I am very well thank you!

I've been having an entertaining summer since I last wrote to you in May. (I'll tell you about it... but if you don't want to know - jut go down to the bit that's BOLD)

I went over to France in May to support my superstar brother Monsoir Charlie Winston (where he's gone platinum and has taken to dressing as a painter and decorator -so as not to get regognized in the Parisian streets!  HA ha!)  Anyway, that was great!  Not only cos I got to hang out with my brother and his lovely troupe, but the French audiences were most charing and attentive and brought my album, which is always nice!  The cheese and wine selection was most superb too and I am missing that.   Went over again in June with Mr Double Bass Tom Fry to support him at La Pigale in Paris to a packed house of 1800.  Really enjoyed that and nicked some of Charlie's band for a few numbers.  Old Charlie put on a blinding show and I was most sisterly proud!  We dueted on my song "Friend Oh Friend" and on his song "Boxes" and they were special moments.  Ahhh.

Went to see Eddi Reader at The Queen Elizabeth Hall.  Mr Roy Dodds was drumming/percussioning with her (as he always does) and it was superb... she has the most fluent voice and is beautifully natural and funny on stage.

Ed Sheeran invited me to sing BV's on his new EP.  The songs are great and I am proud to have played a small part.  Don't know when it's released but check out his page anyway. He'll do very well that lad.

The madness of Glastonbury was next up!  Tom and I were invited to play The Avalon Cafe Stage on the thursday and saturday - and Hadar made a surprise appearance on BV's for both which was wicked.  Tom read his funny poems and all was rosey!  Apart from herbal highs that made Tom and I violently sick (don't take them) and the odd downpour it was all good. 

Best bits.... number one - Regina Spektor.  Fucking genius!  

A very close second..... Blur - what can you say?  

Third... The Noisettes - amazing energy.  

Fourth......Beth Rowley - gave me goosebumps, what a voice!  

Much more excellent stuff but I'm sure I'm probably boring you by now.....????

Last weekend I sang BV's with Claire Nicolson at couple of festivals - she's a crazy diamond of a chick who writes songs that you can't get out of your head and is simply brilliant, brilliant!  Her new album is soon to be realeased.  BUY IT!

You've got to come along if you can!

on this spendid evening I have playing....  (check them out in my top friends bit)

These are all REAL friends.  Not only brilliant singers, musicains, songwriters..... but absolutely GREAT people!  I love them!!!

It's not a stuffy night.... you won't get bored.  It's fun and inspiring and what life is all about.  You may discover your perfect song.... you may discover your favourite new artist..... you may fall in love..... you may have a interesting conversation.... you may have a few drinks...... you will be happy and you will be glad you were there!

HAVE I SOLD IT TO YOU?????

NO - IT'S FREE!!!!

Right I'll shut up now..... I have a gig to get to in an hour!  Eeekk!

Sorry this has been so long!  next one'll be short I promise!

All good things!

Vashti Anna x

P.S.

What've you been up to?