Mostly wanted to write this as a reminder to meself that yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus. Uh, except my name's not Virginia, and didn't the Santa Claus myth evolve from tales of Siberian mushroom-mania?

The point of my soft-serve cone is this...

Both the London 12 Bar gig and the Magic Cafe Oxford lunchhour were really lovely gigs. Reminded me that I do like playing solo gigs sometimes! 12 Bar felt like a proper showcase gig - this is the Anton Solo gig I'd show the Proper People, innit. New songs, Ant classics and crap in-between. Humourous without flailing, succinct enough to stop when too much is simply not enough. And I had fun! Maybe everyone did - seemed like it. So, thanks to any of you readers who were there.

Magic cafe in Ox yesterday also a winner. Great crowd, including some kindly travellers and likeable locals. The cafe has new owners, sweet crew. No change in a certain regard - Hafiz ran a great ship too. But in this world where we musicians are always begging for shitty gigs, oh please let me do 20 minutes in front of some lousy band, PLEASE - it matter much to be appreciated! And the Magic Cafe was good for my soul yesterday. And that piano! It gets better sounding with age. Wonder if I'll sound as good when I'm 150... A few rare tunes were de-bagged.. "Up On The Moon," "Christina Box" and "King of Missouri 2," amongst. The "Banana" singalong was angelic. The kids were alright. It's great to play unplugged in a place like that, feels very suited. Sorta! I mean, trying to project to the back of the building was a challenge, but my voice can easily bear the strain with no strain. I sound like that allll the time! "Hound dog howling, bullfrog croakin'... everything is broken!" I was happy to be there playing songs, thrilled that so many people wanted to hear 'em. Sold some cds, shook some hands and got some lovely Beatles/George bootlegs to boot. Not that you heard that from me...

"Everyone has choice, when to and not to raise their voices... it's you who decides..."

Hare Krishna and Merry Christmas!