Let me take you back in time…to the fall of 2014. I was participating in a BILC language-teaching seminar in Ellwangen, Germany. It was a great experience for me in more ways that one. For starters, I had no idea that some regions in Germany pride themselves in something called Spätzle, egg noodles. To me noodles had always been a thing of the Orient. Since then, I’ve broadened my world view a bit when it comes to pasta. LOL. I also remember the formal dinner on our last night in Ellwangen, which was organized at an actual castle. It was brilliant.
However, as impressive as the seminar was, for me the real essence of the trip, the most unforgettable part of it, was to get to jam with Dugald Sturges and Claus Mathiesen at the end of each day downstairs Haus Schönenberg, the place where those attending the seminar were staying at. After the official program for the day ended, quite a few of us would head down to the “cellar” to party. Once the goblets were full and the amplifiers were turned on, Dugald, Claus and I would play and sing to an absolutely brilliant audience who were every bit as much part of the show as we were, singing along with us all night long, joining each verse and chorus. It was very much like attending an Oktoberfest celebration at a beer tent somewhere, only a hundred times better.
Little did I know then that I would form a very special bond with Dugald Sturges. We’d become friends but also “rivals” in music, with my The Impersonators and his PilGrims In ProGress taking turns in releasing singles, appearing on the same radio charts. Our music is not similar but it’s great to have that small competitive edge going, attempting to outdo the other. I know I’ve enjoyed it a lot. Of course, when Dugald’s new release is better than mine, which happened, in my opinion at least, with our previous releases, it’s terrible!!!!!
Our track of the week and month is Pilgrims in Progress’ “In Small Things Forgotten”, an incredible tune with a beautiful, haunting melody, great lyrics and a production that emulates the likes of Lou Reed and David Bowie but also, manages to solidify the sound of the group for once and for all. Those of us, who’ve been listening all along, nodded our heads, looked at each other and said, “Great, a ballad but it totally sounds like them.”
Additionally, “In Small Things Forgotten” is one of those songs that you feel you’ve heard before but obviously, realize that you haven’t, which is more or less the true mark of a standard. Sure the rough spots are there, they belong to the music of PilGrims In ProGress, but I can honestly say, there isn’t anything here that I don’t like. It’s an outstanding track, a real tour de force from the group. If you give it a spin, you’ll see what I mean.
In fact, I love “In Small Things Forgotten” so much that I haven’t had the nerve to listen to Dugald’s new release. You see we both released a single a week or so ago and I’m scared to find out just how good his new track is. LOL.
You can learn more about PilGrims In Progress here:
About the curator - Tommi Tikka
Tommi Tikka is a linguist, poet, professional songwriter, recording artist and a music aficionado. He started playing guitar when he was four and writing songs when he was six. Consequently, he doesn't remember a time when he wasn't playing or writing. It's fair to say, music and lyrics are not just something he loves to engage himself in. To him, they are a way of life.
You can check out his current band The Impersonators here:
And the music of his previous group Carmen Gray here: Spotify
