Well then, another calendar year all but behind us. A moment's reflection on 2011.

As many of you know, my memory is hazy at best, but I recall the following, in no particular order. I remember hundreds, if not thousands of you singing along on cruise ship as we recorded 'Mutiny on the Dawn' together for my solo CD. Many thanks to you all for the amazing experience. The tune will be made available very soon as we hope to use it as an advance song or something for the CD. (which is due out in early 2012, by the way)

I have an even dimmer recollection of going from the South Caribbean to Nova Scotia, in a matter of days without the aid of an airplane. Didn't GBS play for the biggest kind of crowd in Halifax?

I sang on a boat in Croatia, too. That was awesome.

I also remember starting a Western NA tour in Kelowna, BC and noticed my wonky back was feeling especially wonky when I got off the plane in the Okanagan. I know I did a couple of weeks on the road following a trip to the pharmacy in Northern California somewhere. But I sadly confess to not remembering much of the tour after that visit. I know I had an MRI near Phoenix. I know I skipped the Junos and flew home and had a wee nip and tuck done on the old spine... but that's all pretty hazy, too. Thanks to the docs and nurses for being so frigging smart, hardworking and nice. You probably don't have to be all three, but you do anyway.

I have fond memories of recording with cool musicians for my upcoming solo CD, in St John's and Ferryland here in Newfoundland, Toronto and Burkes Falls in Ontario, Vancouver, BC, and Nashville, Cinnamon Beach, Long Beach, and Burbank in the US. All fun times. Many thanks to you players for being so talented, hard working and nice. You probably don't have to be all three, but you do anyway.

I remember playing in more than one ski town in Colorado last Summer and down below the Hockey Rink in Buffalo.

I had a great time singing, playing and acting with Russell, Kevin, and Scott when we all gathered to shoot the Season Opener of Republic of Doyle. (which airs January 11th on CBC, by the way.) Many folks really enjoyed the tunes on The Crowe/Doyle Songbook Vol. 3 (which is available on iTunes, by the way). A few Folks really enjoyed the intimate Garden Party shows we did at the LSPU Hall last Summer here in St John's. It really was a grand time.

What else? I'll think of it all eventually. I sang with a choir somewhere. That was cool.

Getting ready to begin what I hope is an awesome year. Couple of cool things coming up. Next weekend I'll be joining the Republic of Doyle Team as they kick off the Season with a press blitz in Toronto. All next week GBS assembles to record some new music and video for our GBS XX CD. (Which is due out in late 2012, by the way... ok that's enough of that). No wait. One more not so shameless bit of self-promotion. GBS is supporting an incredible group of Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Professionals who are giving their time to help with the difficult situation in Haiti. We know a few of these amazingly kind and generous people and are delighted to help them help those in such need. Checkout all the info at http://brokenearth.ca/.

Please come or give a donation or spread the word or whatever.

I honestly believe that everything I've eaten for a week or more has been some shade of brown. I recall no green or orange or red or yellow food of any kind. I'm pretty sure everything I drank was brown as well, now that I think about it. My loose pants feel like tight pants. I shudder to think what my tight pants feel like.

Hope 2012 looks good for you. As always, I am thankful to you all for the claps and shouts at gigs, the handshakes, hugs, and kisses, and the virtual winks and nods here and at @alanthomasdoyle on Twitter.

Love to you and your Families from me and mine.

Happy New Year.

Cheers
Alan