A busy day in Mayfair and Soho. Kicked off with a visit to the Simon Carter clothing emporium in Shepherd Market, with its choice of multi-coloured shirts and jackets. I then paid my respects around the corner outside the flat in Curzon Place where, very sadly, both Mama Cass and Keith Moon passed away in 1974 and 1978 respectively.
I was in the area to meet the wonderful Gill Tee of Black Deer and Capital Radio fame at the Little House in Queen Street for lunch. A splendid two hours shot by, as we discussed festivals, events and plans.
Upon leaving the social club, I walked eastwards towards the centre of the West End retail world, initially with a view to trying out the Apple AirPods (Pro 2) in their flagship Regent Street outlet.
I then headed into Soho and discovered Sherry’s in Poland Street, a post-mod clothing shop on a first floor at no. 11. An exciting new find, which I can’t believe I didn’t know of before.
My walk continued in the direction of Denmark St, and specifically Sixty Sixty Sounds, where I perused the Epiphones and Gibsons on offer.
After a pick-me-up coffee in Redemption Roasters, I wandered into an amazing collection of post-war cultural items on display in Flitcroft Street’s Farsight Gallery. Part of the launch of the first RRPL magazine, Mick Jones’ Rock & Roll Public Library presents a dazzling array of British pop culture thanks to a superbly curated series of packed panels and glass cabinets. It’s as if my entire youth experiences have been gathered in one place.
A stroll down Charing Cross Road led to the National Portrait Gallery and an engaging half an hour of taking in the cultural collections. Unfortunately, it was by now late in the afternoon and too late to appreciate The Face Culture Shift exhibition.
A walk up into Chinatown meant seeking the original site of Ronnie Scott’s in Gerrard Street. The ‘old place’ was in the basement at no. 39 evidently.
A swift non-alcoholic beer in the Golden Lion, Dean St, was followed by a small meal in Pizza Express in the same road. The main event of the evening was to be an album launch in the basement club there by Scottish jazz singer Louise Dodds and her trio featuring Matt Robinson, Max Luthert and Dave Hamblett.
My thanks to everyone I met. A memorable sojourn.
