Like an opportunist thief at the OXO office Christmas party, this seems like a good time of year to take stock. So I thought I'd review the past 12 months from my perspective - think of it as a Christmas letter inside your card, except with less bragging about my kids' GCSE results.

Firstly, I've played a load of gigs this year. I think 30 or more, from Portsmouth to Whitley Bay, Bury St Edmunds to Cheltenham. Almost all of them lovely. Mostly solo gigs, but some with other musicians, which are always special. In particular I really enjoyed playing alongside Yvonne Lyon, Philippa Hanna, Jude Simpson, Charlie Barker and Open Road Music. And as I've already mentioned on this blog, Grapevine and Greenbelt were special ones.

Here's a little video of "While we sleep tonight" from one of the Greenbelt gigs (in the music shop, hence the chatter!)

I've done quite a few radio bits and bobs this year, with quite a few interviews and the odd live session. I've probably waffled quite a lot, and had a few of those "I've no idea what I actually think about that" moments, but it's been fun. Was great to have a track played on Radio 2 this year too - a lovely way to finish the year off. More please!

There's also been other kinds of music this year - studio sessions, covers band gigs, playing music at church - as in so many things, a balanced a varied diet keeps things healthy and regular.

I guess the big event of the year has been writing, recording and releasing "While we sleep tonight" my third album and my bestest so far. If you've not heard it yet, do check it out, download it, order it, spread the word - it means so much.

So what of 2012? Aside from hopefully competing in the London Olympics (I've not checked but I'm fairly sure you can just turn up on the day?) I'll be out gigging more, writing more, singing more and hopefully unleashing a some more musical goodness on the world. It's all a bit vague at the moment (apart from some of the gigs, which are already in the diary), but you can join in. Music is like a conversation - it's informed by what's going on in the world, what's going on in our lives, what others are saying (playing). And like a conversation, it makes more sense when there are others involved.

Have a fabulous Christmas and a great new year!