Calling all singers and those who would like to sing
A new choir is starting up in Leamington Spa from January 2025, led by Harvey Brough – who sang in Coventry Cathedral as a boy, fronted Harvey and the Wallbangers, and now runs choral singing all over the UK.
Vox Populi will rehearse on Thursday evenings, singing some unusual and appealing repertoire.
The first concert, in April, will be a complete performance of The Kinks’ Village Green Preservation Society arranged by Harvey Brough for Ray Davies himself. With The Orchestra of the Swan and soloists, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
In the first year, they also plan to sing Freedom Song – a piece telling the amazing story of the Fish Jubilee Singers singing spirituals that they introduced to the world.
The Special AKA third album (In The Studio) was arranged by Harvey for Jerry Dammers (they were at school together). Ska and jazz influences in a fabulous collection of songs from serious songs that define an era – Free Nelson Mandela, War Crimes to the hilarious What I like Most about You is Your Girlfriend.
For more information contact Harvey at [email protected]
Insomnia by Suic-Idol Guttercat
Look out for the latest song and video from Cov’s own Andy Guttercat under the name Suic-Idol Guttercat.
We have all been there, heavy eyes can’t sleep, the clock motors on relentlessly toward the morning and work beckons, but try as you may, sleep is not a luxury going to be bestowed on you any time soon. This song perfectly sums the whole painful thing up, compounded graphically with a spot-on video.
Andy said: “My good friend and Wrathchild vocalist, Rocky Shades, had this to say about it: ‘The song is a disturbing marriage of proto punk and goth… class’.
“The song was sent to me by Tony Trioxin from Newcastle, around October last year and it all fell into place quite quickly. I’d written the rough lyrics as a ballad originally but seemed to fit the music I received.
“The video was a simple idea and seemed to just fit in with the lyrics of the song. A lot of people seemed to relate to the subject matter of which the whole thing encapsulates in both the song and video.
“Everything came together very quickly compared to other songs and videos I’ve worked on. Completed with some great artwork from Dave Howarth.”
Tracey of Strip Search Tramp.
The Tin Fundraiser
As I write, £6,000 has been raised towards their frontage refurb project, as they look for another £4,000 to complete their required total.
I had the pleasure of attending a recent fundraiser with Soop, What About Eric? and The Emma Whitehall Band and headlined by Strip Search Tramp, four superb acts of course, but Strip Search Tramp really are something special.
To donate go to Local Giving and search ‘The Tin – Frontage Refurb Project’.
Written by Pete Chambers BEM
