We’ve got 10 discounted tickets available for Notes for Mount Pleasant readers which gets you entry for 6 pounds (instead of 8), that means an extra beer at the bar. First 10 to email us go on the NfMP discount list on the door.
We also have a signed screen print of their poster, designed by the fantastic Scarlett Rickard, from an original photo by Tommy Sheehan. Get your hands on one by answering the following question:
In Danny & the Champs new song “Every Beat of my Heart”, what animal is “always the one bopping around”. Answers by email please with *Champs Poster* as the subject. Good luck!
And here’s something to whet your appetite that we filmed in Cheltnam back in April on record store day.
If you’ve not yet stumbled upon Josh T Pearson’s new album, Last of the Country Gentlemen, then read this excellent review by Alaistair Mackay in Uncut and see if it sways you.
It won’t be to everyone’s taste. It is at times uncomfortable listening. You’re right in there with him, as he whispers and croons poetic but raw, unashamed and often cruel confessions of his unravelling relationship. As someone at NfMP said after full submersion in the album: I feel like I know him more intimately than I know my closest friend. It’s not always pretty, but it’s always beautiful. After listening to the album on repeat for a week I took to self-medicating with Onda Vaga. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a pleasure to lose yourself in there, but nice to be able to bring yourself back.
Three weeks after playing to a sold out Slaughtered Lamb (~150 capacity), Josh was back in London playing to a sold out Union Chapel (~800). Pianist and composer Dustin O’Halloran opened the show, delivering a note-perfect performance of cinematic arrangements. The ideal support for Pearson; creating a meditative and reflective space for what was to come. Dustin toured with JTP’s previous band ‘Lift to Experience’ and later in the show Josh credited him as being one of his heroes.
JTP wandered onto the stage, deliberating with the audience: “Jacket on or off?” Jacket off. He’d requested little or no light on him during the sound check. Once the sun had set he asked: “Can you see me? I wasn’t sure about the lights cause it was daytime when we set it up. S’alright? Cause I’m reaaally good looking” (said with a smile). “It’s true! I totally forgot to shave this morning”. Some more jokes followed, about how he’d planned to play from the pulpit and rise up from behind it just as Dustin finished his support. He’s naturally funny and endearing, but you sense his sharpness, he’s no fool.
“The King is Dead” he bellowed and he passed his hand over his face saying, “serious face, serious chords” and with that silence fell, as he launched straight into ‘I Ain’t Your Saviour or Your Christ’, which lasted over twelve minutes and managed to make you feel like it’s just you and him in the chapel in the dark. It felt almost dangerous. There was total silence apart from the irritating click from photographers who buzzed around the front of the stage. Not appropriate on this occasion – even though they were doing “the Lord’s work”, as JTP said. Though they did get some good shots. Union Chapel staff said they have never seen an audience so entranced… and silent.
He played most of his set unaccompanied, but for a couple of songs (‘Country Dumb’ and ‘Woman When I’ve Raised Hell’) he was joined by strings (not his idea, but because someone thought it needed to be grander for the Union Chapel) and Dustin on piano. He admits, and it seems, they were slightly unrehearsed.
In between songs he told more jokes: “What do you call a musician that just split up with his girlfriend? Homeless.”
“Mickey Mouse is on a charge for killing Minnie. The judge says – ok Mickey, so after all these years of love and devotion, you’re telling me you killed Minnie cause she was crazy? And Mickey says: I didn’t say she was crazy, I said she was f*cking Goofy!” And so on. Throughout the night he continues to pepper his dialogue with “the King is Dead“.
Here’s his second song: ‘Woman When I Raise Hell You’re Going to Know It’:
And third: ‘Sorry with a Song’, that has a distinctly Buckley-esque (Jeff) feel. Though as another friend put it; he makes ‘Grace’ look like Justin Bieber.
By the end of his encore we were wrecked (but exhilarated)… and understandably, he was too – exhausted from touring these songs. They’re not easy to listen to and, one imagines, even harder to perform. He invited the crowd along to the after-show drinks at the Buffalo Bar. “Password?” he says – “The King is Dead”.
The password did actually work.
Josh T Pearson returns to London 26th November to play the Barbican. We suggest you get your tickets now before they sell out.
We were delighted to welcome back our friends, lovely Tasmanian devils Ange Boxall and husband Mike, who were in London for a fleeting visit last week before continuing their grand tour. They’ve spent the last few months touring the US with Ange performing all over the country. Her stamina is unparalleled.
We held on to her long enough in between gigs and meetings to shoot some film on the old railway track that runs from Finsbury Park to Muswell Hill, if you’ve never walked it, you should; it’s a beautiful little hidden treasure, perfect for these sunny days. The acoustics are great under those tunnels, in spite of passing joggers and cyclists, and we got lucky with the last rays of setting sun, not that she needed any added radiance.
Ange’s next UK date is playing mini-fest Frankstock on the 23rd July 2011, which we’re looking forward to. If you fancy a day in Dorset’s rolling hills and a damn fine barn party, hog roast and camp-fire combo then go ahead and book your tickets. We’ll put more info up about it nearer the time, once the full line-up is announced.
We’re in the process of uploading films from the Lantern Society Showcase from last Saturday 5th March.
Though the regular Lantern Society nights can be a bit hit and miss on the talent stakes as they work their way through the 30 or so acts that turn up to play in an evening, their showcases are always guaranteed to be pure talent and a real treat on the ears.
Following their last showcase in January which boasted a spellbinding acoustic headline set from Romeo and Angela from the Magic Numbers, this Saturday was equally rich in sounds with the hugely talented Hank Dogs making a welcome comeback. The thinly-veiled tensions on stage between Andy and Piano left over from their years together were endearing and intriguing and added an intimacy to their performance as they aimed lyrics at each other with accusatory looks and entwined their always complimentary guitar and vocal styles around each other. We filmed the majority of their set to share with you, so click through on the link below and check our YouTube site for other tracks from their set. More will be coming in good time so check back and watch the full show.
There were also quality performances from Simon Stanley Ward, Greg Harrisburg, Joe Wilkes and our recently featured Pete Greenwood, performing songs from his new album as well as some fantastic covers of Ryan Adams and Townes van Zandt, some of which we also caught on film and will follow shortly.
Headlining was Lantern co-organiser Benjamin Folke Thomas and his full band who put on a suitably energetic and rambunctious performance for a Saturday night. The Oliver Reed of the London folk scene, Ben and his band punched out some of their classics to a more than willing audience, almost too much for some, as one audience member got sick and had to be assisted from the crowded basement. We witnessed a similar reaction at a recent BFT band outing as someone developed a nosebleed as the band cranked it up. Is this a sign of things to come? “Nosebleed country”?
We also caught most of the BFT Band’s show on film and have uploaded highlights for you to check out.
The Lantern Society continues to run as usual, 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month at the Betsey Trotwood. The next Lantern showcase which will be part of the Camden Crawl on the 30th April 2011. More news here nearer the time or check their site for details.
There’s also a Lantern Radio feature coming up on the 12th April on Bob’s Folk Show featuring club favourites and regulars. Keep an eye on our featured listing for more info.
Best heckle of the evening: A request for ’10th Avenue Freeze Out’ from sick-boy. Got the thumbs up from us. Judgement clearly not totally impaired by booze.
Despite his punishing workload as one of the world’s most in-demand guitarists, the seemingly ubiquitous James Walbourne invited Notes from Mt Pleasant up to his house in North London’s hills for a chance to catch up with him and shoot some film.
As we settle down in his kitchen with twilight views of London he explains he’s been busy the past few days rehearsing with Edwyn Collins, preparing for a world tour in February & March. This kicks off with a gig at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 16th February, followed by dates across Europe, Japan and the US.
In a few hours hours he’ll be making the most of some precious downtime by going to see his favourite football team, Arsenal play at Highbury and the following morning at 7:30am he leaves for Dallas to play with The Pretenders at the Super Bowl as part of CMT Crossroads, along with Faith Hill.
He arrives back in London on the 7th February, going straight into a UK tour with Heavenly label-mates Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou and Sea of Bees.
As if this doesn’t sound busy enough for one man to be, he also spent last year touring with the Pretenders playing a double headline tour of Australia and New Zealand with Blondie, recorded and released an album of his own with Jim Keltner, Ivan Neville, and members of the Pogues and still found time to tour with old friend Justin Townes Earle, finishing off on the 29th January with a sold out show at the Union Chapel.
When I mention our blog he says “I tried writing a blog myself but never managed to keep it up, and I gave up after just a few posts”. Is it any wonder why?
We decide against an interview as neither of us feel like going through the rigmarole, besides, he hates being interviewed, especially, he says, by guitar magazines due to their tendency to fixate on technical and gear-related questions. He’s never been too fussed about gear, he just loves playing.
He brings in a mandolin and a 12 string and we get set up to film. I don’t need to tell you the rest. You can see for yourself above. More films from this session will be loaded up in our video library soon so keep an eye on the site. James played songs from his new album The Hill. Cocaine Eyes being the only track really showing off his guitar skills. The rest highlight James as singer-songwriter. Go listen, or better still, go see him.
James plays another sold out gig in London tonight, 9th February 2011 as part of the Heavenly Records tour at Bush Hall details here.
A few images from the first Lantern Society Showcase at The Betsey Trotwood. The night was sold out and packed to the rafters. The bill featured full sets from George Frakes, Josienne Clark, Song Dog, Jack Day, Jason McNiff and Angela and Romeo from The Magic Numbers.
Angela and Romeo played a stunning headline set that had the whole room captivated, personal highlight was a cover of Papa was a Rodeo by The Magnetic Fields.
The next Lantern showcase is at the Betsey on the 5th of March. Tickets are £5 again, get there early to make sure you get in!
A group of five music fans and makers, film takers, image makers, some-time tour managers, ex band managers, music journalists, archaeologists, banjo players, prize drinkers, sharp thinkers, festival tinkers and a whole host of other things too numerous to go into here. We'd like to share what we love about the Folk|Country|Blues we are lucky to be surrounded by here in London and give you access to some of the talent we see and hear. Use us to keep up to date with what's on, who's playing, what's coming whether you live here or are just passing through.
Contact us at: info @ notesfrommtpleasant.com
This Wednesday 8th June, Danny & The Champions of the World are back in London for a headline show at the Borderline.
June 6, 2011
Kathy Magee
Notes from Mt. Pleasant 