Having dipped my toe into the murky waters of promotion on a couple of occasions I am full of respect and awe for the people who do it week in, week out. It’s a mug’s game if you’re looking for financial security or restful nights. There is, however, an addictive quality to the process as potentially you see a room full(ish) of people enjoying the fruits of your labours. There is an implicit recognition and validation of your tastes. You like this artist and have brought them to us – we approve of your choice and have paid to be entertained and will thank you on our way out. A simple exchange, as these things go, but very heartening.
I was drawn to be thinking of these things by a lovely night out last week wherein 30 folks packed into an ancient blacksmith’s forge which had been converted to a community cafe to hear two Scotsmen (Boulder Fields) and a local (Kieron Fallon) entertain them for a couple of hours for the princely sum of £12. The promoter Rob Walker was running the kitchen serving chillis and the like, it was bring your own booze and the lighting was either in your eyes or off. The sound was wonderful and the vibe for a Thursday night, deep in the Northants countryside, was positively brilliant. And this is going on throughout the country, not as often as it used to, but it is still happening in a myriad of wonderful and off-beat venues be they churches, village halls, tea rooms, or even rowing clubs. I tip my hat to all of you erstwhile promoters, as do the musicians who play in these brilliant venues. Next up Hannah White in Great Easton Village Hall on the 24th of this month courtesy of another intrepid, small-town promoter Mark Howson.
So, as far as listening goes, it must be Hannah White and then the very interesting Caamp, who have a new album out next month that I highly recommend. The radio show featured a Dylan fest given that it’s his birthday tomorrow “Blonde on Blonde” is the classic album (although I got so excited I played one track twice rather than three separate tracks (doh!)) and Bob covers from Willie Nelson, Dave Alvin, Sheila Atim and Jeff Tweedy plus the usual chaos. As ever…
