unclechristo | Oct. 16th, 2010

Having finished Clookai's album - the label OK'd it this week - thoughts have turned to what to do next. For the first time in ages I;m free of obligations - apart froma corporate video job which came back to me for phase 2 this week.

Some things I;m keen to do more of is aimless playing - just picking up the guitar, just jamming on the piano - actually plugging in my electric guitar and fooling with the effects. It's really hard to value doing this - it feels like one is wasting time - but I;m keen to do more of it. For example - I only play my electric guitar when I need it for a track - but I remember buying that guitar - the fx pedal remains largely unprogrammed.
I realise too that I;m gonna hafta initiate some projects to give me some impetus. Thoughts include
a solo piano improv album
a songs album with cut back instrumentation - eg just piano & guitar
a theremin album
an instrumental minimal album.
a new label for my instrumental music.

So I had a day of thinking - not very efficiently - but I did start to write my first song in over a year. I made a list of songs - many that need lyrics - to record. I had a brainstorming session about label titles, and even a logo. Overall I just need to play more. Play more without a finished product in sight.

Gigs are quieter over Oct & Nov and I;ve had few songs gigs of late so I;ve been ringing round for some from usual suspects - with some success.

I had a jazz duo gig at Gusto in Oakham - a little Italian place with Dave the Sax - hadn't played jazz ina while so it was fun.

Also more house stuff - front windows needed replacing with double glazed frames - they came at 8.30am after a gigging night - not good for my head. Also our new house's lounge floor has woodworm and needs replacing - so thats another week of chaos in store. Then I need a radiator installing in the loft...

I have kindof settled more since returning from the holiday - still a little delicate, but I;m getting there with lots of thinking, reading and Deep Space 9 seems to help. Plus we played pingpong again as another blancing activity. Sleepy now...