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Sunshine after rain - July 2014

As always, it was thrilling to return to Italy, and immediately welcomed into the arms of adorable Vania Santi of Blue Sky.

We had a chance to wander briefly through the regal colonnades of atmospheric Turin and hook up with friends. Rain threatened to stop play that night, but luckily we soldiered on in front of an enthusiastic audience.

But the weather gods must have been angered that we'd cheated them the first night... Villa Franca near Verona was a different story. The heavens opened and it became too dangerous for the show to go ahead. I was as gutted as the loyal fans who were waiting at the gate in hope... All I could play was blues on my harmonica with no amps, alone on waterlogged muddy grass. I really hope to get back to Verona ASAP...

But a silver lining appeared around the clouds the following day as we wound our way through poplars, fields of bright sunflowers, ruined farmsteads and wooded hills to the beautiful hill top medieval town of Cortona. The band exploded back into life to a lively sell out crowd whilst the music thundered and reverberated through every street. It was a privilege to welcome Bernardo Lanzetti from PFM as guest on stage for 'Return of the Giant Hogweed'.

Finally, we crossed the amazing rugged mountains of Central Italy to Pescara, where the sea shimmered beneath sunshine and azure sky. Our friend Nick Clabburn immediately dived into the warm water for a swim... a total contrast to two days ago! It was another dynamic show with a fantastic response from everyone.

Along the way it was wonderful to once again meet up with all our incredibly special Italian friends. Italy is always a joy, and it's a wrench whenever we have to leave. A very big thank you to Vania, Sergio, Alessandra and everyone at Blue Sky, as well as all the promotors. We look forward to returning as soon as possible!