S*T*U*F*F* Reloaded

Foy’s album “Hope” is out today. Just Google “foy vance hope” and buy it. That’s an order. Not only is it full of drifting magic both soulful and shambolic, perfect and imperfect, light and colour that is rare these days, but the vocals are stunning, the playing has a touch we all dream of, and the artwork by his wife Joanne is utterly moving and creates a package you’d be a BA Baracas-style FOOL to miss.

00:23. After the show at the Château de Blois, champagne in hand. Its not often you get the chance to see your shadow projected fifty feet tall on a wall that has been there since the 15th century, but that’s what I was looking at as the light show kicked in during the climax to “La Femme d’Argent”, always my favourite moment of the Air set, the moment where I truly lose myself in the unfolding mayhem. The word “breathtaking” springs to mind, but the scene here immediately makes me drop it as insufficient.

Its been a great end to one of the nicest periods of touring I’ve ever experienced - starting in Iceland, then over to Moscow, St. Petersburg, back to London for a couple of days off, followed by Werchter in Belgium (long live the Beastie Boys), and a gentle drift through France.

I’d never been anywhere in France outside Paris, and its been almost exactly what I hoped it would be. Beautiful scenery, charming towns, delightful food and wine, cheese, late morning coffees in picturesque squares… I suppose the archetypal vision of what France is all about. Today was definitely the best day of this little run of dates. I spilled out of the tour bus in blinding sunshine to be faced with the vision of the mighty chateau that has existed here since the 13th century, and it was nothing short of stunning. The stage was set in the main courtyard, amidst wonderful stone staircases and stained glass windows, towers and fortress walls. Just behind the tour bus, a sheer drop to the medieval town and the Loire river meandering in the distance. Perfect. And followed by a slow day - they really turned up the hospitality from the get-go, giving us lunch and dinner in a wonderful old banqueting room, with food to match. Earl and I nearly died of cheese heaven, washed down with a fine local red. I love France.

So now home for a couple of days, which is welcome. I’m staying at JB’s house in Paris, ready to get on the Eurostar yet again (so nice not to have taken any flights on this bit) for the train back to Waterloo, back down to SE26 for rain and Wimbledon, cups of tea and cuddling little Luka, bedtime stories and my heart melting all over again. I love having a child more than I could ever put into words.

Well, we have to go. There’s a bottle of “Ruinart” champagne on the bus that should set us nicely on the windy dark road to Paris.