James Econs

THE TOUR happened a while ago.  It was back in November 2009.  Two bands; one, a Cornish Folk four-piece ‘NinosKika’ headlining their way through days of grueling cross-country / cross-continent travel, vocal-strumming zombiefied but somehow keeping it together to perform Europe-wide.  The second, Power Skiffle three-piece ‘Zapoppin” complete with Harmonium, Banjo, Cajon and a Gypsies Boot(!?).. their lyrical genius keeping the rest of us from falling off the perch.

Arranged by SLKL, the tour was destined to be a success.  Presented with the title of Tour Manager, it was high time I got on board organizing the accommodation and the tight travel schedule to get our crew of 12 from A to B to C to D.. and all the way back again.  Cost-effectiveness was key for a self-funded tour like this.  I bartered my way through 4 countries vying for cheap accommodation, bonus discounts and free beers at every opportunity.

Taking the responsibility to log every stop of this - the first European tour any of us had experienced, the Zoom H4n Digital Recorder captured the live audience ambiance while recording a feed direct from the mixing desk; and allowed Jim Fresh and SLKL to put together the first Live album by NinosKika.  Click to LISTEN now, and to SEE tour photo’s. 

From the results, the friendships and of course the music, The Doomed Voyage was a resounding success.

I look forward to the next..

I am not surprised that this is the most recent topic surrounding Food Intolerance (FI).  It is after all, about time - all modern day revolutions have their critics at some point, and it seems everyone has a FI these days; from celebrities to high street shoppers, sportsmen to computer geeks..  Are our minds playing tricks on us, subconsciously helping us ‘fit it’ with our piers that carry true FI?  Or have our bodies actually had enough of our day-in, day-out repetitive diets?

I am not an authority on FI however, I can use my simple mind to figure out that without the introduction of man-made processing techniques, we would not have many of the food items on offer today.  For example, grains would be kept for those who can digest them properly - poultry;  and cow’s dairy would be kept for those that it is initially provided for - their calves.

Is it a surprise that after so much interference we are starting to suffer? ..I should rephrase that.. Is it a surprise that with this much interference we have been suffering for so long?  I’m just glad we can recognize the symptoms for what they are, rather than having to deal with symptoms of fatigue, runny noses and flaky skin for the rest of our lives.

Cheers Sam Dry!

Song by SLKL of NinosKika

For more music from NinosKika, visit ninoskika.com

I’ve almost settled into my new life for the next 3 months.. The blog construction is well underway (even if my current following is as weak as a calcium deficient, premature baby!).. Flickr, Vimeo, YouTube and Tumblr accounts all set up and ready to roll.. Next is SoundCloud, then Twitter.. oh, go easy now.. I forget that’s the main rival in this Google Buzz game!! Do you think I’ll have the Google Police after me now? Excellent. Always work against the flow!

I pick BUZZ anyway. Why bet against the makers of the most visited website in the WORLD?!