Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The history of Ranmore village…
We recently went on an evening walk around what was the village of Ranmore. The shops, cottages and church served the nearby Denbies estate and were built by the then landowner who went on to become the 1st Lord Ashcombe. The shops, post office, dispensary, school and rectors house are now all private residences, but we were allowed a closer look at some of them and were allowed to walk across part of the Denbies estate to see where the grand old house used to stand and the views it commanded over the local area.
Gardens in bloom…
We have been spending more time out doors in gardens now that the weather has improved. We have planted much of our allotment even though the ground is still poor and we are not expecting a great yield – the strawberries are going great guns at the moment and Sue has made jams and frozen the excess that can’t be eaten fresh. Around home the garden is looking good and we are seeing where we can move some plants around next year to improve the display. We have also been helping out with the Westcott in Bloom preparations by clearing approaches to the village of overgrowing verges and helping plant out display beds that should improve our chances of getting an award.
Recently we also joined the Gardeners Club in an outing to Parham House in West Sussex to walk around their lovely free-form gardens and the historic 16th C house. The gardens have a variety of ‘rooms’ within the large walled area and outside that is the please gardens with lake, maze and parkland. The house has a great collection of paintings, artefacts and a very grand long gallery. Still privately owned and occupied Parham House and Gardens is well worth a visit.
Recently we also joined the Gardeners Club in an outing to Parham House in West Sussex to walk around their lovely free-form gardens and the historic 16th C house. The gardens have a variety of ‘rooms’ within the large walled area and outside that is the please gardens with lake, maze and parkland. The house has a great collection of paintings, artefacts and a very grand long gallery. Still privately owned and occupied Parham House and Gardens is well worth a visit.
More wot I have heard…
Wishful Thinking by Hot Club of Cowtown
This was the album that the band was promoting as part of their tour that we caught in Brighton recently. We have an earlier album (Continental Stomp – 2003) and this new one is similar but with a few more variations and is very enjoyable – I listened to it twice through on the way home on the weekend.
******
I have been into some aspects of the jazz genre for a while as my dad introduced me to traditional acts and I found acid-jazz/jazz-fusion later on. A friend in NZ gave me a list of his top jazz albums and I have recently tracked them down and bought them online.
Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
This was the first album to be delivered, and it is described as challenging, provocative and disturbing. I know some jazz can be pretty weird, but I can’t say found it this album all that bad, in fact I found it was perfectly fine as background music.
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
This is probably my favourite of this jazz classics group, and the one I was most familiar with. It has a smoky, late night club feel to it and is great to let it flow over you.
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
I lot of these artists were familiar with each others work and often collaborated together and Coltrane features on the Miles Davis album. This, though, is one of his most celebrated albums and where it is a bit more ‘out there’ it is still well worth a listen to and has a lot going on in it.
Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus
Another very interesting jazz classic album, and for those keen on the genre it is full of really good stuff.
Also recommended by my jazz loving friend is this interesting album…
The Very Best of Play Bach by Jacques Loussier
I was unaware of his work until it was pointed out that he performed the ‘Hamlet Cigar’ music. This album is an easy listening joy that washes over the listener and gently carries them away. It is an antidote to the other albums above that require more active concentration on the behalf of the listener to get the most out of them. Where they are smoky jazz dive beats, this is a sophisticated cocktail bar soundtrack.
******
Made in Dakar by Orchestra Baobab
We saw these guys at the last Womad we went to and were impressed with their Afro-Cuban rhythms and beautifully orchestrated instruments and harmonious voices. For anyone who has an interest in World music and expanding their listening horizons this group would be high on my list along with the Buena Vista Social Club.
Sweet Fast River by Suntrap
We saw this group at our local folk club and were very impressed with their lovely songs. You can also find them on their own MySpace site.
This was the album that the band was promoting as part of their tour that we caught in Brighton recently. We have an earlier album (Continental Stomp – 2003) and this new one is similar but with a few more variations and is very enjoyable – I listened to it twice through on the way home on the weekend.
******
I have been into some aspects of the jazz genre for a while as my dad introduced me to traditional acts and I found acid-jazz/jazz-fusion later on. A friend in NZ gave me a list of his top jazz albums and I have recently tracked them down and bought them online.
Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
This was the first album to be delivered, and it is described as challenging, provocative and disturbing. I know some jazz can be pretty weird, but I can’t say found it this album all that bad, in fact I found it was perfectly fine as background music.
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
This is probably my favourite of this jazz classics group, and the one I was most familiar with. It has a smoky, late night club feel to it and is great to let it flow over you.
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
I lot of these artists were familiar with each others work and often collaborated together and Coltrane features on the Miles Davis album. This, though, is one of his most celebrated albums and where it is a bit more ‘out there’ it is still well worth a listen to and has a lot going on in it.
Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus
Another very interesting jazz classic album, and for those keen on the genre it is full of really good stuff.
Also recommended by my jazz loving friend is this interesting album…
The Very Best of Play Bach by Jacques Loussier
I was unaware of his work until it was pointed out that he performed the ‘Hamlet Cigar’ music. This album is an easy listening joy that washes over the listener and gently carries them away. It is an antidote to the other albums above that require more active concentration on the behalf of the listener to get the most out of them. Where they are smoky jazz dive beats, this is a sophisticated cocktail bar soundtrack.
******
Made in Dakar by Orchestra Baobab
We saw these guys at the last Womad we went to and were impressed with their Afro-Cuban rhythms and beautifully orchestrated instruments and harmonious voices. For anyone who has an interest in World music and expanding their listening horizons this group would be high on my list along with the Buena Vista Social Club.
Sweet Fast River by Suntrap
We saw this group at our local folk club and were very impressed with their lovely songs. You can also find them on their own MySpace site.
More wot I have seen…
We went to see Hot Club of Cowtown recently with a couple of friends and we had one of the best nights ever as the band ripped up the club with an enthusiastic foot-stomping show. They are – as their name suggests – a band that incorporates the Hot Club of France sound with Country music into a hugely entertaining fusion. All of members of the band are amazingly talented musicians with the guitarist taking the Django Reinhardt role, the violinist the Stephane Grappelli, and the double bassist slapping out a thumping beat with support of the drummer.
The venue was an interesting and deceptive Komedia club in Brighton that is host of a variety of gigs including comedy, music and cabaret. It was a lively place with a mixed audience and a well stocked bar. Downstairs they have a coffee bar and a café that looks well patronised.
The venue was an interesting and deceptive Komedia club in Brighton that is host of a variety of gigs including comedy, music and cabaret. It was a lively place with a mixed audience and a well stocked bar. Downstairs they have a coffee bar and a café that looks well patronised.
More wot I have read…
My Name is Daphne Fairfax by Arthur Smith
I rattled through this book as it was a very entertaining read. I could hear Arthur Smith’s distinctive voice in the words as I read about his interesting life.
'My name is Arthur Smith, unless there's anybody here from the Streatham tax office. In which case, I'm Daphne Fairfax'. This has been Arthur's opening line at hundreds of stand-up comedy performances. In fact, he is neither Daphne nor Arthur. Friends and family know him as Brian. One of the 'alternative comedians' who shook up light entertainment in the eighties and nineties, Arthur (and Brian) is also a broadcaster, an opening bat for Grumpy Old Men, a West End playwright (his plays include An Evening with Gary Lineker) and a guest on innumerable radio and TV panel shows. In "My Name is Daphne Fairfax", he reflects on the nature of comedy and his days as a scruffy kid on the bombsites of Bermondsey, a wild-haired undergraduate, a road sweeper, an English teacher, a failed rock star, a boozed-up sexual adventurer and an intensive care patient who has been told never to drink again. Hilarious, scandalous and rude, his memoir incorporates a tender tribute to his parents and a vigorous account of the peculiar business of being alive.’
Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
The fourth book in the series that ties up the storylines for all the major characters nicely. This book got some bad press from the puritans as it celebrates the union between boy and girl, though I can’t see a problem with it as there is nothing graphic and the passion is highly romanticized.
It is an easy read, written as it is for young adults, but it is still entertaining and compulsive. Different in its approach from the previous books it allows the story to viewed from two characters point of view fleshing the second character out more while giving us a relief from the insecurities of the lead.
‘Don’t be afraid,’ I murmured. ‘We belong together.’
I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words. This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it. His arms wrapped around me, holding me against him…It felt like every nerve ending in my body was a live wire.
‘Forever,’ he agreed.
I rattled through this book as it was a very entertaining read. I could hear Arthur Smith’s distinctive voice in the words as I read about his interesting life.
'My name is Arthur Smith, unless there's anybody here from the Streatham tax office. In which case, I'm Daphne Fairfax'. This has been Arthur's opening line at hundreds of stand-up comedy performances. In fact, he is neither Daphne nor Arthur. Friends and family know him as Brian. One of the 'alternative comedians' who shook up light entertainment in the eighties and nineties, Arthur (and Brian) is also a broadcaster, an opening bat for Grumpy Old Men, a West End playwright (his plays include An Evening with Gary Lineker) and a guest on innumerable radio and TV panel shows. In "My Name is Daphne Fairfax", he reflects on the nature of comedy and his days as a scruffy kid on the bombsites of Bermondsey, a wild-haired undergraduate, a road sweeper, an English teacher, a failed rock star, a boozed-up sexual adventurer and an intensive care patient who has been told never to drink again. Hilarious, scandalous and rude, his memoir incorporates a tender tribute to his parents and a vigorous account of the peculiar business of being alive.’
Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
The fourth book in the series that ties up the storylines for all the major characters nicely. This book got some bad press from the puritans as it celebrates the union between boy and girl, though I can’t see a problem with it as there is nothing graphic and the passion is highly romanticized.
It is an easy read, written as it is for young adults, but it is still entertaining and compulsive. Different in its approach from the previous books it allows the story to viewed from two characters point of view fleshing the second character out more while giving us a relief from the insecurities of the lead.
‘Don’t be afraid,’ I murmured. ‘We belong together.’
I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words. This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it. His arms wrapped around me, holding me against him…It felt like every nerve ending in my body was a live wire.
‘Forever,’ he agreed.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Under canvas…
We had a long weekend away camping at Hollands Wood in the New Forest with a bunch of friends and we were lucky with unusually bright and hot Bank Holiday weather. Much of the time was spent sitting around the site drinking copiously, but we did manage a few short walks and one long (and painful) bicycle ride in the forest.
We were impressed with the site and its location in the middle of the forest was ideal, though you had to be careful to move any foodstuffs and not leave any out in the campsite when you retired at night as the ponies would be around in the morning rooting through it for their breakfast.
We were impressed with the site and its location in the middle of the forest was ideal, though you had to be careful to move any foodstuffs and not leave any out in the campsite when you retired at night as the ponies would be around in the morning rooting through it for their breakfast.
More wot I have seen…
Madeleine Peyroux is a French/Canadian singer songwriter with a soulful and mellow voice that transports the listener. She had a reputation of being stand-offish and difficult, but she was charming and engaging, and a little quirky… …which is not a bad thing.
She performed at the Brighton Dome which is an interesting venue and one that seemed to suit her very well.
The support act was from Sophie Hunger and her group from Switzerland who were very interesting and folksy (I have ordered her latest CD).
Cara Dillon is an Irish singer songwriter with the voice of an angel. She sings effortlessly with a clear and sweet sound and is supported by a talented band (including her husband Sam Lakeman – brother of Seth).
The venue was the Chequer Mead at East Grinstead, a smaller intimate theatre that suited this traditional folk music very well.
The support was from an unusual duo called Horses Brawl. They came from Norfolk and played a ‘mash-up’ of music that they say is rooted in renaissance, medieval, baroque and European folk traditions.
She performed at the Brighton Dome which is an interesting venue and one that seemed to suit her very well.
The support act was from Sophie Hunger and her group from Switzerland who were very interesting and folksy (I have ordered her latest CD).
Cara Dillon is an Irish singer songwriter with the voice of an angel. She sings effortlessly with a clear and sweet sound and is supported by a talented band (including her husband Sam Lakeman – brother of Seth).
The venue was the Chequer Mead at East Grinstead, a smaller intimate theatre that suited this traditional folk music very well.
The support was from an unusual duo called Horses Brawl. They came from Norfolk and played a ‘mash-up’ of music that they say is rooted in renaissance, medieval, baroque and European folk traditions.
More wot I have read…
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross
This not the greatest book that I have ever read but it is not terrible either.
‘They were the perfect family. And he was the perfect family man. One day changed it all.
Arrested for racketeering, Ben Raab must take his family into America’s Witness Protection Program. Only his eldest daughter, Kate, stays on the outside.
But the Program’s perfect success rate is about to end. A case agent is tortured to death and Ben vanishes. The one person who might be able to find him is Kate.
Pursued by killers, forced to question everything she knows about her life, Kate is plunged into a terrifying existence for which nothing has prepared her.
Most people would call it certain death. The FBI calls it the Blue Zone.’
The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne
This book exposed me to a glimpse of what it might be like in a Jewish community, but otherwise the storyline and progress was a little to much like other better written books.
‘A series of murders as far apart as the backstreets of New York, the crowded slums of India and the pristine beaches of Cape Town can’t be connected, can they?
Rookie New York Times reporter Will Monroe thinks not – until his beautiful wife Beth is kidnapped. The men holding her seem ready to kill without hesitation.
Desperate, Will follows a sinister trail that leads to a mysterious cult – fanatical followers of one of the world’s oldest religions – right on his doorstep. Now he must unravel ancient prophecies and riddles buried deep in the Bible to find a secret worth killing for, a secret on which the fate of humanity may depend. But with more victims dying every hour and each clue wrapped in layers of code, time is running out…’
Unchained America by Dave Gorman
This was an interesting read for me as I would be quite keen to take a road trip across America. The journey through backwater towns where unusual people and sites were found was entertaining.
‘The plan was simple. Go to America. Buy a second-hand car. Drive coast-to-coast without giving any money to The Man. What could possibly go wrong? Dismayed by the relentless onslaught of faceless American chains muscling in where local businesses had once thrived, Dave Gorman set off on the ultimate American road trip - in search of the true, independent heart of the US of A. He would eat cherry pie from local diners, re-fuel at dusty gas stations on remote highways and stock up on supplies from Mom and Pop's grocery store. At least that was the idea. But in a world of 30,000 McDonalds, 13,000 Starbucks, and 4,200 Best Westerns, could it really be done? When did you last see an independent gas station? Gamely, Dave beds down in a Colorado trailer park, sleeps in an Oregon forest treehouse, and even spends Thanksgiving with a Mexican family in Kansas. But when his classic coast-to-coast trip mutates into an odyssey of near-epic proportions and he finds himself being threatened at gun point in Mississippi, Dave starts to worry about what's going to break down next. The car...or him?’
This not the greatest book that I have ever read but it is not terrible either.
‘They were the perfect family. And he was the perfect family man. One day changed it all.
Arrested for racketeering, Ben Raab must take his family into America’s Witness Protection Program. Only his eldest daughter, Kate, stays on the outside.
But the Program’s perfect success rate is about to end. A case agent is tortured to death and Ben vanishes. The one person who might be able to find him is Kate.
Pursued by killers, forced to question everything she knows about her life, Kate is plunged into a terrifying existence for which nothing has prepared her.
Most people would call it certain death. The FBI calls it the Blue Zone.’
The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne
This book exposed me to a glimpse of what it might be like in a Jewish community, but otherwise the storyline and progress was a little to much like other better written books.
‘A series of murders as far apart as the backstreets of New York, the crowded slums of India and the pristine beaches of Cape Town can’t be connected, can they?
Rookie New York Times reporter Will Monroe thinks not – until his beautiful wife Beth is kidnapped. The men holding her seem ready to kill without hesitation.
Desperate, Will follows a sinister trail that leads to a mysterious cult – fanatical followers of one of the world’s oldest religions – right on his doorstep. Now he must unravel ancient prophecies and riddles buried deep in the Bible to find a secret worth killing for, a secret on which the fate of humanity may depend. But with more victims dying every hour and each clue wrapped in layers of code, time is running out…’
Unchained America by Dave Gorman
This was an interesting read for me as I would be quite keen to take a road trip across America. The journey through backwater towns where unusual people and sites were found was entertaining.
‘The plan was simple. Go to America. Buy a second-hand car. Drive coast-to-coast without giving any money to The Man. What could possibly go wrong? Dismayed by the relentless onslaught of faceless American chains muscling in where local businesses had once thrived, Dave Gorman set off on the ultimate American road trip - in search of the true, independent heart of the US of A. He would eat cherry pie from local diners, re-fuel at dusty gas stations on remote highways and stock up on supplies from Mom and Pop's grocery store. At least that was the idea. But in a world of 30,000 McDonalds, 13,000 Starbucks, and 4,200 Best Westerns, could it really be done? When did you last see an independent gas station? Gamely, Dave beds down in a Colorado trailer park, sleeps in an Oregon forest treehouse, and even spends Thanksgiving with a Mexican family in Kansas. But when his classic coast-to-coast trip mutates into an odyssey of near-epic proportions and he finds himself being threatened at gun point in Mississippi, Dave starts to worry about what's going to break down next. The car...or him?’
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
More wot I have read…
Twilight Series by Stephanie Mayer
The first three books:
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
This series of books aimed at the American young adult market is very entertaining for the older reader too. Quite heavily charged with teenage angst I can see how it appeals to the hormonally imbalanced youth who have taken to it so well.
Twilight
‘When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn’t realise is that the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back…’
New Moon
‘For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edwards has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realise their troubles may be just beginning…’
Eclipse
‘As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continuous her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded be danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob – knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?’
The first three books:
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
This series of books aimed at the American young adult market is very entertaining for the older reader too. Quite heavily charged with teenage angst I can see how it appeals to the hormonally imbalanced youth who have taken to it so well.
Twilight
‘When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn’t realise is that the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back…’
New Moon
‘For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edwards has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realise their troubles may be just beginning…’
Eclipse
‘As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continuous her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded be danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob – knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?’
Up, up and away…
We have just been on a long weekend break to the beautiful Peak District and the heart of the country. We based ourselves at the historic market town of Bakewell, renowned for its tarts and puddings (though not to our tastes), which is a lovely town besides the river that has a friendly atmosphere and bucolic charm.
On our way to the town we stopped in at the nearby historic Chatsworth home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It is an impressive pile with grand gardens and lands as far as the eye can see. We were more impressed with the wonderful grounds with their long lacks, fountains and water terraces than we were with the house itself. We had a delightful picnic lunch sitting in the grounds in the bright sunshine
The following day we visited another historic home that had belonged to the Cavendish family, that of Hardwick Hall. We were very impressed with both the old and new halls that stand next to one another on the top of a hill overlooking the countryside.
Down into the valley we stopped at another National Trust property; that of the estate’s mill – Stainsby Mill, where we witnessed the water wheel powered millstones grinding grain into flour just as it did so long ago.
We returned to Bakewell to have another picnic lunch, this time on the banks of the river, before returning to our hotel to change for the evening.
We drove a couple of miles out of town to a little village of Rowsley where we parked up in the middle of a field. Here we had arranged to meet with others for a balloon ride over the countryside.
The weather was perfect and the organisers started to prepare the balloon as we were briefed. It turned out one person had tried 17 different occasions to fly over a 2 years before this day, each time to have it cancelled before it took off. Conditions though were right and the balloon was inflated and we clambered into the wicker basket to soar into the sky. The trip was sublime and gentle as we drifted up to over 4000 feet where we could see all around the Peak District, the town of Bakewell at out feet, Chatsworth over the hill, other stately homes, farms and rolling countryside. We could see a couple of other balloons in the sky with us and briefly a small airplane buzzed in between us and the Virgin balloon like the red baron. After the controlled landing in a farmer’s field we had a drink of champagne before being driven back to our car.
It was one of the best experiences we have ever had, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
On our way to the town we stopped in at the nearby historic Chatsworth home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It is an impressive pile with grand gardens and lands as far as the eye can see. We were more impressed with the wonderful grounds with their long lacks, fountains and water terraces than we were with the house itself. We had a delightful picnic lunch sitting in the grounds in the bright sunshine
The following day we visited another historic home that had belonged to the Cavendish family, that of Hardwick Hall. We were very impressed with both the old and new halls that stand next to one another on the top of a hill overlooking the countryside.
Down into the valley we stopped at another National Trust property; that of the estate’s mill – Stainsby Mill, where we witnessed the water wheel powered millstones grinding grain into flour just as it did so long ago.
We returned to Bakewell to have another picnic lunch, this time on the banks of the river, before returning to our hotel to change for the evening.
We drove a couple of miles out of town to a little village of Rowsley where we parked up in the middle of a field. Here we had arranged to meet with others for a balloon ride over the countryside.
The weather was perfect and the organisers started to prepare the balloon as we were briefed. It turned out one person had tried 17 different occasions to fly over a 2 years before this day, each time to have it cancelled before it took off. Conditions though were right and the balloon was inflated and we clambered into the wicker basket to soar into the sky. The trip was sublime and gentle as we drifted up to over 4000 feet where we could see all around the Peak District, the town of Bakewell at out feet, Chatsworth over the hill, other stately homes, farms and rolling countryside. We could see a couple of other balloons in the sky with us and briefly a small airplane buzzed in between us and the Virgin balloon like the red baron. After the controlled landing in a farmer’s field we had a drink of champagne before being driven back to our car.
It was one of the best experiences we have ever had, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
More wot I have read…
Lords of the Bow by Conn Iggulden
This was another charity shop purchase. This is the second in a trilogy, but I don’t think that matters. It is a ‘boys own’ sort of read and is entertaining in its own way, well written and researched without being overburdened with a desire to educate.
‘His warriors only have the bow, the horse and an iron discipline born from a land of ice, hunger and death. Genghis Khan, the greatest of the warriors, must unite the most warlike tribes on earth in order to forge a new nation from the wild plains and mountains of Mongolia.
To achieve this, he must break the ancient enemy who has kept his people divided; he must attack them in their fortresses and walled cities; he must find a new way of warfare, while at the same time coping with his restless generals, ambitious brothers and growing sons.’
This was another charity shop purchase. This is the second in a trilogy, but I don’t think that matters. It is a ‘boys own’ sort of read and is entertaining in its own way, well written and researched without being overburdened with a desire to educate.
‘His warriors only have the bow, the horse and an iron discipline born from a land of ice, hunger and death. Genghis Khan, the greatest of the warriors, must unite the most warlike tribes on earth in order to forge a new nation from the wild plains and mountains of Mongolia.
To achieve this, he must break the ancient enemy who has kept his people divided; he must attack them in their fortresses and walled cities; he must find a new way of warfare, while at the same time coping with his restless generals, ambitious brothers and growing sons.’
More wot I have seen…
Brass Monkey at the Electric Theatre in Guildford
We recently went to a live ‘gig’ at the Electric Theatre in Guildford, a lovely little venue built in what used to be an electricity power station. We saw a flyer for Brass Monkey at the local folk group and decided to give them a go as we recognised the names of a couple of the band members (Martin Carthy and John Kirkpatrick). The small venue had an intimate feel, though the seats we had at the back suffered from poor ventilation and it became quite hot and stuffy during the performance. The band played traditional folk songs but with a twist of having the less traditional brass instruments playing a major part. Probably not exactly our taste but interesting in their own right they were certainly very accomplished musicians and it was an enjoyable evening.
‘Brass Monkey – the five-piece band that started in 1980, sputtered to a halt in 1987, and burst back onto the scene with renewed vigour in 1997 – looked all set to build on the buzz of a re-energised come-back with regular new albums and annual tours. They had a unique sound, nobody else remotely resembled them, every live appearance was a wonderful success, and every new recording was greeted with joyous appreciation’
Shep Woolley at the Dorking Folk Club
This was an entertaining gig in the old folk tradition of comedy and music combining to give the audience a good time.
‘To some Shep is a folk singer who tells funny stories, to others he's a stand-up comedian who writes great songs and parodies. He can sing a protest song or belt out Long Tall Sally - he is definitely a great all-round performer who is the perfect guest for All Fool’s day!’
We recently went to a live ‘gig’ at the Electric Theatre in Guildford, a lovely little venue built in what used to be an electricity power station. We saw a flyer for Brass Monkey at the local folk group and decided to give them a go as we recognised the names of a couple of the band members (Martin Carthy and John Kirkpatrick). The small venue had an intimate feel, though the seats we had at the back suffered from poor ventilation and it became quite hot and stuffy during the performance. The band played traditional folk songs but with a twist of having the less traditional brass instruments playing a major part. Probably not exactly our taste but interesting in their own right they were certainly very accomplished musicians and it was an enjoyable evening.
‘Brass Monkey – the five-piece band that started in 1980, sputtered to a halt in 1987, and burst back onto the scene with renewed vigour in 1997 – looked all set to build on the buzz of a re-energised come-back with regular new albums and annual tours. They had a unique sound, nobody else remotely resembled them, every live appearance was a wonderful success, and every new recording was greeted with joyous appreciation’
Shep Woolley at the Dorking Folk Club
This was an entertaining gig in the old folk tradition of comedy and music combining to give the audience a good time.
‘To some Shep is a folk singer who tells funny stories, to others he's a stand-up comedian who writes great songs and parodies. He can sing a protest song or belt out Long Tall Sally - he is definitely a great all-round performer who is the perfect guest for All Fool’s day!’
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
More of wot I have read…
Fatal Revenant by Stephen Donaldson
This book, like all the others in this and the earlier Chronicles, was a difficult and frustrating read. There is now so much history in this world created by the author in seven previous books over thirty years, that there is a need for a lot of explanation that sometimes hinders the story. Also the author’s main characters are so flawed that you just want to throttle them, to shake some sense into them. Only one more book to go in this final trilogy.
‘Linden Avery watches from a balcony while Thomas Covenant and her adopted son, Jeremiah, ride desperately towards Revelstone. But their reunion has vast consequences which she could not have foreseen. Soon she is betrayed by people whom she most needs to trust. Transported deep into the Land’s past, she is forced to confront mysterious strangers, legendary heroes and ancient evils, and to stand alone against the malevolence of the Despiser’s minions.
When she finds herself abandoned in Garroting Deep, the most bloodthirsty of the Land’s long-dead forests, she reaches a fearsome decision; if she is to end the Despiser’s evil and her own son’s suffering, she must reshape reality. For this, she needs to find Loric’s krill, a weapon lost in the Hills of Andelain millennia ago. And she needs the aid of friends and allies who would turn against her if she revealed her intent.’
This book, like all the others in this and the earlier Chronicles, was a difficult and frustrating read. There is now so much history in this world created by the author in seven previous books over thirty years, that there is a need for a lot of explanation that sometimes hinders the story. Also the author’s main characters are so flawed that you just want to throttle them, to shake some sense into them. Only one more book to go in this final trilogy.
‘Linden Avery watches from a balcony while Thomas Covenant and her adopted son, Jeremiah, ride desperately towards Revelstone. But their reunion has vast consequences which she could not have foreseen. Soon she is betrayed by people whom she most needs to trust. Transported deep into the Land’s past, she is forced to confront mysterious strangers, legendary heroes and ancient evils, and to stand alone against the malevolence of the Despiser’s minions.
When she finds herself abandoned in Garroting Deep, the most bloodthirsty of the Land’s long-dead forests, she reaches a fearsome decision; if she is to end the Despiser’s evil and her own son’s suffering, she must reshape reality. For this, she needs to find Loric’s krill, a weapon lost in the Hills of Andelain millennia ago. And she needs the aid of friends and allies who would turn against her if she revealed her intent.’
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Catch the Kiwi...
We managed to catch up with our illusive and shy Kiwi friends on a couple of occasions recently. The first we collared Marc and Heather in London and after a quick circuit of the British Museum we had a meal at a local restaurant with them and Jamie. At that time Heather was just about to present her thesis and we now know she passed without comment and is now a doctor. Now she has the task of finding a ‘real’ job.
A few weeks later we met Heather again, this time when Mary was briefly in London on her way to Paris with work. We had a meal, reminisced, gossiped and looked and photos that Mary had brought with her.
A few weeks later we met Heather again, this time when Mary was briefly in London on her way to Paris with work. We had a meal, reminisced, gossiped and looked and photos that Mary had brought with her.
A Night on the Town...
Sue took me out for a meal for my birthday at a local restaurant, Two to Four, that we had passed many times. The name reflects its address on West Street and didn’t reveal anything about its character, which was cosy and classy at the same time. The older building was lovely restored and decorated to a high finish, the staff attentive but not intrusive. The food was superb, well balanced flavours, beautiful produce, and good portions that were not too large as to discourage additional courses. This is definitely a good place to come for a special treat.
Before we went to the restaurant we met at the Star, probably our favourite pub in Dorking. It is not the cheapest place to drink in but the atmosphere is special and welcoming to all.
Before we went to the restaurant we met at the Star, probably our favourite pub in Dorking. It is not the cheapest place to drink in but the atmosphere is special and welcoming to all.
Under the Surface...
Dorking Heritage Trail
We were quite aware of parts of the local history and we had recently been to a talk about the Dorking Caves. But while we were at the theatre (which doubles as the tourist information centre) we noticed that they were being opened up (once a month – closed for winter) and so we booked a tour that included a guided walk around the town first. We found out some additional information we had not known before and explored some parts of the town we had not seen. The underground tour was also a revelation as these caves exist in the heart of the town hidden away from the bustle behind an unimpressive door in a wall.
We were quite aware of parts of the local history and we had recently been to a talk about the Dorking Caves. But while we were at the theatre (which doubles as the tourist information centre) we noticed that they were being opened up (once a month – closed for winter) and so we booked a tour that included a guided walk around the town first. We found out some additional information we had not known before and explored some parts of the town we had not seen. The underground tour was also a revelation as these caves exist in the heart of the town hidden away from the bustle behind an unimpressive door in a wall.
All Song and Dance...
42nd Street
Dorking Dramatic & Operatic Society put on a large scale musical every year at the Dorking Halls. Last years performance was South Pacific, which was very good, this year it was 42nd Street – not a show we were familiar with so we did not fully appreciate the performance. Next year it is one of my personal favourite musicals – Return to the Forbidden Planet. The DDOS group do other performances throughout the year at a smaller venue behind the halls called the Green Room, which was a temporary structure for Canadian Troops during WWII.
La Cage aux Folles
Sue went on a girl’s night out to see this show and thoroughly enjoyed herself, saying that the guys did a great job including Graham Norton. I have seen the American version on film some time ago and enjoyed that.
‘The idyllic existence of Georges and the dazzling drag artiste Albin, star of the La Cage aux Folles club, is threatened when Georges’ son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician, who wants to close down the local colourful nightlife! With a visit from the prospective in-laws imminent, they all decide to take drastic action to hide their lifestyle... but can they keep it up?’
Dorking Dramatic & Operatic Society put on a large scale musical every year at the Dorking Halls. Last years performance was South Pacific, which was very good, this year it was 42nd Street – not a show we were familiar with so we did not fully appreciate the performance. Next year it is one of my personal favourite musicals – Return to the Forbidden Planet. The DDOS group do other performances throughout the year at a smaller venue behind the halls called the Green Room, which was a temporary structure for Canadian Troops during WWII.
La Cage aux Folles
Sue went on a girl’s night out to see this show and thoroughly enjoyed herself, saying that the guys did a great job including Graham Norton. I have seen the American version on film some time ago and enjoyed that.
‘The idyllic existence of Georges and the dazzling drag artiste Albin, star of the La Cage aux Folles club, is threatened when Georges’ son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician, who wants to close down the local colourful nightlife! With a visit from the prospective in-laws imminent, they all decide to take drastic action to hide their lifestyle... but can they keep it up?’
Old Folk...
At the Dorking Folk Club
We continue to support our local Folk Club and have seen many an accomplished artist there that we have never heard of before. We are becoming educated to what is almost an underground scene that has existing for some time now after its popularity in the sixties and seventies. Many of these artists have been plying their trade since that time and perfecting their own particular sound, the skill of which is making it all look so simple.
Mick Ryan and Paul Downes
also at
http://www.pauldownes.com/index.html
http://www.mickandpete.co.uk/
'An inspired pairing of two highly respected artists in their own right:
Mick Ryan is well known on the folk scene as a fine singer of traditional and original songs, writing for radio and a series of highly successful folk musicals such as 'A Tollpuddle Man',
'The Voyage' and 'The Navvy's Wife.'
Paul Downes has a rich musical background working with artists such as Phil Beer, Show of Hands and Pete Seeger. A great acoustic guitarist with a dazzling array of styles performed with effortless brilliance and also a wonderful singer of songs.
This talented duo combine a heartfelt and masterly performance of self penned and beautifully arranged material – a rare and memorable treat'
John James
‘One of the most spectacular and entertaining guitarists combined with a warm humour –
`Old Tyme’ gospel, Western swing or classical rags from a true exponent of the art’
We continue to support our local Folk Club and have seen many an accomplished artist there that we have never heard of before. We are becoming educated to what is almost an underground scene that has existing for some time now after its popularity in the sixties and seventies. Many of these artists have been plying their trade since that time and perfecting their own particular sound, the skill of which is making it all look so simple.
Mick Ryan and Paul Downes
also at
http://www.pauldownes.com/index.html
http://www.mickandpete.co.uk/
'An inspired pairing of two highly respected artists in their own right:
Mick Ryan is well known on the folk scene as a fine singer of traditional and original songs, writing for radio and a series of highly successful folk musicals such as 'A Tollpuddle Man',
'The Voyage' and 'The Navvy's Wife.'
Paul Downes has a rich musical background working with artists such as Phil Beer, Show of Hands and Pete Seeger. A great acoustic guitarist with a dazzling array of styles performed with effortless brilliance and also a wonderful singer of songs.
This talented duo combine a heartfelt and masterly performance of self penned and beautifully arranged material – a rare and memorable treat'
John James
‘One of the most spectacular and entertaining guitarists combined with a warm humour –
`Old Tyme’ gospel, Western swing or classical rags from a true exponent of the art’
More of wot I have seen…
Recently we went to see Ray LaMontagne at the Barbican.
This guy is a gravel-throated hero of the Americana/Blues sound. We have seen him before in a much smaller venue with just a bass player. This time his fame has grown and he has come with a full band that allows him to have a bigger sound – occasionally it might be too big as it threatens to drown out his particular vocal sound. A shy and otherwise uncommunicative artist he seems to let his music do the speaking for him, and the songs are full of emotion and passion.
I picked up his latest offer at the gig and found it to be equal to his previous albums with evidence of his experimenting with new ideas and sounds.
Gossip in the Grain by Ray LaMontagne – album review
The support artist for Ray was a young American Korean girl called Priscilla Ahn, who played solo to the packed auditorium and charmed everyone there with her personality and sensitive, sweet songs. I also bought her album and as I do enjoy a good female voice I was entranced with her offering, playing it through twice in a row.
A Good Day by Priscilla Ahn
This guy is a gravel-throated hero of the Americana/Blues sound. We have seen him before in a much smaller venue with just a bass player. This time his fame has grown and he has come with a full band that allows him to have a bigger sound – occasionally it might be too big as it threatens to drown out his particular vocal sound. A shy and otherwise uncommunicative artist he seems to let his music do the speaking for him, and the songs are full of emotion and passion.
I picked up his latest offer at the gig and found it to be equal to his previous albums with evidence of his experimenting with new ideas and sounds.
Gossip in the Grain by Ray LaMontagne – album review
The support artist for Ray was a young American Korean girl called Priscilla Ahn, who played solo to the packed auditorium and charmed everyone there with her personality and sensitive, sweet songs. I also bought her album and as I do enjoy a good female voice I was entranced with her offering, playing it through twice in a row.
A Good Day by Priscilla Ahn
More of wot I have heard…
I received several new CDs for my birthday that I had listed in the Amazon Wish List tool and have not been disappointed by any of them.
Some new Indie beats from bands that are relatively new to me. All of them are great pop sounds with cleaver lyrics and gentle sounds, but Fleet Foxes certainly do have something extra with virtually all tracks being top notch.
Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Scouting For Girls by Scouting For Girls
Peaceful The World Lays Me Down by Noah And The Whale
Compilation albums can give the listener a variety of different sounds that they may not come across otherwise, and I have found that the Late Night Tales series is very exciting with the compiling artists mixing favourites from days gone by with obscurities never heard of before. It often shows the influences and passions of those doing the selecting which is revealing. Nu Cool is a throwback to a time when I was first interested in music and the disco inspired sounds are an indulgence for me. Several of Mark Ronson’s tracks have made it to the mainstream and all of them are clever reinterpretations of songs you know done so well they often eclipse the original.
Late Night Tales compiled by Nouvelle Vague
and
Late Night Tales compiled by Fatboy Slim
Nu Cool - Lounge Grooves & Sassy Beats From Hed Kandi by Various Artists
Version by Mark Ronson
These two albums are both something away from the mainstream which is in it self something to celebrate. Bellowhead are the dance act of the folk scene with pounding rhythms and strong driving beats giving the genre a welcome boost with its energetic and well crafted music. Lambchop are a firm favourite of mine and have taken Country and Americana folk to new levels, sometimes it can be variable but this album is them at there best – truly sublime.
Burlesque by Bellowhead
Ohio by Lambchop
Some new Indie beats from bands that are relatively new to me. All of them are great pop sounds with cleaver lyrics and gentle sounds, but Fleet Foxes certainly do have something extra with virtually all tracks being top notch.
Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Scouting For Girls by Scouting For Girls
Peaceful The World Lays Me Down by Noah And The Whale
Compilation albums can give the listener a variety of different sounds that they may not come across otherwise, and I have found that the Late Night Tales series is very exciting with the compiling artists mixing favourites from days gone by with obscurities never heard of before. It often shows the influences and passions of those doing the selecting which is revealing. Nu Cool is a throwback to a time when I was first interested in music and the disco inspired sounds are an indulgence for me. Several of Mark Ronson’s tracks have made it to the mainstream and all of them are clever reinterpretations of songs you know done so well they often eclipse the original.
Late Night Tales compiled by Nouvelle Vague
and
Late Night Tales compiled by Fatboy Slim
Nu Cool - Lounge Grooves & Sassy Beats From Hed Kandi by Various Artists
Version by Mark Ronson
These two albums are both something away from the mainstream which is in it self something to celebrate. Bellowhead are the dance act of the folk scene with pounding rhythms and strong driving beats giving the genre a welcome boost with its energetic and well crafted music. Lambchop are a firm favourite of mine and have taken Country and Americana folk to new levels, sometimes it can be variable but this album is them at there best – truly sublime.
Burlesque by Bellowhead
Ohio by Lambchop
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