MADE IN WHITBY

WHITBY FRIENDSHIP ROWING CLUB

PICTURES BY SHEPTON (and there's a lovely slideshow at the end)


07: 08: 15

All the bands playing at this gig have been reviewed lovingly on this blog in the past, so rather than a forensic examination of their songcraft and sonic qualities, this review is more of a paean to the joys of local gig going from a personal point of view. Expect name dropping and pointless detail.

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Dave, Jason and Rob: The John Does

Today was the day my mate from Saltburn, Gavin Parry, would be launched headlong into the Whitby local music scene. I got a bit of a flyer from work, so as soon as Gavin arrived bearing gifts of bottled beers and a book of Scottish folklore, we set off walking into town. After some deliberation about the climate and whether it would be chilly on the walk home, we plumped for taking jackets.

I'd had no tea, so a quick visit to the chippy on Silver Street ensued. It wasn't particularly busy, and I only ordered chips and peas open, yet the lady who took my order wrote it meticulously down on a bit of paper, passed it to the server at the side of her, who looked at it, put it with some similar bits of paper and then prepared the chips and peas. Were these two not on speaking terms I wondered, or was it just an over-elaborate ritual that's been carried on since time immemorial, like the Penny Hedge?

Outside the Friendship Club, Tom, Chris Corner, Emma and Rich Locker and various others were taking in the night air and some nicotine. Emma and Rich knew Gavin from his blog posts and other internet communications, so they could now put a face to the words and pictures. Everyone got on splendidly, as like minded people usually do.

Emma wore a dress with a volume knob that went up to eleven!

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Emily, Keeley and Steve: Genetix UK

Even though we got there as soon as we could, we still sadly missed The John Does. In his review of
the Rifle Club gig on the 24th of July, Jon Horne made two recommendations: Firstly gigs with a number of bands should employ a compere, more about that later. Secondly seven o'clock is too early to start, and this gig did start at seven, so consequently we arrived halfway through the second band's set.

The second band was Genetix UK, and as usual they radiated joy and energy via punky pop and unpretentious directness. Gav was impressed as we purchased drinks and settled down for more fun. It's a good job we brought our jackets, because it was bloody freezing on those chairs. It did warm up later though, luckily.

Rob Savage and Jason from The Jon Does both seperately explained how good the sound was tonight, and how much sweeter it sounded than the previous gig at The Starms (which I thought was great anyway), and I was sad to have missed them. Next time let's hope they're placed further up the running order and get a fair crack of the whip.

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Seeing Shepton with a huge and very technical camera round his neck seemed like an opportunity not to be sniffed at, so I asked if any of his pictures could be donated to Whitby Popwatch in the interest of documenting the event. He agreed, and the fruits of his labours are here on this blog page for all to see.

As if that wasn't enough, Shepton also compered for the evening. Having an MC makes a huge difference because it adds structure, also introducing each band is always helpful, after all not everyone knows who's who. Consequently there were no major gaps between acts and the whole thing flowed relatively smoothly, like the Esk passing the Gasworks at high tide on a Spring afternoon.

Niamh, George and ?: Nocturnal Dictionary

Nocturnal Dictionary had yet another line-up. It seems only singer George and drummer Niamh (when she hasn't got a broken hand) are constant members. This time a violinist and a French horn player were drafted in. The sound is fragile, spacey and always compelling. TFT and John Doe's drummer Alan Boyes for one was impressed by Niamh's delicate, well timed stick and brush work.

It's amazing who turns up to these events. I chatted with Andy Brown who helped us with the financial headache of getting my parents into Peregrine House last year. Author Chris Firth was there with his mate, the chap who busks sea shanties with a scary dancing doll on a stick too.

Tantalisingly Chris Firth is organising an electronic noise/music/drone/bleep free-for-all at the Cranberry Swamp cafe on Skinner Street shortly, probably later this month, although that isn't set in stone. Anyone with anything that makes a noise of some sort is welcome I think, as well as intrigued listeners. Stay tuned for further details as they emerge.

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Marc and Rick: Moonwreck

Moonwreck took a few songs to get into their stride, and then they took off. The frequencies probably
needed to accumulate one on top of the other, like layer cake, like strata. Anyway Gavin and I looked after Emma's beautiful, pink handbag while she went to the powder room, or whatever. We bought more beer. We had a chat to Steve Scott of Genetix UK, and by now the room was a bit warmer. As the great Phil Collins once said, no jacket required.

The Friendship is a nice, convenient venue, with lots of chairs and tables, and at £3 for five bands no one could complain that they weren't getting their money's worth. We all got stylish Made In Whitby wristbands from the members of Moonwreck manning the door, which meant going out for fresh air and then coming back in was no problem. Nicely thought through.

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Alan, Tom and Chris: Ten Foot Tom and The Leprosy Crooks

Up to now all the acts played in front of floor length curtains decorated with pictures of shells, but Ten Foot Tom threw the curtains open and let the lights of night time Whitby sparkle through the window. Nice touch. I must admit, I thought Tom might be a tiny bit drunk and unable to hit the heights tonight, but I'm glad to say I was proved wrong. A fantastic set to end a top evening's entertainment, and this time Tom's guitar survived relatively unscathed.

Gavin, Chris Corner and myself wandered home up Upgang lane. A car pulled up with Keeley from Genetix UK and her dog ensconced within. She offered Chris and his bass guitar a lift home, but he politely decided to accompany us. At Popwatch HQ we drank a good quantity of tea, formulated plans for upcoming projects and played some proper vinyl records. Can't remember which ones though. A great end to one of those wonderful nights that just seem to come together out of nothing.

Thanks to everyone involved.