Day two of this trip brings us to Southampton, only a short bus ride from London. (oh, c’mon … you knew I had to work a bus ride in there somewhere, right? LOL)
After not nearly enough sleep the night before and still feeling a bit jet-lagged, Sandy and I decided to forgo the whole queueing thing and just enjoy a nice, quiet meal (I love tapas!) at a cafe near our hotel.
So all the English, US and Dutch people slowly (though far too early) rose this morning from where they had strewn themselves about my house and we sorted ourselves into train schedules and carloads. Many thanks to Steve, of this board, who ended up driving us to Southampton and all the way home, a very great kindness. And he also gave me glossy prints of the London gig, how nice.
Southampton was a great, fun, brilliant show. The Brook is a real nice club; not smart or pretentious in any way, just an intimate space with a dancefloor and a balcony all round and a high stage so most everyone can see and the atmosphere is somehow just right.
And the Jukes revelled in it, right back on song and all playing the most marvellous stuff.
WEDNESDAY 27 OCTOBER: THE BROOK
Marjan and I decide to go to Southampton via my house and pick up the car; that way we can drive back afterwards and be on hand for Cécile’s arrival in London Thursday. Train delays make this a tight schedule – we have two hours at home for a cup of tea (and to post the set-list) before setting off again. And it means Marjan has to take the wheel for her first time driving on the left-hand side of the road, in a British car with steering-wheel and gear-shift on the wrong sides. Brave woman – and absolutely cool and competent. We get to the Brook without once going wrong, and find only the usual suspects (see last night) are there before us.
The Brook is another really nice place to see the Jukes – small, intimate, kind of octagonal standing/jumping place, with a balcony all round – sort of like a funky, indoor Shakespearean theatre; and it’s always packed to the rafters, with a great atmosphere. And somehow, over this summer, they have managed to refurbish and expand it a little without losing that vibe.
