Mezzair

Well, I can’t believe it’s Christmas day tomorrow. Still, almost the end of another year and time to reflect.

Tonight is gig number 30 of 2008 (still, because the last three/four gigs have been canceled), down at the Sheldon Marquee. It’s now re-open after it’s refurb. I’m looking forward to it, it’s been a while since I’ve played a gig (since October in-fact). That not to say I’ve not been playing.

Captain Horizon(formally ursaDomine – we’ve changed our name ) have been extremely busy writing and recording. We’ve currently got six tracks down. we’ve also about to sign on with management, so things should really start to gather pace soon, and quite quickly as well. It’s an exciting time at the moment.

The new job has been going well, I’ve settled in quite nicely and getting my hands dirty with some of the code. The driving isn’t to bad, it’s about an hour to an hour’n half each way, so pending on traffic.

I also went down to the Football Manager Live community day down in London and finally met RB. It was a decent day, with Sports Interactive and SEGA showing us the marketing plans/strategy and what to expect from Football Manager Live in 2009. I think it’s about time I got my subscription!

So, reflecting back on 2008, The RockHits formed in January and I have the sincere pleasure of playing with Ricardo Thompson. It’s been a joy to play with him and to have such an understanding between us when were playing reminds me of the times I have with Steve Vilder and KP. After a line up change and brief change of personal, Whitty, Paul and Sabbath joined us as Nikki, Luke and Andy Smith went of on other ventures. Things have been going relativly well since, but we shall have to wait to see what 2009 holds.

Hampton Street decided to call it a day in 2008. It was a good two and a half year run, but I was left reeling from what should have been. I suppose circumstances change and people move on, but it’s killer to think that this band DID have some real potential. Definitely the highlight was playing at the Barfly last summer to rave reviews.

The formation of Captain Horizon has been one of the best things this year. Meeting Josh and Alex and of course involving Whitty, with the foundations in place already is going to give us the ulimate platform to give it a real good go. The songs are awesome, the recordings are awesome and playing in this band is awesome.

The fishes! Birthday present from Sam and they’re still alive! It’s been great to have a pet, makes the house feel more like home. Still, the down side, someone needs to clean their poop!

Drumming wise this year I think I’ve improved a bit, no thanks to my new Roland TD-3 but also down to listening to alot of music and practising from my Virgil Donati play along book. I’ve started exploring independence and I’ve implemented some polyrhythms which can be heard on the Captain Horizon album preview. I still plan to work hard on these and it helps been in a new original band to be able to try out some new ideas. I’ve also been experimenting with mutating time in grooves (thanks to watching Mr. Donati!). This is the first year I’ve also been playing traditional grip. The more and more I’ve used it the stronger my right arm has got. I’ve also started to re-learn stuff right handed and taking the open handed approach. I can play simple stuff both ways now, it’s just trying to getting some of the more advanced concepts in there!

Well 2009 has much to offer. Lets go an get it

Phew. Ramble.

Well, Merry Christmas everyone!

Tags: 2008, 2009, Captain Horizion, Drumming, Fish, Football Manager, Hampton Street, review, Sheldon Marquee, The Rockhits, UrsaDomine

One Response

1. NickyDecember 27th, 2008

   Your commute is the same as mine and I only work in Sheldon. How depressing. :s

Leave a Reply