The Musicians’ Union today confirmed that Naomi Pohl has been elected as General Secretary, the most senior role in the organisation, and the first woman to hold the post in the Union’s history since it was founded in 1893.
Category:News & events
Supporting Ukraine
I was asked this week by the Secretariat at the MU to create materials that musicians could share to show their support for the people of Ukraine.
End of restrictions
The Musicians’ Union, whilst welcoming in principle the scrapping of restrictions taking effect from today in England, has expressed serious concerns about how the end of free testing may affect its members.
The Forest
Julie and I drove to Hampstead Theatre in Swiss Cottage this evening to mark my birthday weekend by attending the premiere of The Forest, a play by Florian Zeller, and featuring a stellar cast of Gina McKee, Toby Stephens, Paul McGann, Finbar Lynch, Millie Brady, Silas Carson, Angel Coulby, Sakuntala Ramanee and Eddie Toll.
Soho to St James’s
A very enjoyable day in the centre of town today. A relaxed train ride into London Bridge and a brisk walk into Soho from Tottenham Court Road tube, led to the excellent Adam of London in Berwick Street.
UK Americana Awards
With the UK Americana Music Week in Hackney falling to the on-going health issues, principally the Omicron Covid variant, it was heartening to hear that the AMA-UK team had managed to organise an online/hybrid Awards Show.
The Rooftop
A very pleasant late afternoon and evening in town with Mark, which began at The Rooftop, St James’s, just off Trafalgar Square.
Campaign videos
I recorded seven ‘vlog’ style videos during December, specifically to focus on the range of issues currently facing UK based professional musicians. Especially those working in the live arena, in education, the orchestral sector, recording and broadcasting, theatre and touring.
Adam of London
I drove into town this evening to collect my suit order from Adam of London in Berwick Street, Soho. Upon arrival at the superbly stocked outfitters, I met Steve Tannett, Music Director and Head of Marshall Records.
PR coverage
Our highly-respected PR agency, Kindred, has delivered the latest report on the media coverage of the MU’s activities once more. This time for the months of November and December 2021.
Standing for election
I am delighted to confirm that I am standing as a candidate in the forthcoming MU General Secretary election. I welcome the support of all MU members and anyone wishing to learn more of my plans is encouraged to contact me.
UK Music comms
UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin hosted the annual event for its communications representatives today at the Groucho Club in Soho. The attendance list was understandably smaller than usual, courtesy of safety concerns.
One more time
I joined an entertaining online meeting this evening, hosted by documentary film maker Alan Boyd, in which legends of the session music world gathered to watch the scenes recorded to date for One More Time.
Half Moon gig
I have just spent a very worthwhile evening in the welcome surroundings of the legendary Half Moon in Putney, south west London, enjoying superb performances by the award-winning Robert Vincent and the evergreen Peter Bruntnell.
The Musician (winter)
The winter 2021 edition of The Musician magazine is being distributed by email in digital format this week to all paid-up MU members who remain subscribed to our DotMailer system.
A Great Day
Tomorrow’s Warriors, the exemplary charity set up by Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons MBE to support and sustain our up and coming jazz musicians, is celebrating its thirtieth year of operation.
Industry reception
I joined MU colleagues, staff from the Ivors Academy and supporters of the Broken Record campaign in the Members’ Dining Room at the House of Commons this evening.
Theatre visit
A visit to the West End proved very productive, with time spent at the jazz club in the basement of Pizza Express, Dean Street; at the Phoenix Theatre in Charing Cross Road; the extremely helpful team at NOTOM in Denmark Street; and at St Pancras.
Advertising contacts
A meeting of notable music advertising sales contacts and clients in town this lunchtime.
MPs in support
An energised crowd of musicians and Parliamentarians gathered in Westminster outside the Houses of Parliament at lunchtime today to mark the publishing of Kevin Brennan’s Private Member’s Bill, which is set to be debated in the House on the 3rd.
Chandos jazz
A cracking evening at the Chandos in Colindale, north London, courtesy of the regular Sunday Just East of Jazz club night, this week featuring the top class line-up of saxophonist Derek Nash, vocalist Noel McCalla, drummer Rick Finlay, bassist Phil Scragg and keyboard player Mike Gorman.
Fix Streaming
The latest excellent edition of Music Week contains the full page advertisement I arranged on behalf of the MU, on the inside back cover, calling for the industry to join us and ‘Fix Streaming.’
