I've been putting together a fair few playlists over Lockdown (pictured above is some of the artwork). I find compiling them very therapeutic. They've gone out to all and sundry: family, friends, Twitter buddies have all been on the receiving end of these digital mixtapes; lasting no more than 60 or 70 minutes they're an ideal way to while away an hour or so. And let's face it, we've got bugger all else to do.
Often I'll get a text or maybe an email back from the recipient with a "Thanks" or a smiley emoji. However, earlier this week after sending one over to my daughter-in-law's father, I was pleasantly surprised when I got this most unique of responses (and as my reply pointed out, I look forward to receiving a similarly detailed critique for each of the other 10 tracks!)
Over to Andy...
"So, for those interested in cosmic interconnectedness, the first track is played by the Fairey Band based in Stockport so James & Janneke can probably hear them when the wind is in the right direction. Harry Mortimer was their musical director for 30 years and inspired me to play cornet in the local band. Fairey Aviation built the Swordfish aircraft in WW2 and at the end of hostilities set up Fairey Marine to build sailing dinghies. In 1959 they built the Swordfish that I'm currently repairing and hope to sail this year. It's called Sue and my sister, another Sue, was also built in 1959. It's number 215 the last they built and one of the very few that survive. If there's ever a Swordfish world championship I'd stand a good chance of a medal. Welcome to my Cosmos!"
...
The Williams Fairey Brass Band - Pacific 202 (1997)
What a fascinating and impressive version. I wasn't expecting it! Might have to punt that one to our local brass band whose renditions of various songs waft up into the garden from the village hall on balmy Summer Wednesday evenings (or at least, used to...)
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to get more than a "thanks" in return fir a mixtape.
ReplyDeleteAs someone he spent the best years of his adolescence playing in a brass band, I like that tune. More than the original. I might have been into 808 State if they'd used more brass bands.
C/Rol - I've always found brass bound music very emotional and very powerful; I've been left with a lump in my throat at so many performances over the years.
ReplyDeleteThis particular piece is amazing isn't it?
'band'. Bloody spellcheck.
DeleteAn inspired interpretation, it works really well.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it just? My son is friends with Graham Massey of 808 State - I must ask what he thinks of this version.
DeleteThat's a great message with all sorts of connectedness.
ReplyDeleteLoved the brass band version and knew it was familiar - Turns out I've shared Pacific State over at my place when I was writing about bands with palindromic names. My workmate back in the '90s was a fan.
I love palindromes, Alyson. One of my favourites: A slut nixes sex in Tulsa.
DeleteWow (a palindrome), someone spent a fair bit of time compiling that one. I'm more of a Noon, Level or Rotor person.
DeleteHi thaanks for posting this
ReplyDelete