...I was going to code games, software, applications and make money this way in a easy structured life of Volvos and coffee percolators. Then I realised there was a whole world of expression, creation, a voice for all this confusion and static in my head. I would take 100 years struggle playing to 2 people in a pub, than a lifetime of dull drudgery.<br />The band changed my life and definitely maybe will always be a pillar, a milestone if you will, to when I found what I love doing with my life. Making, performing, and listening to music.<br /><br />Definitely Maybe fuelled the fire in millions, to me and many others it's existence omnipotent. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1gs_v0nE_fo/Uy6mfTvwOEI/AAAAAAAACBk/APsw6Yfm-u4/s640/blogger-image-1980550883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1gs_v0nE_fo/Uy6mfTvwOEI/AAAAAAAACBk/APsw6Yfm-u4/s400/blogger-image-1980550883.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Stay Safe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Andy xx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Listening to 'Columbia'</div>
</div>
Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-34209693016566557862013-12-17T22:54:00.001+00:002013-12-17T22:54:16.693+00:00Bands Of The Year 2013Hi All.....<br />
That time of year again! and we all seem to love a Hornby inspired list of everything!!<br />
This is just a snippet of the things that have inspired and enamored me this year :-)<br />
<br />
<b>OUTFIT:</b><br />
Outfit were a find from the Lauren Lavern Podcast which I enjoy every week. After listening to the interview of the band who came across as graceful and intelligent I decided to check them out on Spotify. Its become one of my favorite albums. Its a bizarre genre'less record spanning over psychedelia, to dream-pop with everything in between. Its at times melancholic but there's also something quite life affirming to it. The perfect soundtrack to walking through an urban environment. Listen whilst walking through a city and you'll understand what I mean.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4UwoZpDJS4Bs2ggIazacxe" width="300"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>MARIKA HACKMAN:</b><br />
A pleasant surprise this song, a real testament to the fact one women/man and guitar can.. if done correctly.. stop time for its duration. Beautiful, and slightly creepy like the Metz advert from the 90's....<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/116195753&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING:</b><br />
Genius atmospheres created using old tapes from WW2 a fantastic idea, like lemon jelly on steroids.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:2vRI17zbIpXatNS3IS1ktx" width="300"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>DAVID BOWIE:</b><br />
He surprised as all didn't he! What a legend of publicity but with the album to prove the hype. This record consumed me this year and it was at the height of my Bowie obsession as well....I nearly wet myself with excitement. What a classy beautiful way to come back as well...not with rock posture but with a reflecting melancholic, sonic landscape with a life affirming end that always brings a tear to my eye...<br />
"As long as there's me....as long as there's you!"<br />
Weird and wonderful Bowie back with grace putting the art back in pop.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:6c8FKqalAk67uQ9nfSC0o8" width="300"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>MATT CORBY:</b><br />
A fantastic EP from start to finish really illustrating this mans versatile vocal, songwriting and diversity. A whole range of emotions scale the Resolution EP... the songwriters EP choice of the year.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:46C4o5fbERwSu38LjWtDj9" width="300"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>JON HOPKINS:</b><br />
I always knew him as "that guy who added all the weird atmosphere to Xylo Myloto". Turns out hes an expensive, intense, cinematic, intelligent, dramatic genius of atmospheric electronic music!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:5aBdWL4ud0ovtDJIJGQLdc" width="300"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>JOHNNY MARR:</b><br />
I've always loved Marrs guitar work but never fallen completely in love with his solo work, and it wasn't after hearing the single which didnt grab me... but more getting a copy of the album that I realised this album has some fantastic songwriting and has crept into my conscious and woven its way into my brain. The album spans his career and really is a celebration of the Fender Jaguar...in fact this album should come with every sale of Fender Jags...A great comeback made even better whilst watching him at the Wedgewood Rooms.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/67555270&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>HYPNOTIC EYE:</b><br />
A sexy 60's front-women, fantastic psychedelic pop style production, great tunes and fantastic guitar sounds...get on it! Shocking Blue for the new age... whats not to like!<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/49875454&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>DAFT PUNK:</b><br />
I was as excited as any other this year as the wait for this album reminded me of pop music in the 90's when people actually used to get excited as an album was going to be released....remember that?! Anyway it wasn't quite the perfect comeback, there was a few clangers, possibly the most annoying hook in 'lose yourself to dance' in "come on! come on! come on!" for 2 mins....and although 'Get Lucky' was a pop masterpiece it slightly grated with its cheesy nod to sex...which was a shame... it didn't need that as it was 70s disco perfection. What it did have though was a half album of absolute genius, exploring genres, production, and ideas far better than bands that are scared of the charts and claiming to be experimental. This was exciting pop music again. Someone asked me recently that the album sounds different from everything else....you know what it is?.....its live!!! Live recorded music actually sounds vital again on record and Daft Punk record live... even their synths. Listen to the Drum-kit sound at the end of this record below....there's more urgency in that then most of the bloggers lists this year!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:0oks4FnzhNp5QPTZtoet7c" width="300"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>MANSIONS ON THE MOON</b>:<br />
I've been raving about this band on twitter all year and the year before.. and now they are just starting to come out of the "best kept secret" stage. The production has influenced me a lot on my own record coming out next year... the songs are exciting, spacey and with a slight tinge of fantasy sparkle which sends you of into M83 territory but sits the right side of accessible pop melody. Music to lose yourself to.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4Y9ftiz7y07ASegKlgVs3V" width="300"></iframe>
<br />
<b>KASSASSIN STREET:</b><br />
Kassassin have had a great year and deservedly so, the second gig they did at this years Southsea Fest was a real "I was there" moment. I adore this band and have made no secret of it, telling everyone who will listen about them and supporting them in any way I can. Its intelligent, colorful, urgent, and fresh and I suspect good things next year. Good people, good friends, and I respect them immensely.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/63378369&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>FOALS:</b><br />
I was never a fan of Foals, and mainly because as soon as any hipster scene starts creating a buzz I shy away or join later when the fuss dies down. I kind of had them in the same boat of the Vaccines which was naive of me. Like the Maccabees before them this second album was really rather clever and was a wide expansive exploration of sonic territory and some truly inspiring delay guitar-work.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/100678289&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />
Let me know your thoughts, I like to hear what people are listening to :-)<br />
<br />
I'll have a new album next year which I think is my best work, stay in touch and please join me for the gigs and music. Have a fantastic Xmas and if you don't like it...lighten up! Have a day off! enjoy the magic :-)<br />
<br />
Stay Safe<br />
Andy<br />
xx<br />
<br />
PS....best film? Gravity!!! What a ride that was!!!!<br />
<br />
Best thing in the year ever?<br />
Doctor Who 50th in 3D.....yep yep.....incredible ;-)<br />
<br />
Oh and best tea? Earl Grey.....standard......Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-39971824712001219782013-12-05T08:06:00.001+00:002013-12-05T08:10:53.896+00:00Gig Diary 5 - The Bedford - The Abbey Tavern - Dublin CastleThe Bedford was the first of three London dates running back to back, and it's a pleasure to play. I've said much about it over the years and hold it close as my favorite London venue for my music. Tonight's gig was five songwriters doing the usual four songs over two parts of the evening. A Swedish lad called Ludvig Andersson was waiting patiently for soundcheck looking like a Americana star already, and we started talking. He is an interesting guy, he travels over from Sweden to play gigs knowing that to get a cheap flight to London and back is actually cheaper than staying in a hotel over here! You've got to admire that kind of thinking and he was a great performer too. Backstage we all swapped touring stories, guitars, and a rather interesting conversation with another artist Simon Wells about the lost Dr Who tapes recently found. Simon was another interesting chap, a writer as well as a musician with the bohemian vibe to boot. It was a warm and friendly night with a good receptive crowd no animosity from the other performers and a sense of camaraderie.<br />
<div>
My pedal board has raised a few eyebrows this year as the textures really do add a little depth to the vibe I try to create with my songs. Tonight was no exception with "the Garden" being particularly psychedelic! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X5VMCdlO8X0/Up-LFiaJqCI/AAAAAAAAB2E/XwX_H707kTs/s640/blogger-image-1466329378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X5VMCdlO8X0/Up-LFiaJqCI/AAAAAAAAB2E/XwX_H707kTs/s400/blogger-image-1466329378.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The Bedford in Balham, backstage graffiti wall</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Abbey Tavern is a place I've never played before and is essentially an open mic night that you book to play on. It has the option to record the three songs you perform and I'll no doubt have one of them up soon to listen to. The pub where the stage is present is all open plan so people all sit around and you get up and do your thing. It's very relaxed and a nice vibe in there, I'd imagine this place would be great to try out new material or to play tracks in development. The other artists on the bill were all friendly and I stayed around to chat to the people who listened giving out flyers and introducing myself. I then left to catch a very good friend of mine play in the Camden Eye to a slightly different vibe. 'Lewisberg' has just started solo performing but he played fantastically well against a tough background.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
London looked quite beautiful on the way to The Dublin Castle in Camden today. The overground train I was on from Wimbledon is mostly overground rooftop height and everything was silhouetted against a cold December sunset. Quite a different view from my last visit to London where the overground journey exposed a darker derelict side to East London I'd never really experienced even when I lived here. Forgotten railway stations hold their ground amongst industrial buildings that were once key players now ghosts of themselves. Nature has taken over and grown around empty playgrounds and concrete graffiti ridden structures. Not today though it looked like a panning shot from an amalgamation of a Richard Curtis/Tim Burton movie... all romance and mystery.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TyrokJDugO4/Up-LHSe1lII/AAAAAAAAB2M/WvQ6NTZnpW8/s640/blogger-image--1651487270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TyrokJDugO4/Up-LHSe1lII/AAAAAAAAB2M/WvQ6NTZnpW8/s640/blogger-image--1651487270.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Photo by aaron bennett photography</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dublin Castle is somewhere I'd never played on my own and I was the only solo performer there. Soundcheck was great and my effects sounded huge through the PA. Headliners 'Fracture' were a nice bunch and I'm sorry I couldn't hang around for their set as I was homeward bound that night and had to leave early. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately a bit like the other historic indie pillar venues I've played in London recently the crowd was sparse. I must say though the few that were there were great and listened and engaged with me. It's a shame seeing these venues across the country become less engaged with but that's a whole different conversation and is covered by many. Dublin Castle is a fantastic venue and its staff are all approachable and nice and the sound guy is very good indeed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My voice is not running on full steam at present, I have a vocal chord injury. It's really made me realise the importance of looking after it as I've always been extremely nonchalant and taken it for granted that it would always be there. Every musician is scared of colds and I'm no different, avoiding people with them and getting all paranoid when a gig comes near. Nothing has prepared me for an actual vocal chord injury though and it's quite a shock when things you used to do become a struggle. My point to this confession is... singers....look after your voice. It will go if not respected, and when it does you will S@*t yourselves! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next stop The Good Ship...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay Safe</div>
<div>
Andy x</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0London London51.410004 -0.214643tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-32966958505350879692013-12-04T10:57:00.001+00:002013-12-05T00:49:10.478+00:00Gig Diary 4 - The Regal Rooms - Five Ways Folk Club<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" />
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The Regal Rooms is the other half of the two most important figurehead venues for songwriters in London. The Bedford was a place I was recommended to play very early on when I started performing on my own and I fell in love with it on my first visit. It's Shakespearean theatre decor makes for as grand backdrop for the singer/songwriter guise. The Regal Rooms in Hammersmith was it's sister venue often regarded with a certain respect for its history of having industry present at shows. Showcases tend to be arranged there for wide eyed hopefuls on the brink of discovery. It's with sadness I say that the Regal Rooms's future is in jeopardy now it's been bought out, which now makes this gig even more poignant as it was to be my last as it stands in the venue. It was your typical Regal Rooms gig, great sound, civilised crowd, cheeky camp compare, and some fine talent on the bill with a touch of show tune and theatrics thrown in for good measure. I often feel the odd one out in London but have never felt out of place in either of these venues. My voice had taken a battering by the end of these dates more of which later but for now the Regal Rooms I salute your hospitality and memories.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNm4Ij-zMEA/Up8RSxUwkoI/AAAAAAAAB1s/db69_ugd3lY/s640/blogger-image--112828074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNm4Ij-zMEA/Up8RSxUwkoI/AAAAAAAAB1s/db69_ugd3lY/s400/blogger-image--112828074.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></heyfozzy></div>
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The Fiveways folk club was a real shot in the dark for me. I'd never heard of it before trying it out and didn't know what to expect. After getting to the pub which seemed the same as any other Weatherspoons in a suburb in anywheresville, I was told it was upstairs in a tiny room. So upstairs I went a little confused trusty guitar on back and Jack Daniels In hand. The room is just that.. very tiny and it's modest decor and school room chairs had me thinking maybe I was in the wrong place. I must admit I'd had my reservations but this was turned by the warmth of the people who frequent this aptly named club into the perfect example of what I imagined true folk clubs to be. It was an older crowd who where respectful, graceful, attentive and open to my material even though some of my songs don't necessarily fit the bill of purist folk music. I performed more pure acoustic songs leaving behind my box of effect tricks that night. Another thing that is a huge factor as well as the people in the atmosphere of the place is there's no PA! Completely acoustic....nothing! Which I actually enjoy the pressure and tend to rise to it as it's comfortable for me. I thoroughly enjoyed myself at fiveways and I'm back next year. It's different but it's untouched by media and expectations...it's a small room where people play songs that shape peoples experiences and traditions...there's a purity in that.</heyfozzy></div>
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></heyfozzy></div>
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Tonight I'm playing at the legendary Dublin Castle in Camden :-)</heyfozzy></div>
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></heyfozzy></div>
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"></heyfozzy><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uRjn7xabeZw/Up8RU0FxmJI/AAAAAAAAB10/BJan8xHdUVk/s640/blogger-image--1728789890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uRjn7xabeZw/Up8RU0FxmJI/AAAAAAAAB10/BJan8xHdUVk/s640/blogger-image--1728789890.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></heyfozzy></div>
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Stay Safe</heyfozzy></div>
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Andy x</heyfozzy></div>
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></heyfozzy></div>
<div>
<heyfozzy hotmail.com="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></heyfozzy></div>
</div>
</div>
Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0London London51.407625 -0.219037tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-91318129802824190322013-10-17T11:29:00.001+01:002013-10-20T20:44:04.412+01:00Gig Diary 3 - The Troubadour & Tamesis Dock<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So before I headed off to Earls Court to play at the Troubadour I stopped off at London Borough Market. Gorgeous smells waft around the archways and indoor market showing off foods from around the world. Parma Hams, fine wines, cheeses, breads, veg and meats surround you with a bustling London crowd sheltering from the rain outside. I bet it's even better round Christmas time, definitely gonna go there in December. Truffles are £79 ...... Just saying.....quite expensive.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9DkUACVBaDc/Ul66MSFFHuI/AAAAAAAABv8/dqqyrf-N4uw/s640/blogger-image--19322711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9DkUACVBaDc/Ul66MSFFHuI/AAAAAAAABv8/dqqyrf-N4uw/s400/blogger-image--19322711.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
The Troubadour is a 1950s old tavern complete with huge wooden door and shield street sign. Adorned inside with a beautiful decor, bohemian vibes, and very flamboyant bar staff who are all passion, nonchalance and precision. The artists were given red wine and lasagne after soundcheck and believe me that never happens in any venue! The troubadour is steeped in rock and roll history with Dylan and Hendrx amongst others passing through its doors. I fell in love with it instantly and if I lived in the area I would spend all my time in there. The gig was packed out and the crowd were definitely enjoying their alcohol...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_PD7cHf_sxQ/Ul-74UE9OqI/AAAAAAAABw4/DT5eSmdZL-4/s640/blogger-image-1690727290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_PD7cHf_sxQ/Ul-74UE9OqI/AAAAAAAABw4/DT5eSmdZL-4/s400/blogger-image-1690727290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NYOmNNH-mZ0/Ul-8AtD4_LI/AAAAAAAABxI/nsqsO4LMLKA/s640/blogger-image-250944175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NYOmNNH-mZ0/Ul-8AtD4_LI/AAAAAAAABxI/nsqsO4LMLKA/s400/blogger-image-250944175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Of course I could pass through Earls Court without seeing one of the only remaining police box's. Being a massive Dr Who fan....this is the most exciting box since the rubix cube......</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--YsmZIzH4c8/Ul67gKQr70I/AAAAAAAABwc/R1x8SX4ArBU/s640/blogger-image--98150120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--YsmZIzH4c8/Ul67gKQr70I/AAAAAAAABwc/R1x8SX4ArBU/s400/blogger-image--98150120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dVRGkBmChR8/Ul66QgO0XlI/AAAAAAAABwE/JTKKH63EIXc/s640/blogger-image-1898008428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dVRGkBmChR8/Ul66QgO0XlI/AAAAAAAABwE/JTKKH63EIXc/s400/blogger-image-1898008428.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Taking the tardis to gigs is something I should do more, negotiating London with equipment this last week has caused some aches....I should have done this ages ago....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EQT4I7mwOwU/Ul65gBur81I/AAAAAAAABvs/8G7ARMv6Izs/s640/blogger-image-1699882801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EQT4I7mwOwU/Ul65gBur81I/AAAAAAAABvs/8G7ARMv6Izs/s400/blogger-image-1699882801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X-I19vat3hU/Ul66jXeg3uI/AAAAAAAABwM/NVId1UoXqKo/s640/blogger-image--1731772558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X-I19vat3hU/Ul66jXeg3uI/AAAAAAAABwM/NVId1UoXqKo/s400/blogger-image--1731772558.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pWHaEFNwqoU/Ul645HHQiNI/AAAAAAAABvc/scy_QwLo_oY/s640/blogger-image-769526508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pWHaEFNwqoU/Ul645HHQiNI/AAAAAAAABvc/scy_QwLo_oY/s400/blogger-image-769526508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
On Thursday before my gig I went to the Imperial War Museum. If anyone has been they will understand that the museum is an exceptional showcase of the Second World War, including the MI5, MI6, espionage, and by far the most intense museum installation I've ever had, The Holocaust. I urge anyone to go and experience it even if it is a little difficult, it really makes you feel small and humble. The first floor about the blitz also makes you proud to be British. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Iqwg4BGA5Sg/Ul652dah-wI/AAAAAAAABv0/0loH4O3NICM/s640/blogger-image--657012702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Iqwg4BGA5Sg/Ul652dah-wI/AAAAAAAABv0/0loH4O3NICM/s400/blogger-image--657012702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Halloween is coming....my favourite yearly celebration. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jsqjN7dzxnA/Ul64wOkfjxI/AAAAAAAABvU/LG0cPvAD_S0/s640/blogger-image-1227324595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jsqjN7dzxnA/Ul64wOkfjxI/AAAAAAAABvU/LG0cPvAD_S0/s400/blogger-image-1227324595.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tamesis Dock is a psychedelic boat mored on the Thames next to the Houses of Parliament. It's an amalgamation of bric a brac, cultures, styles, and influences with a fantastic musical taste. Overlooking the river with its pillars of English culture all around its a fantastic place to go and chill out. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K46NT3w-fX4/UmEtjQ9vduI/AAAAAAAABxg/ud1-qiBV_cs/s640/blogger-image-382775143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K46NT3w-fX4/UmEtjQ9vduI/AAAAAAAABxg/ud1-qiBV_cs/s400/blogger-image-382775143.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Everything about it is odd and kooky even the staff have an air of the psychedelic about them. If you ever go there definitely try the food as it's gorgeous! Watching the sun go down on a boat on the Thames reminded me of my boat trip down the Seine in Paris. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4jyOtFkg9dA/UmEtkzgl0UI/AAAAAAAABxo/WDTwGmWCp-M/s640/blogger-image--258472202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4jyOtFkg9dA/UmEtkzgl0UI/AAAAAAAABxo/WDTwGmWCp-M/s400/blogger-image--258472202.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Next stop The Regal Rooms in Hammersmith, the last stop this week....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Stay Safe</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Andy xx</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0London London51.407728 -0.218905tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-21559457419275977062013-10-15T12:19:00.000+01:002013-10-16T10:08:26.426+01:00Gig Diary 2 - Bar Vinyl & The Alleycat ClubAh Camden...I'll always have an emotional link to Camden as I spent a lot of time up there when I lived in London. I've played the Jazz Cafe a few times, met Noël Gallagher there, watched the Bluetones and other indie favourites in a place that was once the home of Britpop. I've walked the lock on summer nights, gone round the bustling markets under the low lights and cobblestone streets. I've bought clothes, food, art, taken in the vast range of culture madness and general oddness that is that square mile...but one thing still and always has intrigues me. How have the police not caught the drug dealers!? I mean it's so easy and there so stupid with it as well, Camden lock bridge is still the hotspot and they couldn't be more pathetic in there attempts to be inconspicuous if they tried! If someone would like to enlighten me as to why it seems so blatant there please let me know....because I guarantee if I went undercover i'd suss them out in 30 mins....without question!<br>
<div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-l0UR_nVrZd0/Ul0CP-Dxu3I/AAAAAAAABuA/CxsCy8sxbUI/s640/blogger-image-1391092376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-l0UR_nVrZd0/Ul0CP-Dxu3I/AAAAAAAABuA/CxsCy8sxbUI/s400/blogger-image-1391092376.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
The place still excites me even though I can understand why it would irritate a lot of people. There's more tourists now taking pictures of the big Converse attached to the shop wall than there is actual alternative purists, although you can still find them. It's the bizarreness that I adore, the fact you get people walking down the road in full cyberpunk getup or one sleeve missing and a monocle, or a guy dressed as Albert Einstein....and no one cares....it's great...I love that! The extravagance, the weird and wonderful, and the fantastic stalls will always be inviting to me.<br>
<br>
So the gig was in Bar Vinyl which is a small bar down the street with Britpop legend 'The Good Mixer' at the end of it. It has a nice interior and was a lovely place to go and have a few drinks and some nice food to get out of the Mighty Boosh outside. I think it needs a little more work to really make it a serious live venue though, it's essentially set up for small cocktail bar type background music or a small club environment, not really live music I would say. The gig wasn't greatly attended and so the vibe was small and not noteworthy which gives me very little to engage with. So unfortunately not great....the few people that witnessed it liked it, and I played quite well, so no harm done! So with some time to kill I went and sat on London Bridge and watched things.....I like watching things you see...<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pGxvb1H4iyw/Ul0CRvG3PJI/AAAAAAAABuI/ygWGSna1slQ/s640/blogger-image--1222930906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pGxvb1H4iyw/Ul0CRvG3PJI/AAAAAAAABuI/ygWGSna1slQ/s640/blogger-image--1222930906.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
During the next day on Monday I took the opportunity to see the London Observatory. Being a space nut it was something I absolutely adored and I think anyone with even the slightest interest in space exploration, the structure and need of 'time' socially and it's importance in nature, or just want to have a nice walk in a park....should go to Greenwich and experience the mueseums. I was lucky enough to see the space photography exhibition there as well, and the planetarium is something else! I'm not going to bore you with it because I could talk all day about it...just go!<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qzrwav_qmoE/Ul0CTfHOYzI/AAAAAAAABuQ/pxg_RoW1iTQ/s640/blogger-image--599498108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qzrwav_qmoE/Ul0CTfHOYzI/AAAAAAAABuQ/pxg_RoW1iTQ/s640/blogger-image--599498108.jpg"></a></div>
Yuri Gagarin ....an that...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
The Alleycat club in Denmark Street had all the credentials of a fantastic evening. The venue was in London's guitar haven for a start! It's 50s rock and roll decor and basement entrance make you feel like you are entering into history and the haphazard wallpaper of old rock and roll magazines and NME's only add to that. It was complete with smooching couple in the back of the venue, I had to look twice as I thought it could have been Danny Zuko and Sandy. After soundcheck I realised that this night may suffer from a poor attendance as there wasn't much foot traffic coming in and the bar had been open a while. When I played there was a few more in and people enjoyed what I did but I found it hard to engage and really only getting in my stride at the end. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JCKvunAadFc/Ul0yMN5Xj6I/AAAAAAAABvA/ZSZ4uxeN1H4/s640/blogger-image-856328455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JCKvunAadFc/Ul0yMN5Xj6I/AAAAAAAABvA/ZSZ4uxeN1H4/s640/blogger-image-856328455.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I approached it more jokey and less professional maybe than usual as it just seemed a little patronising to be waffling on a sales pitch in a vibe-less room! Fantastic venue though and it was just an unlucky night of poor attendance. Thanks to the people who were there though, and your comments are appreciated hope you enjoy the CD. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Next stop The Troubadour...I've heard a lot about this venue, let's try it out!</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Stay Safe</div>
<div>
Andy xx</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Iq6_GuH_HkA/Ul0k9yPsiBI/AAAAAAAABuw/QIqnSzkNHJs/s640/blogger-image--570034905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Iq6_GuH_HkA/Ul0k9yPsiBI/AAAAAAAABuw/QIqnSzkNHJs/s640/blogger-image--570034905.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
FREE DOWNLOAD 'DREAMSCAPE'</div>
<div>
My new song his now available to download here from Dropify</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://dropify.com/l/hDF</span></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Or Soundcloud here</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108505701"></iframe></span></div>
Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0London London51.407625 -0.219158tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-69145396178663385942013-10-13T18:08:00.001+01:002013-10-13T18:12:48.879+01:00Gig Diary 1 - Nambucca & Rise 46<div>
<br /></div>
Nambucca - So the first gig of my Autumn London dates was North London's Indie cool Mecca Nambucca. I was looking forward to playing here as along with some other dates on this run as I haven't played here before. Nambucca has a lot of "cool" attached to it through its involvement with Pete Doherty, Amy Winehouse etc so it came as no surprise that they were playing over the pub PA as I entered the venue. The place reminds me of The Joiners in Southampton, a pub at the front with a venue out the back of the building. After a rather Spinal Tap moment of not being able to find the place because google maps was pointing me to a bin outside an Indian Resturant I decided to ask a shop owner who directed me about 100 foot down the road. I'm usually quite good at directions too!<br />
<div>
I was billed with a young band called Memory Clinic from Wales. A psychedelic pop band who I really think could be one to watch soon. I'd say a more accessible Tame Impala was along the right lines and they were really nice guys too. They told me they had some industry coming down to see them that night and I was hoping for a good crowd. Unfortunately I was wrong and I played to a very empty room, snapping a string whilst tuning and never getting in my stride. That's the game though right!? Some you win some you lose and tonight was a bit of a false start. You could be playing in the Albert Hall but if there's no one to experience it what's the point.....If a tree falls down in a wood and no-ones there to hear.......you get the idea ;-) The train home that night was rather eventful though, meeting people on my travels is always one of my favourite things and there were some characters on that late night train that could fill a prog rock double album!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Rise 46 - So right up until I was due to play the evidence was pretty conclusive that this was going to be the same and that I was going to be playing to my sister who had kindly drove me up to Clapham, but thankfully it wasn't.....Not that I would have cared though to be honest! I loved the place it's a fantastic venue to hang out, let alone play a gig. It's a 1920s themed bar with Jazz Posters, Art Deco/Nouveux stylings, and the stage is essentially where I imagined the old cellar of the building used to be. There is only space for about 50 people in there so its very intimate with low candle light, beer barrel tables, and a tiny stage.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Np-zFod0wSU/UlrR2ZslurI/AAAAAAAABts/IAGMASnMufY/s640/blogger-image-1551393269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Np-zFod0wSU/UlrR2ZslurI/AAAAAAAABts/IAGMASnMufY/s400/blogger-image-1551393269.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
This makes for a fantastic vibe for any acoustic act and I completely bought into its charm. I seemed to be billed with music student acts which at first made me raise an eyebrow but after hearing them made me feel a little rash in judgement. A common thing with London acts is I find many of them to be very 'showbiz'...almost like they have just stepped out of stage school which of course isn't a problem but I find it hard to believe them at times which can make me switch off...not tonight though. There was a small but engaged crowd in there and after a few Jack Daniels and generally being in love with the place I thoroughly enjoyed the intimate vibe and banter with the people that were there. Some expensively dressed city folk were at the back.. all Dolce & Gabanna and white teeth. I made some wise crack about the fact they all seemed to be drinking Martini's where as down in Portsmouth the preferred tipple was Lager. 5 minutes later I was graced onstage with a Martini and Champagne chaser, which of course I took obligingly! I chipped my guitar on a wall that night which any one who knows me will vouch for the fact this a catastrophe of the highest calibre. Much like a meteor strike or broken arm...but tonight it didn't matter as I had a fantastic time. After stopping off at the permanent motorway fixture for any musician 'The Wild Bean Cafe', we drove home along a misty motorway safe in the knowledge that the mission was accomplished. Rise 46 was the true start of my London run.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay Safe</div>
<div>
Andy x</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next stop my old haunt Camden!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0Camden Market Camden High Street, London51.539677 -0.143914tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-82186013368013688782013-10-10T10:25:00.000+01:002013-10-10T10:27:26.871+01:00Dreamscape FREE DownloadHi guys!<br />
<br />
Just to let you all know that my song 'Dreamscape' can be downloaded for <b><u>FREE</u></b> from <b><u>NEXT MONDAY</u></b>, the 14th October. This coincides with my London dates next week:<br />
<br />
Sunday 13th: Camden Acoustic Club, Bar Vinyl, CAMDEN<br />
Monday 14th: Alley Cat Club, Denmark Street, LONDON (Dreamscape download day!!)<br />
Wednesday 16th: The Troubadour, Earls Court, LONDON<br />
Thursday 17th: Tamesis Dock, Vauxhall, LONDON<br />
Friday 18th: The Regal Room, Hammersmith, LONDON<br />
<br />
I'm really looking forward to doing my string of London dates, as in the past, most of my London gigs have been one-off stops in the City, so to stay for a consecutive run will be something to immerse myself in.<br />
<br />
'Dreamscape' was conceived in an exact state of its subject matter; one night I had a nightmare about the safety of my partner which finished with her hand slipping away from mine. After waking from this rather commonly experienced (but very real!) dream it got me thinking about dream cliches. There are many that are well documented... sinking in sand, falling off a cliff, teeth falling out, being chased by an entity of some kind etc. So I wrote a claustrophobic sonic easel in which to hang these cliched dream experiences on.<br />
<br />
My iPad has played a huge part in the birth of 'Dreamscape', especially the DM1 drum sequencer, which you can hear on the recording (the 808 kit samples running through the track). I wanted a disorientating feel that came together in the choruses using phasing, space, repetition, and minimalist ideals. 'Dreamscape' literally fell out of my head and songwriting doesn't happen like that very often. I hope you enjoy this first free offering from the new album currently nearing completion 'Science & Magic'.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iATdhHL1Hk/UlRyu_313UI/AAAAAAAABtA/Mr910Ej-AJ4/s1600/dreamscape+front+cover+rough.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iATdhHL1Hk/UlRyu_313UI/AAAAAAAABtA/Mr910Ej-AJ4/s400/dreamscape+front+cover+rough.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
This is a session I did at Red Bull Studios playing guitar for an acoustic re-working of Shadowchild's new track 'Friday' featuring Takura. It was an absolute pleasure working on something different and also so close to Takura who has an exceptional voice. Takura is the voice of many Chase & Status and Sub Focus records, also penning a track with Rihanna and providing vocals for countless acts including Plan B. Shadowchild is a top dance producer in his own right providing remixes this year for London Grammar amongst many, both need no introduction in there field but some people may not be aware of them.<br />
<br />
Watch the interview and live session here<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/20Wc94IhpBE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Hope you enjoy the <b><u>FREE</u></b> download 'Dreamscape'... please let me know what you think, all your feedback is appreciated, I look forward to seeing some of you Londeners at the gigs!<br />
<br />
Stay Safe<br />
Andy xx<br />
<br />
<br />
Mostly listening to:<br />
Richard Dawkins: Various lectures<br />
Magoo: All Electric Amusement Arcade<br />
David Bowie: The Next Day<br />
Jagwar Mar: Howlin<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-86902844810096198532013-08-12T07:47:00.000+01:002013-08-12T07:47:21.424+01:00Good Day Sunshine!!!!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alright? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Been a great summer hast it? Beautiful sunshine and gorgeous sunsets giving us more to winge about whilst we look to find other imaginary battles to fight. "Winge" do you know the word Winge? I didn't realise until recently that the word 'Squinny' meaning to winge or moan was pretty much a Portsmouth word. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wickham festival was fantastic this year a real pleasure to be involved in as well. The festival itself was well organised, friendly, had a lovely vibe and some fantastic acts. With only having a small foot in the folk camp I was worried how my songwriting would come across. I'm probably less rustic as it were than I used to be around the first EP's period and Wickham is unashamably folk orientated. The tent was relatively empty when I came on but through my set the tent was filling up with people. I must admit after my set I had a weird disconnecting feeling that I hadn't quite connected with the audience as I should. That was soon relieved with a small wave of people coming over and buying album taster EPs and taking flyers. They were fantastic and full of weighty questions on the music and what I'm up to.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RGH7X1fdKI0/Ugf_vrfh1hI/AAAAAAAABpE/28CrD6qSej8/s640/blogger-image-437291887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RGH7X1fdKI0/Ugf_vrfh1hI/AAAAAAAABpE/28CrD6qSej8/s640/blogger-image-437291887.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The album is taking shape but still unsure of a release time at present. Watch this space though as its beginning to mould into something I'm very proud of, encptulating many of my songwriting styles with a variety of different moods. Just this week a brand new song fell out of my head fully formed in one night so I want to see whether more come to me over the coming months.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've done a few smaller local gigs recently The Southsea Food Festival, The Southsea Show, and The Groundlings Theatre. They've all been good fun and its nice to get involved with the arts in the area and see what happens at these little events. The music became secondary at the Southsea Show as Archery at was great fun! An impromptu Samba session happened during Race Car Hearts gig in the tea rooms as the Samba precession nearby engulfed his performance...so we gave em a little Samba ourselves! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p4wZsijV43g/Ugf_1-YD1aI/AAAAAAAABpc/RmmxPS2ERPo/s640/blogger-image--723921853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p4wZsijV43g/Ugf_1-YD1aI/AAAAAAAABpc/RmmxPS2ERPo/s400/blogger-image--723921853.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Above you see me with Luke Ferre's guitar as my string snapped onstage. Being a very small gig he then preceded to sit in front of me and pull funny faces during my set. He's like an irritating kid brother, but also rather good so check him out. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HtZMMHFKhcA/UgZppwhwQDI/AAAAAAAABoM/HJ-tGwhiucw/s640/blogger-image--1823144957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HtZMMHFKhcA/UgZppwhwQDI/AAAAAAAABoM/HJ-tGwhiucw/s640/blogger-image--1823144957.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Next up for me is Victorious Festival at the Dockyard in Portsmouth. People that went last year will remember a fantastic day with smooth organisation and a fantastic vibe. I particularly remember The Lightning Seeds on the last night that took me back to my childhood. Can't wait to see The Milk, Mark Morriss, and History Of Apple Pie. I'm performing around 1pm Saturday on the acoustic stage. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vw-gySRMZ2c/Ugf_0AFNdeI/AAAAAAAABpU/mAXO8E2mDHI/s640/blogger-image--111078777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vw-gySRMZ2c/Ugf_0AFNdeI/AAAAAAAABpU/mAXO8E2mDHI/s640/blogger-image--111078777.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Here's the brand new poster for Southseafest in September. Im glad to play this for many reasons one being the bond I feel to Albert Road and its crazy people. It's always a pleasure to be involved in something that's right on my doorstep and it often becomes a springboard stop for acts before they become much bigger, Bastille being one of them. This year one of my favourite new bands 'Temples' are on the bill which will I'd imagine be the first and maybe the last time we shall see them in this setting. I predict a rather quick accent for them. I'm playing in the magic bean cafe on Albert Road so do come along. It's going to be the calm in the storm of excitement.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e_uAp9EwlY4/Ugf_xvUCkgI/AAAAAAAABpM/gi9nsf-_2FI/s640/blogger-image--1061770453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e_uAp9EwlY4/Ugf_xvUCkgI/AAAAAAAABpM/gi9nsf-_2FI/s640/blogger-image--1061770453.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Please check the website/Facebook for gig updates, ill be doing a good few before the end of the year.. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Stay Safe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Andy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Xx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This is a live version of my cover of Kassassin Street's Centre Straight Atom</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F101416818" width="100%"></iframe>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0Chichester Chichester50.84267 -0.752845tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-2486784006288698102013-07-09T08:09:00.002+01:002013-07-09T08:16:09.861+01:00The Spring Arts Centre (Havant) / The Wedgewood RoomsSo on the 20th of June on a nice spring Thursday evening I went through the doors of one of my favorite places to play...The Spring Arts Centre in Havant.<br />
Its always been regarded as a hometown gig for me and a place I hold close to my heart. Situated right next to the Hayling Billy Line where I used to play, get into mischief and walk to school, the Spring Arts represents my youth and it always seems to be a dignified night of music with people who appreciate what I do.<br />
<br />
Talking of being young....my brother brought this out the vault recently! ......Am I in the Happy Mondays there or what?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5KylRSGrDQ/Udu3DfP-pgI/AAAAAAAABmk/73a8Jbp6HCY/s1600/1004080_10151680519742107_352530042_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5KylRSGrDQ/Udu3DfP-pgI/AAAAAAAABmk/73a8Jbp6HCY/s400/1004080_10151680519742107_352530042_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Being my night essentially and having a little more time than usual means I can bring a range of guitars, sounds, and banter to the proceedings and I can relax into the show a little more than usual. This makes for a broader setlist and I enjoy the flexibility. If I could have it my way I'd play art centres all year round! I love the atmosphere, the setting and the vibe they normally have.<br />
<br />
New song 'Phobos' seemed to go down really even thought it was stripped of its electronic psychedelics it still seemed to hold weight and sat alongside 'Sea Of Thought' and 'The Garden'. I enjoyed the whole set and people engaged with me afterwards buying the sample CD of the new album and generally giving me feedback. I think the tour with Terry has definitely given me a boost in terms of confidence.<br />
<br />
Thanks to Rowan Bastable from Kassassin Street who opened the night, giving us some 'Head Full Of Yoko' tracks and some Id never heard before. After his set he was talking to me about the shift in vibe of what hes used to with it being such an intense feeling being up there musically naked! This feeling is what I enjoy! I cant wait to show you what hes done with 'The Garden' which is finished now by the way....watch this space.<br />
<br />
I also played the 'Singer and the Song' competition at the Wedgewood Rooms and run by The News. Being the final of the competition they wanted an example of someone who was out touring to cap the night. I played a few songs whilst the judges made there final decision on all the young competitors three track performances that night. One thing that struck me was the level of ability on show for people so young! Some of the performers that night were 15 and were playing the Wedge with passion and grace. They all seemed to be gig ready but without the experience just yet and it was quite fantastic to watch the next level of home grown talent in front of you. I also enjoyed being a fly on the wall backstage listening to all their banter and nerves around the dressing room. It reminded me of being in my first band Paradime and having so much hope for the future.<br />
<br />
Thanks to The News for all their support and also the Wedgewood Rooms...I love that place<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uH-3fSWzGs/UdtGW4_APsI/AAAAAAAABmU/E9Tt4I_B1HI/s1600/11475_10151662840718232_1712929417_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uH-3fSWzGs/UdtGW4_APsI/AAAAAAAABmU/E9Tt4I_B1HI/s400/11475_10151662840718232_1712929417_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoy the heatwave!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Keep checking back for gigs, new songs, and more :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stay Safe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Andy xx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Phobos: mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Beady Eye)</div>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F97564592" width="100%"></iframe>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-51215556375666864062013-06-25T15:05:00.001+01:002013-06-25T15:05:30.874+01:00The Isle Of Wight Festival - Phobos <div>
Alright?<br />
<br />
So, this year Isle Of Wight Festival was back to a family event; after a few years of playing with the big boys. For me it was all the better for it. That said, this year IOW has had some megative press with comments that the line-up was too 'Grandad...hehe!! I believe the space is better used when its run as a family festival and not a Mini-Glasto and it may not have been particularly cutting edge this year with NME acts but you still had some incredible bands in the line-up; I feel the Festival works much better when there are acts from all the spectrum, catering for all ages.<br />
<br />
I've been waiting to see 'The Killers' for years and they didn't disappoint. It was a fantastic performance which will go down as one of my faves since I've been going and I've been to nearly every one. The band of the moment 'Bastille' were unbelievable; whether you like pop music or not, there's no getting away from the fact they are incredibly tight and make a lot of seasoned pros look lazy. 'Fun' were the surprise band of the festival, their theatrical pop really made the tent come alive. Also not forgetting 'Bloc Party', who after a really shaky start completely tore the place apart with new songs that were interesting, hard hitting and fresh... the guitarist is unbelievable... I need to see his pedal board... Anyway...<br />
<br />
My performance in the Kashmir Tent had a sparse attendance at first, but then the tent began to fill and people were engaging... which was fantastic... only to lose them all again when Jake Bugg came on. The people that were there though were brilliant and I got stopped a few times when I was walking about the festival saying how they enjoyed it. Now...how can I get myself a press endorsement from Noel Gallagher?... he still has the power to give a huge fanbase in one sentence! Many thanks to all at the Kashmir Tent for the opportunity to play, hopefully here's to next year... fingers crossed. It is one of the best tents in the festival and I'm sure the organisers and volunteers will go to musical heaven for there services.... which I assume to sound like a Brian Eno soundscape with candy floss and headphones.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/996183_582959035077441_1817653181_n.jpg" width="425" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here's another new track...</div>
<div>
Quite a departure maybe from other released material in the past; a different recording style can completely change the feel of the song. I arrived at this track on a train journey to Worthing one day to visit to my partner. On my iPad I have an app called DM-1 drums, its essentially a drum sequencer in the classic sense, containing everything from 909 style kits to full blown Timpani's. I created the whole rhythm section on this app and transferred it to Cubase building the track over the top.<br />
The idea was to keep it pretty sparse, like classic electro. Nothing was put in unless it was essential. It is inspired by a bit of everything I've been listening to recently: Merz, Mansions On The Moon, New Order and I have always loved samples in tracks. Let me know what you think? Escapism is a theme I cover a lot and lyrically it's here in the form of Space travel... Phobos is a moon of Mars....if ya asking.....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Phobos</div>
<div>
Mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Beady Eye)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F97564592" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />
Stay Safe<br />
Andy<br />
xx<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Everybody knows everything but nothing they should..."</i>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-36391332620429323202013-05-31T16:31:00.002+01:002013-06-01T03:23:10.274+01:00Tour Diary Day 8 The Borderline London final night of tourAfter staying over in Covent Garden Steve Pitt and I left the place early to see if we could get tickets for the Bowie exhibition at the V&A in South Kensington. I've been looking forward to this all tour as I'm a huge Bowie fan and whilst I'm at London on the final day I thought it would be fantastic to see. We queued for ages to get in...then we got in....and queued again.....then when our ticket time came about...we queued again. It was so worth it it was incredible, a real lesson in how to put on an art exhibition. Headphones are given to you at the start but you don't have to interact with them at all, it kicks in for you! So you just walk about the place and they play the relevant sound bite to whatever you're looking at! Lyric sheets, costumes, films, audio, posters, art concept design...everything you could wish for is in there. I wholeheartedly recommend going along.<br>
<div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-olIuTRPnYb8/Uai2TiuFMNI/AAAAAAAABkA/gmE-2iIvSPg/s640/blogger-image--623122234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-olIuTRPnYb8/Uai2TiuFMNI/AAAAAAAABkA/gmE-2iIvSPg/s640/blogger-image--623122234.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
A quite peculiar sculpture hanging from the museum at the V&A</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qIFF2vnVG_I/Uai2Pzdju2I/AAAAAAAABjw/nCP7cXpXlSk/s640/blogger-image-1766168517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qIFF2vnVG_I/Uai2Pzdju2I/AAAAAAAABjw/nCP7cXpXlSk/s640/blogger-image-1766168517.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Lyrics from Space Oddity at the David Bowie exhibition </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_9OF8Ig-VJA/UajB7JkOVXI/AAAAAAAABkQ/dKT7oE-oNW8/s640/blogger-image-425828058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_9OF8Ig-VJA/UajB7JkOVXI/AAAAAAAABkQ/dKT7oE-oNW8/s640/blogger-image-425828058.jpg"></a></div>
There he is!!!<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LxlDlu96Fgc/Uai2RyestXI/AAAAAAAABj4/lQBNyh3ZFmA/s640/blogger-image--686650973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LxlDlu96Fgc/Uai2RyestXI/AAAAAAAABj4/lQBNyh3ZFmA/s640/blogger-image--686650973.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This little splash pool is a little Oasis in the middle of the V&A </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So tonight is Terry's seminal album "Seed Of Memory" back to back with full band. It's something his fans have been waiting for a long time and after last nights success the band are more than up to the task. I'm actually really looking forward to hearing the album in its entirety. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After bantering about in the dressing room with Terry I go and talk to tonight's audio recorders who are no other than Steve Hampton and Jax (his lovely partner). Hampton is a bit of a musical legend himself and is also responsible for one of the tracks on my new album, a re-working of "City Speed" a fantastic early sixties sounding slow psych pop version as well! Steve and I ate in the old Marque venue which is now unfortunately a Weatherspoons...but fortunately for us it is ......as I'm hungry.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--SXPwzwvIbE/Uai2OPFj0-I/AAAAAAAABjo/iyIXjVSCKgg/s640/blogger-image--638094144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--SXPwzwvIbE/Uai2OPFj0-I/AAAAAAAABjo/iyIXjVSCKgg/s640/blogger-image--638094144.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Last nights set list for the Terry gig</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HjURBxPZqaY/UajB-hAu2-I/AAAAAAAABkg/nigPmJxYOk4/s640/blogger-image-1957073362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HjURBxPZqaY/UajB-hAu2-I/AAAAAAAABkg/nigPmJxYOk4/s640/blogger-image-1957073362.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So after a tense soundcheck we were ready to go. I just had a line check quick and it was relatively the same as the night before so it wasn't a problem really. As I came on the room was empty but for a few people around the bar and the sound desk. Like last night though they came in thick and fast by my third track. I felt relaxed up there tonight I really wanted to enjoy myself as it was the last gig of the tour, and that I did. There were a couple of people there from the night before and I carried on the banter, and people were receptive to my cheeky mutterings in-between tracks. It's a great feeling to settle in mid-set and know the people in the room are on your side. Again lots of great feedback and kind words from the older crowd that had come to see their musical hero and stumbled across me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've loved playing to his crowd, and they have embraced me also and for that I thank them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was also a pleasure to catch up with one of my best chums Ali Robertson who has recently come back from travelling. It was a good few years ago now I started this singer/songwriter lark on my own opening for his band at the time The Aviators. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XIbW3iyWpkc/UajB83szUII/AAAAAAAABkY/eQ4BSUVpzxA/s640/blogger-image--1546096699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XIbW3iyWpkc/UajB83szUII/AAAAAAAABkY/eQ4BSUVpzxA/s640/blogger-image--1546096699.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This tour has been a fantastic experience for me. Seeing parts of the country I haven't seen, playing to engaging crowds, and meeting some lovely people. Playing your music to people, them responding to it, and being treated with respect in your art is the goal of most musicians. I've learned that I can cross over my material to different ages and also can hold my own in situations that are against me, and it's been such a valuable and fruitful experience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nmOrRPReiZQ/UajFxiLf_ZI/AAAAAAAABkw/hSxxwDIjQis/s640/blogger-image--409446016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nmOrRPReiZQ/UajFxiLf_ZI/AAAAAAAABkw/hSxxwDIjQis/s640/blogger-image--409446016.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Terry's set was great for me as I hadn't heard some of these track live as it was the seed of memory album. Some of the tracks don't really work acoustic so he doesn't play them, but really fly in this environment when he's with the band. The problems with his voice now seemed to not be an issue as it was the last night of the tour. Terry was giving it some and having fun up there! After the intense soundcheck going through tracks that he himself hadn't played for years it was fantastic seeing it come together so well. Even the normally sidetracked Steve Pitt who normally has seven thousand things going round in his head to organise, was bashing a bear mat on the table in time! I think everyone including myself wanted to have a good time tonight and enjoy it :-) and it was really coming out in their playing tonight. "The way you walk" was fantastic and to see terry losen up into a rock setting and really let it rip was a joy to watch. He even jumped on the organ to do a track! .... I knew that was going to happen though....saw it in soundcheck ;-). Ed Tudor Pole is sat next to me while I write this....bit weird.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This last show was a real success....and a perfect way to end the tour on good vibes and great music.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">.....until.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">....the pack down and load out.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We always knew it was going to be tough to get a 6 piece band out of a venue on a lower than street level position and into a piss-soaked side street next to a pub, the G.A.Y nightclub in full swing and building works developing the old Astoria site...but then as Jim and myself were guarding the lift entrance with the gear in it ready for the cars .....we had a visitor...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">An extremely drunk girl took it upon herself to wander into the lift and start provoking me by abusing me, prodding me, and kicking equipment. Now...not being particularly equipped for such a alcohol fused girl with the grace of a sack of manure....I respectfully asked her to leave the lift and stop provoking me for no reason. This led to her slapping me round the face....twice!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So I did the only thing a man can do in this situation....I told on her! I went and got the security guard, she didn't move for him so we had to get a women guard from G.A.Y to threaten her to move. She still kept coming back! Which meant we were being watched by the guard for an hour whilst we moved the gear....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A shame the night ended like this as understandably I was rather riled up as I couldn't do anything about the slap with her being a human of the female variety!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Still after winging a little about it to Steve on the way home I wasn't going to let that ruin a fantastic night......:-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Silly girl...</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Some thanks are in order...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Terry Reid of course for being generally warm to me throughout and wanting me to support him. He treated me with respect throughout.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Jim for driving us round the country sorting gear out and generally helping the wheels turn.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
All the venues who have been hospitable and friendly, even when things have got tense.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
All the people that came to see us and engaged with the music and what we do, it really is appreciated I assure you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anna & Eric for their warmth and banter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Extra special thanks should go to Steve Pitt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The organiser of the whole tour, averting crisis by making the whole thing operate. There will not be a tour without him and he is constantly thinking ahead for potential problems. Apart from being a good friend of mine he is often not given credit for how hard he works, and I thank him for everything he did and has done for me not only on this tour but throughout me doing music. Thanks mate x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Soooo.......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The Havant show .....20th of June at the spring arts centre in Havant, a headline hometown show with Rowan Bastable of Kassassin Street. Tickets can be bought from here </div></div>
<br>
Here's the link to the Havant show in June<br>
<a href="http://www.thespring.co.uk/events/andrew-foster/">http://www.thespring.co.uk/events/andrew-foster/</a><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Here's a lovely review from New Reviews of Personal Legend...thanks to them </span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><div class="separator" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); clear: both; "><a href="http://www.new-reviews.co.uk/?p=8496">http://www.new-reviews.co.uk/?p=8496</a></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Personal Legend (Science & Magic)<br>
Mastered by Pete Maher<br>
(U2, Beady Eye)<br>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F92306303" width="100%"></iframe>
<br>
<br></div>
</div>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com2Chinatown London51.516775 -0.131658tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-58959845641485372082013-05-30T18:34:00.000+01:002013-05-30T23:57:32.918+01:00Tour Diary Day 7 The Borderline London - Day 1<div>
Here we are then... the last two nights of the tour with Terry Reid, a double night at the Borderline in London. A venue steeped in rock & roll history and a place I've never played before which is quite rare in London as I've trod the boards up here many times. After a good journey up with Steve Pitt with the new David Bowie album flowing over us from his tiny vauxhall corsa speakers, we get in to find the rest of the band just arriving.</div><div><br></div><div>I went to check in to our hotel and on the way back knowing it would be some time before I was due to soundcheck, I went to my favourite street in the centre of London....Denmark Street. Wall to wall guitars...effects.....amps....synths.....and equipment. It really is a musicians dream, like finding the winning Wonka Ticket and being sucked into the best place in the world via Wonka-Vision. Problem is of course being a musician I have no money, so it's like look...but don't touch. Still didn't stop me playing a Martin acoustic that I have my eye on. £650 quids though which isn't that bad for the guitar, still I walked away complaining in my sub conscience about how much I'd just parted with to buy a tuna sandwich.... so the Martin is just a dream for now. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6hwxIRMoSIc/UaeOFbm5n9I/AAAAAAAABjA/QlecrR1-2hk/s640/blogger-image-503031773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6hwxIRMoSIc/UaeOFbm5n9I/AAAAAAAABjA/QlecrR1-2hk/s640/blogger-image-503031773.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Terry is in full band mode tonight, Pedal steel, Brass, Lead guitar, organ, Drum kit and Bass. Terry cackles at me and comes over for a trademark hug and uses his new found tongue in cheek cool word for something going terribly wrong..."clusterfuck". Of course he was referring to the fact he had the problems with his voice that are still ongoing. He disappeared to go see the doctor before soundcheck, a proper consultant on the troubles of the voice-box variety. When he came back time was pushing on so after a hairy soundcheck where the band were finding their feet and getting levels.... we were there! For a while though it was a mass of cables and confusion! We got there though and I finished my 'speed of light' soundcheck just as people started coming into the venue.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IuK_XJwP0Ng/UaeOHWErfGI/AAAAAAAABjI/YW_kqhAwc1Q/s640/blogger-image--1223871988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IuK_XJwP0Ng/UaeOHWErfGI/AAAAAAAABjI/YW_kqhAwc1Q/s640/blogger-image--1223871988.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>When I started played there wasn't a great deal of people in which I was a little gutted about. Then for some unknown reason during the second track Heartbeats, people came in and filled the floor in front of me. I had verbal diahhorea tonight and was bantering away trying to win them over on to my side and keep them engaged. It seemed to work and by new song "Sea Of Memory" they were really gunning for me, which was a great feeling. My monitor mix was great tonight and I could really play with the dynamics of the songs which I love doing. I had people interacting with me in between tracks, cameras flashing and silence in all the right places. It showed after the set as lots of people came to buy EPs and to ask how I get my guitar tone, and even lyrics being questioned which is fantastic. A great start for me of the two nights we have here I'm hoping I can have a repeat performance on the Friday show with it being the last night of the tour and all. Not many CDs to sell now until I'm completely out!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VUmq8Joan_M/Uae__Xpv9sI/AAAAAAAABjY/R9osA5JMm1A/s640/blogger-image-778953686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VUmq8Joan_M/Uae__Xpv9sI/AAAAAAAABjY/R9osA5JMm1A/s640/blogger-image-778953686.jpg"></a></div></div><div>The soundcraft desk in a glass case as a table in the green room! Must be the old board!</div><div><br></div><div>Terry in full band is always a breathtaking experience. It's normally a real lesson in real music as he gets in the best session players and the "feel" of the band is something that tends to be lost from a lot of newer acts nowadays and harks back to golden times of music. The whole thing breathes as one organism which is quite a feat considering they hardly rehearse and Terry has a habit of improvising at a drop of a hat so the session guys really have to be on it! The track Terry did with DJ Shadow "Listen" could be done tonight because of the full band environment and its a joy to hear...a real brooding breakbeat track that has such a great vibe. It's the closest terry will ever get to dance music and very contemporary. Tracks were falling thick tonight...some real crowd pleasers, Rich Kid Blues, Seed Of Memory, Faith To Arise, and Don't Worry Baby complete with singalong crowd and the now default funky opening instrumental The Frame that Terry comes on stage to which always gets me moving uncontrollably. Terry did well with his voice tonight and he was starting to get his low end power back from the gigs before where he was struggling, I was scared for him every time he exerted too much though! Easy Terry! Don't get carried away! We're recording it tomorrow!! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tomorrow it's the last date of the tour and Terry is playing the seminal album seed of memory back to back, and I'll be playing my last date on tour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It'll be emotional....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stay Safe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Andy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">X</div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Here's a lovely review from New Reviews of Personal Legend...thanks to them </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.new-reviews.co.uk/?p=8496">http://www.new-reviews.co.uk/?p=8496</a></div>
<br>
Here's the link to the Havant show in June<br>
<a href="http://www.thespring.co.uk/events/andrew-foster/">http://www.thespring.co.uk/events/andrew-foster/</a><div><br></div><div>
Personal Legend (Science & Magic)<br>
Mastered by Pete Maher<br>
(U2, Beady Eye)<br>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F92306303" width="100%"></iframe>
<br>
<br></div>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0The Borderline Orange Yard, Manette Street, London51.515396 -0.130281tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-22874217287677847232013-05-29T01:52:00.001+01:002013-05-29T01:52:10.060+01:00Tour Diary Day 6 Brighton KomediaSo .... After the couple of dates I wasn't doing on the tour, Terry's voice took a turn for the worst and he's been suffering with weak vocal chords. So I met a hush toned Terry at Brighton and we joked about the fact he was now a walking Boots the Chemist. He was changing notes in soundcheck to preserve his voice and not over exerting, I could see he was struggling I know what that's like. When you've got nothing in there it's scary as there's nothing you can do, you've just got to rest and try not to damage the voice further. He was in good spirits though, playing Dylan in soundcheck and taking the piss in a tongue in cheek way. I remember a particular gig at the Bedford in which I had laryngitis and I had to battle it onstage, it's pretty scary up there with no band when you have no power in your voice.<br />
I played this room last year on the tour with Terry and it was a lovely gig for me, with a crowd who were receptive and eerily quiet. So I hope this year they except me again with my new set and songs.<br />
<div>
Steve Pitt was doing his thing at soundcheck making sure everything was in check and after a battle of frequencies I was ready to go myself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1kRsEMYOrk/UaVPRYfQHfI/AAAAAAAABiQ/7srPNyx1b4I/s1600/photo+(16).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1kRsEMYOrk/UaVPRYfQHfI/AAAAAAAABiQ/7srPNyx1b4I/s320/photo+(16).jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Brighton's the other place apart from Bath I've always wanted to live. It's a less abrasive London with a liberal vibe and colorful environment. Whenever I come here I can hear the dreams of hundreds of artists, musicians, dancers, film makers and it's inspiring. I always think when walking around and spot a guitar case...that they have the same dreams and aspirations as me, wanting to express themselves, for people to embrace their art and to make a difference in some way. Just walking around there's a different feel that I'm sure a lot of people from Brighton themselves will declare has disappeared from the city, but I love it all the same. I love the lanes and the crazies walking around the place everyone seems to project a story and be interesting like little novels bursting with experience. I walked into a local corner shop and "Passenger" was playing over the stereo. Its interesting as many years ago I went for an audition to be in Passenger in Brighton before he decided to go it alone, we also used to be on the same bill a lot. Nice that a local singer/songwriter has done well, but strange is that he kind of built it up from moving to Australia?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.coolplaces.co.uk/system/images/343/brighton-komedia-bars-pubs-343-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://www.coolplaces.co.uk/system/images/343/brighton-komedia-bars-pubs-343-large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the beginning of my set the crowd were rather frosty and didn't interact at all. After a couple of songs and some cheeky banter though we got there and by the end they engaged with my set with warmth. I played the same set as the other dates on the tour but with the addition of "weird science" at the end. I was making nods in between the tracks of some of the references in my songs such as Bertrand Russell, Weird Science, The Alchemist, and the psychosis of being a musician. We had some laughs and some great applause for my set especially Personal Legend which was the best I've played it for many a year tonight. The amount of merchandise I sold and the feedback after the gig was fantastic considering at first i thought i was going to find it hard to make a connection.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-E0uH_XdPw/UaVPUIa-5RI/AAAAAAAABiY/_2JL1OLQS00/s1600/photo+(17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-E0uH_XdPw/UaVPUIa-5RI/AAAAAAAABiY/_2JL1OLQS00/s320/photo+(17.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Terry's set was understandably more subdued tonight as preservation of his voice was omnipotent but he handled his set with grace interacting with the audience in a friendly way and telling anecdotes. At first I really worried for him but he got through and did well considering what must have been hurting him quite considerably. The crowd seemed to be on his side though and a particularly lovely rendition of 'don't worry baby' and 'dont let the sun catch you crying' made the crowd fall pin-drop silent. It was kind of Camp Fire Terry Reid tonight and i thought he did fantastically well and his whispers took on a more experienced melancholic tone. For people who feel they missed out on his usual foghorn volume tones should come to The Borderline on Thursday and Friday, but it was still a special gig tonight.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to the two final dates in London.....The Borderline/Finish Line<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecl6Keb7kuw/UZdi9ITHX8I/AAAAAAAABgA/jPaLNNKDThE/s1600/blogger-image--1932083903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecl6Keb7kuw/UZdi9ITHX8I/AAAAAAAABgA/jPaLNNKDThE/s320/blogger-image--1932083903.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Heres the Ticket link for my Havant Spring Arts Centre gig on June 20th<br />
<a href="http://www.thespring.co.uk/events/andrew-foster/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.thespring.co.uk/events/andrew-foster/</a><br />
<br />
Stay Safe<br />
Andy x<br />
<br />
PERSONAL LEGEND<br />
Mastered by Pete Maher<br />
(U2, Beady Eye)</div>
</div>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F92306303" width="100%"></iframe>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0Brighton Brighton50.824913 -0.139062tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-39856087848547871272013-05-22T01:12:00.000+01:002013-05-28T00:24:47.282+01:00Tour Diary Day 5 The Half Moon Putney<div>
The half moon in putney holds fond memories for me. It's where I launched my second LP "The Garden" a few years ago. Support that night was Chris Helm and we played together onstage playing his song "Hello". That was a great moment for me as the Seahorses defined the summer of 97. For those who don't know, the Seahorses were the band John Squire formed after the Stone Roses, and were a kind of more accessible Led Zeppelin. I've also played here a few times with Terry and a particularly special gig with Rumer when she joined him onstage for Brave Awakening. So I approached it in hope of the night being the same vibe as those fantastic gigs before.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nDdWW6iydNQ/UZvfw5jVlII/AAAAAAAABho/tRKonybqEgM/s640/blogger-image-855564790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nDdWW6iydNQ/UZvfw5jVlII/AAAAAAAABho/tRKonybqEgM/s640/blogger-image-855564790.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's a great room full of heritage and spit and sawdust rock & roll, and it always feels welcoming to me. The place nowadays though has a more classy feel with its Beatles furnished chairs, bare wood bar/chairs and rugs outside in the garden for people to snug into. I do love the place, great vibe and a fantastic place to put shows on.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k5kXbBb7FHk/UZvf1dlI68I/AAAAAAAABh4/ju0K7TYKNgQ/s640/blogger-image--1752266637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k5kXbBb7FHk/UZvf1dlI68I/AAAAAAAABh4/ju0K7TYKNgQ/s640/blogger-image--1752266637.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For me the gig was a little frustrating as the potential of people I could have played to decided to boycott the support act and stay in the bar! It is because I've been spoilt on this tour though and I still played to a half full room. They were sweet and engaged in my set, Memory Maze hit home the most with the Garden raising a few eyebrows! The silence in the room showed real music fans in the place but I did find it harder to connect tonight. Sea Of Thought is getting better with each play and im getting confident with the set now. People ask me what the hell are the crazy psychedelic sitar pad sounds and how am I doing it....I tell them I have the spirit of the 60s in me..... it was definitely a good purchase. The Half Moon must be commended for their excellent command of sound and professional attitude. They have Puressence there next week if anyone is in London reading this they really should get along to that gig, they are one of my favourite bands of all time and are exceptional. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WDEu0y6Jvx8/UZvf3oEKH8I/AAAAAAAABiA/oDwP5rmNCD0/s640/blogger-image-1569342193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WDEu0y6Jvx8/UZvf3oEKH8I/AAAAAAAABiA/oDwP5rmNCD0/s640/blogger-image-1569342193.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There was something restrained in Terry's set tonight. The advent of a bass player and BJ Cole kept Terry rhythmically in line when he normally likes to play with it. That's fine of course but its nice to hear him in this way as the songs took on a different feel. Much like a lost soundtrack to an old graceful western, beautiful Americana that really hit on an emotional level. Terry had a bit of a sore throat before he went on but it made him all the more sweeter at first. When he's on form there isn't a voice more bursting at the seems with life weathered experience, it's really quite special. BJ in particular was so understated and atmospheric tonight. Terry really was battling his voice about mid way though, and the power he has was some-what newted, but he still held it together with grace and the crowd were on his side for something he couldn't help. Nice touch that he dedicated Night Of The Raging Storm to the victims of the Oklahoma tornado that swept through on Monday causing so much devastation. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Keffet-W_B4/UZvfzYhSYzI/AAAAAAAABhw/NPRfLo0xka8/s640/blogger-image--492397228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Keffet-W_B4/UZvfzYhSYzI/AAAAAAAABhw/NPRfLo0xka8/s640/blogger-image--492397228.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Me and Jim... Terry's trusty Driver and friend</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tonight was BJ Coles night on the pedal steel, he was transcendual .......</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next week I have the second leg of the tour which takes us to Brighton, Norwich, and the double night London Borderline gigs on Thursday and Friday. The Friday see him take on his seminal album Seed Of Memory with full band, I'm looking forward to being part of that. Want to try and get to the Bowie exhibition as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Honey JD.....gorgeous isn't it!! Try it with ginger.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay Safe</div>
<div>
Andy xx</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Personal Legend </div>
<div>
New track from up coming album "Science & Magic"</div>
<div>
Mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Beady Eye)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F92306303" width="100%"></iframe>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com2The Half Moon 93 Lower Richmond Road, London51.467434 -0.220072tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-13758353998755412702013-05-19T00:22:00.000+01:002013-05-19T00:35:03.602+01:00Tour Diary Day 4 St Ives CambridgeshireSo today we have a 5 hour journey to St Ives in Cambridgeshire. I've played this venue before with Terry and as its his hometown it normally has a nice vibe, so I'm looking forward to it. We listen to an Eric Clapton live album for a bit and Terry sporadically laughs at all the ridiculously good guitar playing with that 40-a-day cackle of his. Hes got a purple jacket on, white jeans and a bright pink shirt on today....he looks like a psychedelic Jack Sparrow! More gorgeous British scenery today as we cut across the country in the trusty Land Rover through the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire. Through my left side I can see through my window and on my right side I can see the face of a Fender Princeton Reverb! So I could tell you everything about the left side of the country and only that the right side is sponsored by Fender.<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mI1zjP9BtU8/UZfFbMOYqGI/AAAAAAAABgQ/_uhNqqG9_hs/s640/blogger-image-1540387134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mI1zjP9BtU8/UZfFbMOYqGI/AAAAAAAABgQ/_uhNqqG9_hs/s640/blogger-image-1540387134.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Em8vA0NlgQU/UZfFd6SRlnI/AAAAAAAABgY/sMezlXuG8YE/s640/blogger-image--1786024442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Em8vA0NlgQU/UZfFd6SRlnI/AAAAAAAABgY/sMezlXuG8YE/s640/blogger-image--1786024442.jpg"></a></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
After a few stops we get to the town of St Ives and go to Terry's old local. He then takes me on a little tour of the town round by the 14th Century bridge over the river and tells me old stories of him growing up. It's quite a nice moment actually, being away from the music and the showmanship ..... Just two blokes talking about being a boy. There's still a fondness for the place in his heart and I like and identify with that feeling every time I go back to Havant, I have the same thing. It reminds me of Havant actually round by langstone in particular. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WvVKG-AUSrk/UZfFj7CCLmI/AAAAAAAABgo/IH5nYKHQ8QM/s640/blogger-image-140176431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WvVKG-AUSrk/UZfFj7CCLmI/AAAAAAAABgo/IH5nYKHQ8QM/s640/blogger-image-140176431.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5WGmZi8SL_M/UZfFgquYvaI/AAAAAAAABgg/fH0DipKBMTs/s640/blogger-image-787371443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5WGmZi8SL_M/UZfFgquYvaI/AAAAAAAABgg/fH0DipKBMTs/s640/blogger-image-787371443.jpg"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Steve Pitt joins us for soundcheck but in true town hall style we had to wait for some Fete thing to pack up before we could get in. The people that run it are all very sweet but couldn't be any further away from rock & roll if they tried, any urgency was lost on them so Steve and I help move things along by helping them with the big stage blocks and gear. Soundcheck proves tricky what what the boxy room and some frequencies causing problems but we get there in the end. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OVVLYsKzzeg/UZfFmcHc7AI/AAAAAAAABgw/zHYsiXjSyDM/s640/blogger-image-566393946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OVVLYsKzzeg/UZfFmcHc7AI/AAAAAAAABgw/zHYsiXjSyDM/s640/blogger-image-566393946.jpg"></a></div>
</div>
<div>
Legendary BJ Cole on Pedal Steel, I'm wearing his hat behind the camera it's quality! Like Dick Tracy!</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xcck03rPhEo/UZfFwcbkGUI/AAAAAAAABg4/dgDZ0w3knN4/s640/blogger-image--143036963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xcck03rPhEo/UZfFwcbkGUI/AAAAAAAABg4/dgDZ0w3knN4/s640/blogger-image--143036963.jpg"></a></div>
BJ and Terry in soundcheck with me being annoying with a camera phone...</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
So...the gig itself was a tricky one, I had less of a vibe to go on tonight so I found it quite isolating up there. I was in a weird headspace before I went on but after playing Memory Maze I felt a little better as it went down so well. I sold out of the last Russell's Teapot EP's afterwards and a few New Criterions. It goes to show that the older crowd prefer Teapot and the younger crowd like Criterion. Be interesting how people engage with the album when it comes out. </div>
<div>
Terry had a difficult time tonight as he had sound problems with an acoustic, and a monitor mix that for an unknown reason that was booming and feed backing everywhere. Steve Pitt came running out and said "can he use your guitar!?"... So when he finished a track I ran out, nicked his Gibson, tuned my guitar to his...and put mine in its place! So he used my guitar for the rest of the acoustic tracks in the set. The crowd were happy though despite the sound issues and they were a nice bunch, including Terry's Mum who is very sweet!</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PC41eKsqM7o/UZgFFjSp2PI/AAAAAAAABhQ/h5jAE96R-FQ/s640/blogger-image-427886385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PC41eKsqM7o/UZgFFjSp2PI/AAAAAAAABhQ/h5jAE96R-FQ/s640/blogger-image-427886385.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Terry with my guitar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BRbcggCnbRk/UZgFDVkAN3I/AAAAAAAABhI/IAcF-YrrFI4/s640/blogger-image--1602186320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BRbcggCnbRk/UZgFDVkAN3I/AAAAAAAABhI/IAcF-YrrFI4/s640/blogger-image--1602186320.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7lKgZv1q5hY/UZgFIOFqJZI/AAAAAAAABhY/zuUPJM34WyA/s640/blogger-image-33281815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7lKgZv1q5hY/UZgFIOFqJZI/AAAAAAAABhY/zuUPJM34WyA/s640/blogger-image-33281815.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
On the way back Steve and I listen to an old bootleg of Terry Reid from the early seventies given to him by a fan in Winchester. It's like opening a time capsule....</div>
<div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ecl6Keb7kuw/UZdi9ITHX8I/AAAAAAAABgA/jPaLNNKDThE/s640/blogger-image--1932083903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ecl6Keb7kuw/UZdi9ITHX8I/AAAAAAAABgA/jPaLNNKDThE/s640/blogger-image--1932083903.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I have this headline show in June at the Havant Spring Arts Centre with guest support Rowan Bastable from Kassassin Street, my favourite band and a good chum. Tickets can be bought from this link </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.thespring.co.uk/events/andrew-foster/">http://www.thespring.co.uk/events/andrew-foster/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Hope you can make it it's going to be a special night as it has been the last few years. Rowan has also produced two tracks on the forthcoming album....but I'll talk more about that later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Couple of days off then back on it with the Half Moon in Putney. I have fond memories of that venue doing my launch for my second album "The Garden" there with support from Chris Helm from the Seahorses. I'm looking forward to it. I also hear that it may be recorded....that'll be great if it is :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
NEW TRACK</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
Personal Legend</div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both;">
Mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Beady Eye)</div>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F92306303" width="100%"></iframe>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Stay Safe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Andy x</div>
</div>
</div>
Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com5Essex (null)51.883826 0.225946tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129713298680258053.post-17236493572662424022013-05-17T13:57:00.001+01:002013-05-18T09:24:10.078+01:00Tour Diary Day 3 Totnes DevonAfter last nights fantastic gig in Bath I woke up early to try and see the Roman Baths and have a quick look around the town. I was out when people were going to work and it reminded me of the more dignified parts of London in the morning but with a slower pace and a cosmopolitan vibe. It really is a beautiful city to walk around and I guess if you live here as with any place, the spell becomes broken over time but I could really imagine myself living there. It gave me the same sense of belonging Paris did when I went. The tourists spoil it a bit but I'm essentially a tourist myself so can't really complain there ;-)<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PqDLOccCJTQ/UZYuse-X4CI/AAAAAAAABfA/x5edtbatEF8/s640/blogger-image-958704271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PqDLOccCJTQ/UZYuse-X4CI/AAAAAAAABfA/x5edtbatEF8/s640/blogger-image-958704271.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kEVI6J8XfsM/UZYuzx-UzeI/AAAAAAAABfI/WeT-oiOtldU/s640/blogger-image--1300908656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kEVI6J8XfsM/UZYuzx-UzeI/AAAAAAAABfI/WeT-oiOtldU/s640/blogger-image--1300908656.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I'm sure a few of you have been to the baths before but if you haven't I really recommend going. It's a breathtaking slice of history that is right in front of you. Not like normally when they make a whole complex and charge an entrance fee because of a piece of bronze they found on a hill once....this is the real deal. You get an audio walkie talkie type contraption when you enter and you type codes in to hear information. This renders the museum silent as everybody's listening to these devices, it's quite strange! I'm not going to waffle about its 2000 years of history as that would be boring, go along and see it yourself.....and taste the water it's weird...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xUTdijhzrhk/UZYups6xx_I/AAAAAAAABe4/EFVzQq16G4I/s640/blogger-image--895440131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xUTdijhzrhk/UZYups6xx_I/AAAAAAAABe4/EFVzQq16G4I/s640/blogger-image--895440131.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whatever you do...don't blink!!</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z2OCtD8Pw64/UZYum8fwutI/AAAAAAAABew/KmfJAkyN-Rk/s640/blogger-image--1435002428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z2OCtD8Pw64/UZYum8fwutI/AAAAAAAABew/KmfJAkyN-Rk/s640/blogger-image--1435002428.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div>On the way to Totnes Terry and I discuss the merits of vox amps and look through various fender re-issues like the fender supersonic mint green amp I've got my eye on and the British racing green vox...(my girlfriend hears about that amp all the time, she humours me bless her). He then tells me about the bidding war between Rory Gallagher and Brian May when terry sold his original 60s vox ac30....if ya asking, Brian May won. </div><div>The journey down to Devon is gorgeous again, all very Midsomner Murders and British. The pub we stop off at has an umbrella urn type thing and a pristine garden...it looked like a train set model village. It reminds me of The Trip with Steve Coogan directed by Michael Winterbottom. He paints a picture of the green and pleasant land on film and I feel like I'm in it a bit!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vkC-FeQYZng/UZaboTq6SlI/AAAAAAAABfg/ZYoZMzP-V04/s640/blogger-image--1337274297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vkC-FeQYZng/UZaboTq6SlI/AAAAAAAABfg/ZYoZMzP-V04/s640/blogger-image--1337274297.jpg"></a></div></div>Photo courtesy of Max from last nights Bath gig thanks for that!</div><div><br></div><div>We are a little sceptical about the venue tonight as we know nothing about it and we don't know what sound system is in there but I do a little research and its an art centre apparently which I love playing. Thing is... its kind of not! </div><div>After driving round a piece of town that looked like the set of Doc Martin we end up going round in circles in a small industrial estate. For a while it's all very "hello Cleveland!" from Spinal Tap. When we get there it's a tiny room in a business unit that seats about 100. It's all very cute and nieve run by three people that are lovely. I instantly like the bonkers idea of the gig, apparently they are moving to a bigger venue soon and I wish them all the luck in the world as they are so nice and it looks like the area could do with an arts hub. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-toapUxloSps/UZabs3RrU7I/AAAAAAAABfw/CbjgEapxL0Y/s640/blogger-image-513628652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-toapUxloSps/UZabs3RrU7I/AAAAAAAABfw/CbjgEapxL0Y/s640/blogger-image-513628652.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Terry's J200 it really is gorgeous!</div><div><br></div><div>The intimacy actually ads some nice atmosphere complete with rain sound on the tin roof, it really feels like a private gig! I wasn't as relaxed as last night for some reason as my monitor mix was a tad peculiar but I ran with it as I didn't want to mess with it too much after Terry spending a while getting it right for himself. The garden was the best track tonight and memory maze. I still had a great gig though and enjoyed playing to the audience who were very receptive and respectful. It was an older crowd tonight and they lapped up Terry's stories of Graham Nash and Buffalo Springfield. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-88lUXIaD-eo/UZabqyuObDI/AAAAAAAABfo/1hnWEBv9z5M/s640/blogger-image-1543773562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-88lUXIaD-eo/UZabqyuObDI/AAAAAAAABfo/1hnWEBv9z5M/s640/blogger-image-1543773562.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>A strange experience but a good one!....</div><div><br></div><div>Today we have a 5 and a half hour journey to St Ives near Terry's hometown! Think I may play Snood on the way.....anyone played Snood?...play Snood......you'll love it ;-)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pob0ZrIPkpU/UZablxFEcPI/AAAAAAAABfY/FiWLLAwJ7Oc/s640/blogger-image--756448194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pob0ZrIPkpU/UZablxFEcPI/AAAAAAAABfY/FiWLLAwJ7Oc/s640/blogger-image--756448194.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pedalcam! Electroharmonix superego</div></div><div><br></div><div>Stay Safe</div><div>Andy</div><div> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Andrew Foster Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17855849688881745814noreply@blogger.com0Paignton Paignton50.446809 -3.564502