Afternoon lighting

I loved the late afternoon light on the Oaks and lawn at Balmer this afternoon. The sun showed itself briefly, gently illuminating the stands in a golden hue, which contrast beautifully with the heavy grey blue cloudy skies. Lovely.

Spawn

The frogs appear to be going for it this year, there's spawn in every conceivable wet place. Maybe it's a take over bid? Maybe not. I fear though that their spawning may have been a bit previous, this spawn in the wetland adjacent to Silver Stream at Rhinefield was exposed to last nights frost, and observations over the years suggest that this is, or can be, a bad thing. That said, if the frosts don't continue for too long, I'd imagine the frogs have spawned enough to ensure plenty survive to tadpolehood. Time will tell.

Frog chorus

I was back in the west of the forest again today.  On the whole, I tend to rinse an area for a few days or a week, and then move on to another and do the same there, that way I get around the forest and everywhere is always fresh.  The afternoon was fading, as was the light as I crossed the open, and wet, land between Denny Lodge and Denny Wood; it's where waterways, ditches and streams, converge in an area of extensive seasonal standing water and permanent bogginess. Like several areas of the forest there are bridges for ease of crossing the streams, though getting to the bridges and remaining dry is harder. Upon reaching the final bridge on the edge of Denny Wood I took time to pause, when I was struck by a sound, it sounded like a deep low cat purring on loop, then amplified, it filled the air. At first I thought it must be a machine or something in the distance, though as I focused on it, it was clear it came from close by. As far as could, wetland restricting me, I followed the sound and then it's origin became clear. The wetland in front of me was teaming with frogs, who themselves moved and furiously hopped in 'water' teaming with spawn; no, really, there was more spawn than water. It was an incredible sight to match the incredible sound. I've never seen as many frogs, nor as abundance of spawn. My photo doesn't do the scene justice, though if you look closely you can just see what I'm talking about. And this is only a tiny area of the much bigger wetland, although indicative of the rest. Quite amazing.

Stratigraphy

Walking through the northern reaches of Denny Lodge Enclosure I notice where one of the drainage ditches had recently been re-cut that the material piled on the banks was full of small shells and shell fragments.  These small shells and shell fragments were in grey blue clay, very similar to that which emerges in the cliffs at Barton, in fact they're the exact same Eocene sedimentary deposits. About 40 odd million years ago the whole region was an extensive shallow muddy lagoon/sea.  What struck me was the stratigraphy, or at least how close to the surface these ancient deposits were, the grey blue clay is not more that 30 cm from the surface, and I'm not sure that the orange clay horizon above it isn't just oxidized grey blue clay. The material heaped in the banks was absolutely stuffed with shell, the sea must have been chocker with life. The proximity of the clay to the surface, and that it extends under the whole forest and beyond, explain why the forest is so wet.You're not walking in the forest, you're really paddling in an ancient sea.

Hengistbury Head

Out of sight, out of mind, maybe. Though nature and time ensure that burying our past doesn't mean it's gone for good. Along the seaward face of Hengistbury Head, structures of our Second World War past continue to erode into the present. The Hengistbury headland was heavily utilized and fortified during the war years, and of course post war many of the associated feature were removed, or as I allude to, buried, whilst others, notably infrastructure elements such as the concrete and brick conduits which carried communication and power cables, already invisible underground, remained where they were. Many of the sturdier structures, Anti Tank Obstacles (ATO's), Pillboxes and Gun Emplacements were broken up and buried or used as hardcore. In the cliff face, just as the headland rises, some elements of those broken and buried structures are being exposed by erosion. The photo shows what I believe to be a destroyed Artillery Pillbox with some heavily corroded and concreted ironwork, whether associated with the pillbox or not, I'm not sure. I say an Artillery Pillbox as the embrasure (the aperture to fire through) is too substantial for small arms, offering a broad arc of fire; such a large embrasure would have left men inside with just rifles or light machine guns too exposed. It amazes me how clean and well preserved (except for the intentional damage) these structures can be, just look at the concrete, it looks recent, not 70 odd years old; and these structures were thrown up in haste too, with often not the best materials. As the cliff erodes I'll see if any more diagnostic features emerge. I also had a look at the surrounding fill for any smaller artefacts, though none revealed themselves. A walk that stimulates the mind as well as the body is twice the walk. Nice.

Groyne replacing

They're repairing or replacing some of the groynes along the promenade at the Southborne end of Bournemouth Bay. Usually you only see a low wall of wood and the tops of the pillars, but exposed as they are it's amazing their true size and the scale of the undertaking in their construction. All to try and keep nature in check. Stupid monkeys. Nature always has her way in the end. Every few years Bournemouth council spend millions pumping sand from out in the bay up onto the beaches, the groynes are there to slow long shore drift and keep the sands in check. The fact that the same process is undertaken again and again surely should tell us something. No, like modern day Cnut's, we think we can stem the tides.  The thing is, if the promenade wasn't there, then the sandy cliffs would erode naturally and the beaches would be sandy, as they'd always been, without the need for human intervention.  We make our own problems. Still, interesting to see.

Gnarly Trunks

It's wonderful how some ancient Oak trunks gnarl up as they return to the earth. Their trunks becoming ever changing patterned landscapes, works of organic art, another aspect of natures art gallery.  The views and vistas of the forest are like the great canvases of old masters and the trunks and stumps wondrous sculptures. Like any good gallery, you can loose yourself in both.

The sun always shines somewhere

The sun always shines somewhere, even on the most overcast of days.

Gavin da Blitz

 Photo pinched from Here and Now Friendface page.

Aw, man. I've just heard that Gavin Da Blitz passed from this world into whatever comes after. Sad sad news, man. Now, I didn't know Gavin personally, it was through his music as keyboard and synth wizard with the legendary Here and Now band I knew him, though that said the sadness I feel today at his passing is as if I did know him. It's weird, you don't often know the musicians you listen too, though spend such an inordinate time in their company that they have a genuine effect on you that a sort of weird friendship develops, as if you did know them. During the 80's we saw Here and Now countless times, and we listened to their albums and bootleg tapes almost religiously, for a while to the detriment of expanding our listening. It was a mainstay in the soundtrack to my formative years, and their albums/bootlegs still get regular plays. I loved them then, and still do now. Here and Now's 'All Over The Show' still gets a weekly play. Gavin's synth wizardry played a major part in their sound, I remember at gigs watching fascinated as he twiddled knobs to create the finest of spaced out sounds that elasticized your mind. He'd not played with the band for some years (other than Keith's 60th, possibly), his role assumed in recent times by the equally talented Andy Roger, though when ever you play one of the older vinyl albums there he is doing his magic. So he's gone, though still here, and will be fleetingly every time you spin a Here and Now waxing. I don't like the phrase 'rest in peace', I'm hoping there's something more beyond, and if there is, then I hope that those who've gone beyond are experiencing what it may have to offer to the full. Thanks for the music Mr Da Blitz.

What?

No, not the 'sword in the stone', but a knife in a tree. Just another example of the weird shit you see if you keep your eyes open when out walking. The knife is quite high up the trunk, higher than I could reach without really stretching, and I certainly wouldn't be able to get it so firmly stuck in.  Again, I'm left wondering, what's the story here? I have to say, I've seen a lot of discarded knifes out and about over the years, often stuck into tree stumps or the ground. Maybe it's some knife cult making ritual deposits? Well, surely that's as good a suggestion as any.

Ouzo Bazooka's Songs from 1001 Nights

Ouzo Bazooka are back with their third album, Songs from 1001 Nights, and as you'd imagine, it's a lovely listen. It arrived at my door this morning and took only moments to find itself spinning. 'Songs from 1001 Nights' keeps bands reputation for producing great psych waxings flying high, a deep rich psych sound which oozes the exotic taking you on a magical psychedelic journey through foreign climes. Though this time on a slightly different tangent. The opening track '1001 Night' is a slow droney number, setting the feel of the album as a whole, it has a hypnotic feel to it, you could imagine yourself wandering tripped out through an kasbah or something to it. While 'Nile Fever' has the feel of a movie soundtrack. On side 2 I particularly enjoyed 'Turkum', again there's a soundtrack feel to it as well as something of the exotic. The whole album has quite a laid back late evening feel to it, check it out. Although different in sound to the bands previous releases, still infused in all the tracks are the bands cultural and regional DNA, and I think that lends Ozuo Bazooka's sound something really original and warm, they've created a unique fusion of sounds. If you get a chance to see Ouzo Bazooka playing live take the opportunity, I've only seen them once, and it was a smashing performance.

A note of amendment.
It's come to my attention since I initially wrote this, that I've been listening to the album at the wrong speed. Not once, no, not twice, no, but on several occasions. Now I realise, it's obvious....now I realise! Yes, I know, I'm a chump, and it renders my musings on 'Songs from 1001 Nights' the ramblings of a mental. Though it does show that some music can be played and enjoyed at the wrong speed (or as I'm going to suggest, a 'different' speed) and still be well worth listening to. I enjoyed the album I thought I heard, I felt it had merit, really droney merit in retrospect. But still. I was going to delete this post, then thought, naw. So, I'm looking at it positively, now I've got 2 versions of an album for the price of one. Stop taking the piss, I didn't have to tell you.

Stir crazy!

First day out of the house after nearly 2 weeks of proper bed ridden flu, well, other than a couple of brief tripped out and nauseated outings to the food fortress, shit doesn't get done if I don't do it. Man, I hate being ill. Today was the first time I'd felt near (only near) human enough to venture out in to the woods. And as if in support, the sun shone, as wrapped in many layers, buffs and topped with a thick beanie, I stumbled coughing through the stands. The forest was beautiful, I stood breathing in the fresh clear air, so refreshing after the thick muggy air of inside, whilst above me the ancient beech and oak of Mark Ash towered reaching for the sky, it's interesting to note how often you see an Oak and a Beech planted together out here in the forest. Ah, healing nature, you can really feel it. My wander only lasted about 25 minutes before, although I wanted to continue, I knew it would probably be to my detriment if I walked further. You notice as you get older, lurgies last longer and you don't bounce back quite as quickly. It's hard to accept, though it is how it is. Well, it's nearly 2 weeks into January and now everything's behind, I'm always trying catch up as it is, better get a shuffle on.

On the twelfth day of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas music gave itself to me. Music is the gift that just keeps on giving. Music is the first thing I put on most mornings, and the last thing I turn off at night. It makes me dance around the house when I'm doing the chores, and sends my spirit soaring. It offers me solace and comfort when life's bearing down. It's always there, indelibly linked to my memories, and is forever triggering reminiscences, which in turn normally bring a smile. If music is the food of life, then I'm a unrepentant greedy bastard, and I'm going to carry on gorging myself whilst there food on the table. I wondered what track I could attach to this post, of course it was obvious, it had to be a bit of Todd, what with him being feckin ace. Enjoy.

On the eleventh day of Christmas

On the eleventh day of Christmas music gave to me, the Here and Now band at Unit 23 Totnes. Ah, Here and Now, a band like no other, a band which holds a special place in my heart. The band has seen a few line up changes over the years, comings and goings, though throughout there's always been one consistent, the governor, Keith The Bass. And, with him in the bands current manifestation are those Andys of 'Music of the Andys', Andy Roger on twiddly tings and Andy Burrows on guitar, and Kangaroo Moon's Mark Robson on keyboards and Gem Quinn on drums, and, man, are they good. They've always been good. Shit, man, what am I saying, Here and Now have never just been 'good', they've always been at least 'great', though more often than not, bloody marvellous. And so it was at Totnes, the chemistry and energy of the current line up made this gig as good a Here and Now gig as I've seen, and over the years that's a fair few. It was an evening to immerse yourself in the joy of familiar tunes played with new twists and be enthralled by new material, solid gold shit too. Word is that they've been in the studio since and that a new release is in the offing. Oh happy days. Click this for a nice rendition of 'So Glad You're Here' filmed by John Peters.

On the tenth day of Christmas

On the tenth day of Christmas music gave to me, well, music didn't really give it to me, though it does allow music to give to me, the lovely new Rega Planar 1 record deck I got for my birthday. I'd had my old Dual Audiophile concept cs503-2 record deck for years, though in recently I'd had to replace the headstock, the belt, of course the stylus and the original lid, long broken, was replaced by the lid from my even older vintage Dual cs505-4, which didn't really fit. Still, it played records and allowed my music (records) to keep on giving, in fact it has had a long and distinguished service record of consistency. It's interesting though how you accept compromise without really knowing your doing it, especially if it has developed slowly. I thought that my Dual still sounded fine, and to be honest it didn't sound bad or anything, although from the first spin of the Rega I could hear the difference, it shouted at me. Now the sound appears cleaner, clearer, with more detail and depth. All my records are new again. Huzzah!

On the ninth day of Christmas

On the ninth day of Christmas music gave to me the best gig of the year, the Grace Curvey Collective. Well, that's just what I called them, in fact it was an evening with the Cary Grace Band and The Luck of Eden Hall in the shape of Mr Gregory Curvey, beautifully moulded, melded and exquisitely blended into something unique. Wondrous! I refer you to my post at the time.

On the eight day of Christmas

On the eight day of Christmas music gave me the wonder and nightmare which is bandcamp, and all the magic therein. I'd used bandcamp a few times over the last few years to buy a track or two, here and there, though it was always after being directed to the site, I'd never really explored the site until this year. As I say, it's a real wonder, so much good music to be found and I know I've only just scratched the surface. I'd say most days this year I've listened to at least one new band on bandcamp, more often than not though, I've listened to several more. And, my musical world has expanded exponentially. It's not merely the amount of bands on there, but the immense range of genres and styles, I've found bands I know I'd never have come across otherwise. Bands like 'Stones from the Sky' a French psych/rock/garage whose release 'Live in Agger' is a fantastic listen, 'Between the Buttons' psychedelic pop at it's best, or early 70's Neo-folk 'Comus' who returned for a 21st century reunion album which is great, and I could go on and on. Without bandcamp I'd have missed all of that and more, so, I'm currently loving bandcamp.  I also suggested the site was a nightmare, which it is, the downsides being, there's just so much good music to be found, and my pockets are shallow, if not drought ridden for the most part, and a major bugbear of mine, the prohibitive cost of shipping from the states if you want hard copies of some of the music. Bummer! That said, much of the stuff on there is reasonably priced, or much even name your own price, though that too can pose a dilemma, how much do you give; as much as you can, though what if that's not a lot. Bandcamp is a gift that keeps on giving. A few other bands I've found through the site and I'd recommend you check out are Psychic Lemon, 62 Miles from Space, The Paperweight Array and Nathan Hall and the Sinister Locals. And that really only a few of my recommendations. Once your on the site you've dropped down the rabbit hole into a world of opportunities to feed your ears, my bandcamp 'wish-list' grows daily.

Reminiscing

Thinking of Gong at Totnes reminded me of the time we saw Gong at Beautiful Days back in 2009 (we saw Gong twice that year [the other time was in Exeter in November] each time with a slightly different line up), or more specifically, iI was reminded of an event in the crowd. The crowd grew in size and anticipation as we waited for Gong to take to the stage, amongst the crowd there were a group of what I'd describe as classic 'brew crew' characters, they were dressed as you'd expect, almost as if in uniform, they had a sack truck of Special Brew, they were being loud, obnoxious and intimidating, throwing their empties carelessly over their shoulders in the crowd and such like. The were putting on quite a show. My kids were fascinated, most of the kids watching were fascinated, whilst many of their parents, many of which looked like they'd never come across people like this before were naturally horrified and intimidated. Beautiful Days is a weird festival, it's family friendly and mainstream, whilst simultaneously having alternative almost a free festy-ish feel. As I say the 'brew crews' antics were all a show, when challenged for their behaviour the group apologized politely and continued their drinking less boisterously. All was good. Of course, they still were the focus of attention as they deteriorated in front of us. Increasingly the worse for wear, one of their number eventually succumbed to Special Brew and gravity, and crumpled to ground. His compadres looked on with genuine concern. At which point one of them, maybe the groups physician, approached the sprawled fellow, checked him out and mumbled sympathetic words, where upon, with a little encouragement, the collapsed fellow managed to get on to all fours.  The concerned fellow now reached into his pocket and produced a paper wrap, which he carefully unfolded. I knew what was coming next and looking around me at the horrified faces of other parents, so did others. Fuck I thought, how will explain this to the kids. With the wrap carefully unfolded, the guy proceeded to gently dab white power into the collapsed fellows mouth, once, twice, oh go on, one more, and then, excelsior! Slowly, like the opening scenes of 2001 the formally collapsed fellow resumed a bipedal posture, to approval of his group and was passed another can. As I say, all of this was done in front of a mixed crowd of all ages, many adults looking on in dismay.  I'd seem my kids, like many others, watching fascinated. I told them the truth, what else can you do. You know, what struck me was how caring, gentle and loving the whole dysfunctional scene was. All mobile again the group moved off, disappearing through the crowd. I'm certain I saw one of the fellows, the one with the wrap, in a Glastonbury pub several years later, and he was a very nice, if not messy, chap. Anyway, of course Gong were fantastic. I'd seen Gong several times over the years in one form or another though never including Steve Hillage and Miquitte Giraudy. I was also excited for my children to see such a legendary band, a band they'd heard many times at home. Funny how your mind wanders through the tunnels of time.

On the seventh day of Christmas

On the seventh day of Christmas, music gave to me a surprise, which really shouldn't have been a surprise. Back in March we ventured west to Totnes to see Gong, I'd last seen some years back on the 2023 tour when Daevid and Gilli were still with us. I'd not seen the band since and I have to admit to being a touch concerned that something may have been missing. I know it was essentially the same line up of consummate artists, minus Daevid and Gilli, as Gongs 2014's 'I see you' (which was both fabulous and moving in equal measure), but still, I don't know. From the performances get go I felt foolish, no, I felt guilty that I'd had any doubts or concerns. This was Gong! No doubt about it. I should have known better, Gong has always been fluid, emerging in different forms and guises, though always in essence Gong, that was Daevid's magic, his creation, his gift. Kavus steps up and takes the lead with a charisma and attitude befitting a Gong front man, I was pleasantly surprised with the air of continuity and continuation the band exuded. Dave Sturt on bass is fantastic, as is Fabio on guitar and Cheb on drums, and Ian East as well as being a superb sax player was also very funny to watch. All round it was a wonderful evening of glorious Gong, I was a bit of a twat for fearing it would be anything else.

On the sixth day of Christmas

https://theluckofedenhall.bandcamp.com/

On the sixth day of Christmas music gave me by far the finest release of the year, the Luck of Eden Hall's 'Make Way for the Mighty Machines'.  Epic, immense, majestically sweeping, all could be used to describe this track, and none would really do it justice, though they'll do for a start. I'd heard a review copy early in the year and couldn't wait for its release which wasn't until October. 'Make Way for the Mighty Machines' is a 23 minute long opus, man, epic is just what it is, so many different elements at play, so many diverse musical styles blended beautiful to create a fabulous whole, it's horizons huge. From it's opening lyric 'we're the resistance, we wont give in, to corporation blight' you know there something more to this track than just music, it's a heart felt message too. It's a rallying cry in the face of the developing storm born of capitalisms failings that's engulfing the globe. I see the track as an anthem for positivity as disobedience to the prevailing negative mainstream narratives as projected through a corrupt corporate media, it urges us to 'discard all negative thoughts' pumped at through our TV screens, it reminds us that those TV's are not our friends. It doesn't just illustrate the problems, it suggests solutions, 'let's share a message of love', is a salient message there in, it's an important message that the Luck of Eden Hall are delivering here, and it reminds us that 'numbers give us the power' to effect change, together.  Our culture needs more musicians who'll give positive focus and a voice to our feeling of disenfranchisement. Well, that's how I see it anyway. As for the music itself, well, there are elements of psych rock and punk sensibilities flowing through strong undercurrents of prog grandeur, it's a vast canvas and every inch of that canvas bathed in a myriad of musical colour and flavour.  It's immense, in sound and in scope, every instrument is played to perfection.  It's a legit musical masterpiece, man! And on this occasion the Luck of Eden Hall is just one man, which makes it even more outstanding, an incredibly talented man, Gregory Curvey. Gregory wrote it, produced it, mixed it, he plays guitar, bass, drums, synth and delivers vocals, all to the highest of standards; I don't doubt he made the tea as well. There's no end to this guys talents. No, really! He's also a fantastic artist and craftsman, on top of which, I had the pleasure of meeting back in the year, and he's a bloody nice chap, to boot; don't you just hate people like that.  As I say, by far the finest release of the year, grab yourself a copy, you wont regret it. This release is a split on the B side of which are 3 tracks by Red Sun, which are also rather good.

On the fifth day of Christmas

On the fifth day of Christmas music gave to me The New Avalon Ballroom Weekender. And wow, what a weekend that was! Sublime bands in salubrious surroundings enjoyed in good company, it doesn't get much better than that. The last few years have throw up obstacles which have meant I've not made it to the festivals or gigs I'd often planned to, I feared it was going to go the same way for The New Avalon Ballroom Weekender, though the Gods and Goddesses smiled upon me and with a little help from my friends (as the Beatles said), at the last minute I was travelling to the Isle of Avalon and on to that hostelry of fine repute, The King Arthur.  The weekender was more fun than I could have imagined. We, like many, camped on the edge of town at the Isle of Avalon Touring Caravan Park, very nice, good atmosphere and within easy walking distance of the town. I have to admit to getting a bit too wasted on the first night, I blame....well, I don't blame anybody, it was a fine evening, even if I did require supporting on the walk back. I took a more measured approach on subsequent days. We didn't get to see all the fantastic bands, although as you'd expect the ones we did gave stella performances. We saw current favourites like The Cary Grace Band, Magic Bus and Music of the Andys, new bands (to me anyway) such as Zub Zub and Tim Hawthorn and the Archetypes and long time favourites and legends in the form of the Invisible Opera Company, Kangaroo Moon and Here and Now. It was magical. And, Here and Now's Andy Roger giving me shout out before 'So glad your here' was a lovely gesture, brought a tear to my eye and was the cherry on one hell of a weekend cake. I was so glad I was there too, to have seen such fabulous bands and enjoyed the company of so many lovely people was a real tonic. I salute all involved.

On the forth day of Christmas

On the forth day of Christmas music gave to me a beautiful evening at the Square and Compass with Kangaroo Moon. For me, it was without a doubt the gig must brimming with joy this year, the Square and Compass was filled with love and good energy.  And it rocked. If you don't know the Square and Compass in Worth Matravers it's not the largest pub in the world, though certainly one of the most convivial, the room in which bands perform is about the size of an average front room, and on the night I recall here, it was crammed with dancing folk of all ages, all with beaming smiles. The attached video isn't of said gig, but does give a flavour of their sound, or should I say 'one' of their sounds, as Kangaroo Moon are a fluid band which manifests in different form, with different line ups, playing different sounds; what's consistent is that they're always well worth seeing.

Worbarrow Bay

Taking the opportunity of the Lulworth ranges being open over the Christmas period, we set off early for Purbeck, and on arrival we found the quarry above Kimmeridge already filling with cars. Our mission today was Worbarrow Bay again, though approached from a different direction affording us different views. The ridge above Kimmeridge is always a lovely walk, allowing aspects over Kimmeridge bowl, across the Tyneham and Corfe Valleys and in both directions along the coast, with a fantastic pay off upon reaching Tyneham Cap and Townley Shenton's seat.  From there we made our way along the top of the towering Gad Cliffs, and down the slippery hillside to Worbarrow Bay. It had been a while since we'd walked around the pebbly shore of the bay, it's a walk to to nowhere, as the beach abruptly ends at Cow Corner and the chalk cliffs which lead round to Arish Mell. Although it's December, the warm sun and inviting chalk hued seas looked inviting, though I'm certain that deception would be quickly seen through if we'd taken the plunge. The last time we walked this way the beach was clear, a long sweeping curve of graded pebbles, today though though the beach is truncated by a massive landslide from Flowers Barrow Hill. Large boulders now need negotiating if you're to get to the bays far end. We decided to return over the landslide, climbing to emerge about half way up the hill. There may have been huge boulders on the foreshore, though behind them the chalk is cherty and gritty, and appears as if shattered into irregular, though rough similar sized, pieces. The scar of the slide is massive and imposing, the land surface scoured of vegetation, it's alien in aspect and eerie to walk, possibly added to by the air of danger. When we emerged out onto the hillside I admit to being relieved, though was happy to seen immensity of scar first hand.  It's easy to think of this rocky coast as a static thing, although in recent years in particularly that view has been challenged in light of the numerous and often immense slides and the changes they bring.  We walked back up through the Tyneham Valley to the quarry, a good walk on a lovely day.    

Colourful layers of time

A fallen boulder afforded us a colourful view of the layers of time.

On the third day of Christmas.....

On the third day of Christmas music gave to me a broken circle. A broken circle I hear you say, that doesn't sound good. Well, you'd be mistaken. My first album purchase of the year was The Greek Theater's fantastic album 'Broken Circle', and what a lovely album. Another much played waxing. 

On the second day of Christmas.....

On the second day of Christmas, music gave to me...a bus full of magic. The last band I saw live this year, and a band I've been lucky enough to catch live on several occasions are the fabulous Magic Bus. A Magic Bus gig, is just that....magic! A band of affable musicians of the highest calibre, creating music of a space jazz prog psych flavour with Canterbury running though ot like Bournemouth through a stick of rock. A Magic Bus gig is guaranteed a most splendid experience. In the summer the band released their third album 'Phillip the Egg' which instantly became a turntable regular (all three of their albums are wonderful listening). Buy their music and go see them perform, you're life will be better for it.......fact!

Wet wood

Man, was it good to get out in the woods today. I've spent the last couple of days in the kitchen, cooking and washing up from 8 in the morning to 8 at night. The woods were a breath of fresh air. The recent rains have filled any hollows and gullies with waters of indeterminable depth, so once again navigating the stands have taken on its usual seasonal peril.  It's easy enough to see the standing water, though less so the inundated and well soaked ground, which will give way to ankle depth without warning. A poky stick is recommended.

On the first day of Christmas.....

On the first day of Christmas music gave to me 'Andience' from the 'Andy's', and my first gig of the year. Relatively new, Music of the Andys have already established themselves as a band with depth and substance, and oodles of potential. I say relatively new, that is as a band, Andy Roger is long term twiddler and twister for the legendary Here and Now Band and really knows his electronic onions, and guitarist Andy Burrows is....Well, I don't know, he must have come from somewhere, though I know not where. Unless of course, he's magic, and if you've seen him play then that's a credible suggestion. Anyways, together they create the finest of auditory immersions, wonderful musical textures and landscapes, surfed over by blistering spaced out guitar. Smashing stuff, from nice fellows. Word is there's an album just over the horizon, which will be most excellent, and in the meantime there are few tracks already available on Bandcamp, such as the drifty trance 'Goose of Perception'.  You want to get in now, next thing you know they'll only be playing stadiums and you'll have missed out. Don't say I didn't warn you.  

The 12 days of Christmas

I found it's been a great year for music, both live and recorded music. So I want to do my own take on Twelvetide or the 12 days of Christmas, a musical version. There's no preference inferred by the band/number/day association, as you'll see all the bands are excellent. So, on the first day of Christmas, music gave to me.....

Holly!

Well! As if by some magic, a single Holly tree laden with bright red berries appeared to me today. I reckon is was magic. I think the forest had watched me searching, felt I'd paid my dues and done me a favour. I walked near 5 miles today, and at the furthest point of my walk, just before I turned for my return, I stepped over a hillock and there in perfect isolation stood this Holly heavy with fruit.  Laughing, I thanked the forest, and pushing a coin into a hollow in the Holly's gnarled trunk I thanked the tree. Man, there were so many berries on this tree, more than normally on a tree. Just as I wondered why there were no berries, I'm wondering why there were so many berries on this one isolated tree? Still, very grateful.

Winter Solstice sunset

Well, that's that then, the year is over. The final sunset of the year marks the end of shortest day, the last day of the Holly Kings reign. The Oak King takes the throne now. If we're lucky a new sun will rise tomorrow and a new year, another cycle, will have begun. I will not mourn the years passing, although there were good times, and good memories were made, there were too many hard times and too many sad times. It's only natural, I know, that's the nature of life. For the most part I count my blessings, I'm not stupid I understand the complaints of first worlders lack credibility in light of global suffering, but still, our woes are our woes, personal and still real to us; it's all relative. A world in chaos, a failing climate and the prevailing political paradigm shift to the right, seems to make the shit hit harder though, make it harder to pick yourself up. Maybe that's age, as experience and cynicism colour our perspectives. I suppose hope is all we've ever had, though it increasing appears a forlorn hope at best, and a weapon against us at worst. Still, here's to hope, and something better. I wish you flags, flax, fodder and Frigg, and all you'd wish for yourselves in the new cycle.

No Holly to speak of

Where's all the bloody Holly? I've been looking for days, and wherever I've walked there are plenty of Holly trees (the forest is stuffed with them) though none have berries on them. Around the base of some I've seen a few berries, so there must have been some, 'been' being the right tense. I walked for 3.5 miles through Holly rich woodland (it's called Berry Wood, which is a bit of a clue) this afternoon and this was only Holly berry I saw. I wonder the reason?

Sunset

I spent 40 minutes watching the sun disappear below the Purbeck Hills this evening; it was time well spent. I watched as the sky slowly slowly absorbed colour until the intense colour flooded it. I watched as those colours endlessly morphed into ever deepening rich hues. I think my mouth may have been open, slack jawed local style, as I watched transfixed. Finally after reaching their zenith I watched as those colours darkened faded and slowly drained as twilight fell.What my photos can't show is the sound of bird-call which filled the air, a symphony of sound, which although you could only see a few birds, was surely the sound of hundreds of birds in unison and completion.  Tonight’s sunset was a spiritual thing, for sure. 

Tout

Sticking out into Worbarrow Bay, but for a thin piece of connecting land, Worbarrow Tout is all but an island. Known to our group as 'Mud Mountain' on account of the viscus marl clays which we clamber up to reach the summit. The tout may not cover an extensive area, though what there is is packed with groovy stuff. If you dig geology then there's plenty to float your boat here; mad stratigraphy, layers through time exposed one on top of another, a deep slab of our planets history. Huge boulders encrusted with Gypsum deposits, as well as dinosaur foot prints, fossils, and a fantastic rocky intertidal, with rock ledges thrusting seaward. Although it's all very nice and interesting, it's also really hard going, uneven loose surfaces, made slippery when wet, make it difficult terrain to negotiate.  Inevitably we'll go out along the intertidal and return up through a wide shallow gully towards the end of the tout (pic3, if you look carefully there's a person at the bottom for scale). It may be quite an undertaking when wet, and a touch scary whenever, and you come out on a narrow spur of the end of the tout with a short steep slope off a high cliff, which you need to keep in mind; even with all that said it still makes for an easier return. Now, I'm not that good with heights, and sometimes I'm worse than others, I remember at least 2 occasions over the years that when, after the long climb, I'd reached the top of the tout and had to crawl until I felt safe. Today was not so bad, I just did a hurried stooped walk, whilst cussing. Well, you've got to make your walks interesting. It is always worth it, the views from the touts rough grass summit are always stunning, and time was required to appreciate and acknowledge them. Far out.

Flowers Barrow

For the most part Purbeck appears to exist in timeless isolation, though its quiet façade hides an often rough and dramatic history. Purbeck's rugged coast and cliffs were worked by fishermen and quarrymen alike, its hills made for hard farming and harder toiling beneath them, whilst a smattering of military defences are testament to important Purbeck in our history. The land is layered with the relics of our past activities, with some sites showing a continuity in use which spans millennia. With its extensive views Flowers Barrow, high on the Purbeck coast, is one such site. With its impressive Iron Age ramparts and ditches, its Second World war pillbox, an observation post, rusting tank hulks and target markers (it's currently within the Lulworth firing ranges), Flowers Barrow has a distinctly military flavour. And although, its ancient ramparts may have half slipped into the sea, with its World War Two monuments slowly following them, it still commands this stretch of the coast and remains a predominant landmark. I could easily just sit up here and watch the day go by, especially on day as beautiful as today.