It appears to be November and I have just finished the Soft Machine European tour which was fantastic. It really is a great band of very special musicians.
With Hugh Hopper's sad passing, the bass chair was taken by Roy Babbington, who followed Hugh in the original Soft Machine. We played several tracks from the Etheridge, Babbington, Marshall line up (1975-6) including tracks like Tales of Taliesin, Song of Aeolus and The Nodder. Great tunes.

The stories those guys have to tell are incredible too. Basically, they were there when it all happened! Whilst in Switzerland we got a guided tour of the Gong and cymbal manufacturer "Paiste" as John Marshall endorses them. It was fascinating and hearing their two metre gong up close was one of the most astonishing sonic experiences I can ever remember! If you came to one of the gigs thanks for being there. We really appreciate your support.

In September Cipher joined Bill Nelson in Harrogate for the 2009 performance by Orchestra Futura, which is the name of the band of the three of us - Bill, Dave Sturt and me. The music was a mixture of improvised and prepared "areas" and I brought my tune "The Last Day" for us to play on. It went really well and there have been encouraging noises about working on an album, but we will have to see how it goes. Another enjoyable aspect of the Nelsonica weekend was meeting and having dinner with the legendary producer John Leckie (Radiohead, Muse, Pink Floyd, Stone Roses, Bill Nelson, Soft Machine,etc etc) Some interesting stories and insights into his world...

A few nights ago I played with Francis Dunnery who is an extraordinary talent - as a singer, songwriter, guitarist and general force of nature. I loved the It Bites CDs in the 1980s and Francis' solo albums are great too so it was a thrill to contribute some flute to his new album and then guest with the band at the London gig at Bush Hall in Shepherds Bush. I played on his new version of the Japan track "Still Life in Mobile Homes" - which is beautiful. In fact I would strongly recommend the CD "Francis Dunnery - There's a whole new world out there". Great songs, playing and wonderful singing with fantastically arranged vocal harmonies. Francis sings and plays melodies with an intesnsity and total "involvement" that is rare and special. Another curious connection that I only just discovered is that my favourite It Bites album "Once around the world" was produced mainly by none other that Gong's Steve Hillage, who I have seen much of recently! Small world indeed.

Currently finishing off the audio mastering and artwork for "Travis and Fripp - Live at Coventry Cathedral" CD and it looks like the T + F Broad Chalke and Bishops Cleeve concerts might get a Vinyl release next year too. There are plans for more Travis and Fripp concerts in 2010, which I can't wait for - so watch this space for details!

Current playlist -

Francis Dunnery - There's a whole new world out there
John Coltrane - Afro Blue Impressions
King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King
Ravel - Complete solo piano music.
Steven Isserlis - Faure Cello music
Wings - Venus and Mars

Cheers