‘Singing is 80% confidence and I’ll teach you the rest,’ was the opening line from my teacher at my first singing lesson in 1987. Great, I thought. But what happens when the confidence goes? Six years later, aged 21, I had a degree, contacts, a voice people liked, solo credits on albums, energy, drive and …
Finally, a British Airways direct flight where, joy of joys, you can get an excellent cup of builders’ tea. It’s half-way through the 14-hour long-haul to Buenos Aires, the lights are off, and my fellow cattle chums are attempting to sleep (bolt upright in economy). Never a possibility for me, unfortunately – apparently 2 mini bottles of red and a sleeping pill work for some; a non-active mind works for others; even the sotto voce roar of the engines…
Saturday 11.30am (GMT +4) en route to Mahe, Seychelles You can tell the class of a ship by the quality of its sun loungers. Not-so-posh ship: metal frames, plastic slats, dirty cushions. Posh Ship: a creation so perfect you must go through a rigorous selection procedure to be allowed access, the criteria being: …
Friday 9am (GMT +3) At sea en route to Mombasa, Kenya When youngsters ask me about going into the profession, I tell them three things: Be good at your craft Be nice to other people Do all your studying now, because once you’re in the heart of the biz you might occasionally have to deliver …
Thursday 7.30am GMT +3; Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia I’ve flown through the night and haven’t slept a wink. My hair is both greasy and static, my eyes are dry, my lungs are laboured and my bladder is full. I’m carrying 18kg of hand luggage: a rucksack containing 45 minutes’ worth of sheet music …
