I received a note this morning from the Express & Star, informing me that as they were scrapping the newspaper’s classical what’s on column, they no longer required my services as a freelance journalist.

After 20 years of service, the news was delivered in a brief, two par e-mail from the current features editor. I expected nothing less.

A strange feeling has hung over me for the rest of the day. I felt that odd rush of insecurity that haunted me at the beginning of self-employment. It’s difficult to say why - I was paid only £20 per column and so its never been exactly central to my business plan. But still…

I guess it’s a kind of delayed mourning. The final confirmation that a phase of your life has gone forever.

Later in the morning, I found the antidote to the feeling. I went to the bank and paid in the latest stash of cheques, which came to over two and a half thousand quid.

So I’m doing all right. God’s got his eye on me. And these days, I am really only left with one regret.

That I didn’t do what I’m doing now many years earlier.

It’s nearly a year since I walked the corridors of the Express & Star for the last time and so it seemed a good idea to bring people up to date, particularly since I’ve been too busy to update the blog much.

Much to my surprise, I’ve been busy with plenty of work here and there - the variety is quite stunning, and definitely the best part of self-employment. The main downside is not knowing when to stop - sometimes Vikki has to literally drag me off the computer at 11pm!

I’m currently working on my first album, which will be sold on the internet and elsewhere. When that happens, Goldstraw.com will become more of a site dedicated to my personal music, though this blog will remain in some shape or form. I’m also doing loads of freelance journalism and plenty of web design work.

Health wise, I’m seeing the oncologist for a check-up on Monday, but I gather that after that (presuming I’m OK) they’ll leave me alone for four years.

Oh, and I’m on a diet!

And you can now find me on Facebook, for those of you so-addicted:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=547370521

What is it with people? I’ve had several approaches - two only this week - to play on recording sessions. Great! One slight problem - no-one wants to pay. I may be an idiot but I’m not a charity. Which part of “professional musician” don’t they understand?

If you’ve nothing better to do this Friday night (September 29) you might want to get yo ass down to the Britannia Stadium in Stoke to see Feels Like Midnight play. We’re featured in a comedy, jazz and blues evening along with local guitarist and singer Scott Ralph and four comics, including fellow St Giles worshipper Andy Kind, who’s also your compere for the evening. Although it’s been organised by the church it’s emphatically NOT a religious or evangelical evening. We’ll be in the Jimmy Greenhoff Suite in the stadium, which is on the A50 from Stoke to Derby, the show begins at 8pm (doors open at 7.30) and tickets are £5 on the door.

Thanks to the boys in the Fairplay function band, with whom I sat in on keyboards for a gig in Cheadle, Staffs, at the weekend. Paul, Mike and Mark - you guys rock! Here’s to the ‘rematch’ in August!

Just completed the web site for Feels Like Midnight, my new musical partnership with singer Kari Santoro. There are audio tracks on the site for you to sample and I must say I’m very happy with the results - Kari has a fantastic voice and is a joy to work with. Here’s to the first booking!