Saturday 28th November - I should be happy, I'm at a Yards gig, I've got a drink in my hand, and I have a clear view of the band. I should be very happy, 2 sets from the Yards, the first is 30 minutes of their quieter, soulfull, mellow songs, and then nearly an hour of heavier rock songs, in total almost all of their catalogue. I know the tunes and most of the lyrics and I'm singing along. But, the crowd are talking (grrrr), Chris Helme is having problems with a hum on stage, and its the Yards last high - their last gig. I want it to be brilliant, and it mostly is, but its their last high, and everybody knows it. I will miss them.
Letters From Iwo Kima is the counterpoint to Flags Of Our Fathers. 'Letters' takes the Japanese perspective of the Second World War battle on the island, and is much better than 'Flags'. Its worth watching the first 45 minutes or so of Flags to set the scene for Letters. Catch it when you can.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Human
Saturday 3rd October - As new members of the National Trust we spent the day at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Its a huge estate, containing the abbey (ruined in the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 by Henry VIII), water garden, historical buildings, shops and restaurants. In the afternoon we joined one of the many free tours, this one walked us though the abbey layout, workings and history. Fountains Abbey is a fantastic day out, its a beautiful place and there are so many things to do, we'll be back next year.
Friday 30th October - Chantel McGregor is back at the Roman Bath. Again its another excellent gig, and as I become more familiar with the material she covers, so my enjoyment and appreciation increases. After the gig we stand outside and chat for a while, Andy shows his new bike to us. Before we go Chantel and her family leave the Bath, so we share our thanks with them, and amusingly Chantel has a wobbly ride on Andy's bike - she is human after all.
Friday 30th October - Chantel McGregor is back at the Roman Bath. Again its another excellent gig, and as I become more familiar with the material she covers, so my enjoyment and appreciation increases. After the gig we stand outside and chat for a while, Andy shows his new bike to us. Before we go Chantel and her family leave the Bath, so we share our thanks with them, and amusingly Chantel has a wobbly ride on Andy's bike - she is human after all.
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
(under) Covers and Classics
Two family camping trips at the end of August wrapped up the summer holidays. The first 4 nights based at Highburn House, Wooler in Northumberland. Highlights were the fantastic beach at Bamburgh, the day on Holy Isle, and our evening walks to the local shop to get provisions for the next day. Later 2 nights based at Hooks House Farm at Robin Hoods Bay. This is one of the best camp sites we have used, great facilities and clean, with a fantastic view over the bay. A lovely end to the summer.
The main reason I started listening to Yes was Phillipa Bird. We were the same age, had attended the same secondary school, were both at college, but moved in different circles. On a train coming back from Colchester to Clacton, Phillipa was with some friends and one bloke had a copy of Close To The Edge album, she was looking at it. Anyway, Close To The Edge was purchased and I've loved it ever since.
So on Saturday 12th September, Seyes played at the Duchess, and Close To The Edge was the core of their 2 hour set. The vocalist was a little nervous to start, but warmed up in time for Close To The Edge and the rest of the set. His fellow musicians were superb in reproducing the Yes sound, especially the bassist. Recommended, for the music and the memories it brought back.
Its Saturday 19th and Chantel is back at the Roman Bath, curiously she talks with a Bradford accent yet sings without. Her guitar playing is so good its inspiring and demoralising. Another great performance tonight, and I now have a pick with her name on.
According to an interview in the September issue of Play Music magazine an album is in the pipeline, will it be as good as her covers? I hope so.
The main reason I started listening to Yes was Phillipa Bird. We were the same age, had attended the same secondary school, were both at college, but moved in different circles. On a train coming back from Colchester to Clacton, Phillipa was with some friends and one bloke had a copy of Close To The Edge album, she was looking at it. Anyway, Close To The Edge was purchased and I've loved it ever since.
So on Saturday 12th September, Seyes played at the Duchess, and Close To The Edge was the core of their 2 hour set. The vocalist was a little nervous to start, but warmed up in time for Close To The Edge and the rest of the set. His fellow musicians were superb in reproducing the Yes sound, especially the bassist. Recommended, for the music and the memories it brought back.
Its Saturday 19th and Chantel is back at the Roman Bath, curiously she talks with a Bradford accent yet sings without. Her guitar playing is so good its inspiring and demoralising. Another great performance tonight, and I now have a pick with her name on.
According to an interview in the September issue of Play Music magazine an album is in the pipeline, will it be as good as her covers? I hope so.
Monday, 17 August 2009
2 good
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the first of the series I've seen at the cinema, the rest I've watched previously on DVD. You can't deny they're engaging stories, good versus evil, good people wear white and get hurt, bad people wear black and get the best lines. Maybe I should read the books now.
Recently, I was lent a copy of The Shack by William P Young. Its a work of fiction, but within its story it attempts to answer some of the key questions regarding God, Christianity and faith. The website says there are 7 million copies in print and is highly endorsed. Not an easy read for me, but I'll be reading it again soon, it really is that good, highly recommended.
Recently, I was lent a copy of The Shack by William P Young. Its a work of fiction, but within its story it attempts to answer some of the key questions regarding God, Christianity and faith. The website says there are 7 million copies in print and is highly endorsed. Not an easy read for me, but I'll be reading it again soon, it really is that good, highly recommended.
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Getting better
We've moved office locations in York, and the parking situation has changed from good to dire, so I've resorted to cycling the 5 or so miles each way. The weather has been kind so far, but I know after September it'll get more interesting. Its doing me good, I really try and push on, I can even say I like it some days - especially cutting up those pesky cars.
Nine Black Alps at the Duchess (22nd June) supported by Airship and the Federals. Only 2 of the Federals are playing tonight, drummer and lead guitar, and were better for it, reminded me of the White Stripes. Airship were a real surprise, somewhere between Arcade Fire and Interpol, I shall be looking out for these again. Nine Black Alps were as I remembered them from a few years ago - good songs, loud, heavy, energetic, passionate. Touring and record sales have given them confidence, they are better musicians and altogether tighter. Recommended.
Its Saturday (11th July) and Breathing Space at the Roman Bath, this is the 3rd time I've seen them at this venue and each time they improve. Tonight Bryan Josh of Mostly Autumn is standing in on lead guitar and they showcase several songs from their forthcoming CD Below The Radar. As a result is was an altogether rockier set but in keeping with their 'sound', I'm looking forward to the CD. The rain was pouring down as we left the venue so we headed over to a nearby shop doorway for shelter, where we spent an hour chatting, joking and speculating on a wide variety of subjects. It was still pouring down as we left but I didn't mind, it was a great evening.
Monday, 1 June 2009
Cruising at 50
A Night for Heroes at the Duchess in York was a celebration of Howard Sparnenn. Howard was a drummer in and an influence on a number of York bands, and 6 bands were performing tonight in celebration of his memory and to support "Andrea's Gift" charity. £8,000 was raised and a good time was had by all.
Series 2 of The Wire has started and I'm not liking it as much. It follows on from the Series 1 and many of the lead characters are the same, but there is a bunch of new ones as the story is based around the docks. My favourite characters Bubbles and Omar are still around. It'll grow on me I know as I get into it, and there are 3 more Series to embrace after this one.
My first cruise was in 1994 on the river Nile, this was a small boat, fewer that 100 guests - no children allowed. The visits to tombs and temples were in the early morning before the heat became too much, then sailing to our next destination during the afternoon and evening. You were never far from the river banks, always something to see. It was relaxed, friendly and intimate, and the sights exceeded my expectations by far.
As part of my 50th celebration we took a family cruise holiday in the Med, preceded by 3 days in Barcelona (which was nice). The Navigator of the Seas has 14 decks, a climbing wall, well stocked gym, numerous small pools and jacuzis, a 3 tiered main restaurant, huge buffet restaurant, library, several bars and cafes .... it was massive. Lots of entertainmnet, things to do and spend on whilst the ship sailed between ports. The staff were excellent, expecially with our children and we all had a good time. If you've never had a cruise I can recommend both types.
No film recommendations, but I'm reading An American Future by Simon Schama (he presented the excellent 'A History of Britain' on BBC). Its more about the past events that influence current day America and its politics, you need to concentrate to keep up, but the effort is worth it.
Series 2 of The Wire has started and I'm not liking it as much. It follows on from the Series 1 and many of the lead characters are the same, but there is a bunch of new ones as the story is based around the docks. My favourite characters Bubbles and Omar are still around. It'll grow on me I know as I get into it, and there are 3 more Series to embrace after this one.
My first cruise was in 1994 on the river Nile, this was a small boat, fewer that 100 guests - no children allowed. The visits to tombs and temples were in the early morning before the heat became too much, then sailing to our next destination during the afternoon and evening. You were never far from the river banks, always something to see. It was relaxed, friendly and intimate, and the sights exceeded my expectations by far.
As part of my 50th celebration we took a family cruise holiday in the Med, preceded by 3 days in Barcelona (which was nice). The Navigator of the Seas has 14 decks, a climbing wall, well stocked gym, numerous small pools and jacuzis, a 3 tiered main restaurant, huge buffet restaurant, library, several bars and cafes .... it was massive. Lots of entertainmnet, things to do and spend on whilst the ship sailed between ports. The staff were excellent, expecially with our children and we all had a good time. If you've never had a cruise I can recommend both types.
No film recommendations, but I'm reading An American Future by Simon Schama (he presented the excellent 'A History of Britain' on BBC). Its more about the past events that influence current day America and its politics, you need to concentrate to keep up, but the effort is worth it.
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