b.e_cooling [Acoustic Covers & Originals, Solo Artist]

Blog (12)

Pills are brilliant!

8 Feb 2016Pills are brilliant!

..........OK - that probably needs clarifying

More specifically, the Star Inn in Pill near Bristol was another hoot. To be honest, the clientele were mostly drunk as skunks but they joined in and sang and danced and - quite frankly - made the evening for me. There are other places where I play (not to be mentioned) where the people could DEFINITELY learn a thing or three about how to have a good time (and show some manners - but, as they say, it's all a question of 'breeding'). Too cryptic for you?? Believe me, in this profession it pays to be cryptic sometimes!

I've been getting back into playing new open mics after a bit of a lull. It's always a difficult choice whether to frequent the ones you know (and love) or to get out there and spread a little 'cooling' ..... so - apologies to those organisers who run open mics and wonder why I haven't been around recently. You know I love ya!

It IS a shame that the Shakespeare in Totterdown (Bristol) has seen it's last open mic (run by the magnificent Stevie Yeomans); I suppose there is still hope as the pub sees new management come in. Let's hope they continue with a long-standing tradition of fine music at "The Shakey" as there are some wonderful musicians who play there for nothing other than the enjoyment they get ..... and give. (That said, it would be nice to see more landlords honour the hard work - and, in some cases, travel expenses - that musicians put into performing at open mics by offering AT LEAST half a pint by way of a 'thank you'. I understand that the pub business is not an easy one these days ...... but a little appreciation goes a long way. As for those pubs which DO (like the Three Tuns in Bristol: Graeme Montcrieff, organiser) - GOOD ON YA!

With 2016 now firmly underway it is time to try and rustle up some gigs for the future but - to be honest - I'm really enjoying focussing on some quality practice and adding a new bunch of upbeat and funky tunes to the (cover) set list. And - yes - I do now play a song by ABBA.

Just one.

Wishing everybody hope and success in whatever be your chosen endeavour..... and remember - when you get hot under the collar of life - be cooling.

Cheers!

Brian

NEXT GIGs: The Camelot in South Cadbury (13th Feb); The Kings Head in Coleford (27th Feb); The Horse & Groom in Westbury (28th Feb)

Blogness abounds!

11 Oct 2015Blogness abounds!

Oh - the slow, relentless march of time.

Another month has come and gone with a few journeys on the way (mostly to Salisbury to try to nail down a gig or two).

August ended busily and September started up much the same. The last weekend in August was fairly full on and I really enjoyed playing at Coleford Village's Open Day. Nice to have a fellow (North) American on the controls. Nice one, Will Angelero - excellent sound as always.

Another treat was opening up for the evening's entertainment on "Mark's Day" near Crediton. This was a charitable event organised by Terry Matthews for her Marlin Car enthusiast husband who sadly died from cancer a year ago. There's a video I've posted on Youtube of me singing the Janis Joplin classic "Mercedes Benz" for you to dig out if you're so inclined. Now - just to say - I like these shows with larger audiences so ....... if you know of any then please let me know!

Later in the month saw some great gigs with audiences who appreciate their music and like to join in. The Kings Head in Coleford was great and I've been asked to come back in the new year, so look out for that one. A weekend of Lions closed September with the White Lion in Bourton just HEAVING and the Red Lion in Babcary just SEETHING (because Wales defeated England in the rugby). Despite that, they liked me and I'll be there several times to come over the next three months so I hope you can join me.

And last Sunday, I did a wedding fair .........

Now for those of you who enjoy a joke: How do you titilate and ocelot?

Oscillate its tit a lot.

Now, go back to your toast.

Best wishes,

Brian

By Golly! Is that the time???

20 Aug 2015By Golly! Is that the time???

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, t-.

Well no sooner do I lift my head and realize that six weeks has come and gone since my last entry. For those who don't really care about that and just want to know where I'm playing over the next while, here it goes:

AUGUST

Friday 28th - The White Hart in Bedminster, Bristol (9pm start)

Saturday 29th - Woodstock Social Club, Woodstock (OXON) (9:30pm start)

Sunday 30th - Coleford Village Day in Coleford, Somerset (2:30pm start)

Monday 31st - The Shakespeare in Totterdown, Bristol (an open mic slot sometime between 4pm and 7pm)

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 5th - a private charity function outside Crediton in Devon

Sunday 6th - a private pigeon racing (yes - pigeon racing) event in Pilton in Somerset

Friday 25th - The White Lion in Bourton, Dorset (8:30pm start)

There now ....... that's done.

Anyway, as I was saying, six weeks have passed since Mutt and Jeff's little escapade. Since then I've been to France and Germany where I played a gig in Le Dorat and at a friend's party in Munich.

I whizzed back to Blighty for a very enjoyable show at the Beggars' Banquet Music Cafe in Shaftesbury which was made all the more interesting because it led to my first online music review (which you can read at www.musicunbuttoned.co.uk) Oh yeah - my sister and her husband were over from Canada, too, which was kind of nice given that her strongest memories of me on guitar was going plink-plink-------plunk when I was just starting out as a wee sprog. Imagine her delight when I went plunk-plunk-plink!

I had another 'original' session at La Terre in Glastonbury on the following day and even managed to get people walking IN. I won't say that that is a first ... but it's always a confidence booster. Stay tuned to when I'm there next as it really is a nice little venue.

The Anchor & Hope in Trowbridge was a pleasant surprise as the landlord asked me why I thought he provided live music. I chortled (somewhat later) but it was an enjoyable way to kick off August which also saw me performing in Salisbury for the first time. A wonderful evening at the Wig & Quill and nice to see an audience engage with what is going on. More of that, please!

I played another charity gig - this time at Rodney Stoke for a radiotherapy unit to purchase new equipment. Cancer is always unpleasant and sadly took a friend of mine a few months ago so I'm always happy to do my bit.

Oh yes - I've been struggling with a cold and sore throat for the last month which has been REAL fun.

Still - the show must go on!

Best wishes to you and enjoy what ever you're doing.

Brian

b.e_cooooooling

(darn pigeons)

Mutt and Jeff on Pegasus

5 Jul 2015Mutt and Jeff on Pegasus

Well - the Flying Horse in Taunton was interesting. The gig went according to plan and Tina was very helpful behind the bar........... but then Mutt and Jeff arrived. Now - I don't mind good advice and I appreciate the compliments - but they lose something in translation when they are repeatedly delivered in person to the stage after every song. Well - that might be the alcohol talking - but actually it's more cumbersome than that. Anyway, it all ended up as expected with Mutt falling out of his chair, Jeff pretending to hit him over the head with his own chair then stumbling drunkenly so that he actually DID hit him on the head leading Mutt to get back up on his feet to quickly knock Jeff off of his .... more than once.

Anyway, I enjoy cartoons and, needless to say, Mutt and Jeff stole the show.

Next time - just remember to give it back, eh!

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