Lisa Fitzgibbon
Diary Archive
Friday, 29th February, 2008
Back at the HOME Club- Singapore
It was my first show in Asia and as it hapens, my last show in Asia. I played at the Home Club again tonight and had a great time with my new friends there in Singapore. I'll be back guys... sooner than you think. Thanks Kelvin, Bang and Ming. x
Tuesday, 26th February, 2008
Big kiss for Jig
Here's a big smoochy for the Puppet Master Jig. He designed the giant puppets for the Siem Reap street parade and it was a stunning success... so Sash and I gave him one. Congratulations guys!
Thursday, 21st February, 2008
Chenn our artist - Siem Reap
Lee and I bought Chenn's self portrait from the Spotlight art exhibition at the Arthouse in Siem Reap. My friend Sasha Constable has been working with children with disabilities and Chenn lives at the Land Mine Museum orphanage. The artists were instructed to paint a self portrait and Chenn wants to be a professional footballer. He is a very talented young man.
Wednesday, 20th February, 2008
The X Bar- Siem Reap
What a magical gig. I played two sets tonight on the rooftop of X Bar in Siem Reap, under a full moon and right after they played 'The Big Lobowski' at the cinema there. It was right and fitting to drink White Russians and with an open bar, needless to say, we enjoyed ourselves. My mate and puppet master Jig joined me on a track with his harmonica. It was a very funny night.
Thursday, 14th February, 2008
Writing at Talking To a Stranger: Siem Reap- CAMBODIA
Oh... it's Valentines Day and what better opportunity to do a bit of writing about my one and onlt true love, Lee.
"I know, somewhere I can run too and
I know, who''s arms will be there and
I know he'll wrap himself around me
Thats why I really know
That's where I belong"
See what I mean? He's a real Tarzan!
Wednesday, 13th February, 2008
Welcome to Phnom Penh- Cambodia
You guessed it... what should one do on their first night in the capitol? Yes... go to a Korean cabaret/karioke style meal at a restaurant run by Korean military wives. It was solidly surreal.
Wednesday, 13th February, 2008
Talking to a Stranger gig- Phnom Penh
The Kormix hip hop group rapped and danced between sets.
It was magical!
Who said Hip Hop nd PowrFolk don't mix?
Sunday, 10th February, 2008
Evil Cat in Bangkok
Now that is evil! Lee and I were taking a stroll along the canals in Bangkok and we came upon this feline. She gave us the back-off-look... so we did.
Wednesday, 06th February, 2008
Writing in Koh Lipea
And what a view to sing to... this is a pici of me writing on the balcony of our bungalow. And the other picture is of the view. Not bad eh? I am writing a song here called 'World Travaller':
"And people shake their heads, wishing they were you
Wishing they had the time, the bucks, the nerve to do it too"
True.
Lis
x
Monday, 04th February, 2008
Leaving Koh Lipeh
Sadly there is a time to leave all good places and this is the moment we loaded the longtail boat with our stuff (my trusted Taylor) and departed. Sad to go but happy to move onto Bangkok!
Sunday, 03rd February, 2008
Guitar lesson at Koh Lipeh
I found a sweet little guitar player at the resort we were staying at in Koh Lipeh. He was a total natural man. Move over Jimi Hendrix.
Friday, 01st February, 2008
Relaxing on Koh Lipeh
It's not all about songwriting. This PowerFolkstress has put aside a little time for relaxation.
Friday, 25th January, 2008
Writing at Koh Tarutao National Park
Now that's more like it! We have left the ant infested town of Pak Barra and have arrived in heaven. This place is about as remote as civilized gets. I have been very inspired here by all sorts of things, including the wild life. They have loads of monkeys here, wild pigs, fishing cats and loads of amazing birds. One of the songs I have written reflects this:
"This has to be the most beautiful place that I have ever seen..."
It's a song called Higher High and I am liking it. Lets see if it makes the new album.
Sunday, 20th January, 2008
Boomerang lessons in Thailand
Here we go... being in Australia has helped Lee tap into his boomerang throwing abilities.
Photo one: the throw. Looking good, confident... but will it come back to him?
Photo two: the retrieval. Yup, it ended up in the drink. Oh well, at least he can swim.
Saturday, 19th January, 2008
Coconut Blues
Well, this is more like it. We are officially in paradise! This island Koh Yao Noi is a slice of divine. It is not touristy at all and the resort where we are staying, the Lom'Lae Beach Resort: www.lomlae.com is a writer’s paradise. So peaceful and inspiring…I think I have found what I was looking for. We have 5 days of this before we head south to the National Parklands.
I wrote a song for the new album today called ‘Coconut Blues’. It is inspired by the warning signs around the resort telling us to beware of falling coconuts. I was having breakfast with our Austrian friends, Bernd and Ricky, and Bernd suggested that I write a 'coconut blues'. Your suggestion was appreciated Bernd, thanks man. It is a bit of fun really.
Here are a few lyrics:
I got them coconut Blues
So watch your head, watch your head
Of they’ll fall on you
It’s so easy, storm blows me away
I got those early bird blues
So you better watch your mouth, watch your mouth
Or I’ll swallow you
Nice and easy let me start the day
Got me some rainy day blues
Even though the sun is shinning
It’ll rain down on you
When the sky up above ain’t nothing but blue
I don’t wanna be living this dream without you.
Them coconut blues
Them early bird blues
Them rainy day blues
They fall down on you
Like the stars up above, I’ll be looking for you
I don’t wanna be living this dream without you.
Saturday, 19th January, 2008
Relaxing at Lom' Lae
Easy life! Lee in a hammock at the Koh Yao Noi resort Lom' Lae.
Thursday, 17th January, 2008
A song in Kata: Thailand songwriting mission 1
Finally I am in Thailand and I find myself in 'Tourist Hell Hole' land. We arrived yesterday and headed from Phuket to Kata so that we can continue on to the Island Koh Yao Noi, a paradise I am told. I am looking forward to the contrast to Kata.
There is tourist tat everywhere. I hardly see any Thai people as there are mostly Europeans here and they are obtuse! Eating hamburgers and pizza and french fries and drinking Cola and Heineken. What is the point of coming to Thailand? The beach is absolutely beautiful but it is lined from top to bottom in deck chairs and beach umbrella's. MMmmmmmm... a little sad. I saw a baby elephant on the street last night (poor thing) and a Thai Elvis impersonator... and it's getting worst.
So my songwriting mission today was inspired by the gross consumption and consumerism of this beautiful place. Here's a snippet:
I wanna fight, I wanna win, I wanna rise and fall
I wanna sink until I swim, I wanna have it all
I wanna take it as it comes, I wanna make a plan
And at the setting of the sun I wanna be the man
I wanna buy, I wanna sell, I wanna deck the hall
I want a brand across my back that says ‘I got it all’
I wanna eat, I wanna sleep, I wanna suck it in
Anmd when I’m full until I’m sick I’ll start over again
‘Cause I approve and I am proof that there is more than you will ever, ever, ever truly know
‘Cause I am you, if you can handle it you’ll have more than you ever, ever, ever truly know.
Monday, 14th January, 2008
Singapore Karaoke blast
You guessed it, when in Rome as the old adage says. So, when in Singapore one must indulge in a Power Folk Karaoke session... and we did just that. Thanks to the Dragonfly Karaoke Bar on Serangoon Rd and a good night was had by all. Look out Melissa Etheridge and the Kinks, we are going to stomp all over your tunes.
Tuesday, 13th November, 2007
Power Folk hits Bondi
Well, here we are! Life at Bondi has changed a lot since I lived here many years ago... but it is still a wonderful place to be. We arrived last Sunday and have had nothing but rain for 5 days straight. Apparently it is the most rain in consecutive days that they have had here in Sydney for 100 years! Yup... it poured man!!
But the sun is finally out and we are enjoying our last few days here before we go off to Perth.
I had a chance to do some writing the other day. I like where I am at the moment and the songs that I am working on reflect this. I want to write 'beautiful' songs. In fact, that is my working title for the fifth album... 'Beautiful'. What do you think? I know that it is a bit girly but I am a big girl and want to produce something beautiful and strong and inspiring. That is a big call I know but I will give it my best shot.
Stay sane and take risks...
Your Powerfolkstress,
Lisa Fitz
x
Monday, 12th November, 2007
A day on Sydney Harbour
As luck would have it, I bumped into an old friend at the Organic Cafe in Gould St Bondi the other day. He invited us out on his boat for a bit of a harbour experience. When we awoke on Sunday morning to a sunny day (after a week of rain) we felt truly blessed. Today we were going to go on a cruse on Elli's boat 'Poppy'. And what an amazing day it was!
Tuesday, 23rd October, 2007
Our LOLA... L-O-L-A Lola!
That's right... she is a 1993 Holden Ute with a hard canopy. She walks like a woman but talks like a man... is our Lola. Friend, companion, protector and transporter.
May she carry us safely on our Oz journey.
Friday, 28th September, 2007
The Sothern Adventure Tour: Home Club concert
Today I woke up bright and sparky, went for a swim in Brett’s pool at his condo, then headed into Singapore for a squizz round. It is such a contrast to London in almost every respect. The underground is a joy to use... now that’s different. The aircon is on and everyone is so calm and polite. It doesn’t cost the earth and the trains turn up when they say they will. One emerges from the experience totally refreshed; in fact, I look forward to using it.
Tonight is the first concert on my Southern Adventure Tour. It is at the Home Club and when we got there for a 7pm sound check I was blown away by welcoming reception we received. Anything we wanted we got and the club manager, Kelvin, was so thorough and enthusiastic about my music. Sweet Bang opened the evening with a great set of originals and covers and the room was well warmed up when I got a chance to play. Everyone loved it and I had a great night.
I think the fact that I was playing solo, a chick and a guitarist was a bit unusual. I like being unusual. Thanks Home Club. I’ll be back!
Today I woke up bright and sparky, went for a swim in Brett’s pool at his condo, then headed into Singapore for a squizz round. It is such a contrast to London in almost every respect. The underground is a joy to use... now that’s different. The aircon is on and everyone is so calm and polite. It doesn’t cost the earth and the trains turn up when they say they will. One emerges from the experience totally refreshed; in fact, I look forward to using it.
Tonight is the first concert on my Southern Adventure Tour. It is at the Home Club and when we got there for a 7pm sound check I was blown away by welcoming reception we received. Anything we wanted we got and the club manager, Kelvin, was so thorough and enthusiastic about my music. Sweet Bang opened the evening with a great set of originals and covers and the room was well warmed up when I got a chance to play. Everyone loved it and I had a great night.
I think the fact that I was playing solo, a chick and a guitarist was a bit unusual. I like being unusual. Thanks Home Club. I’ll be back!
Thursday, 27th September, 2007
The Southern Adventure Tour: The Steam Boat experience
Wow!!! Here we are, me and my trusted travelling companion-husband buddy, tour manager and I are in the swampy heat of Singapore... and it is sticky! Lovin' it!
We get off the plane and head straight to our host, Brett's, place. It's a big condo with a massive pool and this little Aussie Power Folkstress is a happy bunny.
“We’re going to take you for Steamboat” was all I knew. Dave had the phone and we were told to jump in a taxi and meet up with our Singapore hosts at Thiong Poh Road. Lee and I were a little jet lagged but up for the experience, and what an experience it was!
The Steam-boat is a traditional way of cooking food in a watery stock, originating from cooking on the old heaters in Asian homes. This steel bowl with a gas cooker under it basically boils the food that you put in it, and what a wonderful way to cook. It’s like a Singaporean BBQ. They ordered all sorts of fish and vegetables and we just cooked it there at the table.
In the background were drums and cymbals playing for the huge dragon puppet dance at the temple across the street celebrating the year of the Monkey. You don’t get any more Chinese than that really now do you? Well… yes you do… at the SAME time there was a traditional Chinese opera playing on the stage right next to where we were eating. I couldn’t believe it! We had full view of the back stage area also and the costumes and make-up were amazing. The traditional language used in these opera’s is as rare now days as Latin is in Europe… a dying language some might argue.
And just when you think you had enough sonic fusion, a charity auction started up in the same street… apparently it is quite a common thing. It was so loud… “do I hear 100 dollar? 100-50 dollar?”
Needless to say we ate and drank too much. That night I slept like a brick. What adventures are ahead of me tomorrow then?
Wednesday, 26th September, 2007
My Southern Adventure Tour starts here
Here we go... out to Heathrow for a flight to the wonderful world of Singapore. The checking in was fine and I got to take my guitar on the plane. Phew... now for 12 hours of sitting behind a rather large Aussie bird who was going crazy at me every time I touched the back of her chair. What a cow. When she hummed and haa'ed her silent complaint for the sixth time I actually broke the code of global travel and confronted her... "You know what... your chair is also my table and every time you move around I have to adjust the TV monitor so get over yourself!". That sorted her out and I didn't even swear. No more complaints from that bit of work.
Thursday, 04th January, 2007
Still mixing in Germany
I started the day with a walk in the rain. It was cold and refreshing and the rain felt a bit like snow on my face and hands. It is so beautiful here in Schwerte. There is a river near by and this makes for good walking any time of year.
Today Dirk and I listened to the rest of the Audio from the Schwerte concert and played with the levels and the EQ. It is sounding really good and I am looking forward to seeing the video. Tomorrow we work on the visuals. Fingers crossed I don't look like a total swine on film. We'll see.
I hope that your day is thrilling.
Fitz
x
Wednesday, 03rd January, 2007
Mixing in Germany
I am back in Schwerte (my German home) to mix the audio and video of the gig we did here at the Rohmeisterei last month. We are producing a DVD of the concert and this weekend is all about post production. Dirk and I are mixing the audio today and tomorrow, on Friday we will be editing it with the video.
This project has given me the chance to put my UK band and my German band together. Jane and Colin have joined Dirk, Rudiger and I and we are looking at doing more concerts and festival’s here in Germany in the future.
Friday, 01st December, 2006
First day of the second test
I know, I know... Power Folk and cricket are an odd combination but you know what? They compliment each other perfectly.
I am a total cricket head and, by luck or design, so is my Pommie husband Lee. We stayed up last night until about 2.30am listening to the first innings of the 2nd test in Adelaide. England won the toss (easy tiger) and have had a half decent innings. We shall see tomorrow how they fare.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie...
Photo or Warney and McGrath compliments of the BBC website.
Thursday, 23rd November, 2006
German gig at the Rhomeisteri- Schwerte, November 2006
If you were there then you know what a great night it was. If you weren't... you'll have to wait for the DVD.
-photo by Judith from NewPhoria
Monday, 18th September, 2006
...another day.
It's Tuesday and I am still in a state of shock after the house move. We have emptied some more boxes and there is a semblance of order in the place but this is exactly what is bugging me out.
And BRITISH TELECOM WANKERS have totally fucked up my internet and phone line. GGGGGGGGGRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! There is going to be tears.
Breathe in, breathe out Lis.
It'll be fine.
Monday, 11th September, 2006
Gig with Bic Runga at the Stables in Milton Keynes
My van has broken down, I've just moved house (like yesterday) and I am feeling totally knackered and overwhelmed by my new home.
For the past few years I have been living either on a canal boat moored in Nth Oxford, a studio in Shoreditch or in my van (the one that's £1000 illness has just bottomed me out). This morning when I woke up in a flat in North London with doors and cupboards and running hot water, surrounded by boxes of "STUFF" I did wonder who I am and what I was doing there.
Last week my manager and trusted life line, Julieanne, recieved a call from the Stables asking if I would be available to do a support gig tonight for Bic Runga (New Zealand singer songwriter). It was short notice but of course I said yes!
After painting the hall way and unpacking more "stuff" I scooted over to the dodgy hire car place on Holloway rd and picked up a cheap M reg. steed for the evening. Up the M1 to the wonderful Laine and Dankworth Centre (you should check it out... beeaauudddiful).
The concert was fab and the audience were in a good mood when I passed them onto the beautifully talented and quirky Bic Runga.
Sold loads of CD's.
Met lots of really cool people.
The staff at the Stables are all from the land of 'really nice people'.
Thanks Bic.
Pici: by Michael Smythe
(has nothing to do with the diary entry but so what).
Sunday, 04th June, 2006
Wychwood Festival magic
It is Sunday the 4th of June and we have just played a stonkin' set on the main stage at the Wychwood Festival. Jane, Colin, Jon and Damon joined me as we played through my set of newer tracks and older favourites. The sound was awesome (we love having our own monitor engineer), the stage was HUGE, the organisers were totally fab and the crew brilliant, my band were as inspiring as always and the audience amazing. The only way that it could have been better was if Prince himself had joined in for a solo on 'Who am I?'.
Thanks everyone for making it such a successful weekend.
Fitz
x
Saturday, 13th May, 2006
Nearing the end
Well... it is nearly time to leave Italy and head back to London... but i have one more day here so I am going to make the most of it.
We got in from the gig in Massa at about 3am thismorning. The Italian body clock is a very different beast to my UK system. Late nights, late mornings, pasta, vino and so many sexy people. The Italians really know how to play ball and this is supposed to be one of the most catholic countries in the world. The contradictions are wonderful.
Like, the other night when we were leaving the gig in Roma, at Big mama, we drove past the vatican city. At 2am in the morning it was so peaceful and looked stunning. All of the buildings were under-lit and there was a total sese of peace and powerful magesty about the place. Then, as we turned the corner away from the VC there was a huge bill board poster with a near naked woman on it advertising olive oil. Not only was she scantily dressed (as is the way in warm countries) but she was doing somthing with the bottle of oil that any God fearing Christian may take offense to. Ah, the contradictions of life. I love it.
Today I have things to do, sun to catch and bags to pack. I'm flying from Pisa tomorrow and want to enjoy my last day here in Italy.
Viva Toscana!!!
Tuesday, 09th May, 2006
A day off by the sea side
Sun, sun, sun, read, sleep, sea, watch the waves, sleep some more in the sun, sun, sun, eat some fresh fish, sleep, read, little walk, sleep, read, sun, sun, sun.
The perfect day off.
Wednesday, 03rd May, 2006
Day 2: the Italian Spring-Has-Funckin'-Sprung Tour
I am HERE!!! Toscana... bellisimo!!!
I ADORE this part of the world. Oh my God there is a heaven and i am right here.
Dora, Angel, dropped me off at the train station in Roma early thisafternoon. I took the Metro from Termini to Piramide and then walked to Ostiense to catch my tren to Viareggio. It was an interesting journey and great to be on a train (tren) again. It was full by the time I climbed aboard so I decided that instead of sitting crammed in a small compartment (where people still pretend that smoking on a non-smoking carriage isn't anti social) I would sit in the buffet car for most of the journey, where there was so much more space and a better view of the coast and the mountains.
I arrived at Viareggio with the help of my new friend Milo (the friendly MTV dance choriographer (spell check?) who kindly helped me lug my 1,000 pound baggage up those disabled-unfriendly stairs). He currently lives in Toscana but comes from the West Coast of USA so I introduced Milo to Lewin (my West coast US bassist) and it all fell into place.
Thisafternoon Lewin, Valentina (his beautiful Italian bell) and I had a bit of a jam on some material for the tour. It looks like Valentina may join us at several concerts doing some backing vocals. Very exciting!
Then to Massa... to the house of Barotti. Marco (my Italian drummer) is back from Berlin for the tour. He invited us to his house for dinner where we had a chance to re-unite and catch up. They are reallty cool guys and it is going to be a great tour. Please stay tuned as I document it daily on these pages.
Rehearsal is at 3pm and I still have to email my mum in Australia so I had best be off...
Fitz
x
Pictures: Marco barrotti - drummer with loads of interesting instrumentts
and... the Italian Power Folk Quartet.
Tuesday, 02nd May, 2006
Back in Italy
I arrived at approximatly 8.30pm local time and besides the usual stress created by having to put my guitar in the hold of the plane, it was a relativly smooth flight.
Beautiful Dora was there to meet me at the airport and I am now in the safe hands of her family here in Roma. When I arrived at her house there was plenty of pizza and beer to munch & sup on, all of the windows are open (it is a warm 18 degree's here) and Simon & Garfunkel was blasting from the stereo. What a welcom. I love Italy!
Tonight I am sleeping in the front room with the hampster. Thats right, it is in a cage on the cupboard and I think I may have to remove it just for one night. Scratching noises will make me feel a bit weirded out I think. Sorry Hammy.
Tomorrow I'll be heading for Viareggio to join my Italian Power Folk Quartet. I am really looking forward to seeing them all. Our first gig is Thursday so there is plenty of catch up time.
Monday, 17th April, 2006
It's a quiet Monday and...
I love you Lee.
Saturday, 15th April, 2006
Easter Saturday inspiration...
Got the writing bug today... I am working on a new song about a person (who will remain a nameless wanker) who has recently let me way down. We're talking sitting on the shit swing man. He'll get his… wankers always do but I have to make sure that I don't put myself into that situation ever again. It's called a learning curve and I’m gunna get over it.
It is an overcast day here in Shoreditch, perfect weather for writing. My boyfriend and brother are painting the kitchen floor (breath those toxic fumes babe), I’m listening to Ben Harper playing live at the Byron Bay Blues Festival on PBS FM and I am feeling inspired by my recent situ. What do you think of the lyrics thus far?
Don’t come crying to me when the shit hits the fan
There’s no way that I’ll ever understand
But it’s not ‘cause I don’t want to
I’ll be damned if I dare
‘Cause it’s always all about you
And I don’t care
Honesty is always the best policy.
I hope your weekend is full of joy.
Fitz
Thursday, 13th April, 2006
Full Moon...
It’s a full moon here tonight… apparently, but we aren’t going to be able to see it and go “AAAHHHHH” because there are clouds in the sky covering that big cheese. Shame really. I’ll just have to use my imagination.
For those of you who think that the life of a professional Power Folkstress is full of excessive excitement, celebrities and continuous moments of creative genius I thought I’d enlighten you. Here is my day thusfar.
7:43 Wake up and roll around a little trying to pretend that I am still asleep.
7:55 Hear the sound of the skip being removed from outside the studio… oh the joys of inner Shoreditch living.
8:10 Get out of bed, throw some cloths on and go fetch the paper from the shop down the road. I lost a bet with my boyfriend which means that I have to do the paper and tea run for the rest of the week.
8:20 Lye in bed doing the Guardian cross word supping tea. 10 Across: Sermon (6) second letter ‘o’ last letter ‘y’… Huh?
8:48 Go for a run along the canal. It’s a bit windy but warmer than yesterday. There are ducklings swimming up and down the canal at the moment. They are so sweet, and so vulnerable. I love a good sweat in the morning.
9:58 Hit the showers.
10:22 Had breakfast and about to enter ‘the office’ part of the day. My trusted manager Julieanne and I wade through the contracts and press requirements for the John Lester tour and future Chris Difford gigs.
Give me a B… B! Give me an O…O! Give me an R…R! Give me an I…I! Give me an N…N! Give me a G…G! WHAT DOES IT SPELL? I would much rather be on the road touring, writing songs and working in the studio but as Julieanne says, “there ain’t no fire without smoke”… deep J. Thanks mate.
We scout for gigs around Shropshire & Wales & get some good news from a territorial manager (Terry) about a new venue that’s just gaggin’ to have me play there.
14:10 Walk with boyfriend to his work via the DVD shop and markets. Have to buy aluminum foil and bananas, girl’s things and breakfast cereal. Spot a cheep fridge in a shop on the way and hatch plan.
14:55 Drive van to fridge shop and collect our new white good. I fucked our fridge on the weekend during a bout of domestic Goddessness. I was defrosting it with a very sharp, rather large knife. Mmmm. NOW I KNOW ALRIGHT!!! It exploded when I punctured a hole in the gas part of the freezer. Clever eh? I think I’d best stick to writing songs. They don’t blow up.
Friday, 07th April, 2006
Another Day in the life...
Hi there all. I know that it has been ages since I have written on my diary pages, and I promise to make more of an effort from now on (yah). Sometimes there is just nothing to say though. At the moment I am going through a bit of a low tide but as the days grow warmer and longer I am feeling the sting back in my thing... you know what I mean.
I have been doing a lot of writing at the moment. It takes a certain cocktail of discipline, space and time to get on with the writing process and as I have an album to create I figured that this is the time to do it. So, I've locked my boys out of the studio and am getting on with it. Loads of new ideas but nothing totally completed as yet.
One of my new ideas is inspired by the darkness of the days in the late winter of this country. What do you think?:
When the madness is divine
And the midnight comes around again
You're demure
I'm estranged
You're a hoar
And I'm the same
And we wept tears of madness yet again.
It is a bit of a 6/8 groove, ballad thing. I'll see if it survives the cutting room.
Take risks...
Sunday, 12th March, 2006
My last day on the Isle of Wight.
It's Sunday and my last day here on the friendly Isle of Wight. A bit cold but the sun is shinning and the gigs have gone really well. My show at the Fountain in Cows on Friday night was a bit of a chat fest but I recon' that doin' the kind of work that I do... if you can't survive all kinds of gigs then you're in the wrong biz. Everyone was totally friendly and I sold loads of albums.
Saturday we mooched around after catching up on long over due sleep. Saturday night I was back at the Vic Tavern in East Cows. I love this gig and all of the regulars were there. Bless.
This afternoon I am back at the Solent Inn and then we head back to the main land on a late ferry tonight. I love my job. Thanks to all of my friends here on this wonderful Isle. I'll be back for Cows week. MMMMMMMMMmmmmoooooooooooooooo!!!!!!
Friday, 13th January, 2006
January blues
Apparently today is the day when most people commit suicide. I would never be pushed to that extreme, not even by my own depression (down boy) but I can totally understand why it is a huge down fest in January. I am missing the sunshine of Australia and want to pop home for a bit of Bondi Beach.
January is hard for us Aussie's abroad to cope with as back home it is a month full of festivals and out door parties, Bar B's and beaches. I’ll just hang in there, write a song about the cold, grey demons and get on with it I think.
Tuesday, 29th November, 2005
... and what a weekend it was!
I’m back in London now but what a wicked weekend it was! The Isle of Man is still one of the most beautiful places on the planet and even though it has been almost a year since I was last there it feels like only yesterday. Thanks everyone for making the weekend and my gigs so special.
Thursday I arrived and as the plane touched down, after what was the scariest flight I have ever had in my life, I kissed the ground! There were really strong head winds and it felt like I was on a roller coaster ride. No one vomited though but all I could think of was my brand new Taylor guitar there in the hold and how I could get to it when we crash landed into the Irish Sea!
Thursday was a gig at the Rovers in Douglas. What a great venue! I’ve never played there before and the place was packed with lovely, listening and interactive people. Manx folk are so much fun. Friday at the Traf, Douglas, was as good as ever. It was great to see Earl and the guys there. Saturdays gig at the Laxey Sailing Club was a very special evening, what a brilliant room and a fabulous gig. Sunday night I did a chilled out lounge set at Bar Logo in Ramsey and by the end of the evening, as you can imagine, this little Aussie Power Folkstress was pretty knackered.
Flight home on Monday was smooth and free of any thoughts of death and disaster. I’m now back in London preparing my IOM return tour 2006. I can’t wait to get back. Watch this space!
Photo: Mike Wade
Thursday, 24th November, 2005
The Isle of Man Return!!!
It's 6.30 in the ,morning and I am packed and almost ready to go back to that amazing rock in the sea. My flight leaves at 9.30 so I have plenty of time to get to the airport, sup on some tea and read the news of the world before the flight. Katie (my chick on the ground) has said that there are gale force winds predicted and sleet/snow/cold stuff. "Bring your thermal underware" she warned... so I stole my brothers. More later...
(pici taken on my last tour there, right now I am looking a little ruff)
Monday, 14th November, 2005
Another Day in the life of a Power Folkstress...
Well it's Monday morning and I am faced with SO MUCH TO DO!!! I am going to start with a run along the canal, then a shower and a strong cup of tea. Lee (my beautiful luver) has left for work and I am here in our studio ready to conquer the world.
Internet, emails, phone calls, tax (uuurrrggghhh), and aaahhhh... my guitar. I think I'll do some writing now. Visit the songs that found whilst I was writing in Germany.
Later... Some peple think that the life of a Power Folkstress is all about parties, gigs and exciting stuff. But there are days, like today, filled with uncertanty that make it this jorney really special. Not many gigs in the new year so I have to sort somthing out. BBbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrr...
Friday, 28th October, 2005
What a day...
...and so it continues. The days are getting darker and colder here in London town but I have my guitar to keep me warm. I've been writing a song about travelling. A life on the road style thingy. It feels good.
Thursday, 13th October, 2005
day seven: the autumn german tour '05
Day Seven of the GERMAN Tour:
Who ever said that touring is boring needs to get a day job or have a break. It’s more about survival than anything and living on the road with several other muso’s requires a lot of patience, energy and enthusiasm. It helps that you enjoy the company of your fellow minstrels and luckily I have an abundance of all of the relevant criteria to be a professional, come-back-for-more, sleep-while-your-standing-or-sitting tour hag.
After a wrestles night’s sleep, due to the door bell at the B&B constantly ringing in my head, I awoke to the sounds of Rudigar’s gentle knock… breakfast time! I grabbed my Marmite and joined him and Dirk for some nosh and then decided to do some sightseeing. What a splendid idea. It was a beautiful day and it’s great to take in some of the local area when you’re on tour.
Foulda is a beautiful city. We went for a wander around this foggy morning and the mist makes the Byzantine gardens look so mysterious, almost haunted. After visiting the oldest church in Germany (it would make a fantastic house).
Then to the gig. Tonight’s show was at the Weinhof in Rheinheim. Again it was a great room and the audience was really up for a bit of Aussie/German Power Folk. There were a couple of chicks from Brisbane there. Now that was a nice surprise… a chance to talk some Aus with some sweet Queenslanders.
High light: Hanging out with the band in the Byzantine Gardens (pictured).
Low light: The smell of the bathroom in the hotel room.
The German word(s) of the day: Bleib (which means ‘Stay’ and is the name of my newest song)
Today’s motto: Sniff before you sit.
Wednesday, 12th October, 2005
Day Six: The Autumn German Tour '05.
Day six of the GERMAN Tour:
And we’re on the road again. I’m headed north with my German Power Folk Trio, Dirk, Rudiger and me, in that big, black German Love Bus. Tonight’s concert is at the Desifinado in Foulda. What a groovy venue and again the concert was a wild success.
There were loads of musicians there because there's a music college in the same building as the gig and Dirk use to teach there. It was good to meet some native muso’s and there were some pretty funky Germans at the concert.
High light: Hearing the audience laugh at my extremely funny jokes.
Low light: Realizing that they were only being polite.
The German word(s) of the day: Es wird immer besser.
Today’s motto: I’m a funny fucker!
Thursday, 06th October, 2005
Day one: The Autumn German Tour '05
There’s no rest for the truly wicked or clinically insane. I finished my UK tour with Chris Difford at the Windsor Arts Centre last night and tonight I started my German tour at Kord Unplugged in Schwerte.
After a night sleeping in the van at the airport it was a very red eyed Aussie Power Folkstress who got onto that 6am flight. Feeling the sunshine on my skin at Dortmund airport and seeing the smiley face of my German guitarist Dirk Edelhoff has made the late night/ early morn pilgrimage so worth while.
Into town, quick rehearsal, snooze, shower, sound check, dinner and then… the concert. And what a show it was! There were over 140 people there. The Germans are so interested and polite at concerts and despite the flaws in my ability to talk the lingo (although I am learning) they understood most of what I was saying, or pretended to… and that’s the best kind of audience really.
High light: Playing with Dirk again.
Low light: waking up in car park at Luton airport at 5.30am.
The German word(s) of the day: Ich bin Neil Young wit titten.
Today’s motto: Dunka, Plunka, put it in your bunker.
Saturday, 30th July, 2005
Power Folkin' at the Cambridge Folk Festival
It's Saturday and the sky is a deep festival-grey. Everyone here at the Cambridge Folk Festival seems to be taking the reality of imminent rain in their stride and the people-vibe is totally chilled and positive. I’ve never been to the CFF before and my first impression is of a well oiled, relaxation machine. Everyone is so polite! Sitting round, smiling, hangin’ out and drinking ale.
My set is on the Acoustic Routes stage in the Club Tent in the afternoon and I am ready to Power Folk the house. As planned, my set goes really well. I played a mixture of my old favorites and my newer material and the audience is totally receptive and inspiring. I love gigs like this because they are all about the music and the audience is undoubtedly full of music lovers. I feel like a kid in a candy shop.
My half hour felt like 10 minutes and all of a sudden it’s all over. What a shame… I could have played for hours. Less is more I ‘spose.
Thanks to my two beautiful volunteers who helped me on my song ‘Dog’. Great barkers and growlers. Well done chick’s. Thanks also to Bernard and the Acoustic Routes team for the opportunity to be a part of your line up at this magical festival. I had a ball.
Saturday, 09th April, 2005
The ITALIAN return, Spring tour '05: Day 10- lunch in Genova
Last nights gig in Cantu was so much fun. We were 17 Kms from Switzerland and in this villiage that looked like it was a mixture of Germany and Italy. It was a brilliant gig and all of the locals rocked in to see this Australian Power Folkstress do her thing.
There was a local hero called FREDDIE doing the gig with us as a double bill and they were all so kind and friendly! Man, this is the life... I get to travel round to the most amazing places, meet really friendly people and play music! Perfect! It's a long way from Cobar in the out back of NSW, thats for sure.
Daniele and I have made a detour into Genova for some Pasta el Pesto before heading back to Tuscany for our last Italian show tonight. Then I'll be off to Germany on Wednesday for some gigs with Ru and Dirk and then back to the UK.
This place is totally beautiful.
Chow.
Friday, 08th April, 2005
The ITALIAN return, Spring tour '05: Day 9- & I'm in Bologna!
Bologna, Bologna, Bologna! What a place. Again, it is so different from the madness of Naples and the grandness of Roma! I have just spent the morning walking around the city, ducking down covered streets and wondering through the string of Piazza's. It is a truely special place.
My gig last night at Bar Wolf was totally awesome! The place was packed and they were up for it! I got a few locals up on stage with me to bark their way through my track 'Dog' and it went down really well. I've been invited back in July so it looks like the third tour to Italy is going to be a big one.
The night before (Wednesday) we played Roma. As Dirk & Ru couldn't make it from Germany I played it solo again. There is a weird vibe in Roma at the moment and we all felt it. As the city fills up with pilgrims (2 million from Poland alone) to visit the dead Pope the locals are all feeling a bit unsure about going out so... my Big Mama gig was rather heavy and serious. I enjoyed it, the audience enjoyed it but there was somthing weird about the evening. You could feel it on the streets.
As we left the city we drove past the Vatican and what a crazy place it was. There were people everywhere lining up to take a peep (and a picture on their mobile phones... huh?) of the dead Pope.
We all need somthing to believe in but I am sure the poor man just wanted a small, quiet funeral. Not the boys club, pomp & circumstance that it has become. I know, it is all about tradition... but this tradition is quickly alienating so many people with its OTT ceremony and garb.
Anyways, I'm off to Milano now so I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, 05th April, 2005
The ITALIAN return, Spring tour '05: Day 6- A change in plan!
"We Are Scaffolding!!!" This is what Daniele (my trusted Italian tour manager) and I say when we have to change plans. The world knows that the Pope has popped it and tomorrow when we head into Roma for my show at Big Mama there will be 4 million Christians to wade through to get there. A blessing and a curse as we have to get Dirk and Ru from the airport to the gig also... and all the hotel rooms are full up!
Lat minute decision was to stop Dirk and Ru leaving the calm villiage of Schwerte. They agreed that the trip would be too stressful and they may not beable to return to Germany on the Thursday. We would be in Poo pie then.
Decision made it was time to do some gardening. Daniele and I took our frustration out on the weeds in here garden here at porta St Stefano. I weeded the artichoke beds and the grape vines. It was very productive.
I'm in the villiage now at the internet place and am about to climb the hill back to Daniele's and make some pasta!
Stay tuned for more italian tales.
Monday, 04th April, 2005
The ITALIAN return, Spring tour '05: Day 5- Chilling in Tuscany!
I am reminded how much I love my job on days like today! Daniele and I drove from Roma to Northern Tuscany last night for a gig at the Lido di Camaiore (Livorno). What a beautiful venue. We were treated like royalty once again and I ate the best Pizza I have ever had in my LIFE!!! And the FATzgibbon tour continues.
After the show we bolted to Daniele's house in Porta St Steffano, a beaaauuutiful villiage on the sea. It was a very late night but the pay off was waking up here... in paradise.
I have been doing some writing today and enjoying the day off. We return to Roma to the madness of the Pope's funeral on Wednesday for the show at Big Mama. We thought that the gig would have been cancelled as there is a week of mourning in the city but Marco assures us that it is on. The city is going to be bulging with people.
Saturday, 02nd April, 2005
The ITALIAN return, Spring tour '05: Day 3- Loving the sunshine!
Back at Daniele's house on the outskirts of Roma and the sun is shining. I have done somthing today that I have not done in a long, long time... I lazed in the sun and read my book! Fancy that! It was awesome. I slept and read and did a bit of writing.
Tonight we headed off to Maio & Rita's Associazione Culturale Matuna restaurant for tonights gig. It is in a 2000 year old catacomb and what a wild place to play. It was originally a wine cellar and the tunnel has been hand dug centuries before. You can see the carving marks on the walls.
The food there is amazing and the wine is so good. I nearly couldn't sing as I had so much to eat! The Fatzgibbon tour of Europe continues.
Friday, 01st April, 2005
The ITALIAN return, Spring tour '05: Day 2- Napoli
Well it's all happening here in Napoli! What a city!! The place is mental and the people are totally crazy. I saw a family of four driving up a one way street (the wrong way) on one of those dinky Italian mo-peds. No helmets, going hell for leather. I thought "I like this place".
The gig last night was amazing. It was at the Teatro Tinto di Rosso. A beautiful room in a palace in the middle of Naples. Apparently Andy Warhole had many exhibitions here in the 70's. The building is over 400 hundred years old. The back stage room had a fresco painted on the cieling. You don't get this kind of decore in the outback of Australia, thats for sure.
Today I wondered around the city and thisafternoon Daniele (my trusted tour manager) and I will be heading back towards Roma to do a show at the Cantina Mediterraneo in Frosinone. I've played there before and it is a totally mental space. There is a smoking ban in doors here in Italy now so it makes a big difference to my energy levels at these late night gigs. I expect it to be a crazy night... check out my diary tomorrow to find out what happened.
Chow!
Wednesday, 30th March, 2005
The ITALIAN return, Spring tour '05: Day 1- Off to Roma!
K0 was an early start. 4am rise and shine after the show last night at the Bedford in Balham. You know your alive when you driving down the M25 in the dark rainy early morn to catch a flight at Gatwick. Man... I felt it!
The flight was smooth and the sun was shining on me as I stepped on Roman soil. It is so good to be back. Daniele (my trusted tour manager/beautiful freak) was there to collect me at the airport and we headed to his house for a low impact afternoon of snoozing in the sunshine & eating pasta (of course).
Now I am at Big Mamma in Roma. I've just finished the sound check and am about to slip off into the city for some supper before the show. It's Big Mama's 21st birthday party tonight and Marco has asked me to sing a few songs with the house band. What fun.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Stay on line for more amazing Powrer Folk adventures.
Tuesday, 21st December, 2004
Isle of Man December Tour
I’m on the plane right now heading back to the UK after a wee visit to my writing haven. I’ve had a fab week again on the Isle of Man. It has given me the inspiration I needed to beginning the long process of writing my next album.
I spent all day yesterday at the window overlooking the mountain from Ramsey and have come up with some good ideas. I’ll have to listen to them when I get home to judge whether or not I’ll be developing them further.
I want the new album to be a ‘concept album’… but the problem is that I can’t settle on a single concept! It may have to be several concepts all put together. Feels good, now all I have to do is write it!
Thanks to all of my IOM family for making me feel so welcome and supported. It is a truly magic place.
Picture: my last gig of 2004 at the Traf in Douglas with Matty and another enthusiastic music lover.
Sunday, 19th December, 2004
Back on the ROCK- Day 4
I’m Writing!!!!
Horrah!
Success!!
I knew that it would all kick in again… I just needed to give myself some space and time and find the discipline to stop myself from creating lots of little distractions. You know… the really important little things that I have to do IMMEDIATELY, like: the washing up or emailing people I haven’t written to in years, or, doing my Christmas shopping. Arghhhhhhh!
I had a really good day yesterday. I’m sitting at a window in my loft room at Jonathan, Lisa & Katies house. I have a view to sing to, endless cups of tea and the time to really explore certain musical ideas. It is a total paradise.
I did the gig at the Laxey Sailing Club last night (picture). It is such a beautiful space and Mikey and her Committee are absolutely wonderful. It was a really good night, nice and casual. I feel more like I’m here as a writer than a performer this time so the gigs are a lot less formal than usual. I prefer it that way actually.
Tonight I played for about 4 hours at the Traf in Douglas! That’s right… FOUR HOURS!!! It was a total hoot! There were some other musicians there who got up and had a play. It was my LAST GIG FOR 2004 and I wanted it to be casual and fun… and it was!
Friday, 17th December, 2004
Back on the ROCK- Day 2
THE ISLE OF MAN DECEMBER TOUR
Ohhhhhhhhhhh.
I have a sore head.
I’m supposed to be writing material for my new album today but I can’t seem to write a shopping list!!!! I think it has something to do with the red wine last night and the overwhelming feeling of being back on the Rock.
Apparently my host’s parents were going to bed last night after a wicked game of dice and I sincerely enquired, in my broadest Australian accent I believe, if they still shag.
So out of character.
It was the red wine monsters fault.
I am told that they saw the funny side of my enquiry and replied ‘of course we do’. They even invited me along to verify their answer but I apparently declined. Lucky! I could have really put my foot in it if I’d have consented.
Nothing like a little fun.
Thursday, 16th December, 2004
Back on the ROCK- Day 1.
MY ISLE OF MAN DECEMBER TOUR:
It’s an early morning for this Power Folkstress. 6am and my alarm screams at me to get up and out to London City Airport to catch my plane to the Isle of Man.
This trip was intended to be a writing get-away but my trusted Isle Manager, Katie Morriss, has gone and booked me a couple of shows while I’m there. And why not… I’m always up for playing, especially at the Traf and the Laxey Sailing Club.
Helen and Jessica (pictured) were at the airport to collect me (the sweet, smiley bundles of joy) and then we went off to the vegetarian café ‘Greens’, in Douglas, for our traditional arrival lunch. Katie had taken the afternoon off work so we paddled round the island doing stuff…
Tonight was games night and I won the kitty after what was a very fiery round of some local Manx dice game. I think the dood who was scoring was totally pissed off with me as I’d never played it before and kept rolling huge scores. Ha! Sucked in mate.
The red wine monster bit me tonight. I know it’ll hurt tomorrow but I was well in the mood for it.
Sunday, 03rd October, 2004
The Isle of Man album launch
I am sitting on the Sea Cat heading back to Liverpool after a wonderful weekend on the Isle of Man. It’s a bit rough on this Irish Sea this morning and I’m really glad that I didn’t have any breakfast. I’m normally fine in the sea-sickness department but mixed with a couple of late nights this tooing and froing is a little unsettling.
The second launch was a very special gig. I love the Arts Centre at Peel and Dave and all the crew there are so welcoming. I took Jane with me this time and they were all put under her musical spell. She played like the absolute Goddess she is and the IOM has fallen under her spell. I knew they’d love her.
Sunday’s gig was at the Douglas, in Douglas at Earle’s new venue. He put on a very special show for us to play there on the Sunday afternoon and a hoot was had by ll.
Once again the fabulous Katie M organized it all with ease and I can’t wait to return in December. I love the Isle of Man!
Friday, 24th September, 2004
"Songbook 14" Oxford album launch.
The Holywell Music Room in Oxford is the most amazing acoustic space I have ever played in! What a perfect place for the first launch of my newest album, ‘Songbook 14’. I am still spinning from the experience and couldn’t have wished for a better baptism.
It was Jane’s (Griffiths) idea. She suggested that we do the Oxford launch there so that we could all indulge ourselves in the amazing acoustic liberation that this 16th century music hall provides.
It was a big week and by the time I got to the Holywell to set up on Friday I felt dead on my feet. Somehow, the space transformed my total exhaustion into an endless source of musical inspiration! Ok… ok… enough with the hippy shit… it was a great night and thanks to everyone who came along to support and who bought my album.
Simon Davies warmed the room up for us with his delicately eloquent songs of love and loss. Then Jane Griffiths and Colin Fletcher kept the space warm with their very powerfully individual style of Irish fiddle and guitar magic (I am a hippy really).
When it was time for me to launch into my new material I suddenly felt really nervous. I very rarely get nervous before a gig now days. There is the odd exception of course and this was one of them. The Holywell is such a unique space. It is a theatre with raised, tiered seating, use to housing classical concerts and recitals, and the odd Trad. Folk gig. It is also totally acoustic which makes for a very different sonic environment. I think it is this that threw me as I am used to hiding behind a microphone.
I snapped out it as soon as I started singing in that beautifully responsive space and before I knew it… the concert was over! Success! Relief!
Friday, 24th September, 2004
'Songbook 14' Oxford Album Launch
The Holywell Music Room in Oxford is the most amazing acoustic space I have ever played in! What a perfect place for the first launch of my newest album, ‘Songbook 14’. I am still spinning from the experience and couldn’t have wished for a better baptism.
It was Jane’s (Griffiths) idea. She suggested that we do the Oxford launch there so that we could all indulge ourselves in the amazing acoustic liberation that this 16th century music hall provides.
It was a big week and by the time I got to the Holywell to set up on Friday I felt dead on my feet. Somehow, the space transformed my total exhaustion into an endless source of musical inspiration! Ok… ok… enough with the hippy shit… it was a great night and thanks to everyone who came along to support and who bought my album.
Simon Davies warmed the room up for us with his delicately eloquent songs of love and loss. Then Jane Griffiths and Colin Fletcher kept the space warm with their very powerfully individual style of Irish fiddle and guitar magic (I am a hippy really).
When it was time for me to launch into my new material I suddenly felt really nervous. I very rarely get nervous before a gig now days. There is the odd exception of course and this was one of them. The Holywell is such a unique space. It is a theatre with raised, tiered seating, use to housing classical concerts and recitals, and the odd Trad. Folk gig. It is also totally acoustic which makes for a very different sonic environment. I think it is this that threw me as I am used to hiding behind a microphone.
I snapped out it as soon as I started singing in that beautifully responsive space and before I knew it… the concert was over! Success! Relief!
Monday, 07th June, 2004
Back home blues
Thismorning I had to pack up all my stuff and head to the Airport. I still managed to take more clothes and stuff than I needed... the problem being that I have to lugg the shit. After the last Italian tour I promised myself that I would never carry a huge bag full of un-used stuff ever again. The spare shoes and those books and that skirt and my favourite jumper. For some reason when I packed for the TT tour I must have imagined that I was taking clothes for 12 people!
My bag wasn't the only heavy thing I had with me today. I really don't want to leave Katie and the girls and all my new friends here on the Rock. The races start tomorrow and I feel like I've been here for the build up but I'm missing out on the real deal. Oh well... back to London it is for this little Power Folkstress. I'll return next year and make sure I stay longer.
Thanks everyone for being so supportive and being sooooo cool. I miss you all already!
I know where I'de rather be.
Sunday, 06th June, 2004
MAD SUNDAY!
Todays TT tour highlight was the MAD SUNDAY trip around the course!
Bike Mike kindly offered me a ride around the track on this notoriously bad Mad Sunday... and of course I was up for it.
All my friends told me that I should stay off the track today as "it's too dangerous". When I mentioned to people that I was going to go on the course today they all winced in agreement and cautioned me against it. "Someone always dies on the track on Mad Sunday" I was told. "You have to be truley Mad to attempt to go out on Mad Sunday".
When I expressed these reservations to Bike Mike he laughed and told me that we'de be safe and not to listen to warnings.
Of course I went out on the roads and it was nowhere near as MAD as I had imagined. In fact, compared to driving in London, the roads were relatively safe.
There was alot of bike action in Peel today. We caught the Purple Helmets bike show earlier. This is a group of guys who go around festivals doing bike gags. They've all got these burnt out Honda 90cc posty-bikes under them and they do all kinds of funny tricks.
Tonight I played my last show of the TT tour. Ohhhhhhh. It was on a cute little stage on the beach across from The Bay Hotel at Port Erin, South of the Isle. What a great way to finish the tour... as the sun came down with children running riot around me. A couple of girls stole the show by digging for New Zealand right under the stage. In the break I climed under the stage myself and helped them out.
Mike Bike was the star of the evening as he had driven me and my guitar to the gig leaving Katie and the girls to follow in the car. We took the coastal road but sadley there was a crash on the mountain and Katie, Amber and Soph were stuck in a bike jam for a couple of hours waiting for the road to be cleared. We were on time to start the gig at 8pm. Thanks Mike.
Tonight ended at the Venue in Douglas. We decided to go out for our last evening here on the Rock. I was totally knackered but it was good to go and support a local band. I'm gunna miss this place.
Saturday, 05th June, 2004
The Race Day
Today is the only RACE day that I am here on the Isle. I had spent the morning and early arvo driving around dropping off PA's and people, co-ordinating maps and negotiating the back roads after the closures for the race. There was an added buzz in the air as the villages and vantage points were filling up with people from all over the world to watch those fuckin' fast bikes do their thing.
My mate Lisa Maza and I were invited to a BBQ back at Ros and Les's (not Pat's) place to watch the race from their front lawn. I have a big gig in Peel tonight so I was on my best behaviour.
Just as the side car races began we had to head off to Peel for the sound check. One day I'm gunna be a side car racer.
It was great to be back in Peel playing at the Centenary Arts Centre again with Dave and the crew. It is a beautiful space and a great gig. There were loads of people there and the gig went really well.
After the show we headed to the White House (a local pub) for a beavy. Peel is such a beautiful city. Right on the coast.
We crashed at Helen and Phils tonight. I am one totally knackered bunny. Good night!
Tuesday, 01st June, 2004
Laxey Yacht Club... here we come!
It's the 1st of June and what a beautiful, sunny day it is here on the Isle of Man! I spent most of it running around getting the PA together for the gig tonight at Laxey...what fun was had!
The Yacht Club is a great little room (perfect acoustics- no flat walls, rounded ceiling, stone wall at the end, long drapes... I can feel a temporary recording studio moment coming on)... and the people, well, they just kept coming! It was a very cosy full-house and we all had a ball!
Mark (One Little Boy) opened up the evening and his songs and sounds went down a treat. He is doing the 'Office' gig with me again tomorrow night. Our stuff works really well together as a double bill.
By the time I got up to play the room was so full that there were people sitting on the floor and hanging off the rafters (sort of). I kicked off with 'The Maze'. When it was time to sing 'Dog' I asked an audience member to join me on stage as my 'bitch'. Our sweet Matty rose to the occasion and howled, barked and whinned his way through my track with total style and dedication. Thanks Matty... that was the highlight of the evening for me.
It all ended too quickly and before I knew it it was time to pack up and drive home to Pats Pad.
3 down... 4 to go!
Look out Laxey... I'll be back!
Monday, 31st May, 2004
OH MY GOD!!! THEY'RE FUCKIN' FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today I was taken around the TT course with Les on his big, fast bike! (Don't read this Mum). IT WAS SOOO FUCKIN' FAST!!! He was very safe though and we didn't do anything stupid like wheelies or dohnuts or anything but the course is awesome and I can totally understand what all the fuss is about.
This place is so beautiful and riding around the Isle on a bike is the best way to see it. The people who live here on the Rock have it totally sussed. Clean air. Safe for their children. Good schools. Most folks leave their front doors open. People walk around with smiles on their faces and they arn't afraid to say hi to anyone. The only thing they really need to sort out is the recycling issue and then.... paradise!
I saw my first ever race today. The trials were on and after the ride we went back to Ros and Les's house to watch the trials. OH MY SWEET LORD... THEY ARE FAST! We stood down by their front drive and watched the bikes as they came round the course, over the rise and past the house. Les took this photo (right) when the first bike came round the corner. I could not believe how fast they were! There is a rise in the road where the bikes can pop mono's (an Australian word for wheelie's) and there were some pretty bad bikers playing games on their back wheels.
After the bikes finished the side car practice commenced. Now this is a weird way to get around. I'de love to have a go on a side car. Those doods are CRAZY... holding on for their sweet lives. The way they are tossed around on that platform! It looks like a load of fun!
Tonight we headed down to Bushy's Tent for a pint after all the excitement. There were loads of young doods on their L plates riding their 125's up and down the Prom popping mono's and doing burn outs. The next few days are going to be wild!
Saturday, 29th May, 2004
TT tour- I'm back on the ROCK!!!
Well then... here I am, back on the Rock and ready for the big TT Tour.
I arrived on Wednesday night and it feels like I've never left the place. My first few days were very low impact as I had to shed my London skin and step into IOM mode. Easy!
My first show was at the Traf last night. It was so good to be back there with Earl and his girls. The gig went really well. Heather Watson opened for me again and this time I had a chance to see her play. The last gig we did here together I was stranded on a plane in Liverpool and had to Jet Cat to the Isle. As soon as I got to Douglas I had to plug in and play. Heather sang like a Goddess and her pissed buddies gave the night the spice it needed.
Katie M... my IOM Goddess (pictured) got up and sang 'This Isn't Real' with me and it went down a total storm with the locals. I love impromptued interaction!
So far there arn't many bikes here. Apparently the racers are here already as the practice runs start this week but the TT regulars arrive this weekend. All the barriers and straw bags are up along the course and there is a definate buzz in the air.
Tonight Heather and I play at the British.
Sunday, 29th February, 2004
IOM TOUR- Sunday on ENERGY FM with Christy D
Today I sat in a car that rolled back-wards up a hill! Without a word of a lie... we turned off the ignition and the damned thing ROLLED BACKWARDS!!!! UP A FUCKING HILL!!!!! There is some weird shit going on on this Isle. Before this a whole bunch of us went out for a sunday lunch at a wee little pub (I know what your thinking... it wasn't a liquid lunch and the car DEFINATLY rolled up a hill!). We then took an amazing stroll along side a waterfall to the sea. This place it a slice of the heavens. Tonight was my radio show on ENERGY FM with the beautiful Christy D and my co-pilot, Katie M. What a laugh. We just chatted and I played a few tracks and we chatted some more. What a wonderful way to finish a fantastic tour. I'll be back for TT week... so all you bikers..LOOK OUT!!!
Saturday, 28th February, 2004
ISLE OF MAN TOUR- Peel Arts Theatre gig
Tonight I played in the most beautiful theatre, in the villiage of Peel. From the daffodils in the change room to the velvet curtains on the stage... it was perfect. Earlier, Katie and I had decided to spend most of the day doing the "Oppy-Shoppy-Hoppy" thing. We visited almost every Op Shop on the Island (artistic licence to sttrreetccchh the truth a weeeeee bit) and we came away with some bargains!!! Thanks to Pat's keen eye, I walked out of one Op Shop wearing a black leather bikers jacket WITH TASSLES!!! I also had the nerve to wear the bandana that I found in the right hand pocket (with the skull and cross bones on it). It was the two quid in the other pocket however, that made me wonder what the previous owner had done or been in this particular cow hide. I popped the £2 in the charity box and we headed off to get ready for the gig. Manuel opened for me again and then Sophie sang a beautiful trad song. Now it's my turn and I fell right at home in this space. The show was over before I knew it. During the break when I was ordering my cup of tea (as you do), I had overheard one of the comittee members mention that they had just ordered a whole new tea set. You know me... waste not, want not... I enquired where they were going to put the perfectly capable, miss-matching tea set that they were currently using. They told me that they were going to smash it all against a brick wall. Well, not before I chose several slightly ageing, mismatching sets of cup and saucer to carry home and stuff into my already over full cupboards to never be used by anyone because my London flat is too small for tea parties. There you go. I'll probably be carting them around now for the rest of my life as a constant momento of my first IOM visit. After the gig we all pottered up the road to Helens to shift a little steam and play dress ups. You need a spacial pass word to access the next section of this diary entry......
Friday, 27th February, 2004
ON THE ROCK!!! Isle of Man tour Feb 2004
Friday is here at last and I can get on a plane again! I felt a little disoriented this week coming home from touring Italy. I just want to keep going! The hardest part of the whole trip was getting to Luton Airport. WHAT IS THAT!!! Some kind of sick joke! It took me two and a half hours to get to Luton from Putney and only 45 minutes to fly to the Isle of Man. Anyway... when I got to the Rock there was my old friend and new promoter, Katie Morriss. So good to see a friendly, familiar face. I knew that I would love this place because Katie had told me so much about the people and the landscape. I felt as though I was returning. We popped off to a great little vegetarian cafe in an old railway station and had some lunch, a quick catch up and a program update. This evening I'll be playing at the Trafalgar Hotel in Dougles and I am really looking forward to it. After dropping my stuff off at Pat's pad (my diggs for the weekend and a beautiful home) we went for a wee drive around the island. Whata beautiful place! I could see goblins and fairies wondering along those Manx lanes. The Isle is truley a piece of paradise. It had snowed yesterday and there was still snow on the hills. Back at the Trafalgar, the sound check went well and Earle, the owner, was really accomodating. I had a chance to have a chat to the locals and listen to the great tunes on Earle's juke box before the show. By the time I started to play the room was PACKED with locals and ring-ins and all sorts of crazy bods. Mostly friends of Katie's (more about that gang later) and other 'Rockers'. The gig was awesome and Katie even got up and sang 'This Isn't Real' with me. Bonus. I made her promise to sing with me when I return! One thing is for sure... the doods on the 'Rock' know how to have a laugh!
Friday, 27th February, 2004
Isle Of Man Tour- Trafalgar gig
Just a few of my adoring fans at the Traf last Friday night. Watch it boys!
Monday, 23rd February, 2004
ITALIAN TOUR- back to London
It's the day to return home to London and I am feeling a little sad but very inspired and energized. It has been a brilliant tour and I have been invited back in July and again in September for a festival's and gigs. As Daniele drives me to the airport we plot and plan other Power Folk adventures in the future. The people I have met and the promoters and venue owners I've worked with have all been so enthusiastic and supportive. Daniele is my hero and we will definatly be on the road together again soon. As my plane leaves the Roman soil I vow that I will return... hopefully next time with the fiddler, Jane Griffiths, and perhaps even the whole band. I'll be back!
Sunday, 22nd February, 2004
ITALIAN TOUR- My last gig!
It is my last full day here and I want to stay in Roma for at least another 2 months! As Daniele and I drive into the city for the sound check at the Vicolo de Musica I can't help feeling like I miss the city and the people already. Roma at night is a marvel to be seen. We drive past the monuments and buildings of ancient Rome and it is as though this history is still alive in the streets today. The gig is HUGE!!! There are so many people that there is no room for them all to sit. I had to stop half way through the first set and get all the doods in the doorway down the front to sit on the stage. I hate singing when I feel that people are uncomfortable. There was no air in the place and barley enough room to swing a guitar but we Power Folked our way through it. People who had baught my album last week had come along to this show and sang the words of my songs with me! I was blown away. The energy and the attention they gave me was overwhelming. What a great way to finish an awesome tour. After the show we drove back to Marco's house (the dood who owns Big Mama) for tea and cake! He had baked a cake for us! How sweet... and it was good cake. Just what a girl needs after a huge gig.
Saturday, 21st February, 2004
ITALIAN TOUR- Night off in Rome
Tonight we drove back to Roma to see a gig at Big Mama's. Local guitar legend, Roberto Ciotti, was playing and he had joined me at the gig last Sunday, playing lead on a couple of tracks. The house was packed and the band was pumping. He asked me to play a song with him in his second set so we did 'Sure' together and it went down like a storm in the desert. It was good to play on the Big Mama stage again. we then all hung out at a sheisha bar around the corner 'till about 3am playing cards and setting the world to right. It's been a long day but a totally satisfying one. Tomorrow night is my last gig in Italy.
Friday, 20th February, 2004
ITALIAN TOUR-- Reggio Emilia
So... it's a drive to Florence, then a train to Boloigne, then another train to Reggio Emilia. Originally we were going to try to do most of the tour on trains as the whole idea of not driving is so appealing to the hippy inside of me. Unfortunatly we couldn't realistically do it all by train but we did promise ourselves this one trip via rail. The journey was great. I got to see more of the country and it had snowed the day before so it was all white and icy. I whipped Daniele's arse at the card game that he had taught me the day before. Beginners luck? I don't think so! The gig was at another gret venue. It was a chick singer/songwriter evening and I shared the bill with Diva Scarlet and Marian Trapassi. What a brilliant night of original music. Sadley the snow kept the thousands of potential punters away and only the hard-core, acoustic vigilantes made it along. Less is more sometimes.
Thursday, 19th February, 2004
ITALIAN TOUR- Tuscany Retreat
We arrived at about 6am yesterday morning after driving all night from Milan. And it was so worth it. St Stephano is the most beautiful place I've been in Italy. It is a beach side village and oh my God... paradise is right here! 2 whole days of walking and eating good local food and reading and playing and writing and sleeping and walking. It has been a wonderful break from the tour and both Daniele and I have had a chance to recharge out Power Folk supplies for the show tomorrow night at Reggio Emilia.
Tuesday, 17th February, 2004
ITALIAN TOUR- Milano
Todays mission is to drive all the way from Roma to Milano for my show tonight at La Casa 139. Daniele and I set off at about 10am for the road trip north. I havn't done a long drive like this since I toured Australia... and this trip had a definate Australian theme to it. Daniele has tour managed many Australian bands back home and so he has a rather large Australian music collection. We listened to everyone from the Mentals, to the Oils, David Bridie, My Friend The Chocolate Cake, Neil Finn, Brendan Gallagher, DIG... by the time we arrived in Milan I was in a Bondi Beach frame of mind. The gig was Awesome! What a great room. The audience were of a cooler breed than in Roma (it's a Milan thing I am told) so it took me a little longer to get to them, but it worked. I like working a room, and the best thing about touring is that you get to move in loads of different spaces in a smaller period of time. I enjoy this stretch. Tonight after the show we decide to drive all the way back down south to Tuscany so that tomorrow we can wake up by the sea side. HA!
Sunday, 15th February, 2004
ITALIAN TOUR- Vicolo Dei Musici
It is Sunday! I sleep in again (what a luxury). I finally scrape myself out of bed, do some yoga and decide to take a walk to the local shops. Have a sticky beak around the hood. We are staying just out side of Roma in a place too big to be a village but too small to be a town. All the houses are huge with big gardens and gates and dogs guarding their boundaries. Everone seems to have at least 2 huge, viscious, ready-to-bight-your-head-off beasts in their front gardens. The shops are the same as anywhere else and there is a distinct lack of local business as the supermarket chain stores spread their corporate vibe throughout our world. The huge mall (named PAM for some reason) does have a bowling alley in its belly... so... I wonder in, as a curious voyer, and watch mums, dads, grannies and children hurl these massive balls down those long wooden lanes. Tonights gig is in a very intimate venue in North Rome. It is a folk club style venue and the place was totally packed to the rafters. the audience even sang along with me on a couple of songs. This was an incredible feeling as they were singing in my language. We had a ball!!! Another sucessful show!
Saturday, 14th February, 2004
ITALIAN TOUR- day 3.
It's Saturday, the sun is shinning and the air is warm. I can feel summer roll over and yawn in this Roman air. Tonight I am playing at a gig in Cerveteri, just outside Roma. Again it is an amazing venue. 'Mantuna' is an old catacombe style room with a tunnel going deep into a mountain behind the main restaurant. The walls are lined with bottles of vino rosso and I am in my element here. I play 2 sets to an attentative audience whilst they dine on superb Italian food and drink quality local wine. The atmosphere is totally indulgent.
Friday, 13th February, 2004
ITALIAN TOUR- Day 2: Frosinone.
I slept until 2pm! Shit!!! oh well. There is a time to work and a time to sleep and I figure that Friday the 13th is as good a day as any to spend in bed. Tonight I am playing at the Cantina Mediterraneo in Frosinone... about 60kms from Roma. Daniele and I went for a walk in the afternoon to get a bit of fresh Italian air in our lungs. We decided to take a stroll down to a village mill near his house and there on the dirt road ahead of us was a car turned upside down. There was a woman trapped inside! She had been enjoying a quiet afternoon tipple and had rolled the car as she was leaving the park. Good thing that we came along when we did... the poor thing had been there for a while and was pretty distressed. We got her out and the ambulance and police arrived and we continued our walk. What a bizare thing to have seen and delt with! At this point I knew that it wasn't going to be your average adventure through the country of pizza and passion. What ever is going to happen over the next 10 days... BRING IT ON!! We got to the venue. It was on the outskirts of town in what looked like an industrial estate. I was thinking that there is no way anyone would make the effort to come all the way out here for a gig if we were in England. I was suprised when all these people started arriving. The place was packed to the rafters by the time I started playing and my 2 sets were recieved really well. Even though the audience couldn't understand what I was saying they understood what I was singing about... if this makes sense. Again, I sold stacks of CD's and we met some really nice people who asked me to play another gig in Roma on Sunday night. Sure! Why not!!
Thursday, 12th February, 2004
ITALIAN TOUR- Look out Roma... here I come!
It is another cold, overcast day in old London town as I set off for Heathrow Airport. This is my first tour of Italy and I'm gagging to get to Roma... the city of waterfalls and men with nice shoes. The flight is smooth and the sun is shinning as we land on Roman soil. Daniele, my tour manager, is waiting for me at the airport and we pile into his car and head into the city for a radio interview to promote my first show, tonight, at Big Mama's. The guys at Meridian Radio are so friendly and enthusiastic about my visit to their city. The interview went for about half an hour. I sang a couple of songs and they played a few tracks from my albums. Big Mama's is owned by the fabulously wonderful Marco and Pasquale. What a great venue it is. I have since been told that the likes of Arlo Gutherie and Neil Finn have played on this stage. We did our sound check and then all the crew sat down to dinner together... how civilized. The show was a blast. All the tables were pre booked and although only half the audience could understand what I was singing about... they seenmed to get it. The vibe was perfect and I sold loads of albums. It was a brilliant way to start the tour. Although I've only been in Roma a couple of hours I feel right at home.
Wednesday, 16th April, 2003
The plane trip home.
That's it! And what an adventure. I arose at stupid o'clock to get the train to JFK and then the plane to Heathrow. Everything went smoothly and there were no drama's (except for the in-flight, vegetarian lentil slop I was served that created havock some where between my belly and my bowels). The flight gave me some time to reflect on the wild week I had had. How lucky I am to have my music as a road map to this world of ours. I've met some really wonderful people and have had a hoot. I'm skint till the end of the month now but fuck it...no one comes home from NY with change. Jannie and Rip... my NY angels... thank you so much for letting me be a part of your wonderful world there at the Ear Inn. It puts a smile on my face when I picture you swinging in that hammock. To all the fab people I met while I was there, thanks for your friendship, conversation and directions. I'll see you again before the year is out. NY trip #2 is already in the pipe line. So for now... this is Lisa Fitzgibbon... London based, Australian Power-Folkstress... leaving New York and signing over and out. Peace.
Tuesday, 15th April, 2003
MY LAST DAY IN NY... AND WHAT A DAY IT WAS!
I spent this beautifully sunny day sailing! That's right! Rip (oh mighty landlord and Captain), Jannie (NY Angel), Willy (co-pilot)and I (Australian Power Folkstress from the Out-Back)had a wonderful adventure on a sailing boat from Mamaroneck down Long Island and on to the East River. We pretty well circled Manhatten and even sailed up to the Statue of Liberty herself! What an awesome woman she is. Holding that light up the way she does for as long as she has... truely inspiring. It was a wonderful way to spend my last day in this amazing city. It dosn't look so big from the outside. Tonight I had my show at the Side Walk Cafe. My last gig of the wee tour and it was a good night. Every time I closed my eyes though whilst singing about somthing or someone I would feel the earth rocking. My land leggs had not adjusted. Who needs drugs when you can get the same buzz from sunshine, fresh air, good company and a rocky-windy sailing trip? What an adventure.
Monday, 14th April, 2003
BIG day!!!!
Today was full of weird and wonderful things. Another beautifully sunny morning and I couldn't wait to get to Central Park. I decided to catch the train this time though as it is a bit of a hike up town. I am getting used to the demography of this island and it is HUGE!!! I wondered around the park listening to all the loud conversations that were passing by me. We are all voyers at heart. Next time I visit I am going to set up a page on my website documenting some of the wild and wierd things that I hear on these amazing streets... like the conversation between a father and son where the dad is repremanding his 20ish year old son for having several girls sleep over in the same week. Just imagine the dialogue with a strong NY accent: "I told you,if your going to move back in... no girls! No Girls!! I told you! You've been here for only ONE WEEK and already there have been TWO different women stay! And I TOLD you... NO GIRLS! It's not that I'm old fashioned or anything but...". At this point the conversation drifted away and the young man being loudly reprimanded had his hands in his pockets and head down, very aware of an audience. This afternoon Jannie and I ventured to the Guggenheim Museum to catch the Matthew Barney show. What a space and the exhibition was really somthing. I'de had an idea what it is that he is doing with his Cremaster series but the exhibition made it much clearer. The man is a living legend and a total nutter. But "all the freaky people make the beauty in the world" (Michael Franti lyric)and his work is indeed beautiful. Tonight I played a couple of songs at the Side Walk Cafe to warm up for my gig tomorrow night. It was a great evening and there were lots of other singer/songwriters there. I love these evenings as they bring together all sorts from all spaces. I fit right in!
Sunday, 13th April, 2003
Central Park on a Sunday...
What a BEAUTIFUL day! I jumped out of bed... grabbed my map and threw some clothes on (lucky I remembered) and headed for the great out-side. The sky was bright blue and the sun was shouting for me to lie under it and read my book. I started at the lowest tip of Manhatten and walked all the way up Broadway to Central Park. Along the way I noticed all these tourists climbing on the front of a huge Bronze Bull getting their photo's taken. This bull was a mighty creature and as I passed I glanced back and noticed the biggest pair of nads I think I've ever seen! Bronzed!! It merited documentation. So, instead of standing at the head of this fine specimen, I popped round the back and got a shot of me under his dangley bits. I call this photo 'me and the bronze bollocks'. I spent pretty much all day wandering round Central Park, talking to people and reading and eating pretzels. A gal's gotta eat pretzels in NY. Tonight was my show at The Bitter End, in Bleeker St. There wern't alot of people there as it was at 8.30 and the day was still happening out side. The venue is amazing with posters all over the walls advertising the likes of Joni Mitchell and Neil Young playing there over 20 years ago. I sat on that big stage and sang my little power-folkin' heart out in the hope that I'll be some how imortalised along side these legends. I am not sure if they heard me or not but I imagined they could. Bex Marshall was playing just down the road so I popped along to say gidday and we ended up in a cafe in McDougal Street 'till stupid o'olock. I like this part of town.
Saturday, 12th April, 2003
Saturday Morning in a Bleeker Street Cafe
Hi everyone! I am here... in a Bleeker Street Cafe! Just like Joni on her album 'Blue'. I walked up and down this street for about an hour before settling into an internet cafe (times have changed Joni) but as yet have not "found someone to love today"... I am going to meet some friends for a late breakfast so there is potential. There are vintage guitar shops and Italian coffee houses and bakeries... This street is cool. I'm playing down the road at The Bitter End tomorrow night and am really looking forward to the show. Every gig I've done thus far has been so totally different... I'll let you know how it goes. Jannie and Rip (my NY angels) have added a hammock to their furnitings in their indoor garden here at the Ear Inn. Rip fixed it to the wall and here are some shots of us enjoying the new addition to the comfort zone here at the Ear. Every time I think of Jannie and her sweet soul I'll picture her lying in her hammock, taking it easy. Lisa Fitz x
Friday, 11th April, 2003
Friday Night at Bar 169...
It's Friday in New York and what a wet, drizzly day it has been. I stayed indoors most of the morning to avoid getting wet. I used the time to work on some new songs, drink tea, talk with Jannie (my amazing hostess) and read. What a luxury! I am staying above a bar called the EAR INN which is owned by a wonderfully warm and welcoming sweet thing called Rip. This place is such a paradise and he and Jannie have made my stay here in NY really easy. My angels. Tonight was the Bar 169 on West Broadway show... and it was such a hoot. With the amazing Bex Marshall and a bunch of beautiful freaks that we have met since we have been here, we gave this city somthing to think about. We were joined by a dood (they call each other dood's here in the whiter parts of NY) named Roi Starr, who Bex met at an open mic night in the Villiage last week and insists could have a future as a porn star if his music career dosn't take off. Another songwriting singer, Justin, who looks like a cross between the Lone Ranger and the Sundance Kid with a voice like Bob Dylan, before the druggs, joined us... as well as my friend Lela who's music is so sweet and smooth and sincere. It was a truely eclectic evening. I love it when music brings together all kinds of people from all sorts of different places. There were some people in the audience that I had met at a gig in London... small, beautiful world. It blows my mind some times when I think about the impact music has on people and I am so grateful that I can share my music with such sweetly varied souls. After the show we were invited to a party in an apartment up the street. This was exactly what the doctor had ordered and you could imagine the impact that our wonderful circus had on the room of people when we walked in. The photo's are of me singing and playing at the Bar 169 and some of the mad people we attracted whilst in NY.There's Bex on the end next to Roi Star (aka future porn king), me and Lela and a guy I don't remember meeting (sorry man... if you identify yourself I'll gladly give you a name). What a laugh we had.
Thursday, 10th April, 2003
Day 3... in the city.
I have a day off today! Yiiihhhaaa!!! I am in the city and just hangin' out.This place seems so much larger than London. It's the space... four lanes of traffic instead of one, bigger buildings, bigger cars, bigger/louder people. I'll be wandering around these streets over-hearing all kinds of weird conversations in really loud american accents all melding together to form a surreal city story. I hung out around the Ground Zero sight where the World Trade Center use to stand. This is a very lonely place. Having lived in Australia I am aware of the sadness the earth holds when blood is spilt on it's past... but this space is somthing else. I walked around it and thought about what a trigger this site and it's ghosts have become for alot of change in our world. The people of NY are recovering from the shock of 9/11... they seem really positive and caring of each other. A testimony to the human spirit. Tonight I am going to head over to Brooklyn to hear some jazz.
Wednesday, 09th April, 2003
DAY 2... My First NY Gig.
I awoke feeling like I'de had the best sleep in my whole life! The house I am staying in is this old, wooden building on the Lower West side of Manhatten right above a bar called The Ear Inn. My landlord and one week flat mate, Rip and Jannie, are wonderful people and so welcoming. Jannie cooked me a beautiful meal my first night there and made me feel right at home. I feel like I've lived here for years. The house is huge and has crooked stairways and an out-door/ in-door garden... full of history and character. Tonight was my first show at CBGBs Gallery and it went really well. So as to not give any false impressions to the audience, I opened with 'Pergatory'... and as soon as I started I just clicked into gig mode. Bex Marshall turned up along with a bunch of wonderful freaks... there were some old friends there as well. A group of us went out and celebrated my first New York show with an Indian curry around the corner... then, this little Power Folkstress went home and crashed out! Knackered bunny.
Tuesday, 08th April, 2003
Power Folk hits NY!!!
The flight was nowhere near as painful as the 24hr slogg back home to Oz so I was primed and ready for the journey. They were playing The Lord of The Rings on the in-flight movie channel so I had a whole 7hrs of Strider and Peter Jackson to keep me company. Mmmmmm Mmmmm! I got into JFK at about 5pm and blow-me-down-with-a-headge trimmer... it was snowing! Snow!! Would you believe it! Well, I was a tad shocked as I had imagined NY in Spring, not winter. First night here and I'm feeling a little jet-lagged... Where I am staying is amazing and my NY angels are so welcoming and helpful. Tomorrow night is my first show here and I am really looking forward to letting loose on NY. Until tomorrow... 'later doods'!
Friday, 04th April, 2003
Getting ready for the NY thang
Four more sleeps and I'll be 'a part of it in old New York'. I am beginning to get excited about the prospect of turning up in a relativly unknown city again... a chick and her guitar. I'll keep you all updated on the freaks and adventures that await me in that mighty city. I'll be posting diary entries almost every day, plus a few photo's. If you wanna email me back to say gidday use my: lisa@lisafitzgibbon.com address guys.