Just about getting the blog done before the month’s over – it’s fairly flown by, and still no real sign of proper Spring weather here in Central Scotland.

Irene and I took off for a long-delayed and much-needed week in the sun, and Lanzarote certainly didn’t disappoint….something of a heatwave, with the hire car’s dashboard telling us of 38 degree heat on one sweltering day – unusual for this time of year, apparently. We lived high off the hog all week, eating out every evening, so I’m not looking forward at all to next month’s credit card bill!

We sat most evenings looking out over the Rubicon Marina in Playa Blanca, watching the yachts and floating gin palaces at their berths. It seemed like a fabulous view until we realised that all we were really seeing was a cluster of millionaires’ toys, obscuring the view out across the Atlantic. It’s quite possible that some of these dazzling yachts and cruisers were just bought for tax purposes, and that in some cases their owners have never even seen them. Wonder where their money comes from…….? By contrast, we spent one evening in the village of El Golfo on the west coast, eating fresh fish in a wee taverna and watching the sunset. The only boats were small, and belonged to the local fishermen.

Anyway, back home again, and looking forward to gigs next month in Kintyre and Fintry. Quiet times just now, although there are some irons in the fire for some really nice concerts later in the year. I probably need to put more effort into promoting the band but, as I’ve said before, it’s not something I’m at all comfortable doing.

On the writing front, Cy and I will hopefully finish recording eight tracks for a London media music publisher, and I’ll be looking to upgrade my recording set-up at home, hopefully to become more productive.

One very important task just now is to record a new song with our pal Billy Stewart, from Lanarkshire. Billy’s been a great help and support to me for many years, and has written a beautiful song in tribute to his son Gordon, who lost his long battle with cancer last July. In the two weeks before he left us, Gordon had been hatching a plan with me to record three songs to leave to his mum and dad, and our mutual friend John Weatherby at Sound Sense studios in Moffat, was geared up to bring his mobile recording rig out to Gordon’s house. Sadly, it was too late. Billy wants to see his son’s project to fruition, and only now feels he can get through the process – Gordon’s initial idea will grow into a fund-raising album, and several well-known Scottish artists have agreed to donate a track, so watch this space.

So – a month off in April, and definitely feeling the benefit of the break. Summer can’t be far away now (eh?) so fingers crossed for some barbecue weather!!

Cheers

Duncan x