Music Matters column by Pete Chambers BEM of Coventry Music Museum.
Comedy Carpet
I’ve just had a few days away in Blackpool, and was visiting the music sites like Holy Family Church Hall where Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull played his first gig as part of The Blades, and the run down Kimberley Hotel where Graham Nash of The Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash (& Young) was born.
He wrote the classics ‘King Midas in Reverse’, ‘Our House’, ‘Teach Your Children’ and ‘Marrakesh Express’.
Also. there is the amazing (and very big) Comedy Carpet under the shadow of the tower.
It’s full of catch phrases and comedic quotes. Despite it being comedy, it actually graces the names of two Coventrian comic musicians, Reg Dixon and his catch phrase “I’m not well-I’m proper poorly”, and name-checks T.E.Dunville.
Now Reg Dixon (not to be confused with Reginald Dixon, who actually was famous for playing the Blackpool Tower organ), wrote the very successful song ‘Confidentially’ – a hit too for Danny Kaye.
Dunville was known for his wacky songs like ‘Packed Every Night’ and ‘Night Duty’, he was earning £100 a week back in 1890!
Both were very funny, both were master musicians.
Well this Comedy Carpet got me thinking, how about a Coventry Music Carpet, with lyrics of songs that have been sung by local artists.
I think maybe a 2-Tone one would make something of a statement for City of Culture? It would be a simple but effective way of celebrating some of the multiculturalism that this city is famous for, maybe a piece of Peace & Reconciliation?
The one in Blackpool is the size of a football pitch, but ours could be smaller, gracing the pavement outside the new railway station.
Now there’s a statement for visitors?
Rude Boys EP
Always great to see and hear a new offering from Ska-Waddy.
This time it’s in the form of a CD EP entitled ‘Rude Boys EP”. This three-tracker features the songs “Rude Boys’, ‘Don’t Walk By’ and ‘Going Out’.
Lead singer Natasha Marie is the owner of a voice that is not only powerful, but has a beautiful timbre to it, a voice you could listen to all day.
It’s in full evidence on all three tracks, working perfectly with Mark Rider’s guitar fills and Evan Anderson’s keyboards, all backed up by Chris Willis’ percussion treatments perfectly.
The band have gone from strength to strength, and it’s great to see this hard working band still making great music.
Pre-lockdown, Ska-Waddy probably played at a venue near you, such was their popularity.
Roll on the day when live music can return
