Coventry Music 2022 Review

Coventry Music 2022 Review

by Pete Clemon

As widely reported, restrictions debilitated the music industry during 2020, and the best part of 2021. There was also lingering uncertainty. And that affected customer confidence which made planning, forecasting and money a huge issue. Gigs were still being postponed and rescheduled due to the pandemic.

That said it seems that 2022 proved a more positive year, in parts of it at least, than the industry expected. Touring and festivals have largely returned. As such confidence has quickly restored. However it has been reported that the overall value of the music industry is still down on pre pandemic levels. Grass roots still needs your support. Talking grass roots a series of 'sessions' by local bands and artists were held at The HMV Empire. This was a magnificent gesture as these sessions were free.

Despite this backdrop, closer to home, we saw the release of some really fine music. Several releases that spiked my attention included the following.

Moonbears – Four Sides For Red: One of those groups who keep pushing forward the frontiers of pop music but who are, sadly, probably destined to remain in relative obscurity. This album makes it clear that they deserve better and is one of the best advertisements for that progression. Several years in the making this double album was a true labour of love. Always an interesting and inventive band with all sorts of sounds cropping up.


https://themoonbears.bandcamp.com/album/four-sides-for-red-2


Callum Pickard – Tarragon: First solo album, carefully produced, beautifully arranged. This album has a quiet romantic charm, likely to appeal to quietly romantic folk. Callum really gets inside the songs and performs them wonderfully throughout. He is also in the company of many excellent musicians who have clearly recognised his talents.


https://tarragonuk.bandcamp.com/album/ive-just-seen-a-scene


Freedom to Glide – The Chronicle of Stolen Souls: Apart from the thought provoking feelings and spirit that permeates from each F2G release there is usually some healthy musicianship. Additionally F2G usually deal with incredibly heavy subject material. And this release is no different. Current events appear to have sabotaged the bands chosen path and, instead, presented us with this powerful release. Additionally, F2G appear to be attracting a lot of attention. Particularly on the other side of the channel particularly in the Netherlands.


https://freedomtoglide.bandcamp.com/album/the-chronicle-of-stolen-souls


King of the Alps – Heart of the Matter: Although this release seems, on the face of it, to be in the folk idiom it doesn't bear much resemblance to folk music. Regardless, King of the Alps appear to be having great time with their uncomplicated style. And it leaves a lasting impression. The quality of these songs are quite addictive. Titles like 'Wonderful Day' and 'Me and You' slowly burrow their way into you. There isn't a better day coming for these three Kings.


https://bandcamp.com/tag/king-of-the-alps-band


Doug Veitch – The Eclectic Electric Ukulele Blues Band: Featuring Doug Veitch and Alan Dawson on electric Ukulele, Horace Panter and Rick Medlock. This EP is an example of the professionalism of musicians who can seemingly turn their hands to any style of music. This, against the randomness and spontaneity of those who wanted to get the job done quickly. But what has all this to do with Coventry?. Well despite being written 300 miles away, two of the main protagonists are associated with Coventry, plus this release was produced here by Roger Lomas. Do not be put off by the title as this is a wonderful musical journey. From the opening number, 'Lockdown' it takes you completely off guard. Just do not expect any Formby.


https://en-gb.facebook.com/TheEclecticElectricUkuleleBluesBand/


Shiloh Clarke – A Million Things: With this single release Shiloh and song writer Leigh Malin are pushing important messages that command attention. Both are clearly conscious of a need to move beyond the relaxed soul sound which Shiloh excels at. The song bombs along and manifests glee. So much so a second listen, immediately after the first is almost compulsory. Another Roger Lomas production.


https://open.spotify.com/artist/2a3ETHubNHydNYFxEIcXrP


On the live front a gig in Coventry that I will never forget, and will possibly become the stuff of legend, was The Unthanks at Drapers Hall: Impossible to try to summarise the sheer beauty and diversity of the music that was laid before us. From the opening number of 'We Picked Apples in a Graveyard Freshly Mowed' to the hard blowing 'Starless' the whole evening bore the stamp of great preparation and a real sense of enjoyment by the musicians involved.

Other significant gigs I attended locally included:

The Dirt Road Band / Holly Hewitt / Bob Jackson - Albany Club: Songs like Laundromat, Little by Little with Holly and Goin' Down with Bob really had the club rocking. Truly memorable evening.
The Primitives / The Session - HMV Empire: Spin-O-Rama, Spacehead and the inevitable Crash made for a great evening. Solid and complimentary support too from The Session.

Tangerine Dream - Coventry Cathedral: Unforgettable evening as the current version of Tangerine Dream performed a set of both new and classic material.


The self indulgent bit..........

Away from Coventry albums released during 2022 that I really enjoyed included:
Pineapple Thief - Give it Back
Tangerine Dream - Raum
Tim Bowness - Butterfly Mind
Porcupine Tree - Closure/Continuation
Gazpacho - Fireworking at St.Croix


Again, not related to Coventry, but an incendiary gig all the same, was Porcupine Tree at Wembley Arena: An absolute triumph for, probably, a rock band few of you will have heard of. 30 years in the making and playing in front of a 12500 capacity audience. An absolute moment indeed.


Finally........


Another aspect of the music industry I hugely enjoyed have been the tour diaries. Particularly those by Horace Panter on his time touring with The Specials earlier this year. They were graphic and pulled no punches. The reader is given an interesting insight to the trials and tribulations of life on the road.


Similarly drummer Rick Medlock kept us entertained with his video diaries released during his national tour of the UK with Gary Puckett and Union Gap.


During a recent walk I mentioned to Rick Medlock how much I had enjoyed the tour diaries of both his and Horace. Little did I know then just how profound Horace's last, and most recent, diary entry would be. RIP Terry Hall.