November 2002

Sunday 10th November - Sunday 24th November 2002

So...London...8pm on a Sunday night, you know, the world's chilling out, having just had a mental weekend, Sunday service, Sunday dinner, visiting with friends and family, Sunday football...or whatever...Except...not in London, nope. Everyone's rushing about, pushing, shoving, hurrying to get to the next traffic/people jam - Bloody hell, its rush hour - on a Sunday Night. I just wanted to say 'Shhh, gonni just shhh'. Its mental!

I have had the luck, luxury and sheer joy to have been in many major cities around the world, Manhattan, Los Angeles, Paris. All have rush hours, all are busy...but none as aggressive as good old London Town.

Undeterred however, I jumped onto the Northern Line, 'dan to see me al' china, Sacha'. Ahh, now there was luxury. A nice big pot of Thai something or other in the pot and a bottle of red wine and some good old down to earth chat. But more than that, a heart, a daughter and a husband that just warm you to boiling...lovely...who said anything about a rush hour?


Monday 11th November The start to my day consisted of a wee, 4 year old face looking into mine at 7.30 in the morning, wondering if I would be home after school. God, I hope so...

As it happens, I did manage it, but only briefly...I had a gig to get to...

Tam was supposed to join me for the show, you know, just to carry my guitar and massage my feet and stuff. But sadly, he was held up on the train...not because of the poor service we run in this country (privatisation has a lot to answer for - right?) but, because he was involved in an incident which involved some guy on the train, beating up a woman and no one, but Tam, would intervene - eh? Yeah, I can see that...some person is hitting another person on a train, a wee tiny carraige where, of course, its easy to miss such a thing - hey probably the woman wasn't making any noise...you know...just letting the guy hit her! Is the world going flaming nuts or what?

Anyway, I got to THE HALF-MOON in Putney. Now, I played here a good five years ago with Nick Harper and, to be honest, not much had changed, except that they had fancy back drapes and a sign with the name on it. The way the gig is run is that there are six (or so) acts and you get to do a short set and sell some CDs.

Well, before I even got onto the stage, I had a wee tap on the shoulder and there was my sis-in-law, Jules, and her pal Angela, who just 'happened' to be in London that day and thought she would drop along for the show. Hmmm, did my mum know that Jules was coming down? Surely not, otherwise, mum would have made the effort...so as not to be out done! Tom O'malley (a Scot who had organised the gig, and did sound for the Living room tour) and his partner Tania came along too, so it was gonna be a good un.

Except...it was a funny gig. I was 'okay', not rotten, not great but just 'okay'. You know that way, when you do a job, or something and everyone can tell you its great and this and that, but in your heart of hearts, you know it was just okay? Well that was how I felt on Monday, Not crap, not great, just...just...

Anyway, I did see some stunning acts. The guy Martin (didn't catch his last name, but will find out for future reference) was tremendous. He sang some serious bluesey type stuff and played a mean guitar. I also had the pleasure of meeting and listening to Ginni Howarth, a South African singer/songwriter, living and playing in London who said my South African accent was 'viry gooood'. ('blick plistic bigs' instead of black plastic bags).

Anyway, that was how Ginni spoke. Performance wise, she had the same sort of attack as Lorna Brooks, but sounded like Janice Ian. Hmm, I don't think I'm describing it very well...but if you hear of Ginni playing anywhere, try to get along to see her, it will be well worth your while. Hey, same goes for Janice Ian or Lorna Brooks.


Tuesday 12th November So...7.30 I get the wee face peering in again - aaahhh, she's a stunner. Not only that, I get to take her to school. You know that way, when your pals are there have to make sure that everyone sees them...well, wee Ruby wouldn't let go of my hand...it was as though everyone in school had to know that I was there with her - and believe me they did!

Well, you can understand, dropping a 4 year old at school was hard enough...but then I had to go for coffee with some of the mums (including Sacha's pal Sam who is a bit mental and has a staring child, Rosie, who just stares all the time - mind you, she stares beautifully). Sitting, chewing the fat with them, watching the (very fast London) world go by...! Yep, today was getting harder and harder...

Then we had to rush back to Sacha's for...well for some more coffee of course...if we managed to stretch it out we could maybe even fit in some lunch. And what d'ya know...we managed...not only that, we had more afternoon coffee (all decafe of course). You know that way when you haven't seen your pal for ages and you have to squeeze all the chat into 6 hours and have a laugh and have a cry and go back over all the stuff you remember from when you first met...? My jaws were sore - it was MAGIC.

Then on top of this heavenly day, I had a gig - take me now God.

So, off to Baker Street Tube singing a Gerry Rafferty song...can't remember the title though! The gig was in the KashmirKlub - no Carol not the Cashmere Club ya numpty. I think I'm taking this MA in English Lit too seriously!!!

The gig, like the HALF-MOON also had a load of acts on, except this time, you got to play two songs in the first half and two in the second half...only thing was that they changed the running order so that there wasn't any of the 'we're the headline act' stuff that sometimes goes on. The atmosphere at the soundcheck was really warm and friendly. An American singer - Edie Carey - was there and was completely bowled over by how friendly everyone was. The tone was set for the evening.

I was up first after the compere and was strangely nervous...I always get nervous before a show, even after all this time. But this time it was different! Well, I think if there had been any martians there (and there may well have been!) then they may have understood what I was saying - I certainly didn't!

'Hello, this auntie is about my scarey song Lily called...' This I said at approximately 4,000 words per second! Oi, Laula, shut up and sing! said a voice in my head - thank god it did. I sang and I was off the hook. There's a code of ethics in these types of places, known as STFU (shut the f**k up), while the acts are on. It worked, each act was given the space to do what they wanted and the audience listened...silent. The silence calmed me and I sang and enjoyed every minute of it. By the second half, I was a seasoned KashmirKlub performer...laughing, joking and talking at human speeds...even sold some CDs.

A couple of things happened at this show...one was that Mike Harrison, a seasoned CL fan came up to say hello - sorry I couldn't talk too much but I had to STFU for the acts. So too did Megan and Kimberley, you remember the Americans who came to St Andrews and loved it. They missed the first couple of songs because they couldn't find the venue - sorry girls. Another thing was; I was sitting in my chair listening to Edie Carey sing beautifully when a young, lovely, big-headed, arrogant London Lad decided that he wanted to share the chair with me...me and HIS cigarette. What is all that about? If I was a guy sitting in a chair he wouldn't have invaded my space like that...I don't want to sound like a mad feminist but its a strange world that houses such imparity. Anyway, the other thing was that Edie's singing reminded me of Lori McKenna, an American girl who will have an album out on Acoustic Roots shortly. I mentioned to Edie that she reminded me of Lori 'Oh, my God', she said, 'How do you know Lori, she's my friend?' Small world, about to get even smaller...we swapped CD's...and there inside the cover is another American singer called Sam Shaber who I know through an American friend. da, da, da, da (twighlight zone).


Thursday 14th November Tonight was my gig in DINGWALLS with Nick Harper. I was really looking forward to it because I love to see Nick...he is a gorgeous and funny man, as well as an extraordinarily talented singer, songwriter and guitar player. I did feel a wee bit melancholic though because the last time I played here was with the Big Country boys, recording Eclectic with Big Stuart having to go off a couple of times cos he had the runs...! A fun time to look back on but sad too.

Anyway, played the show and it was magic, Sacha, Chris, Sam and Richard came along, as well as Mike again...people are magic! Philippa and Paula (who sold the merchandise in Edinburgh) were there too - she's a huge Nick fan, AND does his web site for him. Folk weren't too good with the STFU policy, but it didn't matter, I was in sing mode, could've been there on my own really...I loved it. It was a good note to end the week on.

Loren Jansch came along too, it was lovely to see her...when she and Bert were married, Bert asked if I would come along and surprise Loren (a massive fan of Lily's Funeral) by singing at the wedding - now that was a night and a half! An excuse to go to Arran - hmm, yes please! My wee guardian angel, Ronnie Garrity was there too. He's just a gem, always so up and so positive. Acht, ah love him (but not as much as I love Donny).

Then Nick came on...it was a bit like the Big Country/Glen Tillbrook audience, you know all testosterone and boys together all shouting and slapping each other on the back, AND totally loving Nick, who gave the most amazing performance...am I surprised? Eh Naw! If ANYONE hears of this guy playing in their area, get down there, be prepared to be blown away. He truly is an amazing performer...and there's no point in my trying to explain it...you HONESTLY have to experience it to understand why so many are left with their mouths hanging open - TOTALLY AWESOME Mr Harper.

So...packing up, ready to leave when ANOTHER London Lad said 'excuse me, I hope you don't mind me saying this about your set...' which, losely translated means 'excuse me, you're probably going to mind me saying this about your set but I'm a nice guy and don't really want to offend you, but I feel I have to...its important for me to impart my wisdom and so I'm going to offend you either way...'. Okay...here we go...

'can I just say, I thought the first half of your set was tremendous...but the second half...well...' he says
'Ocht, I suppose its just a matter of taste really' said I,
'yeah, but, well, I'm not being rude, or anything, but if you could write more songs like the first half, then you'd be okay...'
'uh-huh?'
'I hope you don't mind me saying...I am in a band...'

Okay pet, well...I'll see you in the charts!


Friday 15th November On Friday it was off back to Glasgow, pre-menstrual tension and a wee rehearsal with my lovely band.


Saturday 16th November Today is the last date of the tour. Big Stuart is really fed up about it - 'more dates please' he says!

Before we get to that however, it was my Mum's turn to graduate...she graduated from James Watt College in Greenock this morning with a PDA in special needs education. She's pretty cool my mum, you know. At the wee pre-amble the guy invited the students to feel free to wave to their families as they got their awards...although, he fully expected everyone to get it and to scurry away, heads down and all...hmm, doesn't know my mum then. Well for a start, the minute they shouted her name, Julie, Kenny and I were on our feet shouting things like 'go mum...magic...well done' and all that. And did my mum acknowledge us? Well...she walked up to the podium took her award, shook hands with the head of department, then did a wee spin thing and then took a bow, THEN she waved up at us. HOW COOL IS THAT? Nae scurrying for ma maw!

Anyway, back to the gig...We got to THE RENFREW FERRY and, for once it wasn't well organised...some tickets said door were at 8 and others said 9. Shouldn't have been a problem except that we didn't get soundchecking till after 8 because the sound guy - Kev - was late...oh dear and Ms Laula was suffering somewhat from PMT! Who me? No I wasn't...RIGHT?!

A wee aside...I'd asked Bruce Williams from Fraoch Heather Ale, a great CL supporter and supporter of all that is Scottish, if he could maybe drop in some Heather Ale for the dressing room - he turned up before the gig with SIX CASES of the stuff! Oh Bruce, loving you (and yer beer) is the sweetest pain - thanx.

So, there we were, soundchecking as they were letting folk in and I did it - I HAD A TANTRETTE!

'Okay' I said, 'so, we get here at 6.30, don't hit a note till after 8 because the sound guy can't get organised and they let people in because they have made a mistake with the tickets...! I don't think so'. That was the extent of my rage, but it worked...they closed the doors and now I feel rotten cos people would have had to stand out in the cold while I was giving it primadonna stuff - aw naw, I canny win! AND Kev the sound guy was really good, if a little late. What is that pre-menstrual stuff all about...it makes me totally irrational - sorry folks!

Anyway, we got some pizzas back stage while listening to Johnny Hill and Iain Murray play the opener for us...it was excellent. I think Johnny sold some CDs that night, so some folk obviously enjoyed his set. There is a really strange feeling you get while sitting back stage, listening to your audience clapping for the opening act...not bad and not good...but strange...its a bit like, if they like him, they SHOULD like me.

Liz Scott came in and gave me a wonderful massage before the set - hey, I really felt like MADONNA or something. Whatever I felt like, however, I felt less pmt. Stage time came at 10pm, and I was pretty nervous...home crowd...generally noisy venue...pmt...will there be enough people in to make it look busy...?

Acht, am I mental or what? It was BLOODY MAGIC. Sold out, gorgeous and warm crowd, pin-drop silence during the songs...all a gal could ask for. I had such a magic time. You know, the more shows you play, the tighter the band becomes and the more comfortable the whole setting is...well, it really kicked in that night I think. The folk who play in my band, STUART BROWN, ALBY HOSIE, PAM AIRLIE and STUART McLEOD are superb musicians, who make the whole thing so much easier for me. But as well as that, I think the crowd make or break it too. It was a great audience that night. People were just loving it, laughing and crying at all the right bits (me too!) and making it a special night...even the two mental hecklers in the middle...they were having such a magic time...and giving me something to do in between the songs - EVERY SONG! But you know how much fun it was when you come off stage after what seems like forty minutes and realise its ten to one in the morning! Eh? how did that happen? I was just having a massage a minute ago...but of course, for me, that's the problem...stopping! I would sing all night if folk would let me...and they certainly did that night - thank you, from way down to the soles of my feet. Thanx too, to Mr & Mrs Tracey who came down from St Andrews and to Iain and Karen McGovern who came up from England.

I went back home, too hyped up to sleep...so, I had a Fraoch, Heather Ale and fell asleep at the kitchen table till about six am - why, oh why didn't I just go to bed...the week had caught up on me - and, of course...I need my 18 hours of sleep per day!


Sunday 24th November My week, beginning 18th November was pretty cool. Just catching up, seeing folk, sleeping and doing my laundry! The Paisley Partnership asked me to appear as their guest in Hamished Hoose on Sunday 24th - Ocht aye...should be fun.

Well, it was indeed fun. Just me and Big Stuart...along with Ruth Martin, Stylus Automatic, Deque Rivers and Chick O'Connor as compere. There was a great crowd there and a lot of CL fans (Theresa, Jackie, Tony, Kenny, to name a few) who had taken the time to come down at short notice. It was really nice to play in a venue in Paisley again...particularly a pub that followed the STFU policy. Sadly, the noisiest hecklers were my NEPHEW and his pal...hmm that's him off the Christmas list. I was a little nervous...my collegue James Dean was there (hands up who's ever done a gig that James Dean came to!!!) and so was my new boss, so I felt curiously nervous. As ever, though, I needn't have worried. The crowd was superb and Stuart McLeod played a blinder...he's a bit of a musician...I really enjoyed it. The other acts that were on also made it a fantastic night...so much excellent talent in Paisley. Not only that, Julia 13 a new and exciting band to hit the streets came down for a wee listen...they are taking part in the Paisley in the Park project that Big Div is putting together under the auspices of the Paisley Partnership, helping new bands into making a career in music. I think/hope that Paisley is moving back up the ladder in venue status - anyone remember the Bungalow Bar days? Of course I'm too young to remember its full glory (!) but I do know the legacy of such a venue...lets get Paisley back on the music map.


But, now, back to Donny...well on Saturday night I watched an Audience with DO. Now I think these things can be pretty naff and I'm not sure that Donny's was any exception...however on Saturday night I was seven years old again, watching my husband singing directly to me...Now, don't laugh...but last year on 18th April, at 10am, I had the amazing experience of meeting Donny. I can't tell you how I felt...but of course I'll try!

Like I said, I was seven again. Firstly the meeting consisted of Billy Sloan introducing me to Donny and it was okay, I was pretty cool, I even managed to say hello, that The Osmonds concert in the Apollo was my first ever live concert, shake his hand and look at him...but you see, this is thing...when he looks at you, he really looks at you, right at you, right inside you. And, he is absolutely beautiful, in every sense of the word (I know, I know...refer some days back to the 'matter of taste' conversation!).

Anyway, he did his interview with Julian from STV then as he was leaving he took my hand in both of his and, again looked right at me, and said 'Carol, it was lovely to meet you, thank you for being a fan'. Now, that was what he said, but, what I actually heard was 'Carol, you know its you I love, not Debbie, please come back, please say I can live in Foxbar with you again...I love you Carol, I can't live without you'...That MUST have been what he really said, otherwise, how can I explain my inability to actually speak...I was totally dumbstruck...I, Carol Laula, who always has to have the last word, simply couldn't talk...All I really remember was that next thing I was home, talking very quickly and practically in tears...! I am not joking, I am not saying this for effect, Honestly, I was completely star struck...strange that because, in my line of work I've met some famous fancy folk, but no-one did to me what Donny did...very strange!

I think in watching the Audience With I regressed and as a result, I spend most of Sunday crying, especially watching all the Brothers singing 'Don't love me for fun', even as I'm writing this I'm filling up - AM I GOING MAD! But, not to be deterred...I did learn a bit of 'Puppy Love' and sang it at the gig on Sunday night...true to form, Big Stuart went along with my mental infirmities and played it along with me - I don't think though, that I have managed to exorcise the ghost of my marraige to Donny...oh no...now its Juaquin, Bobby D OR Donny...I think I need counselling! Donny is playing next March 3rd so I'll get to see him - OH MY GOD, I've just realised Donny's playing on 03/03/03 and 3 is Donny's favourite number!!!!!


So...that was it...the first leg of the First Disciple tour. It was so much fun and gives me a good solid foundation to move forward with. It warms me that people are so supportive...not only that, it pays my bills too! I don't really know how to move on with this diary...maybe instead of 'tourdiary' I should just have 'diary' and add in wee updates to let you know what's happening...Theresa thinx it would be a good idea...I think she's more interested in my moped stories than anything else mind you...lemme know what you think.

All the best

Carol