There were a few highlights though - many revolving around the same venue, actually. Christian Aid in Ireland has had a tough few months due to the death of the Celtic Tiger, but a bit of collaboration and enthusiasm can go a long way, and there was quite a bit of time spent haunting their stage - firstly when we played on the Sunday. It was all a bit hectic and we started late with little - scratch that, no - foldback, but I'm told it sounded pretty great!
Always good to get to play with folks, (other than just "himself" - see right - not that it's not always pleasurable too!) Have been frustrated at late by being able to churn out quite a few 'finished' numbers but unable to come up with any more that have that extra push; however, this can be ignored when helped when there's a few folk floating around who know some of the ones we've been playing for longer!A random footnote - met at least three people at SM that I didn't recognise straight off, only to discover they'd been present at T in the Barn last year. Get in! Motivation is in place to do it all over again... watch this space, perhaps.
There was one other real high though, and strangely it came in the same venue. I turned up to have some fun and fellowship with the great Psalm Drummers (see 'Coleraine House of Prayer', Jan. 15th 2009) only to find them down a sound guy. Having played the day before I'd had a chance to get reasonably familiar with what was what, so I jumped on the desk.
Looked up a couple of minutes later to be confronted by the sight of Carl Albrecht taking the stage. Unless you're a worship drummer you might never have heard tell of the man, but I'm betting that's mostly down to his own modesty. Carl has played on some huge worship records, and was brought to Madness this year playing for Paul Baloche. He also tours extensively and has turned up on everything from African Jazz to Leann Rimes. He's ridiculously talented, hugely experienced and an absolute gentleman - and I was still terrified about screwing up what was really a basic drum mic setup! Though I'll admit, in this task I was greatly hindered by the disappearance of most of the mic holders - duct tape to the rescue. It was a powerful session.A final noteworthy item was the prevalence across the festival of your friends and mine, Maguire & I. They played more than Paul Baloche did! Was really pleased to see the guys getting a great reception the couple of times I saw them, and hopefully it'll get the a bit more publicity for one of Belfast's best-kept wee secrets.
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