My Darling Clementine

Latest News

04 Dec

There ain’t no cure for the Somerset blues

We are sorry to disappoint those who had tickets for the two shows on Friday and Sunday in Taunton and Frome. Alas, the weather put paid to the first and rather underwhelming ticket sales to the other (Frome, what is the matter with you!)

Our sincere apologies to those who had bought tickets, and were looking forward to the show.

We appreciate it is quite a distance to Birmingham but if any of you would like to come to the final show of the year, this Sunday, December 10th, as our guests, please send a direct message via the Facebook page, or the official MDC website and we will see what can be done.

Contact us here.

The show is close to selling out so please advise ASAP.

Onward, ever onward…

06 Nov

Autumn 2023 Newsletter

Hi all,

Welcome to the Autumn newsletter,

It’s touring time and the leave-strewn highways and by-ways of Ireland and the UK beckon us.

September and October have already been busy with shows, and songwriting workshops, in Germany, Denmark, Czech Rep and Norway. Here are a few snaps on stage and off from our recent travels;

Ok, enough past, here is what is coming up.

Out first Irish tour in years. It has been a long time since we played Ireland, other than Belfast, so we are doubly excited to be returning.

Here are the links to the shows:
We are also in session for BBC Radio Ulster and Derry Drive 105 while we are there. Keep an eye on our social media for news about those). 

After Ireland, the rest of the year will be spent touring the UK including a special, one-off show in Manchester, at the spectacular Stoller Hall which will see us collaborating with a number of the brilliant music students from the adjoining Chethams School of Music.

Brass, Strings, Woodwind and singers will join us for new arrangements of older songs, as well as showcasing brand new material

This show won’t be repeated but we assure you it  will be worth making the trip. So come and enjoy the city for a night or two, and take in the concert while you’re here.

Thu 23 Nov – Manchester
The Stoller Hall

We are also looking forward to returning to some favourite cities, towns and venues, scenes of previously great nights, as well as playing some brand new places for us such as Hereford and Frome, and across the water from Dundee in Tayport.

We close out the year in our old home town of Brum, playing our one and only Country Darkness/Christmas Lights show this year, on Dec 10th.

Here are all the shows for November and December and once again, all details can be found here. 

OUR PLACE OR YOURS

We have received a number of enquires recently, asking if we would play a private concert, either as part of a celebration event, private party etc, or an intimate concert for you and invited guests. This is something we have done on occasion and are always happy to discuss it, and what the circumstances are. In the first instance, just send a message via the ‘contact’ page on the website or an email to info@mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk, or send a message over social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and we can get the ball rolling to see if it is possible.

DONATE

We have recently added a ‘donate’ button to the opening page of the website.Although we are keeping as busy as we can, and touring as much as possible, we are always in need of funding to support special projects and recordings, particularly since COVID-19. As we start to make a new album, any and all donations towards the recording budget would be gratefully received. Thank you.

So, that’s all for now. We look forward seeing you all soon at a show in the coming weeks. Any requests, send them over.Yours in music,
Lou & Michael
03 Aug

Summer Newsletter – Autumn Shows Across UK And Ireland, Europe And Scandinavia

Hi all

Welcome to the summer newsletter

This one is mostly about the ‘live experience.’ It has been a quiet summer so far in terms of shows but we are never off the road for long and Autumn 2023 promises to be as busy as ever

Here is what is coming up;

Firstly, of particular interest to those in and around London. MWK plays solo in Twickenham this Sunday.

Some of you may have seen us play the same event a couple of years ago. This time it is just Michael, who will be joined by the always mercurial Preben Raunsbjerg on guitar and the imperious Liam Grundy on piano and keys (both MDC alumni). Songs old and new, and maybe a homage or two. Michael on stage at 9pm.

Into September for two Clementine shows,  in Birmingham and Malvern;

Fri Sept 1st on the opening day of the fantastic Moseley Folk Festival (on stage approx 8pm).

And then on Sun Sept 10th   in the more intimate setting of The Cube in Malvern.

(Early bird tickets are available at the moment which offer a reduction on the regular price)

And then we head back to Europe for shows in Germany, Denmark, and Czech Republic. We had a blast on the Euro tour in May and cannot wait to be back out playing for all our EU friends.

All show details on our website.

Into November, and a short solo tour of Norway for Michael;
And then back home for MDC shows in the UK and Ireland.

It has been a long time since we played Ireland, other than Belfast, so we are doubly excited to be returning. This is how the Irish tour stands at the time of writing and Dublin is already on sale:

We are looking to add 2 more shows.

After Ireland, the rest of the year will be touring England and Scotland, including a special, one-off show in Manchester, at the spectacular Stoller Hall which will see us collaborating with a number of the brilliant music students from the adjoining Chetham’s School of Music.

Brass, Strings, Woodwind and choir will join us for new arrangements of older songs, as well as showcasing brand new material from the forthcoming new album.

This show won’t be repeated but will be worth making the trip. So come and enjoy the city for a night or two, and take in the show while you’re here.

Tickets on sale now here.

Here are all the confirmed shows for November and December and once again, all details can be found here.

IN STORE

Just a reminder that every order placed via the My Darling Clementine web site store or Michael Weston King web site store comes with the added bonus of a free copy of the song book Beautiful Lies, which itself comes with a free live MWK album.

Or you can order it specially here.

    

OUR PLACE OR YOURS

We have received a number of enquires recently, asking if we would play a private concert, either as part of a celebration event, private party etc, or an intimate concert for you and invited guests. This is something we have done on occasion and are always happy to discuss it, and what the circumstances are. In the first instance, just send a message via the ‘contact’ page on the website or an email to info@mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk, or send a message over social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and we can get the ball rolling to see if it is possible.

DONATE

We have recently added a ‘donate’ button to the opening page of the website.Although we are keeping as busy as we can, and touring as much as possible, we are always in need of funding to support special projects and recordings, particularly since COVID-19. As we start to make a new album, any and all donations towards the recording budget would be gratefully received. Thank you.

Ok, that’s all for now. Enjoy the remainder of the summer, and we look forward seeing you all soon at a show in the coming weeksYours in music,
Lou & Michael
24 Apr

Spring newsletter – Recording in progress / Euro touring / Special UK show announcement

Hi all,

As we write this, the sun is streaming through the window, blossom lines the streets of Manchester, the dandelions are running amok and finally, it feels like the winter is behind us.

So, let’s start with some icy scenes…….

TOURING

Firstly, thanks to all our friends and followers in Sweden and Norway who came out to the shows in March. Oh, we had a wonderful time on that tour, both on and off-stage. It really was a joy.Every day a cold, winter, blue-sky day. Every journey, whether by road, sea or air was a pleasure. Even the temperatures dropping to -15 on occasion was welcome and cleared the head.

Our thanks to Kari Meyer for her organisational skills and all promoters and venue staff for working hard on the shows and looking after us so well.

Here a few pics from the snowy north.



For the Swedish speakers amongst you, here is a review of the opening night’s show, at Medley in Malmo;

“When after two hours of intimate, pure country duets, they get on stage again for an extra number, it is with the Jerry Chesnut song “A Good Year For The Roses”. Originally recorded by George Jones but also translated by Stefan Sundströms as “Elder”. Elvis Costello also recorded it on his cover album “Almost Blue” (1981) with a series of old country classics and as such it ties the evening well. Country and Elvis Costello filtered through a decades-long marriage. I can’t help but fantasize what it would be like if Elvis Costello had collaborated with Diana Krall in the same fashion.”

Live photos from Medley, Malmo March 1st 2023:


This month we were due to be undertaking out first tour of New Zealand. Sadly, following the horrific cyclones and floods suffered there recently, it has had to be re-scheduled. Still working on exact time frame. If not at the end of this year, it will be early 2024.So, next up are shows in Germany, The Netherlands and, just added, a show in The Czech Rep, in Prague. Nine shows in all, running from May 19th to June 1st. Some of these shows are in venues with limited capacity (60-70) so do book in advance as some shows are almost sold out.

Full details can be found on the My Darling Clementine and Michael Weston King websites.

Meanwhile back here at home, we are delighted to announce a very special, one-off show in our current home city of Manchester, at the spectacular Stoller Hall.

Tickets are on sale now for the show on November 23rd, which will see us collaborating with a number of the brilliant music students from the adjoining Chetham’s School of Music.

Brass, strings, woodwind and choir will join us for new arrangements of older songs, as well as showcasing brand new material from the forthcoming new album.

This show won’t be repeated, you are going to have to come to us, but rest assured, it will be worth the trip. Come and enjoy the city for a night or two, Manchattan in all it’s glory, and take in the Stoller Hall show while you’re here.

Tickets on sale now here.




Before then, other UK shows include an MWK solo appearance at The High Tide Festival in Twickenham on July 30th – and MDC play Moseley Folk Festival on Sept 1st.

More shows are being added all the time, home and abroad, so keep checking the website.

And if there is a venue near you that you’d like for us to come and play, just let us know by emailing info@mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk

SHOPPING

BACK IN STOCK / FREE SONGBOOK.

En route to Malmo the other week, we stopped off in the German town of Lubeck to visit an old friend, and former record label boss and publisher. While there we picked up some of Michael’s albums and song books that we didn’t know were still in existence.

So, having updated the website store pages, here is now what is available again, albeit in small quantities:

  • The Tender Place’ – a compilation / ‘Best of album’ covering the years 1999 – 2005, with liner notes by Jackie Leven.
  • ‘A Decent Man’ 2003 – produced by Jackie Leven and featuring Ian McNabbamong the special guests, it includes a remarkable cover version of Alone Again Naturally
  • I Didn’t Raise My Boy To Be A Soldier’ 2010 – ‘the protest song album’ – a collection of old and new protest songs, half covers, half originals, featuring special guest Jeb Loy Nichols. Stunning triple panel digi-pack design
  • ‘Absent Friends’ 2004 – MWK live across Europe with assorted friends and musical colleagues (features Rab Noakes, Andy White, Jackie Leven, Mick Thomas and many more)
  • ‘Beautiful Lies’ – Glossy A4 sized song book includes sheet music to 15 MWK songs, loads of unseen photos and comes with free bonus live cd, ‘Live…In Dinky Town’.
  • Also back in stock though again in short supply, are CD copies of the My Darling Clementine albums ‘The Reconciliation’ and ‘Still Testifying’ 
All orders of £12 or more will receive a complimentary copy of the song book and bonus album ‘Live…in Dinky Town’ (see below)
 
   
 

THE STRUGGLE

Thank you for all your kind words, and continued feedback about The Struggle album, and also for all the enquiries asking when / if it will be available on vinyl.We are

working on this and hope to be able to announce soon. Record Store Day had been mooted but delays in pressing meant we had missed the deadline.Meanwhile, for those still to hear it, you can stream or order the album on CD here, or buy CD directly from the MWK web site (the order will now include the free song book).

OUR PLACE OR YOURS

We have received a number of enquires recently, asking if we would play a private concert, either as part of a celebration event, private party etc, or an intimate concert for you and invited guests. This is something we have done on occasion and are always happy to discuss it, and what the circumstances are. In the first instance, just send a message via the ‘contact’ page on the website or an email to info@mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk, or send a message over social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and we can get the ball rolling to see if it is possible.

DONATE

We have recently added a ‘donate’ button to the opening page of the website.Although we are keeping as busy as we can, and touring as much as possible, we are always in need of funding to support special projects and recordings, particularly since COVID-19. As we start to make a new album, any and all donations towards the recording budget would be gratefully received. Thank you.

Ok, that’s all for this latest missive. Keep well, be happy and hopefully we’ll see you all soon at a show.As ever, our best to you

Yours in music,
Lou & Michael

06 Feb

I’ve Got The Sick Bed Blues – My Darling Clementine / Michael Weston King Newsletter – January 2023

Hi everyone,

They say April is the cruelest month. Well, January 2023 has been running it close this year. We are so glad now it’s over!

Not only has it taken an immeasurable amount of musical talent from us (rip Jeff Beck, David Crosby, Alan Rankine, Fred White, Tom Verlaine, Barrett Strong) but it has brought a plague upon the Dalgleish-King house.

All our best laid plans of being creative and writing songs for the next album have been scuppered while we have fought pneumonia and flu respectively

But, we are resurfacing now, slowly, to give you an update on some upcoming shows.

To start with, this coming Saturday, a very special night is taking place in Glasgow to celebrate the music and life of our dear friend Jackie Leven.  A fabulous line-up is coming together in Oran Mor, as part of the Celtic Connections festival. This is almost sold out so grab tickets now if planning on coming. One song that will be played in Glasgow is Michael’s homage to Jackie, ’The Final Reel’.

Feb 4 Glasgow
Oran Mor – Celtic Connections
TICKETS 

 

MWK Solo Shows

After that, 2 MWK solo shows in the south of England, where again The Struggle album will be played in its entirety followed by a trip through the back catalogue.

Friends in the south here’s what to expect. Click here for review of MWK’s recent show in Birmingham.

Joining Michael on these shows will be the brilliant guitarist Preben Raunsbjerg. Familiar to many of you from recent My Darling Clementine shows.

Again, do book early. Dates and links as follows:

Sun Feb 12
High Wycombe – Kingsmead Concert Series
TICKETS
Mon Feb 13
Brighton – The Greys 
TICKETS

And then to conclude in February, the only My Darling Clementine UK show before summer, will be taking in the ‘Happy Valley’ itself, in Bradford.

This will be a trio show, with the mercurial Preben Raunsbjerg again joining us.

Thurs Feb 23
Queensbury, Bradford – Black Dyke Mill
TICKETS

Scandinavia

Into March and we are heading back to Sweden and Norway for 11 shows. So, to all our Scandinavian friends,  we look forward to seeing you as the nights draw out.

These will be duo shows. 2 voices, one guitar, one piano.

The first part of the show will be a journey through the My Darling Clementine back catalogue. The second part will feature our interpretations of the Elvis Costello songs from the ‘Country Darkness’ album (listen here), plus a number of songs from Michael’s  current solo album, (listen here). The show will conclude with more MDC favourites, plus we are also working up a killer ‘local’ cover version to close with. The song maybe Swedish, it maybe Norwegian, it is certainly Scandinavian

Ordering on-line / overseas postage / new merchandise

We have just updated the stores on both web sites.

https://mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk/store
https://michaelwestonking.com/store

Please note, we are now out of stock of a number of titles, so please check before ordering. If we don’t have a certain album, there will be a link to where you can order it elsewhere. However, we are looking to replace o/s CDs asap.We are also planning some new merchandise too. New shirts, new prints etc. If there is anything you would particularly like to see in the store, let us know. Badges? Coffee mugs? Posters? etc etc. Your suggestions are welcome.

We have recently, and over the years, been asked about performing at private functions. Significant birthdays, corporate events, fund-raisers, even weddings. While these are not things we do regularly, we are always open to the conversation. We are happy to discuss it and look for ways to make it work. If this is of interest, please get in touch via either Lee@RLNMusic.com or info@mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk

OK Thanks everyone.

We wish you a trouble-free, illness-free rest of the winter, and we look forward to seeing you at an upcoming show

Do keep following us also on the old social media (links below)  and keep supporting live music as much as you can. We all need it now, more than ever.

Thanks.
Yours in music,
Lou and Michael