My ReverbNation page

Since my website is temporarily offline, I've updated my ReverbNation page and added photos, music and video content.


Here's the address: https://www.reverbnation.com/bretthuckfield
















 

Back soon!

Apologies for the lack of posts and updates lately. I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to update my blog or finish building my new website (the old one is still up though).



 In the meantime, just link up with me on Facebook for my current gigs.



I have a whole summer of gigs and festivals booked, starting with the Robin 2 tonight (May 6th), opening for country star Tia McGraff.

Back soon!
Brett x

 

 

Express & Star: Brett and Marie reach finals of national contest

I'm pleased to say we made it into Saturday's copy of the Express & Star newspaper.
Bless them, they slightly mixed up a few things I said during the interview. Nonetheless, it's a good write up and Marie loves the picture -lol! x

Singer Jordan Adams releases a cover of Brett's 'Be My Love' song as his brand new single

Singer, Jordan Adams, has just released his own version of a song I wrote: 'Be My Love' (from my City Blue album).

I've known Jordan for quite a while, but lost touch with him in recent years. So it was a nice surprise to bump into him again at the earlier heats of Open Mic UK. Since then, we've both made it through to the UK Grand Finals show, which is on January the 24th (at the NEC in Birmingham). I believe Jordan is very likely going to be on a TV talent show later this year, too.

Jordan has been working very hard these last few months to forge himself a career as a contemporary pop singer, and I have my fingers crossed for him, as he deserves to do well. Hence, although we work in very different styles, I was happy to give him permission to record and release a cover version of 'Be My Love' (my original version is on my City Blue album), done in his own style.

I hope it will be a breakthrough single for him.

Jordan's version is available on iTunes at:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/be-my-love-single/id957279511

Website weirdness.

For some reason, I'm having problems logging into my website to update it. so apologies to anyone seeking up-to-date information at bretthuckfield.com regarding my appearances in Open Mic UK, and about other upcoming events.

I should have a few days spare in February to get started on creating a new website. But I can't see me having time before then, sorry!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
With Christmas almost over – by my estimation we're on the the 11th day of it –  thought it was high time I posted a little blog.

First, the sad news that Marie's nan, Gladys, passed away recently. Gladys was always great company and I shall miss her. It wasn't so long ago, back when she was in her late eighties, that she'd still come and see us at the odd gig, or dog/house sit for me or Marie, so we could go out playing. Sadly her health deteriorated throughout this year. She will be sadly missed by us all, and my thoughts are with Marie and her family.

On  a happier subject: despite having flu and a surprise attack of toothache over the festive period, I did manage to squeeze in a few radio interviews. As always happens over the Yuletide celebrations, my alternative Christmas song 'Christmas Carols and Auld Lang Syne', was again a topic of conversation and received airplay:

Thanks to:

• the Open University's Christmas Radio Show, who played the song

• Black Country Radio who both played my song on their Christmas Show, and interviewed me for a show that will be aired next year (on Billy Spakemon's show)

• Jason, Zoe and Jan and the Milkbar, a very popular pod-cast recorded at the Molineux Stadium, who also played my Christmas song and interviewed me over the phone

The only show I can easily link to is the Milkbar one, so here it is. My interview starts around 55 minutes in. Also on the show are Carol Decker from T'Pau (being interviewed) and Britain's got Talent finalist Jean Martyn (playing an instrumental song from her album). I really like Jean, she's a fine musician, and we have, on occasion, jammed together. 

Anyway, here's the show:

Brett Huckfield interviewed on the Milkbar podcast (55 minutes into the show)

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Time to get stuck into rehearsals for the Grand Finals of Open Mic UK now, which is on January the 24th.

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

My first appearance at the NEC

I'm pleased to that, together with my percussionist Marie, I was successful at the Open Mic UK Regional Finals – held on October 4th, at the National Exhibition Centre – and will now go on to compete in the Midlands-and-South-West Area Finals on November 22nd.

[I'm in there somewhere ;) ... as are some great Black Country performers, who also very kindly turned out to offer their support :)]

Thanks to everybody who came to to cheer us on! You made it an incredible night . Can't wait to do it all again at the Area Finals (also held at the NEC), in the hope of winning a place in the Grand Final at the O2, London.

[Outside the NEC, with more friends]

Thanks also, for all the fantastic messages of support from all people who couldn't be there on the night! :)

Quick round up of this week

It's been such a hectic week, in the run up to my Open Mic UK performance at the NEC, that I'm only just getting around to posting these photos -lol!

Some are from my performance at 'Vdubs in the Valley' last Sunday. It was great to meet up with so many great folks: especially Bill and Judie Perry, and all their family and friends; Pat and Jess Cuniffe; Steve Welch, and 'Beer Buz' Garry. Marie and I look forward to doing it all again next year!

 

[It was surprisingly windy onstage -lol!]

 

 

[In between playing, Marie and I were with our friends Bill and Judie (not in this photo) and their family]

 

[With my percussionist extraordinaire, Marie]

 

[After performing my set, I unexpectedly bumped into radio presenter, Steve Welch, which was a nice surprise; I hadn't seen him for ages].

There are also a few snaps taken on Wednesday, at the Candela Club in Coseley: one of ...the friendliest music clubs you'll ever visit – courtesy of Linda and John Collier – and jam packed with talented performers.

 

[After playing solo at the Candela, I called Marie up for my last song, to add some harmonies -lol!]

 

[This is (left to right) Dave Coughlin and John Langford, doing a spirited and very entertaining version of a Donavan song, at the Candela Club]

 

[We also took this photo of Sonia Parkes, another of the friendly and welcoming regulars at the Candela Club, entertaining us with her flute, towards the end of the evening].

The final photo, is one I took the other Friday, of the wonderful cakes Jean and Mick Brigdale spoil me with when I visit!

On a sad note, I heard from my a great supporter of my music, and one of my all-time favourite bodhrán players, Jimmy 'The Hat', early this week. Apparently, one of his friends had been badly injured, and, unfortunately, they could do no more for him at the hospital. Jimmy told me they were playing my song 'Here Again', which was a favourite of both Jimmy's and his friend. So I'm very touched by that, and hope my music offered some small comfort, at such a tragic time.

Finally, I want to wish Molly, my friend Marjorie's beautiful dog, a speedy recovery from her op at the vet's today!
xx

Playing at the Black Country Living Museum's first ever Black Country Night!

Marie (my percussionist), and I, had fantastic time playing at the Black Country Museum's first ever Black Country Night.

It felt wonderful to be so actively involved in local history – my late father used to work in a factory right by Rolfe Street Baths, so it was incredible to touch base with my own past and childhood memories, now that the building has been relocated to the museum. It was great to watch all the historic vehicles going by as I played, too -lol!

Once we'd done our set on the main stage, it was great to catch up with all the local Black Country performers that I haven't seen for ages, who we joined for our second and third sets of the evening, playing around the museum's historic village.

[Marie and I, with Linda Simpson: Lisa's name cropped up next to mine in a few newspaper articles on local events, so it was great to finally bump into her for a chat!] 

 [It's great that the museum light up the chimneys to add to the authentic Black Country feel, bringing to mind the industry of yesteryear. This is us greeting the people with a little music, near the museum entrance.]

[While playing our second set, in the museum's authentic recreation of a typical Black Country street, one of my favourite local singer songwriters, Pete Kelly, came over to say hello. This street reminds me of the streets in Oldbury, when I was a young child in the 1970s, before all the Victorian housing was pulled down, to be replaced my, in my opinion, inferior buildings - that's progress for you -lol!].

[Just a little further along the road, the museum has an authentic Chapel, where two of the local music scenes busiest writer/performers – John Langford and David Coughlin – were playing. They entertained us while Marie and I took a break from performing to the crowds to eat our complimentary food from the museum's authentically styled chip shop!]

 [After I'd played my final set, outside the pub, to a wonderful crowd, I paused for a photo with two lovely ladies: singer Emma Langford (right) and Dee (left), John Langford's wife (no relation to Emma -lol It was such a big place that there were quite a few musician friends who I didn't run into that night, or saw only for a moment while I was on my way to play my next set, like Caroline and Phil of East West Infusion, who, sadly, we didn't have time to take any photos of!]

[The friendly fellow who was dressed as the town crier, told me he thought that around 600 people attended the event in total. If so, that's brilliant!]

Thanks to local legends of the acoustic and folk scene, Billy and Lozz, for asking me to be part of such a brilliant occasion.  The feedback from the museum is that it was a great success and the event will very likely happen again next year – as part of the Black Country Day celebrations.

Finally, thanks, Michael Timmins, for taking all the photos, helping move our equipment – and for queuing in the chip shop for us, for nearly an hour while Marie and I were busy playing!

Black County Night at the Museum

My first gig, of what promises to be an exceptionally fine collection of autumn engagements, is at the Black Country Museum on their first ever 'Black Country Night'.

As well as playing on the main stage, Marie and I will be busking around the Museum's 'town' too.

Not only is this a great warm-up gig for us on our way to play at the NEC in October at the Open Mic UK Regional Finals, it's a great excuse to catch up with some old performer friends who'll also be playing/speaking at the museum. And, of course, it's always great to support a bit of local history and culture.

A huge thank-you to whoever included my name in the press release for the event, that appeared in the newspapers on websites.

Thanks also for comments such as:

 'Fantastic songs impeccably played. From wonderful ballads to stadium anthems with Brett's powerful voice and great guitar playing to Marie’s effortless rhythms.' (The Black Country Living Museum)

'There will also be music from some truly talented local musicians ... including Brett Huckfield and Linda Simpson' (visitbirmingham.com)

I will, of course, be accompanied by my wonderful percussionist, Marie Timmins, when I play at the museum. Other local artists appearing at the event, in no particular order (and this is by no means a complete list) are:

Pete Kelly
East West Infusion
Heather Wastie
Linda Simsdon
John Langford
The Empty Can
Bryn Philips
Wednesbury Players
The Got2Sing Choir

 Event details:

 The Black Country Night is on Saturday, 13th September, at the Black Country Living Museum.
Ticket Prices (in advance):

Adult £15.95
Concession £12.75
Young person £7.95
Carer £7.95

For tickets tel: 0121 520 8054 (Apparently, 'The Black Country Night is an advanced booking only event, 6.30pm - 10.00pm' so I'm assuming there aren't any tickets available on the door).

Passing the Open Mic UK audition

I'm pleased to say that, yesterday afternoon, accompanied by my wonderful percussionist, Marie, I passed the audition for Open Mic UK with flying colours.

After the audition when we were taken to one side and told that the Birmingham heats were the toughest of all to pass, as the standards are so high, I was half expecting to have failed -lol! Not so: we were then told we had wowed the judges with 'pure talent' ..

The next stage is to compete in the regional finals at the NEC on October the 4th. It would be great to see some friendly faces there so, if anyone wants to come along and support me and Marie, I'd really appreciate it, as the audience also gets a vote in who wins.

Tickets for the event where we compete in front of a judging panel of press and media representatives, record company A&R and music biz professionals, and an audience of hundreds, are £8 apparently. (Just message me if you want to reserve one – non of the money goes to me, I hasten to add -lol!)

Thanks to everyone who's already promised to come along and support us! :)
 x

Meeting to save Dudley Hippodrome, followed by a visit to the Candela Folk Club

 

It was great to catch up with Garry 'Blackcountrygaz' Sawers and Rovi Osinborn recently (23rd July) at the Station Hotel. We attended a meeting, along with other supporters the esteemed Dudley Hippodrome building, to try and save it from destruction.

 

Garry and Rovi are truly passionate about saving Dudley Hippodrome and turning it into a fantastic venue for live music and theatre. Marie (my percussionist) and I were only too happy to lend our support to such a great cause. Well done guys, if anyone can save the Hippo it's you!

Many famous stars played there over the years, and though, sadly, it has fallen in to disuse over the years, there are a growing number of good folks who would like to see the Hippo restored to it's former glory.

 

During most of the 90s I worked in a guitar shop (Modern Music), just over the road from the building, so I've grown rather fond of the place over the years and would hate to see it pulled down. Let's hope this fine historical and still relevant building can be saved. Thanks Garry and Rovi for keeping me up-to-date with all the latest developments – we'll certainly be lending our support to the cause – and for your thought-provoking comments:

 

Garry: 'Your a good man Brett, people like you help me and others to stand up for our heritage. We are all links in a Black Country chain that's getting longer and stronger. I'm glad you're a link mate! God bless ya.'

 

Rovi: 'Thanks for the support Brett & Marie, always good to see you both, it was a good meeting that surely opened the eyes to the opportunity we have going to waste if we're not allowed to take it forward. Thanks again.'

 

***

 

Later on that night, there was just time for me to pop out to a local folk club and perform a few songs solo. It was a good opportunity to catch up with John and Linda Collier, and everyone at their Candela Folk Club – always a great, friendly venue. Best of all, in-between performing, I won a Toblerone on the raffle! :)

 

Linda: 'Great night Brett as always, a wonderful relaxed evening and some really great songs, Pity we have to head for home at 11.30 ish! Lovely to see you and best wishes to Marie xx'
 

Climbing The Tower of Song

Together with my percussionist Marie, I finally found time to make my first visit to the Tower Of Song on the 16th of July – which, for some odd reason, is a place where some people seem to think (albeit wrongly) they've already seen me perform at -lol!

Although winning over new audiences is something we thrive on, I didn't quite know what response to expect as the venue is a little outside of my usual gigging area. But I was genuinely surprised by the sheer scale of the positive response. Being told time and again that we were easily one of the finest acts to have ever graced the Tower Of Song's stage was a heart-warming experience. Thank you so much, everyone!

 I'm only sorry I can't go back to do a longer set there any time soon – as so many people were suggesting – as I'm tied up with other musical endeavours at the moment. But I will go back one of the Wednesdays, to the Rea River Roots Club at the Tower Of Song, when I have a little more time.

 As well as performing, Marie and I got to watch a host of other acts perform, including Sue Stevens (who runs the Lighthouse Folk Club); singer/songwriter (and the person who set up the Tower Of Song) Tom Martin and cellist Helena Rosewell, the country stylings of the Honky Tonk Boys (Terry Foley and Jimmy Cox); and Lobelia Lawson, who runs Lobelia's Lazy Sundays Songwriters Circle.

It was great to visit a venue centred wholly around live-music that is so well supported by enthusiastic music lovers and performers.

Tom Martin's Tower of Song venue is at 107 Pershore Rd S., Birmingham, B30 3JX. To find out what's happening on any given night just check the venue's website: http://www.towerofsong.co.uk/

PS Thanks to Mike for taking the pics!

July 14th, 10pm, Hour-long Special Radio Show With Brett Huckfield

10pm until 11pm

On Black Country Radio: http://www.blackcountryradio.co.uk/ (Just click on 'Listen Live').

A while back I recorded a radio show with Dr Brian Dakin (AKA Billy Spakemon of the popular, talented folk duo Billy & Lozz) on Billy & Lozz's Black Country Radio show 'Omma N Chain' (That translates to 'Hammer and Chain', as rendered in Black Country Dialect: a reference to the historical industries of the area).

The hour-long show is full of my songs, interspersed with interview sections. To be honest, as it's been a month or two since the interview and I was very busy preparing for my final Advanced Creative Writing exam at the time (with the Open University), even I can't remember what I said, so I'll have to tune in myself to find out -lol!

So whatever I'm going on about during the interview, it's a great honour that they've chosen to broadcast my show on Black Country Day! How proud and pleased am I? :) xo

Black Country Day / Saracen's Head Gig

A huge thank-you to everyone who turned up in time to watch me play, accompanied by my percussionist extraordinaire, Marie Timmins, at the all-day Saracen's Head live-music event on Saturday in Dudley. Especially Judie, Bill, Ritchie and Alex. I know there were a number folks who wanted to be there but couldn't, so thanks to them too for all the messages/emails. 

 Thanks also to 'Black Country' Gaz for inviting me get involved with the Black Country Day celebrations in Dudley. What a smashing bloke! Not forgetting Rovi, the brilliant compere for the event, who, as it turned out, rather surprisingly, had a picture of me on his wall at home (as part of a newspaper photo-shoot with other local musicians, I hasten to add -lol!).

I must have been stopped a dozen times by people I didn't know who'd seen me playing here and there, over the years – even the Saracen's Head landlord, Andy, as I later discovered, knew me from my days playing lead guitar in bands! What with being recognised so often, it was like being famous for a day!

Anyway thanks everybody all for your support, compliments and suchlike, they're all very much appreciated! xo

 

 

Black Country Festival gig: 12th July, circa 4.30pm

Upcoming performance in Dudley:

Saturday, July 12th, 2014

There is a Black Country Day related (the actual Black Country Day is on July 14th) all-day, open-air festival gig on the square near the Saracen's Head, in the centre of Dudley.

Free admission

Time: I'm playing, accompanied by my percussionist, Marie, at 4.30pm (or thereabouts). the event runs all afternoon, up to around 7pm, I believe.

Line-up: I don't have a list of all the performers, but my impression, after speaking to Andy, the friendly organiser (who is also landlord of the Saracen's Head), is that it will be an acoustic event (with a full PA system) as opposed to full bands, to facilitate quicker change-overs. Apparently there will also be at least one comedy performer there too. That'll save me having to make any wise-cracks then! :)

Jazz, country and cakes!

After playing two days at the Chainmakers' Festival, Marie and I rounded off the weekend with a wonderful night of jamming, friendship and cakes, courtesy of the wonderful Jan Brookfield.

Among a wealth of distinguished but incredibly vibrant musical talents were harmonica maestro Johnnie Cartwright, undisputed First Lady of the ukulele, Gabriela La Foley, the brilliant instrument maker and musician Paul Baker, local country legend Pete Boddis with his superb band – including Marilyn on drums and beautiful vocals, axeman Don, skilfully playing his upside-down guitar, and their fantastic bass player, Brian. Not forgetting our wonderful trio of ladies on percussion and backing vocals!  Last, but not least, Michael Timmins was there to film/snap the event ...

I had loads of fun soloing, singing and jamming with everyone .... And what about those cakes! :)

Saturday at the Chainmakers' Festival

Thanks to Billy and Lozz for a wonderful Chainmakers' Festival! I had a fantastic time playing there.

Friday, I closed the night at the Festival, which was great fun but a little tiring, so unfortunately, I didn't get to see all the great performers who were on earlier in the day on Saturday, such as Bryn Phillips & Steve Grosvenor, Alex Vann and East West Infusion (who I've previously featured at a Brett Huckfield & Friends night). But, before playing my Saturday set at the festival, circa 3.30 pm, I did catch Carol Widenbar, Tom Martin & Helena Rosewell, and Easy Street, who did a superb job of entertaining the festival goers. The sound and lighting crew were top-notch, too.

Lozz deemed it the best Chainmakers' Festival today, in terms of the performers and sound. My gratitude to Lozz, Billy and the other performers I spoke to – not to mention the sound crew – for all the praise heaped upon my songs! :)

Likewise, I was genuinely moved by how many people approached me as I left the festival site, just to tell me how much they had enjoyed my set. What a nice surprise ending to the festival, to discover my music had reached even more people than I'd realised.

A special mention must go to my percussionist Marie, for doing such a brilliant job of accompanying me on both days of the event – it's only been a few years since I taught her to play percussion; now she plays like a seasoned pro – so well done, Marie! Thanks, also, to everyone who turned up especially to see me play during the festival ... Especially to Sam, Mat, Kez and Jan! :)

Such a shame it's all over now ... Can't wait for next year's Chainmakers' Festival!

Just diving into bed for a few hours sleep after Friday night at the Chainmakers' Festival.

It was brilliant, not only to close the night with Marie, but also to listen to Carol Widenbar and Easy Street, and to catch up with some folks I haven't seen for ages! :)

Later today (starting with a procession through the town at 10am) is the main event of the Chainmakers' Festival. Around 4,000 people will be heading to Bearmore Park, Cradley Heath. I'll be taking to the stage, accompanied by Marie, circa 2.45 pm. There's a host of great local acts playing throughout the day too: 11am to 5pm. Hope to see some of you there! xo