The Official David Baalham 2004-2006

WHAT'S NEWS....?

Find out what David is up to with the lastest news written personally by David himself. The latest news is now at the top of this page so it is easier and quicker for you to find out whats happening right now!! With archived messages below.........

14th July 2006

Hey just a few more thoughts...I am really looking forward to the gig tomorrow in Christchurch Park with the Caution Horses.  It's a short one, half an hour or so, and I love those ones!  Whether it's with Jim, Hannah and Jason, Solo, or Caution Horses it's nice to get on, play a short set and get off.  It's like...not overstaying your welcome, or leaving people wanting more.  And tomorrow I get to let rip with my electric guitar which will be fun.  It's what I always used to play but lately have been doing more acoustic stuff. 

Going to see Sam and Daisy play Sat night.  Be good to see them do a full set as I feed my face and relax!  Not had too many gigs lately so it's nice to have the chance to go out and watch other people play.  Then Sunday I am having a practice with Hannah and Poppy so that we can hopefully have Poppy singing with us at Debenham on the 23rd July.  It'll be great to have 2 female backing singers! 

Oh well off to bed now so I am nice and fresh for the gig as I have to be there by 10.  Will let you know how it goes.  The forecast is for a hot weekend.  Yay!!!  Moral for the week...be light hearted and happy!

Davidxx 

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12th July 2006

Hi everyone just a little bit of new news!  I am playing with Caution Horses in Christchurch Park, Ipswich this Saturday 15th July as part of Sports Relief.  We play at 11.30a.m. and it's easier than running a mile in this heat!!  It's fantastic weather at the moment and makes a change to be writing that instead of moaning about the rain!  Actually I love rainy days too.  Hmmm.....I feel a song coming on.........

Pretty busy musically.  We played at Martlesham Music on the Green last weekend (Han, Jim, Jason that is) and that went really well.  It always sounds great with Han and Jim doing harmony vocals.  I raced through a version of Paint me a Picture, a newish song, much to Han's bafflement!!  It's funny how a sense of occasion can make such a difference to the tempo!  I think I started fast and got faster as we went on.  A very nice supportive crowd, a fair size, and a few people even joined in on the sing along bit, but there could have been more!  Well I suppose it was quite early in the day....

I'm going to try to finish the Night Garden song this week that I wrote for Darren and Paula.  I just have a bit of keyboard to do and then Darren is coming over to re-record his vocal and then that should be finished.  Also I have some guitar to do on a song I wrote with Poppy which should surface shortly on my Myspace page.  Not doing much with Han at the moment as she is moving house.  Will get back to songwriting and recording with her when she has more time.  We have started a great new song with a really cool vibe that should sound great when it is finished!!  Modesty eh.......?!

That's it for now.  Getting some more gigs lined up so watch the gigs page.  Don't forget to slip slap slop in this heat!!!

Davidxxxx 

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26th June 2006

Hello and it's Monday morning and raining again!  I have been out for an early morning run, the first for a long time.  It was a struggle but not as bad as I expected!!  So I am sitting here in wet clothes typing this up.  And then...a nice long soak!

We had a last minute gig come in and played in Chantry Park Ipswich on 25th June which was fun.  Me, Han and Jim.  We played for 45 mins and did all our own songs to a small but nice and enthusiastic crowd.  So...thank you to those people.  We have some gigs coming up July/Aug so it was good for us.  Gonna work in some new songs too.

I have been busy songwriting for Night Garden and recording with them, as well as writing a song with Poppy and am working on new songs with Han with a view to doing some gigs with her to promote them and recording her cd.

Rain has put paid to my plans for today as they were outside so I think it will be a day for catching up on paperwork, websites and Myspace pages and songwriting.  What a life eh?!!  I am enjoying it and hope you are enjoying yours.  Let your flame burn bright!

Will try and update some other pages on this site today so watch out!

Davidxxxx

8th May 2006

Hi and hope you're not too soggy!!  It's been raining here solidly for the last 3 days so the garden is looking lush.  Could do with some sun now though.  Just thought I would run through a couple of things I played at in the last few days.  And there are some exciting new changes coming to the website too in the next few weeks thanks to Darren who is upgrading it...which means I will have much more space to put on photos etc and also to put some songs on and maybe a shopping basket (no you won't be able to get your groceries from me!).  So you will see some changes soon.

Suffolk Songwiters May 4th....if you haven't been to this you really should get along because there is so much talent there.  It's the first Thursday of the month at the Milestone pub in Ipswich.  Last Thurs Aaron Short made a rare appearance and played a lovely couple of songs and gave me a copy of his new 5 track E.P.  It's really good and you can get it from him (see the link on this site).  Thoughtful and moody.  Sam and Daisy were amazing.  In their teens and writing and playing such wonderful songs.  A real treasure.  See them at Relish Restaurant, Newton Flotman, Norfolk on July 15th (I think...will confirm date).  Two-thirds of the Floozies were there and did their gorgeous floating folk music.  The pancakes wound things up...such good fun these 2 as they wend their way through their amusing anecdotal songs! Well done Andy and Chris for running such an amazing musical night.  Get to the next one and you won't regret it.

Bury Fringe Festival May 6th....well done Claire and Warren and thanks to Chris at the Falcon for running this night.  Fly 66, The Floozies, Al Lindsay Band....need I say more.  Quality music, a good venue and really well attended.  It's always good to do these things and I love just doing half hour slots where I get to play my own songs to an attentive audience (hopefully).  And thanks to Andy, Chris and Jude for coming along and Andy for the backing vocals on Ghosts.

Last Saturday daytime was spent with Darren and Paula otherwise known as Night Garden (link on this site) recording some songs.  They did Older Chests a Damien Rice song and Annie's Song by John Denver.  Also started to learn and demo a song I wrote for them called Night Garden!  I have written another song called You are the One for them and will do some more soon.  I think the idea is to make an EP of covers and originals but we haven't discussed it too much yet.  Will let you know how it goes.

Last news for now....I am working on rehearsals with Caution Horses for their upcoming gig at the Milestone 20th May so be nice if lots of people come along.  They have some really tremendous songs and are great musicians so should be a very musical night with a good vibe.

Keep happy and will write again soon

Davidxxx 

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27th April 2006

Hi everyone hope you are doing well.  I am fine and looking forward to gigs I have coming up.  I have had Debenham Music Festival confirmed for the 23rd July.  Not sure who is playing with me yet in the band...depends who can make it!  I am also playing the same festival with Caution Horses so that should be fun.  As you know I play lead guitar with them and their songs are pretty uptempo so I can let rip with the electric guitar!  Makes a change from my songs which tend to be calmer and acoustic.  Good to have a balance, the old yin and yang.  I am trying to balance my life which is fairly hectic (like most people's I guess) and not making too good a job of it, but am gradually achieving some sort of harmony and rationalisation I guess. 

Did some recording on Monday with my good friend Steve.  His voice just gets better and better and he always makes a tasty meal and I leave with a very good bottle of wine.  He's a bit of a wine buff though he would deny it.  A real nice guy.

I am also in the process of writing some songs for my friends Darren and Paula.  They have a duo called Night Garden and there is a link on this site.  They are coming over to record in a week's time so need to get a move on.  It's Bank Hols this weekend so I should have more time.

The radio session at Dream 100 went well.  Hoping to get some feedback re that soon.  It's going out this week on the Independent Radio Network but they couldn't tell me times or days so it's a bit hit and miss.  Songs used - Ghosts, Paint me a Picture and Blood from a Stone.  Listen out!!

I have a time slot for the Martlesham Music Day on July 8th...1.30 pm.  Hope to see some of you there.  Come and have a chat.

That's it guys.  Now for a bite to eat and then going out on my bike.  It's  a lovely night.  Enjoy the spring and take positive steps to get what you want!

Love....Davidxxxx   

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11th April 2006

Hello and I hope everyone is well.  It's cold and pouring with rain so thought I would get on and do an update!  I have added a gig on the 5th August...Kesgrave Music Festival.  I think it's going to be held on the village green in Kesgrave.  I am playing at 2pm.  I hope the others in my band can make it otherwise it's just me!!  Will be playing some new songs including ones from what will be my 3rd studio album (yet to finish the 2nd one!).

Han has another song out on a single...Paint me a Picture.  It's just me and her on it and it's a song I wrote for her a couple of months ago.  It's only ÃÃĠ’ÃÆ’Æ’¢ÃÆ’¢â€šÂ¬ÃÆ’…¡ÃƒƒÆ’ÃÆ’¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ’Æ’‚ÃÆ’‚£1 if anyone wants a copy.  Also Blood from a Stone is still available as a single with Han singing and backed up by the whole band. 

I've been really busy lately so have not been doing any recording for my new album, although I did manage to record Han's new single.  Played a gig with the Caution Horses in Bury the other day which was really enjoyable.  Andy is such a strong singer and great guitarist.  We have 2 weeks off now from practicing and then it's back to it.  He is so great as a songwriter too.

Had a call from Chris Sturgess at Dream 100, a Colchester based radio station, the other day and they want us to take part in UK Music Week starting 23rd April.  It will entail recording an interview and 3 songs to be put on cd and broadcast, possibly nationally, on the independent radio station network.  Great hey?!  Just waiting to hear now when the recording date will be.   

I will be in touch again soon....til then...keep warm!!  And happy

Davidxxxx

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22nd March 2006

Hi and happy spring....well it is supposed to be here but doesn't feel much like it!  Still it's my favourite time of the year with the hope of warm weather ahead and the days are so much longer.  It's nice to get out in the evenings on my bike or for a walk instead of being a lazy sod on the settee!!  It will be good when the clocks change this weekend. 

Han has chosen one of the new songs I wrote for her to record but doesn't feel the other songs are for her.  So that's most of my 3rd album written!  She likes 'Paint me a Picture' and we have recorded a demo of it.  It really suits her voice and I am now writing some more songs which I hope she will like.  Work progresses on my album with another recording session ahead this weekend at home.  The final tracks will be pretty sparse with probably just acoustic guitar and voice....maybe harmonies too.  I have had several people say they would like to have some more songs with just guitar and voice.  So be it!!

I am currently trying to get more bookings for my New York jaunt so if anyone knows of any more venues over there let me know!

Talking of which I am going back to e-mailing venues and bars to drum up some more business.  Take care and more soon

Davidxxxxx 

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10th March 2006

Hello one and all!  Trust you are well and thriving.  If not...why not!  I'm feeling pretty tired myself and have done something to my neck which needs sorting out as it's not getting any better.

Please check out my gig page as I have added some dates.  I have some in New York end of May start of June and hope to add some more before I get there.  My new cd is well underway and I am doing some more recording this weekend so hope to get another 3 songs started and maybe 1 or 2 finished.

Am also running through some new songs with Han to see which she likes and wants to record. 

Have a great weekend....I know I intend to!

Davidxxx

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2nd March 2006

Hi and it's newstime again!  Another new month and the year is flying by.  As I write it's snowing but the way things are now I guess in a few days time it will be warm and sunny.  It's lovely here in the country anyway...always lots to see and do as I look out of my window to the fields beyond.  It's been a busy but fun time.  What have I been doing?...

I have written 8 brand new songs for Hannah and her debut cd.  She's now deciding if she likes any of them!!  If not then my cd after next has been written!!  We are having a day soon of running through them all and recording.

Speaking of which I have been to Jim's studio to do some more recording.  He put some bass and baby grand piano onto some tracks that I had started at home.  Sounding really good.  I have decided that some songs I was intending to record are not up to scratch though.  I have 4 songs started, 3 more to record and will write some brand new ones making the album about 10 or 11 songs.  Loving it!

Will write more soon to let you know how the song writing process is going.  Still need to write a couple more for Han.

Bye for now and watch out for those snow showers (dust off that sledge and have fun)

Davidxxxx 

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19th February 2006

Hello everyone it's almost the end of the month and so much has happened!  Where did it go?  Anyway will try and fill you in on the latest musical stuff in my life.  We (me, Han, Jim, Jason) played a showcase night in Bury St. Edmunds at the Falcon courtesy of Claire at Barking Dog Music on the 5th Feb.  It went really well despite being attacked by a balloon at the end!  Also on the bill were Kimberley Moore who played the best I have seen her play and Picture Show who did some great songs with powerful vocals.  I hope to do some more work with Barking Dog in the future and want to say thanks for putting us on.

We are now planning to play some dates in New York City probably at the end of May.  Really enjoyed my time there and thanks to Leigh Harrison we should be able to do some showcase nights and hopefully we can arrange to play some clubs too, maybe as support.  Let you know as we get things set up.

The film music venture is not happening so the music I wrote will probably end up on my new cd in some form!!  The producer wants to use someone that he knows....

I am currently writing songs for Hannah to sing and if she likes them they will go on her solo cd/demo.  On a real roll at the moment and have written 6 in the last 5 days!  Aiming to have another 4 written in the next couple of days.  It's good to have a challenge and to write so many songs in a short while.  I need deadlines to focus me!!  It's not how I would like to work but I can't seem to change!

Played at a charity event along with lots of others on the 11th in Felixstowe.  Lots of money raised for Romanian orphanages.  So well done Lisa for organising that.  Darren and Paula were really good.... growing in confidence all the time!

I think I need to eat now so will sign off and do another update soon.  Lots of exciting things ahead.

Lots of love and good stuff

Davidxxxx

3rd Feb 06

Hi again!  Just back this week from a trip to New York which was amazing and buzzing and totally over the top!!!  Got to play in an open mic night in Greenwich Village last Sunday afternoon.  Thanks to Leigh Harrison for that.  Nice atmosphere in a sawdust bar and got good reception.  Some interesting people there!  Nice that so many people are taking part in poetry, comedy and songwriting. 

May be working on a short-film soundtrack soon.  Recording some ideas this weekend and seeing if they are suitable for the film.  Will be good to move away a bit from my usual style.

Han has recorded a version of Blood from a Stone which will be available from Sunday and at the gig we are playing in Bury St Edmunds.  Will let you know how it goes.

Til next time

Davidxxx

25th October 2005

Hi, a bit more news.  A very busy period at the moment.  Started to give guitar lessons which is very enjoyable. 

Been doing some recording with my friend Steve and he has been playing some harmonica for me on my new cd.

The live album will be ready as soon as the sleeve has been sorted out.  I have re-mixed and re-mastered the recordings fron the Showcase night and am pleased with the results.

Doing some recording with Han for her demo tapes.  Guitar and vocals.

And finally...practicing with Nick for his on-going cd project and also Mike Craig for his up coming show in Colchester and his recording sessions.

Had a great weekend in Cumbria with my friends Norman and Bernadette and met up with Francis Dunnery and David Sancious on their yearly sponsored walk.  Very nice people and so talented!  Great show guys!!

Enjoying the Autumn very much with lots of musical projects ahead and days of sun and showers.  I really do enjoy the seasons.  Each has it's own charm........seize the day!!

Love

Davidxxxxx

14th October 2005

Hi all just to let you know what's going on at the moment.  Yes there is some fresh news!!!!  Played at the Milestone last night at Showcase night doing all my own songs including 3 new ones.  It was recorded and photos taken so I am planning to release it as a live album if the quality is ok. 

Andy Heasman (Caution Horses and Suffolk Songwriters organiser) is going to do some backing vocals for me on my new studio album.  That will be great as he has a lovely voice. 

I have organised a gig in the Barn at Framlingham Crown for the 26th Nov.  It will feature me, Mike Craig and James Clark in a night of original acoustic music.  We will each be doing 2 x 20 min sets.  Hope you can get along to make it a success and then we will organise some more.

Han is onstage with Mike Craig at the Headgate Theatre on Nov 12th so get along there too.  We are both doing some recording with him for his next album.

My songwriting course never happened which is a shame as I had some great ideas for it.  Not enough students.  Watch this space as we may organise a songwriting workshop anyway!  Busy times!!

Well that's it for now.  See you at a gig soon

Davidxxx

25th August 2005

Hi there.  Trying to keep on top of my updates!  Reformed character hey!?  Just thought I would mention the V Festival at Chelmsford last Sunday.  What a great day.  Rooster were really good as were Idlewild.  But my favourite was a surprise......Natasha Bedingfield!!  What energy and terrific voice.  So strong.  Joss Stone was a close second.  Also liked.....Turin Brakes, I am Kloot.  Pity to miss Robert Plant but I was 24 hrs too late!!

I am hoping my songwriting class is going to take place although enrolment numbers are small.  Still a few weeks left to enrol though!  Always positive!  Whatever happens I am hoping to run some songwriting workshops in a village hall or similar place.  There's always a back up plan!

Wrote a new song (almost finished anyway) this week....probable title of 'I only want to dance with you'.  Recording begins Fri on my new LP.  Yay!!  At last.  8 new songs plus a re-record of 'Ghosts'.

I also hope to be doing some more work on Nick Hawes album.  Just got some more guitar work to finish.  He has some good songs.  Hannah is also thinking of doing some recording.  She needs to get some new songs written first though!  I'm sure it will be great and worth waiting for.

That's all for now.  Keep believing in your own strengths and follow your heart and be who you want to be.

Davidxxx

13th Aug 2005

Well it's good to be back from my Spanish hols and raring to go with my new music!!  Got lots of new songs and great ideas for them.  Recording begins shortly.  I mean it this time!!

I start running a songwriting course from the end of Sept at Suffolk College.  Will let you know how that goes.

The Ipswich Music Day gig was fantastic despite breaking a string on the 2nd song and terrible onstage sound!

Shine a Light is being featured on an upcoming compilation cd of local songwriters which is being released shortly.  Again will let you know how that goes.

Take care and don't let others get you down!!

Davidxx