Cover of Photoplay February 1972 published by Photoplay Film Monthly 12-18 Paul Street London EC2A 4JS

We went to the studio in December with Dave Barbarossa – what a legend. His own band Cauldronated are doing gigs around London so do keep an eye out for them – having watched ‘Birdman’ (parts of it filmed in the Edison Hotel where I began my musical journey) and the extremely good ‘Whiplash’ it’s all about drums at the moment!

Dave Barbarossa in studio December 2014

I’m not back in the studio till March (with the wonderful Richard Moore on violin joining us) but in the meantime I’ve been away in Mexico and been pondering visuals for the album I am writing with Mark Vernon.

Adie, Dave and Mark at Unit 2 Studios London December 2014

It may be these visuals are too personal and will not work but I’m creating them anyway. They include the underground museum in Mexico. I love scuba diving. I have only been four times but I feel totally at home down there. I took some underwater footage on an underwater camera that was only £30. Thanks to Cameron Craig (our producer/ mixer/ engineer) who told me how good these little cameras are. I also spent hours untangling some Mexican puppets, which I feel have some kind of story to them.  Lettie or Letty or Leticia is quite a common name out there.

Letty’s Local Mexico 2015

Here I am with my cabellero!

Lettie and her caballero January 2015

There was one quite funny incident out there after I got the most amazing Mayan Massage (sprinkled with branches, a full hour and a half but no feet because I’m too ticklish).  I have only had about two massages in my life.  Anyway, I had bought a Celia Birtwhistle dress for about £20 from the Trinity Hospice shop and it’s rather floaty and pretty, not my usual style.  I was all perched on a bench and I thought I was fine but actually the mixture of the massage and the margarita obviously went straight to my head and I completely lost my balance and fell down in the busy street.  So uncool.  Dress very floaty indeed.    Anyway, here’s an example of her amazing designs:

Celia Birtwell’s Floating Daisy pattern Ossie Clark Vietnam 1969 photograph by Jim Lee from ‘vintage fashion’ published by Carlton books 2006 by Emma Baxter-Wright, Sarah Kennedy and Kate Mulvey

I got a very surprising message from some guys writers / DJs in Italy and I’m keeping quiet for the time being but I’m rather pleased with the track which we are calling ‘Hungry’. It’s a revelation working on a dance track. I’m really pleased with it and it is in total contrast to the album I’m doing.

Lettie with the guys in Tuscany’s email saying how much they like ‘Hungry’ February 2015

I know my journey to Milan last year was not a wasted one. Geppi and I have recorded two tracks under the name ‘Bongo Express’. Things take time but they sound great.

Milano Viktor Emanuel II Gallery Fotographia GIESSE unmarked

I sometimes wonder if it’s worth doing my blog because I don’t think many people read it but I really must make myself do it. Not only is it my memory and musical diary it is a constant reminder of things I must never forget…  I recently read that Myspace destroyed everyone’s blog from that time. I know that I had hundreds of images and stories on there. My whole tour with Peter Murphy back in 2009 was recorded on there. In one gigantic swoop they tore it all down.

Unknown picture from Mexico

So I thought I would get into a romantic mood instead….

May 1908 to Miss Davis West Malvern hope you got home safe. We have just been up the tower to fetch the cards …shall come Friday if fine love from G

Aug 30 1907 He is handsome, beautiful Brown eyes and such a nice curl x Mr F L Murray 136 Kilburn Park Road date August 30 1907 (Valentine’s Series)

January 31 1936 so pleased to get your letter …what a city of mourning London was…such crowds you were a long way off. I suppose…Dear love keep well to miss Clark 38 Priorty Road London NW6

When first among the jessamine he saw her looking on The Rotopaot Postcard Postkarte Carte Postale 1907

Dear Wilfred just a few lines to let you know I shall come down on Saturday night yours truly …Lizzie xxxxx Holmfirth Bamforth Y Co Ltd Publishers date not known

Unknown photograph

To Mr R Grosly in Leytonstone 1905? Alexander’s Life Model series No 87

I do love Roxy Music

Single The Same Old Scene & Lover by Roxy Music 1980 E.G. Records Ltd

And this book ‘Manwatching’ by Desmond Morris makes me laugh here he advises that the neck embrace is only for lovers who really trust one another:

‘Manwatching’ A Field Guide to Human Behaviour Desmond Morris 1978 ‘The Neck Embrace is so similar to a throttling action that it is rarely used and can only be employed where there is total trust and… both partners are completed relaxed

From ‘Manwatching’ A Field Guide to Human Behaviour by Desmond Morris 1978

I’m off to see Eve Ferret perform tonight.  Last time I saw Hazel O’Connor with her who was excellent…she’s totally unique and brilliant…she will probably mention the sad passing of Steve Strange who was a good friend of hers…

Eve Ferret UK Films-TV-Actress Blackpool Golden Mile on a movie location February 1996 Photograph copyright of Robert McDougall

27.5.56 arrived today from Cortina D’Ampezza where the winter Olympic games were held ….On the back is a picture of a group who are giving a concert dancing and yodelling. I have bought their postcard here it is best love Dad

More very soon….

From Delys Nash 272A Blackhorse Lane Walthamstow E17 (1928)

Here’s an old track called ‘Eternity’ ….Happy Valentine’s Day xxx