Euro Reflections
February 14th, 2012 by AllyI’m finally getting around to tapping some words into a keyboard in an attempt to convey just how much fun the recent Euro jaunt was. It was good for the soul too, coming at a time when I’ve not been playing live very much, instead concentrating on recording the third album which has been a real work in progress for some time now. It’s nearing completion, much later than I’d hoped, but hopefully it’ll be the better for the time it’s taken. Anyway, I’m deviating already. The first show in London now seems like a long time ago. Upstairs at the classy Betsey Trotwood venue was the ideal location for a soft, acoustic show and was lovingly hosted by Jennifer from Colour Me Pop who really went above and beyond to create a special night. Apart from discovering a great wee venue, I also discovered very tasty ale called Spitfire that was on draft in the downstairs bar. It was great to see friends and be graced by the talented presence of Sebastian Litmanovich aka Cineplexx on two of my songs. Caroline played violin beautifully and Biff joined me for a bit of top guitaring / harmony action later on. A gentle and well-received start to the tour.
Paris was a different kettle of poisson as we were joined by Mark / Steph / Craig and Gordon from The Starlets and played a full band set to a really enthusiastic audience in a larger basement venue. It was my first time to play in France and I would dearly love to come back. Having the band behind me was amazing; they completely brought my songs to life and for that I’m extremely grateful. It was fun to try speaking a little French; words and phrases dribbled back to me from my school days and out again into the microphone. I met some fine people after the show too and we drank the bar dry. A result. The Starlets are always a fantastic live turn – full of energy, warmth and armed with great songs. Post gig, a 3am croque madame resting on a mountain of frites along with a pint of Amstel signalled it was time for a few hours sleep and a bout of indigestion. Parisian promotion collective Another Sunny Night did a first class job and thanks to all (Clémence, Emilie, Joanny and Celine) who helped organise and gave us somewhere to rest our heads for the night.
After waking up by the Seine in picture-postcard Paris on a brisk Friday morning we Easyjetted to Barcelona, bleary-eyed and with the prospect of a kids’ show in the afternoon. But first, much-needed sustenance and a delicious three course lunch with the most hospitable and genial Jose from Unpictured who went above and beyond the call of duty for us. Some terrible attempts from me at speaking Spanish to the children was saved by Biff’s foreign language skills, especially when relaying tales of hairy Scottish cows and Spanish hippos with the runs. The show later that night was good – really excellent sound, enthusiastic audience and a reunion with two friends of mine I’ve not seen in long time.
Madrid is a city that I’ve really fallen for in recent years and I’m sure a big factor in this is the wonderful enthusiasm, spirit and kindness of promoters – and now my friends – Jorge and Eva. They’re terrific people who love music and putting on events. Not to forget Gonzalo who not only helped organise the show but also showed he’s a mean drummer as his band Palacio de Linares opened the show with a blistering set. This was my third visit to play in Madrid and the best show I’ve played there. Like Barcelona, we attempted to entertain some little kids at an instore in the afternoon, more successfully here I think because the space was much smaller, cosier and thus more suited to unplugged music. Also probably because I didn’t attempt too much Spanish so my blushes were spared.
A quick beer and tapas then to soundcheck at Fotomaton and suddenly the night rolled into action. The room filled and again the sound was really clear, people seemed to enjoy and it was great to meet and chat with folk after the show. I was really heartened that my new songs went down well and also that there was almost silence when playing the quieter, more reflective songs at each of the gigs. The Starlets ensured that huge grins were plastered on faces across the room; Biff energetically launching himself off the stage for a dance with some of the audience during their polka number ‘Circus Girls’. Great stuff.
I came back with a real confidence boost, feeling like the fresh perspective I’d just got was exactly what I’d needed at this time. It’s a cliché but it’s true – sometimes it’s very hard to see the wood for the trees and in the last year or so I think that I’ve missed the woods. Much of that was out of my control though and you do your best, juggle what you can and battle on. It was really positive for me to change my current mindset by embarking on this tour at a time when I’ve been aching to finish the next album and felt a little in limbo. It was also the first time I’ve toured overseas with a band rather than just solo or with one other musician, so not only was it a brilliant laugh but it was exactly how I’d dream of letting an audience hear my music. Thanks to all those who were involved in organising, promoting, playing, hosting and attending. I’m terrible with names so if I’ve got any wrong / forgotten then I apologise. It was a very special few days that reaffirmed my faith in music and what it is I’m trying to do.
PS. Muchos gracias to the very talented Claudia Ochoa for letting me post her photos from Fotomaton in Madrid on the slideshow below. You can see more of her work at http://www.claudiaochoa.com/ There’s also a review of the Madrid show here: http://www.mehaceruido.com/2012/01/ally-kerr-starlets-fotomaton-madrid/. I hope to post some videos at some point in the not-too-distant future.
