Mauerpark Musicians Protest & Gig @ Kindl Stromp

Mauerpark Musicians Protest

What a fantastic day here. I read online that musicians here hold big get togethers  in Mauerpark and it just so happened that today was an especially strong one for the local musicians, as 2 nearby residents have handed in official complaints to shut the musicians out if the park, so they had a huge get together today in protest, and goodness was there an atmosphere! Drumming groups, solo bass guitarists, singer / songwriters, blues bands, karaoke with crowd participation – you name it; it was there! And here’s hoping they keep this amazing facility open for musicians to continue to play there.

This evening I played at Kindl Strump. It has a wonderful backstage hangout area where artists can hang out (tune up) and chat together. But the atmosphere out with the crowd was unbeatable. A wealth of talent graced the stage tonight. 2 acts that stood out for me were Ruby & David with their Bluegrass / Americana / Country vibe going on, and Will Church who was a cross between Dylan and Ed Sheeran!
Lovely receptive crowd to play to. ‘Stay Strong – I’ll Be Your Guide’ and ‘The Darkness Fades’ went down really well. CDs and  vynyl stock have been replenished! The songs played tonight will feature on the tour documentary. To the staff, the organisers and the lovely audience  - thank you so much!
Kindl Strump – I’ll play there again!
Cheers
J xx

 Ruby & David playing Monster

Will Church 

Next Leg of Tour

So have arrived in new city. The atmosphere is very alive here, very colourful and has that European charm of fresh coffee and baguettes. The bus journey down actually wasn't that bad, slept on and off the entire way. They really enjoy their music here, and I spent yesterday morning wandering around the flea markets and listening to the street performers. Some very talented musicians putting on full-on shows!

I have posted the schedule for this week: last night played in Flop Club. It was incredible. Nice performance which will feature on the tour documentary once we finish this tour. Played a nice set to a very attentive crowd and met up with some of the audience afterwards, and really enjoyed chatting with them before heading back to the hotel.

Leg 2 of Tour Done

Click above link for personal message .....

So is it time to become reflective as you prepare to leave one city for the next. I feel like a new person. Playing these songs night after night, to express those deep feelings is a great place for me to go, and the fact that the audience are attune to the lyrics in the songs has blown me away. As I have left the stage and met with audience members they always ask after the meaning and also give me their viewpoint on where the lyrics take them. Isn't that what music is about? To form a connection with the words and let the music take you on a journey to where ever it is you want to go. I love writing lyrics. They've always been a means of escape, of expression to get my feelings out. The fact that people are taking note of these lyrics is cool! Thank you!
To see my message just click on the link at top.

Train Lodge

A bit of a gig with a difference. I arrived wondering what the plan would be. Lovely little gathering outside the main reception offering  a place where guests congregate, chat, relax and listen to music. Met a true cowboy 'Lucky Duke' who's simply hilarious! Great mixture of Americans, English, Canadians, French etc. Went down  well ... the footage will feature on the documentary once this tour is over. Next 2 weeks are very busy with gigs in Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris and Hamburg.

Introduction to the Songwriters Guild

Live Session

So today I played with the Songwriters Guild. I got to watch some amazing performers from all over the world. There were Australians, Americans, English, French, Dutch, German ... and Irish of course! And obviously representing various styles of music. It was a great evening, and the songs 'Stay Strong- I'll Be Your Guide', 'The Darkness Fades' and 'Throwin Myself Right In' went down really well! More CDs arriving tomorrow thank goodness. 

Thank you for having me folks- I thoroughly enjoyed myself. 

J xx 

Gifts from crowd

So these were given to me from a crowd of art students at last night's gig. It was really cool and I was very touched by the thought. Thank you so much guys! 

Love 

J xx 

Bourbon Street ...... amazing venue

What an amazing venue I played at last night. Bourbon Street with the House backing band supporting me which added lots of extra insane jamming points on the songs. The merch stall was practically empty afterwards .... need to restock I think. Just a few days left in this wonderful city, before heading to Frankfurt. I'll post a few more pics up. I had one lovely fan making me pieces of art throughout the show, I'll take a pic and put them up. A big shout out has to go to my very own Bezz who took to our stage and danced to every single song. Whoever you are, you kept a smile on my face all night.

Am gonna spend the afternoon chatting to the local songwriters guild, and having a jam with them. Then we'll be playing a few songs at the Café Kéo tonight with quite a large line-up - 12 acts in total. I'll be there from 8, with small merch table with CDs & 7' Vinyl.

X

Connecting with people

So I took a venture into the city to explore the surroundings. I think in the past when I've been travelling as musician I never took the time to appreciate the places I was travelling through. So time to get my explorers hat on (I know you don't like the hat dad, but for me it's a must).
I saw quite a lot today, but was more taken aback by people asking for selfies with me, that was slightly surreal and has happened quite a few times over last few days. Let's remember I'm nobody lol, just enjoying this journey that I am currently following.
However, I did take an hour to just sit in a café to take in the views, the atmosphere and the language.
And the couple at the table beside me started chatting to me, and the fella, Anthone lives gretsch guitars (like me) and he and wife are huge country fans (like me). Before leaving they bought 2 Cds and a 7' vinyl.
Lovely people .....

Tunes being uploaded tomorrow as slow connection speed right now, but you guys are in for sweet surprise.

Day 9 ..... A Song A Day.... Stay Strong....I'll Be Your Guide

Stay Strong..I'll Be Your Guide

copyright J.Curran  

Well I fell in love with you 

From the moment that we met 

And you told me those words

And my life was simply the best

And I'd do anything for you

Cos that's just who i am 

And I've got a lotta love to give 

But I'll drive you around the bend

Cos you complete me 

An you make me whole

An you can always trust in me

Now that you own my soul

An I'll stand right by you 

I'll always be by your side 

An just grab a hold of me 

I'll always be your guide

We can hold on, stay strong 

Stand tall

Cos I'll drop every thing 

Anytime that you call

An I'll bring you flowers

Each and every day

I'll listen to you for hours 

Just as long as you hear me say

You complete me 

An you make me whole

An you can always trust in me

Now that you own my soul

An I'll stand right by you

I'll always be by your side 

An just grab a hold of me 

I'll always be your guide

So what can I say? This tune is an original song and has made it onto the album. I wanted the songs on this album to tell a story. The album is essentially one that deals with all those paths we follow in life. There are dark elements to the album but they are counterbalanced with bright songs. This being one of them. I think the take from the studio comes across as a little bit rocky which is ironic for a love song, which this technically is. Love songs tend to be finger picking tunes but I just wanted to blurt this one out so the rhythm fits well. I guess the aspiration that s being given across is one of if you find love, grab it, hold it, embrace it, and fight for it. 

First Gig of tour

So it kicked off yesterday, following Tuesday's cancellation of boats and trains because of Storm Ally. But anyhew not gonna let weather put me off. 

So yesterday I played a private gig for the BBC, as a showcase. Feedback was great. Then we hit the road. 

Our venue last night was nice, lovely crowd, slightly later than we expected but there's still the weather to contend with. Played with a really cool band The Delta Bells...... I'll get a link to their stiff. Very solid little 4 piece Country band. Would love to play on same bill as them in future. 

Today is a day to rest, relax and recuperate. But there is a buzz in the atmosphere here ... not feedback from the guitar! 

Am working on a little movie project to document this entire trip. 

Day 8 ..... A Song A Day.... Old Man

Old Man (Neil Young)

I remember watching the Live at the BBC on tv years ago. Just Neil Young on stage acoustic guitar in hand, pockets full of harmonicas and an intimate studio audience. Imagine being in that crowd! He was touring the Harvest album at the time and when he played Old Man I was blown away. The range of tones in the vocals I thought were incredible. 

He told the story of the song before performing it to the assembled crowd. He had bought a ranch, and wrote a song for the foreman of the ranch. Here's my version. No variation on this one .... how can you attempt changing a Neil Young song??? 

Day 7 ..... A Song A Day.... Sweet Home Alabama

Sweet Home Alabama

Played with the variation of the song a little bit to suit what I wanted to do with the song. It's a classic let's face it, every musician learns it, plays it, probably one of the most played songs ever. The original riff is awesome! 

"Sweet Home Alabama" was written as an answer to two songs, "Southern Man" and "Alabama" by Neil Young, which dealt with themes of racism and slavery in the American South. "We thought Neil was shooting all the ducks in order to kill one or two," said Ronnie Van Zant at the time.^[3] The following excerpt shows the Neil Young mention in the song:

Well, I heard Mister Young sing about her

Well, I heard ol' Neil put her down

Well, I hope Neil Young will remember

A Southern man don't need him around anyhow

Day 6 .... of A Song A Day... Wondersmile!

Wondersmile

So for today's song I had been asked to do a cover of Smile by Lily Allen. As I was working out how I was going to perform it, messing around with the chords a bit, I suddenly started singing Wonderwall by Oasis, possibly one of my favourite songs when I was growing up. 

I have recently read that Noel wrote this for his first wife, as a bit of a love song for her. So thought it was a bit of fun to amalgamate the love song with a break up song. 

 As for Smile, I like the lyrics, someone cheats and realises the errors of his / her ways ..... But once trust is broken in a relationship it's a bit difficult to repair. That's in my experience anyway..... 

Day 5 .... A Song A Day .... Something Soon

Something Soon

This is my version of Andy Crofts' / The Moons classic song Something Soon. My daughter has been a massive fan of The Moons since the age of 5. I took her to a Weller gig, and she just loved watching Andy Crofts playing keys. A couple of weeks afterwards she heard Something Soon by Andy Crofts and just loved it. Every time we were out in the car this song would be playing. As a guitarist and singer she has performed this live at various Open Mics. I'll re-record this with her on lead vocal at some point. 

I love the lyrics in this song! 

Day 4 .... Stand by Me .... A Song A Day

Stand By Me

This is my version of the classic - Stand By Me. 

I love the rhythm of this song more than the words. It's got a nice flow in the chords and strumming pattern. 

Some of us do want a rock at Stand Along Beside Us, others are better at building a fortress around them and not let anyone in, whether that be because of past experiences, or because of low self-esteem but maybe, it's more important to be happy with the self before seeking a guide. 

Day 3 - A Song A Day ..... Into My Arms

Into My Arms cover song

I heard this song hears ago when I was about 20, remember it clearly sitting in my mate James's house having a drink before heading to the Limelight. The deep vocal and haunting piano struck a chord with me. This is my version of the song. 

Obviously a love song, about offering protection to his love, to protect her at all costs. Beautiful words but something at which i failed in marriage and relationships Through My Arms more like.... but still we reach out to attain that a perfect love in a world of imperfection... enjoy listening folks! 

If you have a request email curransolomusic@gmail.com 

Day 2 - A Song A Day ... Billie Jean

Billie Jean .... a cover song

To listen to the song above simply click on the link 

Billy Jean .... a timeless classic. Strip the song back to it's rawest for and see what you can do. The thing I love about music, lyrics especially, is how they can be interpreted in different ways by people. To me the question this song raises is either betrayal and guilt (on the protagonist's behalf?) or is it a con and lies? What do you guys think? 

Day 1 .... A Song A Day..... Dancing in the Dark

Dancing in the Dark

All you need to do is click on the link above ......


This is my cover of Bruce Springsteen's song Dancing in the Dark. I hope you enjoy having a listen. As most of you know I certainly don't dance, I can foot-tap! Am a champion at foot-tapping, at my own rhythm of course (secretly I know that my old drummer Karl loved my accompaniment to his drum beats! Anyhew...... nope Bruce I may enjoy the Dark at times but I'm certainly no Michael Flatly! More like an elephant on roller skates! 

Day 1 ......A Song A Day - an intro ...

I am a singer / songwriter / troubadour. I am setting myself a target as of now to learn and upload a song each day.

For me music is a means of expression. Despite being used to being on stage, I am quite introverted and shy. My entire life I have struggled with anxiety and depression. My way of getting  through those moments of anxiety is to pick up the guitar and either write a song or learn a new one.

So this is a musical story of my journey which will be updated daily from wherever I am in the world. Should I write a song it shall be uploaded but I will also be uploading one cover song each day.

If you have any requests please email curransolomusic@gmail.com or send a direct message on the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/curransolomusic

I hope you enjoy and I hope to see you along this path.

Peace and love

J xx