My return to performing also encouraged me to focus on writing some new songs and by the end of 2000 I had enough to start recording a CD at Shipwreck Studios in Glossop. The CD, Perfect Stranger, was released at the beginning of 2001. I now have more than enough songs for a second CD, but I've not found anywhere to record it since Shipwreck closed down.
Of the 70 or so gigs a year that I play, most are open mic nights, but I do play longer sets occasionally. These have included support sets for John Renbourn and Dick Gaughan at The Witchwood in Ashton-under-Lyne and regular guest spots at the Iguana Bar in Chorlton.
Before my current musical reinvention, my last serious bout of playing music was in California back in 1980, where I took part in a performance workshop and played several gigs during an extended stay.
Earlier than that I had got my introduction to performing in folk clubs around south Manchester, playing songs by the likes of Paul Simon, Ralph McTell and Magna Carta in the days before I started writing my own.
The great thing about performing on the acoustic songwiters scene the way I have been doing over the past few years, has been the chance to meet so many great musicians and songwriters and to be able to count many of them as friends. It's a privilege to be able to perform alongside people with so much musical talent.
I'm also a regular guest presenter on the Stereo Graffiti Radio Show a podcast featuring unsigned musicians. Follow this link to listen to the show.
