tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66500403257283137582024-03-27T23:52:56.879+00:00Music Questionnaires - a limited series25 musicians from a variety of backgrounds answer questions...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-18557534293838323482011-04-26T10:52:00.001+01:002011-04-26T14:01:47.443+01:00Music Questionnaire No 25 - Liam StefaniI can't quite remember the circumstances in which I met Liam Stefani, I think it started with a phone call some 13 or so years ago (before we used email and all that) when Liam contacted me to ask Ticklish to play a gig in Glasgow, which ended up being our first foray away from home turf. I've since met him a couple more times when I've been up to Glasgow to play. Then, as is the 21st century way, we remade contact via Facebook, where I've become aware of the extraordinary electronic music he's been making - editing and re-arranging field recordings and snippets of various instruments. As self-effacing as he is enthusiastic, I had a feeling Liam would come up with some interesting answers, both as a producer of music and a promoter....<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you? </b> <br />
<br />
An artist... particularly interested in sound. currently employed by Glasgow libraries<br />
previously... vegan chef; concert promoter ('scatter' nights @13th Note basement & club; 'Baustelle' festival of new german experimental music @CCA 1999); '<a href="http://www.efi.group.shef.ac.uk/labels/scatter/cscatt.html">scatter</a>' record label.<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based? </b><br />
<br />
Glasgow, Scotland <br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play? </b><br />
<br />
Sound recordings, stringed instruments, objects <br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project? </b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://soundcloud.com/skitter">skitter</a><br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth </b><br />
<br />
Aside from cassettes made by listening to John Peel, Charles Fox (Jazz Today), Music in our Time & the 'Electronic Voice' series (radio3)...<br />
<br />
The 7LP Deutsche Grammophon boxset of Stockhausen's "<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Karlheinz-Stockhausen-Aus-Den-Sieben-Tagen/release/644983">Aus den Seiben Tagen</a>" (repeatedly borrowed from Newington library in Edinburgh during the late 1970s... transferred onto cassettes) was a definite influence and encouraged a curiosity in improvisation... which led to <a href="http://www.incusrecords.force9.co.uk/">Incus Records</a> and beyond via sections of "<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Music-Outside-Contemporary-Jazz-Britain/dp/0955090865">Music Outside: Contemporary Jazz in Britain</a>" published 1973, by Latimer New Dimensions. ISBN 0-901539-25-2) by Ian Carr <br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought?</b> <br />
<br />
there's always downloads, things in the post, exchanges, secondhand stuff but...<br />
<br />
As purchases, most recently, a couple of cds picked up in paris; <a href="http://vomirhnw.blogspot.com/">a harsh noise wall</a> cd by french artist VOMIR (like examining a piece of slate, carefully, for 20+minutes) and a real joy of a 2CD compilation by David Toop called '<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Various-Not-Necessarily-English-Music/release/753495">Not Necessarily "English Music"</a>' which is a collection of (largely previously unreleased) experimental music from Great Britain 1960-1977...by post, a couple of discs of psycho-surreal, feral music featuring RITUALISTIC SCHOOL OF ERRORS which is a project by the fine chicago-based artist <a href="http://gregoryjacobsen.com/">gregory jacobsen</a> <br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear: </b><br />
<br />
(selfishly), Derek Bailey "<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Derek-Bailey-Drop-Me-Off-At-96th/release/748584">drop me off at 96th</a>" is still, I think, my favourite Derek on cd.<br />
It's a cd of two different sets of pieces; I fell in love with the first set (referencing a history in his playing, with personal tributes to past musicians) when i first heard them in the late 1980s; I always wanted to release them and was delighted when Derek said "yes", then proceeded to gift another set of pieces (minimal, elegant modernist; complete contrast) to complete the release.<br />
<br />
I do have problems recommending music; it's normally a spontaneous response, often relating to a current conversation or particular interaction <br />
<br />
There are lots of musicians i'd like to hear more of... (I guess that's why I wanted to run a label) <br />
<br />
But, specific people are attracted to specific genres; I can't think of many records I think 'everyone' should hear.<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b> <br />
<br />
Many... hearing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9s_Segovia">Andres Segovia</a>, watching <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pina_Bausch">Pina Bausch</a> in 'cafe muller', Beckett festival (films and plays), all at the Edinburgh Festival; the butoh performance which came annually during the 1980/90s Mayfests in Glasgow,..<br />
<br />
<a href="http://vads.ahds.ac.uk/collections/maclennan/">alastair maclennan</a> whenever I've seen him perform.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue</b>: <br />
<br />
No real favourite. I think any venue can be good for someone... depends on space, sound, crowd, presentation...<br />
<br />
I'd like to hear more music outside ...<br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
A rubbish dump <br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer</b><br />
<br />
I dislike my personal spectacle... my ideal would be a collision of sound and image without the physical presence (not achieved, as yet) <br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b> <br />
<br />
Yes... in creating various artworks<br />
<br />
I enjoy generating the setting, making oblique preparations, and being unable to predict what the end result will be...<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
There are many people whose work I admire... <a href="http://www.stuartbrisley.com/pages/4">stuart brisley</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinter">harold pinter</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elfriede_Jelinek">elfriede jelinek</a> <br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
Paris <br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b> <br />
<br />
(recently), "<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jun/19/thelonious-monk-biography-robin-kelly">Thelonious Monk, An american original</a>" by R DG Kelley; "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Late_It_Was,_How_Late">how late it was, how late</a>" by James Kelman <br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films?</b> <br />
<br />
(recently), "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sur_mes_l%C3%A8vres">Read My Lips</a>" ("sur mes levres" by Jacques Audiard), "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funny_Games_(2008_film)">Funny Games</a>" (US version by Michael Haneke) <br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh</b>? <br />
<br />
My kids <br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b> <br />
<br />
The Mekons "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71s-T8oUTQs&feature=related">Where Were You</a>" (Fast Product, 1978)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzQ_VlvHIvO8XgcCijzptbZDJ7cTM2AJLQ2O2lP0leOMNepMQEVK6YF5JTGSzawH-WhWIokL5TSoVD-rXAnFUwxVcFzPQIUD2mATc0_feQ2OS8NXYsdNTgostplQAtXYHr-15LQ-04CJ8/s1600/skitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzQ_VlvHIvO8XgcCijzptbZDJ7cTM2AJLQ2O2lP0leOMNepMQEVK6YF5JTGSzawH-WhWIokL5TSoVD-rXAnFUwxVcFzPQIUD2mATc0_feQ2OS8NXYsdNTgostplQAtXYHr-15LQ-04CJ8/s400/skitter.jpg" /></a></div><i>Thanks Liam!</i><br />
<br />
The Music Questionnaires are an <a href="http://bagrec.blogspot.com/search/label/Music%20Questionnaires">ongoing series</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-47341271975982608852011-04-17T20:52:00.002+01:002011-04-17T20:58:01.605+01:00Music Questionnaire No 24 - Lee NoyesOK, I've never actually met <a href="http://www.leenoyes.com/">Lee Noyes</a>, for the very good reason that he lives on the other side of the world. I encountered him online him at <a href="http://improvfriday.ning.com/">ImprovFriday</a> where I found Lee's music far closer to my own personal take on improvised music than many of the other participants - I enjoyed the sometimes indefinable quality of his music, the fact that it wasn't always obvious what was going on sonically or what instruments were being used - coupled with a palpable sense of structure and a real appreciation of silence. Later, Lee, the French musician Jérôme Poirier and I collaborated <a href="http://threelegsduck.bandcamp.com/album/what-ville-means">on a release</a> for Jérôme's label "Three Leg Duck" which I thnk is especially successful considering none of us has actually met! In the process I've discovered that Lee is a wise and witty musician with an appealingly idiosyncratic approach. He also enjoys folk music, so he's obviously one of the good guys...<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Lee Noyes.<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
Currently, in Dunedin NZ.<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
Mainly drums & percussion, though my original instruments were & still are acoustic & electric guitar and feedback electronics.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b><br />
<br />
Most-recently, in duo with radiophonicist, Sally Ann McIntyre (who performs as <a href="http://radiocegeste.blogspot.com/">Radio Cegeste</a>) with whom I have been exploring textural and gestural playing in a reductionist vein. In the last few months I've also performed regularly in a piano/bass/drums trio, feeling our way around and trying to extend jazz-standards. I love to play and tend to adapt my playing to whomever I'm playing with, so Dunedin with its unassuming honesty and ethic of collectivity has been a healthy place for me to be these past years. I play in a few ad hoc improv/noise/rock bands on either drums or live sampling/electronics with artists based around the <a href="http://none.org.nz/">None Gallery</a> as well as others linked to the long-standing Dunedin punk/noise-scene. <br />
<br />
I also like to work compositionally using improvised material of my own and in combination with that of overseas artists thru postal/internet collaboration. This brand of activity has been ongoing and very rewarding. The picture wouldn't be complete, however, without mentioning the the level of energy that goes into my daily work as a class teacher, music teacher & gymnastics teacher at <a href="http://www.dunedin.steiner.school.nz/">DRSS</a>. One of the teaching-ideals we try to work with is staying with a class over their school journey - I've been living this ideal these past five years with my class of children allowing us to build incrementally and without hurry on everything we've done in that time. It's not a case of of empty words to say that I've learned as much from them as they have from me... our <a href="http://rinascimento7tet.tumblr.com/">musical exploits</a> are as serious and as genuine as any I've been involved in; and we've played a bit of everything - <a href="http://engravedglass.blogspot.com/2011/03/bruno-duplant-one-hour-north-eg.html">graphic scores</a>, free-improvised, orchestral classical and folk music from all eras and corners of the globe.<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth</b><br />
<br />
The first album to drag my attention away from the radio was '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceland_(album)">Graceland</a>' by Paul Simon. My parents bought the record on its release - I'd put it every day on arriving home from school and spin it until dinner time. I knew every lyric and every note by heart. I was thrilled to later get a cassette copy for Christmas and play it through my walkman wired up to car-speakers. Seeing him perform Graceland Live in Zimbabwe blew my mind wide open though - it was very different... basically, they were playing it wrong! When I got over my initial anger, I realised I'd learned something important about music.<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought?</b><br />
<br />
My most recent purchase (and the first CD I have bought in a four-year dry-spell) is Keith Rowe/Radu Malfatti's <a href="http://www.erstwhilerecords.com/catalog/060.html">"Φ"</a> on Erstwhile. Imaoto by Malfatti and Klaus Filip from 2009 really grabbed me, and while I've never considered myself much of a Rowe/AMM fan, I felt my current listening interests would be served by this one. I have not been disappointed.<br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear:</b><br />
<br />
"<a href="http://www.emanemdisc.com/E4024.html">Saxophone Special</a>" on emanem. Steve Lacy & the SME running through Lacy compositions was a game-changer for me.<br />
"Eusa Kills" by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dead_C">Dead C</a> on Xpressway/Flying Nun, includes a drop-dead rendition of Marc Bolan's 'Children (of the Revolution)'.<br />
"<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Taraf+de+Ha%C3%AFdouks/Dumbala+Dumba">Dumbala Dumba</a>" by Taraf de Haïdouks. Impeccable. 'Nuff said, really.<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b><br />
<br />
Seeing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Morley_(musician)">Michael Morley</a> in '94, (performing as Gate) on a New Zealand tour with Vancouverites Mecca Normal and my former home-town-New Plymouth's Peter Jefferies (of Nocturnal Projections). Morley had been on stage for a good five minutes, apparently testing the guitar lead on various parts and surfaces of the guitar before I realised he wasn't a roadie, and yeah, actually... that was my foot tapping along. I was totally taken aback, and completely convinced. The album he was performing was 'The Dew Line' (Table Of The Elements) and can be added to the above list. Another positive effect was his willingness to hand me a copy of the release with the understanding I'd mail the cash to his home-address - a gracious gesture that left a mark on me.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue:</b><br />
<br />
None Gallery, Dunedin. Pubs are okay, sure - but the scratchedblack floor and whitewashed walls of the local DiY have been the site of too many incredible and incredibly understated performances, some of which I have been fortunate enough to have been part of.<br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
Possibly the Dunedin Town Hall, leading a troupe of 50-odd student guitar players through a rendition of Jack Johnson's 'Upside Down'. Hearing my voice reverberating though the cavernous space to an audience of several hundred parents and families was mildly surreal, given my usual performance parameters.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer.</b><br />
<br />
Well, I love playing. I play with as many different people as I can, every gig is different and always look forward to those moments when it all simply comes together. It can be hit-and-miss at times, but that to me is what keeps live music relevant in our (saturated) era of recorded sound.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
Improvisation has always been at the core of what I do, though it's fair to say I value the role of compositional-thinking, especially whilst improvising. I believe composition is enlivened by improvisation; and similarly, I think it's fair to say that a consciousness of structure and a certain intentionality in playing tempers those aspects 'free-music' that can leave it most open to criticism. Goethe illustrated it best as seeking a breathing; the outbreath and inbreath. <br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
My parents for raising me, and my wife for putting up with me. That's three.<br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
In New Zealand, I love living in Dunedin and I love to visit Wellington. While living in Gothenburg I used to enjoy my visits to Copenhagen.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b><br />
<br />
Much of my reading is for my own kids or for my class-children. It's really quite impossible to overstate the mileage we've gotten from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brothers_Grimm">Brothers Grimm</a>. Another favourite is Howard Pyle's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Merry_Adventures_of_Robin_Hood">version of Robin Hood</a>, written in the mid-19th century, beautifully written for reading aloud.<br />
Meanwhile, I've dipped into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Pynchon">Thomas Pynchon</a> and really enjoyed, but realistically, I'll likely have to wait until I have a less demanding day job before I can give him the attention he requires...<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films?</b><br />
<br />
Martin McDonagh's "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Bruges">In Bruges</a>"<br />
Emir Kusturica's "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_(1995_film)">Under Ground</a>."<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.leenoyes.com/index.php?/links/diversions-archive/" target="_blank">few</a>, actually.<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphiboly">Amphiboly</a>. Especially if unintentional. And <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewart_Lee">Stewart Lee</a>'s standup.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
No one in particular. I've really done quite a good job avoiding pop music since I was about nine years old... so perhaps if someone put on some Nik Kershaw or Level 42 the waves of nostalgia would flood over me...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv8Hjv9fdhM5mrcN7CFm65Ma4d8dzNzJYGs8sJgdaKOUqPh970t6-BevqEmglMpWetfVPux0mJkgWELn_d_NyQOuWknjMMtqTkQt8Qjz7cmtdFSQjAA0uuvVuytZ3OWChlAHd3-wZPXgr/s1600/SDC12335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv8Hjv9fdhM5mrcN7CFm65Ma4d8dzNzJYGs8sJgdaKOUqPh970t6-BevqEmglMpWetfVPux0mJkgWELn_d_NyQOuWknjMMtqTkQt8Qjz7cmtdFSQjAA0uuvVuytZ3OWChlAHd3-wZPXgr/s400/SDC12335.JPG" /></a></div><i>Thanks Lee!</i><br />
<br />
The Music Questionnaires are an <a href="http://bagrec.blogspot.com/search/label/Music%20Questionnaires">ongoing series</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-3624607740078856842011-04-13T20:12:00.002+01:002011-04-14T14:15:46.473+01:00Music Questionnaires No 23 - Helen McCookerybookBack at the turn of the seventies, just as post-punk was turning into new pop, I used to hear a band called The Chefs on John Peel a lot, then in the early 80s I used to hear sessions and records by a group called "Helen and the Horns" who I really liked, they had an unusual (if accurately described) line-up of a girl on electric guitar and vocals, and a brass section. Helen was <a href="http://www.mccookerybook.com/">Helen McCookerybook</a> who used to be in The Chefs. Fast foward about 6 years and I catch Helen and the Horns quite by chance in a London pub, after I moved down here to be a student...and I was entranced again. Then years later Steve Beresford put us in touch and I was able to give Helen a gig at Scaledown, and discovered she still writes beautiful, jazzy songs and still has a lovely guitar. Now it turns out she also collaborates with <a href="http://judecowan.blogspot.com/">Jude Cowan</a>, who I'm in a band with...isn't the world wonderful?<br />
So why not listen to some of <a href="www.reverbnation.com/helenmccookerybook">her music</a>, read her <a href="http://www.mccookerybook.blogspot.com/">splendid blog</a> or <a href="www.helenmccookerybookart.com">check out her art</a>?<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
I am Helen McCookerybook, musician and artist; Helen Reddington, academic and writer, and Helen McCallum, daughter of McMum and McDad.<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
In High Barnet, flower of the north or weed of the south, whichever way you are looking at it.<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
Guitar, Logic Audio and vocals. Some piano, some bass, some banjo; used to play 'Oh Susannah' on fiddle when drunk.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b><br />
<br />
Three of them: recording an album of songs with <a href="http://www.martinstephenson.me.uk/martinstephenson.me.uk/Home.html">Martin Stephenson</a>; preparing a compilation of back-catalogue of <a href="http://www.sukeplow.demon.co.uk/chefs/chefs.htm">The Chefs</a>' music for release; writing a song with a group of cleaners who have formed a complaints choir to express their frustration with their employers.<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/x_xmujSyxkU">Whipcrackaway</a> by Doris Day. I remember my mum's friend Pam singing along to it on the radio at the top of her voice as she beat the eggs for scrambled eggs at breakfast time.<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturday_Night_Fever:_The_Original_Movie_Sound_Track">Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack</a><br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear:</b><br />
<br />
Any compilation of 1960s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lovers%27_Rock">Lover's Rock</a>; <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lilac-Tree-Martin-Stephenson/dp/B0007LZKIO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1302719537&sr=8-4">"Lilac Tree</a>" by Martin Stephenson; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantasmagoria_(Curved_Air_album)">Phantasmagoria</a> by Curved Air.<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b><br />
<br />
The last <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Slits">Slits</a> gig I saw in Islington in the summer of 2010. Just a few months later Ari was dead, but at that gig she was the most alive person in the Universe.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue:</b><br />
<br />
Of all time, the <a href="http://www.london-rip.com/morevenues.html">Moonlight Club</a> in West Hampstead. Of now, <a href="http://www.thecluny.com/">the Cluny</a> in Byker.<br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
An allotment in Stockport one freezing August, where Adrian the gardener had grown a stage from banana trees and pink and orange dahlias. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and the fee was jam, chutney and flowers.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer.</b><br />
<br />
My punk band <a href="http://www.punkbrighton.co.uk/joby.html">Joby and the Hooligans</a> took our instruments up to Sussex University when Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers were playing, and begged their manager to let us play some songs at the start of the evening; we loved them so. He said no, so we got exceedingly drunk because we were so disappointed. He changed his mind, and when we got on stage I couldn't even see the neck of my guitar, let alone work out how to join in with the others, and nor could they work out how to join in with me. <br />
<br />
They pulled the plugs on us.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
I wish it was. Because I can't do it (I lack the rudiments of musical knowledge to rebel against) I sit and draw the people playing, which helps me to enjoy what I hear even more.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Tutu">Desmond Tutu</a>, my now deceased and very badly-behaved cat Charlie who ate the family clothes, and my American Grandma who was a flapper and danced on the piano in the 1920s.<br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
San Francisco. I have never been there in real life but I have a lot in my imagination and I love it there.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Family_and_Other_Animals">My Family and Other Animals</a> by Gerald Durrell and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Canterbury_Tales">The Canterbury Tales</a> by Geoffrey Chaucer<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Belle_et_la_Bete">La Belle et la Bete</a> by Jean Cocteau and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Parapluies_de_Cherbourg">Les Parapluies de Cherbourg</a><br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.utrophia.net/home">www.utrophia.net</a><br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
Mostly, Martin Stephenson at his live gigs, but also <a href="http://www.stanleyunwin.com/">Stanley Unwin</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Simpsons">The Simpsons</a> (how have they managed to stay funny for so long?)<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xovXxa6sGU">Street Life</a> by The Crusaders at the moment. I used to live alone in Brighton with lots of rescued caged birds, and I used to get back from a night out and dance around the flat to that track, with the budgie gripping on to the top of my head for dear life and flapping his wings.<br />
Happy times!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu51lYrBt817rNDKW3ADrXtTa_B4pwGfQQyvT7183uE0RUAGC444yGCWn_ktzeMbjwdqSJxKIckIz8pb5YT4HWVTubiULQ7N50pAiu_gYcPni4iZasToELKeaHuHuk1OhOA5znLbs4p_AS/s1600/Hmc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu51lYrBt817rNDKW3ADrXtTa_B4pwGfQQyvT7183uE0RUAGC444yGCWn_ktzeMbjwdqSJxKIckIz8pb5YT4HWVTubiULQ7N50pAiu_gYcPni4iZasToELKeaHuHuk1OhOA5znLbs4p_AS/s400/Hmc.jpg" /></a></div><i>Thanks Helen!</i> <br />
<small>(Photo by Jacob Stevens)</small><br />
<br />
The Music Questionnaires are an <a href="http://bagrec.blogspot.com/search/label/Music%20Questionnaires">ongoing series</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-61963895469421642152011-04-13T12:07:00.001+01:002011-04-13T12:08:00.049+01:00Music Questionnaire No 22 - Ian R WatsonI've actually worked with Ian in two different places over the years, in an office and in a record shop, and I've occasionally played with him too, most recently in a trio with Kev Hopper called "64 Bit". He's been in a dizzying array of bands and collaborations including <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallon_Drunk">Gallon Drunk</a> Terry Edwards and the Scapegoats, crypto-funksters SLAB!, astro-funk improv collective Lob and his lovely duo with Pete Flood (of Bellowhead) the <a href="http://www.thetreecreepers.co.uk/">Treecreepers</a>. Ian is a generous musician and never less than delightful company and he plays a wonderfully economic and beautifully toned trumpet. I wish I saw him more often, but he does live on the other side of the Earth (or Teddington, if you prefer...)<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Ian R Watson<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
Teddington<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
You mean own?, trumpet and guitar<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b> <br />
<br />
An improvising trio called Elvers, and I am playing some guitar with Solus Rex, and 64 Bit if we ever do another gig?<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/KDAh19tms4U">Ride a white Swan</a> - T Rex<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought?</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.crammed.be/index.php?id=34&art_id=73">Kasia All Stars</a> “In the 7th Moon, The Chief Turned Into a Swimming Fish and Ate the Head of His Enemy By Magic”<br />
<br />
Shankar “<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Shankar-Song-For-Everyone/release/1033734">Song For Everyone</a>” with Jan Garbarek £1 in the local charity shop…..it may go back<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Django_Bates">Django Bates</a> “Good Evening here is the news” £1.50 in local charity shop…..will keep this one though<br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear:</b><br />
<br />
Oh my favourite pub game; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aladdin_Sane">Aladdin Sane</a> - David Bowie, <a href="http://lycanthropic-angst.blogspot.com/2009/04/pierre-laurent-aimard-aka-pygmies.html">African Rhythms - Pierre-Laurent Aimard/ AKA Pygmies</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hissing_of_Summer_Lawns">The hissing of summer lawns</a> - Joni Mitchell<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b> <br />
<br />
The White Riot tour at the Electric Circus, Collyhurst , Manchester on May 8th 1977 with the Subway Sect , The Slits and the Clash. I have been to better concerts over the years but that was a definite turning point for me. Of course I had long hair at the time but cut it off pretty soon afterwards. I have a bootleg of the gig and the Clash sound pretty rough and out of tune, but I didn’t notice or care at the time<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue:</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/407672.html">The Club Room</a>. Also I was on holiday once and went to the <a href="http://www.fondation-maeght.com/">Fondation Maeght</a> in the south of France, a wonderful museum and open air sculpture park, imagining seeing Sun Ra or Albert Ayler there would instantly transform that into my favourite venue.<br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
The Club room?.....actually one of the strangest was at the party after (or during?) for the Brit Awards ceremony a few years ago in Park lane with the Baby Trio, there were fairground rides inside the hotel…..playing Roland Kirk tunes and such like to pissed up disinterested revellers<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer</b>.<br />
<br />
I was in a large ensemble at the Red Rose once and almost had an out of body experience, I could almost see shapes swirling around and doors opening as the music developed. I later read an interview with a well known improviser that was in the same group saying how that particular gig just “wasn’t happening” for him. <br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
Absolutely<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Wheeler">Kenny Wheeler</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Nordine">Ken Nordine</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Zappa">Frank Zappa</a><br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
Paris<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tin_Drum">The Tin Drum</a> - Gunter Grass<br />
<br />
The Swell Season - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_%C5%A0kvoreck%C3%BD">Josef Skvorecky</a><br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films?</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tin_Drum_(film)">The Tin Drum</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carry_On_Screaming!">Carry on Screaming</a><br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b> <br />
<br />
Youtube<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curb_Your_Enthusiasm">Curb Your Enthusiasm</a><br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
"Nature Boy", the <a href="http://youtu.be/4cU2yJaBZqg">George Benson version</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPGbJzGpQE2g2g-uap7fNQ8il8wo6y8kEfRNcTNdg8UuNBdGEE8bTlVZ4La0uva9eimUlZwjDV4F_KnC9Ffe_1N6PzJU9GJLOAM51YwKHAIhmO0t_UWVgg4CWoBWuzFeMj4H1SNxuDxnB/s1600/Watty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPGbJzGpQE2g2g-uap7fNQ8il8wo6y8kEfRNcTNdg8UuNBdGEE8bTlVZ4La0uva9eimUlZwjDV4F_KnC9Ffe_1N6PzJU9GJLOAM51YwKHAIhmO0t_UWVgg4CWoBWuzFeMj4H1SNxuDxnB/s400/Watty.jpg" /></a></div><i>Thanks Ian!</i><br />
<br />
The Music Questionnaires are an <a href="http://bagrec.blogspot.com/search/label/Music%20Questionnaires">ongoing series</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-47810611326924437212011-04-11T22:52:00.001+01:002011-04-11T22:57:20.471+01:00Music Questionnaire No 21 - Alex StoneI've never met Alex Stone, but I've known him for about 10 years. We got to know eachother initially on <a href="http://invisionfree.com/forums/thefall">The Fall Forum</a>, where we bonded on many subjects, free improv, traditional music, post-punk, new-wave sci-fi etc, and hardly ever discussed The Fall. He was also a welcome commenter on my previous blog, and lately, rather inevitably, we've hooked up on Facebook too. I was aware of Alex's avant-prog-folk-improv band, <a href="http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=5361">Big Block 454</a> before hearing them on Stuart Maconie's programme, but took a while to make the connection with the bloke I knew online. The <a href="http://bigblock454.bandcamp.com/">current album</a> is utterly splendid. I've never met Alex Stone, but I hope to rectify this soon, he is, after all, a morris dancer too...<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Alex Stone<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
Stockport<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
Guitar, bass, keyboards, accordion, and anything else I can get my hands on that will make a noise. I suppose I should also say that I use the computer as a musical instrument, too.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b><br />
<br />
Just finished making <a href="http://bigblock454.bandcamp.com/">an album with Big Block 454</a>, which is a kind of dadist pop group. Also engaged in producing a series of ambient/experimental recordings.<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth</b><br />
<br />
The first record I remember asking for as a kid was “<a href="http://youtu.be/ZLXOO9PnnMQ">Who Is The Doctor</a>” by Jon Pertwee. The second was the soundtrack to 2001: A Space Odyssey. It’s no wonder I turned out the way I did. I still enjoy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gy%C3%B6rgy_Ligeti">Ligeti</a>, and I still think Jon Pertwee was the best Doctor. But all my life I’ve enjoyed strangeness in music, and I think that’s the legacy of those recordings.<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought?</b><br />
<br />
“<a href="http://boomkat.com/cds/75339-cath-phil-tyler-dumb-supper">Dumb Supper</a>” by Cath and Phil Tyler – yet another interesting take on British folk music; “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Broughton_Band">Edgar Broughton Band</a> – The Harvest Years” – the first five albums by this highly underrated band in one package; “A Spare Tabby at the Cat’s Wedding” by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/moonwiringclub">Moon Wiring Club</a> – because I’ve got a very soft spot for the Ghost Box style of hauntological music. And <a href="http://www.the-unthanks.com/">The Unthanks</a> – “Last” which surely requires no explanation.<br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear:</b><br />
<br />
Jerry Yester and Judy Henske: “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farewell_Aldebaran">Farewell Aldebaran</a>”<br />
Lal and Mike Waterson: “<a href="http://www.folkmusic.net/htmfiles/webrevs/lescd2076.htm">Bright Phoebus</a>”<br />
Richard Skelton: “<a href="http://typerecords.com/releases/landings">Landings</a>”<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b><br />
<br />
Evan Parker, Barry Guy, Eddie Prevost and Keith Rowe at The Band on The Wall. I’ve never seen improv played with such passion, emotion and skill. True telepathy going on, with Barry Guy a bizarre and (he told me later) not unintentionally comic focus for the eyes and ears as he battered the hell out of two double basses at once. Had a nice chat with Keith Rowe about the art of roofing.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue:</b><br />
<br />
Upstairs at The Black Lion, Salford. It used to be the setting for some very exciting and furious improv.<br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
In Holy Trinity Church, Salford.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer.</b><br />
<br />
Did a gig at Holy Trinity with Richard Skelton, Xela and Seasons {Pre-Din}. Very beautiful, devotional improvised music came out of us that night and it made people cry. Meanwhile, the vicar and a very tall goth curate were serving bottles of good ale out of the vestry.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
Every time I play anything I improvise to a degree, so yes. I aspire to the rare moments I’ve felt on the occasions when it has seemed like Music is playing me, and I hope one day to be a worthy conduit. I imagine on my death bed my eyes will spring madly open, I’ll croak “Quick, the guitar...” and, in front of my incredulous relatives I’ll do something like bang the front of the guitar, hold it to my ear and expire with a look of profound joy. Or, more likely, I’ll ask someone to stick “Another Green World” on for a final spin. <br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
Can’t say I’ve got any. Plenty of people I admire, but for a long time I’ve felt that the best way to live is to become the best at being me. I take advice from wise people, of course, but they don’t know everything – no, hang on, I think Derek Bailey did. Shame David Sylvian didn’t listen very well.<br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
Liverpool. I was brought up there, and I’ve happily let it become a mythical place of memory rather than somewhere I’d want to live again.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ambientehotel.wordpress.com/">M. John Harrison</a> – “The Course of The Heart.” It’s got something as indefinably strange and wonderful that can never quite be reached. Which is funny, because that’s what it’s about. Try it.<br />
<br />
Nikki Segnit – <a href=“http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jun/27/flavour-thesaurus-niki-segnit-review”>The Flavour Thesaurus</a> A wonderful resource of information about flavours; ideal for those of us who like messing with food.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/">Roger Phillips</a> – “Mushrooms”. The best guide to our fungi.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inland_Empire_(film)">Inland Empire</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drowning_by_Numbers">Drowning by Numbers</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_for_Scoundrels_(1960_film)">School for Scoundrels</a><br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://web.ncf.ca/ek867/wood_s_lot.html">wood s lot</a><br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
Absurdity. And ducks. Actually, that’s probably the same thing.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
Yes. Unfortunately, it’s “<a href="http://youtu.be/SSR6ZzjDZ94">More Than A Feeling</a>” by Boston. I don’t want to talk about it. I do find myself feeling sentimental about some of the old hymns I used to have to sing when I was a kid. "Come ye thankful people come" and "For those in peril on the sea" were favourites. Probably still are, if I were to go to church. Maybe I'll do a hymns album. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhYXfeKzSeyItiA1G13icr5C3knlrVJGvOdCYA_x6lsFc_fTvuIgh4GxGzISogm5a8-R-t6g2pS-71wyrLu42WHWGcq39c-MG8SR9Ajv0GwdRHcKAhr7T_RVqAJvtkNOu7x1AqxOycd5t/s1600/alex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhYXfeKzSeyItiA1G13icr5C3knlrVJGvOdCYA_x6lsFc_fTvuIgh4GxGzISogm5a8-R-t6g2pS-71wyrLu42WHWGcq39c-MG8SR9Ajv0GwdRHcKAhr7T_RVqAJvtkNOu7x1AqxOycd5t/s400/alex.jpg" /></a></div><i>Thanks Alex!</i><br />
<br />
The Music Questionnaires are an <a href="http://bagrec.blogspot.com/search/label/Music%20Questionnaires">ongoing series</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-42324278846008790252011-04-11T11:39:00.003+01:002011-04-12T19:19:03.679+01:00Music Questionnaire No 20 - duncan goddardI can't quite place where I first met Duncan Goddard, but somehow living in Teesside and sharing a love of Faust and Can it was inevitable our orbits would collide. We've collaborated a couple of times, in the early 80s in a noise-rock improv trio called "Macbeth" (with Steve Dinsdale) and in the early 90's in best forgotten pop project. In the meantime Duncan's first love - electronic improvised music - finally paid off as his long running project (with Steve Dinsdale and Gary Houghton) <a href="http://www.radiomassacreinternational.com">Radio Massacre International</a> began playing international gigs and releasing acclaimed CDs. We met again via the internet a year or so ago, and in the flesh at a Drop gig in London. I still enjoy his spiky wit and enthusiasm for some of the more neglected regions of music...<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
duncan goddard<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
north london, madrid, stockport<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
bass, keyboards, analogue electronics, hardware sequencers & guitar. sometimes all at once. if you took everything away from me & said "you can have one thing back", I think it would be an old fender bass. but if you took everything away from me like that, I would hunt you down &.....<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.radiomassacreinternational.com">radio massacre international</a>. but it's time I branched out. working on a wee symphony in stolen moments. no, that's not its name, nor will it be.<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth</b><br />
<br />
bowie's cover of "<a href="http://youtu.be/qjqN_S5jIy0">See Emily Play</a>". didn't catch the intro (by alan freeman, in 1972 or 1973) so all I heard was him back-reffing this strange music as "a memory of early pink floyd". when I finally heard the original a couple of years later, I was astonished. round about then, I think I got a copy of "<a href="http://youtu.be/MoZ_Lg21b14">silver machine</a>" & saw "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EvL7-9RVGE">7 seas of rhye</a>" on top of the pops. between those things, something lasting was forged.<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought?</b><br />
<br />
more radiophonics compilations & a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Gray">barry gray</a> collection. <a href="http://www.jackarel.com/">jack arel</a>. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dukes_of_Stratosphear">the dukes of stratosphear</a> (reissues). <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takemitsu">takemitsu</a>. the entire soundtrack music from "<a href="http://www.clangers.co.uk/">the clangers</a>". some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faust_(band)">faust</a> reissues. "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squawk_(album)">squawk</a>" by budgie.<br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear:</b><br />
<br />
"<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Out_Of_Mind">time out of mind</a>" (dylan)<br />
<a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/R329846">mi media naranja</a> (labradford)<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daydream_Nation">daydream nation</a> (sonic youth)<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labradford">labradford</a>, at the highbury garage. on one of the rare occasions of one of them actually deigning to speak to the audience, it was to apologise in advance for an abbreviated & insubstantial set due to equipment failure. they did enough with what they had left working, to produce tears & a decision to buy a memorymoog at the earliest possible opportunity. which I did.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue</b>:<br />
<br />
as an artist? st mary's church, philadelphia. as a punter, fond memories of the coatham bowl in redcar, but like a lot of us metropolitan types I'd choose one of the two larger south bank venues. RFH if pushed.<br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
the cafe/bar of the liverpool playhouse, in 1987, playing bass in a three-piece completed by an actor on tenor sax & a stage-manager on guitar. we did a segue/mash-up of "summertime" & "stormy weather".<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer.</b><br />
<br />
in 2007, we had spent six months collecting material for an album which was inspired by rather than being a tribute to the late syd barrett. then we decided to try to plough through the whole thing live, in one go, by way of launching it. it worked, we pulled it off, it sounded great, & so we did the whole thing again in baltimore a few weeks later. this was an unusual approach for us (see below) & it satisfied us that we could still learn an arranged set.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
very much so, & in truth the response to the previous question should reflect the many many times that the magic has visited an improvised live perfromance. "are you the band that makes it up as you go along?" we were asked in 1982, before being barred from the dolphin in redcar. well, it seems to have served us better than them.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
I can't. there are many people I admire, for music & for plenty of other things; I think it's just blind chance that some of their "heroic" actions come to prominence or public knowledge whilst others remain unknown. there's heroism in everyone, to some degree- I can't single anyone out.<br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
haven't been to a city I didn't like, with the possible exception of LA. but madrid's close to the top of my preferred places at the moment. stockholm. vienna. manchester. <br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b><br />
complete shakespeare, anything by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Bear">greg bear</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Niven">larry niven</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films?</b><br />
<br />
(looks at DVDs) "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Like_Flint">in like flint</a>", "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Star_(film)">dark star</a>". but tomorrow I might say something different. is this indicative enough of my character for us to move on? I find it very difficult to leave a film halfway through, no matter how bad it is, but if it's got jack black in it, I can usually manage. he's a fat unfunny turd.<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://encyclopediadramatica.com/">encyclopedia dramatica</a>. somehow it gives me hope that the internet will fade into the background & become the preserve of the sorts of folks who write crap like that, while the rest of us dip in & out & get on with our lives.<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
see above. a guilty pleasure. also, comedies of manners done by americans ("<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Larry_Sanders_Show">larry sanders</a>" & the like). they're so busy being good at it that they completely miss the irony.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
yes- "the carnival is over" by the seekers. not the least bit ashamed of that. my "best of..." seekers collection is right next to "chaos AD" by sepultura. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8m4o1Hd8GghPjK6Emoccr0Kf8LwOfmEp8y7GWHIF7pReAV3rczrDM3BUkkH7W5AvGjlzW0tY4LaNXuoH15lokjIeKQ4voT-4oBVXL6MABUPxWvwHn1qqJzi-ngjR6M3l4ncrsRYjGdE1O/s1600/DAS+4+84+X+Sessions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="285" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8m4o1Hd8GghPjK6Emoccr0Kf8LwOfmEp8y7GWHIF7pReAV3rczrDM3BUkkH7W5AvGjlzW0tY4LaNXuoH15lokjIeKQ4voT-4oBVXL6MABUPxWvwHn1qqJzi-ngjR6M3l4ncrsRYjGdE1O/s400/DAS+4+84+X+Sessions.jpg" /></a></div><i>Thanks Duncan!</i><br />
<br />
The Music Questionnaires are an <a href="http://bagrec.blogspot.com/search/label/Music%20Questionnaires">ongoing series</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-17688027641537081572011-04-10T23:23:00.002+01:002011-04-13T20:17:37.581+01:00Music Questionnaire No 19 - John BissetI first met John about 18 years ago when I turned up for the first ever practice of the London Electric Guitar Orchestra - and after the initial rush of interest we struggled on for what seemed like months as a guitar trio of John, Jorg Graumann and myself, before the concept finally took off and I was able to leave for "sartorial reasons". Since then I've spent a hilarous few days in Hamburg with him at an improv festival, and given him the odd gig. I always liked the fact that John is roughly the same age as me and shares a post-punk history - he was the leader of the sublime "<a href="http://www.ltmpub.freeserve.co.uk/growupcat.html">Grow Up</a>" as well as the guitarist in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spherical_Objects_(band)">Spherical Object</a>s. These days, outside of improv and twangy guitar instrumentals, he's probably best known as one the stars of the wonderful <a href="http://www.2-13.co.uk/213TV_home.html">Two Thirteen TV</a>...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
John Bisset<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
Stoke Newington, London<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
Guitar<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b><br />
<br />
Using green screen to create visual equivalent of multitracking - filming myself as I lay down each track then mixing them together to make film with several me's playing the music. Having been addicted to multitracking since my first 4 track cassette in 1989 this is a delight especially as it becomes an 'analogue' experience, as it it's not possible to edit each take, you have to get it right in one go.<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_Warrior">Electric Warrior</a> - T.Rex<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought?</b><br />
<br />
Well i subscribe to Spotify so I suppose that counts as buying. I've been playing J.S. Bach: Cantata Bwv 39 - 'Brich Dem Hungrigen Dein Brot' every morning for the past month.<br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear:</b><br />
<br />
Caravan - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahul_Dev_Burman">Rahul Dev Burman</a><br />
<a href="http://www.2-13.co.uk/13_lumps_of_chease.html">13 lumps of chease</a> - London Electric Guitar Orchestra<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Because_Her_Beauty_Is_Raw_and_Wild">Because her Beauty is Raw and Wild</a> - Jonathan Richman<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Richman">Jonathan Richman</a> at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in 2009. His refusal to play any of the old stuff - turned into a philosophy of life by way of the song 'Es Como El Pan' (It's like bread, when its even one day old it's no good). He played a nylon strung acoustic with no strap or pick, wandering off mic frequently, getting the air conditioning turned off so you could hear him and so we suffered cos 'when you refuse to suffer, you lose' - mucking about - wonderful!<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/407672.html">The Club Room</a> during the 90's<br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
In the years we did annual relays there were a lot of odd spaces - tents, railway carriages, disused power stations, paper structures - the strangest was probably the disused power station in Berlin where there was no floor/ceiling in front of me and the audience stood opposite on the other side of the abyss. There were huge burnt patches on the walls where the cables had run.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer.</b><br />
<br />
The first time I played with Pocket (me and alex ward on electric guitars, with bass and drums) - at the 12 bar club (was it a Baggage Reclaim event?)<i>[probably - Richard]</i>. A genuine 'band' evolving from chance meetings and a coincidence of tastes, moving through the early stages with apparent ease and then performing even better than rehearsals suggested. I'd been playing impro for many years and this was my first return to tune-based material.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
Essential<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rhodridavies.com/">Rhodri Davies</a>, <br />
Jonathan Richman,<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candida_Doyle">Candida Doyle</a><br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
London<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puckoon">Puckoon</a> by Spike Milligan<br />
When Things Fall Apart by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pema_Chodron">Pema Chodron</a><br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_the_Future">Back to the Future</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sholay">Sholay</a><br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
YouTube<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IEmsJi0lT8">Ivor Kallin</a><br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
Oh my god so many! <br />
Me and my sister had about 15 singles when we were about 12 and 11 respectively (1970ish). We spent whole days playing them, A sides and B's, on a Dansette. We voted on them and made a weekly Top Ten - it was the same records each time, but in a different (hotly contended) order.<br />
All the singles belonged to my step father and were from the late 50's early 60's and I feel sentimental when ever I hear one of these - Elvis, Bobby Darin, Marty Wilde, Connie Francis, etc. <br />
If I had to choose one it would be '<a href="http://youtu.be/E5IzwSektno">Everybody's Somebody's Fool</a>' by Connie Francis - simply because I like singing it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38tNbSSg899MPbygzGqUbGPhSOKr84cxCP4oV7m4bu82vkFoDDSHA-aEHgdvOFO4wCMS8gs5Jq0dPUG1vyf7t_Z3vEgKmI4Qbsbef_b2ijiekSKfui5rFhYrBDX8RNIaV_AXaOPpmSZ-q/s1600/Bisset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38tNbSSg899MPbygzGqUbGPhSOKr84cxCP4oV7m4bu82vkFoDDSHA-aEHgdvOFO4wCMS8gs5Jq0dPUG1vyf7t_Z3vEgKmI4Qbsbef_b2ijiekSKfui5rFhYrBDX8RNIaV_AXaOPpmSZ-q/s400/Bisset.jpg" /></a></div><i>Thanks John!</i><br />
<br />
The Music Questionnaires are an <a href="http://bagrec.blogspot.com/search/label/Music%20Questionnaires">ongoing series</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-28304617636917287572011-04-09T20:17:00.002+01:002011-04-09T20:39:37.535+01:00Music Questionnaire No 18 - Chris CundyI got to know <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Cundy">Chris Cundy</a> in the mid 90's when he he used to play at "The Club Room", the improvised music club I ran. Later his band "Transmissions of Not" played at my "Baggage Reclaim" club. He's consequently become a mainstay of the UK free improv scene whilst also being a member of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillemots">The Guillemots</a> and even found time to appear on my EP "Pinhole" a few years back. A tremendously enthusiastic individual, he could justifiably be described as putting Cheltenham on the experimental music map, both as a player and as a promotor...<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
My name is Chris Cundy<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
Cheltenham<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
bass clarinet and other woodwind such as that thing called the saxophone<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b><br />
<br />
A new band called <a href="http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/find-events/jazz/j9-freehouse-xposed-club">Exit Kit</a>. It's a quartet I've put together so that I can play my own music.<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/GMezwtB1oCU">Everyday</a> by Buddy Holly.<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought?</b><br />
<br />
Let England Shake by <a href="http://www.pjharvey.net/">PJ Harvey</a><br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Eric-Dolphy-The-Eric-Dolphy-Memorial-Album/release/1450644">The Eric Dolphy Memorial Album</a> by Eric Dolphy / <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Len-Bright-Combo-The-Len-Bright-Combo/release/2187814">The Len Bright Combo Present The Len Bright Combo By The Len Bright Combo</a> / <a href="http://youtu.be/1u64RqYlF70">Symphony in D Major</a> by Carl Phillipp Emanuel Bach<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b><br />
<br />
Seeing <a href="http://">The Auntie Vegetable</a>'s performance at a house party in Chatham when I was about 10 and realizing that growing up wasn't entirely necessary.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mickbeck.com/">Mick Beck</a>'s house in Sheffield.<br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
On the street, any street - busking. The people I meet and the reactions people have are wilder than anything I've seen on tour or in the comfort of a venue.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer.</b><br />
<br />
Working with Mexican dancer <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwU6u7CCvLc&feature=related">Tania Cervantes</a> for Nofit State Circus. I helped create/perform music for an aerial fight scene that she devised just by counterweight that spanned the height of the big top. It gave me very free and edgy possibilities for the saxophone which I played over a toe tapping 6/4/3 rhythm.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
Yes, I should think its possibly the most important thing to me.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines</b>:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Stephenson">George Stephenson</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckminster_Fuller">Buckminster Fuller</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giulietta_Masina">Giulietta Masina</a><br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
Glasgow<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_and_Out_in_Paris_and_London">Down And Out In Paris And London</a> by George Orwell / <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candide">Candide</a> by Voltaire<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Wonka_%26_the_Chocolate_Factory">Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory</a> (the original of course) / <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_the_Future">Back To The Future</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
You Tube<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
Ivor Kallin and Alan Wilkinson getting up to mischief together.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
Yes, I suppose it would have to be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykU8iSKkJR0">To Love Somebody</a> by The Bee Gees. Funny, I never really liked the Bee Gees but what a song that one is! It is about loss and absence isn't it? It conjures a spooky kind of nostalgia in me anyway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyNlvqD9Jwd06Tt-B_TLZNtT6o213cFgxmnSEpKTDNXMblEJ63PuPgP1MnOmXY80GgZW74liDSbi5txC83NfPL80EkFfVfBj4jh0cUxJ6PVTEfdGqFZfeA3tR-ucSnPNAbhnPitj3C5Iu/s1600/Chriscundy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyNlvqD9Jwd06Tt-B_TLZNtT6o213cFgxmnSEpKTDNXMblEJ63PuPgP1MnOmXY80GgZW74liDSbi5txC83NfPL80EkFfVfBj4jh0cUxJ6PVTEfdGqFZfeA3tR-ucSnPNAbhnPitj3C5Iu/s400/Chriscundy.jpg" /></a></div><i>Thanks Chris</i><br />
<br />
The Music Questionnaires are an <a href="http://bagrec.blogspot.com/search/label/Music%20Questionnaires">ongoing series</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-55640274635202046892011-04-07T20:04:00.004+01:002011-04-09T13:20:09.658+01:00Music Questionnaire No 17 - Wavis O' ShaveI got to know Wavis after I enthused about his character "The Hard" on my blog, and he wrote to me to recommend a few videos I might have missed. I later started collecting his records (not cheap) and in email converstions found him to be surprisingly debonnaire and unsurprisingly hilarious. What you don't learn about him in this questionnaire you find out in the <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/2010/04/02/">hour long special</a> he did for Resonance FM (and I produced)<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
I am Wavis O'Shave, who, according to Wikipedia, is a surreal English<br />
musician and comedian who <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmvxIAT4Dyc">regularly appeared</a> on Channel 4's music show<br />
THE TUBE. Well that's true I guess,but I do have a habit of popping<br />
up here and there unexpectedly at a whim or drop of a fedora.<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
Second star on the left, straight on 'til morning.<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
The Theremin that is inside of my head.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b><br />
<br />
I am being filmed for a movie docu about my longevity, for a DVD<br />
national release later this year. It will exclusively include my<br />
latest musical offering 'Sunspots on the Moon'.<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth</b><br />
<br />
Responsible for my having a perma tan since the age of 13, '<a href="http://youtu.be/1h1oRP7FfBw">Sunny<br />
Afternoon</a>' by the Kinks, 1969. Best served with ice cream.<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought</b><br />
<br />
'<b>The music of the Spheres</b>' - an ancient philosophical concept that<br />
regards proportions in the movements of celestial bodies. To be<br />
honest, I haven't actually bought it yet - been on order since the<br />
last thousand years and 123 past lives. Hard to obtain. No, it was an<br />
illegal recording by the Lancashire based Bootle Brass Band singing<br />
'<b>The perfect gift for Easter</b>'. It is a Bootle Egg.<br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we should hear</b><br />
<br />
'<a href="http://youtu.be/PaLfDnShEn0">Woman</a>' by John Lennon - there's something in there for almost every<br />
adult male to think about, '<a href="http://youtu.be/291ET6Py6H8">Happy Talk</a>' 1982 cover version By Captain<br />
Sensible..it's all in the chorus (dreams of Katie Derham coming<br />
through my bedroom window at the dead of night)..and '<a href="http://youtu.be/WlBiLNN1NhQ">Always look on<br />
the bright side of life</a>' by Python. You have to.<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you</b><br />
<br />
This is a toss up between Kate Bush and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sooty">Sooty</a>. Saw Kate on her only UK<br />
tour back in 1979, only ten dates. In those days artistes gave you an<br />
hour and a half. Bushy gave you three hours and a costume change with<br />
just about every number. It was technical perfection, sound and<br />
vision. Seeing Sweep in the flesh..I mean glove..was a dream come<br />
true, I had always been a great fan of his winding up techniques of<br />
long suffering Harry Corbett.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue:</b><br />
<br />
Bed. Well I do live in it a lot. Partly blame the Kinks.<br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
Long ago I had a band called 'The Borestiffers'. We did a one venue<br />
world tour, a church hall that belonged to the local blind community.<br />
We got it for free because of a misunderstanding that the blind<br />
fellas, expecting a musical concert, could come and hear us free.<br />
Didn't have the heart to tell them all we played was empty suitcases,<br />
bullworkers and an actual kitchen sink.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer.</b><br />
<br />
Turning up as a support act to a rock band on a flying carpet on<br />
wheels that trailed empty tins of Tennants Super strength, as Mustapha<br />
Dhoorinc - in full and precise eastern apparel, turban and all, and<br />
beard down to the shins. Whilst the Islamic intro played, downed what<br />
looked like an unopened bottle of whisky in thirty seconds. It was<br />
cold tea actually. Proceeded to freak the audience out, made it to the<br />
end of the set and scarpered off on the carpet leaving one and all<br />
stunned.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you</b><br />
<br />
Yes..you can only write your lyrics on your arms for as long as your<br />
arms are long.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
Scotland's Finest, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maggie_Bell">Maggie Bell</a>, sadly best known for singing the<br />
'Taggart' theme tune and for her 1982 hit 'Hold me' alongside B.A,<br />
Robinson. For sure, our answer to Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin,<br />
just goes to show that you don't get out of life what you put into it.<br />
66, and still the best female vocalist ever to come out of the British<br />
Isles..next,Saint <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_of_Arc">Joan of Arc</a> for proving you can't beat the system...<br />
and on that theme, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnie_Prince_Charlie">Bonnie Prince Charlie</a>, the first popstar in history<br />
and history's biggest loser. Finally, Swiss psychiatrist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Jung">Carl Gustav<br />
Jung </a>whose theory of the Collective Unconscious and archetypes made it<br />
ok for me to meet a few mythological Greek gods and goddesses and not<br />
be bonkers. Oh, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Jones">Indiana Jones</a> would have made the list but he's<br />
off trying to find my lost 1965 'Beatles at Carnegie Hall' programme.<br />
<br />
<b>Favourite City</b><br />
<br />
Electricity..can't put the kettle on without it.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books;</b><br />
<br />
'<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppenwolf_(novel)">Steppenwolf</a>' by Herman Hesse, and the Sanskrit epic '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharata">The Mahabharata</a>'<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films;</b><br />
<br />
Ursula Andress as Ayesha in the 1966 Hammer film '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She_(1965_film)">She</a>' - I would have<br />
followed her anywhere - '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey_(film)">2001 A Space Odyssey</a>'.. I would have followed<br />
the spacecraft anywhere,still trying to work those last 20 minutes<br />
out....'<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_and_the_Argonauts_(1963_film)">Jason and the Argonauts</a>' cos I can meet Talos thanks to Jung,<br />
and '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Flew_Over_the_Cuckoo%27s_Nest_(film)">One flew over the cuckoo nest</a>' (Still can't beat the system)<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh;</b><br />
<br />
Natural comedy moments..I've seen myself in Mr Bean and Frank Spencer no end.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
This one goes to penalties. It's either the Beatles '<a href="http://youtu.be/PN9n1bAahg4">Across the<br />
Universe</a>' cos nothing's going to change my world, or their '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIsou0IRIQU">Fool on<br />
the Hill</a>' - they must have seen me sitting up at the top of<br />
Glastonbury Tor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65RaVUW97TOMkDW3OZHROj_cZD-CqX0b2hiyu3Ujr-T_JQEs4mw52VtDpB8uCLVFrQxjJcjw9GSZDkA7NhCMuZe2iAYXECWKzspVzooWFdRwvw2CBzn-9kGQiOgfxIWAjxOxUr_QW9eLQ/s1600/lwavyanna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="261" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65RaVUW97TOMkDW3OZHROj_cZD-CqX0b2hiyu3Ujr-T_JQEs4mw52VtDpB8uCLVFrQxjJcjw9GSZDkA7NhCMuZe2iAYXECWKzspVzooWFdRwvw2CBzn-9kGQiOgfxIWAjxOxUr_QW9eLQ/s400/lwavyanna.jpg" /></a></div><i>Thanks Wavis</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-51028139825714437172011-04-04T21:10:00.000+01:002011-04-04T21:22:05.825+01:00Music Questionnaires No 16 - Monster BobbyI guess I've known Monster Bobby for about 10 years, since he kindly asked me to play some songs at the "Totally Bored" club he was helping to run at the time, and we've kept in touch ever since. I've always found him never less than utterly charming and I've always admired his total love of pop music and the way it works, whilst clearly keeping interests in music some may consider a bit more "cerebral". He talks about his music in the replies, so I'll just point out that as well as being something of a mover and shaker and active collaborator in music, he also produces two rather fine and engaging blogs <a href="http://www.thebombparty.blogspot.com">The Bomb Party</a> and <a href="http://littleother.blogspot.com">Little Other</a>...<br />
<br />
<b>Who Are You</b><br />
<br />
Well, on my birth certificate it says Robert William Barry, however most people have called me Bobby for as long as I can remember. But then, Bobby Barry is obviously far too ridiculous a name to do anything vaguely professional under, so about ten years ago, I started adopting the even more ridiculous moniker of Monster Bobby for most of my musical projects.<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
Paris, these days, however I grew up in Brighton and lived in London for the best part of ten years before moving here. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
Guitar, mostly, although I also have a small collection of old Casio keyboards. I've been both a percussionist and an electronics/weird noises type person in bands before. <br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b><br />
<br />
Well, there's a few... First and foremost, there's <a href="http://thepipettes.org/">The Pipettes</a>, the pop group I started about seven and a half years ago that has now released two albums and many singles. In The Pipettes, I play guitar and a sort of electronic harp/guitar thing called a Q-Chord, and occasional I trigger samples. Everyone in the band writes the songs.<br />
<br />
Then there's the solo thing I do, <a href="http://monsterbobby.com/">Monster Bobby</a>, which is generally me with an acoustic guitar and a sampler, singing songs with occasionally quite obstreperous electronic noises behind them.<br />
<br />
Last year, I started a project in London called <a href="http://alittleorchestra.wordpress.com/">A Little Orchestra</a>, which is a sort of loose collective of instrumentalists, generally orchestral instrumentalists, performing a mixture of 20th century minimalist/avant-garde works, film scores, pop songs, and our own compositions.<br />
<br />
Finally, I just invented this game called Wav Tennis, whereby any two musicians or non-musicians volley sound files back and forth over the internet, gradually building up tracks through the semi-random accumulation of exchanged noises. You can find more details of the <a href="http://littleother.blogspot.com/2011/03/play-wav-tennis.html">rules to Wav Tennis on my Little Other blog</a>. I am currently engaged in a couple of games of that, and always up for starting new sets. Hopefully, one day, everyone will be playing Wav Tennis!<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth</b><br />
<br />
The first album that I remember really loving and being a bit obsessed by: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_(album)">Bad</a> by Michael Jackson<br />
The first album that I bought with my own money and that really felt like 'my music' : <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killers_(Iron_Maiden_album)">Killers</a> by Iron Maiden<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought?</b><br />
<br />
A thing on RER called Baku: <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Various-Baku-Symphony-Of-Sirens-Sound-Experiments-In-The-Russian-Avant-Garde/release/1764271">Symphony of Sirens</a>, which is a double cd compilation of recordings and reconstructions of music/poetry/sound art from Russia in the immediate post-revolutionary period.<br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear:</b><br />
<br />
Ahem.. Earth vs The PIpettes by The Pipettes, Gaps by Monster Bobby and We Are The Pipettes by The Pipettes... No, but seriously... Something by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Os_Mutantes">Os Mutantes</a>, something by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Bears">Art Bears</a> or Henry Cow, and something by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disco_Inferno_(band)">Disco Inferno</a>, although right now I'm not sure which particular records. Just get everything they ever did.<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b><br />
<br />
Two things towards the beginning of last year - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cos%C3%AC_fan_tutte">Cosi Fan Tutte</a> at the Royal Opera House, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Budd_(opera)">Billy Budd</a> at Opera Bastille - have left me obsessed with the possibilities of sung drama. <br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue:</b><br />
<br />
I think pretty well all the live music venues I have ever loved are now either closed down or refurbished beyond recognition. <br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
The Pipettes once played a gig in a hair salon in Berlin that was sort of like something out of an Armistead Maupin book. That was quite strange.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer.</b><br />
<br />
You know that thing that happens sometimes when everyone in the band plays the wrong thing - but you all play the wrong thing together, and it ends up sounding/feeling much better than the right thing ever could've done.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
I get very jealous of musicians who are very comfortable improvisers because I have a sort of crippling fear of being on a stage and not knowing what I'm supposed to be doing. And I find small stages in front of small amounts of people much scarier than big stages in front of large amounts of people, and therefore no stage at all in front of four or five people can be absolutely terrifying. Having said that, over the years, I've always found ways and means of bringing forms of group improvisation into my life, although rarely in public. The Pipettes have always spent a lot of time improvising in rehearsals, often in styles that one would not expect from a band like The Pipettes; and A Little Orchestra play quite a lot of stuff that is improvisatory but structured in some (possibly quite meagre) way, such as by a piece of text. I briefly had a project with a guy who makes sort of noise music and super 8 films who calls himself <a href="http://www.myspace.com/eatenbychildren">Eaten By Children</a>, and that was all based around improvisation, largely with no-input mixing boards and fx. We made some pretty nice recordings which sadly still haven't been released, but I hope they will be one day. All these things were definitely, as you say, important to me, and some of my favourite live gigs by other people have been improvised or at least contained improvised elements, but right now, at least, it isn't really something I do in public.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
I'd like to split this question into two halves because I can't think of three people that I'm willing to unambiguously call "Heroes" with a big capital H. So, on the one hand, there are people who might better be called "Anti-Heroes": people where the absolute amazingness of certain aspects of their work/life has sort of been overshadowed by the utter wretched sordidness of certain other aspects of their work/life, in which category I might put, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagner">Richard Wagner</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson">Michael Jackson</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Spector">Phil Spector</a>. On the other hand, there are people who are perhaps less reprehensible, but also somehow less heroic with a big capital H, and yet somehow they've maybe done a bunch of stuff that I really think, gee, I wish I could say that I'd done that. I'd like to call this category, less "Heroes" than "Pretty Cool Guys" and I would include there people like, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurie_Anderson">Laurie Anderson</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Drummond">Bill Drummond</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delia_Derbyshire">Delia Derbyshire</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Scott">Raymond Scott</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Gould">Glenn Gould</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
That's sort of a tricky one, in a way. Probably six months ago I would have said London without really thinking about it, but now I'm living in Paris and I'm really much happier here than I ever was in London. Then, at the same time, I have a certain resistance to naming Paris as my, like, "favourite city in the world" much as I find it a very pleasant place to spend my time. There are also a number of cities that I haven't spent that much time in but I've been enormously impressed with while there, and have always felt like I'd like to spend much more time there: Copenhagen, Bologna, Osaka, Hamburg, and Berlin, in particular. Probably my favourite city would have to be some imaginary city, like Ledom in Theodore Sturgeon's novel <a href="http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/title.cgi?924">Venus Plus X</a>, or something like that. <br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b><br />
<br />
At the moment, probably <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Faustus_(Thomas_Mann_novel)">Dr Faustus</a> by Thomas Mann, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stars_My_Destination">The Stars, My Destination</a> by Alfred Bester. <br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films</b><br />
<br />
Recently I decided that the five best films ever made are Modern Times, City Lights, The Kid, The Gold Rush, and Buster Keaton's Sherlock Jr, and that anyone who says otherwise is just wrong. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<a href="http://www.ubu.com">ubu.com</a> or <a href="http://www.thestomachroom.com">thestomachroom.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
Marx Brothers films, Steve Martin stand-up records, any sitcom starring Leonard Rossiter, people walking into lamp posts, dogs that can say 'sausages', root vegetables shaped like genitalia, that sort of thing.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
Far too many to mention. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<i>Thanks Bobby</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Jd9NpT6_aymLmcTTc1NZddsNWHnUZC7hV72M8IROuQwsAVDcmwRkfnHtsz1CuoAwCoPmoL0TVAQO8dZM2ObKrebZFJEiF10D2N2_MU52e1Xa1xndOeAMDth3VAFquOuTOxoSSj5nzlvx/s1600/Bobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="218" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Jd9NpT6_aymLmcTTc1NZddsNWHnUZC7hV72M8IROuQwsAVDcmwRkfnHtsz1CuoAwCoPmoL0TVAQO8dZM2ObKrebZFJEiF10D2N2_MU52e1Xa1xndOeAMDth3VAFquOuTOxoSSj5nzlvx/s320/Bobby.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The Music Questionnaires are an <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music%20questionnaires">ongoing series</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-29934588699723768002011-03-31T12:37:00.003+01:002011-04-06T16:13:54.446+01:00Music Questionnaires No 15 - Jude CowanJude Cowan is an artist who resists categorisation. As a singer/songwriter her work ranges from ukelele accompanied neo music hall like <a href="http://www.brightyoungfolk.com/gigs/doodlebug-alley-jude-cowan/record-detail.aspx">Doodlebug Alley</a> to Hammond organ backed arrangements of William Blake, via electronic improvisation. On top of this she is poet (most recent book, the extraordinary <a href="http://www.forthemessengers.co.uk/">"For The Messengers"</a>) and a unique blogger at <a href="http://judecowan.blogspot.com/">judecowan.blogspot.com/</a> where many entries are vivid pages from her sketchbook...<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Jude Cowan<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
London<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
Voice, keyboard, uke / guitar, many others naively<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b><br />
<br />
Reuters Improvisations - improvised works on Reuters Television News stories (I'm an archivist for RTV)<br />
Foulkestone, a duo with Richard Sanderson<br />
The Boilermakers, a duo with Matt Armstrong<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth</b><br />
Exodus by Bob Marley<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPSnYcvDvco">Vltava</a> by Smetana<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP7CDvQULXw&feature=related">The Wombles</a> by Mark Batt<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last music you bought?</b><br />
<br />
The Big I Am's new CD, '<a href="http://thebigiam1.bandcamp.com/album/collecting-skies">Collecting Skies</a>' on Folkwit<br />
The Big I Am are friends of mine and I like to buy music to support friends and fellow musicians. The last CD I bought not by a friend or at a launch but just because I wanted it was '<a href="http://drownedinsound.com/releases/14390/reviews/4136671">Spoil</a>s' by Alasdair Roberts on Drag City. That was a while ago now.<br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear:</b><br />
<br />
The Ethiopiques records (<a href="http://jellyfishsamich.blogspot.com/2010/07/ethiopiques-vol-8-swinging-addis.html">Swinging Addis - Number 8</a>)<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_5000_Spirits_or_the_Layers_of_the_Onion">The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion</a> (Incredible String Band)<br />
The Instant Monty Python CD Collection<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baaba_Maal">Baaba Maal</a> when he came over first and played the Hackney Empire in the very late 1980s.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue:</b><br />
<br />
I like performing at odd events rather than set up clubs. But a good sound is nice.<br />
For smaller, intimate venues I have enjoyed playing at The Gallery Cafe recently as it has a nice stage backdrop and I like the split stage at the 12 Bar, with the audience above and below you - and I like singing with the choir in rather lovely churches - I enjoyed doing the Monteverde Vespers in the Holy Redeemer church in Exmouth Market as it has such an immersive reverb.<br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
I used to sing saluang music in Sumatra Barat. The audience would pay 500 rupiah a song. The local musicians would take me and we would tour the villages around Bukittinggi. Best time was after Ramadan as there were lots of celebrations, bad month for gigs, Ramadan, not the culturally done thing. Anyway it wasn't really strange I guess, but it was to me, not being from there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer.</b><br />
<br />
I enjoyed singing and writing on Ray Davies's songwriting course in Sheepwash, Devon - we did a nice performance of a musical we wrote in a couple of days based on Thelma and Louise. I like the immediacy of writing then performing straight away.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
Yes, my current project 'Reuters Improvisations' is very improv based. As is my other duo, The Boilermakers, with Matt Armstrong which is based more on Eastern European traditions and other world musics, all brought in to a folk and funk mix<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rumergodden.com/">Rumer Godden</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V._S._Naipaul">V S Naipaul</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D_H_Lawrence">D H Lawrence</a><br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
London - absolutely my favourite city of all time<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b><br />
A House for Mr Biswas - V S Naipaul<br />
Kingfishers catch Fire - Rumer Godden<br />
Women in Love - D H Lawrence<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films?</b><br />
The General - Buster Keaton<br />
Way Out West - Laurel and Hardy<br />
Watership Down (1978)<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathfinder_(1987_film)">Pathfinder</a> (1987)<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
An illustration blog I like -<br />
<a href="theanimalarium.blogspot.com">theanimalarium.blogspot.co</a> which has brilliant illustrations/design using animals from all around the world<br />
<br />
<b> What makes you laugh?</b><br />
Performing live<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv584jRwh0s">Exodus</a> - I remember standing on the lawn in front of my house in Bolton, the front lawn, a strange piece of ground with its raised camber and hearing the music drift over the air while I thought about Ladybridge and the big world out there<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pics.livejournal.com/bagrec/pic/0010zc2b/"><img src="http://pics.livejournal.com/bagrec/pic/0010zc2b/s640x480" width="640" height="428" border="0" /></a><br />
<i>Thanks Jude</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-54800334302488358692011-03-30T12:42:00.002+01:002011-04-06T16:15:11.920+01:00Music Questionnaire No 14 - Alan SavageI've known Alan Savage, or "Sav", since the late 70s when I was in a post-punk band called Drop and he was in a more successful post punk band called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basczax">Basczax</a>, he's always been an explorative and intuitive musician, whilst always keeping the basic grounding in pop music that I never had. Here's what he says about himself-<br />
"I drifted into teaching and to my surprise find I like it as it is never boring. I was born June 1959. I am tall – 6 foot 2. My father was an ICI process worker, I grew up on a council estate in Middlesbrough. I lack the sports gene and am an avid reader and writer. I love to sing and play, it makes me feel (mighty) real."<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Alan Savage<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
Manila, the Philippines<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
Guitar, Bass, Piano (badly)<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current musical project?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://soundcloud.com/alan-savage">Dada Guitars</a>. Trying to make an EP a month.<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big impact on you in your youth</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSpmEOSrTvU">Hot Love</a> by T.Rex <br />
<br />
<b>What was the last CD you bought?</b><br />
<br />
Kanye West: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Beautiful_Dark_Twisted_Fantasy">My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy</a><br />
<br />
<b>List three records by artists we all should hear:</b><br />
<br />
Velvet Underground: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velvet_Underground_and_Nico">first album</a>, Aretha Franklin ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Soul">Lady Soul</a>’, Debussy: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pr%C3%A9ludes_(Debussy)">Preludes</a><br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you:</b><br />
<br />
Gang of Four, Rock Garden, 1979.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue:</b><br />
<br />
Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London.<br />
<br />
<b>What’s the strangest place you have performed live?</b><br />
<br />
Oh I can’t think of anywhere particularly strange. In a classroom maybe to a class of Year 12 students who asked me to play one of my songs.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer.</b><br />
<br />
Playing every week at the Teessider when I was in Basczax. I lived for that Friday night and remember the gig when we got the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flowers_(band)">Flowers</a> (Fast Records) to play with us. A magic night.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
Yes. It’s good to leave the parachute at home sometimes.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes/heroines:</b><br />
<br />
David Bowie (musical) J.G.Ballard (literature) Rosa Parks (for refusing to stand up on that bus for nasty white people – an action that sparked a revolution)<br />
<br />
<b>Favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
Bangkok.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books?</b><br />
<br />
I would have to say ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Clockwork_Orange">A Clockwork Orange</a>’ Anthony Burgess, and ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Enfants_Terribles">Les Enfants Terrible</a>’ Jean Cocteau – two books that made me feel my mind expanded when I was fifteen/sixteen.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films?</b><br />
<br />
Very hard one this. But at a push: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabaret_(film)">Cabaret</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrek">Shrek</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/">Guardian Online</a><br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
Steve Coogan as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Partridge">Alan Partridge</a>. That was the last time I laughed so much I cried.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
Theme tune from the 1968 children's programme '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR6z8GUywyc">White Horses</a>'. I'm not sure why it reaches me still.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pics.livejournal.com/bagrec/pic/0010yb20/"><img src="http://pics.livejournal.com/bagrec/pic/0010yb20" width="336" height="448" border="0" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Thanks Sav</i><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music%20questionnaire">Music Questionnaires</a> are an ongoing series.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-43695782315795288702011-03-29T17:15:00.001+01:002011-04-12T13:58:35.315+01:0023 Hours Over TeessideI arrived at Middlesbrough Railway Station (a place so full of sentimental memories of departures and arrivals that I never like to linger long) and was picked up by my Dad in his car. This in itself was a novelty as my Dad never drove when I lived in Teesside, then back home for lunch with Mum and Dad, before being dropped off at Andy Kiss's house, where Neil Jones was already unloading his car (he'd driven up with his wife and daughters). Chris Oberon was already there, complete with large printed-out set-lists. Ever prepared.<br />
<br />
Andy's front room has been turned into a low-volume rehearsal room, with an electronic drum kit and various practice amps. We had a couple of hours to run through the set a (including new songs), which we did, singing without mics, ironing out any problems as we went. I sang the songs whilst looking out of the window at an ice-cream van supplying the children of Saltersgill.<br />
<br />
Then it was off to the venue in two cars- passing the site (now a drive-thru MacDonalds or something) of the Teessider pub, where we four last played together in the summer of 1979.<br />
<br />
The Georgian Theatre was great - a really beautiful PA, a very helpful sound-guy (unusual enough) and the promoters bent over backwards to help us feel welcome. Subway Sect were just finishing their soundcheck, and were happy to let us use their amps. I changed the setting on Kevin Younger's guitar amp to "Metal".<br />
<br />
A quick walk into Stockton for chips, passing the Subway Sect on the way - the riverfront looks so beautiful now, hardly recognisable, but the high-street, like many in Teesside is suffering badly...<br />
<br />
Doors opened, and in came the late 70s... Ste Weatherall, Gary Widdowfield, Geoff Spence, Mark Sanderson, Mark Hammonds, Paul Wanless, Stevie Hewitt, all in terrific form. It really was extraordinary how 32 years just slipped away. Gary McGee was there too, and I reminded him of an incident 32 years ago when he burnt my testicles with a cigarette at a party - now best forgotten to be honest- he apologised. <br />
<br />
Then on stage, we introduced ourselves and rattled through a 19 song set in under 40 minutes. A couple of sloppy endings and missed cues, but on the whole not bad. I must have been enjoying myself as I talked to the audience a bit, and was possibly a bit cocky. We even did an encore. We also had a bloke ("Bob") doing daft, probably piss-taking dancing, demanding to be the centre of attention. Harmless enough but undeserving of further comment. I couldn't help noticing the whole band was beaming afterwards, we had enjoyed ourselves. It was an effort to settle our faces to of-the-era scowling for the post gig photograph-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pics.livejournal.com/bagrec/pic/0010w3bd/"><img src="http://pics.livejournal.com/bagrec/pic/0010w3bd/s640x480" width="640" height="480" border="0" /></a><br />
<small>Andy Kiss, Richard Sanderson, Neil Jones, Chris Oberon. Photo by Alan Morley</small><br />
<br />
The Subway Sect were great - they now do a really neat version of "Stop That Girl" but it's in the more "punky" material - Ambition, Nobody's Scared, Chain Smoking that they really excel. And Vic used my guitar - I'm not sure why, his bust I guess, although maybe he remembered the interview he gave back in the day when he explained that the trebly sound of the Sect was due to their use of the Fender Mustang. I do love that guitar...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pics.livejournal.com/bagrec/pic/0010xhg9/"><img src="http://pics.livejournal.com/bagrec/pic/0010xhg9/s640x480" width="358" height="480" border="0" /></a><br />
<small>Vic Godard plays my guitar. Photo by Gary Widdowfield</small><br />
<br />
The affable promoter, Steve Harland, gave me a lift home ("I don't drink, and I'm a safe driver") dropping me off at Longlands roundabout. I let myself into my Mum and Dad's house at 1.00am, banging straight into a door and probably waking them up.<br />
<br />
My mum made a fantastic "full English" for breakfast to fortify me for the journey home- then it was back to Middlesbrough Railway Station, really missing the hour robbed from my sleep by the clocks going forward overnight. The station was still full of ghosts, and I was glad when the train started moving...<br />
<br />
<br />
<lj-embed id="264"><br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aBGsNqqJEjo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br />
</lj-embed>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-76650294169928669092006-10-18T13:15:00.001+01:002011-04-06T16:15:51.242+01:00Music Questionnaire No 13 -Jack SandersonJack Sanderson plays the viola in the chamber ensemble "The Candlelight Players" who play for social functions around the North East of England. He also plays the organ at some of the local churches (although he'll admit to usually being a stand in), and the piano for fun. A chemist and then a mathematician, he taught at Teesside Polytechnic/University until retiring 15 years ago. Now 74, he helps out at the local schools and community centres, travels the world, and goes swimming three times a week.<br />
He also has the dubious distinction of being my dad.<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Jack Sanderson<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b> <br />
<br />
Middlesbrough<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b> <br />
<br />
Viola<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current or most recent project?</b> <br />
<br />
Playing in string quartets/quintets with amateur friends<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth-</b> <br />
<br />
Beethoven’s violin concerto <br />
<br />
<b>What was the last record/CD you played-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walton-String-Quartet-minor-Piano/dp/B00004SSJB">Walton’s string quartet</a><br />
<br />
<b>List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should all hear-</b> <br />
<br />
Bach’s ‘<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Cello-Suites-Nos-1-6/dp/B000002RUY">cello suites</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozart">Mozart</a> string quintets <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beethoven">Beethoven</a>’s Op 18 string quartets<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britten">Britten</a>’s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenade_for_Tenor%2C_Horn_and_Strings">Serenade for Tenor, horn and Strings</a><br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.darlingtonarts.co.uk/default.htm">Darlington Arts Centre</a><br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b> <br />
<br />
Minstrel’s gallery in <a href="http://www.thisishartlepool.co.uk/attractions/artgallery.asp">Hartlepool Art gallery</a><br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b> <br />
<br />
Playing a trio from a Haydn quartet when two young children left their seats and started to dance in front of us.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
Not yet<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes or heroines-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yehudi_Menuhin">Yehudi Menuin</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rostropovich">MiroslavRostropovich</a>, <a href="http://www.alan-barnes.co.uk/">Alan Barnes</a><br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b> <br />
<br />
London<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Civilisation-Personal-View-Kenneth-Clark/dp/0719568447/sr=8-1/qid=1161191175/ref=sr_1_1/026-4026195-9553211?ie=UTF8&s=books">Civilisation</a> – <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Clark">Kenneth Clark</a>; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_watchmaker">The Blind Watchmaker</a> – Richard Dawkins<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049513/">Moby Dick</a>; <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054698/">Breakfast at Tiffany’s</a><br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goons">The Goons</a><br />
<br />
<img src="http://pics.livejournal.com/bagrec/pic/0000b62e" /><br />
<i>Thanks Dad</i><br />
<small>The <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">Music Questionnaires</a> are an ongoing series</small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-89534447558004147442006-09-26T13:17:00.001+01:002011-04-06T16:16:25.417+01:00Music Questionnaire No 12 -Scott Taylor<a href="http://www.sijis.com/sijis_index.cfm?mainspace=artist&contactid=149">Scott Taylor</a> is a guitarist and composer. He has released several recordings of his own music which basically consist of treated or remixed field recordings. These can be alternately comforting or disturbing, and have been released by Phonography, Authorised Version, Stradtgruen and Sijis amongst others. his track "Droner" appeared on the Touch CD "<a href="http://www.touchmusic.org.uk/releases/Tone20.html">Spire</a>".<br />
<br />
He runs the "lower case" music label <a href="http://www.lapilli.org/">Lapilli</a>, releasing CDs by Daniel Menche and Francisco Lopez, and is a member of the team that runs the <a href="http://www.sijis.com/">Sijis</a> label - "The Home of Music With A Limited Appeal".<br />
<br />
His more commercial music can be heard on some TV adverts, and he has a background in a successful 80's pop group. Scott and I have worked together on a couple of occasions as "Thames Barrier".<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Scott Taylor <br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
North Kensington<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
Guitar<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current or most recent project?</b><br />
<br />
'Please Keep Clear At All Times' on Entr'acte, pop songs with an 18 year old called Kristina Harvey, an upcoming album release by Z'EV and Francisco Lopez on my label, Lapilli and an upcoming release of an album by guitarist Gary Smith with a second album of remixes/interpretations by Bernhard Gunter, Steve Roden, David Tibet, Bill Fay, Elliott Sharp, BJ Nilsen, Peter Rehberg etc on a label I co-run, Sijis. Also, currently recording Gary Smith for a duo album in collaboration with Bernhard Gunter for release next year. And just finished an album for Spanish label Conv called 'Five Dreams For Sleepers'. <br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth-</b><br />
<br />
'Easy Rider' soundtrack caught my ear first of all when I was 8 or 9. It was, 'what the hell is that', particularly after a diet of Johnny Mathis and Trad Jazz in the parental home. That was what sent me off down years of musical cul-de-sacs or wide open boulevards. <br />
<br />
<b>What was the last record/CD you played-</b><br />
<br />
'Low Valley' - Yannick Dauby<br />
<br />
<b>List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should all hear-</b><br />
<br />
The Drift - Scott Walker <br />
Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys<br />
The Parker Tapes - Casette Boy<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b><br />
<br />
Recently, it would be seeing the Flaming Lips - rare to see such genuine, innocent fun with spirit. The entire audience left with a huge smile on it's face.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b><br />
<br />
Used to be The Marquee when it was on Wardour Street, now, no particular favourite, although the fleapit that is the Astoria is good.<br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b><br />
<br />
A car park in Valencia, Spain at 2am in front of 10,000 pissed Spaniards.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about your worst experience as a performer-</b><br />
<br />
1980 - a pub in Peckham - a psychotic looking skinhead stood directly in front of our singer, staring her out. He ended up having a fight with some punks at the back of the pub. <br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b><br />
<br />
Playing in Germany, 1,000 people, hit the downbeat of the first chorus of the first song and all the power tripped. Very odd feeling. Like Wile E. Coyote running in mid air after he's gone over the cliff edge. <br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
Essential when working things out, but I don't think that's what you're asking, so I'd have to say no.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heros or heroines-</b><br />
<br />
No.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
A toss up between Paris, Barcelona or Amsterdam. Certainly not grotty, over-rated London.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b><br />
<br />
Perfume - Patrick Suskind<br />
A Secret History - Donna Tartt<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films-</b><br />
Stalker - Andrei Tarkovsky<br />
Under Siege - the director is not particularly important (Andrew Davis). The presence of the mighty Steven Seagal is what counts.<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
Steven Seagal, Peter Cook, Bill Hicks, real life slapstick.<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
http://www.stuffonmycat.com/<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
'Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime' by The Korgis. Ahhhh!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://static.flickr.com/54/149417390_1019153e22.jpg?v=0" /><br />
<i>Thanks Scott</i><br />
<small>the <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">music questionaires</a> are an ongoing series</small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-74605987684672461682006-09-20T13:20:00.002+01:002011-04-06T16:17:06.792+01:00Music Questionnaire No 11 -Sam Fendrich<a href="http://www.musicnow.co.uk/composers/fendrich.html">Sam Fendrich</a> is a composer. He was born in Novosibirsk, Siberia in 1947. His music playfully mixes elements of popular music with atonality and wit. His works include "Octophobibone" for solo trombone and computer, the massive "Etude Brutus" for computer driven piano, "The Unquestioned Answer" for String Quartet and Tape, "Shulamite Requiem" for Electronic Choir and the beautiful "4G" for piano and violin, which was a finalist in the 1992 Cornelius Cardew Composition Prize. <br />
<br />
Other interesting facts about Sam include that he spent a year as a professional poker player (in the time before internet poker I might add), he composed 39 songs for "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphrey_B._Bear">Humphrey The Bear</a>", an Australian Children's TV programme, and that he has a deep interest in mathematical philosophy, and when not composing, he teaches higher mathematics.<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
I am Sam Fendrich<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
West Hampstead<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b> <br />
<br />
None really ...no really...I'm a composer...but I'm trying to learn piano ....so if there are any beginners out there (particularly blues or improv - ) who need inept keyboard - maybe..<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current or most recent project?</b> <br />
<br />
I've recently completed a 'challenging' piece (both physically and musically) for alto trombone and CD called ‘Von Entropicalto Memes’.<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth-</b> <br />
<br />
Charles Mingus' '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mingus_Ah-Um">Mingus Ah Um</a>' - it still does it for me<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last record/CD you played-</b> <br />
<br />
A various artists compilation of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Weill">Kurt Weill</a> songs entitled 'September Song'<br />
<br />
<b>List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should all hear-</b> <br />
<br />
'<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11_Tracks_of_Whack">11 tracks of Wack</a>' Walter Becker<br />
'<a href="http://search.shop2001.net/extraplatte/Extraplatte/Products/White_JohnFashion%20Music.HTML">Fashion Music</a>' John White<br />
'<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Double-Concertos-J-S-Bach-Concerto-Concertante/dp/B00003OP6J/sr=1-3/qid=1158744152/ref=sr_1_3/701-4450809-7350733?ie=UTF8&s=classical">Sinfonia Concertante</a>' Mozart (amazingly) - the Heifetz/Primrose recording<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecil_Taylor">Cecil Taylor</a> at Ronnie Scott's - some time in the 70's - phew<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b><br />
<br />
the old <a href="http://www.themarqueeclub.net/">Marquee</a> in Wardour Street - for sentimental reasons<br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b> <br />
<br />
I used to practice my double bass in bed - but more publicly - HMP Wormwood Scrubs - with the Westminster Phil.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about your worst experience as a performer-</b><br />
<br />
Attaching a paper mache fish to Cinderella's fishing line as she's singing 'I caught a fish' with Buttons. I was depping, for one night in the pit of a little theatre in Watford. I turn the page of the score and read 'Attach fish to line'. But somebody had left the fish on the other side of the pit and I had to put down the bass and crawl across a couple of keyboards in full view of the audience. I couldn't get the fish to attach to the line. Cinders did not catch a fish that night - but it got the best laugh of the show.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b> <br />
<br />
Playing a couple of gigs at the Peanuts with Louis Moholo and Mike Osborne as a dep for Harry Miller<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b> <br />
<br />
YES ....(actually I just made that up)<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heroes or heroines-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_White_%28composer%29">John White</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Miller">Henry Miller</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Miller">Lee Miller</a><br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b> <br />
<br />
London<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b><br />
<br />
'<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom_Tollbooth"">The Phantom Tollbooth</a>' Norton Juster; '<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Theory-Studies-Logic-Mathematics/dp/0720422701">Foundations of Set Theory</a>' Fraekel/Bar-Hillel/Levy<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films-</b><br />
<br />
'<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Live_and_Die_in_L.A.">To Live and Die in LA</a>' (Freidkin) '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_Upon_A_Time_In_America">Once Upon a Time in America</a>' (Leone)<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b> <br />
<br />
Funny Things........but seriously....verbal wit eg Graucho's stuff such as ...my favourite.. 'behind every great man there's a great woman; and behind her is his wife.'<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://donaldfagen.com/">Donald Fagen</a>'s<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b> <br />
<br />
'How Sweet it is to be loved by you' by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jr._Walker_%26_the_All_Stars">Junior Walker and the All Stars</a><br />
<br />
but I got to mention '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainy_Night_in_Georgia">Rainy Night in Georgia</a>' by Brook Benton<br />
<br />
and also ………….<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bagrec/248133567/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/94/248133567_8d45fa9973.jpg" width="400" height="307" alt="Sam Fendrich" /></a><br />
<i>Thanks Sam</I><br />
<small>the <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">music questionnaires</a> are an ongoing series.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-65206683178037645542006-09-19T20:09:00.000+01:002011-04-06T20:11:43.126+01:00Music Questionnaire No 10 - Mark BrabyI've been playing music with Mark for over five years now, as "Braby/Sanderson Underdrive", in our acappella duo singing Copper Family songs, and in Lost Robots. For many years Mark was the leader of "Joe's Comforters", whilst also offering his musical services to The Gemma Ray Ritual, Defeat The Young, Drop, Jail and many others. He is currently getting together a new vehicle for his songs dubbed "London Firesky". <br />
<br />
Mark is also a promoter, running <a href="http://www.theorchestrapit.com">The Orchestra Pit</a> and Scaledown, and presents a <a href="http://www.resonancefm.com">Resonance FM</a> show, also called "Scaledown".<br />
<br />
Mark used to be an actor, and his photogenic fizzog was occasionally seen in TV ads in the mid 90's. His visual similarity to <a href="http://www.stevebrooksteinonline.co.uk/">Steve Brookstein</a> is, however, purely coincidental.<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Mr Mark Braby<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b> <br />
<br />
Muswell Hill, London N10<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b> <br />
<br />
Bass, drums, melodica, guitar, toys, effects, percussion<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current or most recent project?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.myspace.com/lostrobots">Lost Robots</a><br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth-</b><br />
<br />
'Reward' by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teardrop_Explodes">The Teardrop Explodes</a><br />
<br />
<b>What was the last record/CD you played-</b><br />
<br />
'Real life' by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magazine_%28band%29">Magazine</a><br />
<br />
<b>List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should all hear-</b><br />
<br />
'Real life' by Magazine, 'Largo' from 'Symphony No 6 in B Minor' by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shostakovich">Shostakovich</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_saint_and_the_sinner_lady">black saint and the sinner lady</a> by Charles Mingus<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiacs">Cardiacs</a> at the Pink Toothbrush, Raleigh, Essex, 1988. 6 smelly people in dusty sally army gear performing bonkers riffs and time changes. Reminded this 22 year old of war time songs put through scratchy metallic machines and wooden stuff <br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b><br />
<br />
playing at the Union Chapel<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
yes<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
London<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b><br />
<br />
'All quiet on the orient express' by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus_Mills">Magnus Mills</a>, '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Kill_A_Mocking_Bird">to kill a mocking bird</a>' by Harper Lee.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films-</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertigo_%28film%29">vertigo</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_By_Northwest">north by northwest</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Innocents_%28film%29">the innocents</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bagrec/159363624/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/73/159363624_81e8323c7d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Behind You!" /></a><br />
<i>Thanks Mark</i><br />
<small>the <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">Music Questionnaires</a> are an ongoing series</small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-86317408019313293882006-09-13T20:18:00.003+01:002011-04-06T20:23:38.123+01:00Music Questionnaire No 8 -Kev Hopper<a href="http://www.spoombung.co.uk/">Kev Hopper</a> has been one of my best friends for the last 12 years or so, although he already had a quite successful music career behind him before I met him. As bass player with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stump_%28band%29">Stump</a> he'd already experienced a level of popularity in one of the more original bands to emerge from the "C86" scene. <br />
<br />
A restless musician who tends to seeks out new musical areas to obsess about, after leaving Stump he made a groundbreaking LP of Sampler music, "Stolen Jewels" when the technology was still in its infancy. He took up the musical saw which became the lead instrument on the albums "Whispering Foils" and "Saurus", whilst also immersing himself in the fiendishly complex mathematical world of the electronic music program <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reaktor">Reaktor</a>. Recently he has become enormously attached to the sound of the acoustic guitar. His <a href="http://www.spoombung.co.uk/">most recent album</a> is a most effective synthesis of all of these elements. It also provides "Little Atoms" with its theme tune.<br />
<br />
Kev was the founder of the South London electronic group Ticklish (with Phil Durrant and Rob Flint, and until 2003, me).<br />
<br />
LiveJournal readers may know Kev as <lj user="spoombung">.<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you ? </b> <br />
<br />
Kev Hopper. I'm 45 years old. I make a CD about every 4 years or so. I do occasional gigs and play with a group called Ticklish.<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b> <br />
<br />
Deptford, South London. <br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b> <br />
<br />
Bass guitar, acoustic guitar, musical saw and computer. Acoustic guitar mainly.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current or most recent project?</b> <br />
<br />
I made an album last year called I SAW SPOOMBUNG'S DAUGHTER CONSUMED BY KIRBY DOTS that was released exclusively in Japan. I've been quite inactive for the past year or so due to circumstances beyond my control and have been less interested in making another album even though my love of music remains strong. i just can't drum up the enthusiasm to make another record only for it to trickle away selling 300 copies.<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth- </b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_To_The_Edge">'Close to the Edge' </a> by Yes. Wow, Chris Squire - what a bass player.<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last record/CD you played-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://arts.guardian.co.uk/filmandmusic/story/0,,1639512,00.html">'Never the Same' </a> a British folk revival compilation <br />
<br />
<b>List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should all hear-</b> <br />
<br />
They're probably records you've already heard: Laura Viers -'<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_Glacier">Carbon Glacier </a>'. This record is extraordinary,inspired, and totally cringe-free. Steve Reich '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_for_18_musicians">Music for 18 Musicians</a>'- a classic. Keane - '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Ball_%28song%29">Crystal Ball</a>' dead catchy y'know... but, as you might expect, NOT cringe-free.<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you -</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brand_X">Brand X </a> at The Venue 1979. It was like a pilgrimage.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b> <br />
<br />
They're all overseas but I supose I like the <a href="http://www.thealbany.org.uk/">Albany </a> Empire in Deptford.. although they sell rubbish beer there.<br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b> <br />
<br />
I can't think of any right now - you may have to remind me, Richard... <br />
<br />
<i>(I would suggest playing avant electronica to a load of pissed up stockbrokers in a barge, for starters -RS)</i> <br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about your worst experience as a performer-</b> <br />
<br />
Ah, it was at the Royal College around '98 or so with a guitarist I'd rather not mention. He prepared a backing track that I hadn't actualy heard before the gig so it was kind of sprung on me... and it was the worst bit of industrial, doomy nonsense I've ever come across and was quite impossible to contribute anything to. He also insisted on playing at deafening volume which made the poor innocent punters retreat to the back of the hall. Really embarrassing.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b> <br />
<br />
They've been so many! Ireland with Ticklish. Brixton Academy with Stump in front of hostile audience that we won over somehow. A good solo performance in Japan with a pick-up band.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b> <br />
<br />
Only if it's a mutual agreement between consenting adults.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heros or heroines-</b> <br />
<br />
They're all heroines: Emma Carter (my wife and best friend who died early this year) and two ultra-helpful friends, Hazel Jones and Sam Graham. <br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b> <br />
<br />
I suppose it's London - because I don't have enough experience of living anywhere else.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b> <br />
<br />
Anything by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iain_M_Banks">Iain M Banks</a> ...<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solaris_%282002_film%29">Solaris</a> - (the remake) and ' <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Own_Private_Idaho">My own Private Idaho</a>'<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b> <br />
<br />
I read a story in the press recently were police were called to a barn following a disturbance and lots of noise from horses. They found a stark- naked man who had covered himself in olive oil and hay being licked clean by horses. 'It was a life's ambition' he told the police.<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website? </b> <br />
<br />
3 blogs: <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/">Bagrec </a>, <a href="http://www.timewasting.net/">Timewasting</a> and <a href="http://imomus.livejournal.com/">imomus</a> .<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b> <br />
<br />
There are loads but probably my favourite is 'Easy to Love' by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cole_Porter">Cole Porter</a> - the singer imagines being with someone they can't have in a such a lovely, warm, innocent way. It's beautiful. I've never understood why sentimentality is such a dirty word among avant garde wannabees. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/yorkshiresawplayer/Kev%20hopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="344" width="456" src="http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/yorkshiresawplayer/Kev%20hopper.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Thanks Kev</i><br />
<br />
<small>the <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">music questionnaires</a> are an ongoing series</small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-51072975739286573122006-09-13T20:13:00.001+01:002011-04-06T20:17:36.064+01:00Music Questionnaire No 9 -Rhodri MarsdenI suspect <a href="http://www.timewasting.net/">Rhodri Marsden</a> needs little introduction to LiveJournal users, and I think he would squirm with embarrassment if I went on too much. Needless to say, his was one of the first blogs I ever read on a regular basis, after being pointed to it by Kev Hopper. And a bloke who appreciates Magma and the first Prefab Sprout album is obviously worthy of some attention in these parts. That's without mentioning The Keatons, Gag, The Free French and "cyberclinic"...<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Rhodri Marsden, I'm a writer and musician, and I'm embarrassed saying this.<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
Tooting, London.<br />
<br />
<b> What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
Keyboards, bassoon, various kinds of guitar, and I sing a bit.<br />
<br />
<b> What is your current or most recent project?</b><br />
<br />
I'm currently playing keyboards in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scritti_Politti">Scritti Politti</a>. To my shame I've written none of my own material for about 18 months.<br />
<br />
<b> Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth-</b><br />
<br />
"The First After Epiphany", a compilation of acts on the Ron Johnson record label - including Stump, Big Flame, The Shrubs & The Ex. It was a completely random purchase from a local record shop in Dunstable, and completely changed the way I felt about music. I guess it was a punk-style epiphany, realising that effort and ideas were more important than any notions of musicianship.<br />
<br />
<b> What was the last record/CD you played-</b><br />
<br />
50000 BC, by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shudder_to_Think">Shudder To Think</a>. A friend of mine says it sounds like Rush, but I've never heard Rush, so that's OK.<br />
<br />
<b> List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should all hear</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magma_%28band%29">Magma</a> - Retrospektiv I/II<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefab_Sprout">Prefab Sprout</a> - Swoon<br />
Art Of Noise - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who%27s_Afraid_Of_The_Art_Of_Noise%3F">Who's Afraid Of The Art Of Noise</a><br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b><br />
<br />
I went to see <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/sessions/1990s/1991/Jun16stretchheads/">The Stretchheads</a> play at the White Horse in Hampstead at some point in the summer of 1990. By the end of the evening I was rolling around the floor - along with everyone else in the venue - while a fat bloke in a spacesuit screamed his head off and battered us all with a huge plastic tube. In the words of John Travolta, it was electrifying.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b><br />
<br />
I'm hard pushed to think of anywhere nice.<br />
<br />
<b> What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b><br />
<br />
On top of a car in Brno. On top of a pool table in Komarom, Hungary. In a tiny hut on a mountain somewhere in North Wales.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about your worst experience as a performer-</b><br />
<br />
There are so many I don't know where to begin, but I remember playing at Hull Adelphi. A shocker. Half the band had disappeared, so the numbers were made up by friends who lived locally and who we'd taught the songs to that afternoon. 2 of my guitar strings had snapped, and I had no replacements because I had no money. It sounded abymal, the audience were restless, we ended up throwing ourselves about in the hope of generating some excitement and while doing so I fell off the stage. As soon as we were finished I chucked my guitar into the amp and ran off stage, and out the back, where I sat on a bollard and cried my eyes out. As I was doing so, I saw 3 blokes run out of the front of the venue and down the road, and one of them was shouting "that was the best gig I've ever seen in my life." This taught me something, although I'm not sure exactly what.<br />
<br />
<b> Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b><br />
<br />
Playing a wonderful set on an open air stage at Castle Buchlov in the Czech Republic in front of 1000 people - mainly parents with theirkids - as the sun dipped behind the hills, and then out of the corner of my eye seeing our singer fall out of a tree.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
Not in the slightest. It's probably because I've never played music with people who are any good at it (and I obviously include myself in this) so to me, improvisation equals "jamming", which is the most repulsive activity imaginable. Clearly there are good improvisers out there, but the only ones I've seen and thoroughly enjoyed are <a href="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/kevin.hopper1/Tick.html">Ticklish</a>, which you were in, of course.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heros or heroines-</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WC_Fields">WC Fields</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Fry">Stephen Fry</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Floyd">Keith Floyd</a><br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
London<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederacy_of_dunces">Confederacy Of Dunces</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scheme-Full-Employment-Magnus-Mills/dp/0007151322">The Scheme For Full Employment</a><br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films-</b><br />
<br />
I'm really impatient with films. I can tolerate <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Hall">Annie Hall</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
A joke I read at the weekend with the punchline "does it look like my f*cking parents are in?"<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.theonion.com/content/">The Onion</a> is consistently great. The <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/">BBC Weather</a> site is reasonably accurate.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
"Night To Remember" by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalamar">Shalamar</a>. It puts me in a fantastic mood every time I hear it, which is often, because it puts me in a fantastic mood.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://postdesk.com/christmas/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/rhodri-marsden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="275" width="490" src="http://postdesk.com/christmas/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/rhodri-marsden.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<i>Thanks Rhodri</i><br />
<small>The <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">music questionnaires</a> are an onging series</small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-48685666338648008322006-09-12T20:28:00.000+01:002011-04-06T20:29:34.111+01:00Music Questionnaire No 6- Caroline Kraabel<a href="http://www.ontheoutsidefestival.co.uk/carolinekraabel.html">Caroline Kraabel</a> is an improvising saxophonist who has been working with<br />
extended techniques (employing simultaneous voice and sax for example)<br />
to produce a new language for the instrument. She is also the founder of<br />
the utterly amazing <b>Mass Producers</b> a 20 piece all woman<br />
saxophone/voice orchestra, who have recorded a CD and an analogue LP,<br />
and a new one is promised featuring the voice of Robert Wyatt. <br />
<br />
She works in several duos and groups with msuicians like John Edwards,<br />
Veryan Weston, Maggie Nichols and Charlotte Hug.<br />
<br />
Her work often carries a strong philosophical purpose or intent, and<br />
reflects her long standing interests in electricity, amplification, the<br />
experience of "live" music and gender issues in music.<br />
<br />
She was the editor of the magazine Resonance 10.2 devoted to the<br />
interface of music, place and technology.<br />
<br />
She is responsible for the long running Resonance FM show "Taking a Life<br />
for Walk" which in many ways encapsulated the pioneering and spirit of<br />
the station.<br />
<br />
Her own website is <a href="http://carolinekraabel.free.fr/index.htm">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Caroline Kraabel<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
London<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
Saxophone/voice<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current or most recent project?</b><br />
<br />
Getting my children settled at school<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth-</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horses_%28album%29">Horses</a><br />
<br />
<b>What was the last record/CD you played-</b><br />
<br />
a private cd of microphone experiments I had been trying out.<br />
<br />
<b>List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should<br />
all hear-</b><br />
<br />
"<a href="http://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/2803">Curandera</a>" by<br />
Susan Alcorn.<br />
I'm sure there are others but I can't think of any just now.<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b><br />
<br />
verbal description of live performances seem futile to me.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b><br />
<br />
the streets<br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b><br />
<br />
streets? Anechoic chamber? Tunnels? A person's head and face? A car? <br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b><br />
<br />
see above re: descriptions<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heros or heroines-</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geocities.com/tribalvoices/magather.htm">Maggie Nicols</a>, <a href="http://efi.group.shef.ac.uk/musician/medwards.html">John Edwards</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Benjamin">Walter Benjamin</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
London<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b><br />
Arg!<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illuminations_%28poems%29">Illuminations</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Charterhouse_of_Parma">La Chartreuse de Parme</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_La_Recherche_Du_Temps_Perdu">A la recherche du temps perdu</a><br />
the immigrants<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide_Sargasso_Sea">wide sargasso sea</a><br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films-</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Samurai">seven samurai</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_regle_du_jeu">la regle du jeu</a><br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
don't know<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b><br />
<br />
lots of pop songs make me feel sentimental, and sentimentality seems to<br />
me to go along with the dislocation created by the commodification and reproduction of music - a matching distortion of emotions in time, intensity and object.<br />
<br />
My favourite pop song is "Shipbuilding", as sung by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Wyatt">Robert Wyatt</a>.<br />
I don't think it makes me sentimental.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.highzero.org/2004_site/the_musicians/images/kraabel.jpg" /><br />
<i>Thanks Caroline</i><br />
<small> The <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">Music<br />
Questionnaires</a> are an ongoing series</small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-24863082054908891922006-09-12T20:23:00.001+01:002011-04-06T20:27:56.323+01:00Music Questionnaire No 7 -Graham Halliwell<a href="http://www.linnomable.com/ARTISTS/slikeARTIST/graham.jpg">Graham Halliwell</a> is a saxophonist, whose work has recently been exploring<br />
ideas of stillness and sparseness, to this end he has been supplementing<br />
its normal sound by utilising it as a device for shaping feedback. This<br />
has lead him to work with some of major names in the "reductionist" or<br />
"lower case" school. He plays in the brilliant trio +minus with Bernhard<br />
Gunter and Mark Wastell, and has recorded with Rhodri Davies and Steve<br />
Roden. Other groups include VHF (with Simon H Fell and Simon Vincent).<br />
His CD "<a href="http://esquilo.com.sapo.pt/Distribuicao/Confront_EN/ccs4_recorded_
delivery_en.htm">Recorded Delivery</a>" has been <a href="http://www.bagatellen.com/archives/reviews/000998.html">very well<br />
received</a>.<br />
<br />
<b> Who are you? </b><br />
<br />
Graham Halliwell, age 47, born Liverpool, August 1959, 6ft 1inch and<br />
bald as a coot. <br />
<br />
<b> Where are you based?</b> <br />
<br />
North Norfolk, England<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b> <br />
<br />
Saxophone, feedback saxophone, electronics<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current or most recent project? </b><br />
<br />
Current is duo recording with Tomas Korber (to be released in October),<br />
most recent is duo recording with Lee Patterson (still being mastered).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b> Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth- </b> <br />
<br />
Legend by Henry Cow followed closely by Faust Transparent (ecstatically<br />
found second hand in Probe Records 1976) <br />
<br />
<b>What was the last record/CD you played-</b><br />
<br />
"Stone Circles" by Bernhard Gunter - I have been commisioned to do a<br />
remix - so I've been listening to it today.<br />
<br />
<b> List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should<br />
all hear-</b> <br />
<br />
<br />
Bach's "Violin Partitas and Interludes" played by Rachael Podger.<br />
Morton Feldman's "For Bunita Marcus" played by John Tilbury<br />
Paul Desmond with Strings (Desmond Blue?).<br />
<br />
<b> Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b> <br />
<br />
Judas Priest at Wigan Casino in 1976. It made my ears ring for days,<br />
and I got off with a rather beatiful person called Gill who came from<br />
Wigan and believe it or not wore clogs!! (well it was the 70's). The<br />
love affair lasted for one week. I hated Judas Priest by the<br />
way........far too loud and pompous (but what a week!!).<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b> <br />
<br />
Liverpool Stadium in the mid 70's. The rock gigs I saw there in "my<br />
youth" (Gong, Henry Cow, Faust, Hatfield, Van der Graaf etc) always<br />
sounded great and the atmosphere was superb - bordering on the surreal.<br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://members.lycos.co.uk/richardsanderson/newpage0.html">The Club Room!!</a> Come on Richard - you know it was strange!!<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about your worst experience as a performer-</b> <br />
<br />
Every saxophonist's nightmare - you pick up your sax and are about to<br />
play intense quiet music and the reed has broken and is unplayable since<br />
you last put the instrument down. This happened to me at a VHF gig at<br />
the Red Rose in the late '99. Never been back since.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b> <br />
<br />
Performing a duo for live feedback sax with Rhodri Davies playing ebow<br />
harp in Norwich 2003. Everything was perfect and beautiful for a whole<br />
12 minutes. Creating sounds that the inventors of both instruments<br />
would never have dreamed of (and probably wouldn't condone).<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b> <br />
<br />
Yes - but only as important as anything that can also be called<br />
composition.<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heros or heroines-</b> <br />
<br />
Morton Feldman.<br />
J.S. Bach.<br />
Samuel Beckett.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b> <br />
<br />
London <br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b> <br />
<br />
Ulysses by James Joyce and almost anything by P.G. Wodehouse.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films-</b><br />
<br />
Caravaggio by Derek Jarman and anything by Tarkovsky <br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b> <br />
<br />
My wife! and P.G Wodehouse and absurdity in general<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b> <br />
<br />
I really don't have any...<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name<br />
it?</b> <br />
<br />
Al Green's "Simply Beautiful" from "I'm Still In Love With You" - listen<br />
to the amazing hi-hat playing!! - oh, and Al's voice of course....... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://linnomable.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/graham.jpg?w=250&h=299" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="250" src="http://linnomable.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/graham.jpg?w=250&h=299" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<i>Thanks Graham</i><br />
<small>the <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">music questionnaires</a> are an ongoing series</small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-66030312510735044202006-09-07T20:30:00.000+01:002011-04-06T20:31:48.486+01:00Music Questionnaire- No. 5 -Dan Whaley<a href="http://www.danwhaley.co.uk/">Dan Whaley</a> is a self proclaimed purveyor of "sinister stripped down instrumental" music. For many years Dan played lead guitar in the instrumental "mondo wray" band <b>The Charles Napiers</b> releasing several albums and touring Europe regularly as well as a stint as the house band at The Comedy Store. He also spent 6 years being the only male member of fuzz-spattered garage band <b>The Diaboliks</b>.<br />
<br />
These days he does solo gigs of moody film-noir soundtracky stuff as <b>Evil Jack McDeath</b>, whose name is also attached to a more energetic trio, with added drums and bass. He's also taken a somewhat unpredictable turn into folk music with <b>The Flaming Czars</b>, a duo with accordionist Geoff Graham, performing sets of Russian and East European traditional music.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b> <br />
<br />
Dan Whaley aka Evil Jack McDeath aka Big Ron Turner aka Mrs Edna Watley<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b> <br />
<br />
Sussex<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b> <br />
<br />
Guitar, Bass, Drums, Assorted other bits and pieces<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current or most recent project?</b> <br />
<br />
Two current projects: The McDeath Trio & The Flaming Czars<br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth- </b><br />
<br />
Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last record/CD you played-</b> <br />
<br />
Baby Let Me Follow You Down by Bob Dylan<br />
<br />
<b>List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should all hear</b>- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_Alive_%28album%29">It’s Alive</a> by Ramones, Early Recordings by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_Wray">Link Wray</a>, Goldfinger Soundtrack by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barry_%28composer%29">John Barry</a><br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b> <br />
<br />
First time I saw The Cramps in 1984. I was 14 years old and really had no idea that 4 people could make that much noise.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.atomic.de/">Atomic Café</a> in Munich<br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b> <br />
<br />
Either a car showroom in Holland supported by a puppet show or a restaurant in Italy where we were attacked by spacemen<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about your worst experience as a performer</b>- <br />
<br />
Playing to a packed Garage in Islington, but we had consumed too much stagger juice, so half the band started playing one song and the other half started playing a different song. The promoter quickly hopped on stage and pulled the curtains in front of us. 6 years later, that same promoter hopped on stage mid set to announce that the bingo was starting in the other room<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer</b>- Playing in front of 1000+ manic Italians in Florence and watching them jump around to songs that I’d had a hand in writing<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b> <br />
<br />
Absolutely. I could never entertain the idea of playing to backing tapes or a drum machine, as you would not be able to, say, play another verse if the fancy took you<br />
<br />
<b>Name three heros or heroines-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_Wray">Link Wray</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison_Ivy_%28The_Cramps%29">Poison Ivy Rorschach</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blixa_Bargeld">Blixa Bargeld</a><br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b> <br />
<br />
Amsterdam. I lived there for 18 months in the early 00s and still miss the place<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b> <br />
<br />
Feast of Snakes by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Crews">Harry Crews</a>, anything by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Stark">Richard Stark</a><br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films</b>- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faster_pussycat_kill_kill">Faster Pussycat Kill Kill</a>, <a herf="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blazing_Saddles">Blazing Saddles</a><br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b> <br />
<br />
Most things. I laugh a lot<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b> <br />
<br />
http://www.danwhaley.co.uk<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b> <br />
<br />
Not really, I don’t really do sentimentality. Or pop songs for that matter.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.danwhaley.co.uk/images/eviljack1.jpg" /><br />
<i>Thanks Dan</i><br />
<small>The <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">Music Questionnaires</a> are a continuing series</small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-67140845161066984212006-09-06T20:32:00.001+01:002011-04-06T20:36:00.060+01:00Music Questionnaire. No 4 -Kate Waterfield<a href="http://www.katewaterfield.co.uk/">Kate Waterfield</a> is a vocalist, violinist and guitarist. She has sung with several bands and composed music for theatre. Her vocal work has seen her taking an experimental "extended technique" approach to European folk influences, the results can be heard on her CD "Runa Megin"- her hypnotic collaboration with Georgian guitarist Zura Dzagnidze, which imagines Meredith Monk transposed to a Scandanavian folk club. <br />
<br />
When not performing her own music, Kate is often organising music events for young people. She also added fiddle to the "rustic" version of "Half Empty" on my own "Pinhole" EP. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b> <br />
<br />
Kate Waterfield<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b> <br />
<br />
I work in London and live near Southend. Originally from Great Wyrley in Staffordshire.<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b> <br />
<br />
Violin, Voice, guitar.<br />
<br />
<b> What is your current or most recent project?</b><br />
<br />
I’m still working on promoting my first album, released a year ago. The album is a folk/world cross, heavily influenced by Scandinavian folk. The music is an exploration through improvisation of the layers of meaning surrounding nine runic symbols. You can find out more about it and hear samples <a href="http://www.katewaterfield.co.uk">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth-</b> <br />
<br />
The musicals of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Sondheim ">Stephen Sondheim</a> were a heavy focus for me during my teens. ‘Sunday in the Park With George’ is an excellent example of his work. <br />
<br />
<b>What was the last record/CD you played-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophtware_Slump">The Sophtware Slump</a> by Grandaddy. (brilliant band live)<br />
<br />
<b>List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should all hear-</b> <br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whatever_and_Ever_Amen">‘Whatever and Ever Amen’</a> by Ben Folds Five, because when he’s not being irreverent, Ben’s a damn fine pianist and songwriter. <br />
2. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supper_%28album%29">‘Supper’</a> by Smog, one of the best performers I’ve ever seen live. Saw him perform this album at the Union Chapel, wonderful. <br />
3. The recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Du_Pre">Jacqueline du Pre</a> , poignant because Daniel Barenboim was conducting.<br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b> <br />
<br />
Sounds corny, but going to see ‘ <a href="http://www.reallyuseful.com/rug/shows/joseph/ ">Joseph</a> at the Birmingham Hippodrome aged 13 was the reason I started singing.<br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b> <br />
<br />
Symphony Hall in Birmingham is pretty amazing both visually and acoustically.<br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b> <br />
<br />
In the year 2000 I sang two songs as part of a promenade performance on the Thames path walk in East Greenwich between Greenwich and the Dome. The weather was horrific, we were cold, wet and miserable, I had the flu, and we had no amplification!<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about your worst experience as a performer-</b> <br />
<br />
As a young person I belonged to the local youth choir. It was our end of term performance, and halfway through I started feeling ill. I didn’t know what to do, and felt horrified at the prospect of having to walk out of the hall we were singing in, in front of all those people. Ironically, that would have been the lesser of two evils, as I ended up doing something far more embarrassing and promptly threw up all over the piano player! Oh dear….<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b> <br />
<br />
Playing ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ with the teacher’s band at the end of a music residential. We all got to pretend to be rock stars, and the kids thought we were cool! <br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b> <br />
<br />
It is through improvisation that most of my writing is informed. Some of the best ideas come about during a stream of consciousness type moment, although you sometimes have to wade through a lot of rubbish before finding it on a bad day! <br />
<br />
<b>Name three heros or heroines-</b> <br />
<br />
Growing up Harrison Ford was a great film hero, although his light has dimmed somewhat. Wonderwoman was a great heroine as a kid, I remember being told to stop spinning around in the butchers, otherwise I wouldn’t be allowed to watch the show later on. From a song writing perspective, Ben Folds is up there.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b> <br />
<br />
Prague. I spent a magical Christmas there with my partner recently.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b> <br />
<br />
‘Persuasion’ by Jane Austen - I have a great affection for this book, and try to leave a couple of years in between re-reading, just so that I can bask in the comfort of the familiar and brilliant. ‘An Evil Cradling’ by Brian Keenan – how strange to encounter a work of strength, beauty and lyricism within the confines of a book about confinement of the worst kind.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films-</b> <br />
<br />
There are so many films I love, it’s too difficult to answer, however… ‘The Piano’ is an important film for me because the music is so integral to the themes and moods of the film. <br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b> <br />
<br />
General silliness.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you name it?</b> <br />
<br />
Anything by A-ha reminds me of an excited 13 year old at the Birmingham NEC way back when! So I guess ‘Take on Me’ would be the one. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/252/7687427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="304" width="252" src="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/252/7687427.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<i>Thanks Kate</i><br />
<small>the <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">music questionnaires</a> are an ongoing series</small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-31977211876842731492006-09-04T20:36:00.000+01:002011-04-06T21:07:44.951+01:00Music Questionnaire. No 3 -Brian Inglis<a href="http://www.composer.co.uk/composers/inglis.html">Brian Inglis</a> is musician whose work falls into two very distinct camps. He is classical composer whose recent projects demonstrate a prevailing<br />
interest in connecting ancient spiritual themes with present-day concerns (both "Peace" and "Invocation" combine texts drawn from Islamic Sufi mysticism with those from Eastern and Western Christian<br />
traditions).<br />
<br />
His other hat is as a member of the rock group <a href="http://www.hm-p.com/">Hicks Milligan-Prophecy</a>, The band has recently been seen supporting The Fall, and their jerky, sarcastic and at times hysterical take on "rock music" is destined for great things.<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b><br />
<br />
Brian Andrew Inglis. I'm sometimes known as Dr 'Fingers' Inglis<br />
by my musician colleagues in Hicks Milligan-Prophecy and the Zoltan<br />
Kodaly School for Girls. I am a real doctor! though not a medical one. <br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b><br />
<br />
London - mainly east and central.<br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b><br />
<br />
All kinds of keyboard instruments from piano to Casio keyboard.<br />
Also tuned percussion and a little theremin.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your current or most recent project?</b><br />
<br />
I recently had a concert performance in London of chamber songs<br />
setting poems by the medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen. But my main<br />
ongoing project at the moment is the band Hicks Milligan-Prophecy - our<br />
first single is being released this autumn. <br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth-</b><br />
<br />
Beethoven: Symphony No 5 recorded by (I think) Karl Boehm and<br />
the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. It was the first 'proper' classical<br />
record I got (part of a series sold with a magazine in the newsagents)<br />
when I was about 12 and it opened up the whole world of classical music<br />
for me.<br />
<br />
<b>What was the last record/CD you played-</b><br />
<br />
'Battleship Potemkin' (Tennant/Lowe)<br />
<br />
<b>List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we<br />
should all hear-</b><br />
<br />
1 'Lil' Beethoven' (Sparks) - an absolutely inspired<br />
fusion of classical and popular music by a band who are very underrated<br />
in the UK being known by most people only for 'This Town Ain't Big<br />
Enough For Both Of Us'. <br />
<br />
2 'The Age of Plastic' (Buggles) - again the Buggles are<br />
very underrated being known only for 'Video Killed The Radio Star'. All<br />
the tracks on this album are great especially 'Elstree' and the sound is<br />
very prescient.<br />
<br />
3 'The Veil of the Temple' (John Tavener) - I went to the<br />
all-night live premiere of the full-length verson of this work (lasting<br />
7 hours!) in 2003. It was a transformative experience, the music is<br />
probably the best Tavener has ever done and the combination of religious<br />
texts from Christian, Hindu and Islamic Sufi sources is very relevant<br />
now. <br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b><br />
<br />
A performance of Francis Poulenc's opera 'Dialogues of the<br />
Carmelites' at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama 10 years ago or<br />
so. The opera is set in a convent during the French revolution and the<br />
final scene shows the nuns being guillotined one by one. They sing<br />
prayers as they approach the scaffold so you hear the strong voices in<br />
the nuns' chorus gradually reduce as they are executed until only a solo<br />
voice is left which is cut off in the middle of a phrase. A crowd of<br />
townspeople watch this and the production had them start out by jeering,<br />
mocking and spitting at the nuns. Gradually however the crowd became<br />
emotionally affected by the nuns' dignity in the face of public<br />
humiliation and death, and by the end they were turned away in horror<br />
and shame, tears streaming down their faces. It was incredibly powerful<br />
and well performed and I was stunned by it, almost paralysed rigid in my<br />
seat. <br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b><br />
<br />
The Royal Albert Hall is a great place for concerts and it seems<br />
to work well for both classical and popular music.<br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b><br />
<br />
Probably at a garden party on the outskirts of Gothenberg in<br />
Sweden. It was pouring with rain and we were playing in a marquee, near<br />
the beginning of the set my keyboard stand collapsed and the keyboard<br />
crashed to the floor. The band just kept playing so I had to continue<br />
sitting cross-legged on the floor; a couple of members of the audience<br />
tried to help me lift up the keyboard and stand during short interludes<br />
in the song where I wasn't playing - but they were never long enough! <br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about your worst experience as a performer-</b><br />
<br />
Playing WKD (Camden) in August 2003. It was boiling hot and<br />
everything seemed to go wrong from the keyboard falling off its stand (I<br />
seem worryingly prone to this - see above) to the guitar going out of<br />
tune. It was one of those moments where you just wish the earth would<br />
swallow you up. <br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b><br />
<br />
I Karlekens Namn (Love Festival), Norberg, Sweden, August 2004.<br />
We were near-headlining the festival, playing in a fantstic barn venue<br />
and the crowd of beautiful, interesting people went wild for us. It was<br />
such fun! The pear cider was great too.<br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b><br />
<br />
I used to be in a free improvisation group in Durham when I was<br />
at university. It's still important to me as a means of generating<br />
ideas/material (I started off composing in my teens just by making stuff<br />
up at the piano before trying to write it down) though less so as a<br />
means of performance. Most of the songs we write in Hicks<br />
Milligan-Prophecy start off as group jams, also I provided the<br />
incidental music to a play in this way a couple of years ago with a<br />
singer friend. <br />
<br />
<b>Name three heros or heroines-</b><br />
<br />
Neil Hannon<br />
Germaine Greer<br />
Tracey Emin<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favourite city?</b><br />
<br />
I love London, Paris and New York, though my favourite would<br />
have to be Paris as it's the most beautiful, cultured and stylish.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite books-</b><br />
<br />
I love anything by Anita Brookner, especially 'Falling Slowly' -<br />
the sheer quality of the prose make her books a joy to read, and such<br />
bittersweet tales she tells. Also 'Foucault's Pendulum' by Umberto Eco -<br />
it covers a lot of the ground popularised by Dan Brown's 'Da Vinci Code'<br />
but much more besides and is far better written.<br />
<br />
<b>A couple of favourite films-</b><br />
<br />
A threesome rather than a couple but the 'Three Colours' trilogy<br />
by Krzysztof Kieslowski has to be my favourite cinematic experience.<br />
<br />
<b>What makes you laugh?</b><br />
<br />
I love Carry On films. I watched 'Carry On Captain' on TV once<br />
and laughed virtually all the way through.<br />
<br />
<b>A favourite website?</b><br />
<br />
At the moment I'm addicted to Youtube. There's a video made for<br />
a competition of a Divine Comedy song performed by Muppets which is<br />
sheer genius.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a pop song you feel sentimental about, and can you<br />
name it?</b><br />
<br />
'Red Letter Day' by the Pet Shop Boys. It's about the<br />
pointlessness of life without love and a plea for a world in which<br />
people are allowed to be themselves, treated equally and not judged by<br />
their sexuality. And I think that's a good thing to be sentimental<br />
about.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.composer.co.uk/composers/images/inglis.jpg" /><br />
<i>Thanks Brian</i><br />
<small>The <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionaire">music questionnaires</a> are an ongoing series.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650040325728313758.post-62207438897795622722006-09-01T20:38:00.000+01:002011-04-06T20:39:42.652+01:00Music Questionnaire. No 2 - Doug AdamsDoug Adams is a musician who performs English traditional music. As an enthusiast and performer his reputation is respected widely within the traditional music community, albeit below the radar of more commercial interests (and in this sense, this "scene" has parallels with English free improvisatrion).<br />
<br />
He is a member of "The Pigeon English Band" along with Paul Gross (fiddle) and Sarah Crofts (concertina). He is also the head musician and "Gaffer" for <a href="http://www.blackheathmorris.com">Blackheath Morris</a>, and was instrumental (if you'll excuse the pun) in me deciding to take up morris dancing. He can often be heard, along with many other excellent musicians, at the weekly sessions at the <a href="http://www.greentrad.org.uk/">Greenwich Traditional Musicians' Collective</a> every Tuesday, and the monthly Sunday lunchtime sessions in <a href="http://web.ukonline.co.uk/martin.nail/Borough/Borosess.htm">the Borough</a><br />
<br />
<b>Who are you?</b> <br />
<br />
Doug Adams <br />
<br />
<b>Where are you based?</b> <br />
<br />
SE London, SE3 SE10 <br />
<br />
<b>What instruments do you play?</b> <br />
<br />
At the moment, Melodeons, Leics. Small pipes, occasionally Mandolin, Recorders, Whistles, tenor banjo and triangle. <br />
<br />
<b>What is your current or most recent project?</b> <br />
<br />
The Pigeon English Band <br />
<br />
<b>Name a record that had a big effect on you in your youth-</b> <br />
<br />
"See Emily Play" (Pink Floyd), Magical Mystery Tour (The Beatles)<br />
<br />
<b></b>What was the last record/CD you played- <br />
<br />
"Wingin'" by <a href="http://www.steamchicken.co.uk/">Steamchicken</a> <br />
<br />
<b>List three records or CDs by artists other than yourself we should all hear-</b> <br />
<br />
Any by <a href="http://www.rorymcleod.com/">Rory McLeod</a> <br />
<br />
<b>Describe a live performance that had a big effect on you-</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curved_Air">Curved Air</a>, that Sonja Kristina, phwoar... <br />
<br />
<b>Your favourite live venue-</b> <br />
<br />
Don't go to a lot now beyond pub rooms and small theatres.<br />
<br />
<b>What's the strangest place you've performed in/at?</b> <br />
<br />
A run down barn in deepest Essex. It rained and punters had to walk through half an inch of slurry from their cars. The stage was a knackered farm wagon, for the power supply they cut the lead to a grain dryer, we needed good filters to cut out the interference from the strange lighting that had been rigged.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about your worst experience as a performer-</b> <br />
<br />
See above, at the end of the dance a fight broke out which soon spread. Fortunately our sound man was an ex-army NCO with enough agression to keep them at bay while we cleared the kit. <br />
<br />
<b>Tell me about a great experience as a performer-</b> <br />
<br />
Playing for end of year parties at the then Dartford site of Thames Polytechnic in the 80s. These were standard format barn dances from 6 to 9 pm but the audience was huge and enthusiastic (and probably pissed and relieved at having finished their exams), everyone got up and danced and demanded encores, not normal at a barn dance. <br />
<br />
<b>Is improvisation important to you?</b> <br />
<br />
No <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bagrec/85705493/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/41/85705493_f2d75e466b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Golden Dougie" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Thanks Doug</i><br />
<small>The <a href="http://bagrec.livejournal.com/tag/music+questionnaire">Music Questionnaires</a> are an ongoing series</small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09097707690774527810noreply@blogger.com0