Weekend in Istanbul

Just returned from a fantastic weekend break in Istanbul with my brother Dave. We had a real blast visiting the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, The Topkapi Palace (which I was very interested in, having read about it at length in Dorothy Dunnet's novel Pawn In Franckincense), and the atmospheric underground cisterns. We also took a boat trip across to the asian shore where we drank Raki and watched the sun set over the Bosphorous.... it's been a really welcome break from the routine, and I feel refreshed and raring to go.

Now have returned and hit the ground running with business as usual at Southampton University, a wedding to play for on Saturday (which should be a lot of fun), and the Cheltenham Jazz Festival on Sunday (2-4pm, check the listings). I am really looking foward to working again with Kate Brown who as well as being a supremely talented jazz singer is also a good laugh. I look forward to hearing some of the other acts at the festival, including Groovestone, who are fantastic.

Film Music Recording at Air Studios

Wednesday 18th April saw the recording for the strings of Harry Escott's and Molly Nyman's awesome score to Michael Winterbottom's film A Mighty Heart which stars Angelina Jolie, which I orchestrated. It was my first time there, and a real privilege to work at such a legendary venue, alongside such a range of talented people. Harry conducted his and Molly's score superbly well as well as playing piano solos before and after the session, and it was a joy to see him at work. The atmosphere was terrific - and there was a good bonhomie amongst the players, who are simply the world's best, impeccably professional. Harry also asked me very kindly to play the piano for a short sequence, which was an unexpected pleasure. I can't wait to see the film when it comes out; it is a powerful, hard-hitting film, and it has been a privilege to be involved with it.

It was also exciting to see Superstorm Episode 1 on BBC 1 last Sunday, and to see a project I've contributed to actually on the TV. Quick Plug: Episode 2 is on this Sunday at 9pm on BBC 1, and features a lot more of Maurice Murphy, trumpeter extraordinaire.

I am now about to move house, and then am into an exciting arranging project for the fabulously talented singer Abi Roberts, for a show she will take to the Edinbugh Festival this year. Also planning my Cheltenham Jazz Festival feature with Kate Brown, and a weekend away with my brother (probably in Budapest) and my next lecture at Southampton University. So back to the incedibly hectic schedule!

Superstorm on BBC 1 Sunday 15th, 22nd, 29th at 9pm

The Superstorm series I did the orchestrations for last month will be broadcast on the telly this week and over the next three weeks:

Episode 1: Sunday 15th April BBC1, 9pm

Episode 2: Sunday 22nd April BBC1, 9pm

Episode 3: Sunday 29th Spril BBC 1, 9pm

Music by Mark Sayer-Wade. I feel very excited to see it on the telly!!

More Orchestration

Now the movie has come out, I think I can say that I did some uncredited work on the orchestration of Mr Bean's Holiday that uber-orchestrator David Butterworth (a generous and incredibly talented man) put my way back in February.

I have also just been approached to do the orchestration for the new Michael Winterbottom film A Mighty Heart that composer Harry Escott has asked me to do, for which I will receive a credit! This will start next week, and I am very excited about it.