So – I’m 40 (cue dramatic music) on Friday – time to get my finger out!! Playing is going really well – although gigs are few & far between just now – isn’t it always the way?  I guess I’ll just need to get off my arse, get out there and try to generate some work for myself!  Going to have a look at Creative Scotland to see if I can apply for some funding to get my solo stuff off the ground (again). Here’s hoping I don’t get too bogged down & disillusioned this time! They seem to make it as difficult and as obtuse a process as possible to try & get some funds.

I”m also contacting Jim New @ kanstul to make a custom mouthpiece for me. I’m really happy playing a Shew Lead, but feel the rim could be a bit less rounded. The piece I’ve got has a 4.5mm throat which equates to a #16!!  It plays really well – the high notes really pop out, although the actual tone production is harder work. I’ve asked him for a piece based on a Yamaha Shew Lead, but with a less rounded rim, slightly shallower and on a Monette STC-2 style blank. Here’s hoping it won’t be a fortune!

I’m also contemplating taking a lesson or two with trumpet legend Bobby Shew – I’m very interested in his breathing concepts & whole ‘take’ on playing trumpet. :-)