Hi all,
As we write this, the sun is streaming through the window, blossom lines the streets of Manchester, the dandelions are running amok and finally, it feels like the winter is behind us.
So, let’s start with some icy scenes…….
TOURING
Firstly, thanks to all our friends and followers in Sweden and Norway who came out to the shows in March. Oh, we had a wonderful time on that tour, both on and off-stage. It really was a joy.Every day a cold, winter, blue-sky day. Every journey, whether by road, sea or air was a pleasure. Even the temperatures dropping to -15 on occasion was welcome and cleared the head.
Our thanks to Kari Meyer for her organisational skills and all promoters and venue staff for working hard on the shows and looking after us so well.
Here a few pics from the snowy north.
For the Swedish speakers amongst you, here is a review of the opening night’s show, at Medley in Malmo;
“When after two hours of intimate, pure country duets, they get on stage again for an extra number, it is with the Jerry Chesnut song “A Good Year For The Roses”. Originally recorded by George Jones but also translated by Stefan Sundströms as “Elder”. Elvis Costello also recorded it on his cover album “Almost Blue” (1981) with a series of old country classics and as such it ties the evening well. Country and Elvis Costello filtered through a decades-long marriage. I can’t help but fantasize what it would be like if Elvis Costello had collaborated with Diana Krall in the same fashion.”
This month we were due to be undertaking out first tour of New Zealand. Sadly, following the horrific cyclones and floods suffered there recently, it has had to be re-scheduled. Still working on exact time frame. If not at the end of this year, it will be early 2024.So, next up are shows in Germany, The Netherlands and, just added, a show in The Czech Rep, in Prague. Nine shows in all, running from May 19th to June 1st. Some of these shows are in venues with limited capacity (60-70) so do book in advance as some shows are almost sold out.
Full details can be found on the My Darling Clementine and Michael Weston King websites.
Tickets are on sale now for the show on November 23rd, which will see us collaborating with a number of the brilliant music students from the adjoining Chetham’s School of Music.
Brass, strings, woodwind and choir will join us for new arrangements of older songs, as well as showcasing brand new material from the forthcoming new album.
This show won’t be repeated, you are going to have to come to us, but rest assured, it will be worth the trip. Come and enjoy the city for a night or two, Manchattan in all it’s glory, and take in the Stoller Hall show while you’re here.
Before then, other UK shows include an MWK solo appearance at The High Tide Festival in Twickenham on July 30th – and MDC play Moseley Folk Festival on Sept 1st.
More shows are being added all the time, home and abroad, so keep checking the website.
And if there is a venue near you that you’d like for us to come and play, just let us know by emailing info@mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk
SHOPPING
En route to Malmo the other week, we stopped off in the German town of Lubeck to visit an old friend, and former record label boss and publisher. While there we picked up some of Michael’s albums and song books that we didn’t know were still in existence.
So, having updated the website store pages, here is now what is available again, albeit in small quantities:
- The Tender Place’ – a compilation / ‘Best of album’ covering the years 1999 – 2005, with liner notes by Jackie Leven.
- ‘A Decent Man’ 2003 – produced by Jackie Leven and featuring Ian McNabbamong the special guests, it includes a remarkable cover version of Alone Again Naturally
- I Didn’t Raise My Boy To Be A Soldier’ 2010 – ‘the protest song album’ – a collection of old and new protest songs, half covers, half originals, featuring special guest Jeb Loy Nichols. Stunning triple panel digi-pack design
- ‘Absent Friends’ 2004 – MWK live across Europe with assorted friends and musical colleagues (features Rab Noakes, Andy White, Jackie Leven, Mick Thomas and many more)
- ‘Beautiful Lies’ – Glossy A4 sized song book includes sheet music to 15 MWK songs, loads of unseen photos and comes with free bonus live cd, ‘Live…In Dinky Town’.
- Also back in stock though again in short supply, are CD copies of the My Darling Clementine albums ‘The Reconciliation’ and ‘Still Testifying’
THE STRUGGLE
Thank you for all your kind words, and continued feedback about The Struggle album, and also for all the enquiries asking when / if it will be available on vinyl.We are
working on this and hope to be able to announce soon. Record Store Day had been mooted but delays in pressing meant we had missed the deadline.Meanwhile, for those still to hear it, you can stream or order the album on CD here, or buy CD directly from the MWK web site (the order will now include the free song book).
OUR PLACE OR YOURS
DONATE
We have recently added a ‘donate’ button to the opening page of the website.Although we are keeping as busy as we can, and touring as much as possible, we are always in need of funding to support special projects and recordings, particularly since COVID-19. As we start to make a new album, any and all donations towards the recording budget would be gratefully received. Thank you.
Ok, that’s all for this latest missive. Keep well, be happy and hopefully we’ll see you all soon at a show.As ever, our best to you
Yours in music,
Lou & Michael
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