Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
“If only I don't bend and break, I'll meet you on the other side, I'll meet you in the light. If only I don't suffocate, I'll meet you in the morning when you wake.” Thoughts and emotions I heard relayed last Friday evening. To clarify the above wasn’t delivered as a morbid goodnight message from my partner, Sarah. An audio... Continue Reading →
The scene played out at midnight on the periphery of Leeds city train station. To the backdrop of sparkling city square Christmas lights, a bearded middle aged man huddled in his Superdry wind cheater amongst a throng of almost a hundred fellow revellers. Like minded individuals who similarly sought refuge from the biting cold, along with... Continue Reading →
Friday evening saw Mrs S and yours truly sitting in Block 104 of the first direct Arena, Leeds. Our venture's motive to witness one Richard Paul Astley from the manor of Newton-le-Willows entertain us and 13,000 others with a night of pop and contemporary refrains. As I've written previously, my wife Karen has an endearing... Continue Reading →
In the company of a pal of mine, yesterday evening I went to see a gig at the Brudenell club, Leeds. This an odyssey to see a band called The Quireboys - A synergy of musicians with roots in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Scotland and a Llandudno B&B (allegedly). I'll be honest and admit it's a band I'm... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, the grounds of Belvoir Castle proved to be convivial venue hosts for Mrs S and my evening entertainment. No relation to the late Record Breakers TV presenter Roy Castle, the Leicestershire fortification provided an imposing backdrop for buoyant open air concert goers. These revellers partying to disco tunes of yore, performed by wandering balladeer... Continue Reading →
Blenheim Palace - Winston Churchill's birthplace and for centuries the residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. Not to mention the only British palace whose moniker nearly rhymes with the name of TV chef Ken Hom. Built in the early 18th century (that's the Oxfordshire Palace not Ken Hom), I was in situ of this imposing... Continue Reading →
Saturday 14th April - Yesterday evening, with vocal chords smoother than a Casanova pick up line, sharp clothing smoother than the escalators on the Piccadilly Line and soul refrains smoother than a Hollywood bikini line, US jazz singer Gregory Porter hit first direct Arena, Leeds. Actually, hit is probably too strong a word - Gently... Continue Reading →
In his seminal song 'American Pie' Don MacLean spoke of taking the Chevy to the levee, where he was disconsolate to find the levee was dry. Yesterday evening I took a Metro train to see a far from barren levee - One of whom would no doubt have received MacLean's approval more than the parched... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, my lunchtime was spent at an Italian restaurant in the centre of our splendid West Yorkshire metropolis. Here my wife and I feasted on festive fare, prior to being royally entertained by classic sounds from the Motown songbook, while imbibing an agreeable bottle of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. In our hosts glitzy 1920's art-deco style surroundings, four singers (3 male and 1 female)took us back to the 1960's, bequeathing... Continue Reading →