John Lennon, Imagine & Tittenhurst Park

Its great when you write up one of your personal reviews. Their so personal & inspiring. I always look forward to reading them when I have a quite moment at work or home. A few years back I went through a stage of needing to immerse myself in all of John`s work, but not now. When I worked at Titttenhurst I would enjoy indulging my passion for John & The Beatles by chatting with the staff & wandering the grounds & rooms of the old place, learning whatever I could, but that was then. These days I only really listen to John`s choice 70`s output, such as your album & Mind Games. Personally I think John should have done much more than he did. Perhaps his state of mind & insecurities blocked him ? Either way, we`ll never know, but I`m pleased John recorded this album for us. 

Nathan Higgins - A Star That Keeps Shining

Every year, on this day, I always get to thinking about my late, little Brother, Nathan, a tad more than usual. For, had he stuck around, today would have been his birthday. And on some level it still is.

The day always makes me ponder where Nathan`s star would be shining right now. Where would he be & who would he be doing it with ? So many questions, so many thoughts, so much love. 

Today is important for many reasons, but mainly because, at last, I now get to laugh, share & remember Nazy for who he really was...One helluva guy !! 

Gone too soon, the little dude`s still inspiring me.....

LIGHT AFTER DARKNESS; GETTING THROUGH BEREAVEMENT

 Thank you for accepting me into your group. When I first came across it I wasn`t sure what it was really about, but I knew that I wanted to drop by & say hello.

 After reading one or two of the posts I began to gauge an understanding that the group is about love &, perhaps, a place where one can come to & try to understand what a twin flame is. Maybe a twin flame is a Soulmate ? I`m not sure, but its nice thinking about who a Soulmate could be. Lots of people talk about love & meeting `that`person. Sometimes they talk about them so much they drive themselves mad. That other person become elusive, even untouchable. Perhaps this isn`t love, but dependence ? Perhaps `that` person never existed anyway ?

Some years ago I lost my Brother. He was knocked down by a hit & run driver & he died. This changed my life profoundly & I learnt much about myself during this process of bereavement. Music became a close friend, as did literature & art. Many times, during the long search for light, I longed for someone to come & hold me, I dreamed about this happening, about them. I played my drums in the hope they would hear me then appear. I meditated on them, but nobody came.

 And, all these years later, twelve to be exact, somebody has yet to arrive in my life. However during all this upheaval I have learnt one simple, yet, incredibly important thing; I know that my aloneness is with me because I have been growing & maturing all this time, whilst trying to understand & come to terms with my loss. And in my mind, I have now come to know what is best for me. So, whilst I am constantly growing & changing there has been no room for another during this bonanza of change & transformation. I have not wanted another to be a part of this, at times, terrifying, process of recovery.

 Perhaps, the reason that I have been accepted here, into your group, & am now able to honestly share my inner feelings & thoughts with you, is because I have grown ? Maybe now it is time for me to feel the sun on my face again ? Maybe now is the the time for friends to come back, to return to me & laugh again ? Perhaps now my heart has opened up again & being brave is important ? Who knows, but I certainly feel good about things now & I am grateful that you took the time to read this

 Peace, Joy & Good Health In Life,

 Matt Higgins

My Christmas Message

 If Christmas is the season to be grateful, then boy am I grateful !

 I`m grateful for the help I`ve received from friends & colleagues, old & new. I`m grateful for the support & encouragement they`ve offered me. I`m grateful for the laughs & the ribbing. And, I`m grateful for their kindness & warmth towards me. For, these friends of mine have inspired me to keep going, to keep at it, to make it work &, for anyone, that`s priceless.

 Happy Christmas to each & everyone of you...You know who you are !!

The Rolling Stones ~ Lonesome & Blue, 2016 ~ A Review

Its an album that`s been in the making for years. In my opinion, we have had had glimpses of it on b -sides & odd album tracks over the years, but nothing like this. The Stones are clearly enjoying themselves playing the Blues. Its fairly obvious this album has only really happened due to a recent upsurge in the popularity modern Blues is enjoying. There`s not a Jagger/ Richards penned track included, which is odd, & a little disappointing, but Eric Clapton guests on the finale, making the album sound even better. On a lasting note, I think the album is exciting, well recorded & produced. But, most importantly It highlights just how good The Stones really are, fundamentally, as a band. Like everyone else here, I really hope they gig this album soon !!!

Little Geno - The band The Never Was

A while back, some time last summer, a band came into existence that many people within the industry thought had great potential. This is a similar story the world over, but what made this a different story was that all three members really never wanted to make a difference to anyone, but just enjoy playing.

 All three members, Matt, Paul & Dave hailed from London, North & South, decided one afternoon to go into the studios to mess around & see what, if anything, could be achieved. The guys were seasoned musicians with interesting musical histories within the film & music industry behind them.

 Matt, the drummer, decided to take the initiative & record one of the better tracks of the afternoon session.

 Sit Tight was the track & once it was uploaded onto Youtube it created quite a stir with other musicians. Little Geno were invited & asked to take part in a few other projects, festivals & the like, even being asked to support other established bands.

 But, sadly, after just one session, & with plenty of good opportunities in their midst, Little Geno, called it a day & disbanded.

 So, here is that video of the band that never was....

 https://youtu.be/cHdTpq23W90

Great Jam Sessions Jimi Hendrix All Along The Watchtower London Scene Dove Jones House Blues

Feeling as though there really is something to bestow within the London Jam scene.

For example, here is a clip of a jam that I chanced upon a few weeks back in the West End, mid week, on a Tuesday night.

 Have a listen & I`ll get on the case with posting up somemore.

 Jimi Hendrix - All Along The Watchtower / The Dove Jones House Blues Band


https://youtu.be/akcYz5BQxyA