So here's what I wrote a week ago BUT didn't post.

See, I read somewhere stupid that writing (particularly a book) could be judged on the quality of how much good material the author “cut” from the work.

Well obviously this is one of those silly, pompous postulations from an over-amorous ego on the part of whoever was proposing such a nonsensical yardstick …. But I took it one step further.

I edited out the whole lot, and so my post was there, it was just maxed out on editing so there was nothing to read. But the quality of the “nothing” was absolutely superb !!

So, relenting, here is what I edited out:

Friday, 23May 2014

Well I am very pleased to see you visit … yes, I see the visit stats and it prompts me to respond.

See it's Honesty Friday and, well ... to be honest I must admit your visits do incline me to communicate. 
So here's a link to my newest Facebook 'friend', JV Johnston, singing his song “Waltz No.1”.

http://soundcloud.com/jvjohnston/waltz-no-1

And I will confide to you that I have settled on a cover for my “Kyle Harrison - Movie Star” Kindle book and it is dynamite, if I do say so myself ... and one does have to be realistic, BUT this cover is Smokin' !! And I took the pic myself .. yes I did, and it is truly gorgeous. Taken in Moorea, Tahiti, where the middle section of Kyle's romance, in pursuit of Barbara Bertucci, takes place.

So anyway, back to my new Facebook friend, JV Johnston, and his knockout vocals. Apart from his solo album, he also sings lead for the funk/blues powerhouse band Mamma Freedom.

You can listen to their stuff over on Soundcloud and do at least give them a 'like' click. Cos their stuff is Top Quality Funk/Blues.

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In fact got big news about a Short List of Candidates for Best Soundtrack at the East End Film Festival in London, England. Starting on 14 June.

Six nominees and the Sonic Generals are on this exclusive short list. Tell 'ya tamarra.

Goodnight!

I have the second part of the Voodoo Studios Sessions video with the stellar cast of Mamma Freedom, a Funk/Blues dynamo band from Manchester. Classically influenced musicians who can blow the doors off any venue, with their Funk alter-egos.

Here they are engaged in making their second album and getting ready for a gig. Fascinating behind the scenes look at super talent.

Here's the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZFGgGr28mg

Back in the pool soon and I have a new idea for hand paddles and butterfly.

And ... I have put my “proper” cover on “Riding A Strong Wind”, as we go to paperback publication date.

Talk soon.

Something a little different, a video/film of the making of “Voodoo Suite Sessions” album by the superb blues/funk Mamma Freedom.

Excellent musicians and a stellar producer going about the process. Down-to-earth reality of creating excellence.

It's a YouTube video and here's the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5pzlGVlWjA

Now here's today's “intrigue”... try to freeze the video at 4 min 58 secs and read the song title marked in blue on the (right-hand side) white board on the wall. Right above Alex's elbow you may see “Homeless In New York” by Rob....

Now check my music page on this site ….!!

Four tracks above “Homeless in New York” is the great track “Down to Business” marked on the same board in blue. You can hear that over on Soundcloud. Just search for the title and 'Sonic Generals'.

It's Saturday, so it's 'dancing-shoes-on' day – right?  So dance away ...

The French swim associations, Comité Aquitaine Natation and Master Natation (national, I think) – well, they're responding – sort of.

But never mind, in the meantime let's talk about a different kind of meet prep, and here's mine.

I listen to these guys from Manchester to get pumped, and they can play a bit.

I like to start off with something kinda mellow to ease into it, like “This Is The Time” and then I go to “All This Conflict” and then “Stranger's Hands” cos that's kinda how I am over here, competing with the French. But all the tracks are class; just click the “all songs”.

Seriously, DO LISTEN ALL THE WAY THROUGH, cos I am trying to help Dave, who may be reading - you remember Dave from my short story “Santa Barbara” - … well, late night show or not, he's kinda always behind the curve on sounds. So let's see if we can't get him out in front, for a change, with these guys on his show. I'll even play piano with them, if he wants.

The link here is absolutely safe, it's Reverbnation a portal for guys and ladies 'what' play music.

http://www.reverbnation.com/mammafreedom/songs

And if you're into Jazz/Blues smooth Soul, well the frontman, JV Johnston, has a killer solo album out, called “Knockturns”.

Now the swim folks have said, if I send them a copy of my licence, I can swim cos it's “open” - BUT I think they mean “a copy of my French” licence … we'll see.

And tomorrow I'm going to tell you all the positive things about living in France … yes, I am.  And you may be surprised but there are many. So much so, that the relaxed and comfortably unstressed life here makes former worries and concerns a forgotten memory.

But, on contemplation, I can recall some, if not all.

A demain … the group is Mamma Freedom, on iTunes, Facebook, Twitter and working on their second, and double album right now,  Listen … you will like.