YOU know when you experience one of those deliciously perfect moments of coincidence?
One of those palpable events that are oh-so spooky and sprinkled with fate that you can almost taste the fabric of space and time?
One that leaves you wondering if you’re starring in your very own version of The Truman Show, with people waiting in the wings for their cue to enter from stage right?
Last week, I was in LA recording a track for my new album with Joe Bonamassa.
West Hollywood’s Sunset Marquis Hotel was the setting, with the state-of-the-art Nightbird recording studio lurking within its depths.
With parking underground for no less than four tour buses, it has for the last 20 years played host to the best, brightest and most notorious legends of the music industry.
And now it was my turn!
Later that day, after a few hours in session, the bell rang signalling that it was feeding time.
Joe and I were dining in the al fresco section of the Marquis’ beautiful restaurant.
Like a couple of lizards basking under the hot LA sun we tucked into a well-earned light luncheon with a chilled Californian vino blanco on the side.
Joe was once signed to Epic Records, I was signed to RCA and we each were acquainted with some key personnel from both labels.
Some good, some bad and some downright awful (no names!).
So, as we sat there gossiping like a couple of old dears in the hairdresser, the strangest event occurred. A moment of sublime synchronicity!
Joe was telling me about his days with Epic and his eventual exit from the label. Ever since then he has gone from strength to strength to become the New Kid On The Block of the Blues world.
I was talking about former Bros member and fellow Scot Craig Logan, who as the new head of RCA records was the man responsible for signing me. I was the first artist he signed to the label and ultimately he was the person partly responsible for the success of my first album, but since my amicable departure we hadn’t spoken.
The instant his name left my lips, I swear by almighty Zeus that the man himself walked in and made for a table near mine.
He quietly glanced at me en route, unsure as to whether it was really me and sat down. I turned to Joe and said: “Pinch me, you’re never going to believe who just walked in.”
It was a sign! A gift from the gods of rock ’n’ roll!
Sometimes the choices we make and the risks we take in the pursuit of happiness can leave us feeling bewildered and lost.
I know I took a gamble when I left the bosom of Sony to cut my third record as an independent artist and at the time I had my fair share of doubts.
But this uncanny chance encounter with the past reassured me that although at times its hard to see the wood for the trees you’ve got to just trust your instincts and keep on fighting your way through.
In the end, the grass really is greener on the other side.