I’ve not posted anything here for a while and I haven’t got any gigs coming up, but I have been reasonably busy. In the interests of brevity, here’s a quick roundup of what’s happened so far in 2010.

• I played guitar on a couple of tracks from the new Billy No Mates album, which I think is going to be called “Duck, Duck, Goose“. The album’s not mixed yet, but I’ve heard a rough mix of all the songs and it’s really good. Definitely one to look out for. I’ll update here when it’s finally released.
• Unfortunately the planned Billy No Mates tour in Germany fell victim to a bit of punk rock organisation and is no more.
• My new punk band, Liquidman, had a couple of really good reherasals with our new bassist, Damion Rice (formerly of The Killerest Expression). Rich switched from bass to lead guitar and it’s sounding great. We had a few potentials on the gig front, but they all faded away…then we all got busy and now it’s mid-May. Hmmm. Maybe things will pick up later in the year? Maybe I should schmooze more and go to gigs?
• The biggest news though is the fact that I’ve started work on a new Big Ray album. Yep, you heard that correctly. Let’s face it….the history of rock’n'roll is littered with pointless gestures, so what’s the problem with one more? The idea is to plug away and get it all finished by the end of the year. Over and above that there are no plans, but hopefully the process will get me off my arse and out there playing more acoustic gigs in 2011. I’m recording the acoustic guitar & vocal backing tracks with Rich Matthews in his studio in London and will then get the rest of the cast to add their material on top either in person or via the wonders of the Internet. So far lined up to play on the songs are Big Ray regulars Reado (drums), Paul Duncan (bass) and possibly John Ruscoe (guitar). In addition two of my favourite musicians, Michael Hampton and Dave Derby, both from New York will be continuing their Big Ray associations by sprinkling their own brands of fairy dust over the music from their respective home studios in the Big Apple. Michael in particular had a huge impact on “Business Class” so expect more of the same from him. Additionally I hope to rope in Mickey Trenter, Clive Watling, Li’l Lost Lou, James Allen and possibly some others to round things off. I’ll probably post odds and sods from the recordings as we go along before making the final thing available here for free as always once it’s done. In that spirit here’s a very ‘early days’ version of one of the new songs, “Shimmy“. Check it out now and then wait to compare it with the finished version in early 2011.

 

 Shimmy (work in progress): Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Josh did us proud and the night was a huge success. I was on my own so no Jacqui on hand to take photos or record any video. I’m trying to track some down though, so something may appear here in the future. I really enjoyed my set & feel I’m finally getting to the point where I can concentrate on the performance rather than freaking out with nerves or concentrating so hard on playing the songs that I forget about trying to entertain. The sound onstage was perfect and that really helped me relax with the vocals. Nice! Duncan was excellent; probably the best I’ve seen him so far.

It looks like the next gig will be a solo acoustic show at the Fighting Cocks in Kingston on Friday 23rd October supporting Duncan. Alex Brindle Johnson & Jon Gerlis are also on the bill. I’m looking forward to it already; should be a lot of fun.

Go to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136959628242&ref=share for details.

Quite a lot to catch up on and not a lot of time to do it in. Here’s the first bit though anyway. The acoustic gig at Lou’s Callyfest went off well in then end although it was a fairly terrifying experience all told. What doesn’t doesn’t kill you makes you stronger etc. etc. Definitely a character building experience, but one that will stand me in good stead for the future I’m sure. Here’s a clip of me playing ‘Shivers’ at the gig. The guitar intro is missing, but Jacqui caught the rest of the song. I was super nervous so the song’s pretty fast; also I had to stick the guitar through an amp and not the PA which is why it’s a bit tinny sounding.

Ed sings “Shivers” from Ed Wenn on Vimeo.

….and for those of you who are unfamiliar with the original version of the song, here it is:

 

 Shivers: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

OK, on with the next gig. I’m playing an acoustic set this Saturday (22nd August) at Kennedy’s on Caledonian Road, London as part of Callyfest 2009, an event organized by my good friend, Li’l Lost Lou. I’ll be onstage at 5PM and it would be amazing to see you if you’re able to get down. Originally I was going to be playing with Rich Matthews, but now he can’t make it so I’ll probably now be on my own, although there’s a tiny possibility that John Ruscoe will be able to join me…which would be lovely. Here’s the flyer:

Running order as follows:

• 1pm junkyard choir - Kennedys
• 1pm plesure bridles - Kink
• 1.30pm darkwood - Kink
• 2pm cedars - Kennedys
• 2.15pm the snakes - Kink
• 2.30pm the good news - Kennedys
• 3pm the wild wolves - Kink
• 3.30pm anna page - Kennnedys
• 4.30pm the sabre tooth tiger band - Kink
• 5pm ed wenn - Kennedys
• 5.30pm faith millin - Kennedys 
• 6pm instant flight - Kink
• 6.30pm mayor mc arthur - Kennedys
• 7.30pm the saudis - Kink
• 7.45pm john drain - Kennedys
• 8.15 thee intolerable kidd - Kink
• 9pm the tropics of cancer - Kennedys
• 9.30pm Lil Lost Lou - Kink