(NB: This page has been set up as a tribute to Swan Arcade and is maintained by the daughter of one of the band members, not any of the band themselves) if you have any mp3s or other photographs or information that you feel should be contributed to this page, do get in touch!
Formed in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, in 1970, Swan Arcade comprised Dave Brady (vocals), Heather Brady (vocals) and Jim Boyes (vocals/guitar). The band took their name from a local landmark that was demolished during re-planning of the city, and were renowned for both their powerful unaccompanied vocals and strong harmonies, and their arrangements of both traditional and contemporary material. Boyes left in 1972, having moved to Sheffield. His place was taken by Royston Wood from the Young Tradition, and later Brian Miller, who provided bass harmonies. They appeared at most of the major British festivals and on BBC disc jockey John Peel's radio show. By 1974, Boyes had returned and there followed tours of Europe and Britain, with a concert performance for Dutch television with Kate and Anna McGarrigle. Matchless stayed in the Belgian folk charts for three years. Swan Arcade also worked extensively as backing vocalists, including sessions for Richard and Linda Thompson, Barry Melton, Ashley Hutchings and the Albion Band.
Swan Arcade broke up in 1978, with Boyes joining Jiggery Polkary and now more currently the stellar acapella trio Coope, Boyes and Simpson, as well as running folk lable and co-operative "No Masters" with his wife, Georgina.
The Bradys retired to the Lake District to run an hotel. Chris Taylor (who played drums and percussion in the earlier incarnation of S.A and sadly passed away in the summer of 2005) continued to play in Local bands fuelling his love for Blues, and was best known for being a core member of Jed's Blues Band. Kevin Hingston (who played bass and backing vocal on the 1976 electric album "Matchless" as well as live electric shows and festivals) now lives and works in London in media and film.
Eventually, they were persuaded to get back together, and in 1985, the appropriately entitled Together Forever received good reviews from the folk music press. Radio and festival appearances followed. Two years later Swan Arcade joined up with the Watersons to form Blue Murder. This line-up proved successful at a number of festivals, but commitments for both units prevented them from working together more often. Dave Brady continued to work as a roadie for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and sadly passed away in the spring of 2006.
Swan Arcade have played support to John Martyn, Paul Kossoff (Free), and Rab Nokes to mention only a few.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
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.
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..?
Please check out our new comedic “vampire bankers” music video. The guy who directed this also directed Madonna’s first music vid. We think it’s pretty funny. It’s available as a free mp3 download on http://www.ukejackson.com
Thanks for being our friend! Uke Jackson and the NY Ukulele Ensemble
Frank is coming to town. I Hope you can make it. Its gonna be a great night of comedy and music. Tickets are on sale as stated on poster or can be purchased through the link on my profile page. It will be possible to pay on the door but spaces are dependant on ticket sales.
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.
Thanks for the add. Swan Arcade were one of the first acts I ever saw in a folk club at the age of 14. Always loved their music and energy. Good to see the page up here.
Many thanks for the add. I heard SA's music for the first time on the mid-80s in Houston, Texas of all places. Great stuff, sorry I never got to hear them live.
