DW Show in London, Monday September 19th!

On September 19th, I’ll be playing an acoustic show in London, at Bush Hall, near Shepherd’s Bush.

I have a trip scheduled to write with some brilliant British artists and producers and I couldn’t resist the idea to set up a show. The show will include songs from all my bands and phases, including several from the new jam I’ve been working on so diligently. I’ve convinced pianist/multi-instrumentalist Brad Gordon to come with me and bring his clarinet and pocket trumpet too. No drums on this trip. Just me and BG.

Last time I played a show in London was fun but almost a secret. I was writing songs with James Morrison and producer Martin Terefe for James’ album #2, “Songs for You, Truths for Me.” During the sessions, I mentioned to Martin that I would enjoy getting up onstage somewhere while I was in London, and he told me he could get me a set at a nearby nightclub called the Cobden Club. I only found out later that the place was a private club – you can’t get in without a recommendation from a member. Or at least that’s the rap they give the public.

James, Martin, and I finished the song we were working on in plenty of time, so we went to Martin’s local pub and watched the impenetrable scramblings of two soccer (sorry, “football,”) teams over a pint, then moseyed down the road to the Cobden with our guitars. Arriving there, I was a little overawed. I’m always impressed by a beautiful old building, somewhat of a disadvantage in England where every auto repair, video rental or massage parlor is located in what would pass for a national historic place in the US.

(The Cobden Club)

My set was fine, lubricated by some nice British whiskey and the good vibes of a good day, and the people turned around somewhat in shock when I began singing “Secret Smile.” I think it surprised them how exactly I sounded like the guy on the record. But the best part of the night for me came after my set, when James, also well-lubricated, but by fine British beer rather than whiskey, gave in to our pressure, grabbed a guitar, took the stage, and broke all of our hearts with a note-perfect cover of Stevie Wonder’s amazing “Place in the Sun.” That’s the kind of song that makes me want to go straight back home and write one of my own. Someday.

Thinking about my upcoming trip, of course, London is looking a bit ominous to a visitor from far away. I really hope, less for my sake than everybody else’s, that the rioting has come to a peaceful end. In any case, I’ll be there to see for myself. I’m really excited to get there again.

And after I return home, when the aforementioned diligently-recorded album is finally finished and somehow brought to market (or at least to the internet’s shadowy bazaar,) I will be doing my damnedest to get back to not only London but as many of Europe’s cultural capitals to play more shows. It would please me just as much as you to make that happen. Maybe more.

(More show details in Appearances.)