Tarragon

 Tarragon

by Pete Clemons

The last time I saw Callum Pickard play live was at the Old Grammer School. It was during 2018 and he was fronting his band The Third Look. It was a really excellent gig and if a band was ever on its way, it was them. I really thought they were on the cusp of something special. They were tight, they were inventive and they just seemed to bring something different.

Then to my complete and utter surprise The Third Look split. Despite the reasons being very understandable it was still a shock.

Since then Callum has been working on a project he has called Tarragon. And Callum has put every ounce of his being into this venture. From working all the hours he can get to fund it, to the writing of the songs and playing all the instruments on it.

'I’ve been working on new music for the past four years, funded myself through being a Deliveroo cyclist in my home town. I’ve ended up working with some of my heroes in the process and I’m so proud and excited for people to hear it!' mentioned Callum on a social media post.

March 25 2021 saw the release of his first single, 'Follow the Sign'. It has since been added to the 'Fresh Finds' indie playlist.

About the single Callum mentioned: 'I’m over the moon to share my debut single, 'Follow the Sign'.

Thanks a million to all the people that were a part of this and all those that were involved. Thanks so much to my hero and now friend, John Helliwell from the band Supertramp who laid down some gorgeous Saxophones for the track'.

He continued 'It’s an incredibly sensitive song about my sister and her physical illness and how she’s overcome the obstacles in her life since her diagnosis and shown so much determination to never give up, she’s an absolute trooper and inspiration to me and many others. I can’t wait to see what the future holds with this project. Take a listen and follow your heart to the finish line'.

A second Tarragon single 'Our Meaning', a song that Callum began writing in his teens, was released 29 July. An album has also been completed and is now awaiting release.

On the live front Callum, along with Loz Pettite, have been busy preparing for them. In fact Tarragon made an impressive debut recently at the Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa. Tunes aired included: Barkey, Follow the Sign, Our Meaning, Autumnal Natalia, Catching Full On (solo), Sudden Whispers, Time Lies, Hail Hollow (solo), Hoard the Pieces (solo).

Callum and Loz complimented each other wonderfully. On a rain threatened afternoon, which thankfully held off, it was a satisfying kind of gig where you are convinced that the band is going to take off and you are getting the privilege of seeing them at close quarters. A decent crowd had gathered who appeared to really appreciate what was happening on stage. Further gigs for Tarragon are booked for Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester. Check out their facebook page for details and news.

https://www.facebook.com/Tarragonuk