Brecon Bad

The climb out of the Severn valley, first thing, was fairly brutal. This was followed by several more ascents as we made our way up through the Forest of Dean and out onto the hills towards Abergavenny…

Heart-in Mouth Moments

The terrain then became more friendly, with beautiful, rolling hills and quiet roads. Some stretches of main road did, however, give us flashbacks to yesterdays heart-in-mouth moments, as drivers thought it OK to speed past on blind corners. But the views were lovely: initially back over the Severn estuary and later out towards the Brecons.

After passing through Monmouth and across its historic bridge, we found ourselves passing Rockfield studios. I had the pleasure, not too long ago, of recording there (on drums) with ‘I Smell Burning’, so called in to see if the engineer, Jack, was around. However, there was nobody in the gift shop and we didn’t want to intrude unannounced into the studio itself.

Quirky, Tumble-Down Rooms

The descent into Abergavenny was dramatic and steep. Having only shortly before refuelled, we pushed on through the town. From here to Brecon, the landscape remained pretty and enjoyable: with (mostly) gently rolling hills and pleasant wooded valleys.

Arriving in the town, our digs appeared to be in a disused antiques shop. However, we were shown by our hosts up some stairs to a quirky, half-finished set of tumble-down rooms, perched on a steep incline behind the old shop building. Above these was an overgrown, terraced garden, which gave amazing views over the rooftops to the hills beyond.

'Brecon Bad' - a Band named Brian's Just Songs tour blog - part 3

For the second night running, our gig had been inexplicably cancelled. This was made all the more galling by the fact that people in the Brecon Tap, where we drowned our frustrations, knew about us. They said, they’d normally direct diners over there, once they’d finished their meals. And we were later joined by a young woman, who’d come especially to see us, then ended up at the pub after finding the venue shut.

'Brecon Bad' - a Band named Brian's Just Songs tour blog - part 3

Her name was Lola and she was quite a character. She was travelling around in a live-in vehicle, finding places to walk, skateboard and attend festivals. We had a lovely chat with her and some of the locals. Together, they reconfirmed our impressions that this is a particularly hospitable and friendly part of the world.

Take a Chance on Something New

So, what is going on? My feeling is that ticketed events are problematic. Venues that see few advanced sales then get twitchy and worry about covering their costs. What they are overlooking, however, is that we also have costs to meet and an income to earn. Not to mention the sheer effort we have spent in getting to their location, as well as the months of planning that have preceded all of this.

And I don’t think these venues are doing themselves any favours either. If they have faith in their own programming, they should ensure everything goes ahead, regardless of attendance. There will inevitably be quiet nights. But it’s important that local people know there’s a regular supply of top-quality entertainment. Then, they will be more inclined to take a chance on something new.

Determined

In any case, after this second night’s disappointment, I was determined not to let it happen again. Although, as previously mentioned, there was a dent to our morale, we knew full-well that what we have to offer is substantial and would be well received.

Just give us a bloody audience!

Beyond The Fringe

Another hit show at Bath Fringe. But – beyond the Fringe – some devastating news…

Well-Received

Rob joined me in Bath for a couple of days’ preparation before our Fringe show at Burdall’s Yard. This was well-attended and well-received, with good audience participation and lovely feedback from the venue. Unfortunately, as we were about to set-off for the get-in, I had a call from The George in Newnham. They reported that, due to poor advance ticket sales, they would be cancelling. The day before!

I was too furious to speak but also my mind was on the Fringe show, which needed some preparation, being a more complex affair than the standard gigs. Months of planning had gone into the tour and to be confronted with this at the eleventh hour was soul destroying. And unacceptable.

Reflecting Awhile

With less time pressure the following morning, we set off a little later than planned. Cycling along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path, I was reminded of the same journey last year, when I received news that my beloved mother-in-law had died. So, we made a stop at the tea room in Bitten to reflect awhile. Some other cyclists, with whom Rob got chatting, scoffed at the fact we were resting after only 9 miles’ ride. F*ck ‘em.

'Beyond The Fringe' a Band named Brian's Just Songs tour blog - part 2

I’ve made the journey through/around North Bristol numerous times and the route this time was like a ‘greatest hits’ of previous trips. We avoided the tedious grind alongside the dual-carriageway bypass, which was a relief. But we did then seem to veer unnecessarily far west before heading up along the coast to the Severn bridge.

Great Views

'Beyond The Fringe' a Band named Brian's Just Songs tour blog - part 2 - great views

The crossing was windy but with great views over the estuary, towards the newer bridge, at high tide. There are some well thought-out cycleways to negotiate all this safely. And, after a stretch of main-road shadowing, our route found some nifty backways around the fringes of Chepstow.

In need of refreshment, we made an ill-advised stop at a well-known chain ‘pub’. Here, bored teenagers processed us. Nonetheless, we valued the shade, liquid and opportunity to sit in relative comfort.

We then had little option but to follow the main road all the way to Newnham. This was not a pleasant experience, mainly due to kamikaze drivers. These maniacs would rather risk full-frontal collision than ease their foot a little off the right-hand pedal (let alone try the middle one). After some lengthy climbs along this busy stretch, we reached our destination, an unassuming terraced cottage on the outskirts of the village.

Convivial, Flowing and Compelling

Once inside, this turned out to be a remarkable, beautiful home, full of musical instruments and family history. Our hosts – Ian and Siobhan – could not have been more hospitable and were as baffled as we were by the cancellation. They offered us tea, a hot shower, dinner, wine and companionship. We did say we’d be prepared to honour our gig commitment for a reduced fee if that would help. But were told by a venue representative that this was ‘not possible’. My arse.

'Beyond The Fringe' a Band named Brian's Just Songs tour blog - part 2 - wonderful hosts

Instead, we offered to play for Ian, Siobhan and friends in their living room. They also invited Annie, my old Rivers of England bandmate, to join us. After a convivial dinner, flowing wine and compelling conversation, all thoughts of performing were forgotten. Which seemed to suit everyone fine. To be honest, our bubble had been somewhat burst.

Generating Local Interest

My mistake – of course – had been to not issue a formal contract. However, this was a longstanding arrangement and to cancel at the last minute was just not on. We’d have been happy to play to a smaller audience. However, we were also aware that there would have been little pressure to book in advance, since we are not known in the area. So, who knows how many may have turned up? And we’ll remain unknown here unless we get to play and generate local interest.

As a footnote, I must mention that the venue organisers later realised this had – indeed – been a mistake.  And they agreed to settle the fee in full. Nonetheless, the impact of the cancellation went beyond financial concerns. It had a detrimental impact on our morale and self-belief.

Logistics & Planning

'Beyond The Fringe' a Band named Brian's Just Songs tour blog - part 2 - planning & logistics

No matter what the level, it takes a certain amount of inner fortitude to stand up and perform in front of strangers. Not to mention all the preparation, not only in terms of writing, rehearsing and finessing the music. There’s also all the logistics, marketing, cajoling, confirming and reconfirming. And the cycle-planning: finding concurrent gigs at appropriate distances, plotting routes, arranging accommodation, training, etc. etc.

Please. Do. Not. Cancel.

Last But Not Least

Sadly, Rob was unable to accompany me on the first part of this year’s tour. So I set off alone to play Shindig’s last but not least great festival…

Relaxed Pace

The ride to Shindig is now familiar but with subtle variations each time. The first part follows the well-ridden path to Glastonbury: climbing steeply out of Bath, then following the old railway line, through the Two Tunnels, to Wellow. From here, there are some nasty sharp climbs but the scenery is beautiful and traffic minimal.

Traveling solo, I could set a relaxed pace and take my time. Paradoxically, that always seems to get me where I’m going more quickly.  Which is appropriate to one of the themes of the tour: that we all need to slow down and do less.

Hills Aplenty

Re-joining the disused railway, the way through Radstock and on to Midsomer-Norton is mostly flat and – again – traffic free. Here, I deviate from my Glastonbury route, heading further West to cross the Mendips. There’s no easy way to scale those hills but this one’s not too bad – even with tent, clothing and guitar on board.

It always feels as though the hard part of the journey is behind you once you leave Glastonbury behind. However, it’s actually only about half way. And there are more hills to cross. Thankfully, this time I avoided the aptly-named High Ham. And though there were hills aplenty, nothing was too much of a struggle.

What Next?

Arriving early evening at the Shindig site, I was directed to the artists’ check-in. This entailed a lengthy walk past the crew camping, to which I then had to return once wrist-banded. Oh well, it was dry and everyone was in good spirits.

The festival was billed as the ‘last ever’ Shindig. We’ll see about that. It seems the venue – which is superb – is going through some changes, so perhaps that has prompted a hiatus while the organisers decide what to do next.

Dance, Drink and…

In any event, it was – once again – joyous. The small size, beautiful location and mix of live music, comedy and DJs make for a great party. Everyone lets go and gets swept along in a colourful feel-good weekend of dance, drink and dr… other stuff.

Apparently, one night there was some unrest over people making too much noise in the crew camp site (?!). I was out for the count and slept through the whole thing. So, as far as I was concerned, all was thoroughly amicable.

Funky Grooves

For two days, the sun shone and everyone languished on the lush grass. Then on Sunday the heavens opened and it rained. And rained. There was even a violent thunderstorm around midday, which caused the power to be temporarily off. It also meant the PA at the Hobo stage, where I was to perform, had to be taken down.

So, my gig was cancelled. Not a terribly auspicious start to the tour. But at least Rob hadn’t made the journey in vain. Having said that, I had enjoyed a great set on Friday, playing drums for The Berry Collective’s funky grooves, spontaneously augmented by the wonderful Marick Baxter on flute. So, all was not lost.

Welcome Rest

The ride home, as ever, was a little more arduous – following four nights with minimal sleep, maximal dancing and a modicum of intoxication. I was treated to a restful and very welcome lunch, half way, at my brother’s new home in West Pennard. Before once again tackling the dreaded Mendips.

This time, there was some rain. Which was heavy at times. But with a warm bath and hearty dinner waiting at home that wasn’t much of an inconvenience.

Onwards & Upwards

It was nice to think I’d played the first and last Shindig festivals (the first on drums with Plucky Purcell and percussion with Thompson’s Lovechild) but perhaps a little disappointing not to have performed as a Band named Brian. Now I was ready to greet Rob and prepare for our Fringe appearance and the rest of the tour.

Onwards and – quite literally – upwards!

Happy Ending

Happy Ending - a Band named Brian's 'Just Songs' tour blog

We’ve done it! – cycled from Bath across Wales to the Pembrokeshire coast and back, gigging as we went. Now there’s just one official date left to play…

Another Cracking Independent Boozer    

The final official date of our ‘Just Songs’ tour is this Sunday – June 16th – at The Grapes in Bath and we’re looking forward to a happy ending! This is another cracking independent boozer. Which – rather than relying on churning out fancy food – serves the local community with decent beer, good vibes and great locally-sourced music.

Last year, we had a great response at The Grapes and hope you’ll come and join us there this time. It’s a regular spot for live music on Sunday afternoon from 4-6pm. And it dovetails rather nicely with live music at another legendary music pub The Bell, which will be hosting our friends Hodmadoddery from 1-3pm that same day. So why not make an afternoon of it?

Not Yet Heard Us?

Well, that’s understandable: we’re not bloody Coldplay are we? But fear not – if you want to have a taster before you come along, you can download our new EP. This is being made available on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis. So, if you’re feeling flush, you can pay as much as you like! Get the download now by clicking below:

Read All About It

I’ll shortly be writing up the diary from our cycling adventures. I don’t tend to post about things as I’m doing them, as I’d rather be experiencing what I’m doing than shouting about it. But, in all honesty, it makes no difference. Most people assume we’re on tour all over again – or that we’re still on tour. Because they don’t actually pay attention to what they’re reading.

But I know you’re not like that. So, I trust you can wait and give it your full attention when it’s all published. And I’d love to hear from you when you do.

In The Meantime

In the meantime, if you’d like to know more about us, our tour and other shows from Think of a Song Productions (yes – it’s basically me with a fancy title), then please feel free to peruse the other blog posts listed here. Or take a look through the various pages that describe the shows and the people behind them.

Believe it or not, a lot of work goes into all of this. And it takes enormous commitment, not only from me (Brian) and my fellow performers. There are a whole host of other people providing support, encouragement, counselling, therapy and more besides. I won’t embarrass you here but you know who you are and that I’m eternally grateful.

Back To Bath

In a nutshell, the ‘Just Songs’ tour has taken a Band named Brian to: Shindig festival; back to Bath for a special Fringe show; across Wales, playing various venues; to the Pembrokeshire coast; and back again to Bath. The fantastic fiddler, bassist and vocalist Rob Whale has accompanied me for most of this journey. He’ll sign off from the tour at The Grapes, so do come and catch him while you can .

Free Entry

Entry to The Grapes is free. All you need do is drink plenty of ale to make it worth their while. And we know we can count on you for that! So, come along, spread the word, bring a crowd and have a drink.

I don’t think that’s too onerous, do you? See you there!

The Grapes – Google Maps

Supporting Independent Venues

With just a day to go until our Bath Fringe show – followed by some epic cycling to small, independent venues around Wales – I’d like today to make a plea from the heart.

Seriously In Danger      

Your small, independent music and arts venues need you. In a nutshell, we need to use them or we will lose them. These places, often run by volunteers, work tirelessly to bring you original, non-mainstream music, theatre, dance and other artforms. And they are all seriously in danger right now.

But don’t just support them because you feel sorry for them or like the idea of them. Support them because what they have to offer is really good. OK, sometimes you may go to something that doesn’t quite work for you. But without taking that risk, you won’t find the stuff that does light you up. And the venues won’t be able to take a chance on lesser-known and/or experimental art.

Try Stuff Out

That means those artists won’t have anywhere in which to present their work. So, they won’t survive either. Which will just leave us with ‘art’ that is driven by commercial imperatives and bland certainty.

So, please, do the right thing. Get out there and try stuff out. It will probably cost you less than a round of drinks. And it may well be the thing you enthuse about over your next several rounds.

Why You Should Book Ahead

Obviously, I have a vested interest. I’m a small-scale, lesser-known artist who is relying on such venues for somewhere to find an audience. But I can report with certainty that when I do, they are pleased I did (see previous post).

And if I’m prepared to cycle 554 to reach these venues, I’d hope you’ll be prepared to walk ten minutes down the road to your local one. Rob and I have been putting the finishing touches to our sets and are very excited to share these with you. But what the venues need is assurance we’ll get a decent audience.

Save Your Venue & Get a Free Download

Why does that matter? It matters because those venues have costs to cover (as do we) and need to know they will be met. By booking tickets online before the shows, you send a signal to those venues that they are going to have a successful event. It may not seem like a big deal to you but it makes a huge difference to them.

Which is why we are offering a free EP download to anyone who books ahead for any of our tour dates. We’re working with the venues to facilitate this but you can also claim yours direct by emailing your booking confirmation to info@madmusik.co.uk.

Commitment to Support

So, please, get online, get booking and make a commitment to support your local venue. I know what it’s like: it’s all too easy to say “I won’t book now – I’ll decide on the night”. Then – come the night – you get home from work and think “naah – I’ll chill out in front of [insert favourite streaming provider here]”.

By booking ahead, you make a commitment to support live music and an independent venue. If you don’t, the next time you think to yourself “I wonder what’s on at ‘x’?”, you may just find that ‘x’ is now a betting shop. And I think we can agree we have more than enough of those already.

See You There

So, we’re looking forward to receiving your email, sending you your EP, then rewarding your efforts with a joyous gig. It really won’t be complete without you.

See you there!

May 23-26Shindig Festival – TicketsIlminster
May 30Burdall’s Yard – TicketsBath
May 31The George Arts Centre – TicketsNewnham on Severn
June 01The Muse – TicketsBrecon
June 02The Whitehall – FREELlandovery
June 04Cwrw – TicketsCarmarthen
June 07Trehale Farm (Gig for Gaza) – TicketsPemrokeshire
June 08The Cellar – TicketsCardigan
June 09Community Centre – TicketsLlangadog
June 10Melville Centre for the Arts – TicketsAbergavenny
June 16The Grapes – FREEBath

500 Miles

a Band named Brian 'Just Songs' tour blog post: 500 Miles

Comparisons have been made in the past between ‘a Band named Brian’ and The Proclaimers (they of 500 Miles). I don’t mind that…

Power, Passion & Energy

Whilst some may see them as something of a novelty act, those of us that actually listened to the Proclaimers’ albums and saw them live in their heyday will know this was a duo of rare power, passion and energy.

Aside from any musical or temperamental similarities, we also have in common the lengths we’ll go to for a good cause. In fact, I can say that this summer we’ll be going that little bit further. Whereas the Reid brothers promised to walk 500 miles, Rob and I will be cycling a little over 550 miles to come to a venue near you (if you happen to be in the vicinity one of our tour venues).

Come and Join Us

I’ve just finished mapping the route and it clocks in at 554 miles. Inevitably, we’ll end up doing a little more than that, what with missed turnings, GPS failure, map-reading errors and necessary detours to refuelling points. So, if you are near one of our gigging stops, we trust you’ll reward our efforts by turning out to see us.

And, whilst I’m not going to ram this down your throats, there is a serious point to our efforts. We want to demonstrate what is possible without burning unnecessary fossil fuel. Plus, we want you to know how much fun can be had in so doing. In fact, if you do happen to reside somewhere along our route, why not come and join us for some of the ride?

A full list of venues can be found here and I can send the relevant part of our tour map (and GPX files if you use them/know what they are!), should you wish to join on the ride.

Had a Blast

By the time you read this, all being well, we’ll already have been to Shindig and back: so that’s 108 miles notched off already! Just another 446 to go. Plus 10 more shows. It will no doubt be a challenge but certainly also rewarding.

We had a blast last year and have put together a little video featuring some footage and stills from that. You can see that– accompanied by the new tour/EP title track ‘Just Songs’ –here. The EP will be available at gigs and to anyone who books advance tickets, which you can do via the venues (or below – for the special Bath Fringe show).

Lo-Tech

One of the things I espouse – both in my shows and in life in general – is appropriate use of technology. I hear some of you tittering at the back but hear me out on this. Whereas, I do not own a smartphone, I do run web sites for specific purposes and use social media to let you know what I’m up to. I also – like most contemporary musicians – compose, record and produce music on a PC.

However, when I’m away, I like to be away. I want to immerse myself in what is happening, rather than break the moment in order to broadcast this to the wider world. So, you may find there’s little communication form me whilst I’m on the tour.

Read All About It

But, I will be keeping a diary and noting highlights and the end of each day. Which I also did last year. If you’re interested, you can read last year’s journal in episodes beginning here.

Curtailed… But We’re Back!

Sadly, last year’s tour had to be curtailed, due to a bereavement. This meant we had to drop a number of gigs. Among them were the award-winning Cwrw in Carmarthen and the fabulous boozer The Whitehouse in Llandovery.

I’m very happy to say, we will be visiting both on this year’s tour and hoping for a really good turnout in each. So, again, if you happen to be in the vicinity, do come along. And bring a friend. Or several. And a bike!

Joy & Freedom

You may not want to cycle all 554 miles with us. But do feel free to get in touch if you would like to come and say hi and perhaps put in a few miles yourself. If it’s something you already do regularly, you’ll know the joy and freedom of setting off on two wheels. And if you don’t, you might just find this is for you.

In any case, do come to one of the shows, we guarantee it’ll be a fun ride!

Bath Fringe Tickets

Book now

Tour Dates

(Not) Blowing My Own Trumpet

Blowing My Own Trumpet - 'Just Songs' blog from Think of a Song Productions

Whilst I’m not averse to banging drums, strumming guitars, bashing keys or tooting a flute; believe it or not, I don’t enjoy blowing my own trumpet. So, it’s fortunate I have others to do that for me…

Keen to Share

What I really love is: writing songs, composing music, improvising with other musicians, collaborating with artists in different mediums and developing ideas for challenging new shows. What I don’t particularly relish – and this may come as a surprise – is having to shout about it all.

Yet, shout I must. Otherwise, you won’t know I’ve done any of the other stuff and it will remain my own little secret. And I really am keen to share what I’ve created with you. Especially since others seem to have enjoyed it so much.

Take a Look

I was recently asked to create a press release. This was sent out to local media outlets, who – with one notable exception (thank you VisitBath) – largely ignored it.  But the exercise wasn’t a waste of time. It made me go back and look up all the nice things people have said about my past shows.

Here’s a selection for you:

Think of a Song

“Refreshingly original… this is real theatre”

“Another level… really brave work”

“An exhilarating change”

Clever and thought provoking”

“Truly fabulous. Very moving”

“A very engaging show”

Think of a Sequel

“The most fun I’ve had at anything in a long time”

“I was genuinely blown away by every aspect of your show””

“An amazing human being… an artist in every sense of the word “

“Utterly bonkers in a very sweet and endearing way “

“I was in awe of the whole-hearted way you showed up, bared all and gave us all of you”

“Gobsmacked! Absolutely gobsmacked!!! What an inspiring evening”

Think of a Conclusion

“A brilliant show! It was so well structured, paced, honest, amusing, charming and emotional”

“So touching and powerful to celebrate the cyclical nature of life and death”

“A bloody triumph. Hugely impressive. Incredible achievement”

“Great show. And the uplifting end better than any counselling!”

“A great deal in which to rejoice”

“Loved it! very heartfelt moving show absolutely brilliant!”

Bike To the Future

“The sustainability theme is so good, and important…you deliver it with a really great energy!”

“Thought provoking… really enjoyed it”

“What a great night… got me well and truly out of my comfort zone”

“Loved your tunes and the chat – just enough”

“Good to have a little boogie on a Wednesday evening”

2020 Vision

“Full of integrity and aliveness”

“Pure fun and inspiration, and full of positive energies!”

“I have the 2020 list of questions pinned up in the kitchen. Food for thought!”

“I’d never been to anything like it before”

“I’m glad we chose to sit in the middle. What a mix of emotions”

“I felt curious, uncomfortable, lost in admiration for the performers”

Have Your Say

So what will you have to say about Just Songs? Well, nothing if you don’t come. So, I really hope you will. After all, this show is all about everyone having a voice. And I’d really like to hear yours.

Bath Fringe Tickets

Book now

Tour Dates

Just Cause

On this year’s tour, we’ll once again be visiting the unique and wonderful Trehale Farm (June 7th). There’s been a slight change of plan… still Just Songs – but for a just cause.

Listen to One Another

It’s funny how things turn out. This year, I decided to name our Band named Brian song/cycle tour ‘Just Songs’. I explained the thinking behind this in an earlier post. But the essence is: everyone has a voice and it’s important we all listen to one another.

So, how appropriate that the organiser of one of our favourite tour venues – Trehale Farm – called to say there’s been a change of plan. ‘Ooh – er…’ I thought. But there was no cause for concern. What he proposed was we turn our evening there into an awareness/fund-raising event for the people of Palestine – ‘Gig for Gaza’.

Strong Opinions

Now, before you get excited about antisemitism – or make any hasty judgements, this is not a political event. Rather, it’s about helping people in immediate, dire need. Who is and isn’t at fault is irrelevant. What matters is that other humans, who are suffering right now, get essential food, shelter and medical aid. And we’d hope nobody can object to that.

If you do have strong opinions on this – or any other topics our songs raise – we’d love to hear them. But after you’ve listened. We will then extend the curtesy of listening to you. That’s how it works. And that’s how we can all move forward together.

An Honour to Share

Somebody who will certainly be making their voice heard at Trehale Farm is Undercover Hippy. It so happens that my first ‘Bike to The Future’ gig, which kick-started the whole cycle-touring malarky, was at Shindig Festival two years ago. Undercover Hippy was on the bill there and blew me away. So, it’s a real honour to be sharing the stage with them at Trehale.

So, if you’re in the area (Trehale Farm is in Mathry, Pembrokeshire) or near any of our other tour venues. Come along and make your voice heard. And if you’re in or near Bath, there’s a special Fringe show on May 30th at Burdall’s Yard. At which, you will be able to have your say within the show itself. What do I mean by that? Come along and find out!

Open & Honest

Wherever you are, please do take the time to share your thoughts. And please listen to one another’s points of view. You may not always agree. You may find some of what others have to say distasteful. But it’s important we have open and honest dialogue. Otherwise, distrust, misunderstanding and conflict will prevail. Which none of us wants.

We all have stories to tell. We each have songs to sing. And to each of us, these aren’t just songs, they are JUST songs.

See You Soon!

We look forward to seeing you at one of our shows very soon…

Tour Dates

Bath Fringe Tickets

Book now

A Rob Whale of a Time Making Music

A Rob Whale of a time making Music - Think of a Song Productions blog for 'Just Songs'

I know I’ve bigged him up within these pages before but I’d like to once again pay tribute to my partner in music Rob Whale.

Rob has a rare combination of talents, without which it would be hard to imagine the Band named Brian cycle tours and related Fringe shows going ahead.

Committed Cyclist

First and foremost, he’s a top bloke. Anyone who’s done touring of any kind will know that compatibility is key to a harmonious and successful journey. And – in our particular case – having such a reliably committed cyclist on board is a real bonus.

Rob lives in the Peak District, near Huddersfield. There he subjects himself to some truly gut-wrenching hill climbs on a regular basis. Some of you may remember the Tour-de-France coming to the UK in 2014 – starting in Leeds, then making its way across the Peaks. Probably the most notable climb of that stage of the race was Holme Moss. This is on Rob’s doorstep – and he just can’t help himself from cycling up there. I’ve ridden over it myself and can report that there’s really no need. But each to their own.

Manic Energy

That aside – and arguably more important where you’re concerned – Rob is a talented creative musician. We met as music students in London, way back in the late 80s. There, I played drums for his funk/soul combo ‘Rob Whale & The Marleys’, which has to be one of the finest band names I’ve yet to encounter.

Rob wrote many of the songs and created blistering arrangements for vocals, rhythm section and horns. Among the Marleys ranks were the (then) young jazz-virtuoso Jason Yarde; Charlie Round-Turner (later Midge Ure’s keyboard player) and fledgling Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra regular Lisa Walsingham. But the driving force was always Rob and his manic stage energy.

Music Teacher of The Year 1999

Rob later turned his talents (and manic energy) to education. And, as head of music at a school near Sheffield, won the inaugural Classic FM / Times Education Supplement Music Teacher of The Year Award in 1999. He continued that work until recently but can now more often be found on a windy moor, volunteering for the National Trust, or leading music workshops for people with autism. He’s also a luminary of the Sheffield folk group Jake’s Rake.

The Point of Collaborating

So, I’ve been honoured and privileged to be able to harness Rob’s many qualities for a Band named Brian. It’s a wonder to – from a distance – be able to contact him and say “I’ve got a new song – do you think you can do something with it?”. Invariably, I’ll get a demo recording within a few days, complete with bass, violin and backing vocals. And often this will take the song in a whole new and unexpected direction. Which is – after all – the whole point of collaborating.

When it comes to preparing for the tours and shows, once we get together in the same room, things fall quickly into place. And there’s no mistaking that, where Rob and I are concerned, the whole is greater than the sum of the two parts (or was it the hypotenuse?!).

At a Venue Near You

So, cheers Rob and thanks for all the music. Do come along and say hi to him (and me) at one of our shows: we’d love to meet you. We look forward to entertaining you once again, very soon, at a venue near you .


On Tour

Just Songs will be presented as a one-off Bath Fringe show on May 30th at Burdall’s Yard, Bath and on tour from May 23rd to June 16th. (See Just Songs page for tour listing)

Bath Fringe Tickets

Book now

Just Songs at Burdall’s Yard, Bath event tickets from TicketSource

Why ‘Just Songs’?

Why 'Just Songs'? - Think of a Song Productions blog April 2024

When we dress things up, it can sometimes hide their inner truth. So let’s tell our stories as they are. These aren’t just songs: they are Just songs…

Exposed For All To Hear

For a long time, I’ve been meaning to record a collection of songs that are paired-down and unadorned. This would be just the songs, with no dressing: the words, melodies and structures would be exposed for all to hear. So, they would succeed or fail on their own merits, rather than relying on bells and whistles to bolster them.

In the past, I’ve used pianos, synths, loops and beats in an attempt to create something ‘produced’ and polished when recording my songs. However, in trying to disguise perceived failings in my guitar playing and vocal performance, I’ve removed the human blemishes that provide both character and truth. Not only that but the more refined something is, the more those little iniquities stand out and seem misplaced.

All About The Stories

Performing live, I relish the in-the-moment-ness of everything and find that little mishaps tend to relax both myself and my audience (they’re bound to happen, sooner or later!). So why not embrace that and get back to the DIY punk ethic with which it all started ? After all, the songwriters I most admire deliver their own stories with untrained and unrestrained voices (Billy Bragg, Johnny Cash, Tom Robinson, Leonard Cohen, Jon Otway spring readily to mind).

And – for me – it is all about the stories. About delivering those in as truthful and honest a way as possible. So, whilst these may be ‘just’ songs, in that they are un-accessorized, they are also ‘just’ in the sense of being right and true in my eyes. And – hopefully – that truth resonates with the audience.

Work and Play Together

Talking of whom, everyone has a story to tell: a song to sing. And, for each of us, this is our own, personal truth. Whilst we may not always agree with one another, it’s important we do listen and try to understand. Otherwise, hurt, mistrust and conflict prevail.

Right now, this is more important than ever. Facing the challenges we do, we need to feel understood and supported. Let’s share our stories, our songs, our thoughts and our ideas. Let’s really listen to one another. And let’s try to get along.

Just Songs

We all need to be open to one another’s stories and appreciate that, for each of us, our songs aren’t just songs: they are Just songs!

On Tour

Just Songs will be presented as a one-off Bath Fringe show on May 30th at Burdall’s Yard, Bath and on tour from May 23rd to June 16th. (See Just Songs page for tour listing)

Bath Fringe Tickets

Book now

Just Songs at Burdall’s Yard, Bath event tickets from TicketSource