| BAND
REVIEW - Tim Jefferson |
| Porcupine are a local group. I like to
see this. They're a band that reluctantly includes covers in their set. It's good to see
'The Crown' taking a risk against the tide of public demand for cover number bands and to
see Porcupine doing the same. This is a lesson for all. There are some really fun local
cover number bands in Sheringham; HyTide and Razor Sharp and these are so important but we
need original material as well. With Porcupine we got some. They are 4 piece:
Guitar/Vocal; Keyboard/Vocal; Bass and Drums. I had the pleasure of hearing their EP C.D.
before seeing them. They have a gentle Rock feel and the chordal construction of their
songs was intricate and clever. They have a good following and this speaks volumes
about what they do. Keyboards because of their potential, especially if played well, can
throw a choking blanket over a group. The keyboard in this group blended well and her
vocals, which were sung in unison (same notes and same octave) strengthened the lead
vocal, providing important impetus to their stuff. I felt that their use of the telecaster
(famous Fender guitar) gave the middle ground a cutting edge, which was sometimes lacking
when the Gibson (another famous guitar) was used. On these occasions the guitar melted too
closely with the Bass guitar. The round edge to humbucker pickups coupled with their light
rock usage in this music was responsible. This band was tight and pleasantly lively. Good,
tight and appropriate drumming gave a professional bite to proceedings. This band is well
worth seeing. |
|
Norman and pupils - St. Peter's
Church
Norman Moor is a local String teacher. He harnesses a bunch of highly talented youngsters
to produce some beautiful sounds. There's no doubt that some of them will join the ranks
of the professional. This is therefore a rare privilege. Sixteen youngsters on violin and
cello playing ensemble (all together music speak) and doing solos and duos. Very
impressive. Its all a tonic to those who denegrade youngsters for doing nothing with their
lives. Wrong again. This country is littered with local youth Orchestras of this kind. As
you know I run one myself. My lot meet every Saturday morning from January to June, when
we went on tour in Norway, for three hours plus travelling time. The hours of isolated
practice and self-discipline go unheralded in a world focused on noisy ostentation.They're
a credit to us all. On top of that I demand high standards of musicianship and conduct. I
am honoured by what they give me in return. We are all honoured by it. It was
interesting to see three pairs of brothers and sisters in this orchestra. They did a range
of light classics and I particularly enjoyed the soloists for reminding me of the courage
I had to find on my first solo performance in front of a hostile school audience. The
feeling of being recognised for having that courage has never left me. If you can't think
of any other reason for the importance of children learning to play music, (which results
in performance) then you've just found one. Hats off to these youngsters and their
marvellous teacher, Norman Moor. |
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Teen+ Scene
YOUR Column
YOUR interests. |
| Jessica dropped an earring in her
coffee, but the earring did not get wet. How could this be? |
| Parkinsons
Disease Society |
We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, usually from
10.30 to 12.00. We have to get out tables, chairs, and coffee cups etc before the meeting,
and (when the speaker has finished) prepare and take round the drinks before clearing
away. Committee workers are needed to help run events, outings, sales etc. We have a
Secretary and Treasurer so the frightening bit is covered!) We have a Respite holiday
chalet in Cromer and sometimes need help with this on turn-round days (Saturdays), and in
spring and autumn (getting ready, clearing out etc). Please do you have a few free hours a
month when you could help us with anything from carrying cups of coffee at meetings to
joining in with the Committee work, as much or as little involvement as you wish?
Parkinsons is not contagious, but it does limit our ability to cope with some of these
things. We are a friendly group in need of some able bodied helpers (no nursing or
personal help), so if you are looking for something worthwhile to do for a few hours a
month, and would like to meet with some new faces, why not come along to one of our
meetings and see what you think of us! We meet at the St. Johns Hall, Bond Street, Cromer.
Setting up from 10am, the meeting starts at 10.30. For more information please contact Rev
Arthur Windridge on 01263 515138 or Lorna Flowerdew on 01263 511126 |
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