Off the beaten track - July 2016

Marble mountains near Forte Dei Marmi

The show at Forte Dei Marmi
Photo © Roger Salem

Ben, Roger, Jo, Steve, Vania and Rob in Brescia

It had been several years since I last toured Italy with an acoustic show. Our "Off the Beaten Track" tour took us to some beautiful places away from the big cities with totally different music to my rock show. The inclusion of Rob with all his wind instruments alongside Roger on keyboard with me on classical guitar, created its own dynamic.

I was thrilled that people travelled for many miles in some cases to see the show, and the crowd reaction throughout was terrific. The locations were also very special. Our first place, Forte Dei Marmi in beautiful Tuscany was situated between sea and mountains. Michelangelo's David was carved from marble quarried in those mountains, and you can actually see the marble shining white near the peaks.

Italy is such a magical place, inspiring new music as we travelled through a painter's paradise with sentinel trees on hilltops above verdant valleys of pines and poplars. Recanati, once home of poet Giacomo Leopardi, was a wonderful place to stay for the next gig. It's one of those stunning hilltop Italian towns where you feel you're walking through history. The gig itself close to the sea was in an old fort, open to the skies. Wonderful to play there beneath the stars on a full moon.

On our two days off we visited picturesque Cesena, home to our special friend and agent/tour manager Vania Santi, where we had one of those amazing Italian meals stretching into the night... The following day we were treated to both a walk and magical boat ride weaving through the extraordinary city of Venice. From the majestic square of San Marco to the myriad of waterways between the most atmospheric historic buildings with those incredibly picturesque bridges, it was an experience of a lifetime. Our thanks to Ermmano, Michele and Marta who treated us to boat rides at both sunset and by night...

Then back to work... The gig in Grado was in a remarkable location beside the sea, again under the full moon, now reflected in the water where some people swam whilst watching the show! The seats were packed, the audience again was very enthusiastic and it was also fab to see Mum who had flown over specially with pals Tish and Helena to see the gig. The following morning Vania took us round the characterful old part of town, which dates back to the Roman era.

The final show in Brescia was equally magical in the beautiful town square... Again there was a fantastic turn out of people.

What a terrific tour, presenting totally different music to my usual rock shows, and this time playing in places all "off the beaten track..."

A big thank you to Roger, Rob and Ben and to Vania Santi, a wonderful friend taking care of us so well. Thanks to everyone behind the scenes too, including Brian Coles and all at Musical Box 2.0 Promotion and BPM Concerti.

Not able to leave incredible Italy just yet, Jo and I are now flying to Sicily for a few days break...