Solo Album Progress: Drums complete and album title

Dear all,

As many of you will know, since my unfortunate sacking by P****s I have turned my attentions to the recording of a solo album. Not quite the circumstances I would have chosen for such a project, but needs must.

Progress has been slow but sure. However, things have now taken a major leap forward following three days at Thin Ice Studios in Surrey recording the drum tracks with Scott Higham (of Pendragon fame).

I've been desperate to have an excuse to work with Scott since I first encountered him as part of the 'SHE' experience. I don't often pay much attention to drummers, but it was immediately clear that here was someone a bit 'special' (and not just in terms of 'needs' :-) ). When I suddenly found myself having to develop my own musical project, he was the first and only drummer I thought of. Happily he agreed to come aboard - and I'm overjoyed he's done so..

The last few days have reinforced my opinion of Scott as a creative force, rather than someone who just hits things while counting repeatedly to four (or in this case, 3,4, 6 and 9). He's not just underpinned the material - he's given shape to some of my vaguer ideas and I can now see clearly where this album is headed.. And I don't think the album would have been complete without his outrageous cowbell solo!!!

Which brings me to the following announcements

The album will be entitled 'First in a Field of One'.

It will consist of eight tracks, which vary in style from celtic folk to more recognisably 'prog' arrangements. There's even a few funk, latin and reggae tinged elements that have crept in. This is a GOOD thing. Last night in the pub, Scott accused me of being a secret dance fiend. Nothing could be further from the truth, but I can see where he's coming from. This album will GROOVE in places. But I think you'll like it.

There's a long way still to go. Now we've got the foundations in there's still a fair bit of bricklaying and pipework to go before we start the plastering and the decorating. But I am now confident that this album will have a strong identity of its own. In many ways it's different from what I've done in the past - but it doesn't ignore it completely either. I am SO looking forward to being able to share it with people, but I'll have to manage my excitement for now.