Naughty Hollie

Yes, naughty Hollie hasn't updated her blog in four months. You could be forgiven for thinking nothing has happened around here. Well, it's not true. Here's what's been going on:

The Morrells - a cocktail covers duo in Yorkshire

Brian and I have been rehearsing like mad, getting our act together for our piano and vocal covers duo which will soon be performing at hotels, restaurants, weddings and conferences around Yorkshire. There is some info about the duo here and we also have a new Facebook page. We only have 11 likes so far, so we'd love it if you could give us another lovely like!

As if you would let ink fall onto your piano!

I'm continuing to write new songs now and then, and although I usually hide new stuff until I feel it's completely "ready", this newest batch is on show even though it's still raw. Head on over for a listen and please do give your feedback. There's a place to add comments at the bottom of every page.

My new favourite instrument

 

I've tried for years to play guitar, without much success. My fingers won't physically stretch to make certain shapes, and I have particular trouble with bar chords. So when I saw this cute little ukulele in a charity shop during a recent trip to Scotland, I thought I'd try it out. It's much smaller than a guitar, so my fingers don't have to stretch as far. I was delighted to find that I learnt the chord shapes quickly and can even play a few bar chords on this little baby. So it's time to finally realise a dream of mine.

 

I need a sexy hat too

Now that I have found my perfect busking instrument, it's time to take it out onto the street. I know this won't be easy. They say that a busker's audience is the most honest audience of all. This will be a great way for me to test Joe Public's reaction to certain songs. I will entertain (and in some cases annoy) them, and in return they will teach me.

My local town of Doncaster operates a permit scheme for buskers, so I had to fill in an application form, send it in with two passport photos, and then I got invited for an audition. It's this Wednesday. If all goes well and I'm issued with my busker's permit, I may just go straight out onto the street and do my thing.

Wish me luck.

 

Our first standing ovation

On Sunday we did a gig to raise funds for Amnesty International. It was held in our local area of Doncaster, at the Doncaster Unitarian and Free Christian Church.

Since the title of the gig was "The Sacred and The Sensual", we threw in a few songs with a gospel feel or spiritually themed lyrics, like "Hallelujah" from Shrek, "Wade In the Water", and "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison. It was mostly covers, with a couple of our own original songs thrown in.

The audience seemed to love us and it was the only gig either of us have ever done where we got a standing ovation! After us, "Doncaster's premier diva" Jo Copley and her talented keyboard-playing husband Basil Copley entertained the crowd with some contemporary numbers and a bit of jazz.

It was a lovely appreciative audience and I'm sure we'll all be doing more gigs there in the future.

On the road again...sort of

For the first time in ages, I'll be singing live this Sunday, along with Brian on piano.

It's the Doncaster Unitarian Church's 100-year anniversary service this Sunday, and we'll be performing a couple of original songs there. It's a great milestone for the church and we're looking forward to celebrating along with the rest of the congregation.

The service will take place at Doncaster Unitarian and Free Christian Church on Hallgate in Doncaster, this Sunday 19th August at 3pm.