Gigs A Go Go

On Friday and Saturday I went to my 26th and 27th gigs of the year - Smoke Fairies in the hipster haven that is Haggerston showcasing their "Wild Winter" album which is ten years old this year; and then Sharon Shannon, her Big Band and assorted guests brewing up one hell of a hooley at the Shepherd's Bush Empire with a mix of Shane MacGowan songs and some instrumental sets. I enjoyed them both very much.

I have no more gigs lined up until January so I am now in a position to share my annual Gigs of the Year list, whether you want it or not. With the usual caveat about the list being different if I were to do this again next week - the Sharon Shannon show might well creep in to the Top 10 with more time to reflect - in date order they were:

Luiz Bruno & The Adult Children @ Shacklewell Arms

Salif Keita @ Barbican Hall

Peter Case & Sid Griffin @ What's Cookin'

Grupo Pilon @ Peckham Audio

Nana Benz Du Togo @ Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

Lola Kirke @ 100 Club

Nusantara Beat @ Shacklewell Arms

Sahra Halgan @ Greenleaf Baptist Church

Ron Sexsmith @ London Palladium

Dur-Dur Band @ Barbican Hall

I like to take a few photos at gigs when the opportunity arises. Most of them are pretty terrible but every now and then something half decent emerges by accident. In an attempt to ratchet up the self-indulgence even further here a few of them from this year.

In order of appearance: Dur-Dur Band; Les Deuxluxes @ Botanique, Brussels; Nana Benz Du Togo; Sid Griffin & Peter Case; Madou Diabaté, accompanying Salif Keita; Cecile McLorin Salvant @ Bozar, Brussels.

We'll round things off with a seasonal song from Smoke Fairies and a few videos of live performances by acts I saw this year, then that is it from me until after Xmas. Hope you and yours have a good one, with lashings of figgy pudding and cups of good cheer.

"Give And Receive" - Smoke Fairies