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Poppies From A Tray 2 – still none more Wordy

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They said it couldn’t be done but here we are, edition 2 is ready for download now, which, in the ever escalating world of media crisis makes us something of a national institution already.

We are continuing with our theme of letting interviews stretch for as short or long a time as feels natural, or until our welcome has been so far outstayed that the Police are called. So it is that we feature epics with John Altman, the George Martin of The Rutles, and Dave Gregory, guitarist extraordinaire with XTC and the up and coming Tin Spirits.

Norway’s premier songstress Silje Leirvik was generous enough with her time to indulge in an email interview that went back and forth and putative record company mogul Sam Slater talked about new Birmingham jazz label Stoney Lane.

The archives gave up an old radio interview with Phil Collins and a bit of plaque polishing – not a euphemism – put us in mind of Richard Wright. Finally, and sadly, as we were completing the issue, the death of Chris Squire demanded recognition too.

We continue to sail off into the deep and distant waters of soup to nuts conversation and » Continue Reading.

Mandala

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Venue:

93 Feet East, Brick Lane, London

Date: 18/06/2015

Formed in 1997, on hiatus for the better part of a decade, Mandala have finally produced a debut album – Midnight Twilight, very warmly recommended and good enough to get me to travel 150 miles for this gig – and played a showcase in London to celebrate.

While the album itself is impressive enough, live you get a different angle on the band, which is how it should be with any proper rock act. This is power trio stuff with a nicely psychedelic edge, featuring excellent musicians who used their chops in the service of songs rather than noodling.

Much of the energy comes from Will Spurling, a whirling dervish of a drummer, propelling the band along with a performance that is a show in itself. Holding things down alongside him is Francis Booth, a bass player with a melodic edge straight from the McCartney school. Out front is singer and guitarist Rhys Marsh, the man behind the increasingly impressive Autumnsongs Records label and a likely usurper of Steven Wilson’s crown as the busiest, and most trustworthy man in contemporary music.

Robbed of the textures they had on » Continue Reading.

Poppies From A Tray ebook – None more Wordy…

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Issue one of an ebook dedicated to long form interviews featuring Steve Hackett, Yes (Geoff Downes), Cowboy Junkies (Mike Timmins), Big Big Train and Matt Stevens. Available for download now from just £1. The introduction to it, and the web address is below. Thank you kindly….

Welcome to the opening strains of “Poppies From A Tray”. Think of it as the deafening mellotron at the start of “Watcher of the Skies”, the curl of feedback that opens “I Feel Fine”, the hiss of the pipes that greets “Mining For Gold”, or whichever opening note takes your fancy.

Comrades, we stand at the beginning of a grand journey, at the start line of absurd ambition. Our goal? To produce a regular ebook of far ranging interviews, none of them constricted by the usual boundaries of design and capacity.

Using the infinite inventory of the ebook format, our interviews will extend for as long as they hold our interest, or until our victims lose patience and throw us through a window – we travel with a team of paramedics at all times.

Please, spread the word. You are our advertising budget. Spend it wisely.

http://www.poppiesfromatray.uk/download/ @poppiesfromtray

10CC

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Venue:

Birmingham Symphony Hall

Date: 16/02/2015

Graham Gouldman keeps the flame flickering for one of the smartest bands these islands have ever produced, far more appropriate heirs to The Beatles than the oft referenced ELO. Yes, some will carp art the absence of the other 3, particularly Eric Stewart who carried on the show with Goldman after Godley & Creme left but long term 10CCers Rick Fenn & Paul Burgess are there to add a stamp of authenticity. The first half sees the band playing “Sheet Music” in its entirety, beautifully rendered, immaculately played. Full of terrific songs that age beautifully, “Old Wild Men” was a standout, as was the appearance of Kevin Godley on the screen behind them. That’s followed by a second half of hits that demonstrate the breadth and brilliance of 10CC as a songwriter’s collective as much as production whizzkids. Once upon a time, some dismissed them as too clever by half – a typically British attack – but while there is no denying 10CC’s intelligence, it’s the warmth and the wit that really strikes a chord. Long may Goldman keep this show on the road.

The audience:

How did we all get so old? » Continue Reading.