Magic Bus @ The king Arthur, Glastonbury 28.1.2017

For the first time this year the fabulous Magic Bus pulled into Glastonbury to perform at that venerable establishment, The King Arthur. And, it would have been rude not to step on board.

Magic Bus are the grooviest of bands, comprised of excellent musicians who have a very pleasing sound, steeped in psychedelic, folky, prog, rock flavours, they also do a lovely line in harmonies too. They've certainly got late 60's early 70's running through them like Brighton through rock.  I love 'em. I really dig that 70's sound and to hear it played with contemporary flourish is a real treat.  You see, the 'Bus' (no one calls them that) aren't period re-enactors they're creating not copying, creating upbeat progressive psychedelic music for the now, and doing a bloody good job. Singer/songwriter Paul Evans pens some masterful psychedelic ditties with flavours of vintage south east England blended with summer of love sun drenched west coast America, Paul's got the voice to do them credit too. Combined the band produce some top shelf harmonies to drift off smiling on. As usual Jay Darlington looks as cool as a cucumber sat relaxed behind his incense fuelled keyboards (I assume they were incense fuelled, he did burn some nice incense this evening, it was either that or magic), man, does he get some sweet sounds out of those keys or what. I love that vintage organ and keys sound, it's just so right. A new addition tonight (well, new to me) was Mitch Pike on drums,  I felt Mitch certainly brought a different energy to the mix (that's not to say previous drummer Connor wasn't good, just different), a more powerful, heavier driving beat, a bit metal, not heavy mind, just more 'rock'! Together with Wihll Muellorz on bass they created a solid rhythm section, Wihll, like other bassists makes bass look effortless, of course it can't be. Mitch's drumming seemed to have Terence Waldstradt rocking it a bit heavier than usual too. Not that Terence's noodling doesn't hit the spot anyway, it just felt a touch rockier than when we've previously seen the band. In fact a few of the numbers seemed rockier in places. No complaint, mind, the Magic Bus brought it. Of course, weaving in and out through all the tracks, dancing like joyfully butterflies, was Viv Goodwin-Darke's magical flute. Like organ, I love a bit of flute and together, well, they're made for each other aren't they. Add it to the mix and you had all the ingredients for some tasty musical bliss. Their set tonight was a mixture of favourites with a liberal sprinkling of new tracks off their forthcoming third album due out in a couple of months (includes a vinyl release), I for one am looking forward to it. The new tracks sounded great, and were all well received by the audience to loud applause, as were all the tracks, the room was filled, everybody having a blast, lots of folk up dancing.  Gigs never last long enough, (well that's not true, I saw Busted and McFly once) tonight was no exception. Great performance from a band you always come away happy and a bit floaty from. They're a lovely folk too are Magic Bus, friendly and happy to chat. Top night, cheers. Check out their albums especially 'Transmissions from Sogmore's Garden', a great listen (if you like it you can buy it here, always try and support the artists if you can).

Ah, and The King Arthur, our not so local local. We were remarking on such this evening, even though it's the best part of 4.5 hour round trip, we're there so frequently for gigs it feels like our local, there's no other establishment we visit as regularly or feel drawn to. The staff are friendly and welcoming, the clientèle equally so, the atmosphere is conducive to good times and the sound here is always on the button.  If you're in Glastonbury and in need of a drink (or food, they do food too), you'd be remiss not to visit. 

Music of the Andys virtual gig on Visual Radio Arts

https://www.facebook.com/visualradioarts/videos/1832552796957247/

The Music of the Andys performed a live set at Visual Radio Arts in Frome which was streamed live on friendface this evening, and fantastic it was too. I don't need to describe it as it available for you to watch and enjoy, both the musical content which is top shelf, but also the interview sections which are treat and rather funny. Obviously it'll never replace a real gig, though these virtual gigs aren't a bad thing to add into the mix. Enjoy.  

Mists of time

Mists render the forest timeless.

Owl Tree

In a part of Burley Old enclosure is a stand of larch, amongst which, sited in majestic isolation is this decaying hulk of a tree. It has been in a state of decay for as long as I can remember it, at least 20 years. I first noticed it whilst walking through on a evening walk, I might have passed it bye unawares if I hadn't been attracted to it bye an owls hoot.  Searching the tree I saw the owl perched high on the stump of a broken bough, surveying its domain. I remember watching, thrilled, it's always a buzz watching natures wonders. I'd imagine the wizened leviathan makes an ideal hunting station.  Of course, eventually I disturbed it, and it was away, lost from view in the maze of trunks. I saw an owl at that tree for several years after, and though I've not seen one for ages that doesn't mean that they don't perch there still, just that I've not seen them.  

Stag Break

I've been checking out potential wild camp sites whilst out on walks this week, and have come with some possible contenders. It's silly not to make more use of the abundance of wild camping opportunities our area affords us, and the odd night out under the stars does wonders. 

Frosty Heather

Still at midday, wherever and whatever the suns light didn't touch remains coated in sugary frosting, even exposed ice retains it structural integrity. It is a glorious day to walk along the winding paths which follow the contours of the interface of two worlds, the heather covered plain and the tufted grass wetland. These paths, for the most part, are below the ridge and out of the wind which still pierces, even with the tentative young suns rays.  A deer breaks it's meagre gorse cover and makes of through the exposed wet grassland. It's weird, deer just can't hold their bottle, despite the deer's sparse hide, we hadn't nor most probably wouldn't have seen it, and we'd have passed by unawares. It gave itself away. Funny buggers.

Red Rise Brook

The forest is magical.

Stag Head

Interesting little stag head graffiti on a mature Beech. As I've mentioned before, the multitude of variables that affect how graffiti ages makes it difficult to age, though I'd say it was at quite old. 

Tangled canopy

Periodically somewhere up in this tangled canopy one tree was plucking and twanging another trees branches. No matter how hard I looked, and I did look and listen intently,  I couldn't see where though. As I get older you feel time more intensely, whilst peering up into the canopy it dawned on me, soon the sky will be hidden from the woodland floor again. It only seems like yesterday we were in awe of autumns multicoloured majesty, now in no time at all it'll be spring. I've noticed buds forming on some of the trees already. 

Changes

A few years back they remodelled a stretch of Highland water from Camel Green to Queen Bower, the main stream now flows some way from it's former course, which is now mainly filled all but a little brooklet. You'd never imagine this small shallow slow flowing  brook was formally a 3 metre wide near straight deep drain. As I've mentioned before, when they undertake these 'restoration' exercises the immediate impression is one of destruction and disorder, though only a handful of years the casual walker, not familiar with the area, wouldn't know it had ever been different. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not going soft on conservation, conservation's bollocks, but reinstating streams to their less formal more natural pre Victorian courses that's more re-wilding, that's cool.

Ice-iverse

Galaxies of bubbly stars suspended in the ice-iverse. 

First moon

First full moon of the year, therefore, first full moon fire of the year. I didn't think I'd get to have one tonight, the weather being as grim as it was, rain and sleet lashing down all day. Then with nightfall came clearing skies and by about 2030 the moon shone brightly in clear rich blue sky, with only the occasional loose cloud floating by. Still bloody cold, mind! So I whipped the trap off the fire pit and kindled a fire. It was slow going at first, some rain had got to my kindling, though with perseverance the fire grew, up to the point I made a rookie mistake and poked the young fire about, and then spent an age coaxing it back to life. Stupid move, and a move I should know better than to make.  Fire and light re-established I sat quietly under a radiant moon, I'd decided on no music tonight and so was left with my thoughts. The focal point of the fire is an aid to concentration, allowing to follow chains of thought more easily.  Of course, every now and again my drifting thoughts would be disturbed by the sounds of nocturnal activity, human and animal. I didn't mind though, I enjoy listening, imagining what's going on, it's nice to let your mind wander into the realms of imagination. Tonight's sounds were distant cars, barking dogs, the occasional owl and muffled conversations as people passed by.  It's nice just to listen to life going about its business. We used to have some Turkish neighbours who'd always on the phone talking loudly and excitedly, of course I could understand a word, but loved the rhythms of their conversations. I miss their evening calls. Tonight's moon and fire was a good start to the year.

Old wood

The old woods are slowly dying, recent changes in weather have laid waste to so many irreplaceable ancient trees, other trees are having their bark stripped by hungry ponies whose population has increased in the pursuit of profit and few new saplings rise to take their place as an out of control deer population sees them as a tasty treat. I know everything changes. I don't see the forest the Canadians and Portuguese saw in the First World War, whilst they didn't see the forest the admiralty timber growers of the 18th Century saw, nor they the Royal hunting forest of William the Bastard and he not the wild wood of the prehistoric inhabitants . Nothing stays the same. I know that, though still lament the passing of the forest I know and love. 

Always with the racism

So, racism's on the rise you think, and of course you're right (no pun intended), there's no doubt that that ugly side of our human condition is gaining dominance once again, the EU referendum was fought and won on an overtly racist/nationalist platform, the papers sell on race/religion hate and people feel again empowered to voice their ill informed opinions on 'immigrants' at the drop of a hat. You can see the years of built up frustration born of the 'pc' years. It's worrying, without a doubt, but it's nothing new, racism rears its ugly head when times are hard, people are scared and governments need scapegoats. We just need to stay resolute in our opposition to it. Back in the 70's it was just as bad, if not more so than now. That said, I think we're moving swiftly back to that 70's mentality and morality on this topic and more, where casual racism was acceptable, funny even (there were always jokes), if you're white that is. Another example of how the politics of the present is dragging back into the past. Back in the 70's it was the National Front, the NF were fore runners to the likes of the BNP, EDL and Britain First. Just as misguided, just as potentially dangerous. You had two choices as a kid in the 70's, no, three choices: be a racist and align yourselves with the NF, oppose racism and join the ANL (Anti Nazi League) or just look the other way. Max, Ray and Steve, who added NF to their graffiti clearly took the first option. This piece of graffiti, along with a similar piece nearby are clearly from the 70's, dated by the nature of the scaring and the association, the conjoined NF. I'd thought (or rather hoped) that we'd seen off the racists, or at least sent them scurrying marginalized into the shadows, but it appears they're back with a vengeance, like dark Obi-wans, strike them down a come back stronger than we could possibly imagine.  

Hawkeye Vol: 5 All-New Hawkeye

I've been enjoying Marvels current Hawkeye run, now even more so. In Hawkeye Vol: 5 All-New Hawkeye,  Jeff Lemire (Writer) and Ramón Pérez (Artist) have taken the tale of the understated Avenger to a new level. Jeff Lemire's writing first class, as he weaves past and present seamlessly.  In part a Hawkeye origins story, a story of Hawkeye's troubled childhood with brother Barney, getting the Hawkeye name and of choosing his path, and then in the present the Hawkeyes (Clint and Kate) current mission to retrieve a weapon from Hydra which turns out not to be that simple and throws up some conflicts of ideas. As is the way, nothing is straight forward, not even the motives of Shield. Clint and Kate find themselves at odds with their enemy, their employer and each other. Moving between past and present we see connections, not in events, but of choices and lost childhoods. Though for me the real highlight is Ramón Pérez's artwork. For the past segments of the story Pérez delivers some stunning water colour panels, which are beautifully coloured by Ian Herring, and for the present does a pretty good facsimile (using his own style) of Aja's work on the first four volumes, with Herring using simple block colours, as Matt Hollingsworth does for Aja. The art is really so good. If you like the Hawkeye character, you'll love this volume, if you're not really sure what his shtick is or who he is, this volume would be a nice introduction to his origins. I look to vol: 6 Hawkeyes, which is by the same creative team.

A Primrose!

I know the Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is one of the earliest flowering of the spring plants, they're usually in flower from about the end of February / beginning of March, but surely the first week of January is taking the piss. That said I do love them, especially when carpeting an ancient woodland. Years ago a friend and I used to make a lot of flower and fruit wines, and on one occasion came across a secluded (I mean really secluded, to the point of being hardly accessible) wood in Purbeck packed with Primroses, where we collected enough flowers to make a gallon of wine each (you didn't need that many really). The wine was very nice as I remember, and even after we'd collected you'd not have known we'd been there.  You don't have to have a destructive impact on nature to enjoy her bounties.  I've been back to the wood many times since and it still hosts a thriving Primrose community. 

Music of the Andys @ The King Arthur, Glastonbury 6.1.2017

Less than a week into 2017 and we're at our first gig of the year, Music of the Andys at the King Arthur in Glastonbury; a great band in my favourite venue. It might be a bit of a journey (2 or so hours each way), but the 'Arthur' never fails to facilitate top evenings, and is always worth the travelling. For those who don't know (you need to sort that out!) Music of the Andys are Andy Roid (Andy Roger) of Here and Now on keyboards, synths and assorted twiddly stuff, and Andy Burrows of, er..., remiss of me as it is, I don't know if Andy B is in any other bands, on guitar.  Two bloody good musicians, and jolly nice chaps.  Music of the Andys have only existed for a year, though you'd never guess that by their tight sound and clean performances, and for just two fellows (yeah, there are three people in the photo, I'll get to that) they create a big sound that fills a room to bursting.

First though there was a support act, Shifty. Shifty are a four piece, Andrew Shackleton on laptop (I know there's more to it than that, but I don't know what it is) Andrew Schofield on vocals, harmonica and drums (he also had a utility belt of musical things), Graeme Lawson on guitar aMauve La Bichend Paul Boswell on bass. I'd not seen Shifty before though thoroughly enjoyed their performance. I don't really know how best to describe their sound, they're dancey, with electronic elements, rocky segments all delivered with punky gusto (here's their promo). Front man Andrew Schofield was very animated and I loved his use of harmonica. Great festival music, I reckon. I was saying to a friend I could imagine bouncing about to Shifty in a festival marquee. They played a good set. I think (though I could be wrong) that they're a relatively new outfit, and with that in mind, I for one look forward to seeing how they develop.

After a quick change over, the 'Andys' wasted no time in setting about opening trans-dimensional portals to a plethora of swirling soundscapes. The 'Andys' skill in forging amazingly textured soundscapes, deep and sumptuous musical worlds to get lost in, is a wonder. We've seen them a few times now, and at each performance they just keep getting better, which is some achievement as their first gig (first one we saw, anyway) was a corker. From the get go the Andys began our immersion process. Andy Roger is a master of keyboard and synth, appearing to effortlessly create wondrously textured ethereal musical vistas on demand, which he did to great effect. Studiously draped over his stack of keyboards and twiddle boxes, head in close, as if communicating with them, Andy R built up layer upon layer of lovely trippy sounds, on a foundation of wonderful hypnotic trancey beats and rhythms. Maybe there's some crazy symbiosis going on between man and machine? He's also known as Andy Roid, remember. The foundations of their musical universe established, Andy Burrows now set about overlaying it with some magnificent guitar work. Andy Burrows really knows how to make the most of his guitar, he's all over his fretboard like a rash, his fingers a blur, not only that but he's using the whole guitar as an instrument, tapping it here, stroking it there, doing whatever it takes to get his desired sound. Like a guitar wielding silver surfer, or more aptly the silver shredder, Andy B's guitar noodling glid with ease through the musical universe they'd created, stitching it all together. These guys know their onions! Tracks this evening included: the 'Goose of Perception' (a favourite of mine) a long floaty ethereal number which you simply melt into and drift along with, just beautiful; it also includes a great sample of performer Matthew Silver (good choice). There was the 'Banger' a much heavier droney number with a powerful and repetitively hypnotic back beat (like a steam hammer) overlaid with great synth twiddling and some far out shredding and noodling showing off Andy B's guitar skills. Finally, as a special treat, for their last track 'Killed by Yoga' (a new track) they were joined by Mark Robson (of Kangaroo Moon and Here and Now) on didgeridoo. Killed by Yoga has a softer hypnotic drone which slowly built up as it phased in and out, pulsating almost. A magical musical meditation, beautifully performed by three music yogis; the addition of the didg was inspired.  The end of each track was met with enthusiastic applause, well, it would wouldn't it. Well played, sirs!

But then, it was over. Well, the Andys continue to surpass themselves, I for one could have listened to more and I know I wasn't alone. That was a memorable set, I thank you. I think the Andy's enjoyed it too, which is nice. Word on the street is Music of the Andys will be releasing something in the coming months, and if you can't get to see them (though I recommend you do), whatever they release will be well worth getting a copy of. In the meantime to sample their magic, check out 'the goose of perception' on their bandcamp page.

As usual the Arthur was a treat, nice staff, nice regulars (we saw Annie, though she ignored us) and a great sound. It's mad that we'd travel 4 hours (round trip) to a venue with such regularity, but the 'Arthur' really does consistently come up with the goods, booking after booking of class acts. Looking forward at their 2017 calendar, so far this year looks like more of the same.....fantastico! Cary Grace was at the show tonight, if you've not seen Cary live, you must. I saw on the Arthur's calender that she's got a couple of performances pencilled in, one with The Luck of Eden Hall (or at least some of them); I can't wait.  I must mention that Shifty's Andrew Shackleton provided some lovely visuals which complimented the Andys music perfectly, well played, sir.  

Well, what a top night and what a great musical start to the new year. Cheers y'all! Much appreciated.

Fruit on the bough

I've noticed there are still quite a few clumps and isolated apple on several of the Crab Apple Trees (Malus sylvestris).  Not in bad condition either, remaining firm and still juicy. I tried one, still tart, though I feel winters chill has tamed them some and you'd find uses for them. A good wild resource, especially at this barren time of year for foraging.

I am not a money cow!

I am not a money cow, man, and object to being treated as one. We appear to be on and endless conveyor belt of consumption, no sooner has one purchasing opportunity passed, then another rears it's head, thrust before us. And of course, you're expected to participate, the media makes that quite clear, or you'll be different and you don't want to be different, do you? It's deplorable. The all pervasive pressure to continually consume the unwanted and unnecessary in pursuit of the material dream is damaging to us as individuals and collectively.  It's a multifaceted scourge of misery, dressed with enticing bling. We end up encouraged, no, pressured to spend too much, eat too much, get into debt, to participate in these norms and values of our society's events and activities you're told you 'must' participate in to be 'normal'.  Those exhibitions of gratuitous overindulgence shown in Christmas or Easter (substitute what ever event or festival) adverts reflect reality, don't they? No, they suggest that if you're not living like that then you must have failed or just missing out. Which is bollocks of course, but effective bollocks, as people flock to overspend on demand. And when we've messed up, overspent, eaten and drunk ourselves stupid, we're pilloried for our poor choices and lack of self control.  As the song says, 'it takes two baby'.  Yeah, we could exert more self control, but that would be a lot easier if we weren't constantly bombarded with pressure to consume. Sale after sale after sale, endless opportunities, must haves, adverts coming from every surface, speaker and screen.  Though all responsibility is removed from the purveyors, the sellers, the 'dealers', no, the ownness is all on us. What you see in the photo above is selling at its most cynical. We're being encouraged to buy products so in advance of an event (Easter is 15th of April) in the hope we'll consume them and have to buy more. Cynical fuckers! We need to take a stand, man, as Zamo said 'just say, no!'.

Frosty morning

You can't beat a nice frosty morning.

Back in the field

Today was my first proper walk, and first in the forest, since the weekend of the Levellers at the beginning of December. At the Levellers gig (which was fantastic) it became apparent that I wasn't 25 any more and center front may not be the best place for me in a vigorous crowd; it was a buzz though. Anyway, as a result of my 'youthful' exuberance I damaged my medial collateral ligament and was unable to walk any way for a few days, and not much further for a while after and I still feel the need of a knee brace now for stability (when out walking anyway). Over the last week I'd worked myself up to 5 miles, though today set out to test myself, and ended up doing 10.6 miles. The walking on the flat gravel forestry tracks was dandy, up and down hills not so much and off road somewhat precarious and ill advised, every slip causing a sharp twinge (I was certainly right to wear a knee brace). Still, 10 mile plus wasn't bad, and (touch wood) my knee feels okay for it, stiff, but okay. It was great to be back in the field, back in the forest amongst the stands and out in the open heath with its spectacular views. It may have only been a few weeks, though it felt like an age to me. The forest was bathed in winter sunlight, her streams flowing well, engorged by the recent rains, the air clear and clean, it was a joy to all the senses. Our route took us past the Eagle Oak and his two Yew companions, an ancient Oak with a sad tale, set (along with a few other dispersed ancient Oaks) amongst a much younger coniferous plantation.  It's association may be sad, though there's a pleasant calm air to the site, which is always worth a visit, as are any of the forests ancient inhabitants. Lovely day.

The Green Man

Whilst out cycling today I happened upon this Green Man wood sculpture, I must have seen it before, though I have no recollection. I like seeing art out, especially art with an organic aspect, and even more so when it has a spiritual/folklore element.