Downstairs at the Local, Crouch End
London
16th June 2006.

I have to be honest and admit that I was a bit nervy about playing this gig. After all, I hadn't done a live set for about six months, or even rehearsed for it.

The vunue itself was great - a basement with a nice soundsystem and friendly folk, too. The first act on were really captivating; a couple of guys playing acoustic guitars and assorted percussion and singing great harmonies. My apologies, but I don't recall the name of the band!

Pete Lawrence got on the old wheels of steel to spin a few folky tunes before Eva Abraham took the stage. This was the first time I'd seen Eva since her illness early this year, and she radiated health and vitality; her performance reflected her positivity; she had a full house and everyone was captivated by her music, me included! Nice one love!

Old grumpy bollocks (me) took the stage next feeling somewhat nervous and trying to make myself heard against the general loud chattering that had started after Eva's set. I always find it a bit un-nerving when you can hear people chatting above your performance.

I think in some respects, my performance was indicative of my apathy towards playing my stuff out at the moment. Maybe it's because I know that I haven't been that prolific of late with the new tuneage, but I have to be honest and say that at the end of the day, I'm more of a producer than a live performer - I'm a lot happier sitting in my studio at home tinkering about , rather than trying to look busy on a stage somewhere where people aren't really paying attention to what I'm trying to communicate. I can probably count the number of live appearances I've made that I've genuinly enjoyed on the fingers of one hand!

Anyway, big up to Howard and co. for putting on a great night overall, I look forward to doing more work alongside Howard soon.

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