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1970’S OUTFIT STRAWBS PLAY AN ACOUSTIC SET IN THE RHONDDA - 18/02/10   back   return to top of page 

The Strawbs have enjoyed major success on both sides of the Atlantic. In the early 1970s, as well as the hit albums, their hit singles "Part of the Union" and "Lay Down" topped the charts. From the mid-1970s they spent more time in the States and Canada where their albums charted for five years as they toured with Santana, The Eagles, Peter Frampton, Blue Oyster Cult, Joe Walsh, King Crimson, and Frank Zappa.

They come to the Rhondda’s leading venue Parc Hall on the 19th of March. Support comes from local outfit “The Blue Rhondda”. Parc Hall also has shows coming up this year from Mod Outfit THE LAMBRETTAS, and a first Valleys outing for THE COMPLETE STONE ROSES.

Tickets for these shows can be purchased from TicketlineUK on 02920 230130, or via their website. For more information on any of these gigs, or to hire out the hall; contact 01443 776920.

John Davies
Live Music Manager
Parc Hall, Cwmparc, RCT, CF42 6LD. 01443 776920
www.myspace.com/parchall

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 Gelli & Ystrad Comrades Club host The Contortionists - 29/04/09   back   return to top of page      

The Contortionists were formed in South East London in 2003 and have been writing and playing live since the beginning of 2004. Originally a 2-piece bedroom band, The Contortionists multiplied as friends and lovers became entangled in their wrong-doings. No one ever auditioned. Band members merely taught and encouraged their friends to join in on the necessary instruments until the band was whole and together.

In a musical climate based largely upon novelty, short-term quick-fixes and escapism, the band hopes to make anti-intellectualism and the celebration of indie-boy beer-drinking mundanity a negative thing once again. Beyond the realms of your average buzzword-chanting "issues" band, The Contortionists are committed to delivering challenging ideas in the simplest of forms, i.e. rock &/or roll.

The band built themselves from the ground up, recording and releasing their own material until very recently, where the help of an absurdly talented sound engineer friend of the band finally got them the sound on CD that's been in their heads in the shape of debut full-length album "THE STOMACH-PUMP BLUES". Only with the recording of the album has the band felt confident enough and ready to let themselves be measured up against the best that's out there today. Still said album was recorded half in bedrooms and bathrooms and half in a basement rehearsal studio with the most meagre of equipment, as has always been the band's wont.
Utilising both male and female lead vocals, the sound of the band moves from manic, angular, sarcastic rock & roll with guitars like breaking glass, to more atmospheric, graceful, experimental and hopefully beautiful pieces. Influences include The Stooges, The Fall, Les Savy Fav, Mclusky, The Pixies, The Velvet Underground, Can, Captain Beefheart, Pere Ubu & Bjork.

THE STOMACH-PUMP BLUES is a two-sided album that reflects their current sensibilities. Side one is SARCASTICA DOWNWARD, "Five levels of bad-hellishness experienced by your humble narrator and pissed out of the shame-centre of the brain-circuit into modern-song-format". Side two is MANIFESTO FOR GRACE: "Five experiences of the betweens of grief and grace; all universal-like, for your listening pleasure, makes a five-pronged cycle of thine own choice."

The band enjoy a small but steady following around London and are looking to play more gigs and to expose themselves to as many people as possible (without getting arrested). They will play their first gig outside London in the small Welsh Valleys town of Gelli, in Gelli and Ystrad Comrades Club, known locally as ‘Smokeys’, on Saturday May 2nd. Doors open at 8pm. Entry on the door is £3.

You can listen to their music (including some free downloads) on their LastFM page

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ULTRAVOX LIVE AT ST. DAVID’S HALL, CARDIFF - 21/04/09   back   return to top of page

DANCING WITH TEARS IN MY EYES By Rob Jones

John Foxx departed from an early Ultravox and Midge Ure (once of teenage heartthrobs Slik and power pop princes Rich Kids) took over as lead singer in a band that for several years from 1980 onwards struck commercial gold. 

Ure, Chris Cross, Warren Cann and Billy Currie had Ultravox spearhead a new romantic scene; and, the futuristic foursome conquered the charts with the likes of: Sleepwalk, Reap the wild Wind, Passing Strangers, All stood Still, Hymn, The Voice, The thin Wall, Dancing with tears in my Eyes, Lament, Visions in Blue, Loves great Adventure and the vivid Vienna anthem. Hit albums such as Rage in Eden and Vienna have now been remastered with bonus tunes and other updated CD and DVD packages i.e. Monument, Quartet and the Very Best of Ultravox are also on re-release.

A 2009 Return to Eden reunion tour has the guys perform on stage for the first time since Live Aid in 1985; and, a show at St. David’s Hall, Cardiff had the Welsh capital feast upon a nugget of nostalgia! The frivolous fashion and facial fur may have disappeared-but, Ultravox proved that their technological tinted tunes have stood the test of time; and, the audience thrived upon a sound that comes over as style not stale! There are many new acts that attempt to replicate the electro ethos of a distant decade-but, as regards swathes of synthesiser punctuated by gallant guitar, violin virtuoso, driving drums and a range of computer led wizardry welcome to the domain of Ultravox. The family favourites and melodious momentum of past Midas takes the punters on a radio friendly ride-but, the leftfield lustre of tunes such as Mr. X prove that there is a lot more to the Ultravox armoury than pristine pop. The obvious influence of Kraftwerk filters into the forum and without these German giants the 80’s would have been a different decade. Ultravox absorbed 70’s European enterprise to form their own polished product that still craves for tomorrow’s world; and, many dance acts over the years have pinched a beat or two from these influential icons!  

On the back of this comeback credit would Mr. Ure like to contact Glen Matlock, Steve New and Rusty Egan with an aim to getting the Rich Kids on the road (please check out their Ghosts of princes in Towers or Best of records). A Rich Kids return is very unlikely-but, many thanks to Ultravox for satisfying one pang for the past!

Rob Jones

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Ceri Dupree International Female Impersonator is coming to Cwmparc - 21/04/09.   back   return to top of page

Friday 24th April 2009. Tickets are £10 and available from Parc Hall Box office on 01443 776920. 

More Info On Ceri Dupree

Ceri has been delighting audiences worldwide for almost 25 years; his unique talents have taken him through musical theatre, pantomime, summer season, television and cabaret. There isn’ t an audience (Age or Type!!!) that he hasn’t played to.

He has performed at various major and esteemed venues throughout England , Ireland , Scotland and his birthplace Wales , with numerous appearances at hotels such as The Savoy, The Dorchester, The Churchill, The Landmark and Claridges.

International work has included appearances in Greece , France , Holland , Spain , Germany South Africa and the Seychelles .

He has appeared in many west end nightclubs including The Café de Paris, Talk of London, The Stork Club, Le Beat Route , Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza on the Park, etc.). He appeared twice nightly, six nights a week (and never missed a show!) for two years at the world famous Madame Jo Jo's in London's West End, followed by three years at “Minsky’s” music hall in Cardiff. His extensive repertoire of theatre shows include “Hello Dolly”, “Rock Hard” (60’s Tribute show), “Hot Stuff”, a 70’s tribute show (5 seasons and 2 national tours), The Ultimate Hen Party” (season and national tour) and “The Rocky Horror Show” (as Frank-n-Furter of course!!!).

Such are the strengths of his talents, Ceri has written and produced his own shows “Extraordinaire”, “Ladies of Legend”, “Brenda: A Star is Torn”, “The Ceri Dupree Spectacular”, “Totally Frocked Up!!” and “Missleading ladies” to name but a few.

One year saw him travel throughout the U.K. in cabaret, a one-man theatre tour a series of corporate events with shows in Portugal , Johannesburg , Athens and Myknos

On Television, Ceri has wowed the audiences with his four-part television show for ITV1 called “Ceri Dupree Unfrocked”. He has also appeared on numerous chat shows, light entertainment shows as well as hundreds of radio shows and press interviews.

Over the years Ceri has impersonated almost every major female star one can think of, from Marilyn Monroe to Madonna, Shirley Bassey to Barbara Cartland, Tina Turner to the UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher!!! He has also sent up Cruella De Ville, Snow White, the Wicked Queen, and Belle (from Beauty and the Beast) during his "Dupree's Disney Diva's". Variety is certainly not dead - we also have Her Majesty The Queen of England, and Jordan. And=2 0his newest addition in 2008, Amy Winehouse!

Ceri Dupree is certainly more than a comic in a frock his singing, dancing, acting, impersonation and stand up comedy, display a talent that blasts the notion of “Dressing up in drag” clean off the stage. His shows are elegant, professional and extremely funny, as reviewer once said… "The frocks are fabulous, the wigs wonderful, tThe voice versatility itself, Ceri Dupree illuminates people rather than merely impersonating women, walking a fine line between character and caricature, never being anything less than hugely funny with sharp wit, human perception and high energy!!!"

In 2005, his time was spent in Rhodes at the Kingsize Cabaret Theatre for a 24-week season with his show “The Full Diamonte”, followed by an autumn theatre tour, with his new show The Ladies I Love. There was also a cabaret and corporate events for a host of organisations including Versace, McDonalds and Virgin.

Future plans include a play about the late great Bette Davis, and a show based on the life of the legendary Danny La Rue (entitled "Don't Miss La Rue"). Plans to open his own Cabaret/Restaurant, called "Dupree's" are well underway, and he has future ambitions to work in Las Vegas and to play the lead in the musical La Cage Aux Folles.

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SHAM 69 GIG NOW CHANGED TO JULY 17TH - 02/04/09   back   return to top of page

(Old Tickets for Friday 10th April 2009 are still valid.)

Sham 69, the hersham boys make a return visit to Cwmparc, following last years sell out show. Get your tickets quick for this event. Tickets are £12 and available from Parc Hall Box office on 01443 776920.

Cwmparc Community Association, Parc Hall, Park Road , Cwmparc, RCT , CF42 6LD

Box Office Tel 01443 776920 Fax 01443 772044

cwmparc1@aol.com                www.myspace.com/parchall

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The Beat Celebrate their 30th Anniversary tour at Parc Hall, Cwmparc - 02/04/09  back   return to top of page

FRIDAY 22nd May. Doors 8pm. Tickets £15, available from Box office 01443 776920. Parc Hall, Park road, Cwmparc, RCT. CF42 6LD.

Or Second Time around records Tonypandy / Pontygwaith Post Office. www.wegottickets.com   or via paypal on www.myspace.com/parchall

One tempestuous weekend in March 1979 was not only the date of the Three Mile Island nuclear incident, but it was also the very first show by a nascent band known as The Beat in Birmingham , England .

Introduced as "the hottest thing since the Pennsylvania meltdown", the band had a sense that the next few years could well be explosive!

The Beat hailed from working class, industrial Birmingham , England . When The Beat rushed on to the music scene in 1979, it was a time of social, political and musical upheaval. Into this storm came The Beat, trying to calm the waters with their simple message of love and unity set to a great dance beat.

The Beat were all about inclusion, rather than exclusion, and this showed in their personnel and their music influences. The six member band consisted of Dave Wakeling on vocals and guitar, Andy Cox on guitar, David Steele on bass, Everett Morton on drums, Ranking Roger on vocals and toasting, and foundational first wave ska legend Saxa on saxophone. Shortly after the release of their first album, Dave Wright aka Blockhead joined the band on keyboard.  The band crossed over fluidly between soul, reggae, pop and punk, and from these disparate pieces they created an infectious dance rhythm. Along with their contemporaries The Specials, The Selecter, and Madness, The Beat became an overnight sensation and one of the most popular and influential bands of the British ska movement.

By Christmas of 1979, The Beat were riding high in the UK charts with their first single, a smoking remake of the classic Smokey Robinson tune "Tears of a Clown".

Over the course of the next five years The Beat toured relentlessly and released three studio albums: "I Just Can't Stop It", "Wh'appen", and "Special Beat Service". The band toured the world, touring with such artists as David Bowie, The Police, REM, The Clash, The Talking Heads, The Pretenders, and The Specials, to name but a few.

The Beat kept scoring hits with tunes that have now become so popular that it's hard to remember a time when they didn't exist, such as "Mirror in the Bathroom", "Save it for Later", "I Confess", "Stand Down Margaret", and their serene cover of Andy William's "Can't Get Used To Losing You".

After the split of 80’s ska band, Everett, Saxa and Ranking Roger worked on many other projects. Ranking Roger along with Dave Wakeling formed General public with former Dexy’s Midnight Runners keyboardist Micky Billingham. General Public split in 1986 and 1988 saw the release of the solo album Radical Departure by Ranking Roger. He then went on to form Special Beat with Neville Staple from The Specials.

In 1988 Everett and Saxa became part of the I nternational Beat along with Neil Deathridge, with regular guest appearances by Ranking Roger and Micky Billingham. The International Beat enjoyed success both in the UK and in the USA . After the split of the International Beat in 1992, Neil met songwriter Tony O’Donnell and they performed together at many venues throughout the UK.Finally in 2001, Ranking Roger, Everett, Saxa and Neil got together again along with Tony O’Donnell and Andy Pearson who had previously worked with Roger and formed the band Twist and Crawl,

On February 10th 2003 The Beat’s reunion gig took place at London 's Royal Festival Hall. Ranking Roger along with Everett , Saxa, Neil and Andy were reunited with Dave Wakeling and Blockhead.

The overwhelming success of the gig, encouraged Ranking Roger to resurrect The Beat, with his son Matthew Murphy accompanying Roger on vocals in place of Dave Wakeling.

The present line-up was completed when Mark ' Chico ' Hamilton became the bands permanent sax player .. Saxa always insisted that "we boys mus" find someone to take over from him. It is a pleasure for him to know that Mark is the son of Andy Hamilton, a life-long friend of Saxa and an internationally renowned jazz saxophonist. Saxa and Mark did many gigs together before Saxa was eventually obliged to give up life on the road. However, the spirit of Saxa is still on the road and has left an indelible mark on this band.

Having re-established The Beat in the UK , the band has had continued success with their tours of the UK , Ireland , Europe and Australia . Additionally Matthew aka Ranking Junior, has had combined success with The Ordinary Boys with their top 3 single “Boys will be boys”.  

At long last Roger and the boys have recorded the first album for The Beat since the early 1980’s.  Currently being mixed by Adrian Sherwood the album is once again a work of pure brilliance by a band whose musical prowess has lasted 3 decades.

http://www.myspace.com/thenewenglishbeat

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HOLLY GOLIGHTLY & THE BROKEOFFS - 02/04/09   back   return to top of page 

Holly Plays Parc Hall, Cwmparc, RCT. CG42 6LD on 3rd of June. Tickets are £10. Doors are 8pm.

Tickets available from box office 01443 776920, www.wegottickets.com or via paypal on www.myspace.com/parchall

In 2006 Holly Golightly, after 11 years of playing with a full band decided to hook up with Lawyer Dave, who had played double bass in the band on a few American tours and simplify things by working as a duo thus HOLLY GOLIGHTLY & THE BROKEOFFS were born. Just to be clear The Brokeoffs is just Dave but he does the work of three musicians at least, thus the plural. 

Dave had been working as The Brokeoffs for a few years and released one album ‘Rest Stop’  in 2005.

So they set about recording their debut album at Christmas 2006 and ‘You Can’t Buy A Gun When You’re Crying’ was released in March 2007, It’s a winding, dirt track of a record. It's pitted with potholes, but they're walking it with ease. They're enjoying stumbling along, tipping grit from their boots and soaking their sore feet in the creek. 

They then headed out on UK , Euro & US tours for the rest of the year taking in many places that Holly had never made it to, it’s a lot easier with two.

They also released a split single in June 2007 with their friends ‘The Stratford Sparrows’ from Portland , two new tracks including a version of the Holly standard ‘No Big Thing’. 

Last year they have again been out on a huge European tour, over 50 dates and and stopped off for a week in Gijon, Spain at the Circo Perotti studio to record their second album ‘Dirt Don’t Hurt’ which was released in September 2008. 

Here’s what Holly & Dave had to say about the second album… 

“In the studio...This particular project was recorded in the middle of a 50 date tour during the only break we had. That week found us in Gijon , Spain on the Northern coast. We had chosen to record there at an analog studio by the name of Circo Perotti which is outfitted with a lovely selection of vintage microphones and loads of ancient outboard treasures to play with.  After wrangling with all the ghosts, goblins and gremlins that inhabit gear and studios of this nature, the record was completed in five days... which is one more day than we spent the last one, so it may seem a little over produced to some!

While we must admit it was probably not the most carefully recorded string of sounds ever committed to tape, we do feel that it suits the songs. We were a bit weary and dirty.  If you listen close, you'll hear the mud on our shoes on more than a few tracks.  

This record is called "Dirt Don't Hurt", because it doesn't.  It was produced by us.” 

They also had a 7” out called ‘My 45’ and 2009 sees them heading over to Europe again as well as working on new songs for their, as yet untitled, third album towards the end of the year. 

http://www.myspace.com/hollygolightlyandthebrokeoffs

http://www.thebrokeoffs.com

http://www.hollygolightly.com/

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