1st December 2009:
Colin has scored the music for two theatre plays, which were recently performed at Clwyd Theatr Cymru. The first was The Glass Menagerie (September/October) and the second was Pygmalion (October), both directed by his old buddy, director Terry Hands. Terry has again commissioned Colin to score the music for another play, Arden of Faversham, which is due in February 2010 at the same venue.
Colin has scored the music for a new series (6 episodes) of Flemming, which been shown on TV over the last couple of weeks or so. Alas, it's only for the German market (ZDF Television). However, for those of you not living in Germany, you can see one full episode per week via its own Flemming web site. Better be quick, as there's only 3 episodes left! If nothing else, at least you can hear the intro / outro music, which is cool!
And talking of Germany, Colin has written the score for a new film called Albert Schweitzer, which is based on the work of, erm....Albert Schweitzer! It will be released in Germany in mid December, but it is unknown yet whether it will get a UK release. However, a soundtrack CD is almost certain to be released very soon.
To finish off the link with Germany, Colin’s currently in Hamburg recording new compositions with the NDR Bigband. More new on that when I get it.......
And just prior to Christmas, he's off to Sardinia for concert with the Orchestra Jazz Della Sardegna. See Concerts section for details.
The recent spate of concerts in Sweden (showcasing Don't Fence Me In' - the music of Cole Porter) apparently went really well and one gig was recorded. It will be mixed early 2010 for a view to releasing it on CD.
Finally, the Visions of Miles album was released in the UK last week and has received reviews in the Guardian and the Times. Full details here. Go out and buy it now...........
18th September 2009:
A new series (8 episodes) of Doc Martin begins its run on ITV1, starting on Sunday 20th September at 21.00. Will Martin and Louisa get together this time? Fingers crossed.........!
Also Colin has taken part in a small interview for the Greek Rockpages Web Magazine, in which he discusses his days with Gillan. Click here to read it
26th August 2009:
Things have been quiet on here this year, which I hope to put right over the coming weeks.
For starters there was the release of Alan Skidmore's Ubizo album 50 Journeys at the near end of 2008. Colin appears on the CD playing keyboards and piano and has a writing credit too. He also produced the album. Some cool African percussion going too. An album I highly recommend.
More importantly, Colin's just about to release a new recording with the HR Big Band entitled Visions Of Miles: The Electric Period Of Miles Davis. It's released this Friday (28th August 2009) in Germany. However, no UK release date has been set yet, but I'm reliably informed it will be 'soon'. Here's an image of the CD cover to whet your appetite:
I must admit to knowing little about Miles' music (electric or otherwise), but this CD is a cracker. There are some great grooves that have you tapping your foot long before you realise you're tapping your foot! Pretty much in the same vein as Prince when he plays live and every bit as infectious. Yes, funk is in there too, just listen to Black Satin for your fix of George Clinton-esque groovin'.
Containing 15 tracks, it was recorded in Germany last June with the HR Big Band. Colin and Toby Wood have done a fantastic job of recording and mixing it, and it's full of energy and pace. A wonderful sounding CD. I can't let this opportunity pass without mentioning the drummer, Wolfgang Haffner, who plays a blinder all the way through the set. A brilliant all-round drummer who seems comfortable playing in any style (soul, funk, rock, jazz, fusion - it's all there). He's always bob-on the beat and as tight as a duck's backside! Yes, I am jealous.........