COMMUNICATION 2

Hi there.
It's been a few months since the first letter, but that's fairly characteristic....sorry!
Anyway, now that I've grasped the pen, what can I tell you? Maybe I could start by telling those who don't already know about the broccoli and caterpillar meal I was served up by Jayne Webb, at Upton-on-Severn, but I know she gets mad about me mentioning it. So, instead, I'll recap on the last few months and tell you what's coming up in the next few.
As you know, I released 'The Naked Truth vol. 1' acoustic album. Thanks very much to all of you who supported my efforts by purchasing it. Comments and reviews, sofar, have all been favourable. This is borne out by its sales which are exceeding the previous albums.
I had a dozen, or so, orders from Radio Two listeners, after Jim Lloyd played it. That was a pleasant surprise.
I'm recording another album in March. It will have some new songs on it, but I won't know what form the backing will take until we're finished. I think it will be totally non-electric and no drums, on this occasion. I'm looking forward to hearing the results.
I'm feeling good about the songs. I've recently parted, amicably, from Carrick Music Agency. So, I'm now contacting people personally and anybody can reach me on my personal number. xxxx xxx xxxx If I'm away from home, you can contact my friend, Patricia Heywood, who has a note of any latest developments. Her number is xxxxx xxxxxx . She will also be making efforts to secure work for me.
Speaking of work, my good friend Heidi, worked really hard for me in Germany. Since my last correspondence, I've spent another eight weeks there. It's still very exciting and, thankfully, lucrative. It's quite nerve racking, putting yourself in front of a foreign audience. Nagging self-doubts flood in but, fortunately, the Germans are experts in making one feel valuable. After the concerts, they are very encouraging with their comments and, indeed, their album buying. I don't take that for granted. I'm glad to say that most of the venues rebook me, which is as much a reward to the hard-working Heidi. Therefore, I'm back out there again in February, April, August and November 1996.
I've looked back through my diary and would like to give special mention to the following clubs for hosting some memorable nights for me.
  

1. Chorley - Thanks Frank

2. Warwick -Thanks to the hilarious Scots lady in the audience.

3. Arundel - Thanks to Frank Regester who shouted, on hearing that I sold my mother a CD, "What, you wouldn't give your mother one!?" That caused a giggle.Great club.

4. Knightwick - It's a bit like going home. the Hereford area has always been kind to me.
5. Wesham - Thanks Ann. A club with a difference. It runs in the corner of a bar whilst the rest of the pub watches the telly. Sounds awful...but it works.

6. Bromsgrove - Must be my very favourite night in a British folk club since I went solo. Only matched by a night I did with my brother at Balerno, near Edinburgh.

7. Maidenhead - Great to be in touch with Pearl and Tony again.

8. Oxford - A brilliant, brilliant club, and sorry I turned up so late. Fortunately, although I was late, or maybe because I was late, we had a great time there.

9. Kingswinford - Again that area. Another brilliant club.

10. Loughborough - Hi to Mary and Pete. I really loved this night.

Of course, Bollington, as ever, deserves a mention but who ever heard of a top eleven.

   

I've bought a motorbike!!! I thought I'd just blurt that out. A Yamaha 900 Diversion. I love it to bits. I intend to tour the clubs with it, where possible. That'll give the car a rest. ( I do around 45000 miles a year.)

As to the future. On January 21st, I become 40 years old. Words of sympathy or comfort are welcome. As are any letters you may wish to send, as some of you do.

January 30th. I've been asked to do a couple of Burns' songs on a new various artistes CD. Thanks to Dr. Fred Freeman.

As well as the usual German and American visits, I intend to work in Australia in October. If you can help with any contacts for that, I would appreciate any help. My contacts, so far, might be a little tenuous.

Anyway. I've run out of space, So, I'll conclude by thanking you for all your support and I hope to meet you at some of the venues on the attached sheet. Please remind anybody who might need an album or tape, that they should phone immediately.(Always on the make, this guy.)

All the best,Ian M. Bruce

 

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