I’m just back from rehearsal. The long awaited new Deacon Blue road show kicks off this weekend and so I am posting my final blog of this year as I will be somewhere on the M6 or the B458…(not entirely sure where that is) trying to find wifi over the next few weeks and feel, in fairness, enough has been said.
Mr Murdoch has some brilliant treats in store for you over the next few Fridays and if I were at home near a proper wireless I’d certainly be tuning in. Mean time it’s time for me to tell you about our very special guests on this St Andrews weekend. Appropriately it’s two young women from Hampshire who have recorded, amongst many other fine songs one of Scotland’s favourite songs, Dougie McLean’s Caledonia. The band in question are Ward Thomas and not only did they play a show at King Tuts in Glasgow last Sunday but they also came in at the un rock n roll time of 9 o’clock last Monday morning to perform a session and answer some of my questions.
Like so many family bands Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas have a great vocal blend but – and this is an important but – they also have some fine songs and songs which sound fabulous on the radio. As I write this I’m listening to Sir Bob’s show on Radio 2 and by sheer luck the girls have just come on singing, ‘From Where I Stand.’ It’s one of many gorgeous songs on their debut album and if you tune in this weekend you’ll hear the background to that song and many more.
This week we’ll definitely have time for that Ryan Bingham new track, something brand new from another Lewis and Leigh, Teddy Thompson, Charlie Dore and a Christmas bonus session track from our good friends Blue Rose Code.
On Sunday
I will be presenting the last of my Bob Harris shows on radio 2. There will be a great session and conversation with King Creosote (AKA Kenny Anderson) the man behind the remarkable ‘From Scotland With Love’ soundtrack. I’ll also be delving very deep into The Complete Basement tapes with author of ‘Million Dollar Bash,’ Sid Griffin. It all starts on BBC Radio 2 from 3 a.m this Sunday and both these shows are on the iplayer for another month.
Finally I’m looking forward to being out on tour with Zervas and Pepper who are supporting us throughout the UK. So if you’re planning to come along to some of the shows, come early.