Like many people before
me I fell into writing songs by accident. It began with a love of
guitar and was further supported by a love of poetry. One of my early
songs Acoustic (I love it) talks
directly about my love of guitar. Another early track Autumn
combines my love of poetry, especially Keats, with my love of guitar
playing. The idea of combining great enthusiasm for guitar music with
great enthusiasm for poetic language is the idea that has defined my
songs ever since.
Once
I had put a few songs together it was time to find some people who
would like to hear me play. I saw a poster in the window of a new
venue in Camden Town called The Green Note.
There I met Steve and Siobhan who ran the show with energy,
enthusiasm and expertise. Caring, empathetic and well organised; the
dynamic duo were there to ensure that things were organised and
spirits were kept high.
There
were fantastic regulars – Alan, Jerry and Jake – each with an
individual style and appeal that enticed listeners to keep coming
back. Alan always played the same plodding thumb tunes on the guitar
and wrote a new song every week. Jerry would strangely dance his way
through his own unique brand of country rock n, roll wearing Steven
Tyler's old wardrobe. Jake would play Richard Thompson songs better
than Thompson could play them himself and occasionally jam with
others on guitar or fiddle. David had the folk guitar and Greg had the raspy voice.
What
can be learnt from these regular musicians - each of different
background, each of varying experience and musical knowledge - is
simple and beautiful. The thing to be learnt is that when people get
in a room once a week and speak the same language something magical
happens. Laughter, tears, human beings being wonderful human beings.
The language is music and the weekly room is the room advertised by
the poster saying OPEN MIC.
Here's a picture of me playing at the Green Note in 2006. For the latest news on the London Open Mic circuit check out this excellent site or ask Alan who usually knows where's good.
