Hello from Phil…

Solo gigs start in earnest next week. I’ve done two warm-ups so far at Worcester and South Petherton which have been very enjoyable. Lots of new songs and reviving of old ones. I started doing ‘Tommy’ again towards the end of last year and have been inundated with requests for it so it’s firmly back in the set again. Looking forward to going to see Kelly Jo Phelps later next month who wrote it.

Contrary to the general doom and gloom around at the moment, many of the immediate up and coming shows are either already sold out or nearly sold out. Brilliant! Thankyou all very much.

I’m also pleased to announce that Edwina Hayes will be opening on several shows in march and Miranda and Rex will also be joining me for one or two. We’ll post the definitive information as soon as everything’s confirmed. Edwina joined me at Huntingdon Hall last week and also was my special guest at the Dartford folk club before christmas. She won many new friends at both these shows.

Please check the date sheet in a couple of days time for additions including another reunion with my old mate Johnny Coppin later in the year and also a Downes and Beer reunion date coming up soon at Sowerby Bridge.

Also, I will be doing more Feast of Fiddles gigs this year as the tour doesn’t clash with Show of Hands activities. Particularly check out the big FOF gig at St Albans arena which includes everyone who has ever been involved. There could be as many as twenty fiddles and certainly two drummers.