£8 = Fabulous

My first experience of 3D film was over 10 years ago at Disneyworld in Florida, a show case of the technology lasting around 10 minutes. Seemingly there were objects flying towards and around you, and even though you know its not real, you still react by moving out of the way. Fun enough to make everyone smile.
Films such as Star Wars and Toy Story have reset the benchmarks for special visual effects and sound quality. Avatar (30th Jan) sets another by combining human actors and physical sets with expansive CGI effects and presented in 3D. There are recognisable storyline similarities with Alien, Dances With Wolves and Pocahontas, and its over 2 hours long. But its the visual quality, the detail and the 3D effect that overwhelms from the start and keeps you engaged. Fabulous.

Thursday 25th Feb and its Chantel McGregor at the Duchess with support from Jessica 'Jess' Graham. The paper bracelet they wrapped on my wrist at entry was white with lots of pink stars reflecting the girlie theme. Jess and her band had already started, and apart from a couple of funkier numbers, which the rest of the audience enjoyed, she was really good, kinda' reminding me of Tracey Chapman. At 8:30 Chantel began, on a proper stage and with a superior sound system, 2 hours of excellent rock/blues, including 2 of her own songs, amazing guitar work, unique charm, the experience was ... fabulous.

Good, Bad, ...

December 5th and its the Mostly Autumn Christmas gig at the Grand Opera House. As per last year it was a highlights/favourites set that included a few festive songs (Silent Night was beautiful), special guest Chris Johnson and seasonal hats. Wholly enjoyable, but I'm not sure I'll be there next year, instead I'll try and catch them out of season somewhere.

A full turnout for the Friday (December 18th) nighters at the Ristorante Bari for our Christmas meal, to be followed by Chantel McGregor at the Roman Bath. But due to the heavy snow Chantel's cancelled. So we slide over to the Terrace to see Stealer. A heavy rock covers band that disapointed as every song sounded the same, I recognised only two, one each from Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Half way through their set, and for one song only, one of their elderly WAGs stripped to her underwear, then sang and danced with the band. She even had photos taken with a couple of the Stealer fans. Alltogether best described as The Good, The Bad and ...

I'm not here

Extract from "Life" Dig a Hole: Part 1 (2007)

Luke: So they must know everything is in motion, and the particles within everything are never in one place. Therefore, if it's never in one place, it never is, is it?
Crews: So I'm always in motion. I'm never in one place. I'm never here.
Luke: Just more likely to be here than not to be here.
Crews: [To Reese] I'm not here. You like that, don't you?
Reese: If only that were true.

If you've never seen Life, then you really need to, whilst you're still (likely to be) here.

This is the end

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.

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.

(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.