My 1st Birthday

[Lew Bear]

A year ago today I first picked up a guitar with any intention of doing anything with it

I guess the first Spratton Gathering had a lot to do with that decision as did LOOM

Once again this is a bit of a personal journal that I'm leaving open to the public, coz looking back, I've achieved quite a bit within a year and if ever I'm down on myself, my singing or my guitar playing, I'll hopefully be able to look at this and cheer myself up

I've played 10 Open mics with varying degrees of success from polite clapping to the whole bar singing along with me (not yet a whole place on an original, but on a cover is good enough for me at the minute) and all bar one time coming out with a sense of happiness that I'd learnt, achieved or felt something special that night

I got the luck to play at the Hidden Lane Cafe when the lovely Daniel Hertzov took over the running for the night from the mighty P00kah and though I was nervous even though I was only among friends I did my best and hopefully entertained. I loved seeing Stoo, Daniel and Steph perform that night as well as playing along with Broon

I've played at the Mini-Gathering Organised by Duffy in Kirkmichael which was a real honour and my first time on a proper stage thats elevated. Some really top musicians who I'd never met before came up and said they liked my songs and although I still dont even know many of their names, their faces are etched in my memory

I've played 2 of Barry O Brien and Darrell Mitchells "Big Untidy Nights out" 1 in Reading and 1 in Brackley. Both were a lot of fun, but I'll remember the one in Brackley forever as Barry and Baz joined me on percussion and some random lad out of the audience joined me on backing vox for my rendition of "Hey Ja" which I closed on and the whole place sang along and grooved and had a good time, despite me being so tired I felt I was gonna keel over and pouring sweat so much I might've been mistaken for a water feature. That is probably my most treasured memory to date as a guitarist

I played for Darrell again for his "Music on the Piazza" day in Brackley as part of the Brackley Music Festival and was without doubt the most wholesome musical event I've ever been involved in. I dont mean that in that it was boring, wholesome doesnt have to mean that. There were kids of 2 up to people of 80, doing various things from relaxing with a pint, to singing along and tapping their feet (to all the acts) kids were playing and painting pictures - it felt like a day stolen from another age and brought back to us as a gift to remember them and what could still be had now if we work on it and shed our fears of each other

I ended my 1st gigging year by opening the Spratton Folk Festival on the Fringe Stage, being the first act on all weekend. Of course, I cant take so much credit for this one as I decided the running order hahahaha, but it was still an honour to have been a part of such a huge event as more than just coordinator

I've written nearly 20 songs of which a few have become firm favs of many people (I have to take their word for it) and 2 have been covered. Both times were a great honour to hear them being done and both completely different to the original

Thank you Carleko for your version of Mad Ole Girl and Ayewrite/Humpty Numpty for your version of Ugly Duckling. Both versions I've borrowed bits back from for my own and have taught me that a song will never finish evolving if it has the life given to it by people who want to play it

My countless fun times on loom, with people jamming along in particular. The likes of PD (RIP), Allen Smith, JT, Jimmy G, Stoo Nicol, Jay, Phil Hartley and probably many more I've forgotten made me look at my songs with a fresh light of how they could sound given a band around me

Thank you to Stoo and Brown for helping guide my first purchase of a decent guitar which is fast becoming "my baby" and to Michael Heath for giving me my first electric guitar (which I've just started playing today and love it!). Thats a hell of a gift and wont be forgotten

These achievements are dedicated to all the people who've taught me so much by being around me and being willing to show an incompetent newbie some hard earned tricks of the trade. I wont name names, because there are far too many of you, but you all know who you are

Its been a good 1st year - here's to the next as many as I can breathe for

[ayewrite]

fledders gave you a yamaha aex ..lucky bugger...thats what i use for my tunes.

[Jeremy Perron]

how generous michael, happy birthday lew

[Stoo Nicol (DJ Profile)]

happy birthday Lbas

[Michael Heath (aka Fledderjohn)]

It is a very versatile guitar. It's designed for acoustic/jazz sort of sounds but can do a lot more. I wouldn't have given it to you if I didn't have that archtop which has the same pick up arrangement. I also think it looks pretty cool.

Welcome to the Yamaha aex fan club.

[Lew Bear]

Oh, and yes, guitars fantastic! Missing the multi fx pedal that Tim brought down for me to have a quick go on yesterday. Sounds great with anything from reverb, to pitchshift to mass distortion on it - loved going through the sounds

[Lew Bear]

Hahaha, can seem like longer than a year if you're forced to listen to a few of my songs

[Michael Heath (aka Fledderjohn)]

Jeez is it only a year! Slow down buddy. Glad you like the guitar.

Keep breathing.

[Lew Bear]

Thanks Barry and Buddha. You've both been huge influences on my short career and long may it continue

[Djay Buddha]

Happy Birthday Lew
You have made great progress for a 1 year old. You should be very proud of yourself.

[Barry O'Brien]

Happy Birthday Lew and thanks for letting me be a part of it all.
And I look forward to being a part of the future as well as the past.
Big Untidy recognises a kindred spirit when it sees one.