Apologies for being a bit quiet over here recently, but I’ve been working behind the scenes on mixing the full debut LaVendore Rogue album. We’ve assigned the expertise of Chris West, an experienced engineer/producer who has worked with the likes of Nick Cave, Richard Ashcroft and Status Quo to name but a few.
As always, mixing an album takes longer than one initially hopes, but I’m confident in saying the results will be worth the wait. We’re hoping to put the album out early next year to tie in with some high profile gigs on the British Blues Scene, but we’ll keep you posted in the mean time.
Keep an eye out on www.LaVendoreRogue.com for news and updates.
As I write this, I’m looking at my diary for November, and it looks to be a busy one. I’m off to Farnham Maltings with Tim Aves & Wolfpack on Thursday, then I’m back at Blues At The Farm, Barleylands on Saturday 8th, with the same band. This is my third appearance there in as many months, so once we’ve moved my bed and TV out of the way, there’ll be room for the band on stage.
I always love playing this club. Ever since the first time I played there with Hokie Joint, 6 or 7 years ago, its one of those places I love going back to. A 2pm start, blacked out windows and cheap drinks means the Saturday night crowd generally make an early start, and have always been very accepting of anything I’ve been involved in, whether that’s Hokie Joint, Tim Aves & Wolfpack, LaVendore Rogue or The Struck Bats. There may even be a special treat down there next year, so keep your eyes peeled…
Saturday night I’ll be returning to The Red Lion, Manningtree; a lovely intimate upstairs venue where I supported the wonderful Stephen Fearing last year. This year I’ll be supporting legendary Boogie Woogie pianist, Ben Waters. I’ve seen Ben a couple of times before, most memorably when he joined Charlie Watts’ “The A, B, C and D of Boogie Woogie” at The High Barn, Gt Bardfield a few years back. Having met all of the band, I can vouch for the fact they’re a wonderful bunch.
I’m really looking forward to unleashing what will hopefully be a well-crafted set of acoustic Blues on Saturday.
Unfortunately, for those who don’t have a ticket, the gig is sold out, so you’ll have to take my word for how well it goes!
In between performing these gigs, and working on the LVR album, I’ve been recording with Struck Bat and Swamp Cat, Geoff Johnson. We’ve put together what was originally intended to be a showcase reel of material, but we like it so much we may even release it as a special edition (only available on tour) CD. It includes some originals, some Delta Blues and some of our favourite covers.
The weekend of the 14th. 15th and 16th November will see me playing 3 gigs with 3 different bands…always a test for the memory! Friday 14th is a special gig for us, in at Jardines, Braintree, Essex, where LaVendore Rogue are sharing the bill with Blues Rock band Roadhouse. This is one of the few gigs we do this close to home, and tickets are still available, so please continue to support live music in this venue, which is organized by Nick Garner. Ticket info can be found here.
Saturday 15th will see The Struck Bats hit the stage at The Spread Eagle, Ipswich. A great little pub with a receptive audience, and one we always look forward to. We’ll be kicking off at 9pm.
Finally, Sunday 16th I’ll be playing at The Skinner’s Arms in Manningtree, at 4pm. Looking forward to playing this venue, as it’s a new one for me. An intimate afternoon/evening gig of acoustic Blues, Country and some of my favourite covers.
I’ll keep you updated with what else is going on later in the month.
Thanks for reading!
