Satch Bus, leaving Manchester for Newcastle.
Today's journey: 144 miles and 2'54" travelling time.
This morning, a wonderful walk around central Manchester & brunch with The Luvvie. Backtracking --
Thursday 24th. June:T came to see the show with our pal John. Yippee! They joined a boisterous and supportive Manchester audience. Moving north, audiences in the UK begin at Birmingham. South of that, people go out to have a bad time; alternatively, have a good time having a bad time; or, having a better time criticising the performers and/or performance.
The Soundscapes were strong for me & there were some good people listening. This has a remarkable transforming effect upon the performance of music. Unless there is listening, properly, there isn't music: the musical sound doesn't quite come to life. This belongs to the subtleties of performance; and whether people enjoyed the playing, enjoyed the show, were impressed with the players and what they were doing, liked it or not - none of this has relevance. Unless the player is a professional and they have professional concerns, that is.
15.58 Into the outskirts of Geordy Town. Sid Smith has disappeared. Where are you, Sidney?00.50 Hotel Acceptable, Newcastle.
The hotel has free high speed access, with only one problem: it doesn't work. Reception tells me I'm the third person to call down in the past 10 minutes. It's working at the front desk but not in the guestrooms.
Tonight's show: OK. Mixed reception for Soundscapes. Satch was hot & Searching particularly strong. The Jam: as always, Steve & Joe astonishing. Photos rampant throughout the evening.
The Newcastle City Hall is a famous venue, the gig in town for travelling players of my generation. The space is a satisfying pattern, with balcony that enables proximity to the performers, that can also be found in Birmingham & Barnstaple town halls.
Newcastle Town Hall with guitarist --
Newcastle Town Hall Dressing Room - Still Life: Guitar With Fruit --
"We recognise in others what we know most deeply in ourselves."
