Lyon ...... a trip down my musical memory lane.

I lived in Lyon nearly 20 years ago. I spent a year teaching English as a foreign language at the Lycée Condorcet in St Priest. It was a great experience living in Lyon and I've cherished those memories over the years. A university friend of mine, Damien, was living in Bourg en Bresse outside Lyon and he used to travel down to Lyon at weekends. We had heard of this pub Johnny Walsh's in Vieux Lyon where I was living and we needed some Guinness. We stumbled upon Johnny Walsh's one Saturday evening and the owner Adrian aka 'Yer Man Ado', was playing. His style was amazing, real folky, blues and trad. I joined him for a few songs. I ended up as his bass player. I played some solo gigs as well at Johnny Walsh's that year, and at L'Antidote (also on Rue St Georges). We also played a load of festivals in the alps that summer of 2000, a few of which have given me great memories over the years. It was great I gigged virtually every Friday and Saturday night when I was there, sometimes solo, sometimes as a duo, and sometimes with the Johnny Walsh's Pub Band on bass. I think the great thing about Ado was that he taught me strumming techniques on the guitar, which I still use to this day.

I visited all the old haunts yesterday and amazing how it all comes back to you. I knew every street, every nook and cranny. The top photo shows Place Bellecour, the statue and the ever impressive Fourvière up above. I lived in a studio apartment 2 streets away from Fourvière, and it brought back the greatest memories.

To top it off I played an absolute blinder, and sold a few CD singles. Now to spend the day testing these 2 harmonicas!

I'll be back in Lyon next Wednesday and I can't wait.

Chamonx

Took the van to Chamonix this weekend and what a stunning resort! À gruelling drive down through the mountains but when you arrive the view is simply spectacular, the moon was shining so brightly when we arrived on Friday night that it looked like the snow on Mont Blanc was glowing in the dark. One thing that always hits me when I travel through mountain ranges is how insignificant we are in terms of the size that surrounds us!

Sunday morning was spent exploring a bit, with an amazing Reblochon Burger which was to die for!

Played a lovely 2 hour set in the afternoon and the songs went down really well, and signed a couple of CDs for audience members.

I can't wait to come back and play here again! Off to Geneva now for tonight's gig!

J xx

Tour and Travel Updates

Hey peeps

I've been  very quiet on here recently. Been sorting out a few bits and bobs and also busy gigging and organising the Nashville Showcase Tour, with some exciting gigs that I'll announce very soon.

Last 10 days I've played in Chanay, Annecy, Bellegarde and Geneva. Amazing reception each time, really pleased with how well the single is going down and am pleased to say that when back home for Christmas I'll have to collect another batch of CDs as I literally only have a handful left - if any of you would like to purchase a copy of The Darkness Fades EP either on 7' Vinyl or on CD please feel free to put your order in by emailing curransolomusic@gmail.com - it's the perfect stocking filler!!!

Will be updating more regularly again....... promise!!

When at uni I remember studying the May '68 protests in France, there's a similar feeling among the French and I've spent a lot of time speaking with those who are protesting against the current government in France. Today protestors are heading to Paris on train and bus to be heard. Following my conversations with locals I wrote the following poem as their views are quite strong and inspiring.

Remember '68?

Are we just a number?
Have we reached our limit?
We're talking about the common good
Don't know if I fit in it.

You remember the feeling back in 68?
When we were in turmoil against the state
We fought with pride and sealed our fate
But now's not the time to sit and wait

The feeling is reminiscent
Of a time back when
We fought against the system
And friend supported friend

But the government has brought us here
Right onto our knees
Not a sous to pay the bills
Nor a cent to sort out the late fees

Anyhew, I'll keep you up to date regularly from now!

J xx