BAND REVIEWS by Tim Jefferson

Spot are local lads. They're a four-piece. They describe their stuff as rock punk. I think they had more of a pop edge than anything else. I mean this as a compliment as their music went down well. I was struck by the tight and rich vocal harmonies and by the smooth texture of their material. They've done well so far and have backed Backyard Babies and the massive Feeder. No mean achievement. They do mostly venues; Norwich Arts Centre, The Waterfront etc. Check out their web site: www.spotband.2ya.com. They have a new album in the pipeline from Purple Studios and should be available in the autumn. I think this will be worth listening to. I think their stuff is good but with a secret recipe like theirs it's easy to fall into the trap of using the same recipe each time. Careful use of changes in inclusion and dynamics will secure their sound survives. I wish them well. With so much thrash around these days it takes courage to be different. Try to see them live. We need the odd gig like this.

I finish this review on a sad note. My job is done. I've had the pleasure of watching many fine groups and have been given the chance to understand an area of music I never experienced in my career, namely cover number bands. It's all about giving the right feel to a pub. The Crown is a major player in the music scene and original music at The Crown is to be applauded and encouraged.

Teen+ Scene YOUR Column YOUR interests ALL AGES Which word has six letters where you can take one away and get eight?

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Many thanks to those who have replied to my previous requests for information about traditional music making in North Norfolk.The area was certainly a lively one for pub music and song and country dances, in the first half of last century. I'm still very keen to hear from anyone who has memories of such people as Blakeney blacksmith Herbert Smith, who played the fiddle, Briston photographer Herbert Remmington who played fiddle, piano and dulcimer, Billy Lown from Cley who sang and played melodeon (button accordion) and Cley's ratcatcher George Dix, who used to entertain in the pub with his dancing dolls.
A lively place for music and song in the area was Bale Oak, where Sonny Barber, Horace Brighty and Pat Chesney played accordions and John Preston played the fiddle, to accompany the singers and step dancers. I'd be very keen to hear from anyone who remembers the music making in this pub, or any other around the area.
Many thanks,
Chris Holderness. 18 Providence Place, Briston, NR24 2HZ

 

Car Boot/Tabletop Sale. Briston Village Hall/The Copeman Centre
Saturday October 1st  9am-12noon.
The cost will be £5 per car/table
Setting up from 8am.
Refreshments available.
Advance booking:- only £4 per car/table
Or share a table with a friend it will be cheaper and you can share the workload, and have fun!
Contact- Terry Serne - 01263 862244 Or- Claire Carter- 01263 861340
Many, many thanks to all who helped decorate the hall during the holidays in time for the Nursery to come back on site.
There are still things that need to be finished with the new kitchen, but we are nearly there!!