Jake and Luke Flowers
Now that I finally have my drivers licence again (stolen in UK a few years back, replaced in NZ a few weeks back), I’m able to go for long drives in what is still very much Bobbie’s car. While she did a bit of last minute Christmas preparation, Jake and I grabbed Patrick, jumped in the car and headed for Stockport, not far from Manchester.
I’d met Luke Flowers, the drummer from The Cinematic Orchestra, when touring around the country interviewing musicians earlier in the year, and he offered Jake a masterclass. Of course, I jumped at the chance on Jake’s behalf. The Cinematic Orchestra are one of my favourite bands on the planet, and Luke is an absolutely amazing drummer.
This being the time of year it is, the M6 was pretty much stationary most of the way there. What should have been an hour and a half drive came in just over three hours. Even so, we had a pretty cruisy ride there. Having someone who knows the way in the car removes so much of the tension out of driving places.
Drumming class
But even with the lengthy delay and the closed roads in Stockport that Patrick hadn’t been aware of, it was completely worth the journey. Luke’s offered to continue teaching Jake on an as-and-when basis, but he’s given Jake enough information, exercises, ideas and assigned listening to carry on with for at least a month.
Next time, we’ll take the train. The railway station’s closer than we could park the car, I quite like being able to get up and wander around while I’m travelling, having a toilet on board is kind of handy, there are no motorway traffic jams and somebody else is doing the work.