General News

Feb 2025 News Update

This month’s news is understandably a tad quiet as the year has only really just begun. And sadly, it has started with the passing of a dear friend.

It was with deep sadness that I received an email from my dear friend and fellow musician Raymond Burley telling me of the tragic news that his beloved wife Sian had passed away.

I know only too well how it feels to lose a loved one and life companion. Sian was a beautiful soul inside and out without a bad bone in her body. Taken from us at such a young age is dreadful. She leaves this world a poorer place.

I could write oh so many words about this lovely woman but suffice to say I hold many dear memories of her and times spent in her and Ray's company making records and doing concerts and of course as a foursome with Hilary and me. My abiding memory will be of Ray and Sian's wedding day and me playing Isabella's Wedding at the reception meal.

May her spirit be in that better place in the company of angels because she was indeed one of them. My heart goes out to Ray at this time and the very tough road of deep grief that lies ahead of him in the days to come. She will be missed by many.

Rest in peace lovely. XX

RIP Johnny Walker

I was so sad to hear of the passing of the great broadcaster and presenter Johnny Walker. I was so privileged to be placed at number 307 on Johnny Walker's Juke Box with HEARTSONG. A huge thankyou to my friend Fran Lawson for bringing the track to Johnny's attention.

Rest in Peace dear Johnny.

Julia Fordham News

The fires in California have been devastating as we all know, and my dear friend Julia Fordham lives there but fortunately the fires just missed where she lives and in an email to me, she assured me that all was well. Thank God for that news but truly sad for the thousands whose homes were destroyed from the rich and famous and beyond.

Copies of Earth Mate with our track 'Chair on the Porch' are now available on Julia's website

Recording with Nick Hooper

On a positive note...Monday January 20th found me with one of the finest guitarists/ film composers and close friend Nick Hooper in the Cotswolds at the legendary Woodworm studios in Barford Saint Michael, armed with our trusty Fylde guitars to record our first ever album together!

The studio was established many years ago by Dave Pegg of Fairport Convention and although now privately owned is still the main home for their recordings and rehearsal space for their major tours and preparation for the legendary Cropredy annual festival.

Stuart Jones is now the current owner and is a superb sound engineer and thoroughly nice chap. I'm delighted to report that the sessions went superbly well and the album is all but completed.

Pics above (L) Nick and Stuart (R) Me and Stuart

More information will be in future newsletters.

2 Parts Guitar Tour with John Etheridge

Dates for the October tour with John Etheridge are almost confirmed and will gradually appear on the website so keep a sharp eye for those. The first ones are already taking bookings. info HERE.