I have been very busy since the last newsletter with HamLab activities Hammond Organ UK promotions and also gigs in the UK, Poland and Finland.
Hammond Organs in general seem to be the 'in Thing' for live performance as well as 'Home Hammond Groovers'
This is great for performing musicians and just like in the old days, the request from Promotors, Record Company A&R personal is " do you know of any competent "HAMMOND PLAYERS" NOT just Keyboard players but ... HAMMOND PLAYERS ! More on this in the December newsletter
Also, thank you to all who have visited my HamLab Studio recently and also many thanks to all the dealers who hosted the Hammond Roadshow at their stores. Edinburgh Organ Studios, Promenade Music of Morecombe, Haven Keyboards of Ipswich, Swift Music of Bristol and last but not least, Bonners of Eastbourne.
Most of all a BIG THANK YOU to all the people that came to see us at these events.
Both Barrrie and I enjoyed this very much indeed and we can only describe this last little tour as nothing less that a 'great success' meeting lots of old friends and making many new acquaintances.
Barrie at the Pro System at one of the Hammond Dealer Shows Hosted by BONNERS of Eastbourne
POLAND GIG
In September I had the privilege of being invited to play a gig for the Polish Hammond Club.
This was a fantastic experience.. What a wonderful warm friendly and welcoming country Poland is and best of all .... they like their HAMMOND Playing HOT !!!!
Pawel and Monika ........ Perfect Tour Managers and Hosts
Many thanks especially to Monika and Pawel WIĘSIK who booked me for the gig (incredible gig promoters and hosts) and also special thanks to Andre and Arcadius who made me so welcome and looked after me like a VIP.
My band was formed by Polish Musicians and Pawel assured me he would get the best available..... Boy .. Wow did he deliver !!!!!! some of the best musicians I have ever had the privilege to work with.
So here is a BIG, BIG THANKS to the band:
Radosław Bolewski - Drums ... Piotr Świerzbiński - Guitar ...
Jan Cichy - Bass ... Kuba Raczyński - Sax
Now this will make some of you smile .. Pawel asked me what equipment I preferred for the gig. I asked for a new Hammond B-3 and Leslie 122 (nice ..)
What I actually got was a new B-3 and 4 YES FOUR LESLIE'S 2 x 145's, 1 x 122 and a 760 as my back-line monitor. How crazy is that ?? It was and unbelievable sound. Thanks Pawel.
The audience was fantastic and provided a great inspirational and enthusiastic vibe to play 'Cool Hammond' Grooves , and to all the members of that audience that have mailed me since the show.. Thanks allot for your support
At the end of the show I was very happy and proud to be made an Honorary Member of the 'POLISH HAMMOND CLUB' and received a special leather bound brass plaque from them.
I hope to return to Poland next year for a longer tour and maybe even record with the guys. Thanks again to all involved ... Malc
FINLAND GIG
At the end of October, I was invited to go and support the Hammond Finland Distributer at the HELSINKI MUSIC SHOW.
Its amazing how the sound of the New B-3 and Leslie 122 will draw crowds ... That sound is just a universal magnet to music lovers and I never tire of this kind of event.
Heikki (the Hammond Distributor) is a very 'cool character' and not only did we have a great show and lots of fun he also was kind enough to invite me to his home for a traditional Finish Sauna, fine food, great liquor & beer and to meet his wonderful family and excellent hosts Marja and Topi. Thanks ..... I will be back soon (-:
Some have you have also seen me at a few UK gigs over the past few weeks and this is always a pleasure for me. Thanks once more for your support.
You will know from the 'News from Barrie' BLOG, that Music Tech Schools has equipped its new Hammond Lab with 9 Hammond organs, Leslie 2101 mk2 and bass pedals.
The official opening will be on Sat 28th Nov and the ribbon cut by Hammond Rock Legend Jon Lord. James Taylor of JTQ fame will also be there.
I am very honored to have been asked by the Kevin Webster (Head of KeyboardTech) and the Director, Francis Seria to open the Hammond proceedings with a short set using the Pro XK System, XPK-200 bass pedlas and 2101 mkII Leslie.
If you contact the school direct, they will advise you of the availability of tickets for this event.
More info:
www.techmusicschools.co.uk
www.keyboard-tech.co.uk
FOR PRESS ENQUIRIES please contact:
Michelle Humphreys
Michelle@drum-tech.co.uk or 0208 749 3131
JON LORD plays the New B-3P and Leslie 3300 in Russia read more here
Well thats about all for now.
Catch up with more news in the Dec Newsletter
Cheers
for now
Malc
