2-Tone Birthday weekend
Saturday May 4 marked the official birthday of the 2-Tone movement, the day 40 years ago the original limited pressing of ‘Gangsters v The Selecter’ was released through Rough Trade.
So it was great to see two events taking place in the city that marked such an important dateline.
On the Friday, Neville Staple and his band played an amazing set at The Empire ( as did The Undertones).
The highlight was the appearance of the man who appeared on that very first single Neol Davies. Neville Staple said: “I was over the moon when Sugary said she had invited Neol Davies to join us. A nice treat for Coventry and the band. He is one of the great heroes of music and a nice guy too. Even Jerry Dammers said it was Neol who inspired him.”
Sugary: “I hate the thought of other original 2Tone legends missing out on some of the 40 year anniversary celebrations and shows. Neol was pivotal in the founding years and is a super musician and writer. It was such an honour when he accepted the invitation.”
The following day, the Coventry Music Museum featured a special Sounding Off session with former Specials roadie Trevor Evans, with Special AKA guest John Shipley also in attendance.
King of The Alps
I love King Of The Alps (Paul Ingram & Simon Ward). You never know what you are going to hear as the CD disappears into the player (apart from some great music).
Well, rest assured music fans, their new EP ‘Beauty Scarred’ is a feast of more original tracks that you can only define by the classification of ‘undefined’.
Lead track ‘Beauty Of The Rain’ sets the EP off delightfully with great bass from Simon Ward. I’m sat here desperately trying to compare it to something that you may all know.
Fact is, KOTA have their own unique style and thank goodness for that. What I can say is it’s full of atmospheric twists and vocal interplays between Ellie Gowers and later on ‘Helter Skelter’ between Paul and Izzie Derry.
To find out more buy your own copy, It’s available right now.
The Flame
I was a regular judge for Young Entertainer of The Year, so I am well aware just what calibre of music our local schools are capable of creating.
With that in mind, I was amazed to hear what the band Embers from Caludon Castle School have come up with. Embers are a school band who are working with the charity Free Radio: Cash For Kids raising money for local disadvantaged children.
‘The Flame’ is their charity single. This is no ordinary charity single, this is a classy piece of music, and the sheer sonic level of the song and its production is outstanding.
Written and performed by the students themselves, I’m on my third play as I write, the guys have put a lot into this record, so it’s only fair we should do our bit and actually buy it.
Go here for more info https://www.facebook.com/Emberstheflame/
The Trees
The Trees are a group of artists, musicians, poets and filmmakers.
They have become increasingly concerned about the treatment of trees in the city, its streets and also in our own local parks.
Their EP ‘Save That Tree (Melanie)’ is basically Chris Sidwell from Crokodile Tears plus Keith Fabrique and features a local legend in Melanie Moon, who brightens up any room with her pink hair and polychromatic attire and natural kindness.
In the song’s hilarious video, she’s the superhero that will return your wallet, pick up doggies’ calling cards and even save that tree.
Joking aside, the project is about saving our amazing trees, and yes they are amazing.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/herecomethetrees/
