....and it's already October!! I must fill you in on September! .... I dont know where to begin. On September 15, 2016, I arrived in Montserrat West Indies (in the British West Indies) to join a group of UK musicians and fans for a historic & symbolic recording event. Montserrat was the home of an exclusive recording studio owned and operated by Sir George Martin in the 1970's and 1980's. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo devastated the small island and marked the end of the studio that had produced musical legends such as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, Elton John, The Stray Cats, The Police, Duran Duran and more. The Rolling Stones were the last band to record there. That was...until this month.

During September, John Otway, a successful UK Artist, would become the 1st international act to record on the island since. This effort was supported by his fans through crowdfunding support. Chris Birkett would be commissioned to produce the album and help build a pop-up studio in Sir George Martin's home to enable the recording and production. I was fortunate to be able to tag along. How could I refuse? I joined the group of Otway fans to rock the island once again.

Nestled on a small island this place has a lot of history and some of the warmest people I have ever met. Songs that were the backdrop to most of my formative years were recorded here. One of my favourite songs to dance to...and definitely to hear on Caribbean vacations 'HOT, HOT, HOT' was written and recorded by a Montserratian. Being immersed in the history of the place, learning about its triumphs and its struggles, was humbling and expansive at the same time.

I met amazing people-those in the music industy in varying capacities (artists, musicians, media, production, management, publicity) and many incredible Monserratians who made my experience more than memorable. Quite surreal. There were formal and informal gatherings including a night at the Governors Reception (Monsterrat is a British Colony), recording with the childrens choir, a beach party and show, and a buffet at Sir George Martin's home known as 'Olveston House'. Sitting on Sir George Martin's step playing his classical guitar is something I don't expect to forget. (Photo above courtesy of Christina Jansen, cjansenphotography.com) It was an honour to have been a part of this experience...particularly at this stage in my journey.

I was able to witness several impressive natural wonders---petroglyths just discovered this year, a 'halo' or 'lunar corona' moon, and the 'green flash' at sunset. I could write an entire blog on this alone.

In Montserrat, it is said if you drink the water from a certain source, you will return. I am not sure if it is the water (which is pristine, natural and abundant) but, the spirit of this place is contagious. I have always tried to avoid going to the same vacation destination twice.......this might be the exception.

Upon my return to Toronto, I've been booked for my first 'solo artist' gig occuring this Sunday, Oct 2nd!! I will be an opening act for "the Rockin Winter Blues Series -a concert series in aid of Camp Oochigeas........On that note....I better go practice!