Hello Roger,

Having enjoyed browsing the site I thought I would venture some thoughts out in to the vastness of cyberspace and see if they meet up with you at any point!

I’ve been a fan of DP for a while (although at 27 I can hardly compete with some of the others I have read comments from). I managed to get to see DP at the Albert Hall for the Concerto gig in 99 and saw you in Bristol more recently. I have to admit to expecting to be disappointed (how could they be as good as the records and older live recordings) and I’m glad to say I was wrong. The Concerto gig particularly blew me away and on the back of that I acquired a copy of the Butterfly Ball, which is one of my ‘top ten’ albums. I really enjoyed Snapshot too and notice from your other comments that other solo albums could be making an appearance in a record store near me, which I look forward to.

Anyway now for a question or two. How much of a track when played live is improvised, e.g. are solo lengths/changes predetermined or left ‘up to chance’ on the feelings of the night? Who in the band is the organiser on stage for leading into the next section or the conclusion of the song?

How much rehearsing does the band do before a gig?

Finally I am venturing into the world of home recording and finding it hard to get what is in my head down on ‘tape’. Do you have any tips for arranging songs?

Incidentally if you’re at a loose end then I’m setting up a new band and need a bass player, so if you fancy getting paid peanuts and playing to the unappreciative few in some dodgy pub or other then give me a call!!!!

But seriously thanks for the music and hope to get to see you again soon.

Dan