Gary Stewart Smith strains to make himself heard over the riotous(ly drunk) audience at Slinky’s Café Bar, West Kirby

Yes, I’ve found my voice at long last. Typically, it was down the back of the sofa – I’m sure I’d already looked there. Down the back of the sofa, along with the remote control for the TV, one of the cat’s fluffy toys, and one pound and 57p in loose change. So, if nothing else, I am a little richer and can change the TV channel without having to stand up and cross the room. Unfortunately, the cat has already lost his toy. I think he does that deliberately, attention-seeking.

The crowd turn their backs to hide their tears as Gary plays Fire and Rain. At least, I think that’s why.

As you may recall, I played Slinky’s Café Bar last Saturday. I thought it went rather well, there was a good turn out, and the bar owners seemed to enjoy it too (always a good thing). So I’m hoping to be invited for a repeat performance there next month. I will of course let you know in good time.

Next week, I’ll be back at my usual residency in the White Lion (that’s Saturday 3rd May, if you’re interested). I’m already ahead of myself and have written a set list. Since I’ve finally found my voice, I’ll mainly be playing songs by artists whose voices are (to my own ears at least) a little like my own: Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze, Roddy Frame from Aztec Camera, Crowded House‘s Neil Finn, Elvis Costello, Justin Currie from Del Amitri, and of course the legendary James Taylor.

You might notice that those artists all hail from back in the 70s and 80s – I make no apologies for that. That’s the music I grew up listening to, and the music I still listen to today. The kitchen radio station alternates between Absolute 80s and Radio 2. I’m not really interested that much in finding “new” music. I guess that’s because I make my own new music every day – I’d rather write and record a new song than listen to someone else’s. Don’t know if that’s healthy, but if that means my songs come out sounding like a classic 80s pop tune written by Neil Finn or Glenn Tilbrook, well maybe that’s not a bad thing.

I will of course also be playing a number of Gary Stewart Smith “hits” for those of you who want to hear some new music!