Friday 18 September 2009

CATCH US LIVE (and for free) on FRIDAY 25th SEPTEMBER



(Pictured above: Black Parrot Seaside at "Concert For Judith" The Maudslay, June 2009


Audiences in search of a laugh and some decent entertainment will be delighted to hear that Black Parrot Seaside resume their antics next Friday night after a Summer break. They take the stage for the first time since July, appearing at The Blue Pig pub in Wolvey. They plan two sets, starting after 9pm, and admission is free.

The band are promising that the Wolvey gig will “definitely” see a first airing of what they hope will be another Seaside classic, a new number entitled “ If I were a Goat.” The song laments the relatively lonely and unexciting life that some tethered goats can lead. Singer Geoff Veasey has a twinkle in his eye when he explains that, “It’s ever so slightly tongue in cheek. It has the easiest chorus refrain a folk audience will ever experience…and it may well be the first Beyonce cover version performed before a Folk Audience.“ Coming from a band who pay homage to the unfair treatment of vacuum cleaners, and who have recorded a sea shanty sung by a Pirate who is a victim of Risk Assessment, it could be interesting!

As always, the band will also be including plenty of traditional songs, including an new, extended version of “The Bonny Black Hare,” and covers of material by John Tams, Bob Dylan and The Incredible String Band. BPS had a torrid start to 2009, and had to cancel a lot of gigs at the start of the year. Previously regulars at The Pig, this is their first appearance there in 2009, and replaces a performance cancelled previously owing to bereavement.

Hopefully that is behind them now and Geoff hopes that a change in work commitments for three of the members should also see them more widely available for weekend and evening dates from now on. “ We really want to put ourselves about a bit more during the Autumn,” he says, inviting Club Organisers and Festival promoters to contact him or the band via their website. Following the Wolvey date they already have appearances lined up at The Tump and Sty Folk Clubs in Coventry, and will be hosting one of their infamous Christmas parties at Bedworth Folk Club (Rugby Club Venue) on 16th December.

On the theme of getting more exposure, BPS are also looking into the possibility of starting up a new Folk Club working in partnership with another popular Midlands performer. “Very hush hush,” winks Geoff. “ We’ve got a couple of venues lined up and so far we’ve shortlisted one in Nuneaton and one in Coventry. “ BPS ran their own successful Folk club in Brinklow during the late 1970’s. Many artistes still on the local folk scene played there. In fact, it would not be a first for either party. Their mystery partner, still as yet to be revealed, has also run and hosted many Folk Clubs. “ Just watch this space. “ says Geoff.

Friday 4 September 2009

Albion Magazine-Album Review

This is the second decent Magazine Review we've had of "Ain't It Grand." It's written by James Turner, who I've never met-but I'd certainly buy him a drink if I did. It appears in the Autumn 2009 edition-alongside reviews of Amazing Blondell and Southside Johnny. That'll do me.

Black Parrot SeasideAin't it Grand?
Spindrift Records Spin118


Originally formed in the mid-seventies at the tail-end of the electric folk revival, Black Parrot Seaside always kept things light' parody, satire, humour and a great tune were their trade marks. They eventually folded in 1982, but in 2006 they re-formed for a charity gig and enjoyed it so much that three years later, they are still together. On their latest release, the quartet of Geoff Veasey (vocals, tambourine, and swanee whistle), Mick Harris (mandolin, banjo, and accordion), Eddie Jones (fiddle, accordion, and pub piano) and Arnold Chave (acoustic and electric guitar) turn their humorous gaze on all sorts of subjects. They cover DIY on the opening track (with which I identify so much….I'll tell the story of the foot through the kitchen ceiling another time), nostalgically look back to the old days of the cinema (Odeon) and the steam locomotive (Requiem for Steam), and take the mickey out of the current trend for Mockney accents on the brilliant Cockney Power, with a brief medley of London songs. This amusing and affectionate look at the world today is an album well worth listening to.