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Much of a muchness
Things that make you go 'hmm'…
And she shall have music wherever she goes…
Posted by on October 11, 2007
Well, I arrived back in the UK after a very long flight yesterday and then had to drive down to Dorset which took me nearly three hours. I went to bed at 11pm last night and slept for 13 hours. I wish I could sleep on a plane, it would make travelling so much less exhausting. It is nice to be home but the holiday was so much fun and I was sorry to leave. One of the (many) highlights of my stay in Los Angeles was a 50th birthday party I attended. It was held outdoors and there was live music all afternoon. Colin, who is my friend Claire’s new husband is a very accomplished guitarist and plays in a band fronted by Doña Oxford, who is an astonishing keyboard player/singer/songwriter.
I saw the band play in Harvelles, a blues club, in Santa Monica and the place rocked. This is one of the slower songs they played which is written by Doña and is my favourite.
I have been charged with introducing Doña’s music to the UK and beyond so here is a link to her web site where you can listen to more of her music and download it too.
The band were no less impressive at the party and watching Doña play boogie woogie piano has to be one of the highlights of my trip. You would swear she has extra fingers on each hand she plays so well! Colin played some fantastic guitar solos and was joined at times by the birthday boy, John (on the right, below) and it was tremendous fun.
Julia Fordham also sang some of her songs accompanied by Jeff Young (who apparently plays keyboards for Sting, Bruce Springsteen and Bonnie Raitt amongst others) with sister, Claire on backing vocals (and I have to confess, me, for one song, ‘Falling Forward’.) It was a blast.
Claire and Julia have visited my house many times in the past and as a party piece for us all to perform together, Julia taught Claire and I the backing vocals for ‘Falling Forward’ – one of the tracks from her album of the same name. I think we made quite a good job at the party many moons ago but that was a long time ago and I had since forgotten most of it, but still got dragged up to sing. It was fun but highly, highly embarrassing. This is what it sounds like with proper backing singers!
But all good things come to an end and now I am back home and have spent the day unpacking and doing laundry – back to the real world! The best fun I have had today has been unpacking the paper I bought from Paper Source and adding it to the pile on my table. Tomorrow, I am going to make a book come what may. I have missed it
Much of a muchness 
That sounds like a great time and must’ve taken some courage to sing in front of all those talented people.
I’m looking forward to seeing all the new books you create.
Also, I can related to your tiredness with travel, as I have traveled a bit the past seven days (which I wrote a little about in my blog).
I have just read your blog and I am so sorry about your loss. Traveling is exhausting but at least mine was a pleasure trip so I shouldn’t complain. Your traveling was under difficult circumstances and it sounds like you managed to celebrate your grandmother’s life in a way that would make her proud.
Hi Diane,
I came across your blog about 3 weeks ago. I was going to contact you earlier, but before I got the chance you were on your way to LA.
Pleased you had a great time.
I would like to have a private conversation about your books – so I hope this message does not automatically appear on the blog!
When you get a chance, please look at our website and then email me back
Thanks
Simon
Thank God you are home.
Groupie for every 50’s-something band.
Oh, I’m sure they had their guitars plugged in.
Pretend you were not swilling tiny umbrellas in cool drinks, debating whether or not to throw your bra upon the stage.
Actually, it sounded fun.
Cheeky monkey! I did not have one drink with an umbrella in it. And I was not tempted to throw anything at the band, they were very good. Even the 50 year olds.
You are just jealous :-)
I am glad to be home and I am making books – hurrah!
ohh Diane I could listen to this music all day !!!!!
the party sounded very cool…what a shame you didn’t get a video of you performing …..
good to see you back and rested….. : )
ps I can understand why “Falling Foward” is a favourite…it’s stunning….you just feel like you are drifting in another world :)
liked the music
care to trade links with my humor blog? check it out at http://jaysmoney.blogspot.com
Kim – the whole album is fantastic. Julia has an wonderful voice (an amazing vocal range) and writes great songs. All available on Amazon and iTunes! ( I should be on commission!)
As for a video of me performing – a) I wouldn’t call it performing and b) the less said about it the better!
Jay – glad you liked the music. I liked your blog – especially M&M wars!
I will be happy to trade links.
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this is some kind of karaoke contest?