Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The Brett Huckfield Band rides again!


For a bit of fun, as one of our last performances of the year, Marie and I left our acoustic instruments at home and I put together my old band to do a 45 minute guest slot at the Old Moseley Arms' Beer Festival – for our friends, The Acoustic Who – with Marie kindly standing in for our old bass player, the late great Ian, to whom I dedicated our set.

Speaking of dedications: thanks, Acoustic Who for dedicating your fine performance of one of my all-time favourite Who songs to me. The only reason I declined jumping up on stage to perform it with you, when Mark gestured to me, was that I was enjoying listening to you guys so much!

Thanks, also, to the absolutely buzzing crowd at the Old Mo. You were awesome – so vocal and enthusiastic! I can't remember the last time I was given so many compliments, or offered quite so many paid band gigs in one night, for that matter. Unfortunately, I don't have time to do 'electric' performances very often, so appearances of the Brett Huckfield Band will be something of a rarity, I'm afraid. But bless you all for an amazing night!


Last, but by no means least, a hugely important mention must go to my fellow band members, as although I seemed to receive the lion's share of the praise, it was very much a team effort. So thank you, and well done Marie Timmins, Graham Powell and Tony Morton, who did the gig after only a single, two-hour rehearsal. As someone aptly said on the night: you guys rock!

Open Mic UK update: we're through to the Grand Finals

So much has been happening lately that my blog has been sadly neglected. I'm hoping to redesign my website in the new year, then perhaps I can incorporate the blog into that too, so I can update them both a bit more frequently

Anyway, since my last post. I've successfully made it through to the Grand Finals of Open Mic UK. Having battled through 10,000 other performers, my percussionist and I are now in the final 30 acts.

So, on January 24th, 2015, accompanied by Marie, I'll be competing in front of a very prestigious panel of judges that includes A&R representatives from some of the biggest record labels in the world, Ivor Novello award-winning songwriters, and other music industry professionals.

Things are certainly looking bright: at the Midland and South West Area finals of Open Mic UK, Marie and I were the first to qualify for a place in the Grand Finals. Chris Grayston of Future Music, who organises Open Mic UK, addressed the audience during the show and said 'I would just like to say at this point in the show, Brett Huckfield is a brilliant singer-songwriter'. He also said mine and Marie's performance was the standard the other acts had to aspire towards.

Tickets are £20 for the show, but they sell out well in advance. Give me a shout of Facebook if you want any, and I'll check if there are any left.

Thanks, as always, to all the usual crew who are coming along to cheer us on. Bless, you. It wouldn't be the same without you! :)

Thanks also for all of you who live too far away to come to the show, but have sent so many warm messages of support!

xx