On The Road Again? Sounds Good!
Last night I had the pleasure once again to spend 90 minutes in the virtual company of the good people at Sounds Good. The best way it can be described is ‘madcap fun with great music’, and to those of a certain age ‘like a 21st Century Tiswas’. It’s like a cross between the sharp wit of a bunch of mates in a bar and a folk club, with guest artists delivering two or three songs every Thursday from 7pm.
I’ve been lucky enough to have played a few songs for Sounds Good on a few occasions now, and for me it has been an especially important outlet during the last couple of pandemic years. That hints at the purpose of the project, which is to lift people, to give everyone an outlet for their creations at whatever level. Everyone is appreciated and loved, supported and made to feel part of this very special community.
Sounds Good is run by the good people of https://www.rtprojects.org.uk/ in Durham, UK. The goal of RT Projects is “to help people who are enduring poor mental health to live a full life”. It’s a safe place to go, non-judgemental and welcoming. For some it has played a vital part in turning around their lives.
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Last night’s special guest was my good friend Matt Steady, who played two songs from his new solo, live, acoustic album “Closer” to be released on 6th May, plus one of my old favourites where the rhythm catches me out every time. Matt is a consummate performer, and delivered of his best, distracted not one bit from the disclosure (by me) that he is also a former World Champion Stick Fighter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCUUBcItitk
Sounds Good is by invitation only, but don’t let that worry you. Just ask and an invitation will be forthcoming, and wherever you are in the world you will be joining a community that cares, respects, and has fun. One of the things that the restrictions of the last couple of years has taught me is that there is always another way. My live performing was curtailed both because it wasn’t allowed and because I contracted long Covid for 18 months, so online outlets became very important in keeping my hand in.
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Musicians have learned that online has become an essential element in promoting their work and taking it to a new global audience. Although true live is returning, online makes it possible for those who can’t physically make a true live gig, whether through distance or illness, to still be able to enjoy the experience.
And yes, true live is returning to our lives albeit with tentative steps. I have a busy year ahead, with important birthdays and weddings delaying any thought of playing live until later in the year. Matt and I will be part of band playing covers at my son Duncan’s wedding in October, with Duncan taking the lead. After that, I will be looking to play live to an audience and live on radio shows…just saying!
It is with some pleasure that I can reveal that Matt and I will resume our live collaboration for Jane and Brian Clayton on West Norfolk Radio on Sunday 4th December. Each of us will play a solo set, followed by both of us returning to some old favourites to close off the evening.
Berwick to Norfolk via Leicester is quite a trek, so I will be looking for other opportunities in the South East around that date. Please message me if you have an opening for a minimum 45 minute set.
Peace
John