Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb

30 Jan 05 - 03:54 AM (#1392982)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Hamish

Oh, crap. Too clever by half. Or rather not nearly clever enough. That should have looked like:

Despite the indignity of having to start my own thread - it's become a Breezy tradition, and with apologies to Mudcatters fed up with the ensuing clutter...

I'm really looking forward to my headline gig:

at ""Wandering
Windward" - St Albans Folk Song Club
on Friday 18th February at 8:15 pm
in the Royal British Legion
85 Verulam Road, St Albans, Herts AL3 4D

....not just because it's with the affable (no, I didn't miss the leading "l") Jonno...

....nor just that I'll be seeing lots (hopefully, but I'll settle for some. Okay, a few) of my old mates*...

....but also because it's a rare privilege. Partly because I'm working down on the balmy south coast. Worthing, since you ask.

I expect to use the opportunity to play some new stuff, some old favourites, and some of my own stuff, too. And, yes, Jonno, I'll do Mr Harding's Garden. That is I'll sing the song, not tidy up his plants.

*If you're not in that select band of lunatics, then you can find out a bit more about me here.

---

30 Jan 05 - 03:56 AM (#1392983)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Hamish

Better. But still got a spurious carriage return in the club link. Ah well: I don't guess the gig will be (quite?!?) perfect either.

---

30 Jan 05 - 04:43 AM (#1393000)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: The Unicorn Man

Hello Hamish. I thought I had better say something to you since you are the only one who has so far (Twice) see you soon.

---

30 Jan 05 - 06:31 AM (#1393037)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: My guru always said

Good to hear you'll be airing yourself at Snorbens Hamish, but actually I'm nearer to Worthing now. Doing anything down there apart from working? Pop in for a cuppa on your commuting....

---

30 Jan 05 - 12:13 PM (#1393331)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

is it me ,or did I read that twice?

So the club 's name has taken on a different tag.

'breezy's'

I'll go with that!!

Yes folks, that canny wee fair laddie frae bonny Dundee via berkampsted will most certainly be coming tae entertain yees all.
and doing Maggie Holland gear too.
Twill be a gran neet.

---

02 Feb 05 - 03:51 AM (#1396638)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Hamish

Whipping up that frenzied hysteria. Or it might be that fancy wisteria. Dunno. But all who're fans of climbing foliage are welcome.

---

02 Feb 05 - 04:10 AM (#1396648)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: George Papavgeris

I'll be there to offer my warm support - you can have it for the evening, I'll change in the loos.

---

02 Feb 05 - 04:12 AM (#1396649)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: George Papavgeris

A rare treat indeed - seeing Hamish.
Wearing my warm support.
I always said that the best curries are to be found in Scotland.
Looking forward to it, Hamish

---

02 Feb 05 - 04:43 AM (#1396659)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

Get yer hair cut!

---

02 Feb 05 - 05:01 AM (#1396666)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, Hamish

Cheers, George: looking forward to hearing/seeing you, too! You globe-trotter, you: Australia AND Teesside in one year - definitely greedy.

btw, Mike & Simon Stephenson say they'll be there, so I'll have to get my chops* sorted.

*chops = jazz-speak for licks**

**licks = rock-speak for playing fancy stuff

---

02 Feb 05 - 05:13 AM (#1396675)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

Leave that stuff to Fleggy.

So as well as the quality residents and the super guest we may have a surprise floor spot by a young roots artise too?


btw this week we have the fantastic and passionate Julie Ellison who really is a great guitarist and superb songwriter..

and George is back up to Yorkshire this Friday too.

then Tsunami in Barton on Sat

---

02 Feb 05 - 04:13 PM (#1397020)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

O K Hame

Julie Ellison is going to be on 3 counties radio on Friday 4th prior to her appearance at the 'Windawrd' st Albans club at the Royal british legion, verulam Rd

thats the way to promote

---

02 Feb 05 - 04:37 PM (#1397051)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: The Unicorn Man

If the Stevensons are coming I had better come as well. They won a prize of Christmas Tree chocks at The 12 hr do at Barton last December in the raffle and did not stay long enough to claim them. (Trick out of Breezys book) I will get them something else.

---

03 Feb 05 - 03:28 AM (#1397561)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, Hamish

Oi, Martin: you'd better be there anyway! :-)

---

03 Feb 05 - 08:42 AM (#1397764)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: The Unicorn Man

Yeah but, no but, yeah but. I was going to be there anyway, and you can't prove otherwise.

---

03 Feb 05 - 08:54 AM (#1397772)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, me, pretending to be someone else

Craobh Rua have a CD called "If I'd have been here, I'd have been there"

---

03 Feb 05 - 11:20 AM (#1397940)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: The Unicorn Man

Oh. Is it good?

---

03 Feb 05 - 12:34 PM (#1398036)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: My guru always said

Craobh Rua are excellent!!! Haven't heard this one but if it's anything like their earlier stuff you'll enjoy it!

---

10 Feb 05 - 08:02 AM (#1404394)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, ahem!

Well, okay, it's me. Thought I'd just refresh the thread cos it's now only 8 days away. John: what time do I need to be there? (I plan to gently amplify only the guitar, so minimal set-up time needed. I'll bring the mic and stand just in case it's a packed house: but, again, it's minimal set-up time.)

---

10 Feb 05 - 08:19 AM (#1404420)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

6.30   and dont be late!


because

you have to put the table away and set the chairs up, display posters and sort the lighting, erect the stage, you know how to erect do you not?

then smile welcomingly as the door opens from 7.30


tea is available at the bar 40 p , no sugar and just a little milk please

---

10 Feb 05 - 11:26 AM (#1404618)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, me again

oh, well, if you don't want to give me a sensible answer, then I'll just swan up whenever

---

10 Feb 05 - 02:26 PM (#1404884)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: The Unicorn Man

I've have just had a thought. If I am over The Black Death by then I will be in Southwold on that day. Sorry.

---

10 Feb 05 - 03:41 PM (#1404976)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

That is very sensible

I arrive at 6


guest 6.30 organiser isnt stressed then.

audience 7.30 onwards

---

11 Feb 05 - 03:54 AM (#1405518)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Moses

Hamish

The last time a guest was late (as in after 8.30pm) we had nothing but gibberish from Breezy until they arrived. (Not that most people thought it was much different from his normal manner of communication).

You need to get there early to spare us this, besides, he is getting on and needs help re-arranging the furniture.

As for the stage, he has always managed to erect it himself but you never know - he might appreciate a little help at his age.

---

11 Feb 05 - 04:28 AM (#1405543)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, ah, that'd be telling

Yes: me again. Possibly the subject of another thread, but I must be missing something. I didn't realise it was the guest's obligation to help de-stress the organiser. I'd always thought it was the other way round. Ah, well, one lives and learns.

---

11 Feb 05 - 05:55 AM (#1405602)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

you certainly will be stresed if you are late.

Had a trio on a couple of weeks ago thought they could arrive at 8,00
Told em, 'dont bother coming at all.'
Sometimes amateurs really are.

Any future guest reading this , thanks for you cooperation.

All the pros have arrived in town before me!!

Some even were doing a sound check as I arrived.

Some enjoyed the extra rehearsal time.

some needed it!!!!   no, this is a joke, .... well maybe one duo, but they were and are perfectionists.

and then there's the M25 traffic, and heading south on the M1 can be bad too on a Friday

And you'll want to put out your merchandise!

Make up

tune up

All main guests help the club organiser by being at the venue a minimum of 1 hour before the start and are appreciated by their willingness to listen to all other performers.


hence a few have picked up material for their repertoire in doing so.


have I told you about the time when A.......


nah later

---

11 Feb 05 - 06:28 AM (#1405625)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: My guru always said

Ok, Ok, I confess, it was me.... I arrived way late a while back & Yes, Breezy was apparently going through a 'gibberish' evening!!

I had a really good reason though, having been stopped when a dual carriageway was closed for an hour 10 cars ahead of me due to an accident. And having been caught up with roadworks on the M11 earlier didn't help!! I was frantic & in tears & couldn't get anyone on their mobiles coz they'd all turned them off. Oh it was awful, and it was my Birthday aswell!!!

All was well when I finally arrived though, everyone was lovely about it & my Spotlight went well AND there was a DELICIOUS Chocolate Birthday cake too. All's well that end's well *grin*

It's a lovely club for a Spotlight though, have a good one Hamish! Sorry I can't get up to hear you, it's Sidmouth Middle Bar Reunion weekend so I'll be down on the coast indulging in laughing, drinking & singing....

---

11 Feb 05 - 07:56 AM (#1405707)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: The Unicorn Man

I was there that night, and I did'nt see any change in Breezy. And anyway if it really is that demanding and stressfull being a pro, I am glad I am so S+*t. Rubbish.

---

11 Feb 05 - 08:05 AM (#1405719)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

its no stress for the pros at all.

---

11 Feb 05 - 08:18 AM (#1405732)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, Hamish - for 'tis me

Okay, in case there are people dipping into this thread who don't know me, here's the deal:

I do folk for fun. The consequent (negative!) financial profit is just a bonus(?).

Fun means being well prepared. Which means lots of rehearsal before the day; and on the day it means getting to the venue in plenty time to set up and chill out. If I can do that and help to set out the room then fine: it can be beneficial to do something a bit physical and brainless. If, on the other hand, I'm driving back from a week's work in Worthing thinking to myself "Jeez, I'd better hurry up cos I've got to be there to set the room out" then I'm going to be stressed and nobody wins.

You know I get there in plenty time: the last time you booked me, John, I was indeed there almost as soon as yourself and I did help set out the room. And I'll probably do the same this time. But I wouldn't like to think it's written into the contract.

As I tried to say: I believe the promoter's (and the MC's and anyone involved in running the evening) job is first and foremost to enable the guest to perform to his or her best. (There, you see: I'm not just having a personal rant. I think it's a courtesy which ought to extend to greater (and lesser!) performers than myself. In fact, there're pages about this sort of thing on my personal web pages).

I'll do my bit to the best of my ability, and I'll thank any promoters I work for in future to do their bit, too.

(Dick Gaughan style rant over).

Seriously - as if the above wasn't serious - I'm looking forward to a fine evening. I've got a pretty decent set in mind, it's pretty well rehearsed, and I plan to have fun. I have enough stress in the day job without having it in my time-off (oops, veering into rant mode again. Sorry.) Goodness, I've even got a dress rehearsal in Sutton Coldfield (see separate thread) tomorrow.

---

11 Feb 05 - 08:32 AM (#1405751)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Ross

Martin - I've always thought you're pretty damn professional

You certainly came up the best quip that night when Guru was playing with Breezy and you said to Guru

'you've spent all night sitting in an accident - now you're sitting next to one' - perhaps a touch unkind on our host though

---

11 Feb 05 - 07:58 PM (#1406575)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

that was a brill line Martin



















You're banned



:-]

great quip, wish I'ld heard it,


well I had actually and I know where he got it from.


still a good line though

Oh what it is to mumble.

---

12 Feb 05 - 04:55 AM (#1406973)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: The Unicorn Man

Mummble mummble. I have just given my Luton Town V Hull City ticket away for this afternoon. And I am feeling okayish now. Is that becacuse I have given my ticket away do you think? I could well be up Sunday. Mummble mummble.

---

12 Feb 05 - 04:59 AM (#1406976)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Hamish

Aw, Jeez, Martin - I'd no idea you were a Hull City fan. Never mind, eh?

---

13 Feb 05 - 02:36 AM (#1407960)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Hamish

So, yeah, Sutton Coldfield was good: the dress rehearsal was a success! See you Friday!

---

13 Feb 05 - 04:42 AM (#1408014)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: The Unicorn Man

Nearly everyone.

---

13 Feb 05 - 06:54 PM (#1408555)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

Ready to rock and roll are we then?

---

14 Feb 05 - 03:36 AM (#1408981)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, Hamish

Oh yes. Oh yes... OH YES!!!!

(Sorry, that was meant for the other chat room...)

---

14 Feb 05 - 11:15 AM (#1409338)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, ...yep, me, again...

c'mon, chaps/esses: I can't keep this thread up at the top of the list all by myself!

I've just been tweaking the running order for Friday: think it'll be a good 'un. :-)

---

14 Feb 05 - 03:23 PM (#1409635)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: My guru always said

Hamish: I understand that El Greko will have his support for you all warmed up & raring to go. I had to let him have it back after last Tuesday's gig.....

---

15 Feb 05 - 03:33 AM (#1410188)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, ...errr....

...that is, I do hope it has been washed.

---

15 Feb 05 - 12:44 PM (#1410593)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST

Where's my post I just did gone? Bloody computers!

I said......

Looking forward to Friday.

You've not heard Moses and I sing together yet, have you Hamish?

---

15 Feb 05 - 01:33 PM (#1410675)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: My guru always said

The last post would have been Singing Ref, you will enjoy hearing Moses & The Ref, they're sounding really good!

---

16 Feb 05 - 03:31 AM (#1411557)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, who else?

Good oh, Ref+Moses: looking forward to that! Two days and counting...

---

16 Feb 05 - 03:54 AM (#1411577)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Singing Referee

Oops, Not sure what happened there! No cookie then cookie. Didn't touch it, honest guv!

Thanks Guru for identifying me.

See y'all Friday.

---

16 Feb 05 - 10:32 AM (#1411741)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, Hamish - admitting it openly this time!

Ref: I've long suspected your cookies

---

16 Feb 05 - 11:30 AM (#1411841)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

and on Sunday at the Spotlight it falls on John Waller who does the bookings for the Topic Folk Club ,Bradford.

John is relishing the opportunity to perform and has nipped off on holiday to prepare.

Les Sullivan has declared his intention to attend ,so has Fleggy, Papa, and Simon St. Even.

we have a great weekend to look forward to.

make a note now of Sat 16th april for a Folk show in the Legion

---

16 Feb 05 - 02:03 PM (#1412068)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: My guru always said

Maybe there'll be a bag of lost cookies as a raffle prize....

---

16 Feb 05 - 03:00 PM (#1412140)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

There will be something.

We had cookies for Valentines , thank you Christine

A video even!!!


panic


the new backdrop may be ready soon

---

17 Feb 05 - 04:36 AM (#1412817)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, frenzy

Yep: me again. Packed up all my stuff last night - so I'm ready to have a quick get away from home after getting in from Worthing tomorrow night. Planning to leave about 2 o'clock so even if the M25's super-horrible the 85 miles should be achieved in plenty time. Tally ho! (I can't say that tomorrow - it'll be illegal then)

---

17 Feb 05 - 12:17 PM (#1413028)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

and we'll all sing tally-ho.

good name for a Folk Club.


see the local Observer for listing,

who wrote that?

---

18 Feb 05 - 03:27 AM (#1413801)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, me again - it's today!!!

Which "local"? Is that the Watford Observer?

---

18 Feb 05 - 11:21 AM (#1414002)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Hamish

I'm back from Worthing, so panic-ye-not good Sir John: I'll be there in plenty time   :-)

---

18 Feb 05 - 11:56 AM (#1414022)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Singing Referee

See ya soon!

---

18 Feb 05 - 12:29 PM (#1414050)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: George Papavgeris

Bunged up and sneezing; I think I have a lurgy developing.
Time for Lemsip and Horlicks.
Sorry Hamish that I won't be there....

---

18 Feb 05 - 12:48 PM (#1414067)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

room for 4 more.

---

20 Feb 05 - 08:31 AM (#1415521)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: breezy

Hamish produced a performance of true quality that explains how he gets to play those festival gigs.

An excellent balance of song, contentuous and tradtional, with some very nice guitar work thrown in.

His own compostions are easily overlooked and his vocal ability is a talent to be envied.

He was the consumate professional putting on a professional show.

He earned his encore.

next week Fri 25th Chris Flegg

---

20 Feb 05 - 10:20 AM (#1415572)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Hamish

I blush. Thanks, John, for the opportunity: I enjoyed it immensely. Hope your cold's better, George. Next time, eh?

Thanks to The Ref and Moses for their super set, too.

---

21 Feb 05 - 04:52 AM (#1416228)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Singing Referee

Thanks Hamish, for a great evening's entertainment, and also for the compliment. Don't be away too long.

---

21 Feb 05 - 07:53 AM (#1416296)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: Moses

Good to hear you again. You must give your own songs an airing more often. Thanks for a great evening and for the compliments.

---

21 Feb 05 - 09:21 AM (#1416353)
Subject: RE: Hamish, Breezy's, St Albans, 18th Feb
From: GUEST, Hamish

Yeah - if I don't air 'em regularly they go all mouldy. ;-)

---