Drink, Sex, Cigarettes, Ford Cortinas, Household Pets,
Peter Bellamy, The Young Tradition, Tony Hall, Nic Jones, Tony Rose, Tim Laycock, Martin Carthy, The Wilsons, The Watersons, The Coppers, Walter Pardon, Harry Cox, Sam Larner, Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention, Albion Band, Chris Sherburn, Denny Bartley, Dick Gaughan, Ewan McColl, Christy Moore, Cordelia's Dad, My Dad, Crass, Flux of Pink Indians, The Sex Pistols, PIL, Stiff Little Fingers, Dread At The Controls, Big Youth, Bob Marley, Creation Rebel.
Started playing melodeon aged 7 and went downhill from there. Turned professional after knacking up my A levels when I was 18. Finalist in BBC radio 2's Young Tradition Award 1989, 90, 91, 95 & 96 (was too old the last time but no one asked for ID so...) Moved from my Norfolk homeland to Co Leitrim, Ireland in 1995 and spent 4 years playing Button Accordion in return for Guinness. Moved to Chris Sherburn's house, Goole in 1999 and harrassed Denny Bartley into teaching me the guitar. Lost my little finger in a fan belt 2 weeks later and started learning open tunings! Moved to Haworth, W.Yorks in 2000 & been here since. After 12 years performing solo I asked some mates if they'd mind keeping me company on the road, they said no but were happy to meet me at the gigs...The Demon Barbers. Founder member of Black Swan Rapper. Don't play the button accordion much any more after stopping hangin around in bars...intend to start again (Playing, not hanging around in bars!) Still like to perform solo now and then but don't do it often. Also perform in duo with Mike Wilson.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Hey, just to let you know we have uploaded tracks from Ali's new solo album Flying High to his myspace, come by and let us know what you think or if you want to pre order you can get it on his myspace page.
Ali will be on tour in the UK from June 19th – July 4th come and see him and his new band live – they are tearing it up, round the country with a great party vibe!
Big Love Ali's Team x
Hey stranger :) so how was China? Hope you're on the road back to fitness and we'll be seeing you again soon? Celebrations over the bank hol, hope you can make it! x
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith’s the star that we glance Attending Christ’s churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
Lovely to meet you too - your email has made me incredibly happy :-) I am taking my time over replying because it deserves a bit of thought but expect one soon! Have a great weekend xx
Hi Damien, Sorry I can't come to your 'Farewell 2008' Concerts. I shall be on the (hopefully) sunny island of Crete. Its a dirty job, but somebody has to do it! Have a good one. Roy
