Summer 2010

Ramblings 6 September 2010 | 0 Comments

It seems like the summer’s come (and gone?) very rapidly this year! So, without too much thought here’s what’s been happening:

After an intense few months of project-writing, presenting, and revising, I’ve finally (after five years) finished University with a first class MEng honours degree in Electronic & Computer Engineering. It’s been an incredible experience and I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve achieved, the people I’ve met, and what I’ve seen/done.
Myself and a few others have been collared into doing some research into Rail anti-ice techniques for use on UK train lines next winter. Whilst not the most glamourous job in the world, the past 8 weeks have been extremely interesting and it looks like we’ve actually made a lot of progress. There’s a chance we’ll be part of one or many Network Rail / BBC / press things over the next month or so, which I’ll post up here in due course. I’ve spent the majority of the time at -10°C dealing with this monster test rig:
Although not bogged down in gigs this summer, I’ve played some fairly memorable ones. Route 49 played their final gig (for now…), I was invited to play in the Top Cat Big Band (with some very friendly Bristolians), and was booked few hectic small group functions – witnessing an incredible improvised rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Fun!

I’ve also been lucky to have been on some incredible trips & holidays. First off was New York City, as part of a tour depping on trumpet with OUJO. Having already been once, it was fantastic to go back and play some gigs! We managed to meet up with a few people whilst out there, including Yoni, Chris, and Ill Spokinn of Spokinn Movement fame (who are back in the UK touring in November). Apart from that, we managed to see some jazz (John Escreet & Dave Binney being favourites…), do all the usual tourist things, and swim in a 2nd floor pool at the hotel…

Second off was North Sea Jazz festival. I could write about the gigs, free beer (shh), or 6AM jam sessions, but this picture (by Emily) sums it up – Earth Wind & Fire!

Then (as a more relaxing break) Laura and I trekked up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the last time. Our friends at LCubed produced Jason Robert Brown’s “The Last Five Years” and we stayed with them for three days. Not only was that show really enjoyable, but the other eight shows we saw over the weekend far surpassed my expectations. Definitely back next year!