Shaw Thing

Introducing Stu: who will be joining me for Shindig, Bath Fringe and – hopefully -Glastonbury this year. It’s a Shaw thing he’ll be on the money…

Rapport

Over the past year or so, I’ve had the great pleasure of working with – and getting to know – the incomparable Stuart Shaw. Stu plays bass with the Andy Burden Band and Made by Martians, with both of whom I’m on drums. It’s important for drummers and bassists to have a good rapport. And, with Stu, this was established very quickly. With the latter outfit this is particular useful, since everything we do is semi-improvised (catch us this Friday at The Ram in Widcombe if you want to check us out).

But – like all good musicians – Stu doesn’t confine his talents to one instrument. When accompanying break-through country/rock singer Rhiannon Paige, Stu also doubles as guitarist. So, when I discovered that my regular partner-in-crime, Rob Whale, was unavailable for this year’s tour-opener at Shindig Festival, I invited Stu to join me on guitar and bass. The beauty of this is that you lucky people can get to see both together for a special Fringe outing of ‘Love & Hope‘ at The Bell on May 28th (8pm).

Inclusive and Immersive

One of the joys of putting these shows together is the opportunity of connecting fabulous players who might otherwise never meet. And connection is a central theme of the evening. During these trying times, it’s more important than ever that we remain open to one another. Singing and dancing together aren’t frivolous activities. They are essential to spiritual well-being and social cohesion.

So, we are counting on you to come and get involved. As with all of my fringe shows, this will be an inclusive and immersive experience. But not one that will make you uncomfortable (it’s possible that line was crossed in previous outings). This time, we feel it’s important to provide a joyous and uplifting diversion. Not to say it will be lightweight. The songs won’t shy away from pressing matters of the day. But they will offer an underlying message of love and hope.

Free Your Mind

It’s particularly apt to have Stu onboard for this. In a previous life, he was ‘something big in the city’. There, he worked for ‘the man’ and, ultimately, made himself miserable. Like so many, Stu had been lured into a world of shiny promises. Which really only served to make him part of a self-feeding machine. To a greater or lesser extent, we are all slaves to that system. A system that isn’t broken but is, rather, ill-conceived.

But we needn’t be trapped. Like Stu, we can choose not to play the game. It takes courage and sacrifice but we are all capable of both. “So free your mind / Let go your soul” (to quote a song you’ve not yet heard). And the best way I know of to do that is through music. To quote the same song “Tonight we dance, tonight we sing / No matter what the dawn may bring.”

I think we can all get onside with that. Don’t you?

April 17, 2025April 30, 2025

Sometimes You Just Know…

Sometimes you just know when you’ve teamed-up with the right person. Meet Miche, the latest to collaborate on one of my crazy Fringe shows…

Getting To Know You

I had a ‘production meeting’ (coffee and cake) this week with Miche, the latest to collaborate on one of my crazy Fringe shows. Sometimes you just know when you’ve teamed-up with the right person. Though we’ve known one another for twenty-five years, we realised that we’d never really taken the time to get to know each other properly.

Miche lives a few doors from where both of my children were born and DJs in a local pub venue, where I’ve had the pleasure to perform numerous times. Well, not any venue: it’s the location of our up-coming joint Bath Fringe outing, namely The Bell on Walcot Street in Bath. And – if you’ve never been before – you’re in for a treat. We’ll be in the back bar, affectionately known as the Love Lounge. Which is the ideal location for our show “Love and Hope”.

Mutual Trust

During our conversation, we covered a lot of ground. To the layperson, it may have seemed as though we were just wasting time, chewing the fat and putting the world to rights. But the creative process is a mysterious beast. In order to effectively collaborate, it’s important to establish mutual trust and open-heartedness. Any public performance demands a level of vulnerability. So, in order to work with somebody new, you have to lay yourself bare. Well, not literally – the gentil clientele of the Holburne Museum café were traumatised enough by our raucous and unfiltered dialogue!

Time and again, Miche would be holding-forth on a topic dear to her heart and I’d say “I have a new song precisely about that!”. And her response to my description of one of the more personal songs led to a “Eureka” moment. I knew that the final ingredient for this show had – until now – eluded me. And here it was. Thanks Miche.

New Songs & Old Favourites

What was it? Well, you’ll just have to come to The Bell on May 28th (8pm) to find out. What I can say is you’ll get a raft of new songs (and some old favourites) from me and my long-term collaborator Rob Whale. These deliver tales of protest, love and redemption, in a folk-pop style, somewhere in the region of Billy Bragg, Levellers and Beans on Toast. Interspersed will be soulful discs that DJ “Mumma Quiche” (that’s Miche) will spin, selected spontaneously, in response to each song.

Get Involved

So, come along and get involved. Come and dance, sing, listen and be uplifted. Let’s be honest, right now we could all use some love and hope!

See you there…

Where & When

The Bell Inn ‘Love Lounge’, 103 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BW

Wed 28th May 2025 – 8:00pm

May 22, 2023May 22, 2023

Back By Popular Demand

Those of you who came to ‘Bike to The Future’ last year will have seen the multi-talented Rob Whale in all his glory. Rest assured, this time he’ll be properly dressed!

Want to See More?

If you weren’t there, you may be wondering what I’m on about. Suffice to say, wearing his Lycra cycling gear, some of Rob’s outstanding features were somewhat enhanced by the stage lighting. Which – apparently – some found rather distracting.

But enough of that. Rob is a hugely talented musician: violinist, composer, arranger, pianist, bassist, guitarist – and, of course, keen cyclist. Rob made a late appearance in last year’s show and many audience members suggested they’d like to see more of him. (How much more of him could you possibly want to see?!)

Small Instrument – Big Impact

So, whereas his visual impact may be a little restrained this time around, Rob will be onstage throughout the set. And, in addition to the violin and harmony vocals he provided last time, he will now also be playing ukulele bass. Yes – you read that correctly ukelele bass.

There’s a reason for choosing this diminutive instrument to provide a little more bottom end – so to speak. And that is that Rob will be accompanying me throughout my cycle tour, of which our appearance in Making a Song & Dance is a part. Carrying a full-scale bass guitar, together with the rest of the gear, would be out of the question. Hence the ukulele.

When you see Rob in action, you’ll be surprised at what a big impact such a small instrument can have (behave!).

Icing On The Cake

And there’s more…

Last year, we had the amazing Martin Craddick join us on guitar for the show’s finale at the Old Theatre Royal. This time around, we have another mystery guest. Oh yes. But I won’t be revealing their identity.

Suffice to say we’ve appeared together before and recently recorded – in another band setting – at one of the UK’s most iconic studios. When you see them perform, I think you’ll agree they provide the icing on the cake, as far as this show is concerned. And there really is only one way to find out whether you agree.

You know what to do…

Making a Song & Dance (‘2020 Vision’ and ‘Bike to The Future’ double-header) at Burdall’s Yard, Bath event tickets from TicketSource

May 12, 2023May 15, 2023

Let’s Get Things Moving

Last week, I told you a little about the dance piece ‘2020 Vision’ – the opening act of ‘Making a Song & Dance’. Now I’d like to introduce you to the facilitator of that piece: the multi-talented Kara Herbert

In Retreat

Kara has been dancing for more years than would be polite to mention. I suspect she has a portrait in the attic, as you’d never guess quite how long. And her eternal youthfulness may have something to do with all the hours of yoga she puts in.

My other dance collaborators and I often joke, when Kara doesn’t appear at one of our meetings, that she’s probably on an island somewhere. No, Kara’s not some millionaire play-person: she goes to said islands to work (… and play a bit). The work in question is running yoga retreats. Which – as mentioned – clearly work. For Kara, at least.

Education, Education, Education

When not on an island, Kara runs regular contemporary dance sessions in Bath. These are open to all, though the standard is high and dancers are expected to stretch themselves (geddit?). In fact, some of her regulars will be appearing in 2020 Vision, so you’ll get to see just how accomplished they are.

Other strings to Kara’s bow are working with the elderly and school pupils. In fact, keeping people of all ages and abilities moving is her driving passion. So, Kara really is the ideal person to facilitate the movement element of Making a Song & Dance. And I’m delighted to have her aboard.

Structured Improvisation

Last week, Kara and I spent some time at Burdall’s Yard to plan-out how the dance will work within the space. As you may remember, this will be improvised during workshops on the day of the performance. Rest assured, we have thoroughly planned the structure, so that it will deliver a coherent, developed, yet spontaneous experience for both participants and audience.

Alongside Kara’s students will be current and former students of Bath Spa’s amazing undergraduate and post-graduate Dance courses. These are joined by students of physical theatre, some local practising dancers and one or two less experienced – yet enthusiastic – participants. And this blend of styles and abilities is key to what we hope to achieve.

Where ‘Audience’ Ends & ‘Performer’ Begins

As with my previous shows, I’m keen to explore the dynamic between audience and performer. I would argue that, in any good show, each is equally important and all are participants. This doesn’t mean audiences need to be put into an uncomfortable situation. Rather, they are encouraged to be actively present and engaged.

In this instance, the piece will allow for a degree of active participation on the part of audience members. However, this is by no means a requirement. None of us likes to be coerced or manipulated and we certainly won’t be aiming for that with 2020 Vision.

And don’t forget, the second half will be a straight forward ‘gig’. Then you’ll really be able to let go. More of which later…

Being There

But, in order for this to be a performance at all, it does require an audience. So can I please urge you to book your tickets now? We’ve made advanced booking cheaper for you. And, for structural reasons, it will be really useful to know in advance how many to expect.

The space is genuinely limited, so we are hoping for a sell-out. That being the case, there won’t be tickets on the door. So please do book early and secure your spot.

Sales pitch over… for now 😊.

Thank you.

Making a Song & Dance (‘2020 Vision’ and ‘Bike to The Future’ double-header) at Burdall’s Yard, Bath event tickets from TicketSource

May 4, 2023May 5, 2023

Time To Connect

I explained before how the sound-scape ‘2020 Vision’ came into being (here). Let’s now see how this will form the basis for an improvised dance performance at this year’s Bath Fringe.

Community Collaboration

One of the great things about putting on these shows has been the opportunity to collaborate with the wider artistic community in and around Bath. In particular, Bath Spa University has been a great source of support and student participants. And this time is no exception.

The university has vibrant dance, drama and music departments. In previous shows, I have worked with members of the student choir and their leader Francis Faux, as well as undergraduate dance students. This time, current and former dance and acting students will be joining members of other local groups and societies.

Fresh, Improvised & Engaging

The piece will be workshopped on the day of the performance, then presented for your edification that evening. So, the movement will be fresh, improvised and engaging. You, the audience, will be in among the action. You may even be moved (excuse the pun) to join in!

But don’t let that frighten you. You may have noticed I’ve avoided the words ‘audience participation’. This is clearly anathema to some and can conjure images of cloying, enforced ‘fun’. Rest assured there’ll be none of that (cloying, I mean 😊)!

Collective Experience

The point of the piece is to explore our need for connection. And this especially in the light of recent collective experience. So, nobody will be made to feel uncomfortable. You can sit back and enjoy the ride, or get involved, as you wish.

I’m confident the soundtrack alone will sweep you away into a place of contemplation, with moments of humour, darkness and reflection. Coupled with the close-up movement, this will be a unique and immersive experience. Intrigued? You should be.

Who’s The Mummy in The Photo?

Well, that’s me, of course. We wanted to present an image for Making a Song & Dance that combines its two halves. I won’t actually be singing during the dance. That comes later.

It’s really a show of two halves. The first, as described, an immersive soundscape and dance improvisation. The second will be a fairly straight forward ‘gig’. I’ll write a little more about that shortly but suffice to say, it will feature songs and stories that take forward the themes of connection and collective action.

The Future Keeps On Coming

If you came to last year’s Bike to The Future, you’ll be familiar with some of the songs. And you’ll have met my more talented half, Rob Whale. By popular demand, Rob will be performing throughout the set this time, rather than just at the end. Perhaps more importantly, he’ll also be properly dressed. And there may also be the odd guest appearance. By which, I mean the appearance of an odd guest.

Our contribution to Making a Song & Dance forms part of this year’s Bike to The Future tour. This sees us cycling from Bath to Shindig Festival (near Ilminster), back – via Frome – for this show then on to Pembrokeshire. We’ll then return – once again – to Bath, before finishing at a little party on a farm in Pilton, Somerset.

Making a Song & Dance (‘2020 Vision’ and ‘Bike to The Future’ double-header) at Burdall’s Yard, Bath event tickets from TicketSource

April 6, 2023April 7, 2023

And Now For Something Completely Different…

A local reviewer – who shall remain nameless (I’ll call him ‘Steve’) – wrote of my Fringe show last year “Perhaps the high concept would go better with the more abstract instrumental pieces which are [Brian’s] bread & butter output as a working composer”… OK Steve – you asked for it!

2020 Vision

Remember 2020? I’m sure you do. Well, for me, it started with a request from artist Natasha Parker-Edwards to create a soundscape for her installation ‘Roar & Pelting’. This was to be presented that summer but, sadly, went the way of so many things during the pandemic. I’d already done much of the work before the show had to be axed, so decided to complete my composition regardless.

The soundscape was created using multiple voice recordings. Originally, Natasha and I were each going to interview people from our respective networks of friends, family and associates. From these, I would craft a sound collage that would provide the backdrop to her visual works. In the event, we had to send out the questions and ask our contacts to record themselves. Which, actually, provided a useful starting point.

No Filters

Participants were invited to record their responses on first reading our questions, with no preparation or planning and using whatever means they had available. This generated a variety of monologues, each with distinct acoustic characteristics and wildly varied interpretations of the subjects raised. But what instantly struck me was that it was often the little asides between coherent phrases that were most interesting.

So, I set about isolating the ‘good bits’, superimposing these upon one another. And what then fascinated me was how the brain immediately makes connections between these disparate voices. We innately want to make sense of things and create a narrative, even where one doesn’t exist.

I then made myself a set of rules for how these voice clips could be repeated, looped and grouped in order to build a complete work. In addition, piano, synthesizers and beats were used to enhance the colour, dynamics and rhythms of the voices. Originally, the whole piece lasted two hours, twenty minutes and was to be played as a continuous loop throughout the show. But then something happened…

Tipping Point

Curator Anna Novakov approached me in 2022, to ask whether I would like to contribute to an audio installation for Bath Fringe Arts. Titled ‘Tipping Point’, this was a meditation on our collectively precarious situation, post-Covid, in the face of multiple global threats. I explained about my lockdown-interview-generated piece and Anna agreed this would be a perfect fit.

Except it wasn’t. The pieces for inclusion within Tipping Point were limited to a maximum 50 minutes’ duration. So, I set about cutting down my epic soundscape to meet this stipulation. And something quite magical happened. Using the rules I’d set myself in the original creation of what had now become ‘2020 Vision’, I found that the 50-minute cut-off created an extraordinarily satisfying – and poignant – end to the piece.

Want to Know?

If you didn’t make it along to last year’s Tipping Point and want to know how it does end there’s some good news. 2020 Vision will form the first half of a double-header – titled ‘Making a Song & Dance’ – at this year’s Fringe. The soundscape will underscore a unique, immersive dance improvisation at Bath Fringe’s newest venue, Burdall’s Yard, on Wednesday 31st May.

To book your tickets, please use the link below. I’ll explain a little more about the dance itself in a future post. And reveal what the second half of this double-header will be. Or – of you can’t wait for those – click through to the booking page and find out!…

Making a Song & Dance (‘2020 Vision’ and ‘Bike to The Future’ double-header) at Burdall’s Yard, Bath event tickets from TicketSource

May 31, 2022May 31, 2022

Bill The Bass

I’ve invited my brother-in-rhythm from alt-folk combo ‘Rivers of England’ to join us on double bass for Bike to The Future. Also a keen cyclist, Bill lives near some of the most horrendous hills in the country!

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Melodic and Mercurial

If you’ve seen Rivers of England in action, you’ll know that Bill’s bass playing is both driving and melodic. He has the knack of providing distinctive patterns that help propel the songs forward. And, at the same time, Bill introduces elements of counter-melody that can only really be delivered by the double-bass.

Dom The Drum

But wait… there’s more! On drums, I’ve invited Dominic Bailey-Clay, who also has a Rivers connection. Dom produced our recent EP ‘Eight In The Evening in Spring’, as well as my own album ‘Never There at All’, the title track of which appears in this show…

Album Favourites

Phew… brought it back round! Yes, the show will feature that song, as well as other album favourites and a couple you won’t have heard before (even if you came to the first version of Bike to The Future). So grab yourself a ticket and get along to the Old Theatre Royal Bath tomorrow night at 8pm. Doors will be open from 7pm and there is a bar – so come early and grab yourself a drink and a seat at the front.

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Mystery Guitarist

And – last but not least – we have a special guest appearance from a mystery guitarist. I can’t say too much but, rest assured, he’s a leading-light in his field of music…

Is That All?

Of course not! This is a Fringe show. There will be the usual surprises; breaking of barriers and opportunities to get involved. I’ll say no more, as I want you to enjoy everything as it unfolds. But, to do so, you really will need to be there…

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May 31, 2022May 31, 2022

A Hard Act to Follow

The Bike to The Future tour got underway at the weekend, with a trip down to perform at Shindig festival, where I met the inspirational ‘Spoke & Chain’.

On its new site – Dillington Park – the weekend was a joyous, colourful occasion that somehow managed to be both Drum & Bass-heavy and child-friendly!

Next stop: Bath Fringe (June 1st, Old Theatre Royal Bath, 8pm)…

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Inspirational

On the way down to Shindig, I stopped for some much-needed refreshment at a tea-room in Somerton (former capital of ancient Wessex, apparently). Parked nearby, I noticed two heavily-laden bikes, with enormous frames and a mish-mash of intriguing luggage. As I later pitched my tent at the festival, these two vehicles wheeled into the space next door.

Naturally, I got talking to the occupants of said bicycles and they turned out to be quite inspirational. These two – we’ll call them ‘Kevin and Sylvia’ (since those are their names) – have been touring all over Europe for the past eight years. They carry their home and belongings, as well as props for their show, with them as they travel from town to town.

Vision & Bravery

The duo goes under the name ‘Spoke & Chain’. I didn’t actually get to see them perform their show but did get a glimpse of one of their giant puppets, as they did a quick ‘walk-about’ during the festival. And I also had the pleasure of spending time with the couple over the course of the weekend.

How wonderful it is to meet people with such vision and bravery. Kevin & Sylvia have let go of the certainties of a fixed home and income. But they gain in having the freedom to roam and the joy of performing to appreciative audiences. They have also experienced a huge amount of human kindness from strangers offering them food and lodgings in return for their entertainment and company.

Experience It For Yourself

If I can be even a fraction as inspiring as Spoke & Chain, I’ll have done my job. A lot of time and effort has gone into planning my latest Fringe offering ‘Bike to The Future’ and I’m hoping you can be there to experience it for yourself. Come along and see what you think. You’ll certainly be entertained and I know it’s going to be a lot of fun.

Do let me know (if you haven’t already) if you’re coming.

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May 25, 2022May 25, 2022

Saving The Planet? Really??

‘Saving the planet’: rather a bold claim? Yes but a) I’ve got to say something to get you to my show and b) there is genuine intent within that. Let me explain…

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Changing The Narrative

The other day, I attended a talk by George Monbiot, as part of the Bath Literature Festival. He is somebody who has dedicated himself to the understanding of complex ecological and socio-economic systems. And he has the ability to share this understanding in a way that is accessible to all.

Much of what George had to say was, not surprisingly, rather frightening. However, he remains positive that we, collectively, have the wherewithal and opportunity to make the changes needed in order to save ourselves from calamity. The technology and knowledge required are already there. However, what we really need to change – to facilitate the necessary revolution in both thought and practice – is the narrative.

Rethinking Stories

Which is where I come in. Well, not just me – obviously. All of us, really. We all need to rethink the stories we tell ourselves. Recent history has shown that our perceived certainties are shaky at best. So, we face the opportunity and obligation to challenge those – and quickly.

If it’s possible to address this situation with wit and humour – in a way that is provocative and entertaining – then that would seem to be a good step to take. And, with the limited means at my disposal, it feels like the best I have to offer. When I say ‘saving the planet’, that is meant collectively. Honestly, if I could do it for you, I would. But I’m afraid we’re all going to need to pull together on this one.

Part of The Process

I’ve no idea whether me singing a few songs and telling some stories is going to provoke actual change in anyone. However, if the greatest mind of which I’m aware – when it comes to the climate emergency – is calling for a change of narrative, then I feel it’s my duty to at least attempt to be a part of that process.

What the hell am I on about? Come along to the Old Theatre Royal Bath, on June 1st at 8pm, to find out. At the very least, you can be assured an entertaining evening of songs, stories, surprises and some very special guests. You never know – it may just help provoke a revolution…

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May 16, 2022May 17, 2022

The Crown Jools

Once again, it’s my pleasure to announce that the wonderful Jools Scott will be making a guest appearance in Bike to The Future.

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Man of Many Parts

Jools is a supremely talented composer, pianist and producer. His Oratorio ‘The Cool Web’ was commissioned for inclusion during the Armistice Centenary commemorations at St Paul’s Cathedral in 2018. Which had a certain symmetry to it, since Jools had been a choirboy there. He even sang the traditional solo for Once in Royal David’s City, from the Whispering Gallery, in 1992!

Full English

Jools and I first met whilst playing in bands appearing on the same line-up at various gigs and festivals. Once we discovered a shared interest in composition, we hit on the novel idea of meeting whilst sober! So, a semi-regular routine of breakfast meetings was established.

During these encounters, we’ve discussed all sorts of things – both music-related and unrelated. Among these were the initial ideas for my first Fringe outing ‘Think of a Song’. Jools has been a constant source of support and ideas. So, it’s especially pleasing to have him on board for this latest Fringe spectacular.

In a Field of His Own

As with Rob (Whale – violinist), Jools is due to accompany me at a lesser-known event in some fields near the village of Pilton, later in June. What Jools doesn’t yet know is that we’re scheduled to play at midday on Saturday. Which is not a bad time to play – since there is little competition from the main stages at that juncture. However, it may prove a little early for someone of Jools’ constitution.

So, if you are attending said event, do come along and find us. But don’t bank on Jools (or any other band members) being there. In fact, the one way in which you can ensure you’ll see the full line-up is to come to the show at the Old Theatre Royal on June 1st. Plus, there will be one or two other surprises in store. Trust me.

Be Prepared

Don’t delay. Book now to avoid disappointment and do get in touch to say you are coming. If you forward your confirmation to brian@madmusik.co.uk I’ll even send you a free album download. Then you can swat-up on the songs beforehand and be ready to sing along!

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