I have realised in recent times that its important to expand musical horizons. My original “Small Change Diaries” band was pretty ukulele centric, but “The Caravan of Dreams” is far more diverse musically and there are usually six instead of four members. On the “Tales of Dark and Light” album there are 12 musicians and a huge variety of instruments.
In our live playing I now include electric guitar (custom Warmoth strat with Moses graphite neck” as well as the excellent Gregor Nowak guitarelle. This also means different amplification considerations, but fortunately the Henriksen Bud and Blu amps continue to do a superb job.
I still enjoy the ukulele and write on it, but guitar and mandolin are currently inspiring all manner of new musical ideas. As well as the 14 tracks already recorded for the Caravan album, I have another eight tracks ready to record later this year. I expect to add more guitar in the sonic mix and already plan to bring in new musicians to add to the Caravan of Dreams sound. The “Music for The Head & Heart” project has brought me into contact with a huge range of new musicians which also have helped expand musical horizons.
