Mo'Rockan Soul - The Bier Keller

Saturday nights gig was at the Bier Keller in Bracknell with party stroke rock stroke not really soul band Mo'Rockan Soul. After a nice jaunt down the M3 listening to Valerie Bertinelli's audio book, I arrived to be greeted with the members of the band to set about setting up. After the previous nights less than great gig affair, we were all pumped up and ready to Rock and Soul! The evening had the makings of a really good night, as there were a few Hen nights in, and the restaurant area was all booked up. With a soundcheck completed myself Owl da Bass and Captain Text headed off for a tasty Golden Arches Cheeseburger affair, which really did hit the spot!

As we made our way back to the venue, it was pardy time! I decided to use my Les Paul for the first few songs, but the Seymour Duncan JB pickup was really not 'cutting the mustard', so I switched back to Roxy for the remainder of the set. The gig really was a good one! Playing the fabled 'Black and Orange' Crib set, we had people dancing almost from the off! In Mo'Rockan Soul Part Two, the reg-ular Love Shack was observed to critical acclaim.

As the evening ended with a hasty reading of 'We are the champions', we packed up our bags and disappeared into the night, in Skoda's, Merc's, Honda's, Audi's and of course the Vauxhall flagship the Omega.

Mo'Rockan Soul - Red Lion in Twickeham

Friday nights gig was with Mo'Rockan Soul at the Red Lion in Twickenham. If I am being honest, this gig was not our finest hour. First off, the decision was made to use the flagging house PA in the Red Lion. This PA in the past has done some glorious work, but its somewhat fallen into a state of decline as of late, especially in the monitor department. By all accounts the front of house mix was great, giving a good spread of sound, but the on stage mix was not that great.

Secondly, my #1 Duoverb amp failed about 5 songs into the first set. This is always a distressing event when this happens, and there is not a great deal you can do. Luckily Mark had his 40w Fender in the car, so I could muddle through the rest of the gig.

I did not feel that everyone was on top form either, probably due to a long working week. Its also sad to report that the Red Lion is falling into a state of dis-repair, and the 9 until 11pm music slot is really driving the punters away. Quite how true it is I don't know, but a conversation was overheard that the venue would be closing in June. Who knows what its fate will be?

But that said, it was jolly nice to see the band, despite some suffering from 'texters thumb' injuries.

fREAKJAM - Blues Bar West Drayton

Thursday nights gig was the fREAKJAM at the Blues Bar in West Drayton. This was week 3 of our 4 week trial and if anything a return to classic Fox & Phez form. This week also heralded the move to 'round the corner', shunning the stage area and being hid away where people can' really see us. But that said, there was a good atmosphere in the crowd. There were some excellent sets from our loyal West Drayton jammers, and a very special reading of 'Love Shack' featuring out HT compliant barmaid. The Hardest Working Man in Rock was working hard elsewhere, though we did have the talents of Pretend Pop Star Mark Chudley (who was in attendance). Mr Chudley also joined us on the stage area, in a twin Music Man guitar festival! With barmaids discussed and sprinters loaded, we all said out goodbyes, some eat some ropey looking food and disappeared into the night.

Rant

I would like to rant about replacement pickups, and in partic-ular changing the one in the bridge of my Les Paul. The pickup that came as stock on my Les Paul was a Burstbucker Pro. Whilst a really nice sounding unit, it was a tiny bit bassy and too low output for my liking. No bother I thought, I would just get a Seymour Duncan JB. I have used this kind of pickup before and figured that it would be a great choice. How wrong could I be! After waiting what seemed an eternity for it to be delivered, it finally came yesterday and I fitted it and my first impression even at home was one of disappointment! It sounded really tinny and weedy and not really what I was expecting at all. After playing a few songs with it at last nights Mo'Rockan Soul gig I decided that it really had to go so it will be making its way back to eBay.

By way of contradiction, I have got in touch with the nice people at Bare Knuckles pickups and I think their 'Miracle Man' may be the pickup for the job! The online reviews seem to suggest this is the best one so I look forward to hearing what they suggest!

Rant

I would like to rant, yet again may I add, about my Line 6 Duoverb failing at a gig. At tonight's Mo'Rockan Soul gig at the Red Lion in Twickenham it failed about 5 songs into the first set. Now this happened before at the Jam a few weeks ago, and I blamed it on faulty cables. Tonight however, I plugged and re-plugged and still nothing. Luckily Mark has his Fender amp in the car and the show was able to go on, thanks to some pedals and my Line 6 Pod.

At the end of the gig, I powered the amp on, and it was still dead. A few twiddles of a knob and it came back to life but this amp is now being relegated to the MRS garage for rehearsal purposes only.

By way of contradiction, I have two more Duoverbs to use so they should see me right for a while. Plus I only paid £275 for this amp, and have done approx 600 gigs with it (or in Nadie world 1421555255225 gigs)

Rough Justice - The Rising Sun Slough

Saturday nights gig was with the Mighty Rough Justice at The Rising Sun in Slough. After a few weeks off, where various members of the band has been on European vacations, it was good to get back to the rock in hand. It was going to be possibly 'touch and go' whether The Stoner would even make it to the gig, as he was flying in that afternoon from one of his private islands. As it turned out he was there in good time and ready to rock!

Its always a good gig at The Rising Sun, and in fact this place will become more important in rock history in the forthcoming weeks, but that will all be revealed soon!

As we started our first set, the audience was a little subdued, but as the evening went on, the crowd picked up a bit and much fun and joviality was enjoyed by one and all. The Stoner was on fine form, with open mouth dive bombs, jumping, power stances and all manner of guitar rock skulduggery! Most pleasing of which was the 'Guitar Hat' formation.

In honour of The Stoner's greatness, I was wearing an orange polo shirt which I had purchased from a charity shop for the princely sum of £1.90. I felt it allowed me to tap, pick squeal and Stoner Stomp with great ease.

In attendance tonight were the boys from that great local band Daft, and Graeme joined us for a marvellous version of 'Rock and Roll'. However many people in the audience were torn over who was the greater singer, Hog or Graeme, so literally a fight broke out about it! Luckily it was contained quite quickly, thanks to Hog leading a chorus of 'Give Peace A Chance' with the audience. I think the 'Perps' were reprimanded suitably.

With our regulation Freebird guitar swap ending 'in the can', We packed up our rock luggage and headed off into the night to homes, bedsits and Boltholes.

Not a Bucket night, sadly....

Lee Aaron Band - The Swan

Friday nights gig was with the Lee Aaron Band at The Swan in Arborfield, which is part of The Stoners extensive estate. This pub also happens to be the spiritual home of the Gibson Brothers who host a Sunday evening jam session affair here every week.

After a GPS guided journey to the venue, using my brand new Garmin navigation unit, I arrived to find Big Man Bal, Lal and Ral already unloading their wares and setting things up. As the order of the day was a pay-on-the-door affair, a couple of bouncers - if you will heavies were employed to police the 'gaff' in the shape of Mrs Big Man and Samantha.

I had my doubts about how many people would be in attendance this evening, but as the evening wore on a good crowd was seen, together with some drunken dancing and a happy birthday mention thrown in to boot! I was most pleased that I threw approx 4 picks, which I think is a Friday night record!

With many pound coins counted, and a numerical re-distribution achieved, we all hopped into our respective Sprinters and disappeared into the night, safe in the knowledge.

fREAKJAM - The Blues Bar

Thursday nights gig was at the fREAKjAM at the Blues Bar in West Drayton. This week heralded the 2nd week of our 4 week trial in the Blues Bar. Despite last weeks excellent turn out, including a special guest appearance from Ronnie Laff, this week was a little quieter. When we arrived there was talk of putting us round by the pool table, but luckily this did not transpire, which was a relief to all and sundry.

A reasonable selection of jammers tonight, with the usual suspects making an appearance. The 'From The Ashes' boys were down to try out some new (ish) songs for their forthcoming string of gigs, and I must yet again complement the excellent Adrian Barry for his support and commitment. Dave Bryce was 'in the house' with his excellent son on twin guitar, where they ran through a Spider style rock through the ages medley. I think Keernan was in attendance, though to be honest the lull seemed to go on for so long its hard to say. Pretend Pop Star Mark Chudley was not in attendance, and neither was the hardest working man in rock, Gary Reece.

I must rant, however, that some inconsiderate types actually booed a jammer! This was a jam night first! I was shocked, and its something that I don't want to happen again.

Despite the strict 12pm curfew, the night dragged on until approx. 12.15 or there abouts, and with Blues Bar's exchanged we all disappeared into the night, safe in the knowledge.

Lee Aaron Band - Rose & Crown

Saturday nights gig was with The Lee Aaron Band in the Rose & Crown in Sandhurst. The Rose & Crown has been a good venue for the band, so its always a pleasure to play here! After a Caesar fuelled journey to the venue, I was greeted by the Big Man and Lee and the load in began. It was good to see that Lee was making some last minute adjustments to his snare drums, making sure they are in tip-top condition for the evenings festivities!

Tonight was a special night for many reasons - It was the LAB Band premier of my new Les Paul! Having got it back from Charlie only a few hours before, I could not wait to give it a blast!

I am also pleased to report the return of Luke to the fold. I think knowing that his position in the band was under threat, he decided to make the effort to come to the gig tonight. Maybe if behaves himself for the next few gigs we might temporarily postpone that KFC......

The gig was a good one! Whilst the audience was not at maximum capacity, it was very full, with lots of familiar faces down to see us. Lee Played an absolute blinder - His drum solo tonight was extra specially good.

I also must say that I felt my playing had been rejuvenated by using my Les Paul! It also sounded good, though it will sound far better once I have fitted the new bridge pickup that I have on order.

Finishing the evening with numerous encores, and happy that the flood I may / may not have created earlier had more or less dried up, we all packed up and disappeared into the night, or back to Bal's house.

Mo'Rockan Soul - The Crib

Friday nights gig was at a school in Chertsey with Bernard Cribbins. That's right, the Crib was in the House!!!

After a short Liza fuelled journey to Chertsey, it was time to set about setting up and the like. Hog was off doing his charity work (which he does not like to talk about), so we had the services of Paul (of Babelfish Fame) on the bass and echo. The occasion was a charity 'do', and the theme was black and orange. It was like The Stoner was there in spirit! Or at least the whole venue has been 'done over' by the Camphill Mob! Whilst we did not play until later on in the evening, we had time to soak up the atmosphere of The Crib being in attendance. The Crib's duty was to run a charity auction, and being the consummate performer of stage and screen did this with class and ease. In fact, the highlight of the evening was The Crib sitting behind Dion's Keith Moon Drum Kit, probably planning a para diddle fulled drum solo!

The gig itself was superb! We played a pardy set list of all the MRS classics old and new, and the band played so well! Our weeks of rehearsal had paid off, and we had almost everybody up dancing! Highlights were the ever present 'Love Shack' and Dion's interesting reading of 'Sweet Child' - a double bass drum frenzy!!!!

As the wheels of steel played a few modern songs 'for the kiddies', we packed up our equipment and said our goodbyes, with the satisfaction of a job well done!

fREAKJAM - Blues Bar West Drayton

Thursday nights gig was at the first Thursday night jam session in the Blues Bar in West Drayton. Following on from the previous weeks final session in the Fox & Pheasant, this evening was the beginning of a new era of jam-ular activity. And for a first night, what a good one! For those of you who don't know, the Blues Bar was previously known as the Engine, and also Stations, and also as a lap dancing joint at one point. However, the public house has put its shady past behind it, and is now hosting West Drayton's #1 jam session featuring Ian Jam.

After arriving and being greeted with a stage full of all kinds of litter, we set about setting up and set about deciding the set for the band portion of the evenings festivities.

And again, my thanks must go out to everyone who came down to see us! As they say in Hanworth 'Everyone from the jam was there'. It was a who's who of jam night stars, with special appearances from HT enabled barmaid, Keith and of course the ever present Adrian Barry. Pretend Pop Star Mark Chudley was in attendance and was pleased with the sustain of my Purple Music Man. We were also graced with a member of rocks Royalty - The Lord Mayor of Sandhurst Bal Browning! He also bought with him the young drumming prodigy Lee Aaron who played some most excellent drumming 'licks'.

One nice thing to see was almost all of the reg-ulars from the Fox 'o' Phez were in attendance, even the non jammers! It made my night to see that Ronnie Laff even came on down to see us, even though he squirted my face with his fake squirting flower!

All in all, a great first night at the Blues Bar. Lets hope it lasts.

Rough Justice - O'Neil's Woking

Saturday nights gig was with the Mighty Rough Justice at O'Neil's in Woking.....

Quite simply this was a spectacular gig! even a week later, I am still buzzing from the excitement of it all! As many of you reg-ular readers know, we play a venue in West Byfleet called the Camphill Club, and many of the regulars are big fans of the band, and as a result follow us to other venues. As a result, the 'Camphill Mob' came to see us tonight, but what was special was they all decided to honour the mighty Stoner and dress in orange T-Shirts! A potable Stoner fan club! And is seems that they bought the who Club with them as there were 100's of them! It was a literal sea of orange!!! The orange T-Shirts also sported many Rough Justice logos and slogans! And if the orange was not enough, following on from my KFC bucket fuelled Freebird from last week, the Stoner decided to get some more buckets from Woking's KFC (confusing the Polish bucket operative in the process) meaning the orange was nicely topped off with a fancy chicken fuelled hat! The best thing about the whole bucket incident was the fact that members of the audience went out to get more buckets! There were 100's of them! As far as the eye could see!

In addition to all this mayhem, it was just a great night! The Sandman / Teen Spirit combo created a most spectacular mosh pit, and the evenings Freebird was down and dirty in the audience! I also modified my guitar 'Roxy' to honour the Camphill Mob!

I must applaud Dangerous Dave for his T-Shirt signing skills, and indeed the whole band was signing all manner of clothing.

A great night, and one of the best Woking gigs in a Long time!

JAM NIGHT NEWS

Hello one and all,

First things first, I must thank everybody who came to our last jam session at the Fox & Pheasant. We really did go out with a bang!

However, I am pleased to announce that the Jam has a new home! Well, we have a 4 week trial at the Blues Bar in West Drayton (5, Station Rd, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 7BT - 01895 442020), starting this week, Thursday the 10th of April. We really want the jam to continue, and need your support to make the night a success! The Blues Bar is only a short distance away from our old home, and we would love to see you there. As before, the evening will be running from 9pm until 12pm.

Look forward to seeing you this Thursday!

Caesar and the fREAKJam Band.

fREAKJAM - Last Ever at the Fox & Pheasant

Thursday nights gig, for the last time ever, was the fREAKJam in the Fox & Pheasant in West Drayton. After a short drive to the venue, I arrived in the car park, took a deep breath, and after taking some pictures I unloaded my Spritzer and set about setting up. In the tradition of the previous 7 odd years, I was the first to arrive, which allowed me time to reflect and the like. Various members of the band then arrived to set up, and I was very pleased to find out that Rob 'Metal' Utley also bought his drums down for some Gary Glitter style dual drum action with the mighty Mammal!

After setting up, it was time to visit the funny man, Ronnie Laff. Ronnie Laff for about the last year or so has been dazzling us with his 'funny man' antics, telling jokes and creating general bar mayhem! He also has been badgering me for a signed guitar for as long as I can remember, so tonight was the night his dream came true! I presented him with a beautiful KCC acoustic signed and dated by yours truly. He was speechless! He didn't even shake up our cola cans or anything like that!

We then started the jam night set. I had decided that it would be an all jam night classic set, and as this was the last one, I actively encouraged 'dicking about' between songs! I even joined in the festivities! Running through classics such as 'Summertime Blues', 'Shaking All Over', and 'Tribute', we even played 'Sweet Home Alabama' for Holly without the table dancing rule! We ended our set with the fREAK-1-C song 'Sound of Thunder' and opened the jam.

Sadly, as the jam began, my trusty #1 Duoverb decided to conk out. Whilst I think the problem now was FX loop cable related, I did not know this at the time. Luckily Keith was on hand with his Vox Valvetronix to save the day - certainly saved me a trip home to get my spare amp, Sam 2.

I could begin to list who came down for the last jam night, but it would be easier to say who was not there! It was jam packed! Literally nearly every face from the jam over the years paid us a visit, making probably the best night we have ever had down there. Noticable appearances of the evening were the mighty Powehaus of Replicant, who blew us all away with their 'Something Something Something' fuelled reading of 'War Pigs'. Pretend Pop Star Mark Chudley (who was in attendance) performed with is magnificent Gibson Explorer with Gary Reece, and ended his set off with 'Little Blue Planet' with yours truly taking over solo duties! I must also mention the vocal talents of John The Hair, and also the fREAK-1-C re-union, with both Lillian and Hayden in the house. Luckily there was a mirror in the house and Andy Bradley stepped in my size 10's and did the re-union for me.

As the evening went on, with many jammers still to get through, people we reduced to 2 songs each - a real throwback to the old days. The evening ended with a final set from Keith on his Brian May guitar. Keith was the one that got us the jam session in the first place, so it was only fitting that he closed the final jam. I must note that the jam did not finish until 1.15am!

As we were packing up, it was a chance to say our final goodbyes to the Drayton Suite, the Snooty Fox Bar, the Kitchen Carvery, The Cellar Bar, Nelsons Corner and the local chav's and disapear into the night. A fantastic night, and lets hope that things work out for us at the Blues Bar this week!

Complete Picture Gallery

Lee Aaron Band - Camphill Club

Saturday nights gig was the Lee Aaron Band at The Camphill Club in West Byfleet. This was the second appearance of the band at this particular venue, so we all had high expectations on how everything would 'go down'. On my drive to the venue (navigating bareback no less!) there was the most glorious storm, and as a result the attendance of the venue was no brilliant - who would want to come out on a night like that etc. That said, the gig was actually a really good one! Playing our normal eclectic mix of songs we rocked the few people that were there! It must be said that Lee played very well indeed, and the whole band is getting very tight indeed. To think, it was not that long ago that we did out first gig in Theale - tonight really did show that we had moved on.

My constant disappointment grows in the fact Luke did not bother to come to the gig. At this juncture I really consider him suspended from the band, pending an appeal. In fact, he would be gutted to know that Big Man and the boys all feasted on the finest hot snacks after the gig, delivered to venue! There were Pizza's and Burgers as far as the eye could see, though Lee was shocked that they were not free.

A good one, and with equipment packed up, I disappeared into the night, happy in the knowledge of a job well done!

Rant

I would like to rant about the fact my old faithful, Duoverb #1 packed up at the jam last night. To be honest, it was quite fitting - its as if it knew that it was the last jam session and played it final version of 'Zombie' and decided to rest. Luckily I had already completed the jam set for the evening, though my apologies to Dave Bryce for cutting his set short! Whilst I have not given it a 100% check over, I did fiddle about with some cables last night, disconnected the FBV Shortboard and the like and to no avail. As I only paid £275 for it about 4 years ago, and have done 100's of gigs with it I really can't complain! My thanks must go to Keith for bringing his Vox down and literally saving the show!

I am currently weighing up my options, but I am leaning towards buying another Duoverb rather than a new 2 channel Marshall, Mesa Boogie or the like. I should also add that I already have 2 other working and serviceable Duoverb's, but I do like to replace these things on a 'one in - one out' basis.

edit

Of course, now I get home and try the amp out in the cold light of day, it works ok! Pfffff!!!! I think it might have been FX loop related, or the cables in the loop being faulty or not seated properly. A soak test at a rehearsal is the order of the day, me thinks.....

Rough Justice - Red Lion Twickenham

Friday nights gig was at the Red Lion in Twickenham, with the earth's most powerful rock band, Rough Justice. As the venue is still struggling with noise and the neighbours, a 9 'till 11 set is still the order of the day, so an early set up was just what the doctor ordered. I arrived just before the most amazing storm appeared, so luckily my Line 6 and assorted paraphernalia did not get a soaking.

After setting up and the like, we were soon ready to rock! The gig to begin with was a little quiet, though as the evening went on it soon hotted up with all manner of audience shenanigans! Sarah 'Saz' Harper joined us on bass for a storming version of 'Teen Spirit', and ole Bill joined us for a fantastic reading of 'Rosie', which literally whipped the audience into a frenzy! Highlight of the evening was the Buckethead fuelled version of Freebird! I started off my solo wearing the KFC bucket on my head, causing Hog to literally loose his place in the song! As I the Stoner joined me for more floor based rocking, the bucket was passed to him like a chicken Olympic torch! The bucket then went on the Dangerous, and finally Hog to finish. Even with all this jovality, we still finished dead on 11pm!

As we packed up in the rain, we said our goodbye's and all disapeared into the night, to our various Boltholes.

fREAKJam in West Drayton

Thursday nights gig was at the Fox & Pheasant jam session in West Drayton, with the fREAKJam Band. Tonight the Mighty Mammal was not in attendance (busy doing his charity work, of which he does not like to talk about), so we were blessed with the drumming talents of Rob 'Metal' Utley on the skins. Tonight was a night tinged with sadness. Firstly, since PAPOS has made his triumphant return from his own special overseas charity work, this week was the last week for Hog on the sound. His presence has been enjoyed since the beginning of the year, and he even treated us to some Borough wireless mic action to celebrate to occasion! The other sad thing about the evening was Mr Lee had decided to end the jam night at the Fox & Pheasant. To be honest, it comes as no surprise to me. Attendance has been patchy over the last year, and with everyone's bills going up people just don't have the money in their pockets like they used to. To this effect its very obvious that the pub was only just breaking even on a Thursday and this aside the jam session was not featuring in Mr Lee's plans. That said, its a sad day for the local music community in general. We are hoping to find a new venue really soon and of course everyone will know when we do!

As for the evening, it was actually a good night! First off, there was a random keyboard player - a friend of Andy Bradley's, who was in attendance, who 'Jo-anna'd' up a storm! In fact it was keyboard matey who created the highlight of the evening with Hog singing a storming version of 'Sweet Caroline'! Probably my jam highlight of the year so far!

Other jammers included Johnny D and the excellent Adrian Barry. The hardest working man in rock, Gary Reece was also in attendance, and my thanks goes out to him for bringing his nuclear powered Sessionette! Pretend Pop Star Mark Chudley was in attendance, and I was happy to ponder the past, present and future with him.

All in all, a great, if sad night. Next week is the last week at the F&F - please come down and support us, it would be great to see you.