I can't believe I haven't written for so long. A lot of water has flowed down the river since June. To bring things up to date I have spent some of today talking about my Hacienda days and the potential for music tourism in Manchester. It was great to have a chance to consider the possibilities.I was interviewed by someone I met on C.P.Lee's musical heritage guided walk there a few weeks ago. I have just got back from the Green Man festival in the Brecon Beacons - my family holiday with my 3 children. It's the fourth time we have been in 5 years. Glanusk Park in Crickhowell is a stunningly beautiful setting. It rained incessantly for most of the festival but there were some real highlights and inspirations in spite of the weather. We spent more time in the literature and cinema tents than sitting around on the grassy banks listening to music. Special moments included Trevor Lock dealing with child hecklers in the comedy tent, John Cooper Clarke, Lone Wolf, First Aid Kit, the spectacular Flaming Lips, Billy Bragg talking and singing, Laura Marling, and the magical Joanna Newsom. There was a real sense of a relationship between performers and audience - Billy Bragg, Wayne Coyne and Joanna Newsom all referred to the magic of the place and the people for them. I came away inspired to look for unusual books in charity shops ( Robin Ince), and to consider a list of songs to break your heart - Billy Bragg was asked for his and he came up with Tracks of my Tears and Little Feat's Long Distance Love.
And autumn seems to have arrived in Derbyshire.....
