...And breathe (Acorn Months Revue)

... and breathe. As the nights draw colder and the curtain sets on a pendulum year of pride and panic, Im gathering my acorns and settling into a Winter nestled in my smoky lab, concocting devious schemes for a world takeover in 2009.

Having been busy busting balls all year, last Sunday evening's performance signalled the final flourish of a crazy few months. September's Jammin Live saw Maxwell Golden & South Bank Centre's resident talent descend on Paradise, as performance poets, MC's, singers, cellists and tabla players conjured a blazing show. Over in N1, October's Jamboree launch saw the illustrious Jammin Crew takeover The Apothecary in a riot of bands, DJ's, magic, theatre, fire and facepaint.

All the while, managing The Hanging Ropes has been gathering momentum, with the launch of The Velvet Rope Revue (at Paradise). It was a quality show, with exquisite fiddles, banjos and cellos. I even sneaked impromptu showtime for a D'nB-dub freeform jam with the acoustic soundscapes of Om Corporation. It was a good look. Yet no time to look back.

... and breathe. Fireworks Saturday saw Jamboree unveil Groove Armada, burlesque, bands and clowning in a colourful, memorable show. The following day, as the wind blustered outside, the welcoming warmth of Soundbites @The Abbey saw a very personal culmination of performance and the work Ive been doing with The Hanging Ropes. Blessed to get a great reception from a busy crowd -I have yet to find anything more satisfying than challenging strangers/friends and exposing my soul through words and sounds. Guests Angel Anderson, Laura Rope & The Hanging Ropes all smashed it - it felt like a new era. New levels. The Hanging Ropes followed for one rip-roaring show before a baby-related hiatus. Their flawless set raised the wet Abbey roof, filling it with rapturous whoops and stomping feet that had peeps clamouring for the free CD's. It was a fitting way to finish '08 with a flourish. Managing them for the last 6 months has been a rewarding journey and I see beautiful times in '09.


Final news comes from Jammin Live - Fri 28th Nov. A change of management and changed priorities has led to the sad decision to move our baby onwards. Big tings are planned for 2009 at some well-known venues, so stay tuned family. As well as Jammin Live's 1st birthday, this will therefore also be our last in its spiritual home - the bohemian confines of Paradise. Expect a very special show alongside Jay Cunning (KissFM), Hereldeduke (Radio 2 Record of the Week) & Angel Anderson (Time Out Critics Choice) plus some very, very special guests for one last Jam. And its still only £3!!

Zero Nine, One Love