I was delighted to be asked to go with Mark to Germany for some dates in January – so I decided I would book some additional solo dates and make a longer trip of it – that’s in part two! 

Mark and I had five amazing gigs in various locations.  We started off in Kassette in Dusseldorf where in August 2015 we played an acoustic unplugged gig to a quiet attentive audience….. Tonight was different – it was plugged in, we had a PA, there were no chairs – and the place was rammed, and people were being turned away!  We’re still arguing about whether it was 5 or 6 encores we did – but the night kicked of the tour in supreme style!  Thanks to Tobey and Tim for looking after us!

Gig number two took us to the most beautiful farmhouse in Rees.  A converted carraige house, with a walk through from the living room straight to the stables!   We were joined on the gigs from then, by the stunning Chrissi Poland, who had flown in from the States that day.  She wowed the audience and joined Mark for some impromptu tunes! Thanks to Catja, Chiara Chiara, Moritz and Danby!  The storm was coming in that night, so we had to hit the road.  We must have literally led it up the garden path, as we got home to a clear drive way and woke in the morning to find 20cm had fallen after we returned!  

Gig number three was a little closer to our temporary home in Cologne, so we got to take Ted for a walk in the snow and made some other new friends along the way.  The gig that night was amazing – a beatiful living room full of wonderful people!  Chrissi, Mark and myself jammed out some Everly Brothers, and Mark’s song Ghosts, and Chrissi even had me on keys for one of hers!  Biggest of love to Shel and Stefan!!

Gig number four with Mark was a slot at the Acoustic Winter Festival in Dusseldorf. Mark and I had played the summer festival in 2015 and we were invited back (and I got a solo slot too!).  Mark had 45 minutes of a slot and absolutely stole the show!  Chrissi joined us for a couple of songs and we had One Eye Open up to play Adam and Eve to finish the set. Mark’s guitar pedals have never sounded that big, much to the surprise of the audience (and to Mark!) Thanks to Tommy for having us back!!! 

Gig number five was in another amazing, old, converted building – now housing a music studio!  Van Heys Studio, home to Meyerhof gigs was the perfect end to a run of gigs with Mark and Chrissi.   A Steinway Grand was waiting for Chrissi and a roomful of open hearts!   Another (aguable) number of encores, and the amazing Marie-Hélen and Marco.