Paolo!

This is my guitar teacher, Paolo. More of him in a bit.

Normally, I would have college today but Yoss has sustained a bit of ear damage. So, rather than encroach on the Minx's lunch with her mum, cousin, and a two of her aunts, I met up with Yoss for a couple of drinks and a bite to eat at Lo Scoglio, with a chaser at The Kings Arms.

After that, I walked 'round to The Everyman to meet the Minx for a late afternoon showing of 'The Duke', which is the new film starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren. It is very much of a genre of British film that I particularly enjoy: often humorous and/or whimsical, always well written and with great actors. The film was terrific, right up there with 'Last Orders', 'Mr Holmes', 'Saving Grace', 'The Damned United', and, my favourite, 'Einstein And Eddington'.

And it was after enjoying the film that we walked across to Hatch for a bite to eat and to watch Paolo's gig, which I guess is in support of his new e.p. The opening track - 'If My Baby Was A Song' - is a lovely piece of writing.

He and his band were on fine form and the only downside was that it was really too cold for what amounted to an open air venue. We enjoyed the first set and some of the second before eventually conceding defeat but it was a treat to see Paolo letting rip (as opposed to when he's helping me learn), and his band supported him brilliantly. We'll certainly go and see him again, just somewhere a bit warmer!