COVENTRY Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
Hally
Just released are 11 tracks of pure goodness from local artist Hally. That’s Pete Hall – vocals, Richard Sullivan – guitar / mandolin, Joseph Sullivan – guitars, Jon Webb – guitar / drums and production and mixing.
The album entitled ‘Taking Me Higher’ is available on Soundcloud right now. I’m loving the well-crafted songs, spot-on vocals (reminding me of a certain Paul Weller) – it’s well worth a download.
COVtember is back
COVtember is a mini-festival held at The Tin music and arts annually this month (this year it’s on September 22, 23 and 24).
COVtember was created in 2018 to bring back the charity all-dayers held in the 90s at The Golden Cross and The Colin Campbell.
COVtember is ran by Paul Quinn from local band The Loaded and The Pristines.
The COVtember team also comprises of Joe Colombi from Sink or Swim Promotions and Carl Richard Aylott.
It was of course my end-of-year awards ‘Outstanding Contribution to local music’ winners 2022.
Check out the website for the full amazing line-up, but headliners include the legend that is Roddy Radiation, The Big Sugars and the Fallows are back. All proceeds this year going to Coventry Foodbank.
Eight Miles High
Eight Miles High were formed locally in 1989 and featuring Simon Kelly (Some Kinda Earthquake/Special Brew), Mark Patrick (Gdansk/Special Brew), Greg Sibley (Bang the Drum), Gary Cody (Big in Texas/Big Decision) and Simon Ward (Some Kinda Earthquake/Special Brew/King of the Alps), photos by Joe Kerrigan.
The band peaked in 1993 with the six-track ‘Features’ EP which was played on the Steve Wright Radio 1 show.
Now this ‘supergroup’ are back together with two new recordings ‘Fox’ and ‘Breathless’, both have their feet back in the late 80s with powerful productions that bring them right up to round about now.
The band said: “Here are the first new recordings since 1993 from recent sessions which resulted in two new songs we are delighted with, and more recordings are planned for next year.
“Both tracks will be available online from today.”
The Sixteen
World-renowned choir The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers, are performing at St Mary’s Church in Warwick on at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 28.
The programme is celebrating the legacy of one of choral music’s most treasured composers, William Byrd, and also includes the world premieres of two beautiful works by Dobrinka Tabakova.
Ska Train
Coventry’s very own ska band Ska Train will be playing at the home of Ska – that’s Knights at the 2-Tone Village on September 24. Expect lots of Ska and reggae covers, loads of skanking, village hospitality and an all-round great night.
Tickets are just £3, doors open at 4pm.
On September 29, The Village welcomes The Intruders, tickets on sale now.
If you have any local music news and would like to be featured in this column, please contact me at [email protected]
