Zermatt Blog
Hi Everyone,
So after an amazing trip to Oz and a nice little gig at St Paul’s Arts Centre Worthing (lovely venue) it was off to Zermatt Switzerland. I have been lucky enough to play here on quite a few occasions both on my own and with Starsailor so I was excited to return and catch up with some old friends. Zermatt is a picturesque ski town in the Swiss mountains. Every year in April however it becomes Music town during Zermatt Unplugged. Its always a great and eclectic line up (This year had Lauren Hill, Chris De Burgh and Aloe Blac). My own gig was at a little cafe high in the mountains for the Sunegga sessions. Probably the highest gig I’ve played! We had to go up in an ancient ski train that went diagonally up and down inside the mountain. Quite a hairy prospect especially on the way down! But the views are spectacular so its worth it! I spent the morning preparing a track for my new song ‘We Can Try’ and I was really happy with the reaction. Following the sad death of Levon Helm I thought it appropriate to play ‘The Weight’ in tribute and judging by the reaction I think a lot of people in Switzerland were also huge fans of The Band.
We then went onto The Vernisage to catch Brooke Fraser. A New Zealand singer songwriter who I’d never come across before. I’m happy to say she was excellent and I’m now a fan. Despite it being well into the early hours the night wasn’t over and we headed to the jam night at Hotel Post. I got up and did a few songs including ‘Don’t Let Me Down’,then Jonathan Jeremiah did his soothing track ‘Happiness’. Highlight of the evening though was a spine tingling acoustic set from Ms Lauren Hill. The perfect end to a memorable night. I’m happy to say I’ve got a day off so I intend to enjoy the scenery,the fresh air and the soulful sounds of Aloe Blacc. Finally big thanks to Thomas Sterchi and his team for inviting me to the festival once again and looking after us so well.
See You Soon
James W