As Frome considers the concept of a "shared space" in the Market Place, here's an interesting take on the subject from the Capital:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-24032482-shared-space-is-the-future-for-londons-roads.do
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Saturday 28 January 2012
Music to our ears?
To the Big Garage On The Hill (aka the Wiltshire Music Centre - see blog of 18.12.11) for Québecois trio, Genticorum.
The auditorium looked slightly less stark than at our last visit as the tastefully pastel-coloured acoustic panels had been put up to give the place a more intimate sound. But it still feels more car maintenance than concert hall. The band was good - technically highly proficient with oodles of good humour in their presentation. But only the a capella numbers gave the hairs on the back of my neck any exercise. This was perhaps more to do with the very nature of the French-Canadian music they play which, stripped of the big band arrangements of the likes of La Bottine Souriante or the more eclectic style of La Volée d'Castors, comes across as rather relentlessly repetitive.
It didn't help that for the whole of the first half Yann Falquet's guitar was virtually inaudible. I mentioned this to him in the interval (someone had to) and matters improved somewhat in part 2.That was until Yann whipped out his Jew's Harp (!) - which we couldn't hear either.
There's not much point in playing a hall which trumpets "the best acoustic outside London", if your sound engineer has Van Gogh's ear for music.
www.genticorum.com
www. wiltshiremusic.org
The auditorium looked slightly less stark than at our last visit as the tastefully pastel-coloured acoustic panels had been put up to give the place a more intimate sound. But it still feels more car maintenance than concert hall. The band was good - technically highly proficient with oodles of good humour in their presentation. But only the a capella numbers gave the hairs on the back of my neck any exercise. This was perhaps more to do with the very nature of the French-Canadian music they play which, stripped of the big band arrangements of the likes of La Bottine Souriante or the more eclectic style of La Volée d'Castors, comes across as rather relentlessly repetitive.
It didn't help that for the whole of the first half Yann Falquet's guitar was virtually inaudible. I mentioned this to him in the interval (someone had to) and matters improved somewhat in part 2.That was until Yann whipped out his Jew's Harp (!) - which we couldn't hear either.
There's not much point in playing a hall which trumpets "the best acoustic outside London", if your sound engineer has Van Gogh's ear for music.
www.genticorum.com
www. wiltshiremusic.org
Saturday 21 January 2012
Wassup? Wassail!
Today, myself, Mrs W and a friend from Surrey attended the Kilmersdon Wassail, held in the village that gave the world "Jack and Jill". This was my bright idea, as I've always had an interest in folk traditions - and the others humoured me. We travelled from Frome with some trepidation, as village events don't always welcome outsiders with open arms (visions of Royston Vasey and the Local Shop for Local People came to mind). However, we needn't have worried. While it would be inaccurate to say we were clutched to the bosom of Kilmersdon, the people were welcoming enough and certainly did not make visitors feel excluded. A ploughman's lunch (with cider - of course) in the Village Hall (with music from the Village Band) was followed by the crowning of the 2012 Wassail Queen. As MC Martin Horler (splendid in smock and bowler - and playing a mean pair of spoons) explained: they don't elect the Queen, it's more like the naming of a new Dalai Lama - they just know who it should be...
Cam Valley Morris danced in the car park and and then off we 'processed', past the church, up the hill to the Community Orchard (via a flood from the sewage works), led by the band. The Queen placed a slice of toast in one of the apple trees (to attract Robin Goodfellow) and poured cider around its roots (to remind it of its purpose in life), shotguns were fired (to scare away the evil spirits), the Kilmersdon Wassail Song was sung, spiced mulled cider was drunk by all from Wassail Cups (hygiene regs?), Cam Morris danced and off we went to repeat the process in the grounds of the Old School House. This was followed by tea (in proper cups), apple cake and more dancing.
The whole event was brilliantly managed - relaxed, yet well organised. No-one was rushed, but the timetable was (more or less) adhered to. There was great good humour, but the tradition was respected. Martin was a terrific host - not assuming everyone there knew exactly was going on and explaining the various elements with wit and warmth.
A vital midwinter ritual well worth preserving and sustaining - or a load of superstitious old nonsense reserved for sandal-wearing folkies? (though any sandal wearers would have got rather damp and cold today). On the evidence of this afternoon, the former wholeheartedly gets my vote. Oh, and the spiced cider was superb...
www.camvalleymorris.org.uk
http://homepages.tesco.net/~brennig.jones/kilmersdon.htm
Cam Valley Morris danced in the car park and and then off we 'processed', past the church, up the hill to the Community Orchard (via a flood from the sewage works), led by the band. The Queen placed a slice of toast in one of the apple trees (to attract Robin Goodfellow) and poured cider around its roots (to remind it of its purpose in life), shotguns were fired (to scare away the evil spirits), the Kilmersdon Wassail Song was sung, spiced mulled cider was drunk by all from Wassail Cups (hygiene regs?), Cam Morris danced and off we went to repeat the process in the grounds of the Old School House. This was followed by tea (in proper cups), apple cake and more dancing.
The whole event was brilliantly managed - relaxed, yet well organised. No-one was rushed, but the timetable was (more or less) adhered to. There was great good humour, but the tradition was respected. Martin was a terrific host - not assuming everyone there knew exactly was going on and explaining the various elements with wit and warmth.
A vital midwinter ritual well worth preserving and sustaining - or a load of superstitious old nonsense reserved for sandal-wearing folkies? (though any sandal wearers would have got rather damp and cold today). On the evidence of this afternoon, the former wholeheartedly gets my vote. Oh, and the spiced cider was superb...
www.camvalleymorris.org.uk
http://homepages.tesco.net/~brennig.jones/kilmersdon.htm
Sunday 15 January 2012
Milky Music
Saturday night we ventured out for our first experience of "legendary" Frome pub, The Griffin. Known for its music, it is also the 'tap' of the less-than-imaginatively-named Milk Street Brewery (you can guess the address). At least the name gives them the opportunity to adopt a cute, stylised cow as their logo (but, curiously, they do not seem to produce a milk stout...)
Last night (as I assume on all music nights) one is directed into the bar via the yard, past barrels of Funky Monkey and other slightly irritatingly titled brews. But the proof of the pudding is in the drinking and Gulp was a tasty, refreshing ale (Mrs Weekender also gave the seal of the approval to the Rioja). Appearing was Bemis, an acoustic covers duo/trio (America, Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel etc). It was impossible to see them as the pub is small and the only spare seats were at the back (the lack of stage lighting didn't help). But they sounded fine and were not mere copyists, which is always good news. Many of the locals chatted away as if there was no live performance going on, but we give it 6.5 out of 10 for the quality of the booze and the music. I'm sure we'll go back some time (but definitely try and get a perch near the front where we can both see and hear...)
www.milkstreetbrewery.co.uk
Last night (as I assume on all music nights) one is directed into the bar via the yard, past barrels of Funky Monkey and other slightly irritatingly titled brews. But the proof of the pudding is in the drinking and Gulp was a tasty, refreshing ale (Mrs Weekender also gave the seal of the approval to the Rioja). Appearing was Bemis, an acoustic covers duo/trio (America, Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel etc). It was impossible to see them as the pub is small and the only spare seats were at the back (the lack of stage lighting didn't help). But they sounded fine and were not mere copyists, which is always good news. Many of the locals chatted away as if there was no live performance going on, but we give it 6.5 out of 10 for the quality of the booze and the music. I'm sure we'll go back some time (but definitely try and get a perch near the front where we can both see and hear...)
www.milkstreetbrewery.co.uk
Sunday 8 January 2012
Frome Folk
Frome is hosting its first Folk Festival in February.
When this was announced there was rejoicing at Weekender Towers, as Mrs W and myself are very partial to a bit of 'trad. arr.' However, as the line-up was gradually unveiled our collective heart sank somewhat. Highly talented people like Spiers & Boden, Steve Knightley and Chris Wood are the leading acts - top names on the English Folk Scene, indeed. But not really the sort of performer to get the blood racing in anticipation of them visiting 'our town'. They are hard-working musicians who are on the road a lot, so there are frequent opportunities to see them around and about. There's no 'wow' element in the acts on offer. No surprises. Nothing that makes this festival stand out from myriad others in the UK (except that it's being held in the winter - and while that's rare, it's not unique). I really don't like to criticise, as the idea of a weekend of traditional music in Frome is to be loudly applauded. But it all feels a bit safe and predictable.
The 'Early Bird' ticket prices are on offer right up until the event, which suggests that sales are not as healthy as they might be. Is this because of the general economic malaise? Or something to do with the programme? I do hope the FFF gets through its first year OK and becomes a regular fixture. But a bit more imagination in the booking policy would not go amiss from now on.
Familiarity breeds contempt - or contentment? We'll find out on the 18th February.
www.fromefolkfestival.co.uk
When this was announced there was rejoicing at Weekender Towers, as Mrs W and myself are very partial to a bit of 'trad. arr.' However, as the line-up was gradually unveiled our collective heart sank somewhat. Highly talented people like Spiers & Boden, Steve Knightley and Chris Wood are the leading acts - top names on the English Folk Scene, indeed. But not really the sort of performer to get the blood racing in anticipation of them visiting 'our town'. They are hard-working musicians who are on the road a lot, so there are frequent opportunities to see them around and about. There's no 'wow' element in the acts on offer. No surprises. Nothing that makes this festival stand out from myriad others in the UK (except that it's being held in the winter - and while that's rare, it's not unique). I really don't like to criticise, as the idea of a weekend of traditional music in Frome is to be loudly applauded. But it all feels a bit safe and predictable.
The 'Early Bird' ticket prices are on offer right up until the event, which suggests that sales are not as healthy as they might be. Is this because of the general economic malaise? Or something to do with the programme? I do hope the FFF gets through its first year OK and becomes a regular fixture. But a bit more imagination in the booking policy would not go amiss from now on.
Familiarity breeds contempt - or contentment? We'll find out on the 18th February.
www.fromefolkfestival.co.uk
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