Friday 31st December 2004

Happy New Year!

We had a very relaxing Christmas with Jake and Tilly fighting over the wrapping paper. London is lovely between Christmas and New Year with very little traffic and people spending time out of the Capital. Lots of walks in the park and friends and relations visiting - oh, and I got Halo 2 for my X-Box for Christmas so I'm very happy and occupied!

Here's to a peaceful, happy and prosperous 2005 to you all!

Chris, Nicola, Jake and Tilly xxxx

Wednesday 22nd December 2004

Any presents you forgot to buy will have to be snatched up very soon and this means that you will be rushing around the High Street with the other unfortunate people who also forgot stuff. So I'll see you in the rush! I've wound the studio down for Christmas and the New Year now as there are far too many good movies on during the day for me to get any serious work done.

Tuesday 14th December 2004

Been working on Library stuff recently and having crazed meetings with Bank Managers and Accountants in my usual end of year financial panic. Working on an ad for Asia as well as an Asian cooking channel theme tune. Suddenly it's all Asia over here. Very odd that.

Our Christmas trees went up on the 10th so it's very festive with that lovely smell of pine everywhere. Jakey loves the lights and can't stop staring at them. Great fun struggling home with an 8ft tree.

Sunday 5th December 2004

I'm full on again next week with more Library stuff so I need to get the Studio ready this evening. Good to make sure that everything is working as it should. I like to check every so often so I don't get too many nasty surprises in the middle of a busy period. Nothing worse than that for raising your stress levels.

We had a workout followed by roast beef at our gym today whilst Jakey played in the creche. He quite likes it in there which means we could spend more time at the gym. Bugger. I was exhausted after 10mins.

Thursday 2nd December 2004

It's December and it looks like this year has flown by. I've been working mostly on Library stuff this week as well as sorting through a Database of my stuff to find tracks that haven't been used. I was amazed to find that I have 156 just sitting around doing nothing! Lazy little buggers. I shall make them get up and get out there to earn some money!

Nicola got back into her pre-pregnancy super tight Levis today and she looks absolutely stunning. She astounds me. It was only 18 weeks ago she gave birth. I am a very lucky man.

Monday 29th November 2004

This morning I emailed a track to Singapore that I've been working on for approval. The graphic designer has gone over there to do some filming for the titles so we can stitch it all together when he gets back. Also working on some more tracks for Audio Network.

Since Jake was born 4 months ago we have had a live-in full time Nanny called Kristy. As of this week though she goes part time with us and is moving out, meaning we only get her Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. I'm feeling a little anxious about this as we have come to rely on her for so much and we shall miss her, but on the other hand we will certainly appreciate her more when she's here!

Thursday 25th November 2004

Blimey, it's Christmas Day in four weeks! Better get my skates on. Been working on some Library tracks for Andy this last few days. Got a commission from the BBC for a series, and a call from my Agent today regarding a possible commercial to be confirmed tomorrow (hopefully) and there is another ad hanging around too. Looking busy!

Doug Boyle came over during the week and made Jake cry. Still, that's not very difficult to do at the moment as he seems to be going through a phase (Jake, not Doug).

Friday 19th November 2004

Had Logic7 installed in the studio yesterday along with an upgrade to OSX.3 in both the Studio and the Office. Logic7 is amazing! I needed a kick up the arse and I reckon this should do it. Andy (AudioNet) popped in on Wednesday too and gave me loads more stuff to do for the Library. The great thing about Library music and new software is that you can learn the new kit whilst writing music without being too tied to a ridiculous deadline. Great stuff!

Sunday 14th November 2004

Just been fiddling around with my site and bunged a counter onto the main page. What a shock - nearly 30,000 people have logged on over the last couple of years! I tend to forget that people actually do read this stuff sometimes, and some of you actually come back for more! Mad fools ...

Later ...

I can't believe that I am still getting email from people who think I am the Island Records CB, despite the big message saying I'm not him that pops up when you move the cursor over the 'send email' button. The amount of times I've been asked what it was like working with Bob Marley ...
Those of you who are regular visitors, what do you think I should do? Should I make the message bigger or should I just ignore these emails? I appreciate that many of the visits to my site are accidental (I might as well be called Frank Sinatra) but sometimes I despair. I suppose I've noticed this more now I have the counter in place - I mean they can't all be looking for me can they?

Friday 12th November 2004

Been working on a job for the BBC this week, a series entitled 'Sweeney Investigates'. Think it goes on air next week actually. Diving in to yet more Library stuff next week too as I am due in the studio to record it with a band soon, which should be great fun! Going to get Doug down and maybe Charlie too.

It's well and truly Autumn here now and the weather has been bright and sunny but very cold. Perfect for walking in the park with Tilly as there are loads of Squirrels for her to get annoyed with and roaring fires to come home to!

Thursday 4th November 2004

Couple of jobs came in this week so I've been trying to get myself sorted out and get into the Studio. I've got a man coming over next week to install Logic Pro7 so that should give me a kick start as I do suffer from new toy syndrome. Also working on a Library Album of current chart soundalikes - great fun as I get to cover Snow Patrol, Maroon 5, Keane and Coldplay.

It's Bonfire Night in the UK tomorrow but we're not having a party this year (should please the neighbours!). Instead I'm going to let off a few rockets so that Jake can get the general idea without frightening him to death. After all, with a pyromaniac for a Father he'll have to get used to it.

Monday 1st November 2004

November? Where did 2004 go? We had a fabulous Halloween last night with about 100 trick or treaters coming to the door in total. Later we played candlelit Cluedo with friends and neighbours (I won) along to a spooky soundscape. Jake slept through the whole thing but Tilly loved meeting all the people at the door.

Next stop Firework Night on November the 5th!

Sunday 24th October 2004

Lorks a Lordy - another week's gone past! Mind you it's Halloween next weekend so I have to nip out and buy Pumpkins this week. Halloween in our house means no electricity (candles only) and a spooky soundtrack that I concoct in the studio. Screams, winds, thunder, that sort of thing. Great fun!

I was working on a job last week for a fantastic TV commercial for Boots. Seriously one of the funniest ads I have seen in a long time. Turns out the entire campaign was pulled because Boots chickened out and went with something really, really, really dull. There is no accounting for taste.

Had a very interesting meeting with a Film music placement Agency too (hi Maggie!). Exciting times. Something I have wanted to do for a long time. Next week I have a job for the BBC to get done but I shall also be planning a campaign of attack on several other Agents and Publishers.

And who the hell says Lorks a Lordy these days ... ?

Sunday 17th October 2004

Couple of jobs completed last week. One of them was so urgent that it had to be done and dusted by Friday morning as it was going on air that night. I've yet to see it of course. Always happens - they tell you it's the most urgent thing since the most urgent thing ever and then it turns out not to be after all. Oh well.

We spent the afternoon in Richmond Park today. Beautiful place this time of year. Tilly ran and ran and Jakey saw some Swans. I've decided that when he is a bit older I am going to get us a couple of radio controlled boats and go sit with him by the lake at Richmond.

Not that I'd enjoy playing with boats you understand ... for Jake of course. No, really ...

Sunday 10th October 2004

Been a funny old week really. Found it difficult to get in the Studio for one reason or another. Starting back in earnest tomorrow though (earnest is a small town outside Oxford).

We've been checking out Nurseries and Schools for Jake which is a bit alarming considering he is only 10 weeks old. Lot of competition for places here in London as some people put their names down even before their baby is born!

Charlie Jones and family came to visit us this afternoon! Great to see Charlie, Carmen, Sunny and Cassidy, and to introduce their new little boy Floyd to Jake. There are 3 weeks between them, Jake being the elder, and I reckon they are going to be good friends later on. Charlie is working on the new Goldfrapp album so it was good to see him in a family environment rather than on the road.

Monday 4th October 2004

New photos added!

Friday 1st October 2004

October already? I love this time of year. Season of mists and all that. Been writing an orchestral piece this week for no other reason than it was fun and it just popped out. Haven't done that for ages since everything is commissioned these days. I'd forgotten about writing for the hell of it and it feels good.

Spoke to Doug Boyle yesterday. He's off on tour to Japan with Caravan after just returning from the States. He sounds in very good form having given up alchohol and tobacco for a while now. I asked him to bring me back some Sushi. Mmmmm ... sushi ....

Monday 24th September 2004

Didn't get any of the jobs. Hmmm. I need a holiday before I thump someone. Or maybe I should just go to the gym and pound some metal? Still, they'll make nice Library tracks!

Friday 24th September 2004

We went to see the Lord of the Rings Symphony at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday. Howard Shore conducting the Royal Philharmonic along with a huge choir. Quite a remarkable and moving evening actually. Fantastic to see an orchestra and choir that size in perfect harmony. They've fiddled around with the acoustics at the Albert Hall and it really shows - Nicola leant over at one point and commented that it was like listening to the film!

Still waiting to hear on those other jobs. Been working on another this week too but given that it's Friday and there is a weekend coming up I don't think I shall be hearing about this one until Monday either. Bugger.

Friday 17th September 2004

New photos added.

All jobs sent off today and once again there is a weekend in the way, meaning I have to wait until Monday to hear if I got them or not. Hard to relax. Next week is a week of Library Music as I have a lot to finish before I can start the new album I was commisioned for last week. Nice to be busy though.

Blimey - it's ROYALTY MONTH IN OCTOBER!!!!

Tuesday 14th September 2004

Working on three jobs this week. Typical really. Been sitting on my arse for weeks and then suddenly I'm really busy. Good fun jobs though and they'll keep me out of mischief for a bit.

On the Jakey front, he has decided that it is a really good idea to sleep for seven hours straight at night, which is a very good thing!

Monday 6th September 2004

I put together three CDs over the weekend for my Agent. Seems there are some interesting projects around and she wants to pitch me for them. I tod her to pitch me as hard as she likes really. Trouble is I'm now into that strange bit where you just wait and see what happens. Oh well, at least the weather's nice so I can sit outside and tap my fingers!

We registered The Jakester last week too so he is now officially a person. Which is nice.

Thursday 2nd September 2004

Cycled into Town and had a great meeting yesterday resulting in a commission for 6 tracks on a new Library Album due for release in the new year. Will get started on it from Monday. Means I shall be going into either Olympic or Townhouse studios to record. I love Olympic - that's where we recorded Manic Nirvana and it has a great drum room. Good memories!

Friday 27th August 2004

BBC job accepted so that's good. Final cut of the titles is coming over tonight so I should be able to nail it by Monday. Programme goes on air Friday next week. I like it when stuff happens that quick as there is less margin for people to mess around with things that don't need messing around with!

Monday 23rd August 2004

Working on a new series for the BBC this week. Only a 10 second opening and closing piece, but as they are so short it's usually the 10sec ones that are the hardest. No sooner have you got going than you have to stop. Anyway, should be good fun and needs to be finished by Friday.

Tuesday 17th August 2004

Whoops - that was a week that slipped by just then! Been working on Library stuff recently and sorting out a lot of my tracks that are just lazing about. Time they got off their backsides and went out to earn a living. Got a call from Phil Johnstone too - not spoken to him for ages! Great to hear from him.

Jake is settling in to life around here very nicely too. He wore his first pair of socks the other day!

Tuesday 10th August 2004

Been working on some Library tracks this week. Great to get back into the driving seat. Speaking of which I just got a posh new chair for the Studio, one of those Aeron jobbies. Jake is getting into a routine now too so we are managing to get some sleep at last.

Didn't get the Ikea job I was demoing for the other week. Shame really as it is bound to be on all the time and the royalties would have been great - we need nappies!

Friday 6th August 2004

New photos added.

Nicola and Jake came home from the Hospital on Sunday this week. Been trying to settle him into a routine but as he was in intensive care for 48 hours he has to get used to feeding by sucking and this is proving rather interesting. He's getting there though.

Still no work around (worrying) but that's okay as I have loads of other stuff to do!

Friday 30th July 2004

Guess what? We have a Son! He was born at 5.22am on the 29th July. Complications during the birth mean that Nicola and junior are still in the Hospital but they are both fine. He's gorgeous (of course!) and I can't wait for them both to come home and especially for him to meet Tilly!

Will post some pics as soon as I get time.

Thursday 22nd July 2004

And yet another job came in yesterday. Got a meeting this afternoon to discuss the brief. Trying to decide whether to cycle into Town or get a cab. Difficult decision since the weather here has been so unpredictable that should I cycle I will either get sunburn or drown. Or both.

Tuesday 20th July 2004

Two TV jobs came in today after about 10 weeks of nothing. Amazing isn't it? Bit like waiting for a Bus really. Hopefully I shall be getting the go ahead tomorrow and I can get back in the driving seat. Thank Heavens for royalty cheques is all I can say!

Friday 9th July 2004

Been another one of those weeks when I think that I've finally been rumbled and all the work has gone away. "Oh it's you again is it ... oh no, we've finally worked out who you are - there's no work for you!". A fairly common feeling amongst freelance musos (or any freelancers really) but at least it's not just me as everyone seems to be quiet at the moment.

Anyway I've finally chased the builders away and the house is at least looking a bit more as it should. Only problem is the studio is now full of all the junk I couldn't find anywhere else to put. Must get that cleared away.

Wednesday 30th June 2004

We spent a fabulous day at Wimbledon last week to see the Tennis. Got tickets for Centre Court and luckily it was about the only day that it didn't rain. Saw Henman, Hewitt, Ivanisovic and Capriati. Great stuff! Nearly finished the Office move now and the decorating is drawing to a close at last so it was nice to get out of the house for a change.

No work around at the moment which is a bit of a worry. Think I shall have to get on the phone next week and start pestering people brfore they forget me ...

Friday 18th June 2004

Sorry I've been neglecting the board for a while but the Office is unplugged for a refit. Basically I'm moving everything to another room and it is Hell. Don't know where anything is and everything is covered in sawdust. Bugger. As you can probably tell I am still in the land of builders but hope to be out the other side by the beginning of next week.

We did take a day out yesterday though and went to see the Tennis at Roehampton, as we do every year. Todd Martin and Lleyton Hewitt were playing as a warm up for Wimbledon, and once again it was great to see such players up close. A friend of ours brought her young son and he got Lleyton's autograph which made his day!

Anyway, off to do some more sanding ...

Saturday 5th June 2004

The ITV job went down well so I am doing a few alterations on it for presentation on Monday morning. The entire thing has been done on the GigaStudio so far so it's a one fader job! Looking at the new Emulator X-Studio to run on my Carillon next week too as it seems to do more of what I need than the Giga does. I love my Emu E4 and it seems to work in much the same way.

Still in DIY mode though and busy looking for things to sand down and make smooth ...

Monday 31st May 2004

Just watched 'LOTR - Return of the King on DVD ... I am wiped out ...

I've been working on a job for ITV this week and am emailing the demo in as an MP3 tomorrow. Spent most of last week in a DIY frenzy but there's loads more to do on my list so I shall be keeping busy with my hammer! Lovely weather here in London this Bank Holiday weekend too, so we've been outside as much as we can - lots of walks in the park with Tilly.

Sunday 23rd May 2004

Spent the last few days in a sort of DIY frenzy. I have the bug. Got out my electric drill and screwdriver and built a huge CD cabinet, a smaller one for the Office, and a bookcase. Very theraputic. Tomorrow is a day of sanding before the start of the Painting Season.

Wednesday 19th May 2004

I'm having one of those weeks where through no fault of my own I just can't seem to get anything done. I'm up against beurocracy, red tape, inefficient companies and idiots. Perhaps it's the weather. Sometimes I just want to go and grow carrots in a field ...

At least you know where you are with a carrot.

On a lighter note I'm off to the Production Show this afternoon to look at all the stuff I can't buy unless these beurocratic suited idiots ever call me back. I wonder if there will be any carrots?

Sunday 16th May 2004

Didn't get Nike (bugger) but Neutrogena and Sanatogen seem to be on air all the time. The weather here in London has been really very warm this last few days so it's back to shorts and t-shirts. The problem is that due to the combination of rain and sun our lawn has grown and now resembles a rain forest, complete with Pygmies and rare tree sloths. I must get out there and do something about it before it becomes a protected wildlife reserve. Mind you, I suppose we could arrange wildlife tours to supplement our income. Who needs Nike commercials anyway!

Wednesday 12th May 2004

Today I've been working on edits for a Spaghetti Western track I wrote for Audio Network, and tonight I am starting on yet another Nike commercial. They want it for first thing tomorrow so I shall be working all night by the looks of things. I wonder why they always leave it so late to concentrate on the music? Always the same though. Still, there's nothing like a deadline to make you focus!

Saturday 8th May 2004

Been a quiet week really so I've been planning a new studio installation that I've been thinking about for a while. G5 with Logic Pro, new Pro Tools rig, Emu X studio for the Carillon (so I can lose the E4) and a couple of Apple 23" cinema displays. Trying to make the whole thing smaller yet easier to use. Great fun to plan, but even greater fun when I go ahead with it!

Tuesday 4th May 2004

BBC films page updated.

Spent the long Bank Holiday weekend at Andy and Karen's place in the country. Great dinner party during which we all got drunk and pranced around on a trmpoline in the dark! (Trampoline was Birthday present for his Daughter but who could resist?). Next day Andy dislocated his shoulder (ouch!) and I popped it back in. Tilly loved the open spaces and had much fun chasing Hares with the other dogs. Rained a lot though so we got muddy ...

Still no word on the pending jobs - need a punch bag ...

Wednesday 28th April 2004

Didn't get the Benecol job as the client found a piece of music himself in the end. Why bother using an Agency then I wonder? Oh well, that one was a long shot anyway.

We had the best thunderstorm here yesterday evening so Tilly and I went and lay on the bed in the loft to listen to the thunder and rain. Probably the loudest storm I can remember in the UK. I thought it was fantastic but Tilly wasn't quite so enthusiastic. I wonder what it is with dogs and thunder?

I shall be renting a Beta machine in to my studio on Friday so that I can capture some of my more recent stuff to bung up on the site. There's quite a few to do so it should keep me busy for the day.

Monday 26th April 2004

Still no word on the pending jobs so I've decided to do a bit of long overdue DIY around the house. I'll get bored though and get a man in but at least I've made a start. The weather is absolutely beautiful here so we are getting people to quote for redoing the garden too (think I have renovation sickness). Tilly made a real mess of it when she was younger so we need a new lawn, and I would love a larger patio area. Hope the weather is still good by the time they finish!

Friday 23rd April 2004

20 degrees here in London today (that's 70!) so went for a walk along the King's Road to take in the sunshine and do a bit of shopping. Amazing the difference a bit of sun can make to people.

Last night I popped over to see Doug and to look at his new Logic Pro system. He has become very prolific since getting this set up, and as well as getting to know his way around it pretty well is one of the few people I know to have actually read the manuals!

Wednesday 21st April 2004

The Halloween CD went down very well and it looks all set to go ahead for this year's Halloween. I really had great fun working on it too. I'm extracting some of the more 'musical' horror elements today as separate Library tracks for Audio Network - I'm feeling all spooky in April!

On Monday I licenced the old Sanatogen music for a further run on UK radio. Been on TV for a while now already. Still no word on Benecol or Rolls Royce as yet though, but it's early days ...

Sunday 18th April 2004

Had a couple of days off after my all nighter on Wednesday. Edited a BBC music title for 'This World' on Friday but that's about it. The Halloween CD is off to the States tomorrow so I hope it will be received well - very exciting!

We went to our favourite Fish Restaurant last night for some posh nosh and it was, as usual, fabulous. I'm hungry just thinking about it. I'll be popping over to see Doug again this week to help him sort out his new Logic system. Think I might arrange some writing with Nick too ...

Thursday 15th April 2004

Well that was interesting. I worked all night and finished at 6.30am this morning just as the birds were waking up. Not done that for a long time. I hate that studio-jet-lag feeling: messes me up for ages. Think I might take it easy for a couple of days ...

Got a nice relicence today though so that's good. Basically means I get paid for letting them use some music of mine for another year. That's the sort of job I like. I want more of those.

Tuesday 13th April 2004

Still on the Halloween stuff so I'm working at night since the sun is shining and the vibe is wrong during the day. I feel a bit like a Vampire. Perhaps I'll have one later ... Heard that the Benecol music went down very well and is now with the client. Hoping to hear this week so fingers crossed!

Sunday 11th April 2004

Easter Sunday so lots of chocolate! Working on a CD for Halloween today and tomorrow which is great fun, interspersed with some long overdue gardening. Decided against trying to evict the big spider from the shed and instead am going to order a new shed.

Thursday 8th April 2004

We've had a fabulous couple of evenings out this week. Went to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to see The Royal Ballet's production of Romeo and Juliet, with Sylvie Guillem dancing the lead. Completely wonderful stuff. Tonight we went to see The Counterfeit Stones - more like the Stones than the Stones! Great to hear all that music again.

The Benecol tracks went in on Wednesday but I won't hear anything until Tuesday now as it is Easter weekend. Another few days of not knowing. Never mind. I intend to attack the garden tomorrow and tackle The Spider Shed ...

Monday 5th April 2004

I did water aerobics with some ladies at the gym this morning and I'm worn out ...

Anyway, got a meeting tomorrow for a Benecol commercial. Quick turnaround this one as they need it for Wednesday morning. Editing a track for an Olympic Library album tonight: cut downs, beds, stings and main version. Things do seem to have picked up around here recently.

Friday 2nd April 2004

Well hooray - I got the Neutrogena job! It will be on air from Saturday here in the UK and across Europe very soon. Rolls-Royce went well too - the client seemed very happy with the music I've been working on. Had a session with Levine Andrade (strings) and Steph Benavente (vocals) on Wednesday, as well as two different lots of clients infesting the place on Thursday. Busy time though - bed at 3am and up at 6am every day this last week. Still, it never rains but it pours. Also been working on a Library track for Audio Network consisting of 10 (yes 10) versions and cutdowns.

On the downside I didn't get the Findus job, but hey!

Monday 29th March 2004

Waiting to hear about two jobs I submitted last week; Findus and Neutrogena. Awful when you send stuff in on a Friday because it is impossible to relax until you hear back from the Agency on the Monday. Anyway, we wandered down to the River yesterday to watch the boat race go past; an annual event between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.Very exciting stuff with the Helicopters and the 1930s flotilla following them! Spent Saturday evening at a neighbour's watching England lose the Rugby to France. Bugger.

Doug Boyle took delivery of his new Logic Pro system on Friday which is great news for him. He seems to be making good progress too. Bad news is the Carillon problems I have been having seem to have gone away now that I have booked it in for repair . . . always the way.

Thursday 25th March 2004

Been working on a TV commercial for Neutrogena this last couple of days as well as a quickie for Findus and the Rolls Royce job. Nice to be busy again. Yesterday the site was getting bombarded with viral emails but they seem to have stopped today. I hate it when that happens. Makes you think all the info on your computer is leaking into the ether or something.

Monday 22nd March 2004

Got three programmes running on Wednesday night this week; "So what do you do all day?" at 7pm on BBC2, "NHS Day 2" on BBC1 at 9pm, and "If" on BBC2 at 9pm. Add these to the usual "Breakfast with Frost" on Sunday mornings BBC1 and "Hot Spots" on BBC4 and that makes five this week, a bit of a record for me! Very exciting stuff.

We drew the curtains and watched 'Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' (Director's cut) on DVD again this afternoon. Brilliant stuff. 'Return of the King' is out on DVD in May and I can't wait.

Friday 19th March 2004

Went to the filming of one of the Qi programmes last night at the London Studios, South Bank. Got to say hello to Stephen Fry and speak to John Sessions afterwards. Had dinner later with some friends (hi Jules, Bunty, Andy and Jo!) and John Lloyd (co-writer Blackadder / Hitch Hiker's Guide / Qi). Great evening and some interesting possibilities.

Wednesday 17th March 2004

So why is it that as soon as I really need my 888 interfaces one of them decides to fall over? I mean it's been sitting there for ages having a nice life, and then the one time I need it to actually do something it decides it has to be sent back for repair. Vicious ungrateful bastard . . .

The Rolls Royce job is all hard disc based and I need as many outputs as I can get, so this is not good news. Hopefully the repair turnaround will be quick or I shall be faced with renting one.

Tuesday 16th March 2004

The BBC have included a link to my site from the 'If' page since apparently they were getting a few calls asking who wrote the music. I love it when this happens. It can be very insular working on your own in a studio and it's nice to know people actually like what you do.

Working on the Rolls Royce job today and tomorrow, and then I'm on to a Halloween CD. I know it seems daft thinking of Ghouls and Goblins and Spooky Things at the beginning of Spring but by the time it's recorded and the CD is pressed I just know it will be October!

Guest Book news - I'm trying registration for a while to eliminate the spam. Just means you have to register before you can post me a message. Take a look here!

Saturday 13th March 2004

Went over to Doug's last night. He must live further away from us than we do from him because it took us longer to get there than it did for us to get home. Or something. Going to a black tie dinner tonight so I popped out and rented DJ and trousers. Very swish. Mind you it's at our gym so technically I could turn up in Speedos and a bow tie I suppose.

But they might not let me in . . .

Wednesday 10th March 2004

Got two new series starting on BBC2 tonight, 'So what do you do all day' and later on 'If'. Great stuff! Friend of mine is about to spend a tax year out of the country and asked me to help finish some music he was writing for a job since he'll be in Jersey! Happy to oblige. Job is for Rolls Royce.

GUEST BOOK SPAMMING. I seem to be on a spamming list somewhere and you may have noticed some strange entries, everything from porn to steam baths (hmm . . .) I'm trying to keep on top of it but apologies in advance if I miss any!

Monday 8th March 2004

Spent the weekend in the country at Andy's place from Audio Network. Their Labrador Purdey has just had a litter of puppies, 4 black and two blonde. Very cute! Had a great weekend but got stuck in traffic coming back to London, making us ask the question: why don't we move out of the City and live in the countryside ourselves?

Thursday 4th March 2004

The filming went well yesterday I think. Hard to tell until you've seen the rushes. Bet they edit all my waffle out though. Working on a Spaghetti Western track for Audio Network today. Nicola is having a great time in Portugal - gone fast as she comes home again tomorrow!

Monday 1st March 2004

Didn't get the Nike job. Bugger. Worked all over the weekend on it and they all came over this morning to my studio where we worked on some more ideas. Damn, it's getting hard to get a job these days. I'm not sure what's going on out there but I sure as hell wouldn't want to be just starting out in this climate.

Nicola flew off to Portugal this morning for a short break (she's back on Friday) so I am free to mope around and feel sorry for myself. Going to write some songs tomorrow and clear my head.

Friday 27th February 2004

Finally shaking this damn cold and I've been sleeping in the guest room so as not to pass it on to Nicola. I've been working on a Nike TV commercial since Wednesday and had that Doug Boyle over yesterday to do some guitar twiddlings on it. Been emailing MP3's of the track all over the place for comments but it's looking good so far.

Nicola is away in Portugal next week with her Tennis friends so I am going to lock myself away in the studio and write some songs. Got a film crew coming over on Wednesday though to interview me so that should be fun - must tidy myself up for the camera!

Sunday 22nd February 2004

Damn. Turns out I wasn't sneezing because of the builder's dust but because I was getting the HEAD COLD FROM HELL that I've now had since Thursday night. Last thing I need. Trying to record and mix music with a headcold is a bit like trying to do it with a Duvet wrapped around your bonce.

Thursday 19th February 2004

Builders have infested our house again, this time to render and plaster the wall that was damaged by the leak, and to finally skim and plaster the Utility room. Lot of dust around so I keep sneezing. Bugger.

Trying out a replacement DVD player tonight as the old Denon has finally given up the ghost (what exactly does 'given up the ghost' mean I wonder?).

Sunday 15th February 2004

Valentine's Day yesterday so we went out for dinner and then on to see the film 'Love Actually'. Brilliant stuff! Very relaxing evening too. Today we popped over the road to have a few beers and watch the Rugby with a bunch of neighbours. Made a nice change not to be in the studio . . .

I am desperately trying to de-clutter the house at the moment and I have set aside next week to build bookcases and shelves. Been meaning to do this for a while but I guarantee you that as soon as I get started the phone will ring and I'll have to drop everything and go write some music.

Wednesday 11th February 2004

Just heard that I have been blown out for one of the BBC jobs I've been working on recently. Unfortunately it was the biggest one. Bugger. Oh well, it was only a one off programme, so even though the initial fee was bigger the rest are all long running series which means there will be a lot more in royalties.

I'm having great fun working on a Spaghetti Western track today. Means I get to watch "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" during daylight hours without feeling guilty about it!

Sunday 8th February 2004

Three pieces of music written, recorded and finished in three days. Blimey. Not stopped all weekend. The studio Mac has been behaving itself very well though so I think that it must have come to an amicable agreement with the Carillon PC. Tired though. Am sending all the tracks in to the BBC tomorrow and will await comments at the gym.

Friday 6th February 2004

The computer came back yesterday evening but although it worked it failed to see any of the Audio stuff - quite a problem considering it's a studio computer! After a fraught day on the telephone it eventually decided to behave and is now purring happily away. Was able to finish the 'God' job but it looks like this weekend is going to be full on work. Two jobs to compose and record for Monday.

I can have my Sunday lie in on Tuesday I guess . . .

Wednesday 4th February 2004

Buggeration. The Studio Mac threw a wobbler this morning and refused to start up. Had to bung it in a cab and send it back for a rebuild. This always happens when I am really busy though so I shouldn't be that surprised I suppose. I don't think the PC and the Mac like each other actually. Might be a bit of competition there.

Oh well, it's a nice sunny day, and as I can't work perhaps I'll go for a walk in the Park.

Sunday 1st February 2004

Still in BBC mode and working on the God track today. Needs to be done and dusted by tomorrow morning so it could be a late night tonight. Also been writing some tracks this week for the Greek elections(!) and having a great time adapting some older material that I had sitting around. Always good to raid the Library when you can. Nothing gets wasted that way!

Gigastudio is working a treat now. Next problem seems to be sorting out the sync between music and film in Logic as it seems to wander a lot. No good for spot FX.

Thursday 29th January 2004

It snowed yesterday, big flakes too. Very frosty today. Been locked in the studio with the fire blazing working on four Library tracks for Greece. Oh, and we seem to have the builders in again. They are trying to locate the persistent water leak around the Utility Room that I was under the impression had already been fixed. How silly of me. I am hoping they won't have to dismantle that damned cupboard again. Don't think I could bear to have it built a third time.

Tuesday 27th January 2004

Been writing the music for a programme entitled 'If' for the BBC this last couple of days. Putting the Gigastudio to good use at last as the entire job has been done on it!
Later . . .
Hurrah - got the job! Took another brief this evening for a BBC programme investigating the War tactics employed by both sides in Iraq. Sounds very interesting.

Sunday 25th January 2004

Had a great weekend! Went to a Murder Mystery party last night. It was set in the 60's so everybody came in character. Great fun. This afternoon I had a late Birthday lunch with old friends. Great to see Doug as usual. Forgot to take my camera though so no pics I'm afraid.

The good news is that the Gigastudio is still standing up. Not fallen over yet anyway. Working on a job for the BBC called 'What the World thinks of God', which should be quite amusing, and the final mixes of 'So what do you do all day?' go off to the BBC tomorrow morning.

Friday 23rd January 2004

The Carillon / GigaStudio is on it's way back as I type this. It has been rebuilt and is now behaving itself impeccably apparently. We shall see. Been working on two BBC jobs this last couple of days and they both got final approval. Another two BBC commissions in yesterday as well so things are quite busy here at the moment! And there is a new campaign for Sanatogen just started on UK TV using music I wrote about 10 years ago. Somebody else recorded it though so I just get the cash, which is nice!

Wednesday 21st January 2004

Had a very restful day yesterday. Fiddled about with a BBC job for a while and took the rest of the day off. Massage at 3pm - lovely! Working on another BBC job today and hoping that the Carillon / Giga will return at some point as I need it quite urgently.

Tuesday 20th January 2004

Tilly and Nicola wish to impart great news, Chris is yet another year older and wiser today! We shall be on our best "angelic" behaviour so our Birthday Bunny can have a thoroughly enjoyable day! Many happy returns........Nicola and Tilly xxx

Thursday 15th January 2004

Got the boiler fixed so we are all warm again, but had to box up and return the Carillon / Gigastudio as it just kept crashing all the time. Hope to get it back early next week.

Been working on some more BBC stuff this week. I was also contacted about some music I wrote for a TV ad about 10 years ago as it seems it may be being used for a new TV campaign. It has already been recorded apparently by an old friend of mine and funnily enough Doug Boyle is on guitar. It is a very small World. . .

Our new SMEG fridge arrived yesterday (dreadful name) so we filled it up today. It is now bursting with Marks & Spencer's finest. I can hear the bacon calling to me . . .

Saturday 10th January 2004

Just got back from a week in The Cotswolds, one of the most beautiful parts of England. We accidentally rented the smallest Cottage in the World but we had a fabulous time lighting fires, exploring villages and walking Tilly. Feel very focused now - standing on a hill at midnight under the full Moon tends to put things in perspective I find.

Lots of messages concerning jobs when we returned and it seems that this year has started with a bang. Hope this is an indicator for the rest of the year!

My New Year's Resolutions include going back to the gym every other day, so starting Monday I am getting stuck in. Quite looking forward to it actually. Very theraputic to vent frustrations at inanimate objects.

Oh, and the heating has broken down again so we returned to a freezing house. Boiler apparently. Need to get another man in to fix it but can't seem to find a decent plumber anywhere.

Thursday 1st January 2004 - Happy New Year!

I hope 2004 brings you health, happiness, prosperity, success, and some surprises!

With love, CB xx

Monday 29th December 2003

Mmmm . . . lovely warm fuzzy bit between Christmas and New Year. It's very cold outside and it's trying hard to snow. Oh, and the turkey's gone. Had a lovely restful Christmas this year with friends, family and neighbours and I'm feeling very enthusiastic and optimistic about 2004! Might visit the sales a little later on today . . .

Christmas Eve 2003

I love Christmas Eve when the candles are lit, the fires are crackling and the tree is twinkling. Tilly is very excited as she saw us wrapping her new toys. Nicola is in bed and I am just applying the finishing touches before tomorrow.

Merry Christmas everyone!

CB xx

Saturday 20th December 2003

Lots of jobs that just wouldn't go away this week but it looks like they have all got through to the final dub. Much Christmas shopping too. Went to a neighbour's wine tasting evening last night. I must remember in future to just taste the wine and not drain the glass. After Champagne, 4 whites, 4 reds and a vintage port I didn't feel too healthy this morning!

Off to see The Return of the King on Sunday and I can't wait! Have heard very good reviews so far. Wonder when the first cinema will put on all three films together?

Monday 15th December 2003

Spent the weekend at a friend's farm in Suffolk (hi Andy & Karen!) and had a fab time! Tilly loves it there 'cos she can run and run and there are sheep and ducks that chase her. 12 for lunch (and 4 dogs) on Sunday and a fab roast beef. Bloody cold up there though, much colder than London.

Even a short break like that makes me realise just how much I need to recharge my batteries.

Thursday 11th December 2003

Well this has been a strange week! Didn't get the TV ad I was pitching for but then all these BBC jobs came out of the blue, and along with the Aspect TV job and Christmas preparations things have become rather hectic!

Just like the buses. You wait ages for one and then several come along at once.

Sunday 7th December 2003

Been working on a TV ad all weekend so didn't get a chance to get the Christmas trees yet. Writing some music for Aspect Television tomorrow and Tuesday, a programme called "So what do you do all day?" which looks like fun.
Had some problems with my trusty old E4 today and the new Gigastudio / Carillon keeps shutting itself down if I leave it alone for too long. Bugger. Looks like I need another maintenance day pretty soon.

Wednesday 3rd December 2003

Working on a TV programme today entitled "So what do you do all day?" Needs the usual shopping list of stuff plus some extra bits and pieces so it should keep me fairly busy.

We are putting up the Christmas Trees and generally decking the halls this weekend so I guess I might put up the decorations on my site then as well. I like December . . .

Sunday 30th November 2003

Went to the Organic Farmer's Market this morning and got all sorts of nosh for tonight, including a big bag of Chestnuts. Which was nice.

We watched Pirates of the Caribbean on DVD last night. What a fabulous swashbuckling film! The insurance man is coming tomorrow lunchtime so I'd better get all thoughts of making him walk the plank out of my head. And no swashbuckling.

Back to work in earnest tomorrow as well. Got lots of BBC stuff to catch up on and as the season of the Christmas Party is looming I'd better get on top of things.

Thursday 27th November 2003

Insurance claim time . . .

We have had a water leak causing damage to the downstairs drawing room. This means we need to replaster a wall, replace a sofa and some carpet, and redecorate. Having never made a claim on my house insurance in 12 years I intend to claim for not only the drawing room but the famous cupboard in the Utility room as well since this is where the leak came from. The downside is we will be invaded by builders again, but I suppose it has to be done.

Monday 24th November 2003

Just got back from Paris where we hooked up with our Californian friends Kathleen and Tom. The weather was fabulous so we did the whole tourist thing. Notre Dame is one of the most breathtaking buildings I have ever seen! In love with the Eurostar now. Stayed at the Hotel Concorde St Lazare.

But the strangest thing was that just ahead of us in the taxi queue at the Garre de Nord Paris was Frank Tonto, an old friend and fellow drummer! He is on tour with Craig David and was playing that night. Unfortunately we couldn't go, but what are the chances of that happening?

Of course this meant that I missed the Rugby, but our neighbours taped it for me so even though I know the score (we are the Champions!) I shall still be there with my popcorn.

Friday 21st November 2003

The titles for 'What the World thinks of America' won best title at the Royal Television Society Awards on Monday night! Congratulations to the Graphic Designer, Dimitri Kevgas!

Wonder if I'll get a trophy . . .

Wednesday 19th November 2003

Michael Kamen suffered a heart attack and died at his home in London today aged 55. He wrote many film scores, notably Band of Brothers, The X-Men, Brazil, Highlander, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, 101 Dalmations, Mr Holland's Opus, Event Horizon, The Iron Giant, Lethal Weapon and the Die Hard movies, but he also worked with George Harrison, Queen, Pink Floyd and David Bowie.

Terrible, terrible shame.

Sunday 16th November 2003

Had a great day today. Watched the Rugby this morning (England won) and then we took Tilly to the park for an Autumnal walk. Came home to casserole and a kip, and then went to see some Bach Cantatas in the evening. Lovely.

Got a chap coming over tomorrow to do some studio maintenance. Probably spill over to Tuesday as well but it needs to be done. Must crack on with the BBC stuff as soon as I can.

Thursday 13th November 2003

Had a meeting yesterday to discuss new music for a TV programme. Three other BBC jobs hanging around at the moment too so it's all good. No news from my new Agent as yet regarding any TV commercials so I might give her a chase up on Monday. Mind you things are usually very quiet on that front at this time of year.

My mission this afternoon is to buy some new Levis. Been meaning to do this for a while but today is the day.

Monday 10th November 2003

Finally seem to have shaken off the flu at last. Had a great Fireworks party on Saturday night with lots of friends and neighbours but couldn't get the bonfire going. Seems I am not the Twisted Fire Starter I thought I was. Drove out to Kent yesterday to see some good friends for lunch (hi Liz!). Nicola was unable to make it due to the flu though but it still resembled one of those episodes of Thirtysomething.

Went to see 'The Play what I wrote' again on Friday, this time at the Richmond Theatre. Brilliant stuff, and very very funny!

Two BBC jobs came in this morning as well. It never rains but it pours (and so on).

Wednesday 5th November 2003

Guy Fawkes' Night here in the UK - brilliant time of year! Still got this damned fever so I ran a hot bath and sat in it in the dark watching the fieworks. We are having our fireworks bash on Saturday night and I can't wait. Nicola has a cold now too and I hope we don't start passing it back and forth. Fortunately we are able to sleep in different parts of the house from each other which is not ideal but at least we can contain the plague.

Sunday 2nd November 2003

Had a great Halloween again this year in the darkened house, but I began to feel a bit strange towards the end of the evening. Woke up on Saturday with a fever and been in bed all over the weekend. Damn.

'Sixty Six to Timbuktu' is released tomorrow.

Wednesday 29th October 2003

Went to see Goldfrapp at the Hammersmith Apollo last night. It was great to catch up with Charlie (bass player) and Carmen after the show. Very interesting music, and I shall be rushing out to buy the album later today. Also working on the Halloween Spooky Soundscape again today. I do enjoy doing stuff like that!

Monday 27th October 2003

Nicola went off on a girls weekend to Tennis Camp this weekend so I got into some DIY around the house. This morning the carpenter is back and cracking on with the cupboard. Later today I shall be working on the Halloween spooky soundscape that I do for our Halloween Candlelit Cluedo every year, so I expect to be terrified by the end of the day!

Friday 24th October 2003

That slow carpenter . . . I fired him on Monday. The cupboard he was building has been torn out and another chap has started again. It will be finished one day I hope.

Been messing around with the Gigastudio this last few days. It's PC based so all a bit strange to me but I'm getting there. Today at 4pm three Concordes flew past our house on their way to Heathrow for the last time. We watched them from our top bedroom and took a photo. Quite a sad occassion actually - very beautiful aircraft.

Tuesday 21st October 2003

You know the worst thing about what I do? I get to see the ads I didn't get on Air. It's as if they are rubbing it in. There are three major ads on at the moment that I did demos for and at least one of them is on during every ad break. I actually saw two in the same break tonight. . .

In order to vent some frustration at recent events I decided to attack the garden yesterday. I got in amongst it with a plan, some shears and a saw. Nice weather for it though. Trouble is I am very sore this morning. The upside is that I am regaining about half of the garden from the shrubbery, which in London is a good thing!

Saturday 18th October 2003

The slowest carpenter in the World has been building a cupboard in our utility room since Monday. He's in there again this morning which is a bit of a pain as I wanted to pop over the road to a friend's house to watch the rugby. . . bugger.

The Giggly Sampler is proving to be a fantastic machine. Having all my samples in one place is astounding and certainly makes life easier. Got some more sample CD-Roms coming over from the States soon too. Very exciting!

Wednesday 15th October 2003

Been working on the music for a new BBC series entitled 'My Politics', and the GigaSampler was finally installed on Monday. It is a truly fabulous beast. Ordered some CD-Roms for it today and uploaded a lot of my other stuff.

We have builders infesting our utility room this week. Plumbers, carpenters and electricians. They seem to be taking a long time to finish a very small room. Still, they are working to a quote so it won't cost me any more. Just like to get the house back to normal again.

Oh, and I saw the first of the Christmas TV ads on the telly tonight. It's the middle of October!

Monday 13th October 2003

Just heard from my agent. Didn't get the job. Bugger. I'm surprised anybody got it actually since the Agency and Client were obviously at odds as to how the music should go.

Still, it is the 13th . . .

Friday 10th October 2003

Okay, get this. Music was approved by the creatives, director and agency, 20 piece string section booked, studio booked, conductor booked, orchestration done. Supposed to be in the studio this morning at 10am to record. However, at 5pm last night the client decides he doesn't want 'classical' music on the ad but something completely different. . . and the first transmission date is this Monday.

I've been up most of the night trying to come up with another piece to fit the new brief. Seems to have been a major communication breakdown between the client and agency on this one. Could this have been avoided? The string players, studio and conductor will all receive cancellation fees of course, but what a waste of time, money and effort.

Tuesday 7th October 2003

Went to a friend's funeral today. A truly amazing day. 300 friends turned up to send him off. Steve was a lovely man and will be missed by everyone who knew him. His wife Liz and their two sons Clive and Andrew were incredibly strong. When a person your own age dies it really puts everything in perspective.

Monday 6th October 2003

Cycled into Soho to take my first brief through my new agent. Fantastic job, and they want full orchestra too! Looks like I'll be in the studio on Thursday recording it, and it's great to know that the booking of the orchestra and studio is now down to somebody else leaving me free to concentrate on the music!

Friday 3rd October 2003

Told you so. At the last minute they phoned up and said the GigaSampler wasn't ready yet. and could they install it on Monday. I said no because . . .

Got a call from my new Agent for a rush orchestral TV ad. The brief is on Monday morning and they want to get cracking by Wednesday. Great stuff! Sounds like they are going to let me loose with an orchestra too, which is nice. Need to finish this track for Audio Network over the weekend in that case, so bang goes my relaxing Sunday . . .

Wednesday 1st October 2003

I love October - I love the colours, the carpet of leaves, the smell in the forest, the change in the weather, Halloween, plus it means Guy Fawkes night is just around the corner too. November the 5th is Firework Night!

The feedback from the Ford research suggests that the music went down well but the film needs editing (people didn't seem to understand it) so I am still no nearer to finishing it! Seems to have been going on for ages this one. And the latest news on the GigaSampler is that it will now be installed on Friday.

On current form I shall believe that when I see it. . .

Monday 29th September 2003

Should be hearing the final verdict on the Ford commercial tomorrow afternoon, meaning I will then be able to tweak the music to the final films and get the job finished!

A man started work on various annoying odd-jobs about the house today. He is with us for about four days I think and hopefully will sort out some of the leaks and stuff around the old place. It's getting colder here too so I am about to attempt to get the heating working again for another Winter - always good fun . . .

Friday 26th September 2003

Still no GigaSampler! Some vital bit is still in transit apparently and they are now saying Thursday. Hmmm . . . trouble is I keep clearing the day for installation and then end up with dead time. Perhaps I'll visit the Stuff Live show at Olympia, or maybe the Cycle Show in Islington then.

Andy came over yesterday (Audio Network) and took away 29 mixes for the Library. Ford commercial comes back from research today too.

Tuesday 23rd September 2003

Been working on some Library stuff for Audio Network this past few days. The weather is definitely turning here in the UK and things are feeling a little chilly today. Better get some warm gear for my cycling I suppose!

Yesterday a friend of ours suddenly died. No warning.
God bless, Steve mate.

Saturday 20th September 2003

Had my ears checked and my right ear is fine but the left ear dips drastically between 40 and 60khz, exactly where the Tinnitus is. Quite a high frequency though and it could have been worse. That's what you get for drumming for years without wearing earplugs I guess.

No GigaSampler yet. Been working on the Ford commercial (looking good) and some music for Andy at Audio Network. Still lovely cycling weather here in the UK. Autumn is coming now and the leaves are turning. My favourite time of year!

Wednesday 17th September 2003

Spent Monday morning working on a last minute radio job for The Observer newspaper through Production Factory. Great fun as usual! Doing a short MP3 showreel for Blaze today for them to put online as well.

Took delivery of a Neovo monitor yesterday to use with the new Gigasampler. Switches between video and computer input. Astonishing picture quality when using the TV input I must say! The Giga should be installed at the end of this week hopefully and I have lots of sample CDs arriving from the States too.

Am seeing a specialist this evening concerning my tinnitus. A hangover from drumming and touring days it is growing steadily worse in my left ear.

Saturday 13th September 2003

We went to Richmond Theatre to see Abigail's Party last night.Absolutely brilliant production! I do love that theatre. Nice sunny day so I am taking Tilly to the forest to cycle with her (she will be running not cycling, obviously).

Thursday 11th September 2003

Bloody awful week. Nicola spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Hospital which was not good fun. She is much better now though thank God. On the upside it looks like the Ford ad is moving in the right direction, and I landed another BBC series too!

Dropped the VHS machine in the studio today (it was still plugged in and turned on) and managed to fuse half the rack equipment - bugger!

9/11 today. Was it really two years ago already?

Sunday 7th September 2003

Got to work in the studio this past couple of days installing wires and bits & pieces that have needed doing for a while. Very cathartic. Have taken to charging through the forest each evening on the bike too. Today I am putting together a CV and DVD for my new agent.

Hoping to hear about the ongoing Ford job this week and at last get to see the bloody film!

Thursday 4th September 2003

Ordered my GigaSampler today . . .

Wednesday 3rd September 2003

Cycled into the West End yesterday for the first time. 35mins to Wardour Street in traffic. Pretty good. Have to have your wits about you all the time though. Still, I do like zipping through the stationary traffic. Had a great meeting with an Agent and things are looking very good in that direction.

I'm awaiting news on the Ford job today. Apparently they actually listened to my music in the end so you never know (*sends out positive vibes & crosses fingers*).

Saturday 30th August 2003

Been working all week on the Ford demos and it's going quite well I think. Difficult to tell these days though.

Went to a Sound of Music evening last night which was great fun. Couldn't get my Jack Boots off later though. This weekend is DIY time around the house so I need to go out and get light bulbs and get the ladder out. (It's not my real ladder, it's my step ladder).

Wednesday 27th August 2003

Mars is really bright tonight, even with London's ambient light pollution. It's the closest Mars has been to Earth for 60,000 years, or since we were chasing Wooly Mammoths. Which reminds me - Tilly was groomed today and therefore is a lot less shaggy.

Monday 25th August 2003

Bank Holiday Monday here in the UK but I have been working all over the weeked on this Ford job. They want six (yes, six) demos for tomorrow. No film to work to or anything, just six demos in various styles to see what works. My question is how do I know what works without seeing the film? There will be a lot of wasted time and music after this job.

It amazes me sometimes. I think that people honestly believe that because a studio is based around a computer all I do is push a couple of buttons and out comes the music.

And I certainly won't be getting six demo fees either . . .

Friday 22nd August 2003

Didn't get the BP job. Client decided to go with an existing piece of music. This is happening so often nowadays. I think a lot of the originality is vanishing from TV ads due to fewer and fewer Agencies commissioning original music. It's tough . . .

Thursday 21st August 2003

This week I have been mostly working on a track entitled 'Oooh Matron!' for Audio Network. This Magnum Opus is a deferential and affectionate nod towards the music of Terry & June type 70's sitcoms and was great fun to do. Working on a new Ford commercial now. This is an open brief, or to put it another way, "we don't know what we want".

Tilly loves me cycling in the park with her as I can dash off into the forest and chase squirrels too. We both come back knackered though . . .

Monday 18th August 2003

What If sounded great tonight! Must find out who dubbed it and use the same person at the Beeb from now on. Great stuff!

Sunday 17th August 2003

Completed the music for What If on BBC Four. First show goes out tomorrow night at 10.05pm, same time every Monday for 6 weeks.

This cycling malarkey is pretty good - my legs are less wobbly now and I am amazed at how quickly I can travel through the London traffic. Certainly beats driving in Town. . .

Nicola is off to Sussex for a couple of days with Tilly so that I can finally finish some work that has been hanging around for a while (plus I get to watch my 50's Sci-Fi DVD's!). Not heard anything back from BP yet but it is the weekend I suppose. Starting work on a Ford commercial tomorrow which should take me through the rest of the week now the weather has cooled down a bit.

Friday 15th August 2003

Got a call today from Robert Plant's secretary to say that Robert is releasing a double CD in November entitled "Sixty Six to Timbuktu". It will include a lot of previously unheard stuff as well as tracks that I wrote with him like "Calling to You" and "Tie Dye on the Highway".

Thursday 14th August 2003

Been working on a commercial for BP all week and it went off to the Agency this afternoon. Fingers crossed!

In a last ditch effort to get fit for the summer I borrowed a friend's bicycle to see if I like the cycling thing. I now officially have jelly legs and a sore arse. Mind you I did cycle 15 miles today to get a large cycle hat to fit my follically enhanced head. So that's good.

Monday 11th August 2003

The temperature here in the UK has been incredible this past week and unbearable in London (humidity) so on Thursday we decided to visit the Coast for a couple of days. Stayed at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. It was so lovely there that we ended up staying until yesterday. This was just as well since the highest ever temperature for the UK (100 degrees) was recorded on Sunday! Tilly had a great time and had her first swim in the sea!

New films added to BBC and Television pages!

Saturday August 2nd 2003

Ooops - first computer crash needing a restart in nine weeks on the Studio Computer last night. This struck me as a very sad moment but when I consider how often the old Mac crashed (ie once every 10mins at least) this is completely amazing!

Friday 1st August 2003

Had to postpone the showreel transfer until Tuesday since one of the jobs I am working on suddenly needs to be finished and in Monaco by Tuesday. Quite used to this last minute rush thing though. Working over the weekend too but it's Nicola's Birthday on Sunday so I must keep that free or I shall be hanged drawn and quartered!

Tuesday 29th July 2003

Been working on a TV ident yesterday and today and preparing the ground for my showreel transfer session on Friday. Got a Beta machine coming over for the day and I fully intend to digitise all 75 films. That should keep me quiet for a while!

Thursday 24th July 2003

This week I have been mostly working on the Studio and getting it ready for the upcoming work. One of the jobs came in today, and I picked up some more Library Music yesterday for a new company. Looking forward to piling into things next week now. . .

Sunday 20th July 2003

Now I wouldn't normally admit to this, but we went to see Jools Holland last night. I am not a big fan but the gig was in Kew Gardens and was basically a 'bring your own picnic' event, so we went. We were so far back from the stage that the music was frankly incidental, but the evening was magical - picnics everywhere, and ages from 3 to 90! Huge firework display to end with (I love fireworks) and the chance to be in Kew Gardens after dark on a warm summer evening - great stuff!

Wednesday 16th July 2003

Suddenly there seems to be a lot of work hovering around. Hopefully some of it will come in to land quite soon, though knowing my luck it will all come in at the same time as it usually does! Great to be busy again though.

Sunday 13th July 2003

Tilly won first prize in her Dog Show today! Very hot day so the entrants (both canine and human) were panting all over the place. We bought her a sausage this evening to celebrate.

Photo page updated.

Saturday 12th July 2003

Didn't get the Ford job. The Tricky remix I did frightened them I think. It was a bit full on though (but then that's what they asked for!)

Fabulous weather still in the UK - Tilly is entering a Dog Show tomorrow so I have the unenviable task of shoving her into the bath this afternoon and getting her spruced up. Interesting thing to do on your own but Nicola is teaching today.

Wednesday 9th July 2003

Had Stephanie Benavente over today to work on some Library tracks. Got a meeting with another agent tomorrow morning too so that should prove interesting. Finished Harry Potter on Monday night - can't wait for the next one now though . . .

Sunday 6th July 2003

Nice day - had friends over this afternoon to watch the Wimbledon Final and later spent the evening reading Harry Potter in the garden by the light of a storm lantern.

Friday 4th July 2003

Happy Independence Day!

Got my producer's head on and I'm remixing a track called 'Black Steel' by Tricky today for a new Ford StreetKa commercial. Great fun as all the elements were taken from multi track in New York and supplied on CD in Pro Tools format. Bit like a jigsaw puzzle really.

Tuesday 1st July 2003

I didn't get a bike yet. . .

Working on showreels today and I have the first of several meetings tomorrow in my quest for an agent. Feels strange after all these years operating on my own but it will be relief to pass all the negotiations onto somebody else so that I can get on with the music!

Saturday 28th June 2003

Spent most of the week working on a programme for the BBC entitled 'What if . .?' Great fun except I had to come up with an entirely different track again on Wednesday. Par for the course these days I'm afraid. Studio is working great now though.

Tomorrow I shall probably rush out and buy a Mountain Bike. I feel it is about time I got fit again but I'm not sure I'll be able to get a helmet to fit my Venusian shaped bonce!

Saturday 21st June 2003

We went to Roehampton Tennis Club on Friday to see Gustavo Keurten and co warming up for Wimbledon. Great place to see Tennis up close, lovely sunny day and lots of Pimm's too. There was a Vintage Car Auction in our local park today (much to Tilly's dismay) and I was very tempted by a lovely old Mercedes Benz convertible.

Wednesday 18th June 2003

Congratulations to Mellissa and Nidal on the birth of their baby boy last night! Mother and son doing well.

Working on the BBC job 'What If?' today. Tricky one this.

Sunday 15th June 2003

Amazing weather all week has made it difficult to stay indoors. Been very quiet anyway so just as well. Got a meeting tomorrow for another BBC job (seem to be doing a lot of those recently) and then Doug Boyle is coming over in the afternoon to discuss studio gear.

Tilly doesn't like this weather at all. She keeps looking at me as if to say "can't you turn the heat down a bit?"

Tuesday 10th June 2003

Spent the day at The Queen's Club for the Stella Artois Tennis Championship. We had tickets for centre court so we got to see Tim Henman and Andre Agassi. The weather held up too but it did turn cold, and as I was wearing sandals I had to resist the temptation of running to the shop to buy some white socks.

Monday 9th June 2003

I'm back! The site was down for a few days there as I switched servers but now everything is uploaded and running fabulously. Sorry for the downtime!

BBC job needed some more edits but that's all done now and so I'm back into composing Library tracks and songwriting. I say songwriting but I can't find Nick anywhere as he seems to have disappeared. Still I'm sure he'll turn up and there's lots to be getting on with.

Spent most of the weekend at our local green where there was a Fair. Last night we listened to a performance of Bach by Candlelight at our local church. Fabulous weekend!

Tuesday 3rd June 2003

Finished the BBC job entitled 'What the World thinks of America' over the weekend. Should be a good programme as there is a live studio debate! Got another commission from the BBC yesterday too so that should be fun. Also decided that I need an Agent so I need to begin my research into that as well. Where do I start?

Switching host server today so everythng should speed up quite a bit I hope.

Sunday 1st June 2003

Welcome to my new look website! You will find it a lot easier to navigate now since I have tried to make everything accessible from every page. The old site was getting a bit confusing and jumbled I think so it needed to be done. Hope you enjoy your visit, and don't forget to leave me a message in my Guest Book!

To check back over the months since all this started just pop over to the right there and use the Archives.

CB xx