This is an online diary about my life as a jazz pianist in the UK. I don't give details of every single gig that I do - I just select the ones that are interesting for whatever reason. I hope that it will be a source of amusement and inspiration for any music lover or musician. It's not really about work: but my life.
Yesterday's gig was the wedding of Fiona Smyth and was held in Formby Golf Club. I love gigs that are a long way from home but I would much rather do them in the summer, when there is more daylight. Anyway, in spite of those frustrating road works on the west side of the M25 and two accidents on the M6 (yes, I did say two); I managed to get to Formby Golf Club inabout five hours. The gig was a success, the people were very appreciative and the catering staff were a real laugh. Of course after all the glory I had to face that lonesome journey back to Surrey. The journey back was a disaster: the weather conditions were dreadful (snow, wind and rain) and I managed to get lost somewhere around Birmingham. I arrived home at 2-20AM and I had done 542 miles instead of approximately 520 miles.
Mellow jazz pianist for any event
Eugene Portman on piano