An artist who has always been acutely aware of the seasons changing, a Christmas record from Chris is actually a perfect fit. 

He shared one of the new songs at the gig last night and when he sang his ode to the fleeting fate of a snowman “today was the best day ever cos for a moment there I knew I was alive” 

We knew exactly what he meant and everything appeared to fall into place. His new wraps you snuggly, soothing fears and anxieties that arise at this time of year and his album launch on December 1st in Birmingham promises to be a magical night 

The intimate Hexagon theatre is one of my favorite spots in Birmingham and despite being part of “the old” mac still somehow still feels like a hidden gem. Thank you to everyone that came and gave Gustaf Ljunggren such a magical midlands welcome

The first of three dates together here in England this week, Gustaf flew in on Tuesday morning from Copenhagen with a small keyboard, an OP-1 synthesizer and a lap steel in his luggage. 

I walked out on stage and was reminded how steep the raked seating is inside the Hex, it almost feels as the audience is on top of you. But I’m pleased this heated emotion merely passed me by and I bid such fears farewell as I introduced Gustaf to the stage. 

We then glided through our first show together. I believed we could fly, so we did. Gustaf effortlessly moved from instrument to instrument and song to song. I particularly enjoyed our tribute to the Hewerdines, playing material from both Boo and his son Ben 

Let’s hope today’s drive up north to Barton Upon Humber is equally smooth!

Photo: Paul Ward