The official Hazell Dean web site

Feb 2012
Hi Everyone.

How has your January been?
I have been in bloody agony with my back, and feeling very sorry for myself!
After initially hurting it on Boxing Day, I started to recover........ then bright and early on 4th January, I bent down to play with Buddy the Super Pup and CRUNCH!!!!

Those of you who have suffered from a bad back will know what I mean. I have been in a complete mess - could barely stand - couldnt dress myself - couldnt do anything! Seriously, i couldnt even put my own socks on.
I have been having physio weekly,and have to say my therapist has been amazing, doing a fantastic job of getting me back onto my feet, which was not easy I can assure you.

How we take for granted the simple ability to put a pair of socks on without extreme pain - thank heavens I am lucky enough to be making a full recovery.
A BIG Thank You to everyone who has sent me get well messages, I really do appreciate them.

I did make the best of being laid up at home and wrote the sleeve notes for "Always" due fro release on Cherry Pop in April.
They had asked me to write something about every track. It was quite a trip down memory lane, some of the memories good, some not so good. I have been as candid as I possibly can, so hope you enjoy my
thoughts on the tracks album when it comes out.

I limped through a fabulous show at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern on the 20th Jan. Its been over 20 years since I was last there. In fact my last visit was very memorable as Lilly Savage (Paul O'Grady) and I shared the dressing room - there were some very funny moments that night (too naughty to share!).
Anyway, the show was great fun, I could hear the crowd singing along to all the tracks played by the DJ from Way upstairs. I loved every minute of it, so thank you Alastair and Chris for inviting me, and thank you to the crowd for making the evening so much fun!

We had a family outing to "CInderella" at The Richmond Theatre. My daughter is a professional heckler (I blame the parents) and she brought the show to a halt twice with her comments.
Gary Wilmot and Jenny Eclaire both being stopped in their tracks by an over excited 7 year old bellowing from the front row. Honestly, I dont know where she gets it from, but she is very funny!!!
The show featured possibly the best Ugly Sisters I have ever seen - they were camp, sinister and very very funny, which leads me nicely to my next point.........

In praise of Drag Queens.......It has occurred to me recently that drag queens are a vital part of my working life!
Over the years I have worked with so many fabulously sequined and plumed fella's, all of whom have been amazing.
Whenever I get to a venue, I always feel so much better if there is a drag queen there - its quite ironic that some of the most considerate gentlemen I have ever met have been wearing heels and a frock.
So, to all of the drag queens that I have worked with over the years....Maisie, Yvette, Dave Lynn, Shona, Stella, Doris, Rose Garden, Mona (to name but a few) I salute you, long may you reign and keep looking after me!!!

Shopping in the January Sales.......I had a bit of a shopping spree mid Jan. Great bargains to be had - especially as I had a load of Christmas gift vouchers to spend.
I am now the proud owner of a very grand glass cake stand that I didnt know I needed, until I saw it - I guess I will have to start baking to fill it - which is not a good thing as like everyone else I am trying to be good after the over indulgences of Christmas!!!

Civil partnerships...........there must be romance in the air as I have had several requests to sing at Civil Partnerships already this year. It looks like 2012 is a very popular year to make that commitment.
2012 should be a very memorable year in general with The Olympics and The Queen's Jubilee. My little girl is SO looking forward to the Jubilee, and there is talk amongst my gang of taking our kids into London to see the festivities. The waving of Union Jacks on The Mall could be very much on our agenda this Summer : ) I am very patriotic you know!

Buddy antics.......Life with a puppy is very different. I already had a checklist of things to remember when I leave the house (as my memory is terrible these days) but now that list includes "Poo Bags" Oh good grief - I thought nappies were bad! Kids and Animals???!!!! I was once glamorous, but now my pockets are full of empty sweet wrappers, wet wipes and......Poo Bags!

I cannot believe that I really enjoy a visit to "Pets at Home" - so many things I didnt know we/he needed until I see them - honestly, he has an ever growing collection of toys - and yes, I am guilty of spoiling him, as he is
so deliciously cute...Gotta love The Buddmeister!............HOWEVER he was in the proverbial "doghouse" a few days ago when he chewed through the cable of the (expensive & much loved) headphones I had bought for my co-pilot as a Christmas gift. He was threatened with a trip to Battersea Dogs Home - but he wagged his tail and looked up with that ridiculous face and well, all was forgiven....Gotta love the Buddmeister : )

Remixes.......I heard the first of the remixes on my new tracks and I LOVE IT!!!! I cant wait to hear the next one. This will be the first track released by Energise and is one that I have a very special connection with.
I must confess that I got very emotional when recording for various reasons - it is one of my all time favorite dance tracks, originally recorded by one of my favorite artists and a very dear friends (Oh come on - you must have guessed what it is by now???) so a lot of pressure to get it right. I think I got it right and hope the original artist would approve, I am delighted with it - so keep a look out on the Energise website for release dates.

Blackpool.........Im heading to Blackpool for "The Mardi Gras" Birthday Party on 2nd Feb, with my mate Nicki French (Mr Ken French - you should be there!!!) I hope I remember to take my glasses off before going on stage this time.
Im looking forward to seeing Stella and the gang, and Im sure some other familiar faces too.

OK Boys and Girls....its time for me to take that puppy out for a walk, so be good....wrap up warm, I hear its gonna get cold again!!!! Brrrrrrrrrrrr.......and for Feb 14th - HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!

Always
Hazell
xxx

Download - This months download is....."Looking Back on Love" a bouncy little track written in the early 1990's. ENJOY!