Love Song Music for you

LOVE EVERLASTING
SOME MUSIC FOR YOUR LIFE: continued

If music be the food of love then my heart will always be full

Parts One and Two

I cannot explain why I am writing this, apart from being crazy and following a recurring urge to make an idiot of myself, jumping in unasked, in my usual clumsy way and now I have done it again with Part Two of my odyssey.

One motive might be that, despite the passing of my venue Heart and Soul, I still plan in my head the music that would have accompanied each Heart and Soul season and those I speak of below would definitely have been flavour of this season and could be the flavour of yours.

Part One looks at the first four bands/ musicians I decided to write about and Part Two continues this journey, with two further local musicians who have impressed and enticed me with their music. If you previously read Part One, please revisit for latest gig details and also skip down to Part Two to read about two really exceptional local musicians Stuart Todd and Ragz, who both recently released stunning CDs.

This all started when attending a Probe Plus band showcase at the Static Gallery, reacquainted with musician friends from what seems like another lifetime, I realised how much music has subconsciously guided my seemingly random ramble through life and how it shapes lives. Like a musical performance, the time which is our life, moves on ever forward, taking us from beginning to end with no turning back, lingering notes from the past dissipate like smoke signals behind whilst reverberating the silence of the future, until our last note, hanging in the air, gradually fades to nothing. Maybe that is why I find music so poignant, it reflects life itself.

I certainly know music has been part of my conscious and unconscious thoughts since I can remember remembering, my head always has music playing, background to my thoughts and stillness's, bringing joy and solace through every life I have lived, telling the tale of my life. (I have noted a few reflections, on my Heart and Soul website, which you can read if so inclined, by clicking the link to 'Confessions of a music slut'( http://www.heartandsoulrestaurant.co.uk/article.asp?pageid=MUSIC&articlekey=136 )

For me, music has a power of expression greater than words alone, yet standing in the Static that night observing my ghosts I was reminded that even several lifetimes of devotion may not be enough to get heard and though speaking the language of the heart, musicians have it particularly hard, music is the air they breathe, they have no choice but to inhale, they have no choice but to follow, whether it keeps body and soul together or not.

So, below are some local musicians who deserve to be heard. There are many many more I could tell you about but I will start with these, being the most recent to enter my head and because if my beloved Heart and Soul still existed, they would have been perfect to entertain you.

A testament to their dedication and passion, all these bands and musicians appear fully formed, as if you already know or should know of, them. Their line ups and sets are adaptable to a variety of venues and events, from intimate to larger scale, clubs, restaurants, cafes, wine bars, parties, special occasions, their fees are reasonable and they always give polished yet moving performances which are a bit special.

I am not an agent for any, indeed I know hardly anything about many of the individuals involved and their journey to here, which is why I can only give you a very personal view, that of my ears. Music is impossible to fully describe in words so, I have also included links to musical clips to try you own ears out on and lyrical extracts but of course, those can never be more than a crude facsimile of what a live performance brings.

Then, there is DJ Gary Allen who, those hearing him at Heart and Soul would have to agree, is totally unique in the ambience he creates with his musical selections. Gary is someone I do know well and who deserves much more recognition than he would ever ask for. No venue should be without a Gary.

I have included what contact details I have for everyone but of course, you can always contact me.

PART ONE

So, here goes, my take on one fantastic musician, three bands and one DJ, in the hope that this small effort will bring pleasure to your ears and lives.

DANIEL BISHOP

How to contact him:

Email him via his website: http://www.danielbishop.co.uk/home.html

Where to hear him:

At the Anglican Cathedral but also keep an eye on his website for upcoming events, such as:

Mon, 3 May, 11:15 - 12:15: Liverpool Anglican Cathedral : St James Mount, Liverpool L1 7AZ. Tel. 0151 702 7284‎
This is the first recital of the 2010 Liverpool Organ Day, which continues with a recital at the Metropolitan Cathedral at 3:30pm, and concludes with a recital by the City Organist, Professor Ian Tracey, at St. George's Hall at 7:30pm.

Sat, 15 May, 19:30 - 22:00: Close Harmony Concert : Holy Trinity Church, Southport : Hoghton Street, Southport PR9 0TE. Tel. 01704 538 560‎‎‎

About him:

Young Daniel started on the piano at the tender age of seven before joining the Liverpool Anglican choir where he spent six years under the tuition of Professor Ian Tracey and studied organ with Ian Wells, previously assistant organist at the cathedral. Having spent two years as the cathedral's organ scholar Daniel is their current sub-organist.

Daniel also studied music and music technology at Huddersfield University, specialising in electro-acoustic music and composition.

What he does:

As well as his role as cathedral sub-organist, Daniel also teaches music, music technology, sound recording and song writing at Liverpool college, he organises and directs musicals and musical events/theatre, is a choirmaster, musical arranger, singer, pianist and songwriter/composer.

His repertoire:

Seemingly endless, from classical to musicals, rock and pop and his own compositions. See his website for the scores to some of the music he plays/arranges including his latest piano compositions, 'Three Reflections', from which one 'reflection' has been used as the soundtrack for a short film.

My highly subjective and personal thoughts (guys, please forgive me if I misrepresent or misunderstand you):

I first met Daniel through Heart and Soul when he used to come to our jazz nights, 'Blue Note' organised by Tim Harvey, whom Daniel worked with on various projects.

Daniel's self effacing nature not to say youth initially belied the great talent within which became apparent over the following months, as our acquaintance grew.

Generous and modest in the extreme Daniel made it his secret mission to introduce as many of his friends to Heart and Soul, as possible.

Thus was I introduced to 'The Cathedral Crowd', the most delightfully, rumbustiously, warm hearted group of people I have ever had the good fortune to encounter ,who became firm friends.

I looked forward with eager anticipation to visits from my new acquaintances, to their delightful company, their sheer enjoyment of food, their capacity to embrace life and good company and most deliciously, the occasional spontaneous musical interlude breaking out, especially after a glass or two and the installation of my battered old piano.

Daniel is one of those much envied musicians who can turn a hum into a fully harmonised version of the tune you can't quite remember.

Some of my customers might recall the night when bonhomie and a bottle of port turned into an improvised musical extravaganza featuring Daniel and Professor Ian Tracey dueting on my old 'Joanna'. I am sure most of my customers had no idea their requests, spanning the gamut of musical taste, were being played by two of the most eminent organists in Liverpool, the head and sub organist of the Anglican Cathedral.

I know for certain Daniel made one couples night who, out to celebrate an anniversary, had not anticipated the pleasure of Daniel serenading them with Elton John requests, accompanying post dinner liquors. As they snuggled on their banquette well into the night, holding hands, eyes shining, it was clear, music is the food of love.

Invariably, the highlight of any party is the moment when Daniel tip toes over to the keyboard and starts to play, his own compositions, classical favourites, excerpts from musicals of all genres, Blood Brothers, Grease, Rocky Horror show, you name it and he will play it, pop classics and so on through an endless repertoire but invariably degenerating, at the end of the night, into a sing along medley when everyone pesters him for yet one more favourite.

Having recently been lucky enough to be treated to a selection from The Sound of Music, a childhood favourite (I think it may have been my first record) I am definitely going to attend his upcoming production.

Daniel will never admit this but if anyone deserves recognition, it is him, a talent we should all sing about.

SONNENBERG

How to contact them:
Email: zinney@live.co.uk or Geoff@probeplus.co.uk

Where to hear them:
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/sonnenbergtheband which also lists upcoming gigs.

Who are they mainly?

Gerd Zinsmeister (Zinney): vocal, acoustic guitar, mouth harp, bass and various
Dave Thom: Mandolin, electric guitar, 'cello, accordion, bass
Line up can also include: tabla/percussion, keyboards, viola, hurdy gurdy, harp, clarinet, flute, piccolo and.......

Stated influences include:

Beatles, Bob Dylan, Joan Armatrading, Joni Mitchell........

What they play:

Original material and covers from the '60s and 70's. CD released on Probe Plus: 'Fishing in the Pool', http://www.probeplus.co.uk/bands.htm (The website also showcases other bands on this local label)

Some of their Song Titles (original material):

'shine On', 'Mersey moon', 'stay', 'she', 'time', ebb 'n flow, 'journey along your skin'.....

My highly subjective and personal thoughts (guys, please forgive me if I misrepresent or misunderstand you):

Since the day I met Geoff Davis, the bands and artists he supports through his Probe Plus record label have held a fascination for me, an eclectic mix, unified, like the man, by individuality, passion and belief. I do not claim to understand all the genres and musical references which Geoff appreciates but, some of his selections and collaborations escape genre altogether and ascend into pure beauty beyond a need to understand.

One such were Gone to Earth, whose songs based on folk tales, tales of life and lessons of history, included those of such haunting beauty, they remain in my head still, despite their passing, the passing of many years and passing fads for those more famous. I have a terrible memory for lyrics but words to more than a handful of Gone to Earth songs are emblazoned in my head and their tunes float round my mind still, singing themselves into consciousness at regular intervals.

Having become reacquainted with Geoff on opening Heart and Soul, I looked forward with eager anticipation to deliveries of freshly squeezed Probe Plus CDs to play in the restaurant and though each one held charms, none inspired quite the pinnacle of passion inspired by Gone to Earth until Sonnenberg's 'Fishing in the Pool'. Coincidently, Dave Thom, a simply incredible and versatile musician, now part of Sonnenberg, was also in Gone to Earth.

Each song on this remarkable work is a thing of beauty and from first play felt like it had been part of me for life, the words and music instantly memorable in their sympathy for the universal human condition and melodic, poetic lyricism. Songs such as 'Time' (.....'sitting here staring at the ceiling... trying to find an answer in the stars'.....), 'Mersey moon' (....'Mersey moon dressed in blue'.....'the night is yours'),'She' (......'She lights a shooting star'.....), 'Journey along your skin' (....'Take me to
where I've never been'....' on a journey along your skin') which has an added attraction for me in the bass line resembling my favourite from Led Zeppelin's 'Ramble On'.

I can only describe Zinney's heartrending voice as poured honey, which combined with sliding, dark chocolate bass, gliding and swooping down your heart strings to the pit of your stomach and glittering guitar makes an irresistible combination for evoking emotion.

Had Heart and Soul remained open, Sonnenberg would definitely have been a featured band on anticipated acoustic nights but instead remains a poignant reminder of our closing night, when Zinney did me the great honour of singing us out and their heartbreaking song, 'Stay' still evokes a picture in my head of that last night, with the lyrics , '...... do you believe the end is nigh?....', '.... please don't leave me here waiting on my own for the morning.....' ,'...don't leave me here on my own, please don't leave me alone....', '....stay with me...... tonight could be the last night...'.

As well as acoustic club nights, Sonnenberg's sound whether recorded, live, playing their own songs or those of others is perfect for creating a chilled and sympathetic yet individual atmosphere in venues such as restaurants, cafes and wine bars or for parties and special occasions.

XANDER AND THE PEACE PIRATES

How to contact them:
Email Keith on KeithXander@aol.com

Where to hear them:
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/xanderandthepeacepirates

Every other Thursday, from 11 March 2010: Palm Sugar Lounge, Kenyon Steps, Liverpool One (under Chaophraya), tel. 0151 707 6654

Every Sunday, 7 p.m.: Smokey Mo's, Mathew Street (Temple Court)

Every Sunday: Contact them for time: Cavern Pub: 5 Mathew Street,
Liverpool, L2 6RE. Tel. 0151 236 4041

Every Saturday, 8 p.m.: The Renshaw Grill: 13-15 Renshaw Street, Liverpool L1 2SA.Tel.0151 708 4008: http://www.therenshawgrill.co.uk/

Third Wednesday of the month: Later with The Pirates, featuring local bands as well as Xander and the Peace Pirates: Studio Two, Parr Street: 23 Parr Street, Liverpool L1 4JN. Tel. 0151 707 3727: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30561684538&v=wall

Who are they mainly:

Keith 'Xander: Vocals and Fender Telecaster
Stuart 'Xander: Guitar
Line up can also include, bass guitar, drums and keyboard

Stated influences include:

Jimi Hendrix, John Meyer , Lenny Kravitz, Prince, '60s/'70s guitar led blues, rock and soul......

What they play:

Original material and covers, hits and classics across genres.

Some of their Song Titles (original material):

'Crazy Women', 'Number 7','Truth Lies', 'Kiss Ur Rain'.....

My highly subjective and personal thoughts (guys, please forgive me if I misrepresent or misunderstand you):

Living in Liverpool city centre, the 'Xander brothers were part of the fabric of my life before they or I knew it, humming along to their tunes, my perambulations catching time with the sounds of their busking on Church Street going about my day to day, part of the soundtrack of a city anonymously weaving round me, until one day, I looked up and stopped to stare.

The bandana'd boys, with flowing dark locks, flowery shirts, foppish faded velvet, distressed leather and ripped denim, threw me back to my hippy dippy upbringing in bohemian Hampstead where endless troupes of guitar playing troubadours inhabited childhood memories, sitting cross legged on the floor, singing about love, peace and angst, in every language under the sun while it rose and fell over the never ending party that was the open house of our family flat. We didn't have much to eat and floor space was limited, especially when it doubled as bed space for a stream of passers through from other worlds but we had style, we had music, so we had laughter and so were happy and smiled.

In those days my vantage point was a pink plastic bath tub and my given tipple, milk laced with a drop of whisky which might explain my later predilection for nocturnal activity and alcohol, though, these days I do try, not always completely successfully, to dress before partying.

Through baby tinted eyes I still recall the plethora of humanity of all shades, creeds and dress codes, from bohemian chic with flowers in their hair, to razor sharp creases, winkle pickers, slicked quiffs and shades, to twin set and pearls, slick chignoned Audrey Hepburns, to bee-hived, kohl smudged pinkly pouting temptresses, who inhabited our twilight world, united by music and my parents.
Night passed into day when waking, as children do beckoned by sunlight and the charms of an intriguing world, I clambered my way over supine revellers, gaining a sleepy helping hand with a sock here and a shoe there, in my passage to another adventure, breakfast conjured up by whichever unfortunate had the fortune of a job that day.

Such were the memories which flooded my mind when first observing Keith and Stuart performing as Pirates of Peace on a Liverpool high street hundreds of miles away from my past and a million lifetimes later. They were like the sun on a rainy day, a rainbow memory.

The Slaughterhouse basement on a Sunday afternoon after the night before, was my next more intimate encounter, inadvertently engineered by a best friend, Felicity, when they supported another musician friend, the magnificent Neil Campbell. Once again the sunshine that is 'Xander magic swept away rainclouds, this time of an almighty hangover and restored me to the cranberry and vodka which I was woman fully cradling.

It is a testament to Keith's phenomenal guitar style and presence and my lack of observational skills that, it was not until the end of their performance and only then when my friend mentioned it, I noticed Keith strums his Fender with a metal hook replacing his hand. I know not whether an errant alligator was the cause of this loss but think I am safe in guessing it wasn't Tinkerbell's magic dust but sheer grit, passion, determination and love of a good brother, which disregarded this handicap to deliver a musician as accomplished as Keith.

Keith's voice has a sweetness of tone, his clear direct delivery combining innocence of spirit with wisdom of ages, enticingly beguiling as he faces the audience eye to eye, as if singing to each personally before immersing his soul in the spirit of guitar which he plays like a tortured angel.

His brother Stuart provides acoustic harmonies weaving round his sibling's electronic wizardry creating the atmosphere in which it breathes. It is obvious that as well as brothers, these two are soul mates.

Whether singing their own compositions or covers from a seemingly endless repertoire the performances are all their own, effortless and polished interpretations of classics and classics hopefully to be.

I am not knowledgeable enough to describe the influences behind their own compositions nor brave enough to quote lyrics without the aid of a CD to reinforce my interpretations but I can say their bluesy rock, guitar based ballads are heartfelt, sunny, melodic and very catchy. As a girly girl my favourite is, of course, a love song, 'Kiss Ur Rain' from which I will risk quoting a line '.....Your eyes pulled me into your life....' because I have always believed the old saying that eyes are windows to the soul and that eyes can express more than words ever can.

Whatever they do, these guys are real crowd pleasers and as well as their music, their eyes really do do the talking. They would absolutely make a party.

TJ AND MURPHY

How to contact them:
Ring Billy, their manager on 0151 256 1660
or email: mherons@aol.com

Where to hear them:
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/thomasjosephandmurphy

which also has an events listing including various May 2010 tour gigs across the country. Upcoming Liverpool gigs:

16 May 2010: 17.00: Studio Two Parr Street: 23 Parr Street, Liverpool L1 4JN. Tel. 0151 707 3727

10 July 2010: 15.00: Beatles Day: Liverpool City Centre, Outdoor Stage

23 July 2010: 20.00: View Two Gallery: 23 Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE Tel.0151 236 9555: http://www.viewtwogallery.co.uk/events

13 November 2010: International Guitar Festival Of Great Britain with special guest, Jeff Jepson: Birkenhead: Priory Street Birkenhead Wirral CH41 5JH: http://www.bestguitarfest.com/html/index.asp

Who are they mainly:

Thomas Joseph: Guitar and vocals
Dave Murphy: Guitar and vocals
Line up can also include:
Ted Guy: Harmonica and Slide guitar
Jake Foord: Bass
Mark Byrne: Drums
Alison Campbell: Viola and piano

Stated influences include:

Crosby, Stills and Nash, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Paul Simon....

What they play:

Original material. Released debut album, 'Weary Nights'.

Some of their Song Titles (original material): 'Not Enough', 'Free Man Walking', 'Power of Persuasion', 'The Feelings Gone'......

My highly subjective and personal thoughts (guys, please forgive me if I misrepresent or misunderstand you):

It was a best friend, the Felicity mentioned above with whom I share many musical encounters, who was solely responsible for this introduction, when she invited Thomas Joseph to join her one night, for a drink at my place, Heart and Soul. Though loudly opinionated and skinny as a rake, this young man in tight jeans, leather and cock a snook hat, was like a lightening flash of pent up passion and intensity which bursts out of his and Dave's songs with a force that takes away your breath while wringing your soul.

Whether moody and introspective or sunny and whimsical these intensely melodic songs and their poignant , heartfelt lyrics each tell a tale and take you on a journey though personal experience and stories of life and lives.

Thomas's voice has an extraordinarily heart rending timbre, layered, full of emotion, vulnerability and life beyond his years. It is difficult to listen to him without feeling that he is laying his soul bare, that beyond an outward toughness a deep sorrow lies.

Not knowing the person behind the musician I cannot claim this feeling is rooted in any type of reality, however, though knowing little of the history of the band I do seem to recall that Thomas and Dave were passionate enough about their music to leave job security behind, in order to concentrate on what they believe in, their songs.

Thomas takes lead vocal, Dave adding subtle and sympathetic harmony whilst their twin acoustic guitars interweave intimately and effortlessly in melodic duet. Other instruments fill in and beautifully colour the backdrop to these tales of life

Again, having failed to obtain a copy of their debut album, 'Weary Nights', I am loathe to quote lyrics for fear of mishearing but some, striking a certain resonance within my psyche , remain lodged in my brain, for example, the breezy yet wistful 'Free Man Walking' ('.... like a leaf on an autumn breeze, people say is me....','...where the wind is blowing, I guess that's where I am going....','....like a bird upon a wind flying through the sky....','...I have no direction of my own, I'm just drifting...','....like a rolling stone...','...like a stone that skims the waves...'), or the hauntingly beautiful but melancholy, 'A Stranger to Myself' ('....thought on my mind. I won't get to sleep tonight...','... guess life, guess life changed me....','....guess time, guess time aged me...','...I don't , don't know me no more...','...I'm a stranger to myself...'.'....look in the mirror, I see somebody else...') and the movingly poignant 'Old Dog', where guitar and viola (or is it violin?) exquisitely describe life's journey along the dusty road into sunset ('... my boots and jeans are fading, my face looks like it's weathered many a storm...','...miles they mount behind me....','....days I thought would never end, just memories in my
mind...','....I know and I know and I know, I ain't got much time...', '....it feels like I'm reaching, I'm reaching the end of the line....').

Like Sonnenberg, as well as club acoustic nights these guys suit a variety of venues and occasions creating an intimate and personal atmosphere very different from the usual run of the mill.

D.J. GARY ALLEN

How to contact him:
Probably best to contact me by email on heartandsoulrestaurant@hotmail.co.uk

Influences:
Straight from the heart and his encyclopaedic musical knowledge

What he plays:

Ethereal and individual mixes and remixes as well as carefully selected playlists from your chosen era. If anyone can capture your soul in music, Gary is the one.

My highly subjective and personal thoughts (guys, please forgive me if I misrepresent or misunderstand you):

Do DJs have souls or do they steal those of others? This DJ certainly has soul and like Xander and the Peace Pirates was part of the fabric of my life before he or I knew it, when I worked at Cream and he DJ'd for the Wednesday student night, Medication.

Many lives later needing an experienced DJ for a very particular Heart and Soul party, the extraordinary talent that is Gary emerged from the shadowy depths of my Cream life and was instantly adopted by me, my staff and customers.

That first night everyone at Heart and Soul literally danced on air to his amazing selection of well remembered, long forgotten and newly discovered classics from the '70's and '80s, interspersed with more modern dance re mixes, woven into a magical musical carpet which transported our birthday customer emotionally and literally tearfully, back to his youth and an era free of the cares of current life.

To say Gary's light was hidden under the Medication bushel is more understated than you can imagine, he is a Pandora's Box of musical experience, an addiction impossible to quit.

No Heart and Soul party was complete without Gary and C.D.s he made especially for us captured perfectly the soul of Heart and Soul, becoming inextricably part of us, the background to our lives, an ephemeral atmosphere which wove its magic around everyone who experienced it, absorbed into the fabric of time and memory.

Apart from his encyclopaedic musical knowledge and collection, Gary has an uncanny knack for capturing the spirit and mood of a crowd or place, his musical selections being almost supernaturally apt, inspiration for both pleasure and emotion.

Yes, Gary has been responsible for many a tear shed at Heart and Soul, his playlists unexpectedly unleashing long forgotten musical memories and emotions for unsuspecting party goers and most poignantly for Heart and Soul's last Valentines, just before we shut, a farewell to Heart and Soul which had everyone in floods and again when he played on our very last night, breaking my heart. It was as if he had taken the raw emotion of Heart and Soul and turned it into music.

Though Gary is well versed in many genres and ages of music and can accommodate the lengthiest of playlists, his skills at unearthing unusually appropriate tunes or mixes for an occasion or venue, is unsurpassed.

I cannot describe the music he selected for Heart and Soul's daily air, except to say it was individual, unusual and perfectly in tune with us and our customers. Some might attempt to label it 'ambient' but that term umbrellas a plethora of lift music crimes against hearing and in any case, it is impossible to label Gary, so I will just call his brand of magic 'The Allen effect'.

Who else could seamlessly incorporate on one mix C.D., an operatic aria from 'La Wally' and film Diva (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsAZ526EC60) and Frank Zappa's 'Watermelon in Easter Hay' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfY3BhYNIjg) ('....this is the central scrutinizer as you can see music can get you pretty fucked up.... take a tip from Joe... hock your imaginary guitar and get a good job....','.... day shift at the Utility muffin research kitchen..... arrogantly twisting the sterile canvas snoot of a fully charged icing anointment utensil....'...so he goes back to his ugly little room and quietly dreams his last imaginary guitar solo...' before Zappa launches into the most extraordinary wailing, actual guitar solo).

Gary manages to do this quite effortlessly and in a way that makes it acceptable and indeed pleasurable for restaurant listening.

Who else can capture romanticism and sensuality so beautifully and sensitively without causing offence by cheese or embarrassment, such as Gary's valentine's C.D.s where amongst classics may lurk the frankly erotic and very sexy Touch and Go's ,'Straight to Number One' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJcGme5zclA) ('...ten, kiss me on the lips.... nine, run your fingers through my hair..... eight, touch me....slowly..........') or 'Desire' by Deepak Chopra featuring Demi Moore (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEmhhJuMXR0) ('....a lover asked his beloved, do you love yourself more than you love me?.....','.... beloved replied, I have died to myself and I live for you..','....I've disappeared from myself and attributes....','....I m present only for you..','...I've forgotten all my learnings but from knowing you have become a scholar..','...I've lost all my strength but from your power I am able...','....come settle with me, let us be neighbours to the stars...').

Every Gary C.D I have the honour to possess evokes a different Heart and Soul era, tracking the life of Heart and Soul from beginning to end, evoking memories more vivid than words and pictures alone, they capture a place, a season, a mood, a feeling , an emotion, a life. That is the skill of Gary.

So, haunting my head still are two tunes from his last two Heart and Soul C.D.s which continue to capture for me the spirit of Heart and Soul as it came to an emotional end, the first, Cinemascope's 'Another Advise' with a bass line that dropped my heart straight into my boots, guitar lines that tore my heart from its strings and words that came straight from the heart, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ij0E2PeV5g) ( '.... let me give you one piece of advice.....be honest...' )

and the last tune I ever played in Heart and Soul, Conjure One's, 'Centre of the Sun', (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djAoIFM1lcc) an allegory for life (... " and she sings,"They say the most horrible things But I hear violins, when I close my eyes I am at the centre of the sun And I cannot be hurt by anything this wicked world has done...""see full lyrics at the bottom)

Let Gary's 'violins' tug your heart strings.

Addendum: Having recently taken delivery of a new batch of Gary CDs, I discovered the tune which would have been this season's Heart and Soul theme, B-Tribe's remix of 'She Moves Through the Fair', a traditional Irish folk song adopted by many , most notably Fairport Convention. B-Tribes reincarnation, with Classical Spanish guitar would probably shock Freddy and Francisco who shook Heart and Soul every Friday with their Latin night, Noche Latina but it is such a very beautiful tune I cannot help but love it:

Listen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln1syP8iOZA

Lyrics to 'She Moves Through the Fair:

'My young love said to me "My mother won't mind And my father won't slight you for your lack of kind" And she laid her hand on me and this she did say "Oh, it will not be long, lord, till our wedding day" And she went away from me and moved through the fair And fondly I watched her move here and move there And then she went onward, just one star awake Like the swan in the evening moves over the lake Last night she came to me, my dead love came in So softly she came that her feet made no din And she laid her hand on me and this she did say "Oh, it will not be long, lord, till our wedding day"'

(Lyrics to Centre of the Sun;

"Young girl in the market Music to the men When the men leave Her eyes are red When her eyes are closed again she sees the dark market of above And she sings 'They say the most horrible things But I hear violins, when I close my eyes I am at the centre of the sun And I cannot be hurt By anything this wicked world has done' Young boy in the market Follows all the men When the men leave He's out of his head When his eyes are closed again he sees the dark market of above And he sings 'They break the most beautiful things But I hear violins, when I close my eyes I am at the centre of the sun And I cannot be hurt By anything this wicked world has done I look into your eyes And I am at the centre of the sun And I cannot be hurt By anything this wicked world has done' Centre of the sun Young boy in the market Sees the girl alone And asks her 'Have you lost your way home?' She sings 'You say the most beautiful things, just like my violins' I look into your eyes I am at the centre of the sun And I cannot be hurt By anything this wicked world has done
When I close my eyes I am at the centre of the sun And I cannot be hurt By anything this wicked world has done 'Cause I hear violins I hear violins I hear violins I hear violins Centre of the sun I hear ...violins"

PART TWO

The story continues with two more great local musicians, Stuart Todd and Ragz:

STUART TODD

How to contact him:
http://www.myspace.com/stuarttodd

Where to hear him:

Hear some of his music on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/stuarttodd

You can buy his latest CD, "A Question of Time" or individual tracks, from the following outlets/online:

Piccadilly records, Manchester: http://www.piccadillyrecords.com/products/StuartTodd-AQuestionOfTime-StuartToddRecords-66917.html

CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/StuartTodd

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/a-question-of-time/id348745628

Probe Records: On Slater Street, Liverpool

Hear him live at the following upcoming gigs:

4 May 2010: 21.00: Open Mic night at Leaf Tea Shop (starts 20.00): 27 Parliament Street, Liverpool L8 5RN. Tel. 0151 707 7747: http://www.thisisleaf.co.uk/

10 May 2010: 21.00: Live Lounge 3345 Parr Street: 33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool L1 4AZ. Tel.0151 708 6345: http://www.facebook.com/3345parrst

14 May 2010: 21.00: Sick Music at Zanzibar (starts 19.30): 43 Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4AZ.Tel.0151 707 0633: http://www.thezanzibarclub.com/

30 May 2010: 18.00: Stamps: Crosby Festival (festival weekend starts 14.00): 4 Crown Building, Liverpool, Merseyside L23 5SR.
Tel.01528 62662: http://www.stampsbar.co.uk/whats-on.html?start=20

31 May 2010: IPO Festival:19.15 (but check nearer time by clicking on schedule link below)(Also Cavern Pub at 12.45): Cavern Club: 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE Tel.0151 236 1965: http://www.internationalpopoverthrow.com/schedule-Liverpool-2010.htm (full programme)

11 June 2010: 20.00: View Two Gallery: 23 Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE Tel.0151 236 9555: http://www.viewtwogallery.co.uk/events

3 July 2010: 21.00: The Golden Fleece Inn: Market Square, Tremadog Porthmadog Gwynedd,LL49 9RB:Tel. 01766 512421: http://www.goldenfleeceinn.com/events.php

16 July 2010: 20.00: View Two Gallery: 23 Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE Tel.0151 236 9555: http://www.viewtwogallery.co.uk/events

Line ups:
Solo or with his full band, The Freebies

Stated influences include: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel, CSN&Y, Cream, The Kinks, The Who, Buffalo Springfield, CCR, Supergrass, 10cc, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Roxy Music, Queen, Kate Bush, Kraftwerk, XTC, Fine Young Cannibals, The Stranglers, The Police, Otis Redding, The Move, The Moody Blues, Manfred Mann, The Animals, The Yardbirds, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Led Zeppelin, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, America, The Doobie Brothers, Carole King, James Taylor, Leonard Cohen, Big Star, Lou Reed, The Byrds, The Doors, The Lovin' Spoonful, Love, Phil Ochs, John Lennon, David Gray, Billy Bragg, Bert Jansch, Pentangle, Nick Drake, John Martyn.

What he plays:
Original material

My highly subjective and personal thoughts (Please forgive me if I misrepresent or misunderstand you):

Though I have often heard mention of Stuart Todd, it was not until recently that I had the honour of hearing this talented local musician, first on his latest compact disc, compiled in 2009,bringing together songs written over a period of five years, the beautifully musical and lyrical "A Question of Time" and then live at Novas's Easter Music Festival, where he sang and played with his band, The Freebies, on this occasion a five piece, variously playing electric and acoustic guitars, electric bass, electronic keyboards, drums and harmonica.

Though many festival groups suffered from the band room's harsh acoustics, a briefest whisper of a "sound check" and an ubiquitous, partially and not very successfully miked drum kit, Stuart's clear vocals and the band's clean sound were more able to cope with inadequacies of the setting and set up, than most.

As in live performance, on CD Stuart's voice has a beautiful mellow roundness and warmth, combined with sweet honesty which is deeply deeply touching. This is a voice with a lump in its throat conveying emotions behind and beyond words, delivering them straight to the heart, tugging at its strings.

This heart certainly skips an involuntary beat hearing the opening guitar sequence to "Dance like a Star" and then again at Stuart's vocal entrance," Everybody seeks a word to describe the way they're feeling ... to share the pain... life is empty...may be filled again.... ", sung with such innocent wonderment I can't deny tears gathering like storm clouds, nor the subsequent smile parting my lips, like sunshine through rain, emotions echoing the sentiment of the song , evoked so clearly I can see shimmering motes of light dancing down through raindrops, like the star dancer of the title, "there was rain, I saw the sun as if the world had begun when I looked in your eyes....","...the way you danced like a star, heaven knows who you are, like a voice in the sky...", well.... this song is a little voice from heaven, a star shining brightly in my top tunes list, one I will probably love forever.

In describing the power of an unexpected fleeting pleasure, watching a girl "dance like a star", to restore faith in a jaded world, this song is small but perfectly formed, the words "...at the end of the line they find there life is over... because they are older..", leading us into the consideration of time and life that follows.

Though this was the song that initially sung itself round and round my head, having played the CD a few more times I find others have invaded the crenulations of my brain, playing themselves in my mind without conscious bidding.

Songs such as "Calm Before The Storm, about a "friendship completely turned to dust" ,containing the immortal line "As one half of a cosmic wheel, the other half got the better deal" and featuring a simple but touching 'cello theme which weaves itself round Stuart's guitar like regret.

The title track, "A Question of Time" is a classic, "Sixty seconds in a minute, we don't concern ourselves... sixty minutes in an hour took for granted even more... when we no longer see the future we forget we have forever... so many days in a lifetime we never stop to count them all....","...death never knocks at the door it only takes you by surprise.... if living is the answer then timing is the question... so many days in a lifetime we never stop to count them all..." Familiar guitar riffs travel through this song as it passes through time, little nods and references to the Beatles and other bands whose names and songs are on the tip of my tongue but slip away just as fleetingly as time.

Then there is the tiny introverted introduction to the intensely moving "Three Silver Letters", voice and acoustic guitar exploring loss, "Mother is grieving for her son. She can't let go of her sorrow what can be done?..... Weary old man of the community, he's lost his faith in himself and humanity...Man of the world he enjoys living wild yet he would help prevent the loss of a child..."and how the right words can deliver comfort and salvation, expressing so sympathetically feelings of grief and helplessness that loss brings, the withdrawing within, a Latinesque touch expressing release mingled with torment.

In "Life on the Line", suicide is treated , in barber shop fashion, with a casualness that brings home just how easily life can slip away ,extinguished forever and how despite our common humanity we are alone in the mind's eye, walking our interior world in isolation, often without understanding." You decided to call it time....your life was on the line... while a train was rolling by..", " Twenty three without a dream... all those years that might have been... you had nothing left to live for..","... never found a place you could exist... you fought so hard to resist...when all the pieces didn't fit", "... drinking the last pint by yourself... thinking you could be somewhere else..","...how could you just let it go?"

The catchy tune that is "Playing the Field "has instigated itself in my mind despite myself, in its exploration of the eternal conflict between love and lust, the inclination to seek pleasure without consequence and avoid the commitment of love, "Trying to love the one that you're with, can really be a struggle, when you find a true one you love, can only bring you trouble".
Though the line "......playing the field is much more fun, with the one who wants you most because she thinks that you're the one ....." does reveal a callous side which is slightly disturbing, playing on emotions as well as the field.

However, this theme dissolves into a sweet and simple love song, sometimes you cannot help but fall in love because, as the song "My Love Can't Be Disguised" says "When I look In your eyes ,you make me want to smile", after which, there is usually no return.

However, as we all know love may not be mutual or lasting and breaking up is hard, as Night and Day so poignantly reminds us, with the words "Finding it so hard to be without you. I think of you all night and day. ...... Someone stole your heart away.......Memories too painful to remember ... I have never been more anxious to surrender... I didn't want to have to suffer for you...The only one.... I know I'll never be complete without you", a falling bass line sliding into heartbreak under quietly weeping guitar.

Finally a quiet and resigned "Say Goodbye", the jilted or jilter poignantly alone with guitar in quiet reflection of love lost, "Time to say goodbye to you. Think I'll miss you till the end of time"

Like his voice, Stuart's acoustic guitar sings with a sweet and light tone, glittering in the hands of a gentle and sensitive touch, whilst the lilt of his subtle, beautifully crafted bass lines add a warm caressing depth, a voice and guitar which cry your tears and smile your smiles, exploring with such sympathy the ordinary yet intensely personal themes which touch and make up our extraordinary lives, the passing of time, shattered dreams, joys and tribulations of love and friendship, loss, depression, disappointments, mistrust, loss of faith, grief, sorrow ,wonderment, the things that make us human. In the misquoted words of Beth Orton, another of my favourites, whom on occasion Stuart puts me in mind of, those butterfly moments so hard to pin down or like catching snow on your tongue.

This translates well to live performance whether band based or acoustic, which makes Stuart's music with or without his Freebies, extraordinarily flexible, a testament to the strength of his spare and direct song writing, which sings clearly and sweetly, whether alone, accompanied by the lightest touch of acoustic guitar or more fully orchestrated. In all guises, the simple clarity of his message shines.

The remarkable thing about the songs Stuart pens is the poetry of his words and the connection between them and his music, there is no conflict or contrivance, each tune perfectly paints the picture directly on the mind's eye, delivered straight to the heart, a direct route to emotion. Though the tunes appear to happily shimmer like sun on water, their sentiments actually reach deep into the well of the human psyche with shattering and heart rending honesty, a skill and gift indeed.

He can equally well take the shine out of life as put the sun in the sky.

Then comes the flip side, two bonus tracks on his "Question of Time" CD, "Out of my Life" and "Free Agent", which though still introspective, like much of the CD proper, reveal another more cynical side to Mr Todd, possibly less appealing where, like a diver coming up for air from the deep well of his soul, Stuart seems to vent an anger previously suppressed. However, this is real life and as the saying goes, shit happens and hardens us all.

The sleeve of the CD suggests this consolidation, a journey through five years of Stuart's song writing life, is a precursor to new material.Let us hope Stuart takes a deep breath and once more takes the plunge into deeper water. Only time will tell but I am sure he will "Dance like a Star".

RAGZ

How to contact her:
http://www.myspace.com/ragzmusic

Where to hear her:
Listen to some of her tunes at : http://www.myspace.com/ragzmusic

Hear her live at the following upcoming gigs:

13 May 2010: 20.00: Supporting Jesca Hoop as part of Liverpool Music Week: Kazimier: 4-5 Wolstenholme Square Liverpool L1 4JJ: http://www.thekazimier.co.uk/listings.htm

19 May 2010: 20.00: Supporting Eliza Doolittle as part of Liverpool Sound City: Studio 2: 23 Parr Street, Liverpool L1 4JN. Tel. 0151 707 3727: http://www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk/gigsearch

31 May 2010 (The Eurocultured site says Sunday 30th May, so please check): 20.00: Eurocultured, NICE festival: Manchester, The festival takes place on New Wakefield Street and Great Marlborough Street, Consisting of 2 outdoor covered stages and 5 venues. The site is two minutes walk from Oxford Road train station. There is ample parking nearby: See http://www.eurocultured.com/events/may30thmanchester/

Line ups:
Solo or with variousband line ups

Stated influences include:

Uniquely her

What she plays:

Original material

My highly subjective and personal thoughts (Please forgive me if I misrepresent or misunderstand you):

Though I have been to hear Ragz several times, only recently did I get a chance to really listen to her, band nights at venues such as the Zanzibar found her fighting against lack of sound check, woolly PA and recalcitrant, fidgety audience .Though her arresting, pure, clear voice rose to the challenge, winning the battle against an environment not ideally suited to appreciation of this remarkable talent, it cost a modicum of the intense expression she injects into all her songs.

So, I was glad of a more relaxed encounter at Studio 2, where she had free expression without the skirmish and again at The Leaf Cafe, where one of her usual line ups was supplemented by acoustic 'cello. Pared down or "glammed" up Ragz is a phenomenal force of nature, her voice and music blows me away with its strength and intensity. When she sings there is literally no room in your head for anything else, a glass edged voice, at times operatic which slices through the brain, dissecting emotion.

On occasion, Ragz's introductions reveal the inspiration behind her songs which apart from being informative, I find incredibly brave and moving because it leaves no doubt she draws on her own intensely emotional and personal experiences, a reminder of the vulnerability of humanity which can be hard to admit and even harder to express.

Nearly every song sounds like a classic with their beautifully crafted melodies and heart wrenching lyricism, emotion wrung dry with every note and breath, nothing more could be squeezed out.

Whether accompanied by a barest whisper of guitar strum, echoed by the glimmer of sweetly picked guitar, highlighted by a touch of tinkling cymbals, subtly harmonised or given a heart beat by tabla like percussive drums, Ragz's voice is the star as it sings her soul whilst clinging to the strum of her guitar to stop it floating away into the ether.

Her songs and voice speak of experience beyond her years, tales of life observed and experienced with extreme passion and empathy for the human condition, expressed in pure raw feeling and a staggeringly honest exploration of difficult themes, such as love thrown away or abused, regret, irretrievable mistakes, mental illness, despair, depression, how we hurt, how we hurt and use others, this planet, selfishness but then there is love and sympathy, shining, in all its guises, which does its best to conquer all.

Having seen Ragz live, I was anxious to hear how she translated to CD and acquired three of her recordings, each enlightening and beautiful in different ways.

"Love You Still", a limited edition EP features a band line up with all songs particular favourites of mine, as is the unusual percussive, hollow drum sound which I assume is the "packing case" used in some of her live performance, somehow conveying the impression of a wooden hut, hidden in a forest clearing, with light filtering through dusty panes while brief but shining strands of guitar and shimmering hi hat, punctuate and emphasise the clarity of Ragz's voice, grounded by just the right touch of bass , adding to the warmth of gentle harmonisation.

Guitar heart wrench introduces the title track, "Love You Still", joined by vocal heartbreak, expressing despair hard to bear, at throwing away a love deeper than imagined ,never to be recovered, the ache in the stomach ,head and heart, in the spikes of hi- hat, a hurt beyond repair, conveyed so movingly by the break in Ragz's voice, as she sings " ....some things can kill and it's hard to admit how I miss you more now, I miss you more....what if I love, what if I love you, what if I love you still, when it's too late...."

"Hold On",full of love and passionate refusal to give up on someone ".... your heart was breaking, cold ice to the core of your soul but I could still see you, I can still see you.... I will hold on through the storm..... I will refuse to carry on without you..... Please lift your eyes.... Remember you are not alone"

What enviable talent to express such sentiment so clearly and movingly, in the simple sweet entreaty of a guitar line and the gentlest yet intensely caring vocal.

Then there is "Oh Oh", possibly my favourite Ragz song in its emotional sympathy for the ways of the mind and the whole other world, unseen but existing in our heads. The music, instrumentation and vocals to this are simply heart breaking and it is fairly impossible not to weep as she sings " You'd rather take your words, swallow them back down and choke.....", ..." You were never made for risks, mistakes or regrets..", "As your skin grows hard.....", "You will lie still your life will forget its thrill...","Now and again I'll whisper in vain, you know there's so much more..."., " So I said Oh Oh.....".
The heart wrench of being on the outside of someone lost inside their head, so evocatively wrung from guitar, voice and hollow percussion, it hurts.
This song is a classic which defiantly deserves recognition and will certainly remain with me forever.

"No Fairytale", is an uncomfortably honest expression of how we hurt others through anger and frustration ,how cruelly unconsidered words can hurt more than blows, wounds to the heart that never quite heal ,the empty, cold, aftermath of regret perfectly expressed in nagging, frustrated , chastising guitar and vocals that seek justification which cannot quite be found, recalling " You stood up, twisting your hands...", " I choked and lost my ground...."," the ugliest words ... from my tongue, nailing your heart like shots from a gun, unprovoked I shot you down..", ".. but I warned you... I'm no fairytale..", "...pale as ice you say goodbye.....", "...So I am left with myself as my mind splits in two, I am sure this is when I should run after you, say I'm sorry but I don't even try...", "..You took your stand and I know I let you down"

The EP ends with "Norwegian Hymn" which is sung a cappella, showcasing the clarity, sureness and tone of Ragz's voice, which shines in this tale from her home land, sung in her native tongue which I have no comprehension of but conveys fantastical, ethereal fairytales sung by mother to child in the wonderland of youth, in a magical land faraway. The trio of songs on the EP, "Dreams" develops this theme with two more Norwegian dreamscapes conjured up by layered mysterious echoing voices, electronic sounds and effects, hollow percussive thuds, keyboard and xylophone. Though the words are Norwegian, the picture Ragz paints with her music requires no interpretation.

Ragz's first EP, "Little Stings",featuring songs written in her early teens, is more stripped back with her and acoustic guitars in quietly reflective mood subtly accompanied by piano, keyboard, percussion and vocal harmony. Like "Love you Still", "Little Stings" expresses Ragz's compassion for and understanding of the darker, sadder side of human nature, as well as the wonderment of life.

"Where it's Gone", ponders to itself in nursery rhyme fashion "Where it's gone... If I knew......I would leave it there on its own.... then my hours could pass peacefully and I could wait, sit down till late, knowing it would be back soon...", "... something has gone off on its own and I am lost without it...", the small still vocal wistfully reflecting on irretrievable loss.

"More", another of my favourites, a dark classic, and voice accompanied by "Kate Bush" piano, the word "more", childishly and selfishly repeated, weeps in bemoaning our greed and excesses to the detriment of the human spirit and this planet. "... More she says, more he gave....More she claimed of him, more he gave in... the two of them collide...",",.... angels fall and hit the human ground, broken wings they crash without a sound..", "... we have all forgotten what the heart is because we keep on... claiming more...", " more and the world is left in shame .. more...with only ourselves to blame...", "... more and the world comes undone.... more and all the great ones will be gone... the rest of us will collide".
This is more than a song, from two pathetic whimpers that start the song to a darkly prophetic final collision, it is a great and stunningly beautiful song.

"You in The Back" , the quiet soul too timid to turn round and face the world is slowly coaxed round by gentle entreaty growing to a battle cry of tribal drums and strummed guitar, making the impossible, possible with the help of Ragz. "This for you in the back.. holding on... You're half way born.... everything is simply impossible if you're facing the world with your back... you're terrified of things that hurt ....so you are holding back.... you're covered with smiles and with words...you're soon to crack....... you're still holding on.... now you are charging up for your attack.... you're almost born .....everything is certainly possible ..."

"Run", sounds cynical but is again devastatingly honest in how, for one reason or other, women judge and label other women "...You've seen this girl before....she is impossible to please..", "... this is a challenge that will drown you, 'cause it doesn't matter how well you can swim...", "..... She seems like an angel but will leave you in hell....", ".... You've got to give her everything you've got.... impossible to stop...'cause she's got the upper hand and will always be in demand.... her only goal is to get stuck in your skin..","... please hesitate for a second dear and use your intuition... there's a troubled soul in the water here....just run.."
The lilt of Ragz voice conjures up the swaying hips of femme fatale, hypnotising the unwary, deaf to entreaties, drunk on sweet honey flowing from her lips, like the mythical mermaid luring her beau into mesmerising deadly depths, realised in this world as a hollow representation of media myth beauty, a mirage yielding no succour.

"Mosquito Man:" dispels darkness, like waking in the sunlight of a lover's bed this sweet slip of a song captures the pure pleasure of love. " My fingertips are talking about you ,tiny words for smiles ...there 's tickle left inside my stomach ...,pearly skin for miles please, please..... no more now...""My mosquito man is tickling my brain with needles, little stings for me.... his buzzing echoes through my bits and bones too often.... now they scream out silently.... please, please ..... no more now"

In "Feel Something" a broken , distorted music box introduces the broken man who no longer feels anything and hides away in his head, " Bear with me for one more moment more he said out loud.... with his eyelids closed he could live inside his head for hours ... better in this dark when nothing can get in to him... He'll close his eyes ...his skies again....'cause he might feel something..", "He is digging tiny holes into his mind every day... running out of space for all of him to hide away... beams of sun might burn into his iris.... he is better off when no one knows he is here". Shut off in his own world where feelings cannot disturb him, the tune nags round and round the hollow echoing of his head, a world from which frustrated entreaties cannot rouse him to feel and engage, leaving him alone with his broken music box dreams.

The CD ends with a live version of "Breathe" in which Ragz, accompanied by a slow heartbeat of tabla like drum and the merest touch of guitar, gently entreats someone to just let go, breath and love for a while, "Hey you..I've seem that face before. ...Your heart skips a beat again ","Hey you.. around you people are talking about you... people are walking away while your heart keeps missing the beat...."," Won't you please relax, you need to relax please relax... try breathing for a change ","Don't need to figure it all out now....Let the time take its own course.. Let your heart hold its beat again. ...won't you let somebody love you...won't you let somebody feel your love....don't keep your heart from loving someone"," Try breathing for a change ...Try loving someone"

A reminder to us to take the time to just be and let life and love take us where it will because in rushing forward headlong we sometimes forget to look up and see the beauty that surrounds us.

I for one am glad I took the time to listen to Ragz 's and she has the courage to give us the gift of her music and poetry, for getting inside our heads and showing us we are not alone.