Waterhall Gallery Performance

I was commissioned by Waterhall Gallery in Birmingham to compose a piece of music in response to viewing Ian McKeever's painting 'Assumptio' (oil and acrylic on canvas). This was performed live on 28th October 2001 using three Soundbeams and a midi keyboard. Here are three excerpts:

First Movement: Atrial fibrillation (MP3, 249kB)

Second Movement: Taking the Medicine (MP3,187kB)

Third Movement: Daimoku Train (MP3, 166kB)

 Felt

I was once a part of the legend that was Felt, who were signed to the Creation label.

I played on two of their albums, 'Forever Breathes the Lonely Word' and 'Poem of the River'.

Hear some short excerpts below:

'Rain of Crystal Spires' (MP3, 117kB)

She lives in the Castle (MP3, 221kb)

 The Day

The Day rose out of the ashes of Felt. Formed by ex-Felt musicians Tony Willé & Marco Thomas, it soon welcomed into its ranks Richard Sames, a gifted and modest guitarist who became a long-term songwriting partner. Richard stayed throughout many personnel changes, until finally, with the demise of Paris Love Mat, we parted company and he went on to form his own band. The Day played at the last ever Felt gig at Burberries in Birmingham, Marco playing bass for both Felt and the Day. They also played with Pulp just before their big break at the Hibernian, Birmingham. At the heart of the Day's sound was the acoustic guitar, crafted tunes and lyrics, and a quirky pop sensibility.

'Will You See Me' (MP3, 187kB)

 Parma Violets

Parma Violets grew out of The Day. This was a more experimental outfit, mixing folk, rock and reggae influences to great effect. The band was augmented by the keyboard playing and vocal dexterity of Ann-Louise McGregor.

'When Jenny Comes Round' (MP3, 188kB)

 Paris Love Mat

'Paris Love Mat' is an anagram of 'Parma Violets'. This started as an acoustic duo (Richard Sames and Tony Willé) and later developed into a three-piece with the addition of Pip Smiley on vocals.

'Crazy Days (excerpt)' (MP3, 236kB)

 Redman Greenman

I was one half of Redman Greenman, a poetry/music duo who toured the alternative cabaret circuit in the late 1980s.

'Missing Persons (excerpt)' (MP3, 160kB)