Singing at Zizzi Restaurant

Lemon Golf Club was the name we decided on as a temporary title for our little jazz band, though there were many other possibilities. We were offered our first gig at Zizzi Restaurant and with the three of us all super busy rushed to confirm these minor details.

As I have mentioned in previous blog posts the newest branch of the Zizzi Restaurant empire at St Giles is striving to become known, not just for its delectable pizzas, but also as a happening jazz venue. Every Thursday host Becki Biggins introduces a young artist or artists, who then perform as the restaurant fills up - light entertainment for the diners, great experience for young musicians. It is a brilliant idea, and one that is already gathering momentum - when we played there last week, every table in the expansive room was full.

My band, Mark Ellen, John Butler and I prepared a set of five songs for the Zizzi crowd. A mixture of old blues and jazz classics like ‘Is you is or is you ain’t my baby?’ and 'Ain’t Misbehavin’'. We sat in our usual trio formation with a group of loyal family and friends surrounding us as we played; there was a lovely atmosphere and it felt wonderful to be sharing our music with others. I found it a little daunting using an unfamiliar microphone, I’m so used to belting out without any amplification. The compliments afterwards assured me that the microphone had improved my performance despite my niggling worries; hopefully next time it will feel a little more natural. The talented guitarists on either side of me put on a great show, both showing real flair in their solos, unique improvisations I am still in awe of.

Afterwards we were treated to a hearty meal and some much needed wine. If music be the food of love, sing on, and this we did. Here’s to the next Lemon Golf Club gig... bring it on!

Some singing and The Word magazine

It is awful that it has taken me until now to put something on this blog about my singing. Even now my lack of IT skills are preventing me from actually managing to put the tracks straight on here - so if anyone knows how, please share the knowledge!

A few weeks ago, at a delightful summer BBQ, I recorded a few songs with my irrepressible friend, Mark Ellen. It was a lovely sunny day and as we sat drinking Corona in the garden, it seemed like the perfect idea to sing through a few light jazz numbers.

Listen to our tracks, Summertime and Dream a Little Dream here. An exciting collaboration and hopefully the start of many exciting songs to come, so watch this space.

I thought I'd take this opportunity also to introduce you to The Word magazine. As a musician and music lover I was embarrassed that I didn't know more about this exciting and informative magazine. It covers the best of the current music scene as well as looking back and exploring some of the greats. The articles are about REAL music rather than obsessing about the celebrity aspect of the business as many music mags do. Often they include a free CD too, with a carefully selected playlist.