Atypical morning in Soho

I have purposely made the title ambiguous. Well this morning, I was just on the way out for my swim and bumped into an old friend of mine who was passing by for a coffee. So we made our way to Bar Italia - I am not over keen with Bar Italia - but during the day the staff seem a little more happy so we sat down. Within seconds Suggs was sitting next to us - I know that he is very fond of Soho. Then as I returned home to pick up my phone charger to lend to my mate, I saw soho resident Sebastian Horsley whose book I am right in the middle of reading ! Coincidence ! It is called "Dandy in the Underworld" and I am enjoying it. I like to read books written by people I know. My last one was "The Great Hedge of India" by Roy Moxham - interesting.

You can't miss Sebastian if he is out and about -in recent weeks he has taken to wearing a black top hat with his long velvet jacket etc ( we all know about Velvet jackets - I wore a red one on stage with the band for years - it has now been "retired" and hangs in my little clothes cupboard - well it isn't really a cupboard - more of an alcove with a blind which covers it) Anyway I digress. We had coffee - had a quick chat with Suggs and then went for a not unpleasant lunch at the little spanish restaurant at the end of Old Compton Street on the left as you are heading towards Wardour Street. Can't remember its name but the avocado salad was good as was the chicken.

My swim had to wait until after sun down and on a day like today, I love arriving at the outdoor pool and seeing the steam rising from the water - nice !!!

I organised a local radio interview the week before last for myself and Gemma and we have a little video of the second half which I will post below. I managed to get the sound track from the producer and (just) sync it up with the video footage.

Last week we played "My Brazilian Neighbour" - a brand new tune - only in rehearsal but it sounded very good - I think somehow Tim Riggin's horn arrangements always seem to give my songs a real lift - he is a very talented guy.

I need to dash now but please enjoy the vid