… Photo by Nick Wiseman Ellis. . .
I hope you have had a lovely long weekend, whether it be in the company of eggs, churches, commemorations or daffodils.
My, I have a lot of news – you may need a strong cup of something with all this!!!
Last week I was mostly in the locality of Wylde Green (you wouldn’t believe how few railway ticket officers have never heard of it!) which doesn’t appear to be that wild to me but I did enjoy looking through some of the cartoon books that video editor Jamie McCoan has – the Perishers, for example and of course Giles. I can get lost in them for hours. My brother got me a Wil E Coyote (sp?) DVD and I hadn’t seen that for years. Hilarious and again, I love the ‘simplicity’ of them. . .knowing that the skill of drawing and timing is not so simple at all. Cartoon strips and story boards fascinate me – the mini stories. Superb.
I have noticed that I have become suddenly very interested in sciences and knitting again. Things go in phases with me and slowly, I am joining up the dots, mainly because I have a bee in my bonnet. . .now don’t look so surprised. . . about creativity and art.
I wish the world would dispense with boxes. Why does everyone always want to put everything into an inflexible box, whether it is jazz, science, arts, craft or anything?
First of all I happened to notice in the 3 books I was reading last week, which, as far as I know are unrelated, Albert Einstein kept being mentioned. He, like John Herschel. . . ah, there you go, another one, seems like a very lovely chap and so multi faceted. I was fascinated to find out that John Herschel, in my research in writing music inspired by Julia Margaret Cameron’s photographs, had a famous experiment to try and capture a sunbeam. Cor! What fun!
Anyway, before I go off on another scenic route of chatter, the point I was trying to make is that everything is art, creativity, craft, science, jazz, improvisation etc, isn’t it?
It is in everything and certainly was in the work of these chaps.
And. . .isn’t everyone multi faceted, creative, scientific, artistic and improvisational? it’s just that we often don’t feel we are. . .just like stories. . .we all have an amazing story to tell, although from our own perspective, our story may seem mundane and ordinary.
Life contains all these things and from the moment I wake, all of these ‘boxes’ come into play, whether it’s deciding what I’m eating with what to what I am wearing. . .we join up the dots and cross over boundaries all the time, so when people announce to me that they aren’t creative, artistic, musical or improvisationaI, I have to grin at the perceptions we have of ourselves. Nelson Mandela was so right in saying that perhaps what we are afraid of is how amazing we really are and can be. . .
I have read quite a lot of biographies and heard so many bits of life stories from friends and relatives. Honestly, it is true that there is nothing more amazing, curious and fantastic than real life.
At this point, I must say that anything I think or say is just that – I share it because I do and if you disagree that is fine. I was encouraged by my Dad to debate, research and always ask questions. This is here to share what I come across with you. . .and I have been enjoying peoples’ responses enormously in between my natters, so thank you for sending in your thoughts.
Now then, in Ireland, there has been quite a general election (still unresolved) worthy of producing a sitcom about; quite ironic in this commemorative year of the 1916 Easter Uprising. One of the ongoing issues is the water, which has been undrinkable in the County of Roscommon since I moved here nearly 2 years ago.
I have been reading about Trihalomethanes or THMs, which are chemical compounds in which 3 of the 4 hydrogen atoms of methane are replaced by halogen atoms. They are often used in industry as solvents or refridgerants. They are also environmental pollutants and many are thought to be carcinogenic.
Released to the environment, Triomethanes break down and damage the ozone layer.
I am very very interested in water as a basic right, what it contains and it’s effect on our health.
Most of us don’t drink enough clean water and it’s effect on our system, especially as we get older, is massive . . .take urine infections for example in people over 75 . . . they can incur as drastic a change in a personality as Jeykll and Hyde.
Trihalomethanes are a by-product predominantly when chlorine is used to disinfect water for drinking. They result from the reaction of chlorine or bromine with organic matter present in the water being treated and can result in quite nasty health effects. Some governments set limits on THMs in drinking water while others do not. While this concerns me enormously, what concerns me more are THMs are only one group of many hundreds of disinfection by-products. . . the vast majority of which are not monitored.
The four chief constituents of trihalomethanes seem to be chloroform, bromoform, bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane. Chloroform is also formed in swimming pools which are disinfected with chlorine or hypochlorite in the haloform reaction with organic substances such as sweat, urine, hair and skin particles. Some THMs are volatile and can vaporize into the air. This makes it possible to inhale THMs while showering. However, this is minimal in consumption terms compared to the intake of THMs via the skin with dermal absorption in swimmers.
Between the facts that there is not a drug on the market that doesn’t result in harming another part of your body. . . that we don’t ever get the full chemical ingredient information used in the processing of foods or scents used in everything . . .and that medics can’t be guaranteed to know the results from the chemical combinations of prescribed drug cocktails of issuing more than 3 or 4 daily drugs, let alone double figures that so many people are prescribed nowadays, makes me wonder how the world lost sight of natural foods, clean water and fresh air.
Perhaps there is a need to know more, to see below the surface of what is happening in our communities? I was in Birmingham New Street Station recently, without a mobile phone or headphones.
I seemed to be quite unusual in this respect.
We are surrounded by robotic checkouts and fast everything, which are sold to the world as conveniences.
Yet why do I see more people rushing, hearing the words, ”Sorry, I haven’t got time”, over and over again. . . more waste, more plastic or paper packaging. . .when these self-serve modes, supermarkets and so on, are meant to give us more time and less waste? Are we all so easily fooled. . .?
Everyone is in their own headphone and text frenzied world. . .me too. . .and we are missing a real and very beautiful world out there.
However, just as I was starting to drown myself in such thoughts, I got talking to a mature student I teach in Worcester. We talked briefly about the cases of environmental – i.e. land and water toxicity – that we knew of, in the last few years which has had awful effects on communities there, often with no support from local councils or GPs. All in Britain and Ireland, too.
He introduced me to the work of Hannah Genders. See below. . .
Inspiring and hopeful. . .
While in Birmingham, I called into Hobgoblin and tried out some of the melodicas with Mark McCabe (above). Great fun! I think I am in danger of losing friends championing this instrument but what a super instrument, especially if you are first starting.
My first tune on it was ‘Trumpet Voluntary’ when I was about 7; I won a couple of All Ireland Championships on it (Miscellaneous Category) and used it all the time to pick up tunes from recordings by ear.
Now I am taking it into sessions. Ahhhh, the weight loss. . . .better than any diet. . .
Many thanks again to some very interesting and lovely responses to the last blog and to Helen Roe for introducing me to the creativity of Aristide Maillol, a sculptor, tapestry maker, painter and printmaker.
Contemporary conceptual art holds so little interest for me these days. I visited 3 exhibitions in Dublin recently where the ‘new’ (hmmmm) art fell alarmingly short of the concept that greeted me at the door.
I am walking further back into the realm of draughtsmanship, craftsmanship and the ability to ignite representation into life. There is very few conceptual artists whose work makes me swoon these days. I can’t think of one.
I stumbled across an exhibition recently of Andrew Wyeth and the drawings of The Spanish Realistas such as Isabel Quintanilla. Maria Moreno. Now that got me jumping up and down, quite literally, with excitement. And the drawings and paintings of another SR, Antonio Lopez fill me with so much joy that so much conceptual art only seems, for me, to confirm a feeling of the emperor’s new clothes.
I wish I could get excited about it but I don’t so it’s back to loving the drawing boards for me. Having said that, I am not a huge fan of the Super- realists. There’s a fine line between art work that could almost be done on a computer and the realism that seems to leave the subject to speak (and not shout) for itself.
I was having a discussion, only this morning, about how it seems very unfashionable to praise or celebrate beauty – in art, music or design. I went to see a photographic exhibition at the Hive in Worcester last week and came away feeling so very sad about the human race. I guess technicality and urban landscapes don’t move me; I see the value in social comment but it occurs to me that despite the footage of refugees, starving nations, 1914 and 1916 commemorations, racism, war and astonishing proposals regarding welfare cuts in the disadvantaged areas of our communities. . .rather than shock everyone into action, it all goes on and on and on, save for the minority on the ground.
‘Lest we forget,’. . . hmmm. Commemoration or celebration?
Selective memory loss is a worldwide virus and never ceases to amaze me.
Below stands David Eyres, a British artist whose drawings of my father and late Uncle Derrick, (which he stands beside in his Welsh studio) fill me with awe and happiness.
He also plays the accordion. . .
One of David’s painted portraits is to be included in this year’s Royal Portrait Society’s Annual Exhibition in the Mall Galleries, central London from May 5th to May 26th 2016. I’m so looking forward to going to see it in my birthday month (which is getting quite busy already! Are you coming to the party?).
Many of you may know I love to write letters by hand and I had been discussing the passing of friends and family over the last few years with Hazel Eldridge, a wonderful correspondent of mine near Glastonbury. Her letters are full of fun, fascinating information and colourful illustrations.
Further north, banjo player Martin Matthews (a great North East musician and composer I know from sessions around Durham) is exhibiting his own pictures, prints and music from Wall2Wall exhibition at Durham. It’s in the World Heritage Visitor Centre, Owengate Palace Green in Durham for the month of May.
Martin has a new CD to coincide with the exhibition and guests include myself and Tom McElvogue (flute) which will be available in May too.
There will be a performance of selected pieces from both albums by Martin with some guest musicians in the gallery; I’ll keep you posted about the date.
I said I would include some of the photos from the St Patrick’s Day Parade I was involved in, along with the Ballinalee Band, Jim McLoughlin, John Sullivan and Michael Lennon. The last time I was involved in a carnival, it was in Northampton about 30 years ago and it was great fun then, too.
This time, as an adult, I couldn’t help going into a reverie about my teens and the inspirational people who dragged me into such adventures, including set dancing and fancy dress ceilis, like Mick Clifford Snr, Tom Conoboy and Gerry Hewitt, plus of course my Mum and Dad. My Dad once appeared, just before leaving for a fancy dress ceili, kitted out as a Christmas Pudding. I still have the photo and we all laughed until we wept.
Last week, my Dad and I went to hear the annual concert by musicians at Leicester Grammar School. The music director there is David Whittle, a powerhouse of energy and this year they had invited Chris Dean, trombonist and leader of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra to arrange some of the music, play and sing. David also arranged much of the music, which was brilliant and had combined the school’s strings with the Big Band for the event.
It was such a varied programme with music from Ted Heath’s Orchestra, the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Lionel Ritchie, the Swing Era, Natalie Cole, Frank Sinatra and the music of Tommy Dorsey. . .SO impressive and fun (fantastic arrangements) plus my Dad was quietly singing along to all the words. It was in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust.
This months Jazz video clip is dedicated to my Dad, Dave who passed away last Saturday, aged 82.
It was his love of Jazz; and indeed his record collection that drew me into the music I now love, as a kid. From the orchestras of Count Basie, Ted Heath, Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman to Coleman Hawkins, Dexter Gordon and later the piano sounds of Oscar Peterson and the classical jazz of Jacques Loussier; they all fed my ears and helped me move on to more contemporary sounds.
Syd Lawrence Orchestra was a warm up for Duke Ellington at The Colston Hall on the great man’s 70th Birthday tour in 1970 (Nov’25th).
I was so naive, after the first tune I asked which one was The Duke?
“He’s not on stage yet” he said, as the band burst into ‘Take the A Train’ the Billy Strayhorn composed Ellington theme tune.
The Duke strolled on stage bedecked in sequined azure blue jacket, hair slicked down and super coolly took the piano chair. The band possessed the most awesome sax section of all time: Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Russell Procope, Harry Carney, Harold Ashby and Norris Turney; with the awesome Cat Anderson on lead trumpet…..stick a fork in me….I was done!
Thank you, Ian. See below for his club’s live programme dates.
There seems a wealth of interesting slants on the Irish in Britain, commemorating 1916 and the one that caught my attention is the exhibition around the building of the London Underground. Amazing photographs and all manual labour. Here, I have been to presentations on the forgotten roles of women at the time of the Uprising – a series held in libraries throughout County Longford. So, lots going on and it is always the community events that bring everyone together for slightly bonkers adventures that always win my heart, at the end of the day. . .
I’ve been captivated by a mini biography of Audrey Hepburn and the number of times an actor / actress’ singing voice was overdubbed and often, never celebrated. In Audrey Hepburn’s case in ‘My Fair Lady’ the real singer was Marni Nixon. I was really fascinated by a documentary I saw about her and also the producer Arif Mardin – it is amazing that we assume the spotlight stars do everything by themselves, yet often, when it comes to music, it is often the behind-the-scenes personnel that make such a difference to success or oblivion. The same goes for the band members such as those backing people like Frank SInatra, for example. Those arrangements and playing make anyone sing their heart out.
I’m delighted to announce that Dik Cadbury (Decameron/Steve Hackett/Mike D’Abo) has released his second solo CD in 17 years entitled ‘Winds of Change’.
This follow-up to ‘About Time’ is a self-produced collection of original songs reflecting the changes in his life over that period.
It features contributions from Steve Hackett, Nick Magnus and Pete Hicks – all former colleagues from the original Steve Hackett live line-up 1978-80, following Steve’s departure from Genesis; also from his daughters Lucy and Holly, keyboards ace Andy Neve, accordion whizz Karen Tweed, steel pan from Notting Hill Carnival founder Sterling Betancourt (MBE). . . plus former Decameron chums Geoff March (‘cello and vocals) and Al Fenn (mandolin) – plus two lyrics from Dave Bell – amongst others.
Drums for six tracks were laid by Keith Baker in John Acock’s dining room in Herefordshire about 6 years ago and the project has evolved in numerous living rooms and studies and on Dik’s dining room table since then.
Dik plays guitars, bass, ‘violinola’ and provides the main vocals on all but one track, ‘You Are My Heartbeat’, co-written with Lucy and featuring her vocal.
Well, it must be time for a cuppa by now. Oh! Before I forget – there’s some intriguing exhibitions on at Northampton Museums and Art Galleries just now.
‘Give it some Welly’ – a History of the Wellington Boot (until 24th April) and ‘Bees – Pollinators of the World’ (until 15th May). Tel 01604 838111 for details.
And here’s the happy band that won the Longford Parade. . .
. . . . .and tin whistler, Oran Lennon with the trophy – his first!
And finally, a beautiful image of a cloud, sent to me from Tom McElvogue.
Enjoy the lighter evenings. . .
Sun 3 April is Kit Downes new trio The Enemy, which was one of the stand out gigs of last year and my personal favourite of 2015. This visit should be even better with six months more development and the addition of guitarist Chris Montague coming in on the second set.
Even with the current plethora of brilliant piano trios who have emerged in the last five years, this is a stand out group, full of high quality playing and ridiculously fantastic music. The further development of this line-up is only to be relished.
During the coming months we will be fortunate to hear some great music. I promise you, the gig list is of the highest calibre I’ve ever put together, this gig is at the top end of that!!!
Kit Downes is a phenomenon! One of the most gifted pianists to have emerged in the last fifteen years: Contemporary, fantastically energetic, edgy, lyrical, melodic, intriguing and exhilarating, The Enemy are based in London and Berlin.
The inclusion of Chris Montague to the band in the second set is mouth-watering, considering he and Kit are serial collaborators with Troyka.
A few weeks ago I went to Yorkshire to attend the Birthday party of Chris While of While & Matthews fame. The guest list read like a ‘Who’s who’ of UK acoustic musicians. The evening was an outstanding musical evening by such performers as While & Matthews themselves, Chris’s daughter Kelly While; Martin Simpson, Christine Collister, Charlie Dore, Helen Watson, Ken Nicol, Ben & Joe Broughton and some of South York’s & Sheffield’s best local players. A great night with a line-up that would grace any festival! However one of the highlights came from Joe Topping, who I knew of, but never heard before.
From the first note out of his mouth he had my attention, even among all the fine voices I’d been hearing, he sang a beautiful love song; self penned to his wife, and sang it with amazing quality, feel and clarity. Despite his CV to date, he astonishingly combines his music with a day job working to support his young family. I say astonishingly because when hear this guys voice you won’t believe it either?
I had the briefest of conversations with him on leaving and offering to put a gig on in Bristol if he fancied it…..so here it is, this guy is worth a night of your time!
Joe has played on stage and in the studio with many legends of the British folk scene including members of Fairport Convention, While and Matthews, Andy Irvine, Maartin Allcock and most recently as stand-in lead vocalist in the BBC2 award winning “Best live Act” Home Service whilst John Tams recovered from surgery. Joe also currently plays in the bands Elbow Jane and The Rainbow Chasers (with Ashley Hutchings).
Following up his debut release on Whirlwind Records (Thymos, 2013), his new album Metta – a title and concept referencing themes of benevolence and goodwill – finds him progressing his shared creativity again with his quartet of pianist John Turville, drummer George Hart, and soprano saxophonist Jason Yarde, who appears here in a fuller, more centrally melodic role. Captured within a single day, this is a studio recording brimming with passion and spontaneity, now transferred to live tour.
Ridley’s musical landscape is one of focused rhythmic, chordal and improvisational invention which can both challenge and delight. Since graduating from Trinity College of Music in 2005, Matt has established himself as one of the most versatile, creative and hard-working bass players on the UK scene. Known for his imaginative soloing, solid time keeping and great sound, he is (somewhat unusually) in demand for both straight-ahead and modern jazz. He also has much experience in the spheres of World Music, Folk, Classical and Pop.
Available all year round for gift options for friends and family.
I will post or deliver the voucher/s to you with an invite for the recipient to join the mailing list to be able to choose any Jazz, Folk or Acoustic gig they would like to attend. Vouchers last for 1 year.
You can buy any combination to suit your price range.