Hopefully continuing the gradual recuperation and convalescence of the four-piece format of Black Parrot Seaside, we hope to do a spot at Pete Grassby's night at The Three Horseshoes, Bubbenhall next Thursday (17th March)
Following on from that we also hope to be at The Maudslay, Coventry, on Sunday 27th March. A venue we always enjoy playing.
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Back on The Perch Again
There followed another long and enforced break after the the post made below. It was due to a second bereavement involving my family. No point in going on about it. But the second death did prevent me from being available for the second attempt at getting to the Back Room Folk Club in Lichfield. Which we had to cancel in December 2010.
However, we finally managed to honour that commitment at the third time of asking, last week. Wednesday 16th February 2011 to be precise. Two funerals and several flu outbreaks later, Black Parrot Seaside were at last back on stage.It felt good.
Nice club. Nice people. High standard of musicianship. Good to see a familiar face there who remembered us (fondly!)from Brewood last summer.
Set List: (in order):
Courting is a Pleasure
The Odeon
Albert Balls
Midlands Lullaby
The Whistler
The Gravy Train
D.I.Y.
All four of us on form, and the full range of instruments were featured-mandola, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, banjo, accordion.
Thanks to all who listened and showed their support and appreciation.
However, we finally managed to honour that commitment at the third time of asking, last week. Wednesday 16th February 2011 to be precise. Two funerals and several flu outbreaks later, Black Parrot Seaside were at last back on stage.It felt good.
Nice club. Nice people. High standard of musicianship. Good to see a familiar face there who remembered us (fondly!)from Brewood last summer.
Set List: (in order):
Courting is a Pleasure
The Odeon
Albert Balls
Midlands Lullaby
The Whistler
The Gravy Train
D.I.Y.
All four of us on form, and the full range of instruments were featured-mandola, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, banjo, accordion.
Thanks to all who listened and showed their support and appreciation.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Take the pins our of the little dolly now, PLEASE!
We've all had enough. We promise we'll try to be good.
Just six days after the optimism of the post below, my dear old Mum died, leaving me an orphan. Another blow, rendering the poor old Macaw a bloodied mass of feathers spinning in the road again.
But we get back up. We must always get back up. The day Mum died we were due to play at The Back Room club in Lichfield. Obviously, that was cancelled, but we are working on setting up a return visit asap.
Just a week after Mum's funeral, we're on the road again this Thursday. Off to Shirley, this time.The full foursome so lucky Shirley folkies -enjoy that it's a bit of a collector's item at present! Mum would have wanted me to carry on. She loved the Parrot stuff-she reckoned we were a but naughty sometimes, but we made her laugh.
Just six days after the optimism of the post below, my dear old Mum died, leaving me an orphan. Another blow, rendering the poor old Macaw a bloodied mass of feathers spinning in the road again.
But we get back up. We must always get back up. The day Mum died we were due to play at The Back Room club in Lichfield. Obviously, that was cancelled, but we are working on setting up a return visit asap.
Just a week after Mum's funeral, we're on the road again this Thursday. Off to Shirley, this time.The full foursome so lucky Shirley folkies -enjoy that it's a bit of a collector's item at present! Mum would have wanted me to carry on. She loved the Parrot stuff-she reckoned we were a but naughty sometimes, but we made her laugh.
Thursday, 28 October 2010
WHAT'S ANOTHER YEAR?
The previous post here was made just over a year ago. I still find it challenging to read it. (It's in the 2009 archive now). I was so full of hope and expectation when I wrote it. Anyway, I would like to apologise to anyone who has logged on since I wrote that and who has found...nothing, for over a year.
I've picked up the Blog baton again a year on because I realise (to my surprise) and from talking to people recently,that there are still folk out there who care about us, and indeed, there are still folk who want to read about what we are doing. So after an explanation of why we disappeared (again!) I will update those of you who want to know, about what we are up to now. Before I contine however, I would like to thank a few local people who have given us encouragement during 2010 whilst we tried to pick up the pieces.
Step forward Malc and Gilly, and all the audiences and performers from Bedworth Folk Club. Probably our spiritual "home" they have championed us from Day One. We let you down badly over the Christmas Party and we hope you'll give us a chance to repay that debt one day. Likewise the Festival. Please think of us for 2011! We always know that we can air new and "interesting" material at Beduff. Quite a lot of our current set list got its first run out there! And wherever we go-if there are folk from BFC present-they'll belt out our slightly odd choruses.
Rob and Karen- of The Sty and Tump Folk Clubs respectively. Thanks for your continuing support and encouragement. We've got to know you you as people, and you've stuck with us-ta. The gorgeous Kristy Gallagher-patient,understanding and immensely talented. We enjoyed the Tin Angel ducks, and we hope you'll have the full complement back sometime. Kevin Dempsey, Chris Tobin and Pete Willow-thanks for the nice things you said when we all hooked up at the Sty last month. Genuine, and appreciated. (And reciprocated,naturally). And to our two "Honorary Parrots"-the two harp players who have jammed with our bluesier numbers at various venues during 2010-thank you so much. Get in touch when you want another session!
Anyway, in October 2010, the Old Macaw is (just about) still fluttering. After the events of October 2009 though, it very nearly wasn't. Indeed, just after posting the October 2009 entry the band folded. For a third time! So: an explanation is due then.
2009 was a ghastly, horrible year for the four of us. It started with a bereavement which shook us all. It ended with no band after a horrendous "Lunch of The Long Knives," at the delightful Watermans Arms, in Hatton.and me plunged into the worst depression I have ever experienced.
You can tell from reading the archive entry for October 2009, that the day before this meeting I was upbeat, positive and looking forward to expanding the BPS Empire. Indeed, we had got to the point of exploring our new venue, having had a sound check there, and we were beginning to compile a monthly guest list for 2010. The venue management were excited and enthusiastic-which those brave souls reading this who run folk clubs will know, is a rare asset! The venue had a huge, plush, adaptable concert room, ample parking our own bar and separate toilets. The management were champions of real ale, and were keen to provide food. It would have been an exceptional Club. Honestly, I still believe that.
Sadly, it was not to be. We met with a really good friend of ours,the day after that post. Someone we had grown to like, respect and trust. This was a person we had fully intended to go into partnership with, in running the new venture. We had met finally(we thought) to put the finishing touches. It is pointless now to attribute blame for what then ensued. It just happened.
Some kind of madness seemed to fill us on that day.I tried for months afterwards to pinpoint exactly why, but I'm afraid I cannot. There is no point in going over it too much now, except to say that it caused me personally immense hurt, destroyed my self-esteem and caused me a great deal of personal mental anguish. It was genuinely not my intention to destroy the band or the proposed club that day. I was mortified that both outcomes resulted from that meeting. I suspect it might have had a similar effect on the others present.
We had quite a portfolio of Autumn gigs lined up, and we had to cancel them all. It affected our wives and families too. By January 2010 I was emotionally in bits, on every front. This was compounded by the fact that I had a horrible Christmas, with an unseen family tragedy and my wife recovering from surgery. Whoever was sticking the pins in my particular little doll at that time caused maximum damage.
But somehow, as real friends do, eventually we rallied. We realised, that having been playing music (intermittently) together for over 35 years, whatever had happened and however much hurt was caused, there was too much to give up. We know we're not the most aesthetically or musically competent band around, but we've written some good tunes together, and we've put on shows that have made audiences laugh, think and reflect.
By about April, we had resolved most of our differences,and had begun rehearsing and gigging together again. All kinds of personal commitments limited what we were able to do, but we managed to start working the Parrot publicly in various formats-two of us, then three, sometimes even all four. I've also been doing a few solo spots. None of us are getting any younger, and a couple of us have health issues-but the will is still there to entertain.
In a newer Blog post I will detail the venues we've played, the venues we've worked in and those we would like to explore. We are a bit shaky and still scarred by what happened. But you move on. You have to, The alternatives are too terrifying to contemplate.
I've picked up the Blog baton again a year on because I realise (to my surprise) and from talking to people recently,that there are still folk out there who care about us, and indeed, there are still folk who want to read about what we are doing. So after an explanation of why we disappeared (again!) I will update those of you who want to know, about what we are up to now. Before I contine however, I would like to thank a few local people who have given us encouragement during 2010 whilst we tried to pick up the pieces.
Step forward Malc and Gilly, and all the audiences and performers from Bedworth Folk Club. Probably our spiritual "home" they have championed us from Day One. We let you down badly over the Christmas Party and we hope you'll give us a chance to repay that debt one day. Likewise the Festival. Please think of us for 2011! We always know that we can air new and "interesting" material at Beduff. Quite a lot of our current set list got its first run out there! And wherever we go-if there are folk from BFC present-they'll belt out our slightly odd choruses.
Rob and Karen- of The Sty and Tump Folk Clubs respectively. Thanks for your continuing support and encouragement. We've got to know you you as people, and you've stuck with us-ta. The gorgeous Kristy Gallagher-patient,understanding and immensely talented. We enjoyed the Tin Angel ducks, and we hope you'll have the full complement back sometime. Kevin Dempsey, Chris Tobin and Pete Willow-thanks for the nice things you said when we all hooked up at the Sty last month. Genuine, and appreciated. (And reciprocated,naturally). And to our two "Honorary Parrots"-the two harp players who have jammed with our bluesier numbers at various venues during 2010-thank you so much. Get in touch when you want another session!
Anyway, in October 2010, the Old Macaw is (just about) still fluttering. After the events of October 2009 though, it very nearly wasn't. Indeed, just after posting the October 2009 entry the band folded. For a third time! So: an explanation is due then.
2009 was a ghastly, horrible year for the four of us. It started with a bereavement which shook us all. It ended with no band after a horrendous "Lunch of The Long Knives," at the delightful Watermans Arms, in Hatton.and me plunged into the worst depression I have ever experienced.
You can tell from reading the archive entry for October 2009, that the day before this meeting I was upbeat, positive and looking forward to expanding the BPS Empire. Indeed, we had got to the point of exploring our new venue, having had a sound check there, and we were beginning to compile a monthly guest list for 2010. The venue management were excited and enthusiastic-which those brave souls reading this who run folk clubs will know, is a rare asset! The venue had a huge, plush, adaptable concert room, ample parking our own bar and separate toilets. The management were champions of real ale, and were keen to provide food. It would have been an exceptional Club. Honestly, I still believe that.
Sadly, it was not to be. We met with a really good friend of ours,the day after that post. Someone we had grown to like, respect and trust. This was a person we had fully intended to go into partnership with, in running the new venture. We had met finally(we thought) to put the finishing touches. It is pointless now to attribute blame for what then ensued. It just happened.
Some kind of madness seemed to fill us on that day.I tried for months afterwards to pinpoint exactly why, but I'm afraid I cannot. There is no point in going over it too much now, except to say that it caused me personally immense hurt, destroyed my self-esteem and caused me a great deal of personal mental anguish. It was genuinely not my intention to destroy the band or the proposed club that day. I was mortified that both outcomes resulted from that meeting. I suspect it might have had a similar effect on the others present.
We had quite a portfolio of Autumn gigs lined up, and we had to cancel them all. It affected our wives and families too. By January 2010 I was emotionally in bits, on every front. This was compounded by the fact that I had a horrible Christmas, with an unseen family tragedy and my wife recovering from surgery. Whoever was sticking the pins in my particular little doll at that time caused maximum damage.
But somehow, as real friends do, eventually we rallied. We realised, that having been playing music (intermittently) together for over 35 years, whatever had happened and however much hurt was caused, there was too much to give up. We know we're not the most aesthetically or musically competent band around, but we've written some good tunes together, and we've put on shows that have made audiences laugh, think and reflect.
By about April, we had resolved most of our differences,and had begun rehearsing and gigging together again. All kinds of personal commitments limited what we were able to do, but we managed to start working the Parrot publicly in various formats-two of us, then three, sometimes even all four. I've also been doing a few solo spots. None of us are getting any younger, and a couple of us have health issues-but the will is still there to entertain.
In a newer Blog post I will detail the venues we've played, the venues we've worked in and those we would like to explore. We are a bit shaky and still scarred by what happened. But you move on. You have to, The alternatives are too terrifying to contemplate.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Parrot Bulletin
We got a namecheck on BBC Radio WM yesterday. A feature about Bands who reformed after a long break away. Frankly I don't think we've ever reformed, but we did get back together in 2006, after an absence from the local music scene of 30 years or so...
Anyways. Busy engaged on subterfuge, undercover work and secret missions at present, planning a new Folk Venue opening in 2010. We're running a full sound check in the new venue tomorrow, and having a "business meeting" the day after that.
The new club will be run jointly by BPS and another Midlands Folk Celebrity. But...if you want to see us before the year is out, then owing to the fact that most Festival Organisers are scared of us, here's the only places where we'll be at, up until the end of the year. After that-you'll be able to catch us somewhere local, once a month, for definite. More on that to follow.
Sty Folk Club , Green Lane WMC Coventry Sunday November 1st
Tin Angel, Coventry Wednesday December 9th
Bedworth Folk Club, Bedworth RFC December 16th
Anyways. Busy engaged on subterfuge, undercover work and secret missions at present, planning a new Folk Venue opening in 2010. We're running a full sound check in the new venue tomorrow, and having a "business meeting" the day after that.
The new club will be run jointly by BPS and another Midlands Folk Celebrity. But...if you want to see us before the year is out, then owing to the fact that most Festival Organisers are scared of us, here's the only places where we'll be at, up until the end of the year. After that-you'll be able to catch us somewhere local, once a month, for definite. More on that to follow.
Sty Folk Club , Green Lane WMC Coventry Sunday November 1st
Tin Angel, Coventry Wednesday December 9th
Bedworth Folk Club, Bedworth RFC December 16th
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
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.
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