Just a quick one from an internet cafe in Glasgow. All is going well at Celtic Connections. My support gig for Richie Havens was amazing. The ABC was nearly packed full with about 1000 folk and the set was well received. I played with Sandy Butler and Alan Thomson, John Martyn's bass player. I met Richie afterwards and we had a long chat about music and politics.
I have heard and met so many of the singers and musicians that I love over the last week that it feels a bit unreal. I am very privileged to be based at what seems like the epicentre of the folk world! I've had nice conversations with Maura O'Connell, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Tom Paxton and many more.
Last night my good friend Roy Bailey was in town for the Songs Of Conscience gig. He was his usual wonderful self and stayed up til 2am to do a slot at the festival club. I have done a couple slots there now and each time the audiences have been great.
For the last couple days US singer-songwriter Jim Page has been with me. I helped organize an excellent gig for him, David Rovics and Attila The Stockbroker back in Edinburgh last Saturday night.
Tonight I'm off to hear Kate Rusby. I'll be meeting with my producer Brian Young on Friday to discuss the album and how to take what we've recorded over the last couple weeks forward. Karine Polwart has agreed to sing harmony vocals, so it's all very exciting!!!
For more details about what I'm up to in Glasgow you can read my frequent blog at www.celticconnections.com.