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Under Mythological Skies
June 2023

Greece always inspires... From the early days of Genesis with 'Fountain of Salmacis' and with my solo 'Icarus Ascending', I often dreamt of Greece in my imagination...

Visiting these extraordinary Aegean shores over the last fifteen years with Jo, the inspiration has grown ever stronger. Greece, with its deep blue sea, rocky shores, wild mountains and mythical ruins is indeed a totally magical place where the past is always alive.

This week we're in the Peloponnese, which is replete with extraordinary sites. Mycenae, home to Agamemnon who led the Greeks to fight in the Trojan war is mind blowing with its enormous Cyclopean walls (believed to have been constructed by giants), impressive lion gate entrance and massive beehive tomb. Tiryns, where in myth Heracles was born is similarly thrilling, with its vaulted passageways and equally huge stones. Another high point for me was the spectacular theatre of Epidavros, big enough to hold 12,000 people, with its timelessly powerful natural acoustics. No Marshall amps necessary!

Staying in the picturesque town of Nafplion, we've also had some downtime to write new stuff, to enjoy walks through the old town and up to the fortress, as well as a boat ride to be able to salute the Aegean itself...

These few days have fired up lots of ideas in the imagination for future music and the notebook has been constantly opened. Many thanks to Thames Travel and everyone we met who gave us such a wonderful visit.