Ah we meet again, let me give you the lowdown on what has been happening in our little world since last we spoke.
Firstly we need to introduce you to some new members of the team – Jack, Emily and Alex, who are helping us to branch out around the country with regards to promotions and events, with Emily being based in Nottingham, Alex in Birmingham and Jack in the not too distant future moving from Stafford to Manchester. The empire begins!
Also need to tell you about a new project that I’m involved in after being hoicked into it by local composer Ellie Davies. The project revolves around the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Stoke (Longton if we’re being precise).
So last weekend I took the role of chief sound monkey as took a trip to the museum for the day. Tasked with recording a mixture of sounds that we can then use later on and incorporate into Ellie’s compositions and the perform as a whole. So from kilns to smashing pots, we’ve covered it all…
We stopped smashing things just long enough to gather some very engaging interviews with two of the pottery employees, one a painter and the other a flower maker. We managed to get some fantastic stories and anecdotes from both of then, and really got a feel for what it was like working in the pottery industry in and around Stoke. So watch this space! Will keep you posted.
See more about it here… https://www.facebook.com/Gd2013
Upcoming Events
You can see Assorted Records’ very own Sophie Bohanan performing at the Stone Christmas lights switch-on on Thursday 22nd November. Also performing is Stone’s Ben Owen and Phoenix
November the 17th sees the Stafford Lights Switch on, which in keeping with recent tradition features a host of music talent coming together to entertain the crowds, might be even some people you recognise…
Later on, on the 17th Number sees Number 15 in Stafford host the next in the series of their Acoustic Nights in association with us. Featuring a stellar line-up of lovely local talent, Stone’s own Laura Poppit along with Assorted standard Tammy Davis, Dave Norcup and the mighty High House. As this is also the night that the Christmas Lights get switched on in Stafford, we’re starting a little earlier than usual at around 6pm so come in and warm yourself up with a cocktail and some music!
The 16th November sees Assorted host our 2nd music night in as many weeks at a venue in Burslem called Bad Edit, situated in The Old Post Office, it’s a great little venue and throughout the week they host a variety of events including open mic night every Saturday and a poetry session. But on the 16th we present a great lineup which includes Strauss and Strauss, High House and Adam French. Starts at 8pm, tickets are £3 in advance or £4 on the door.
Final gig to let you know about is the 2nd instalment of Jazz, Blues and Cocktails at Number 15 in Stafford on the 1st December, featuring some exquisite local talent, in the form of Couch Chameleons, Jim McShee & Keryl Colwill.
Keep you eyes peeled as we’ll have some more events happening at Bad Edit in the not too distant future. (December to be precise).
Local talent that you should definitely know about
Helena Raby
You only come across a voice like Helena’s very occasionally, a blend of soul and purity. Along with the singer/songwriter Daniel Marsden these pair have just recorded a new E.P. together entitled The Boat E.P. …. Available free from that thing called SoundCloud. It’s good! https://soundcloud.com/danieljohnmarsden/sets/boat-ep/
This month I have mostly been listening to…
Stereophonics – Just Enough Education to Perform
After performing at the Olympics celebrations it’s probably fair to say that the welsh rockers just played the biggest gig of their life. Easily one of their best albums to date, and it’s hard to see them surpassing it.
Just Enough Education to Perform, encompasses both blistering rock riffs and the bands softer side with the interjection of more downbeat tracks, including their eponymous Handbags and Gladrags cover. This album is a perfect example of a band working harmoniously and seemingly effortlessly to create one of their best collections.
Musical Words of Wisdom
‘I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me – like food or water” – Ray Charles
Pete Roch
www.assortedrecords.com
