FROOTFUL

New home for the blog...

2011-09-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the lack of posts recently - been busy working on a new website. Hands up who wants to know where the new blog is..? Sam knows it, as pictured here at the Hip Wiggler Invitational in a fine water shot by Dave Muir. Well, from hereon in, the new blog will be located on my new website - here

Michael Kiwanuka

2011-08-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

Undoubtedly the finest new piece of music I've heard in a while. See - not always a throwback chump, although I am feeling the Terry Callier vibe here, yesss-suh. Some mighty fine songwriting and production; check out his 2 EP's, Tell Me A Tale and I'm Getting Ready. Think I missed the boat picking up the first 7", but the latter is available on vinyl Sept 18th.

Young Souls

2011-08-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

A nice short film from Dean Chalkley is up on the 125 magazine website. The above is a short trailer, but be sure to check the full length short here. Bit of a Northern Soul revival going on it would seem - definitely a good thing. All I seem to be playing at the moment is old R&B and Northern Soul. Just need a vintage ride to compliment the threads and 45s..! An exhibition of prints from the shoot is at the YOUTH CLUB gallery, 2-3 Kingley Court, London, W1B 9PW.

Surf Meet

2011-07-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Got a little snappy happy with all the vintage surfboard logos basking in the sun at the surf meet the other day, so here's a little selection. There was a great turnout, and the waves even turned on too. Thanks to Al and Sean for organising the event, and also Gavin for screenprinting the poster. Looking forward to the next one already..!

The September Project

2011-07-04T01:14:00.000-07:00

September is the first edition in a series of books about the places we surf. Writers, photographers and artists are invited to spend some time in one place during the month of September and document their experiences there. A book is made out of the resulting creativity. I am very proud to be a part of the first edition (above) based in Ireland, having submitted some illustrations for the book. The time there also inspired the track of the same name on the album (see Chris Mannell's beautiful video, using footage from our time there, a few posts back)...

Kook 2

2011-06-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hot off the press, KooK (issue deux) from Dan and Alex is an independent surfing newspaper with almost 90 global contributors, including a few amigos from the UK. Look out for my illustration accompanying an extract from Sam Bleakley's book, Jimmy Bodean's shots from our Hebrides trip, Myles's quiver, and 'Rad Nickford' holding a fine Empire shape. Get yours (KooK that is) here

Vintage Surf Meet

2011-06-15T06:01:00.001-07:00

Seem to have been doing a lot of flyers recently - here's another one, this time for an event organised by Al. Expect possibly the largest collection of vintage surfboards amassed in one place in the UK ever..!

There Is No Ending

2011-06-15T05:51:00.001-07:00

I shall be guesting with The Ambassadors of Sorrow this weekend for the launch of their new LP, There Is No Ending (artwork by yours truly) and playing a few sides to warm up the show. Please come along if you can make it...

September

2011-05-27T01:07:00.000-07:00

The official music video by Chris Mannell for September (from the debut album, Colours). The tune was written a few years ago while in Ireland for The September Project, a book documenting our experiences there. I've always considered myself very lucky to be surrounded by such talented and inspiring friends, many of whom put a lot of energy into the book, and some of whom I met there for the first time. A BIG thank you to Chris, one such talent, whose film captures perfectly the feel of the place, the time of year, the friendships forged and the music itself.

Chelsea Flower Show

2011-05-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Bit of a random one, but The Frootful Art Ensemble were invited to play at the Homebase Cornish Memories Garden during the celebrity packed Chelsea Flower Show press day. We didn't make it onto any BBC coverage, but I did catch HRH The Queen saying this. Don't say she didn't, if you click on the image above, you can quite clearly see she did. Our audience included Ringo Starr and Bill Bailey, among other celebrity types.

Ubiquit-Tee

2011-05-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

I did this tee design for Ubiquity Records in California, purveyors of the finest vinyl releases and clothing their side of the pond. Rather than accept the usual fee, I opted for store credit instead, and look what the postman delivered the other day. Definitely a good way to do business..!

Magia Negra Mix Tape

2011-05-20T07:47:00.001-07:00

I was interviewed by Portugese radio show, Magia Negra recently; talking about the making of the album and future plans. Thanks to João for the call! Check out the show here, and download the mix I did for them here

The Alleycat

2011-04-28T05:04:00.000-07:00

Some great shots of The Alleycat gig a couple of weeks ago by Christine Indigo. There's more on facebook here

Last Weekend

2011-04-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

BIG thank you to everyone who came to the album launch shows last weekend, at The Alleycat in London, and Miss Peapods in Penryn. We had a great turnout for both gigs, filling each venue to capacity. Thanks also to the band who did me proud! Pictured above outside The Alleycat (with Regent Sounds Studio upstairs - where The Kinks and The Stones used to record back in the day); L-R: Adam, Harry, Lukas, Pete, myself and Angeline. And a special thank you to Lotte and Hannah at The Vine for their help promoting the Peapods gig; plus Greg from Freestyle and Isabelle from The Alleycat for sorting the London gig. We raised £70 for Shelterbox in Japan too, with the sale of prints by myself and Bobby Telegramme. There are more photos from the Peapods gig here

Album Launch

2011-04-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

So the album launch is all set for the 15th April at The Alleycat club on Denmark St (W1), with another show in the homeland at Miss Peapods on the 17th. Featuring The Frootful Art Ensemble (the live 6-piece band, with accompanying limited edition prints by selected artists) Freestyle DJs, plus albums & artwork for sale; this will be a night not to be missed! The live band includes producer Adam Gibbons (Lack of Afro) on alto sax & percussion, vocalist Angeline Morrison (as featured on the album & single), Pete Judd on tenor sax & flute (who also features on the album), plus the talented Lukas Drinkwater & Harry Harding on double bass & drums respectively.

The Alleycat is a small underground club with limited capacity, so I'd advise booking in advance. Tickets are available here. Please follow links to the events on the facebook page to confirm if attending & help spread the word..!

Album Release

2011-03-21T02:58:00.000-07:00

The debut album is out today! Produced by Adam Gibbons (Lack of Afro Productions), this is a recording project of my own material (with a few collaborations), written over the past few years. The album is entitled, Colours - taking in a soundscape of moods & grooves inspired by 60s soul, jazz, R&B, latin, & ska. Myself & Adam aside, it features a few talented folk; among them Angeline Morrison (The Ambassadors of Sorrow); fellow Lack of Afro band members Damon Minchella (Trio Valore, Paul Weller) & George Cooper; plus others. Available at all good record shops, plus juno.co.uk, kudos, amazon, spotify, or...

The Maytals 1962

2011-03-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

Right that's it, I'm building a time machine - first stop Club Sombrero 1962. And while we're there, a good dig in some record shops in Trench Town to bring back some mint 45s and long forgotten sides. Who's with me? Might need someone to help invent the thing, never mind build it. Applications in writing please...

Aloe Blacc

2011-02-18T04:23:00.000-08:00

Nice rework of the Michael Jackson classic, by possibly one of the finest voices in soul music today, Aloe Blacc. A Bill Withers for our generation, check out the album: Good Things on Stones Throw Records. A good thing indeed.

One of your five a day

2011-02-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

The concept behind the Frootful Five a Day is simple: good music and art is essential for your general well being, and I advise everyone to indulge themselves in one of the aforementioned at least 5 times a day. So I intend to turn you good people on to the finest in music, illustration, and whatever else pleases aesthetically or otherwise, via the medium of twitter just to make your life better..! Follow via the link in the right column, and look out for the tag: #FrootfulFiveADay

The first instalment begins here with a personal favourite, The Impressions performing 'We're a Winner' live on a 60s TV show. It's a bit out of synch and I've certainly seen them dress sharper, but this is beautiful stuff all the same... view

Fish in the Sea

2011-02-07T02:36:00.000-08:00

The debut single is out today! Available from all good record shops, online at Kudos, Juno, or...

The Frootful Art Ensemble

2011-01-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

So this will be the live 6-piece band, touring in March and April to promote the debut Frootful LP and single. For more info hit this link, or for bookings please contact aaron@offcentreagency.com. And in other news, the single has been well received, with some nice comments from Blues and Soul magazine and ModCulture. It has also been getting airplay worldwide, including BBC6 and Jelly Jazz where you can listen again.

Release Dates

2011-01-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

Provisional release dates are: 7th Feb for the single (cop a listen by hitting the link above), and 21st March for the album. I'm hoping to get something live together to coincide with the release, so please watch this space...

LP Sleeves

2011-01-07T09:41:00.001-08:00

Came across this blog of old LP artwork thanks to a-side. Some really nice use of colour and geometric forms. Inspiring stuff. Check out the stereo stack site too...

Lumus

2011-01-05T04:43:00.000-08:00

My shaper (and now good friend) Steve Croft has come up with this 4 fin bonzer shape - combining elements from some of my favourite board designs, I want one! Steve is working on some really interesting shapes right now; it's always encouraging when your shaper happens to be a good surfer, and believe me, these shapes work. One to add to the wish list, together with Dan's Simmons planing hull (which I enjoyed riding when he stayed recently). Check out more at empiresurfboards.com

Major Harris

2011-01-05T04:30:00.000-08:00

I want this record. Sure, I have it on a compilation, but there's nothing quite like the original. Trouble is, you can get yourself a pretty decent guitar or surfboard for the price you'd be expecting to pay for the original, and there's something not quite right about that. Someday...

Happy New Year

2011-01-05T04:17:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year - here's to some good times for 2011. Had our first ever white Christmas at home, with a borrowed snowboard, sledges, snowmen, then a solid week of swell and the right winds, it was a good'n alright. Here's the niece and nephew with the first of the snowman family.

Winter Warmer

2010-12-21T05:05:00.000-08:00

If the cold here in the UK is getting to you this should warm your cockles - a short by Nathan Oldfield, who was in touch recently and may use some music from the album on one of his upcoming films. Check the mod target just like my board, posted a while back. Jazz and loggin' = brothers from other mothers..!

Album & Single Artwork

2010-12-14T02:12:00.000-08:00

So this is what I came up with for the album and single artwork (well, the album at any rate; the single is a nod to the old Brunswick 45 labels) - a basic concept with the overlapping colours representing the mix of influences the music itself is comprised of. Sort of an analogy there (I think). Just had the test pressings for the album and single come through. Some info on both is now on the Freestyle Records homepage. The single will be the first release of 2011, with the album out shortly after. As soon as I know release dates I will let you know...

Parabola

2010-12-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

Creative writing collective and good friends, Telltales have just put together The Parabola Project - a collection of short stories showcasing the talent of Cornwall's writing scene in a beautiful, evocative and collectable publication. I have an illustration accompanying one of the pieces. Stuck for a Christmas present? Get yours here

Shelterbox Cards

2010-11-11T02:07:00.000-08:00

There is a launch party tonight between 6-8pm at The Poly in Falmouth for the Stranger Collective Christmas cards in aid of ShelterBox. There will be mulled cider, mince pies, live music and some stand up comedy afterwards. All are welcome. I contributed the above illustration which features as one of the designs; other artists involved include Geoff McFetridge, Jon Burgerman, Marcus Oakley and Jenny Bowers. For more info, please follow the link

Freestyle Signing

2010-11-05T09:30:00.001-07:00

I'm pleased to announce I have signed with independent record label, Freestyle Records. Who would've thunk it. The debut Frootful LP will be released early next year, and there will a 7-inch single out prior to its release. Watch this space for more details. In the meantime, you can listen to soundclips from the album by hitting this link

Happy Halloween

2010-10-29T03:04:00.001-07:00

Halloween / belated birthday sketch for my nephew, Jan. Not very scary I know, but he's only just turned 3.

BBC6 Radio Play

2010-10-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Latin Strut, from the forthcoming Frootful LP featured last saturday on the Craig Charles show on BBC6. Listen again on the iPlayer here - around 1:37. Nice plug at 1:54. Thank you Craig & Simon..!

Hold On, I'm Coming...

2010-10-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

..or so said David Porter to Isaac Hayes, on the way back from the jon while penning this classic. Sam & Dave perform live during the Stax Volt tour of Norway in 1967, backed by Booker T & The MGs with The Markays horn section. Who could follow a performance like this? Otis Redding, that's who. Watch all 6 parts for the full show.

Quiver

2010-10-15T06:03:00.001-07:00

Had James Bowden down recently, shooting for the Spring/Summer howies catalogue. He risked his life on the road outside our gaff to get this polaroid. Check out more of his photography here. The dark diamond tail in the middle is for sale by the way - any takers..?

Radio Play

2010-10-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

The debut Frootful album received it's first radio play as the opening track on the Jelly Jazz show last wednesday. Listen again here. Please tune into the Craig Charles show on BBC6 this saturday, as another track from the album has been playlisted and may well receive airplay then. A label has been secured for the release of the LP and things are moving forward - more details when I have them. The release will more than likely be in the spring of 2011.

The Poly

2010-09-28T08:40:00.001-07:00

I recently produced this type treatment for a poster promoting The Poly arts centre in Falmouth, where there will be an open day this Saturday 2nd October. I have a couple of pieces in the exhibition, so please pop in if you're about.

One Fin Pin

2010-09-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

Just picked up this new ride, 9'8" x 23" x 3 1/8", shaped by Steve Croft of Empire Surfboards. The thing goes great, and I'm looking forward to working closely with Steve on some new shapes as one of the family of team riders. The target is a mod reference, supposedly reflecting my musical tastes, though it is quite fitting this beauty came out of the factory during the Battle of Britain anniversary.

Birthday

2010-09-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

Another birthday doodle, this time for ukelele Hannah.

Yowzahs

2010-09-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

Check out this ol' quiver - shaped, photographed and surfed by Shawn Stussy during the very winter I was born. I know it'll get Al's juices going next time he checks in here. His blog on vintage boards and the history of surfing in the UK is gaining popularity, and will soon feature in The Surfer's Path. Go take a look

Save The Arts

2010-09-13T06:38:00.001-07:00

An animation from David Shrigley, campaigning to save the arts by encouraging people to sign a petition against government plans to slash arts funding here in the UK. Such cuts will inevitably result in major economic and social deterioration within the arts sector and beyond. Besides which, the arts generate much more revenue for the economy than they cost to fund. If you're reading this, chances are you support the arts, so please do the right thing and sign the petition

When Will We Be Paid?

2010-09-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

This one goes out to all those 'slow' paying clients out there - you know who you are! Ranting aside; Mavis Staples, what a voice. Among a number of LPs I have by The Staple Singers, Soul Folk In Action (their debut with Stax) has got to be my favourite.

Howies Catalogue

2010-09-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

Some kind words by Michael Fordham, guest editor of the new howies catalogue. Fellow surf team bods, Elsie P and Jack also get a page, plus the sadly departed (from howies, that is) Paul. Thanks Mike!

Facebook Page

2010-08-31T08:18:00.000-07:00

In addition to the soundclips on my website music page, I now have a Facebook music page, where I have posted a few full length preview tracks from the forthcoming album. Go take a listen (if you do the Facebook thing, that is).

Oceans

2010-08-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

Really like this animation from Sol Linero I came across on Numb-Skulls. Important issue it highlights too...

Album Soundclips & Mix

2010-08-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

The album is finally done. I have posted a few soundclips of the project on my website music page. Watch this space for a release date. There is also a mix (artwork pictured above) of sides from my personal collection for you to download for free. An album goes to the first person to correctly identify the label the 7-inch sleeve artwork above is based on!

Point Never

2010-08-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

This zine from Point Never turned up in the post today - thanks Jim!

Red Shoes

2010-08-05T08:28:00.001-07:00

Just got the postcards I did for The Vine back from print. The Vine will be celebrating its second birthday this weekend by sponsoring a Kneehigh Theatre performance of The Red Shoes at the new Asylum. Other recent projects include illustrations for the BBC and Vodafone - more details when I'm allowed to show you something..!

Wes

2010-08-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

Wes Montgomery with a version of John Coltrane's Impressions. Definitely the standout track on his 1965 LP, Willow Weep For Me (Verve).

Rhodes

2010-08-03T06:18:00.001-07:00

Check out this old Fender Rhodes electric piano (Mark I) I borrowed off a friend to put some finishing touches on the Frootful album. The LP will be called Colours, and I'm expecting a few final mixes through from producer, Lack of Afro over the next couple of weeks. Watch this space...

Port Eliot

2010-08-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

The House of Fairy Tales at The Port Eliot festival. On stage but out of view are The Ice Cold Idiots, a band of 13 year olds plugging a rendition of Teenage Kicks to an appreciative audience.

BB King

2010-07-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

BB King from 1968. Another big influence: the man could sing (look at how far away from the mic he is), but sure can play guitar too. Minimal lines played with feeling, yessuh. Check the backing band too, with James Toney on the organ, taking care of the bass with his left hand.

Barbara Lynn

2010-07-19T02:26:00.000-07:00

Beautiful stuff - the real deal. No miming here, unlike most 60s TV performances (including some on this show), no sir. Sharp backing band too.

Marketing With Soul

2010-07-15T03:48:00.000-07:00

The illustrations I did for The Vine are now live on the website here. The collages are made up of vintage soul label seven inch sleeves (don't worry, I spared my treasured ones), and make up section headers along the theme of the Marketing with Soul branding. Been working on a couple of other exciting jobs - more details when I have them.

Murphy

2010-07-15T03:24:00.001-07:00

I sure would like to get my hands on a copy of this. Love Rick Griffin's work - especially his early comics for Surfer magazine.

Street of Dreams

2010-07-04T09:28:00.001-07:00

Not my favourite Grant Green record, I just like the fact the photo is the intersection of Grant and Green streets in San Francisco. I took the very same photo when I went there a couple of years ago, except the signs don't look as good as they used to.

Summer Loggin'

2010-07-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

A few shots from Russ, given the lomo treatment - one of which appears in both Huck & Surfer's Path magazines this month, as a Loose-Fit ad. Poor attempt to remain underground with my back to the camera..! And slightly less impressive than the shot of John dropping in at triple overhead Porthleven in the previous issue.

Off The Press

2010-06-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

Remember that cycling trip I was meant to join down the west coast of France? Towing trailers laden with surfboards, tents and necessities? Well, I never made it, but this is the result from the 3 creatives that did. A newspaper format zine documenting the trip, featuring some mighty fine photography, writing and illustration. Let's hear it for independent publishing. Available to purchase here

Empire

2010-06-17T04:37:00.001-07:00

Steve Croft was kind enough to lend me a couple of boards to take up north a few weeks ago (the 2 either side of the blue egg, pictured above), & I'll be having 1 or 2 shaped by him over the next few months. A talented and experienced shaper, he's producing some really exciting designs right now, combining modern rocker, rail & foil theory to traditional or alternative templates & designs. Completely where I'm coming from with my surfing. Have a butchers at his website for more info on the shapes. Photo by James Bowden

The Vine

2010-06-08T08:07:00.001-07:00

Back to work, and what better way than to be working on a project for fellow soul music lover, Lotte, who runs boutique marketing & PR agency, The Vine. The collage above was a leaving present for when she left Stranger magazine - given a new twist for her Marketing with SOUL campaign.

Studio Time

2010-06-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

Currently in the studio with my man Lack of Afro, laying down some material of my own. A pleasure to be working with such a good producer and talented musician. We'll have some guest appearances on there and an LP's worth, so if you work in the music industry and have lots money, feel free to drop me a line...

Waves

2010-06-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

The best waves we saw in the Outer Hebrides and Ireland respectively. Just as well the waves were no good in the latter as there was a catalogue to shoot; thanks very much to the good people at howies for a great trip (despite the lack of swell). And so long Paul, the surf team misses you already. I will be submitting some illustrations for the next howies catalogue, which Michael Fordham (who also came to Ireland) will be guest editing.

Hebs

2010-06-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

Photographer "Jimmy Bodean" Bowden has his films back from the lab, and stuck some shots from our trip up north here. Huck magazine also put some of the shots up here. Thanks go to the man himself, his accommodating van (complete with woodburner), and also Harry for the cooking skills (and ginger nuts). Good times.

Backyard

2010-05-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

They say check out your own backyard before you check out someone else's, and I'll be doing just that over the next couple of weeks. First with James & Harry to Scotland, then to Ireland with howies. Here's how it looked last time I was up there, and this will be our transport (photo by James Bowden). On another note, having done a gig last week in Lille with Lack of Afro, I will be in the studio with the man himself next month laying down some stuff. Watch this space...

Craig Charles

2010-05-04T03:27:00.001-07:00

The session we did for the Craig Charles funk & soul show on BBC6 aired last saturday. Listen again on the iPlayer here. The session tracks are also available free to download from the Lack of Afro website here

Birthday

2010-04-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Birthday card doodle for the Mannell.

Soulful Strut

2010-04-26T04:51:00.000-07:00

This side has been decorating one of our walls at home for too long - I dug out the vinyl on the weekend and had forgotten how good it was. Eldee Young & Isaac 'Red' Holt used to make up the Ramsey Lewis trio rhythm section, so know how to hold down a groove alright. The title track from this 1968 long player I also have as a 45 - it's the instrumental from Barbara Acklin's, Am I the Same Girl, and never fails to make it on to the platters that matter when playing out.

R.Crumb

2010-04-26T04:44:00.000-07:00

Well, if you slide sideways (surf, skate or snow) you more than likely will. An old line from a few years ago, with hats off to a certain R.Crumb (keep on truckin'...)

Spring

2010-04-19T03:53:00.001-07:00

My oh my, wot a lot a lovely weather we've been having. Spring has officially sprung, and I've been getting all happy snappy with this hipstamatic gizmo. One mighty fine weekend was had by all - beaches, picnics, BBQ's, & young Louis stood up on the second wave I pushed him into yesterday. Happy days.

BBC6

2010-04-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

Apologies if you tuned in expecting to hear the Lack of Afro session on the Craig Charles show last weekend (featuring Roxie Ray, pictured above doing her thing at the Hi-Fi club in Leeds); it is in fact going to be aired in a couple of weeks. May 1st, I think. Watch this space...

CR Handbook

2010-04-09T06:50:00.001-07:00

This image was chosen by my agent Folio, as the opening spread to several pages they have in the new Creative Review handbook. The logo I did for them also. The image is still available as a limited edition screenprint here

Kook

2010-04-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Think there's still a few copies of this mighty fine publication kicking around, brought to you by Dan and a-side Al. Thanks (I think) to Dan for making an example of me.

Tour Photos

2010-03-31T10:03:00.001-07:00

This time last week we did our last show at the Metropolis in Bristol. I had the pleasure of playing on this tour with such talented people as (in order of the above): George "mini" Cooper (keys), Adam "the lack of 'fro" Gibbons (drums / alto), Ollie "hold it down" Holmes (bass), and Roxie Ray (vocals). Thanks to everyone who made it to any of the dates. And thanks to Simon at Blaqua for the sharp suits! Very pleased with my choice - a 60s slim cut silver blue mohair, pictured above with Sweatpea (my guitar). The BBC6 Craig Charles session will air on Saturday 17th April.

God's Jukebox

2010-03-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Mark Lamarr played tracks from both Lack of Afro and The Ambassadors of Sorrow on his Radio 2 show, God's Jukebox. The Maida Vale session will air this week (12-3am, fri night / sat morning), please tune in or listen again here. Scroll down for details of the live tour dates...

Ambassadors Airplay

2010-03-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

Also enjoying some airplay are The Ambassadors of Sorrow, featuring the songwriting and vocal talents of my good friend, Angeline Morrison (above). Mark Lamarr has already played a couple of tracks from the album, Easterly on his Radio 2 show, God's Jukebox, one of which is still available to listen to on the BBC iPlayer (the penultimate track). Also currently on the iPlayer is another AoS track played on Tom Robinson's Indroducing show on BBC6 music (about 1hr 5 mins in). The second BBC6 airing to date. Not bad for a fully independent effort, funded and recorded by Angeline herself. And typical really, as I'm no longer with the band; though I'm sure I'll be back with my tail between my legs if she carries on like this. Those recording sessions were done on nothing but good will and free buckets of KFC you know.

Maida Vale

2010-03-11T04:44:00.000-08:00

Last tuesday I had the pleasure of doing a live session at the legendary BBC Maida Vale studios with the Lack of Afro live band. The session was for Mark Lamarr's God's Jukebox show, and will air on BBC Radio 2 in the early hours of saturday the 20th March from 12am-3am. Please tune in or listen again on the BBC iPlayer; there will also be an additional track you will be able to listen to on the website following the show. The session includes a bit of banter with the man himself, as we were invited to submit some of our favourite tracks to be played and one of mine was chosen! We are currently on tour, having completed a string of dates in Spain, the next shows will be in the UK this month at the following venues:

18th : Mama Stones, Exeter

20th : Cargo, London

21st : The Hi-Fi Club, Leeds

22nd : live session for Craig Charles' Funk & Soul Show (BBC6 music), Manchester

25th : Metropolis, Bristol

South Coast

2010-03-11T04:33:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago the south coast was firing on all cylinders. 'Pretty darned good' enough to don the amount of neoprene necessary to endure a 4 hour session in winter temperatures. By all accounts it has been one of the best winters ever, with consistent swell from a favourable direction and constant offshores. I surfed one spot 3 times in the same week, when usually you'd be lucky to surf it that many times in a year..!

Barbados

2010-02-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

All I'm going to say is, until the hunger sets back in, it's going to have to be pretty darned good to get back into a 5mm wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves; especially after this winter escape.

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-07T05:18:00.001-08:00

Well, it finally snowed - seemed like everywhere else was getting some except for us. Doesn't happen that often down these parts. The next shots up here will be somewhere much warmer, if our flight doesn't get cancelled due to 'severe weather conditions'. It's gonna be a shock to the system given how cold it's been. Over and out...

Switchfoot

2010-01-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

Picked up a copy of the new Switchfoot book at the surf jumble in St Merryn last month thanks to John at Revolver. There's a feature from my friends, John Eldridge and Dan Crockett, plus a spread (above) from talented local snapper, Russ Pierre. Who's the kook cheating five on the bottom right? As the spread shows, fellow howies man, James Parry, and long time nose stylist, Sam Bleakley do it better. Click to enlarge...

12th Day of Christmas

2010-01-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

The 12th day of Christmas, wishing you a happy new year and all the best for 2010. I knocked up the above Charley Harper inspired image for the Christmas card list. Right now things have turned somewhat baltic again, and everyone seems to be enjoying a bit of snow, or not, as the news likes to point out. Nevermind, I'm off somewhere warm next weekend (if the runway at Gatwick isn't closed again that is). If we make it, I might post some shots while away to warm your cockles in this weather. For the first time in my life, I don't want it to snow in case it cancels our flight..!

Pumping

2009-12-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

After a relentless month of howling westerly wind and the weather wot came with it, things improved somewhat last week (which coincided nicely with a quiet patch at work). Chomping at the bit after the bad run I got stuck in, including sessions at 2 rare points in as many days, and another at one of my favourite beachbreaks, pictured above doing its thing. Photo by Al - I was up the beach surfing another peak, but looks like I should have been here.

'68 Mustang

2009-12-03T06:13:00.000-08:00

Love the clean lines of this Highland Green '68 Mustang GT 390 Fastback, as driven by Steve McQueen in the iconic film from the same year, Bullitt. Then again, I wouldn't say no to the CobraJet model above. Yup, '68 was a good year (for cars and music at any rate). Lalo Schifrin composed the score for the film, and the title track (featuring a little known session guitarist by the name of Howard Roberts) remains a classic.

Team Morris Minor

2009-12-01T03:09:00.000-08:00

Well done to The Morris Minors - between us we raised £390 towards Movember and The Prostrate Cancer Charity. A good hairy fairy effort all round and Morris the Major is damned proud of his team. Thanks very much to everybody for their donations. Jolly good show, what.

Budapest

2009-11-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

This time last week I was in Budapest to play a gig at the A38 club with the Lack of Afro live band. Thanks very much to George and Bea for looking after us. The club is a decommissioned ship moored on the Danube and a great venue - we all rated the gig as one of our best to date. The new album is getting some good reviews and airplay, while Adam is doing the rounds with some interviews such as this one here

Movember

2009-11-13T07:07:00.000-08:00

I have started a team for Movember, aptly named The Morris Minors. In case you haven't heard of it, Movember is about growing a mo (moustache) during the month of November to raise money for prostrate cancer. Mine is currently in the beard phase, and no, that's not cheating, it's just my technique. The beard stays until we hit the £100 mark - don't question Morris the Major. Please follow the links to either join our team, or donate and support us in our mo grow...

Soul Jazz Sides

2009-11-13T02:37:00.000-08:00

A couple of mighty fine soul jazz sides that have certainly been a big influence on my playing. A lot of jazz buff critics write off soul jazz as being 'one dimensional', just because it isn't a hang-on-to-your-hats hard bop modal arrangement that changes key every other bar. The point they're missing is that this music is all about the feeling. The minimal two chord grooves and blues turnarounds really enable the musicians to cut loose, locking it in the pocket of a solid groove - and that, for me, is what it's all about. Grant Green's tight phrasing would often introduce a measure with a guitar lick in the same way a drummer would with a fill, while his playing will always remain a big influence and something to aspire to. These two sessions are among his best soul jazz sides - I particularly like the organ trio with John Patton and Ben Dixon on Iron City!

The Impressions

2009-11-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt, one of my all time favorite bands and albums. I also picked up a copy of This Is My Country from Groove Merchant Records in San Francisco, which is just as good. Soul music doesn't get much better than this. The influence of Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions spread far and wide - a lot of Jamaican bands were influenced by their 3 part harmonies, often covering the songs with respect to their social consciousness. Here's a group that really had something to say with their music during the turbulent times of the 60's and the civil rights movement.

Kookmeyer

2009-11-05T05:55:00.000-08:00

There's one in all of us...

My Groove Your Move

2009-10-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

Just got some copies of this through - my first 12" album artwork (long live vinyl!), and second LP recording with Lack Of Afro. Out now on Freestyle Records

New Stick

2009-10-28T03:55:00.000-07:00

In trying to minimise the quiver into a functional 3 boards, here's the latest addition - something for the bigger days. The tangerine dream, shaped by the hands of Chris Diplock via the good people at Loose-Fit, who are kind enough to help me out with boards (and I return the favour with some tee designs every once in a while).

Album Launch

2009-10-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to this one - having played in the band, I can now enjoy the music for once without trying to remember the darned chords. The Ambassadors of Sorrow feature a new lineup and boast a damned fine new LP. I'm going to be sorry I left...

Guardian Weekend magazine

2009-10-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I had a regular gig with The Guardian Weekend magazine, illustrating the 'space solves' page. It was a pleasure to appear in the magazine again last weekend, where this time I was asked to illustrate the cover story.

Ooh la la...

2009-10-14T02:19:00.000-07:00

Good luck to James and George who have just set off on a trip down the west coast of France on bicycles, towing behind them trailers laden with surfboards, minimal gear and a tent. They will be documenting the trip with photography, writing and illustration. I have been invited to join them for a couple of weeks somewhere along the journey, but think I'll wait 'til they get to the south of France (the warmer, flatter bit), because, you know, work's pretty busy right now and I've got stuff to tie up - and that way I can send them out first as guinea pigs to see how it all goes. Genius. You can follow their progress here

The Source FM

2009-10-14T01:47:00.000-07:00

Having tuned in the previous week, I was invited on to the show last sunday to pick out some of my favourite records and talk about them, which was really a lot of fun: hopefully I had a bit more to say than last time I was on the radio, as an 11 year old art competition winner giving one word answers to some poor local radio host. Thanks for having me Lotte, and tune in next week: the Sunday Soul Session airs every sunday on The Source FM (96.1 FM) between 3 and 4.30pm. Requests can be made via the facebook page or twitter, but please (for everyone's sakes), less of the 'smooth' stuff post '71..!

Lack of Afro

2009-10-02T04:03:00.001-07:00

The live show at Mind Yuh Business, The Dex Club, Brixton, with Damon 'Low Notes' Minchella (of Trio Valore) on bass, and Adam 'Rocksteady' Gibbons (Lack of Afro) on drums. The Harmony bass behind Damon used to belong to Ronnie Lane of The Small Faces - Damon was given it by Ronnie's son having worked on a tribute album a few years ago. The new album from Lack of Afro, My Groove Your Move is all killer, no filler (not being biased or anything) and drops on the 19th Oct on Freestyle Records

Lee Fields & The Expressions

2009-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

This is a really great record that I've been playing out a lot recently. Brought to you by the good people at Truth & Soul records - the lineup includes musicians involved in such bands as El Michels Affair, The Menahan Street Band and The Dap Kings. These people have got it DOWN. It's exactly what a soul record should sound like.

Sunday Soul Session

2009-09-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

My friend Lotte from The Vine will be presenting the Sunday Soul Show on The Source FM (96.1 FM). It starts this sunday, airing between 3 and 4.30 pm. Lotte asked me to produce a logo for it (see above), and also invited me to do Nick's picks the following week, so tune in to hear a selection from my personal vinyl collection..!

Wee Sketchbook

2009-09-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I did a trip with Dan Crockett and John Eldridge to the Outer Hebrides and Orkneys for Huck magazine. Eldo and I collaborated on a sketchbook, with his polaroid transfers and my sketches. These scans never made the final edit - click on any of the above to enlarge. The combo of writer, photographer and illustrator to document a trip is a good'n, and I may be doing it again with another photographer and writer down the west coast of France, but this time on bikes. Watch this space for more details...

Tiki

2009-09-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

This thing goes like the clappers in big solid surf. I like the decals too. It's spent far too long decorating one of the walls in our flat - I used to ride it a fair bit and I've got a good mind to take it to France if I go there this autumn...