Tuesday 20th May 2003

I'm back! Wow - 19 days since my lasy update! Finally got the OSX version of Adobe GoLive so I can now get on top of things once again. Studio is all up and running on OSX now too. Relatively painless switch actually.

Thursday May 1st 2003

May already?

Sorry I've not been around but I've been busy transferring everything in the Office and Studio over to Mac OSX ready for the new computer to arrive in the Studio. All looking good. Very cathartic actually. Hopefully should all be in place by early next week and then I can continue in my quest for World Domination!!!

Tuesday 22nd April 2003

Interesting Easter - my Brother and his family came down from 'Up North' and we had fantastic weather. On the other hand my car wouldn't start on Saturday so that was interesting. Odd feeling not having a studio at the moment though. Feel disconnected.

Thursday 17th April 2003

This morning one of my Firewire drives decided to misbehave. This drive contains a database with all my studio settings, contacts and invoices - basically my working life. Managed to save it with Disc Warrior and backed it up immediately twice! For a moment I thought the bottom had fallen out of my world. Seem to be living in computer hell at the moment.

The TV ad I have been working on for the last month went in on Tuesday. Now the long wait to see how it does in research. Fingers crossed! Had a meeting this morning about the new Vote 2003 music for the BBC. Shall be working on that next week.

Ordered the new studio system today too. Quite scary as I am effectively without a studio until it is installed, which will hopefully be next Friday.

Monday 14th April 2003

Spent most of yesterday and today nursing the Studio Mac. Damn thing crashed every 2mins. I mean that quite literally too. It has to go. Have got some quotes for a new system and hopefully I shall be installing it later this week. Scary times - whenever I undertake anything like this I always get really busy, usually just as I have disconnected the computer! Has to be done though. This Mac has never been right. I reckon it's a Friday afternoon job myself. Quite looking forward to a new and reliable system though.

Saturday 12th April 2003

Fun and games with the TV ad means I am working all over the weekend on a different version. On a lighter note Nick and I finished another track on Thursday and it's another cracker! Getting some really good stuff together now.

Later . . . major computer problems during session with Belinda tonight may have put entire job in jeapordy. Can't finish the work and think I might throw the computer out of the window. Desperately need a new system. Perhaps it is time for OSX now?

Sunday 6th April 2003

Strolled down to the river this afternoon to watch the Boat Race. Lovely atmosphere, and not often you get to see a flotilla of 1930's Motor Cruisers in a line on the Thames! Oxford won by the way, though when they passed us it was neck and neck.

Been working on a TV ad all weekend. Due in tomorrow morning. Think I shall be working late tonight.

Thursday 3rd April 2003

Working on the music for the BBC BUDGET 2003 today. Finished all the edits and stings and packed off to Graphics at the Beeb for dubbing.

Wednesday 2nd April 2003

Working on an Arabic track for a TV commercial today and had Belinda Sykes come over to do some vocals - amazing voice! Spent some of the morning watching The English Patient to get myself in the mood and then wrote it in a couple of minutes.

Firday 28th March 2003

Been working on the job for Lowe this past few days. Good fun to work to picture again!

Still on the salad. Bored with lettuce now though.

Monday 24th March 2003

Went for a meeting at Lowe for a commercial this morning. Very pleasant drive in the sunshine. Got home and remembered that from today until next Monday I am only eating salad and drinking water. Detox time. Hitting the gym too every other day. Phew!

Sunday 23rd March 2003

Am absolutely beautiful weekend here in London! Spring is here and there are people in shorts. Spent most of the afternoon yesterday and today in the park with Tilly. Got a meeting tomorrow for a TV commercial. First big one in a while so should be interesting!

Thursday 20th March 2003

So War has begun. . . I wonder what we have started here?

Wednesday 19th March 2003

Interesting week really - few odd things happened that may or may not come to anything. We shall see. Sent out a couple of CD reels and spent ages in the Office doing crap paperwork and paying a tax bill.

Doug Boyle called. He is researching the Carillon for his home studio. Looks pretty good to me! Be great for him I think, but it works with the Gigasampler too so perhaps I should invest in one. Damn tax man!!!

Wednesday 12th March 2003

Tilly's Birthday today - she is three! We went to Richmond Park this morning to see the Deer and then to a Pet Superstore where she picked out a toy and some treats for herself. She had roast chicken tonight too!

Working with Nick the next couple of days so hopefully we'll have some stuff ready for next week to start playing people. Can't wait!

Thursday 6th March 2003

Two days songwriting this week. Getting some great stuff together now. Been neglecting bills though so got a boring office day tomorrow. Oh well. . .

Watched 'Signs' on DVD during the week. Great film!

Sunday 2nd March 2003

Had a nice day off on Friday. Nicola nad I just came back from our first self defence class at the gym. Think I may have some bruises tomorrow because Nicola is a bony little bugger - great fun though! Had a good day writing with Nick on Thursday. Got four songs on the go now. Will try and fit a couple of days in this coming week as we seem to be on a roll.

Thursday 27th February 2003

Meeting on Monday for the DTI radio ads. All went well. Ok'd the budget for a male singer as well so booked Elfed Hayes. Did the session on Wednesday for the job at Factory Studios in London. Great fun with Steph and El as always and the tracks sounded great!
Ordered new car on Wednesday too - Range Rover Vogue in dark blue.

We were woken at 6am by the doorbell today. Neighbour had gone into labour and would we pop round and look after the children until the nanny arrived. Baby boy born at 7.05am - hi Daniel! Early start to the day, but then Nick came over this afternoon and we wrote another couple of songs so good energy!

Am taking tomorrow off . . .

Saturday 22nd February 2003

Went to a friend's fancy dress party last night (Happy Birthday Gabby!). The theme was 70's / 80's so I went as a wasted hippie. Strangely my entire costume came from my wardrobe! Hmmm.

Working on the DTI radio commercials again today and tomorrow. The fools have arranged a meeting with the client for 9am on Monday - what are they thinking of? Good to be working 'cos Nicola has gone shopping today and I'll need the money.

Wednesday 19th February 2003

Working on 3 radio commercials for the DTI this week. Session next Wednesday with Steph doing the vocals so should be fun! Sent out 5 showreels today - suddenly everybody wants me again!
We've had three Australian girls staying with us for the past few days and I think I may have given them my cold. . .

Saturday 15th February 2003

Went to the Charlotte Street Hotel last night for Valentine's for dinner and a movie (the way we were). Lots of hot toddies for my cold. Bought a Danelectro 12 string guitar from Ivor Mairant's too. It's purple and glittery and sounds lovely!

Wednesday 12th February 2003

Great - now I've got the bloody cold too! Bugger. . .

Thursday 6th February 2003

We went to see Sylvie Guillem dance Manon at the Royal Opera House tonight. She is without doubt one of the finest ballerinas in the World today. Though emotionally draining we had a fabulous evening!

Wednesday 5th February 2003

Been working on the music for a BBC TV special entitled 'Iraq - Britain Decides'. Don't think there is a decision to be made that will change things personally . . .Meeting tomorrow for 3 DTI commercials, and more songwriting on Friday. Busy month!

Sunday 2nd February 2003

Got together with Nick Heyward on Friday and did some writing. Thinking of forming a writing partnership to see what happens. The signs are good as we came up with loads of stuff on the first day! Getting together again next week. Very interesting.

Wednesday 29th January 2003

New Links pages put up today!

Tuesday 28th January 2003

Had some more BBC work come in yesterday, and hopefully I shall be hooking up with somebody for some songwriting later this week. Something I haven't done in a long while! Could be interesting . . .

Thursday 23rd January 2003

Went to see LOTR 2 Towers again this afternoon. Even better second time round. Picked up more of the detail. Supposed to be going to the gym tomorrow but have work to finish. Should make the time though I suppose.

Monday January 20th 2003

My Birthday today! Nicola got me a session in a flotation tank followed by a massage so I've had a lovely day! Had some friends over last night for a small dinner party and drunk lots of wine. Feeling very relaxed.

Sunday 19th January 2003

Went to see Harry Hill at a local Comedy Club last night and ended up sitting at the front tables virtually on the stage. Amazing to see how hard he works up close!

Also ordered the complete series of Fireball XL-5 on DVD today! Fantastic!

Wednesday 15th January 2003

An interesting week! My studio decided to develop a major fault so I had to get a man in to fix it. Bought a Roland Handsonic which is an absolutely amazing and inspirational tool, so lots of programming! Nice to have a new toy to kick start me into the studio. Working on Library stuff for Audio Network at the moment so quite busy.

Wednesday 8th January 2003

It snowed today! Really big snowflakes that settled and gave us about 5 inches to play around in! Tilly loved it. Very sore today though 'cos I went to the gym on Monday and overdid things. Saw LOTR 2 Towers last night. Phenomenal stuff!

Work has started to come in which is unusual for January. BBC job and music for a website. Needless to say the studio computer wouldn't work when I fired it up after the Christmas break. Need to get a man in tomorrow to look at it. . .

Saturday 4th January 2003

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We have been all over the place this Christmas! Spent a few days in the Cotswolds, then Sussex and finally the New Year in Suffolk (thanks to Andy & Karen!). Tilly had a great time with her doggy friends, apart from Guinness the Labrador who fell in love with her and wouldn't leave her alone. Quite relaxing though despite all the driving. Got my new trainers for the gym so my New Year's resolution starts on Monday - GET DOWN THE GYM!

Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24th December 2002

Wrapping presents this evening. The fires and candles are lit and we are snug and warm. Merry Christmas everyone, and let's pray for Peace in the New Year. . .

Sunday 22nd December 2002

Just got back from a few days at the One Aldwych Hotel in London. We decided to stay at a central location and do our Christmas shopping from there (even though we live in London), so instead of hitting the traffic we hit the pool! Think we'll do this every year 'cos it worked a treat!

Next door to the Hotel is the Lyceum Theatre so we went to see The Lion King. Fabulous sets and costumes let down by a remarkably weak Scar and Simba I thought. Mind you they were swings. Some of the singing from the supporting cast was electrifying!

Thursday 19th December 2002

Just got back from four days in the Cotswolds - bliss! We stayed in a village called Broadway at the Lygon Arms Hotel, took Tilly on lots of frosty midnight walks and ate mince pies in front of roaring log fires. Absolute heaven!

Got our Christmas trees today as well so things are a bit twinkly at our house . . .

Saturday 14th December 2002

Went to see the Christmas dance production at the school where Nicola teaches tonight. They are so into it and it was amazing to see that some 'have it' even at such an early age! It began to look like Christmas around here today and it occurred to me that we still have to buy our trees . . .

Saturday 7th December 2002

We went to see the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House last night. Alina Cojocaru danced Odette / Odile in Swan Lake and she was quite remarkable (she stole the show). The Orchestra were a bit off though I thought. I hate it when musicians sound like they would rather be somewhere else.

Friday 29th November 2002

Didn't get the Fray Bentos job - bugger. Spent the week doing Office stuff and paperwork instead. Very boring and dull. Still, it's December soon so I'll have to start my Christmas shopping!

Saturday 23rd November 2002

Been working on a TV ad for Fray Bentos all week. More vocals from Hannah on Thursday. Saw Lord Of The Rings - Fellowship (Director's cut) last night on DVD. Fantastic stuff - fills in a lot of stuff that was omitted from the Cinema release version. Three and a half hours though. Can't wait for the Two Towers now!

Monday 18th November 2002

Had Hannah Jones over yesterday doing some wild vocals on a TV commercial - man she's got a loud voice!

Thursday 14th November 2002

Blimey - gastric flu! Been in bed for a few days. Where did that come from? Thought it might have been the sushi on Saturday night but Nicola went down with it too and she doesn't eat sushi. I am very behind in my work now. Must crack on!

Friday 8th November 2002

Interesting week! Negotiated a European license for the Ford Transit music and picked up four other jobs. Looks like I shall be busy in the run up to Christmas after all!

Sunday 3rd November 2002

We had a great Halloween Party last night! Everybody made a supreme effort with their costumes (some of the elaborate headgear must have looked very odd to other motorists) and the last person left just after 3am. Got an army of cleaners and the caterers coming in tomorrow to tidy up the house, and I need to replace all the light bulbs as we painted them red for spooky effect. Very touched that some people travelled across London just to be with us - thanks guys!

Went to Richmond Theatre to see Macbeth starring Sean Bean and Samantha Bond on Friday night. Fantastic!

Tuesday 29th October 2002

I seem to see my new Ford Transit Connect ad every time I turn on the TV recently. Seen it 5 times tonight already. Great news for my royalties!

Off to select my Halloween costume at Angels and Berman (costumiers) tomorrow. Not sure what to go as yet but I'm sure they will think of something.

Friday 25th October 2002

Busy week. Working on tracks for Audio Network and getting my stuff into a new Database. Went to the Theatre to see Blood Brothers - fanatastic! Gearing up for Halloween and Guy Fawkes night now. Can't wait!

Sunday 13th October 2002

Wow . . . it wasn't the Pilates that made me sore after all as I just got rid of a nasty 24 virus thing that completely knocked me out Friday and Saturday! Feel great today though - wierd! Went for a walk in the park in the rain with Nicola and Tilly this afternoon. I love Autumn!

Thursday 10th October 2002

Started Pilates again today. I'm sore . . .

Wednesday 9th October 2002

Our Australian guests flew back home the other day so we are back to finding carpenters and plasterers to do some work around the house before Winter sets in. Began rigorous training regime in order to prepare for the annual struggle to get the underfloor heating working again this year.

Sunday 6th October 2002

Starting to plan our Halloween party. Decided to go the full Fancy Dress route this year so we sent out the invitations yesterday!

Been working on some tracks for Audio Network. Great fun and very creative because I am given a totally free rein!

Sunday 29th September 2002

I love Autumn - the leaves are turning, there is a chill in the air, and the forest smells so good you could almost get high on it! Tilly loves chasing squirrels so she is in her element too.

Beautiful!

Thursday 26th September 2002

Been a slow week. Trying to get on top of paperwork and bills. Very boring. Got some Australian friends staying with us next week so need to get things in order. Weather is a little cooler now too so Tilly is happier. Lovely early Autumn days with sunshine and cool breezes - my favourite time of year!

Monday 23rd September 2002

I always feel like I need a holiday to get over a holiday and this week has been no exception. Can't seem to get into gear yet. Ho hum. Been tweaking the Land Rover music (again!) and gearing up to start some composing for Audio Network.

The Lexicon PCM80 (reverb) decided it wasn't going to work after it's short break so I have a hefty repair bill on top of rental charges whilst it is in the hospital. Bugger.

Tuesday 17th September 2002

Got back from a weeks holiday in Menorca last night and I want to live there. A week isn't long enough really as I was just beginning to unwind when we had to come home again. Menorca is one of the Balaeric Islands in the Mediterranean between Spain and Morrocco, and is very small and very sleepy. We stayed at the Biniarocca Rural Hotel which was utterly fabulous, and as we were there to attend a wedding a lot of Nicola's dancer friends were there too. Congratulations to Mellie and Nidal!

I need a siesta . . .

Saturday 7th September 2002

Had Tim Garland over today to do some sax on a Kenny G piss take track. I renamed him Timmy G. Tim plays for Chick Corea and Bill Bruford so it was great to loosen up and have a laugh (at Kenny's expense!) Problem is I think the track sounds almost too good at the moment.

Finished the Land Rover film yesterday and the Ford film the day before. The Radio ad I did this week is on air too. Have a BBC job and the final mixes of the Library Album '100% Stupid' to finish by Monday so I'd better crack on - bye!

Wednesday 4th September 2002

The pinnacle of my career! Yesterday I recorded a Kazoo version of the Can Can, and today I am writing a Kenny G piss take. Marvellous!

Sunday 1st September 2002

The short film I did the music for called 'Veronique' won the Film 4 competition on TV last night!

Saturday 31st August 2002

I have had one of those weeks. Three jobs that I thought were finished have come back for revisions. A case of too many Chiefs on each of them I'm afraid. Nobody can make a decision and it ends up being music by committee, which is when I lose interest. I was hoping to have a break this weekend but instead I shall be working to try and get them finished before Monday. Bugger.

Saturday 24th August 2002

Went to the National Theatre last night to see "A Play Without Words". Basically choreography by Matthew Bourne set to Jazz music. Very sexy! Am working all weekend on the Land Rover music for delivery on Tuesday. Got Stephanie Benavente coming over Sunday for some vocals.

Still warm here in the UK. We are having a Summer!

Thursday 22nd August 2002

Finished the BBC job and the Radio ads for the UK. Now working on the Land Rover film for delivery tomorrow. Not heard a peep out of the Ford film lot - no news is good news?

Got up at 6.30am again this morning. I need a holiday . . .think I am going bananas!

Saturday 17th August 2002

Just worn myself out trying to get this BBC job finished so I could email it to the Director and Producer but the emails came back undeliverable so they'll have to wait until Monday to hear it anyway . . . bugger! Start work on a radio ad tomorrow for a session and then Monday start work on the Land Rover film.

The short film I scored called 'Veronique' is on TV tonight as part of a competition. Fingers crossed!

Thursday 15th August 2002

Busy week. Think I've finally sorted the Ford Transit TV commercial (at last) and am now onto a BBC theme. Took another brief today for a Land Rover film so v-busy still. We have a man painting our middle bathroom over the next few days too which adds to the confusion.

The weather here in the UK is more like the South of France at the moment. Another beer?

Saturday 10th August 2002

Just realised that this site has been up for 1 year! Happy Birthday site! Bumped into Janick Gers (Iron Maiden) on the High Street again today. What a nice man!

I am chilling this weekend - the Ford job is going on and on, and I have a busy week next week. Time for wine and relaxing I think . . .

Wednesday 7th August 2002

So I took on two more jobs today. That makes the Ford film, the Ford TV commercial, The BBC theme, the Library Album, a film for Land Rover, a TV ad for BT, and a percussive track for Audio Network. Hmmm, perhaps I should prepare for no sleep over the next few days.

Monday 5th August 2002

New Visitor's Book added! Please sign it and leave a message!

Nicola's birthday on Saturday so we went for a long boozy lunch at a local restaurant and then chilled for the rest of the day, but back into it again yesterday and today - still working on the Ford film. Got a call from the BBC today re a special they want to do on Crime, and a meeting about the Ford TV ad on Wednesday. . .

Friday 2nd August 2002

Spent most of this week working on a film for Ford to be used at the Motor Show. It's Nicola's Birthday tomorrow so we shall be chilling, but back to work on Sunday to get this finished, and then on to the TV commercial!

August already? How did that happen?

Sunday 28th July 2002

We went to see Burt Bacharach last night, and although it was truly wonderful it has to be the quietest gig I've ever been to! You could actually talk to the person next to you and drown out the music! But oh boy has he written some stuff - 2 hours and we knew every song!

Saturday 27th July 2002

Busy week! Working on a Library Album called 100% Stupid (which suits me fine!) and trying to get the builders to finish our middle bathroom. Very hot weather here in London - humid and sweaty.

The Ford Film was put back a week so I am expecting all hell to break loose here next week - everyone wants everything at once!

Friday 19th July 2002

Went to see Bill Bruford and Stewart Copeland play last night - interesting evening! Met them afterwards and they are jolly nice chaps. Doug Boyle was in attendance too and told me he liked exclamation marks, so here are a couple for you Doug !!!!!!

Tuesday 16th July 2002

The COI Drink Drive radio ads are on air here in the UK!!

Monday 15th July 2002

Finished the Partizan film music this weekend. The film is called 'Veronique' and will be on air August 17th C4 here in the UK. Went to the dub at Production Factory this morning and it looked great!

Another blisteringy hot day here in the UK today - I'm on to Library stuff now until the Ford Transit film arrives later in the week.

Thursday 11th July 2002

Builders have been in the house for two weeks now . . .

This week I have been mostly working on a TV ad for Ford Transit, a Ford film for the Motorshow, a short film for Partizan, and a Library Album for Boosey & Hawkes. Blimey!

Updated the photo page this week too. Pop in and take a look!

Thursday 4th July 2002

Happy 4th July to all readers in the USA!

Builders still creating havoc in the house. Wimbledon is on when it's not raining (which isn't that often). Working on some stuff for the BBC and a TV commercial for Ford at the moment so things are quite hectic here - I need a holiday!

Monday 1st July 2002

Great weekend! Street party on Saturday from midday to midnight, and Sunday we took Tilly to a dog show where she won a prize! Dinner at a fabulous restaurant last night too. Builders started on the middle bathroom today - more dust!

Sent the Ford Transit music off for choreographic filming today.

Photo page updated!

Thursday 28th June 2002

RIP John 'Ox' Entwhistle. Won't get fooled again.

Sunday 23rd June 2002

Midsummer's Night, so we went to see A Midsummer Night's Dream at The Royal Shakespeare Company's Globe Theatre tonight. Magical evening, a purple sky overhead, a cool breeze, and seagulls and a nightingale joining the chorus - that was until a helicopter passed overhead!

Friday 21st June 2002

Went to the Tennis at Roehampton today and saw Michael Chang play. Lovely weather, Pimms and Strawberries - looking forward to Wimbledon!

Got the COI radio jobs I was working on, so mixing all weekend and then into the studio for vocals on Tuesday.

Tuesday 18th June 2002

Fabulous thunder storms last night so Tilly came and slept with us. Working on 3 radio ads for the COI today and tomorrow. Great fun! Glad I've got a/c in the studio though!

Six Foot Under on TV last night. Fabulous!

Monday 17th June 2002

Man it's hot in London today . . .

Sunday 16th June 2002

The music for "Our Monarchy" sounded fine on Wednesday night. Spent rest of the week sorting out showreels and stuff.

Nice day off today. Went to see Nicola dance last night, and later this afternoon we are visiting a local funfair. The Osbournes on TV tonight, and then bed before an extremely busy week ahead!

Wednesday 12th June 2002

Woody Allan is up a stepladder clearing the ivy from the front of our house so that the painter man can paint it. The Director of the Royal Ballet does our garden, and one time we had Bill Clinton do our electrics. Some people really could have a nice career as lookalikes!

Saturday 8th June 2002

Just returned from checking out the South Coast. Thinking of buying a seaside getaway. Tilly had a great time in the sea - England can be so beautiful!

Oh, and one-nil!

Wednesday 5th June 2002

Fabulous Jubilee weekend! The weather was incredible too - went in search of some Union Jack T-Shirts for a themed party on Sunday. The planes from the fly past at Buckingham Palace flew right over our house! Went to the Theatre last night after drinks at a neighbour's. Great atmosphere here in London and the Queen seemed to have a nice time, but back to work today.

Friday 31st May 2002

Start of the long weekend here in the UK to celebrate the Queen's 50th year. Everybody is off until next Wednesday and we have barbeques, outings and parties to attend! Started this afternoon with some gardening - very theraputic!

Wednesday 29th May 2002

Working on the music for a BBC programme about the Monarchy today. Seem to be staring at a blank screen at the moment though.

Later . . . screen is still blank . . .

Saturday 25th May 2002

Saw Sylvie Guilleme, Darcey Bussel and Alina Cojocaru dance in a triple bill at the Royal Opera House last night! Fabulous evening followed by Pizza in the car on the way home!

Friday 24th May 2002

It's raining here in the UK, quite heavy rain interspesed with sunshine. Keep getting caught in it with Tilly (she doesn't seem to mind, so why doesn't she like being bathed?). Lots of work coming up next week so I'm preparing myself for the shock!

Tuesday 21st May 2002

New SHOWREEL and MP3 sections added! I've gone over to Quick Time and the quality is so much better. Everything is easier to use too - hope you enjoy it!

Friday 17th May 2002

The MP3 section of the site now has a choice of quality to suit both Broadband and modem connections! The film side of things will be working again tomorrow I hope. Should make it easier to listen to stuff!

Sunday 12th May 2002

Been a very social week! Visited friends in Suffolk for a couple of days, and then had some friends from San Fransisco staying with us the rest of the week! Lots of getting out and about and visiting the Theatre and eating and stuff!

Saturday 4th May 2002

Finished the music for the Local Elections this week. Been working on an improved MP3 page for my site which should be up by next week. Weather changed here in the UK too - lots of rain and sunny spells. We were sunbathing last week!

Saturday 27th April 2002

Finishing the edits for the Local Elections today. Got a few events coming up so I bought a suit yesterday - first one I've ever had! Took it for a test drive last night . . .

Wednesday 24th April 2002

It's so hot in London today! Beautiful blue skies and everyone in shorts! Hard to work though - I'm supposed to be writing the theme music for the upcoming Local Elections (BBC). Still if I stare at a blank screen long enough tonight something will happen!

Friday 19th April 2002

Stiff after the gym yesterday!

Working on final edits for the Orchestral stuff today. Over the weekend I'm working on music for McDonalds, and Monday I'm on to the theme music for the upcoming Local Elections. Variety is the spice of life!

Thursday 18th April 2002

Busy week! Budget music went out on the BBC yesterday. Been working on demos for Go Airlines and Ford. Got today off though, so I'm going to the gym - Pilates again this afternoon!

Friday 12th April 2002

Music for the Buget (BBC) was accepted yesterday and the demo for Ford went in this morning. Working on 3 commercials for Go Airlines over the weekend.

Still very sunny here in the UK. Took a Pilates class yesterday for my back!

Monday 8th April 2002

Spring has sprung here in the UK - sunny days and chilly nights. Been working on a job for the BBC and a commercial for Ford. Lots on at the moment!

Nicola got home safe and well and hasn't suffered too much jet-lag!

Monday April 1st 2002

April fool's day! Just found out I am the featured drummer on the HotDrum.com website! Been doing a lot of interviews recently - must be Spring!

As I write, Nicola is on the plane from Australia to London . . . travel safe sweetie!

Wednesday 27th March 2002

Final edits of Orchestral stuff today. Sounding good! Tilly has been out with a dog walker this past couple of days . . back feels a lot better today though!

Nicola tried to access the streaming section of the site from Australia and experienced some quality problems. I will be addressing this soon using QuickTime so everybody should get good quality - will keep you posted.

Lovely weather here in the UK - Spring has sprung!

Friday 22nd March 2002

Put my back out today - one of the most painful things I have ever done! Working with Doug Boyle up until the delivery of a new 40" TV which I helped carry, tripped, TV landed on top of me, hence the back problem. Tilly knows something is up and is being very sweet.

Sleeping on a board tonight . . .

Monday 18th March 2002

A good friend of mine launches his new online music company today - good luck to all at Audio Network Andy! See the link to the right to check it out.

Friday 15th March 2002

Rained all morning (v. cold) so got wet in the park with Tilly. Meeting this afternoon to discuss the Orchestral tracks - the album is to be called 'Moviedrome'. Very exciting!

XBox arrived yesterday so set it up tonight but fell asleep!

Tuesday12th March 2002

Tilly is 2 today! Went to the park for a big run this morning, and then had cake in the afternoon. Emailed some photos to Nicola in Melbourne. Still working on the edits for the Hollywood album - taking longer than I thought . .

Thursday 7th March 2002

Working on a new job for the BBC this week. Beautiful warm sunny day here in the UK so had a long walk in the park with Tilly! Got myself an iPod - fabulous!

Nicola having a great time down under - she's off to Sydney on Saturday.

Sunday 3rd March 2002

Nicola flew away to Australia tonight to visit her family for a month. Hate saying goodbye at Airports. Tilly keeps looking out the window for her. . .

Thursday 28th February 2002

Spent the day at Lansdowne Studios doing the final mixes of my ochestral stuff. Sounds fab with the choir! Still more editing to do, but nearly there now. Choir session on Monday was very enlightening - the most incredible voices! Tuesday session went well, mostly snare / cymbal overdubs and stuff.

There are holes in the sky
Where the rain gets in,
But they're ever so small
That's why rain is thin.

RIP Spike Milligan.

Sunday 24th February 2002

New photos added to Photo Gallery.

Saturday 23rd February 2002

I do love my new iMac!

Busy week coming up - Sony Studios on Monday with the choir (I'm conducting - aargh!) which will complete the recording of my orchestral stuff from Abbey Road last week. In to Marc Angelo's Studios Tuesday to record some extra snares and cymbals, then off to Lansdowne Studios on Thursday for the final mixes! Can't wait!

Wednesday 20th February 2002

BBC NHS special transmitted today in the UK with my music - always a buzz! Session at Sarm East studios yesterday on the kit. Great fun as I got to do all sorts of silly drum stuff for a Library album! New iMac arrived this morning and looks v. beautiful. Checked out the new Roland V-Drums on Monday (excellent!). Screen on desk in studio went down on Saturday though - anybody got a spare Samsung 14" monitor?

Friday 15th February 2002

Valentine's Day yesterday so we left Tilly with the Dog sitter and ran off to the Charlotte Street Hotel for the night. Fab meal followed by a movie downstairs in the Private Cinema and then bed! Tilly v. pleased to welcome us home this afternoon . . .

Wednesday 13th February 2002

Abbey Road yesterday! What a blast! Exhausted but very pleased with the result. Choir to be recorded next week so not over yet. Amazed at the professionalism of all concerned! I want to do more of this please!!! See the photos and full write up in the Photo Gallery.

Sunday 10th February 2002

Big walk in Richmond Park with Tilly this morning. Just chilling this past couple of days. Swim and a sauna tomorrow, and then bed early for the Big Day!

Nervous? Me?

Thursday 7th February 2002

Lunch meeting with the conductor, orchestrator, engineer, fixer and publisher today. Much red wine. All set for Tuesday session now.

Think I'll take a couple of days off to breathe . . .

Monday 4th February 2002

Ordered the new flat screen iMac for my Office . . .

Received the manuscript for my first proper orchestral piece from Paul on Wednesday evening - looks very professional! Lots of tadpoles on washing lines! Spent rest of last week finishing second piece (Ghost Dance) and emailed midi file and MP3 to Paul for orchestration on Sunday night. Meeting conductor on Thursday and confirmed dates for Abbey Road (12th) and Sony Studios (25th). All getting a bit real now . . .

Bumped into Robert's tour manager Rex King in Old Bond Street, which is strange considering he lives in Miami. We were wearing the same jumper (not physically wearing the same one, obviously. Bit impractical..)

Wednesday 30th January 2002

Conducting today! Waved my arms in front of a 20 piece Gospel Choir (fabulous voices!) at Sony Studios for a track I wrote yesterday (a radio ad for London Buses). Did a thrash metal track for Rover last night, spent Monday with Paul (orchestrator) working on parts for the orchestral stuff, and finished the BBC job on Sunday night for the dub on Monday morning. Bit tired to be honest!

Friday 25th January 2002

Meeting at the BBC this afternoon to discuss edits / stings etc. Finished the first track for Abbey Road tonight (Song of Heroes). Working on a Gospel Choir track for a radio ad over the weekend and finalising instruments for the next orchestral track. Great fun!

Tuesday 22nd January 2002

Busy busy! Finally got in amongst the orchestrating this week. Seem to have picked up a couple more jobs along the way as well! January is normally very quiet but it looks like 2002 is going to be a heads down kind of year!

Sunday 20th January 2002

Happy Birthday Chris! Lots of love from Nicola and Tilly xxx

Saturday 19th January 2002

One of my favourite tracks 'FOM' added to 'Other' in Showreel section. Too long for an MP3 so only Real Streaming for this one.

Thursday 17th January 2002

New showreel section!

Just uploaded the new look Showreel section! Should make it easier to navigate around and find stuff - check it out!

Did a brushes and snare session today - great fun! Saw 'Lord of the Rings' again on Tuesday . . .

Sunday 13th January 2002

It looks like I've got a busy week! Working on a job for the BBC, a commercial for the UK, a remix of a Library track (by tomorrow night!) and finishing the orchestration for the Abbey Road session in February!

Nice to be busy!

Tuesday 8th January 2002

Just reserved my XBox for March 14th . . .

Monday 7th January 2002

Well I started the day with the best of intentions, but when your computer won't let you open Logic Audio there really isn't much you can do (apart from throwing it it out of the window). I have a chap coming tomorrow to fix it.

Had very exciting meeting to finalise the orchestra and decide how big the choir should be for my Abbey Road sessions in February. . . brilliant!

Friday 4th January 2002

Lord of the Rings

It was as if somebody had plugged into my head and projected my image of Middle Earth onto the screen! Quite simply one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen - I shall be making many trips to the cinema to repeat the experience! Both the fall of Gandalf and Boromir's last stand had me in tears . . .

Nicola has never read the book but she loved the movie too!

Tuesday 1st January 2002

Happy New Year!

Fabulous dinner party with friends in the country to see in the New Year. Very cold. Rudely awakened this morning by three dogs, two children and a Nicola jumping up and down on the bed. Aim to start work and apply resolutions from the 7th of January, so back down the gym for me then!

Last year was not the Space Odyssey we all expected, so Let Love Rule in 2002!