Clare Teal: Friends in Harrogate and a capital occasion in London

I PRIDE myself on having a good memory so imagine my surprise having announced from the stage, on more than one occasion, how lovely it was to be making my King’s Lynn debut only to be told by a member of the audience that I had in fact made my King’s Lynn debut once before if not twice! Doh.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Aug 2011, 11:48 BST

From King’s Lynn we drove the 140 miles to Harrogate where rehearsals in the Royal Hall began at midday. I had been so excited about this festival concert – Sir Michael Parkinson presents Clare Teal and friends, the friends in question being the jazz singer Ian Shaw and saxophone legend and Godfather of funk Pee Wee Ellis all backed by my wonderful band directed by Grant Windsor. The event was sold out and the lovely audience were in joyous form and sang along throughout. Sir Michael was a warm and very funny host who entertained us with great anecdotes and there were many magical musical moments. In short, we had a blast and I would be lying if I said no celebratory refreshments passed my lips after the performance.

Unfortunately, the next morning saw an early start for me and Muddy closely followed by a 210 mile drive. Songs in the Key of London was the closing event of the Greenwich Festival curated this year by Chris Difford of Squeeze. The open-air concert was held in the stunning grounds of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

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We ate our dinner just along from where Nelson used to eat his, in the magnificent painted hall. The lineup consisted of Shlomo and the Vocal Orchestra, Mark Nevin, Kathryn Williams, Chris Wood, Boo Hewerdine, Chris Difford, Wreckless Eric, Glen Tilbrook, Pee Wee Ellis, Gary Kemp, Ali Campbell and moi. The band were the crème de la crème of British musicians led by the amazing Stephen Large. As you would guess – everyone sang songs about the capital. My choices were a little more left field of what I’d usually go for – a calypso rendition of Lily Allen’s LDN with additional “northern lyrics” followed by a stonking James Bond-esque arrangement of London Calling by the Clash. Our next project will be ‘Songs in the key of unpacking, washing and ironing.

Related topics:HarrogateLondon