Part One

Apologies I'm late again but here's part one of five parts for July… I'm sending this first part from a very nice cabin on a river cruise boat where I, along with many other performers are on the first river cruise organised by Trading Boundaries here on the Rheine in Germany.

I'm also really happy that son Adam and his lovely wife Terri are also on board and as well as doing his own show he will be joining me for a few pieces during my Tuesday show.

The organisation on the boat/ship… (not sure of the correct term)… err… floaty thing is excellent as is the food, so all bodes well for this being the first of many. I'll do more reports as the days go by and the main chunk when I get home on Thursday and include August as well as I'll be doing a lot of studio work… some big decisions unfolding too…

More tomorrow!

Part Two

Day 2 on the boat/ship/floaty thing was good as late afternoon we started on our way to Strasbourg where we are docked now, but obviously not in the city itself of course.

Yesterday afternoon Chris Welch had a one to one chat with Roger Dean which was really lovely and I had dinner with Roger before watching son Adam perform with Damian Wilson. Great show and I sat and listened as a very proud Dad. It's great that I get to both play with and listen to both Oliver and Adam.

I've met some lovely people on the boat/ship/floaty thing and some have come as far as from America, Brazil and Argentina. Erik Jordan arrives later to set up the 2 keyboards (I only know where the on/off switch is) and I'll put together a final set list which will of course change as soon as I've started!… Part 3 tomorrow!

Part Three

Well it's my final full day on board the ship and we actually sailed! There has been a water shortage in the Rhine which has created a lot of difficulties for boats but with so much going on for people on board I'm not sure people are really that bothered although I know everybody is moving to another ship in Amsterdam so the cruise will continue but without me as I go home tomorrow.

Son Adam remains on board though as he is doing a final show later in the week with Damian Wilson. I'm also so pleased to say that he'll be playing a few pieces tonight with me for my final set. So it's back home tomorrow and I'll complete the July ramblings and may well even dip into August!

Final Part

Well, I'm back home safe and sound after a very memorable trip, well mooring mostly, on the Rhine. Lots of fun, lovely people and a great opportunity to spend time with son Adam and his lovely wife Terri as well as chatting over the upcoming tours and recordings with Erik Jordan.

We'd only been back a day and it was straight back in the studio with Erik and we have a few more days booked in there to work on templates for the Hint of Xmas tour and also the music for Starmus which includes a small orchestra, so it's pretty busy.

I also have a fun day of interviews for Prog Rock with Oliver and Adam… I dread to think what they'll say!

There's also a couple more days of recording podcasts including ones with Griff Rhys Jones and they're all great fun to do.

On the 29th I'm off to Mars Yard to do some filming for Return to the Red Planet. I think some, if not all the band might be there too. I've got no idea as to exactly what is happening as I've never been to Mars before, or even Mars Yard, but I think it's going to be another little adventure!

Just jumping ahead into August, on Sunday 2nd I'm doing an afternoon matinee with Peter Egan at The Mill at Sonning… it's always a wonderful afternoon, and a great meal beforehand, so if you can make it, we'd love to see you.

August soon… and I'll try and "ramble" on time… promise!!!

Cheers Rick

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