Coventry Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
2-Tone Village Tribute to Everett Morton
ON Sunday, April 3, the 2-Tone Village will pay tribute to Beat drummer Everett Morton in a special event that will include live performances and special guests to honour the man who put the beat into The Beat and to honour all absent friends.
Tickets are just £6 and are available from the Village or www.wegottickets.com/event/539792.
Everett Morton was of course the engine room of the Ska band The Beat, but so very much more.
His drumming was incredible, gracing top ten chart hits such as ‘Tears of A Clown’, ‘Mirror in The Bathroom’ and ‘Can’t Get used to losing You’, along with top ten albums: ‘I Just Can’t Stop It’ and ‘Wha’ppen’.
His reggae/Ska drumming style was unique and always recognisable, frequently turning a great song into a stand-alone classic.
A more frantic style is evident on songs like ‘Ranking Full Stop’, while his drumming on the likes of ‘Whine and Grine’ is superbly inventive.
Unlike many drummers Everett, played the whole kit creating a tapestry of rhythm always evident on every Beat track.
When he passed in October 2021, the Ska world mourned the loss of a legend. Now on Sunday, they are invited to celebrate his life and his amazing career.
Attrition – A Great Desire (1986 to 2004)
Attrition A Great Desire (1986 to 2004) Is a collection of songs from the band’s mid period, 1986 to 2004.
Most have never before been released on vinyl and have been remastered by Martin Bowes in The Cage from the original DAT mixes.
As to be expected from Martin Bowes (the man behind Attrition), this is a collection of surreal soundscapes that draw the listener in to a parallel world often scary, often unexpected, but always aurally superb.
Martin said of the album: “It’s a slice of history, a slice of life. 40 years of history, almost a forgotten dream – this is a collection from Attrition’s prolific heyday.
“We released albums, almost all on CD as we thought we had seen the death of vinyl – but here is a selection of music from those times – 10 tracks, many for the first time on vinyl”.
Enjoy.
Taz Singh – Update
Well following on from the previous week, the good news is that Coventry music legend Taz Singh is no longer in a coma.
Here is the latest statement from his management.
“Dear All, Taz is no longer in coma He’s showing improvements every day.
“The family has thanked everyone for their support and prayers during this difficult time.
“When there is more positive news, the family will let us all know.
“Thanks again for your positive thoughts”.
The Primitives homecoming
Time to get very excited as one of Coventry’s musical treasures are making a return to Coventry.
The Primitives are back in their hometown playing a re-scheduled gig at the HMV Empire on Friday night (April 1).
Tracy, Paul and Tig always put on a superb show and this homecoming gig promises to be something special, definitely not to be missed.
With support from The Session, Watermark and Danny Ansell.
