Alison Bann (BV, Prcsn, Cello) Steve Elliott (Bass) Warwick Gastinger (Electric Guitar) Paul Miller (Viola,Millertronics) Ian Rushbury (Drums,Vocals) Mark Winters (Vocals,Guitar)
Influences
Many! Between us: Classic Pop and Rock, Power Pop, Folk.
Sounds Like
An eclectic mix of Classic Rock/ Folk/Pop and er, other stuff. We are also up for writing songs for other artists, so if you want a song, get in touch-
mark@valuablefools.co.uk
The VALUABLE FOOLS formed in late 1995 when songwriter/guitarist Mark Winters, met dazzling guitarist Warwick Gastinger. In 1997, after a variety of rhythm sections came and went, they were joined by Paul Miller on Electric Viola and a bewildering array of effects pedals, lovingly referred to as ‘Millertronics’! Mr Miller added his unique touches to the band’s sound (whilst playing in a variety of other bands, including Prussian Blue, Anorakula, Bleeding Hearts and Druidspear).
During a rehearsal in Mark’s front room, there was a knock at the door…it was next-door-neighbour Steve Elliott with his trusty headless Bass under his arm. He plugged in to Paul’s amp and property values crashed in the Bearwood area. He also had a dinky little home studio in the spare bedroom. ‘Could be useful’, thought the band… By 2000 with the addition of backing singer/percussion player/bellydancer Dawn O'Brien, the band started gigging again, often with Craig Shipley on drums. On one notable occasion however, they used a rather mischievous Roland drum machine. Let us never speak of that moment again…
By 2003, Dawn had left to be replaced by the splendid, folksy harmonies of Ella Wright, who also played accordion. She added a whole new dimension to the sound of the band and with a local following growing, they began to record their debut, self-titled CD. Finally released in 2006 this CD showcases the early version of the band and their incredible versatility. The CD also features an amazing vocal performance by Dionne Deveraux who often joined the band for live shows.
Ian Rushbury stepped up to the drum seat in 2006 and since then the band have gigged regularly across the West Midlands and have released their second CD ‘What’s Next Dad?’ The origin of the title is shrouded in mystery…. This new CD includes a strong collection of original material and has taken over a year to record and was released on June 15th 2008, which just happened to be Father's Day. A huge ‘Thank You’ goes out to Alison Bann who added backing vocals and Cello to the recordings and joined us for gigs.The new CD includes the tracks "The Vine" and "Winter Song", both played on the radio.
The first CD and What's Next Dad? are available for £5.00 each or £8.00 for the pair, by dropping us an email. Go on, treat yourself!
IT CAN ALSO BE BROUGHT VIA CD BABY FOR NON UK RESIDENTS.
SOME TRACKS ARE AVAILABLE AS MP3S AT INDIESTORE http://indiestore.7digital.com/valuablefools
IF YOU'RE IN BIRMINGHAM , IT'S AVAILABLE AT SWORDFISH RECORDS,TEMPLE ST.
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We'd be overjoyed if you would come and see us at the Hare and Hounds this Friday 3 July. Admission is £5 or free to MySpace friends of Moseley Folk (www.myspace.com/moseleyfolk)
Just a quick message to let you know that we're playing in Birmingham on Tuesday 21st Oct. We're playing at Island Bar, and it'll start at 9ish. It'd be great to see you there!
Hey Guys!!! The duo I'm one half of are playing tonight in Walsall...if your at a loose end or over our neck of the woods... Hope you're all in good form!!! Urisk
Hiya! How are you? I'm back from all the wedding stuff now :-(, would be good to catch up. :-). I've lost your e-mail addy - can you mail me? Caroline x x
Hey - Thanks for be-friending us. Please feel free to use GigsRemembered to archive any/all of your gigs, past, present and future. There are fields for band/artist name, venue, date, review, setlist, images, videos etc etc as well as a unique visitor forum for each gig uploaded.
I think that this is a pretty unique idea for a website and it would be great to get it used and 'off the ground'. Thanks Pa (GigMaster)
Hey Guys!!! Had a great time providing part of the support for your Atticus gig last Sunday...Lookin' forward to Benjamin's for your album launch show on the 11th July!! Cheers again...
Helloo fellow Brummies! Hope all's well here? We're now back in business with a spanking new venue for Brum. Please check out our blogs for info and gig dates now available! Take it easy.
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