May 2008

My good friend Charley Groth was in the region on tour again. For some reason I thought I was still going to be away - but, lo and behold I had got it wrong. I was back from my UK tour and was able to be at a gig with Charley at 'The Butter Factory' in Whangarei. Charley is a good all round musician, a fine guitar player and on this gig he also played mandolin. He plays other instruments too but it is always difficult to bring all along with you when your home town is in Florida, USA.

Charley is always touring, whether the US or UK, and he is well known on the Country Music scene here but plays a variety of old American styles including some Western Swing, Jazz and Blues. It is always good for me when he is in town as I get to play some stuff that I would not usually play - and he stretches me! This time I got to play my bodhran to his reels. It is also good for him as he gets to play some stuff that he doesn't usually get to play when touring here - good time had by all.