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Powerful Places and Voices - May 2018

The last few days have been totally invigorating...

I'm forging ahead with my upcoming album recording right now, but Jo and I took the day off on Friday to drive to Scotland for the marriage of Martina Schindler's daughter Jana (Martina posts a lot of my Facebook messages). It was an amazing location - the crown at the top of the Wallace Monument in Sterling. To the sound of bagpipes, the vibe of Jana and Justus' wedding was wonderful.

Jo and I stayed the night at the 13th century Dalhousie Castle, just south of Edinburgh. Reputedly haunted, it had a strong feel - especially in the dungeon... I had stayed there many years ago with my first band and had always wanted to return.

The following morning we visited an equally atmospheric place - Rosslyn Chapel. The energy there was particularly strong. Built on the site of an ancient Roman Temple to Mithras, it contains many mythological symbols... It's been described as a poem in stone. It's steeped in mysteries and theories abound, but what touched us was the beauty of the place and the sense of a magical connection to nature.

Following a diversion to Norfolk on our way home, we were back in time for Monday's recording session with the amazing singers, the sisters Durga and Lorelei McBroom. Both girls have sung with Pink Floyd. This track for my next album promises to be a special one with the added power of their incredible voices.

Altogether the last few days have made a big impression, and add to the ongoing inspiration fuelling all the ideas tumbling into my latest project...