Thank you to everyone who came to support the album launch of ‘Good Fortune, Bad Weather’ at the Elgin. I was very overwhelmed and some had travelled some distance to make it. The only person missing that night was David Baron, my writing partner, who is based near Woodstock, USA and busy producing Simone Felice and the wonderful Simi Stone amongst many other things.
Moby Dick English Pub Steak House Disc O Tec Lloret De Mar
I am updating my news to mention my next gig, this Friday 6thJuly 2012 at The Cultural Pick -Plectrum- The Live Edition at a wonderful venue called the Horse Hospital organised by Guy Sangster Adams. It was a bit difficult to promote this second night being so close to the launch but it seems a few of those who couldn’t make it are coming on Friday and it is a mixed evening of film, poetry and readings. I will be performing tracks on guitar and slightly different ones from the launch.
Plectrum-The Cultural Pick Live Edition flyer 6 July 2012
All is going well in regards to the album. It has now got distribution and whilst I will continue to do gigs and promote it the best I can I am also going to be doing some new tracks this Summer when I get a bit more time due to some of my employers going away some with Anthony Phillips. The response to the gig on Wednesday was amazing. Louise Dodds was fantastic on bass and a few people from my time supporting Peter Murphy as well as those who had heard me on Radio 6 had come along who I had not met before. I sold out of CDs. Here are some photographs taken by the very talented James Ussher.
Lettie at the Elgin, London 27th June 2012 w/ Louise Dodds on bass launching album photograph by James Ussher
Louise Dodds at the Elgin, London 27th June 2012 launching album photograph by James Ussher
Lettie at the Elgin, London 27th June 2012 w/ Louise Dodds on bass launching album photograph by James Ussher
Lettie at the Elgin, London 27th June 2012 w/ Louise Dodds on bass launching album photograph by James Ussher
At this time the only other gig I have organised is a support slot on Wednesday 29th August 2012 at the Half Moon Putney supporting an Australian band ‘The Wishing Well’. Information can be found here. I also hope to to do a gig with Anthony Reynolds in October or November. I have been a fan of his work for years now and did a duet with him in Spain which I have never heard. It will be good to do something with someone I am such a fan of! He introduced me to this wonderful film:
From French Cinema since 1940 Volume One by Roy Armes from The International Film Guide Series published by A Zwemmer Limited London A S Barnes & Co New Jersey
In the meantime I am creating a film for ‘Mister Lighter’, which should be finished in the next few days. Thank you once again to everyone who came down it meant such a lot to me and particularly to Louise Dodds, my old flatmate from Glasgow, who is such a talented Jazz singer and artist in her own right, who after only two rehearsals effortlessly played! Apart from Oskar Silen who used play bass with me but now lives in Finland and with whom I caught up with on the eve of my gig I have to say this is the best stage partner I have ever had X
Yolana From ‘The Directory of Psychics How to Find, Evaluate, and Communicate with Professional Psychics and Mediums’ by Hans Holzer copyright 1995 by Aspera and Astra Inc
The album ‘Good Fortune, Bad Weather’ written with David Baron who also produced is continuing to get good reviews including **** in the Irish Times. It means a lot to me. In the meantime I’ve been working harder than ever in my day job which has meant my efforts to promote it myself have been minimal. However, as the Summer approaches I will get more time. I am most interested now in getting my performance to be the best it can be.
Lettie by Brian Kavanagh in Soho
The skies continue to cry just like I predicted. My obsession with the weather started about six years ago. I used to take the month of August off to work on music rather than go abroad. Each Summer has got worse.
Page 138 From ‘The Book of Fortune Telling’ by Agnes M Miall originally published in 1951 by C Arthur Pearson Limited First published by Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited 1972
I remember the smell, the strawberries, grassy eyes melted ice cream the tinkling noises and sitting in an old Victorian metal tub for hours. I don’t think it’s my imagination.
Bournemouth 1964 from anonymous photograph album
Is it something to do with the sun and the atmosphere. If you ever go to Prague you have to see the Astronomical clock.
From ‘The Book of Fortune Telling’ by Agnes M Miall originally published in 1951 by C Arthur Pearson Limited First published by Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited 1972
Two films I can’t get out of my head are Lars Von Triers ‘Melancholia’ and a strange small film called ‘Another Earth’. In the former, the planets are represented in the individual characters and Melancholia is Earth. Both are beautiful films.
Detail from illumination from 15th Century Manuscript from ‘Astrology History, Symbols and Signs’ by Solange de Mailly Nesle published by Inner Traditions International New York
I managed to watch the wonderful Diamond Jubilee boats on the river Thames quite by fluke. My friend happened to be around and sitting in their flat overlooking the Thames so I got a great view. They didn’t even know it was going on until they woke up to the sound of fog horns! I have to admit information was a bit hazy as to where and when things were going on. I’m doing a film for Mister Lighter with some of my shots.
Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty The Quee 1952-1977 Official Souvenir programme published by The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Trust published by gracious permission of Her Majesty
From Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty The Quee 1952-1977 Official Souvenir programme published by The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Trust published by gracious permission of Her Majesty
Robbie Williams performing ‘Mack The Knife’ was quite a highlight. It was only the week before that my friend had told me the song was about a serial killer called ‘Mack The Knife’ by Bobby Darin. I hadn’t really listened to the lyrics. It was hilarious the way he put members of the younger Royal Family in the song as Mack’s victims! This is from Granta Magazine which I have started to collect.
I’ve Always Been A Fan devised and edited by Michael Collins from Granta Magazine of New Writing 79 Celebrity published by Rea S. Hederman
I’m excited to be playing on Friday the 6th July at a wonderful evening organised by Guy Sangster Adams at a beautiful building called the Horse Hospital. It is a mixed evening of film, poetry and talks so I will be playing a very short set on my guitar but I’m looking forward to it immensely. He runs a fantastic magazine called Plectrum.
In regards to other performances I did my first rehearsal yesterday in a studio and was very pleased with the results although Louise and I both nearly fainted in there for lack of oxygen and the damp smell has seeped through my clothes in a really resonating way. We are playing our first gig at the Elgin in Ladbroke Grove on Wednesday 27th June, which is free to get in and my album launch – I think it will be a great night.
From the classified section of IT Magazine March 24 1972
I can’t stop watching the news. Europe is in crisis. Here are some postcards from Europe that remind us of sunnier days.
Tivoli Villa Adriana Canopus- Detail published by Alterocca Terni
Lido Di Camaiore Avenue of the promenade along the sea sent 1965
I found a couple of postcards to Connie from Peter – she is married and works at Superintendents Office LTE in Chiswick the one with the kisses on it must have been given to her by hand as it was not posted:
Atomium Sominex Conessionnaire exclusif de L’Atomium Belgique et Etranger ‘Dear Connie…Luxembourg is best so far I will have to diet after eating all this lovely food all the best Peter
Menora Hotel Castell Playa ‘To Connie having a wonderful time wish you were here Peter xxxx’
I also met a lady who is part of the Tooting Bec Lido group of swimmers who swim all year round. I couldn’t find a postcard of this Lido which is enormous but here’s Hyde Park. Once a year they follow the idea of the ‘Swimmer’ the film which starred Burt Lancaster. They go across London swimming across several of the Lidos.
I spent the weekend in Suffolk and really enjoyed the exhibition called ‘Snap’ there.
Lettie at Gavin Turk’s ‘L’Age d’or’ at ‘Snap’ at Snape Maltings Suffolk June 2012
In front of Emily Richardson’s work ‘Flex’ at Snape Maltings ‘Snap’
Here is a video I forgot to post on my video page. I slowed it down as much as I could. Originally the dog was in it but he didn’t look right! He didn’t make the cut! It was shot on a very windy day in Dunwich.
Dunwich Beach published by F W Pawsey & Sons Ipswich From Colour photographs sent 1982
Here are some nice Banana recipes for you.
Banana Salad Recipes from the Home Economics Department Fruit Dispatch Company Pier 3, North River New York N.Y
Over and out for now (click on any images to make larger)
I look back on my last blog and have to say that putting up notices in the window advertising very clearly for my secretarial skills has only worked on one occasion. Otherwise I have had someone wanting a massage and wanting to X off and another hanging up pretty quickly when I mentioned that I typed 90 words a minute. I really don’t know how my notices could have been misconstrued they were so unsexy! About as sexy as this!
Pyrex from ‘Good Housekeeping’s Menus published by National Magazine Company Ltd 1954
I have spent the Bank Holiday thinking this is bad weather. So bad in fact that I am only consoled by the good fortune I have had recently in regards to the very nice reviews I have been receiving (and I’m sure to get some bad ones too of course). Some of the new ones are now on my homepage of my website which Brian Kavanagh has kindly updated for me this weekend.
Lettie by Brian Kavanagh
I have been very nervous about getting reviews but its been wonderful that David Baron and all the musicians such as Danny Blume, Zack Alford, Sara Lee are recognised for the great musicianship on it. Some people say music is like acting but I totally disagree. I think acting is by far a harder profession to be in because so much is based on you being someone else.
The Picture Show Annual 1932
In music I have only been myself which is a huge advantage!!
Lettie ‘Stage Door’ by Brian Kavanagh somewhere in Soho
A while ago I bought this wonderful scrapbook from the Ephemera Fair that belonged to an this actress called Molly Kerr. It covers a year of her life from 1920-1921 and it begins wonderfully positive, she even set the trend for a hairstyle, and ends with her first play which does not receive very good reviews. Apart from few loose clippings later on in the book up to the outbreak of war, it stops. I suppose she just gave up. It is a constant thought on my mind.
From Molly F Kerr’s Swank Book November 1920 -April 1921
Reviews of Vortex from Molly F Kerr’s Swank Book
Reviews of Loose Ends from Mollly F Kerr’s Swank Book
From Molly F Kerr’s Swank Book November 1920 to April 1921
Molly F Kerr’s sketches from her Swank Book
Molly F Kerr’s more sketches from her Swank Book
Sketch and business card loose from Molly F Kerr’s Swank Book November 1920- April 1921
Here is an old postcard someone gave me recently of an American actress called Maud Fealy. She had a very successful career and toured a lot in the England in 1907 hence the postcard is English.
Miss Maud Fealy published by Giesen Bros & Co 1906
This is my ex uncle Brian Cox (previously married to my aunt). I found this in Fara which I spent much of my time in and have found it fascinating reading. I have seen Brian over the years in many things. One of my favourites was Tom Stoppard’s play ‘Rock N Roll’ at the Royal Court Theatre. I have to say I like the photographs on the front and back of this!
The Lear Diaries Uncorrected proof copy The Story of the Royal National Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s Richard III and King Lear by Brian Cox 1992 published by Methuen (my ex uncle)
So the weather is driven me to dreaming about Europe and going on a Friendly Tour.
See Holland with Friendship Tours Friendship Tours Ltd 72 High Street Teddington Middlesex
I bought some records in my local Fara charity shop but unfortunately I don’t have a record player but I like the covers! Yeah get those maracas out I have to imagine what it sounds like! Well I have the Buena Vista Social Club on today to get into the mood.
Latin Style Joe Loss and His Orchestra EMI Records 1961
Un Rayo De Sol Los Diablos Una Manana
So I’m excited to be doing a gig on 27th June at the Elgin pub and it’s free entry at a great pub in Ladbroke Grove. It used to be the place where the Clash used to hang out in and was a bit of a dive. I don’t normally like it when pubs get done up but it’s got a good stage and I like the sound. I also plan to do one with my old friends the Mad Staring Eyes hopefully at the Half Moon Putney. Their new album is great.
My friend Anthony Phillips new album ‘Seventh Heaven’ with Andrew Skeet is going to be getting played every night from May 7th (i.e. today!) at 6.15pm on Classic FM so tune in. I can’t wait to hear it and you can order it here. I’m looking forward to working with Anthony again hopefully in the Summer.
Anthony Phillips in 2011
I finally met Simi Stone last week at the Bush Hall playing with Simone Felice. She sings on a song of mine called ‘Fitter’. Not only is she a fantastic singer but a great violin player. It was great to hang out with her albeit so briefly. She told me though she’s back in September.
Simi Stone who was playing solo and performing with Simon Felice at Bush Hall 27th April 2012
Here’s a nice photograph to remind us what Spring is usually like from 1963. Such wonderful photographs this person takes whoever he/she is. I love them and then again there’s also their beloved…
Photograph from anonymous photograph album 1963
cat..
Picture of that cat from anonymous photograph album 1963
I bought these on ebay. Partly because I had postcards of match covers I had bought from Redstone Press– here’s a picture from their 2012 Diary of the Senses. Next year it’s the Diary of Language I believe. I helped organise an event with Julian Rothenstein and Will Hobson that went very well a couple of weeks ago.
From the Redstone Diary of the Senses edited by Julian Rothenstein and Adam Love texts chosen by Ardashir Vakil and Other Senses by Will Hobson 2012 by Redstone Press
These are just some of the wonderful pieces of ephemera that you will get when you buy my album! You can buy from here.
Matchbox covers bought from ebay
Or something from this collection I put to a poem:
Click on any images to make larger. Thank you to all those who have bought the album and also to those who continue to support me. X
I counted and I now work for eight different people which means that I have been slow to sending out the CDs of ‘Good Fortune, Bad Weather’ produced and co-written with David Baron. Thank you to everyone who has bought. I am not advertising yet except on here as it is not officially out till May 21st. It has been exceedingly good weather at the moment but I guess I came up with the title last Summer when it never stopped raining.
In the meantime I’m working hard in my day job. Here is my new business card for my secretarial services! I should add ‘I spend my time HOARDING!’. It has got to a point now that I’m getting rid of stuff and I hope to do a stall soon.
Lettie's Business Card advertising her secretarial services 2012
It takes me a while to choose the appropriate postcards too although I spent a good eight hours organising them by country which some people might find quite obsessive behaviour!
From the 'Book of Fortune Telling' by Agnes M Miall published by Hamlyn 1951 1972 edition
In regards to sending CDs to people I have also had to add postage on top because the price of postage is about to go up a whopping amount. So much so that I’m going to have to stockpile as many as I can. Here is a postcard my friend found in LA when it was cheaper. I don’t read the back of postcards nearly enough but this ONE has to be read:
Front of postcard found in LA
Back of postcard found in LA (click on the image to make larger)
I have been getting some nice reviews. I am ‘tweeting’ like Tweetie Pie but I’m still not as socially interactive as I should be! Here is a nice album cover of bird noises I gave to my friend and collaborator Anthony Phillips . It’s a bit incongruous an album of bird noises was produced for Shell-Mex and BP.
Garden Birds published for Shell Mex and BP Ltd by Discourses Ltd
I have been collecting more and more stuff and one of my new finds is IT magazine from the Worlds End Bookshop.
Cover of IT April 20th 1972
I am helping to organise an event in April along with Redstone Press at the bookshop. I have been reading Bob Dylan’s story, the building of the pyramids theories as well as enjoying the ads in the back:
Cover of IT 125 9-23 March 1972
In the Classifieds of IT 125 9-23 March 1972
Fuck You by Lucifer from IT Magazine 126 March 24 1972
Doug and Linda Bournemouth July 1964 from anonymous photograph album
When the weather is this good I feel like going to Suffolk getting one of those beach huts which now cost as much as house, putting on the kettle and spending the day in a deck chair with a good book.
Photograph from anonymous photograph album
My new obsession has been watching the whole of the history of the USA in 10 hours and 35 minutes of it by Alistair Cooke. I actually usually fall asleep to it but it is a wonderful series filmed in 1973.
The first atomic bomb, code named 'Trinity' erupts into predawn sky of southern New Mexico from Alistair Cooke's America published by British Broadcast Corporation 1973
I also enjoyed watching ‘Eureka’ which was a film Michael Seymour who did the photograph for my album cover, worked on. It is an interesting film featuring my two favourite actors Rugter Hauer and Gene Hackman as a kind of King Midas character. It follows a story about a man who finds gold and, therefore, has nothing much else to live for having attained his dream, and goal, a kind of parable of a sort directed by Nicolas Roeg. Not many people know this film. Everyone’s after gold but I wonder if there is a growing demand for:
'Silver' by Richard Came This Edition First Published 1972 by Octopus Books, 59 Grosvenor Street, London W.1
I have been to quite a few gigs and shows lately. Some highlights include Julien Temple giving a talk about ‘Absolute Beginners’. Whilst, I would have to say this is not my favourite work of his!! His documentary on Dr Feelgood and Canvey Island is. Here are some of my musical highlights including my good friend Erin Lang from Canada:
Erin Lang at the Islington Assembley Hall 16 March 2012
Timbre Timbre at Islington Assembley Hall March 16 2012
Damien Dempsey at the London Forum Paddy's Day March 2012
At the back of London Forum Damien Dempsey March 2012
Here’s another picture of the cat from the lovely photograph album from Wales or that area in the 1960s. The cat has pride of place on the opening page and was obviously very important to the photographer.
Cat from anonymous album from Wales
Look out for a sneezing one on your wedding day!:
Plate from the Book of Fortune Telling by Agnes M Miall published by Hamlyn 1951 1972 edition
Here’s my video of the last day of Streatham Ice Rink. It’s a song called ‘Pandora’ one of my favourite songs on the album written with David Baron and Danny Blume.
This seems to be advocating electrocuting yourself. I could get the same feeling running across the invisible electric fence with my mum’s dog so long as his collar is on. I know it makes Carrie Fisher feel better:
The Master High Frequency (Violet Ray)date unknown
The Master High Frequency (Violet Ray) pg 3 date unknown
Here is a picture of me with my Aluminium man in fact he was listening very attentively to my story I was telling him about my secret trip to Mexico…
So now I’m trying to get stuff out there to cover the investments made by others. I am, therefore, being very proactive going to a lot of job interviews and have nearly finished some videos for the new album which I shall post shortly on my youtubechannel.
CD cover of 'Good Fortune, Bad Weather' Photograph by Michael Seymour
Inside of 'Good Fortune, Bad Weather' CD
To pre-order the album which is presently taking up a lot of space in my room please click here
I am selling them for £6.50 and I believe this to be a bargain bearing in mind my writing partner and producer’s tireless work in its creation (a lot of it without me) David Baron and all the musicians involved who I have mentioned before. It also includes postage which is about a pound of that. It will include ‘several’ old postcards or photographs from my collection many of which are quite valuable and as I have only about 800 CDs to sell you will be owner of a limited edition. The official release date is now 21st May 2012 and that is when I will have it digitally available.
The video for ‘Sanctuary’ is at the top of my video page and was directed by Andrew Marshall. It is available now to buy now on itunes. Whilst making the video I was reading Zen and the Art of Motorcyle Maintenance, and features a Pontiac Firebird which is pretty rare in this country and if you like cars then it’s car porn for you! Maybe I should send it to Jeremy Clarkson!
'Life at The Top' by John Braine (this edition issued by the Book Club, 121 Charing Cross Road) Copyright John Braine 1962
I have gone through all my emails since 2008 and compiled what must be my mailing list and, therefore, I will be sending an email. I never bothered to make one up and I know I have barely contacted anyone on it in the last couple of years but I am hoping that amongst those who were touched by my music then, will continue to be now. Also if you are interested in joining it there is a box on the home page you can put in your email.
'False Scent' by Ngaio Marsh This Edition Issued by The Book Club 1961
Casio have very kindly given me the new WK 7500 and here it is (as you can see I’m really quite keen to create some more space here:
This was the songbook that came from my last casio so it was quite old and my excitement can be understood…
Easy ABC Music for Electronic Keyboards Michael Jackson Greatest Hits published by Warner Bros Publications INC 265 Secaucus Road Secaucus NJ
I feel very positive about the future. A song called ‘Lucky’ is on a film called ‘Exit Strategy’ that is having it’s premier in March in LA and therefore I need to create a video which I began today.
In regards to my London jaunts, I watched with awe at Hugh Cornwell at the Bush Hall performing from his massive back catalogue of great songs from his time in the Stranglers, to his solo albums and from his forthcoming album ‘Totem and Taboo’.
Hugh Cornwell at Bush Hall 2nd February 2012
He is presently in the States on tour (followed by dates in Europe) with Clem Burke, Glen Matlock amongst others and it is definitely worth catching them if you can…
From 'We Can Be Heroes Punks, Poseurs, Peacocks and People of a Particular Persuasion London Clubland 1976-1984' by Graham Smith & Chris Sullivan
From Alistair Cooke's America published by The British Broadcasting Corporation 35 Marylebone High Street London 1973 Photograph by M Rougier, TL Picture Agency "When the autmobile hath wrought "The Speedway" in Tuscon, Arizona. The Mayor of the city considers this to be the ugliest street in America"
I emailed Peter Murphy recently and he is heading to Las Vegas:
From Alistair Cooke's America published by The British Broadcasting Corporation 35 Marylebone High Street London 1973 Photograph by A. Clifton-Black Star "In their dressing room at Las Vegas club, where the floor show offers gamblers a break from the serious business of losing money, showgirls check their makeup and exiguous costumes before going on stage."
I also revisted the 80s with my friend down in some pub basement in Soho to honour the release of a book called “We Can Be Heroes Punks, Poseurs, Peacocks and People of a Particular Persuasion, London Clubland 1976-1984’ Photography, design & Interviews by Graham Smith, Text by Chris Sullivan, Forwards by Boy George, Steve Strange and Gary Kemp with Introduction by Robert Elms. Click here for more information. I have to say ‘Ashes to Ashes’ by David Bowie which featured many from the era is possibly one of my favourite videos ever.
'We Can Be Heroes Punks, Poseurs, Peacocks and People of a Particular Persuasion London Clubland 1976-1984' by Graham Smith, Chris Sullivan and Introduction by Robert Elms
I saw a few Blitz kids, I saw Phil Dirtbox and the legendary club promoter Philip Salon and spoke to the photographer Graham Smith who was most self effacing. He just happened to be there taking the photographs. I had no idea, for example, that Sade had come out of that scene.
Inside cover of We Can Be Heroes Punks, Poseurs, Peacocks and People of a Particular Persuasion by Graham Smith, Chris Sullivan and Introduction by Robert Elms
I also saw BJ Cole who spends a lot of time on my CD player, performing with Hank Wangford who was hilarious and a revelation. He is also a gynaecologist, which is quite interesting and I believe he is from Suffolk. He had a great band with him performing that night. The Putney Moon has had a face lift – I couldn’t’ believe it. I hope to play there again some day!
Now I have come to the end of my video making which has taken up more time due to having to convert each time the video I shoot, I am now ready to jump onto my keyboard rather than into it’s box!
It’s been a long journey from recording at the Edison Hotel (in the secret beautiful studio in the art deco hotel) where I first recorded mostly songs for ‘Everyman’ but I’m proud of it and as I always say it’s the journey that counts.
New York's Art Deco Gem Hotel Edison - In the heart of Times Square- Broadway Theatre District, close to cultural and tourist attractions and many corporate headquarters. Restaurant, coffee shop, lounge, exercise room and business centre
I’m looking forward to seeing Isabel Monteiro who writes a great blog and her band Drugstore and the incredibly underrated Chris Smither again in the next few months. And talking about the lack of any male singers coming through I have to say I really like Kurt Vile. You can get a free track from his site.
So here’s a nice horsd’oeuvres do for Spring:
Spring Menu 21 from 'Good Housekeeping Menus' The National Magazine Company Ltd 1954
Spring is nearly here!
Photograph of Bluebell Wood from anonymous photograph album from Wales and Borders 1960s
Useful…
The Microfibre Turbie Towel The wrap that wont fall off your head! Country Club Glamour Essentials from my local Savers store
I love this photograph from the same anonymous album:
Photograph of Cat from anonymous photograph album from Wales and Borders 1963
And a curious find..
Stereo Realist Manual by Willard D Morgan and Henry M Lester published by Morgan & Lester 101 Park Avenue New York 17 N.Y. First Edition October 1954
Stereo Realist Manual Inside Back Cover by Willard D Morgan and Henry M Lester published by Morgan & Lester 101 Park Avenue New York 17 N.Y. First Edition October 1954
Usually January is not my favourite month but this January was different.
Cover of Blighty January 9th 1954
I received a thousand copies of the album finally ‘Good Fortune, Bad Weather’ produced and written with David Baron on 23rd December and there is a slight blip with it which most people might not notice. It was the last straw!
1903 Carte Postale
I spent New Years alone which is the first time ever and flew to Mexico having been invited. A complete last minute surprise and treat and one I will never forget it and the company could not have been better!
Self Portrait taken in Mexico January 2012
I had a wonderful time as I never go away unless I am working. Music is usually my holiday which is great too but this was different. I love swimming, walking, taking photographs, eating, speaking Spanish, so I let it all go which is what I had wanted to do for so long. So I sat on the beach and spent my time:
'Manwatching' A Field Guide to Human Behaviour by Desmond Morris published by Triad Granada in 1977
Here are some images and postcards I found but it was hard to find old images.
Caribbean & Pacific Angelfish - An underwater look at some of the different types of Angelfish Photo by Luis Gomes C
Cozumel Mexico Distribuciones y souvenirs S A De C V Tel 99 88 92 19 17
Mexican cards for unknown game
Palacio de Bellas Artes 1950
Famous Mexican Artists 1944 (but I couldn't remember their names)
I still have not submitted my tax return but I am so nearly there. I have walked through the year before last as though a ghost. I can see exactly where I was and what I was doing, and the truth is I was busier that year, earned less than I have done this year, and spent every penny I had just to keep my music going. This year just passed will illustrate to me how little music I have done and how much more I have worked. The balance definitely shifted because I got myself in such financial straits that at the end of the day I couldn’t carry on. Working in Oxford with Mike was hugely costly. So I didn’t perform last year except a gig in March 2011 with Roger O’Donnell which I got a great review for.
Income Tax Year Form from article in Industrial Arts Bernard Jones Publications Spring 1936
So this coming year, I hope to change the balance a bit more towards music. I’m working on my fourth video (filmed on the last day of Streatham Ice Rink). The truth is if nowone buys music, no musician can afford to get out there and they are sad?!
Lettie as a bridesmaid the only time she was ever asked
I met a tarot reader Betty Palko who said to me many years ago that it would all be alright but there was a price to pay. She was a clairvoyant tarot card reader at the ‘Mind, Body, Spirit Festival’ in Victoria, and I never forgot it.
Cover of 'Prediction' price 8d Published on November 10 1942
Page 2 of Prediction, December 1942
I watched a great Arena documentary on the ‘Chelsea Hotel‘ and it made me think how lucky I am to have this room that I live in and really does one need much space? One of the composers of ‘Tubby the Tuba’ George Kleinsinger lived in a hotel room there which was a menagerie that included turtles!
Here’s an idea for breakfast in the Winter from my Good Housekeeping book 1954:
Winter Recipe in Good Housekeeping's Menus 1954 Copyright by The National Magazine Co Ltd
I was reading in Vanity Fair that we are culturally and visually stale which is why we look back the whole time. They had a good point. It would be hard to tell much difference between a photograph now and one twenty years ago yet you could tell a lot of difference between one in 1950 and one in 1970. So I think maybe we should look at style such as below and try and think of some new kind of fashion craze. We haven’t had one in ages and I’m willing to do what it takes to get involved in one but it has to be NEW.
Streetlook from New Sounds New Styles Magazine September 1981
I’m off to Prague for a week end, a place I have never been, and a place I am very much looking forward to seeing. When I return I will be updating my website with the wonderful Brian Kavanagh, finishing off the videos and try to start playing my dusty old instruments again.
Anonymous Photograph
x
Here’s a track someone posted a song I wrote with Anthony Phillips last year.
The CD of the album ‘Good Fortune, Good Weather’ has finally arrived. I am now surrounded by boxes. The timing could have been better but there’s nothing I could do about that. I was stupid and pretty much everything that could go wrong did, but out of the criminal incident came Michael Seymour, and out of the printing nightmare came knowledge. I just wish someone had told me sooner that the art work was in the wrong format. David Baron has worked tirelessly to finish this album of mine so next year it’s going to be very much my turn!
Blighty Xmas Extra Jane Powell 1954
I have, in the meantime, turned my attention to videos again. The first film for a song called ‘Sanctuary’ off the new album, was directed by a very talented film director called Andrew Marshall in Brighton. I found him quite by luck on the Gumtree. I was looking for a video and he was offering. Here’s a clip of the car which is a Pontiac Firebird and there aren’t that many of them in this country! Check out the lights:
The second is one I have made for a song called ‘Swirl’. I have just done it at home but I like the look of it very much. The third I’m working on this week so I will complete videos for every song on this album.
I have finally chosen a release date – April 4 2012 as this is the day London goes ‘digital’. This is the day where four million people switch on BBC2 to find that the channel has gone followed by three others on the 18th. We will either be able to re-tune our TVs or we will have to chuck them out. The analogue antenna at Crystal Palace built in 1957 will be switched off and the streets will be paved with sad, unwanted TVs (remember the story of the Little Fir Tree). It marks the end of an era and gives me over six months till the end of the world on December 21 2012 (end of the Mayan calendar).
You Auto Be Here
I have an idea to go down to Streatham Ice Rink tomorrow to say goodbye. I used to work in Streatham and I am sad to see it go. It’s been there for 75 years. I worked for MCPS back in the day next door but I never went ice skating but I find it incredulous and depressing that it should be knocked down to make way for another bloody Tesco. Here are some images from Winter Wonderland Empire Pool Wembley:
Winter Wonderland Empire Pool Wembley Cover Souvenir Programme Wembley published by Holiday On Ice (Great Britain) Ltd (Copyright)
Winter Wonderland Empire Pool Wembley Inside Cover Souvenir Programme Wembley published by Holiday On Ice (Great Britain) Ltd (Copyright)
Winter Wonderland Empire Pool Wembley Page 3 Souvenir Programme Wembley published by Holiday On Ice (Great Britain) Ltd (Copyright)
Winter Wonderland Empire Pool Wembley Page 4 Souvenir Programme Wembley published by Holiday On Ice (Great Britain) Ltd (Copyright)
Winter Wonderland Empire Pool Wembley Page 5 Souvenir Programme Wembley published by Holiday On Ice (Great Britain) Ltd (Copyright)
Winter Wonderland Empire Pool Wembley Page 10 Souvenir Programme Wembley published by Holiday On Ice (Great Britain) Ltd (Copyright)
I am also going to join the Ephemera Society. More and more I am becoming interested in this field of social history and the people that are involved. Many individuals I meet at these fairs are experts and are often called up to consult for films and provide programs and set accessories to fit into the times. It continues to fascinate me in this digital age. One day these photographs, postcards bits of paper will no longer exist.
White Christmas from 'Holiday Inn' Sheet Music Words and Music by Irving Berlin
I met up with Brian Kavanagh and he is going to do a little work on my website. I am going to try and do a mailing list widget as I do not have one and I think it is important! In regards to the live shows, I would like to do some but only if there is an audience to do some to!! I do think the album will do well – it doesn’t sound like anything else and I really hope people buy it. My brother and my godfather (who will feature in the new Mini Cooper advert as a character called Reggie in gold leggings) are my patrons and have helped me so much as well as David Baron recording and producing it for nothing. David and I were lamenting the demise of myspace which is all but a graveyard now because if it hadn’t been for myspace I would never in a million years have met David nor had the opportunity that was given to me.
Anonymous photograph from Hamburg
In with each hard copy of the album I sell I shall be putting in several postcards from my collection some of which are quite valuable.
Anonymous Photograph of boy playing guitar at Christmas
I often think about the person’s name and address and include a postcard related to that or just whatever I can think of. In the end I will charge probably about £6.50 (to include postage) and it will be worth it because the music quality on a CD is far superior than that of digital MP3s online although that will be available too. Here are some British postcards that all seem to be to a ‘Miss A Dickenson’ most of which date before the First World War which is when postcards were at their most popular- later in the postcards she seems poorly and I hope she didn’t get the Spanish Influenza that was so deadly after the War:
Dear Annie just a line to wish you a Happy Xmas and many more of them from your sincerest friend Emily
To Annie With Love & Best for a Happy Christmas from Lizzie
The Wishes We Send 24 December 1917 'Dear A, just to let you know that I have not forgotten you with love and best wishes from Lily'
Here’s one from Russia:
Unknown Russian Christmas Postcard
I’ve been to several interesting talks lately one of which was Hugh Cornwell. He was reading from his book ‘Window On The World’ (which I read in two sittings its that good) at the Worlds End Book shop and secondly last night a talk by Will Dobson who freelances for the Redstone Press who have a pop up shop at 102 Portobello Road. Every year they create these great diaries with a theme which are beautifully designed.
Redstone Press Dairy of the Senses 2012 edited by Julian Rothenstein and Adam Lowe
I urge you to go and visit it as they have the most wonderful things to buy for Christmas. My friend felt this could ultimately save marriages!
The Household Box New Ways To Enjoy Your Home Relationships Family and Life by Will Hobson published by Redstone Press
The Household Box New Ways To Enjoy Your Home Relationships Family and Life (back) by Will Hobson published by Redstone Press
And now for some lovely recipes- doesn’t this turkey look appetising?
Good Housekeeping Menus 1954 Copyright The National Magazine Co Ltd Christmas Dinner 1
Good Housekeeping Menus 1954 Copyright The National Magazine Co Ltd Christmas Dinner 1 Recipes
I went to see Stewart Lee at the fantastic Leicester Square Theatre which is just the best place ever. He was dry as a bone, brilliant. A very cerebral comedian and one of the best around.
I also saw my friend Jude play at the 12 Bar with his band Subterraneans which I enjoyed very much! He helped me record parts of this new album on his 8 or 12 track recorder (I forget which) in London. It was great to record that way on a few of the tracks.
Here are some Christmas videos I have found in the depths of my computer. They are rather old but somehow I can’t resist putting them up – getting into the festival spirit. I am much better on the loop pedal now!
And my little Christmas candle an early demo of ‘Turnaround’ on my casio:
HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR!
(click on images to make larger)
X
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
So finally album Good Fortune, Bad Weather has been sent off the printers I’m getting there nearly fearfully tearfully hopefully…Thank you again to David Baron producer, writer, mentor and above all my friend.
Anon Photograph of Man in village from Portobello Market October 2011
There are fourteen tracks a mix between the more produced analogue upbeat tracks with the more raw simple songs of ‘Everyman’. I am also thrilled that Casio have given me their new keyboard the Casio Privia PX-3 to test out and play. It is wonderful to get their support finally after all this time. I truly believe once I have actually started playing it, I will have a new friend. It’s been a while since I played and I am worried I’m out of practice and getting rusty. I have been doing vocals but just not my whole set up. One of the reasons for this is that my room is quite small and it’s quite a feat when everything is out to actually move around and I have so many wires it’s like Medussa’s hair.
Sensation packed American detective novels, also known as nicken and dime publications, made compelling reading. Book cover late 1940s http://www.robertopiecollection.com (I have recently spotted these on a new red wine that's just come out)
Out of the recent performers I have seen it was wonderful to see Gail Ann Dorsey and Craig Ross playing with Lenny Kravitz. Gail is probably the best bass player I have EVER seen. She has played with everyone from David Bowie to Bryan Ferry to Ani DiFranco. It is so innate her playing and so much to do with the feel, it goes beyond technical ability which of course she has. It was so locked in the bass, the drums, the brass, I mean it was seeing a superstar. He did an amazing show and his musicians were astounding. Craig co-wrote a couple songs on ‘Everyman’ with us.
Outside the Hammersmith Apollo London Lenny Kravitz 27 October 2011
PJ Harvey was also phenomenal in a completely different way and Thomas Dolby was intriguing. I was right at the front and here is my favourite track of his. I wanted to be at the front so I could get some technical tips and I certainly want to try and get my hands on a Kaoss pad which Mike used to play.
I also saw a band called Deaf School down at the club I go to from Liverpool and spoke to one of the band who wrote ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ by Stealers Wheels that featured in Tarentino’s Pulp Fiction. They had some fantastic songs.
Amongst the other strange and wonderful things I have been doing is I went to a huge show with watches worth thousands and thousands of pounds full of euro bling and Russians. We sipped champagne and marveled at the workmanship in these incredible things, counting the minutes and watching literally time tick tock tick tock tick. Expensive looking women wore diamond serpents round their wrists and huge watches with 27 time zones reflected on the face. So complicated I couldn’t tell the time.
he Silent Touch of Time Radio Times advert from Studio International Magazine June 1964
I also went to see a boxing match ‘The Real Fight Club’ at Kensington Town Hall which was inspired really by Stanley Kubrick’s first film ‘The Killing’ which Michael Seymour had lent me. All these guys with quite straight office jobs compete in amateur boxing matches that last about ten minutes each. It’s pretty exciting and not violent like I thought. It was more like dancing. I didn’t see any blood.
Anon photograph of group dancing found at Portobello Market October 2011
I also went to Cecil Court to deliver a postcard I had in my possession dated in the 60s. I finally found the said premises was open, an antiquarian map dealer, Tim Bryars who was thrilled with my find and is in fact, in charge of the Cecil Court website and history preservation stuff. He told me some history, that this was where you could buy films later. Anything to do with film was to be found in Cecil Court. What a genius Mozart was who lived above 9 Cecil Court, to have written his first symphony at 8 years old!! And poor Mozart lived in over thirty seven places in his small but brilliant life. All useful facts I have learned from the TV!
Milano Teatre to the Scala Interior Bromofoto Milano from Miniature set of postcards of Milan date unknown
I’ve been collecting more useless ephemera and I have to stop because too much stuff around me is distressing especially when I can’t find anything or when they collapse on me like the other day. However nothing compares to Tomoko Takahashi‘s art which is literally made out of rubbish. I went to this phenomenal exhibition and got my hands on a snakes and ladders board. Very useful. She gave everything away.
Tomoko Takashi at Serpentine Gallery 22 February to 19 April 2005
It is hard enough working for four different people, keeping track of things that I end up with at home. Here are some more images from my junk. I rather like these cards that should be stuck into a sticker book. I carefully put them in some kind of order but they are, in fact cards.
The Rock and Pop Collection of various male artists with biogs on the back
I loved it when pop was all a bit more colourful and punky. Now nowone can afford to go to art school cause its so expensive. It’s criminal what’s happening.
The Rock & Pop Collection of various female artists with their biographies on the back
I’m reading again, listening to story tapes trying to educate myself in my hazy lazy kind of way, keeping the wind out of my hair and trying to get it to stick over my eyes like it was straight and cool cause I like to hide, and looking forward to doing a video this Sunday with a fantastic film maker which I shall report on very soon.
The Rock & Pop Collection of various bands with biogs on the back
I am wondering whether Lou Reed at 70 maybe going deaf which is why he wants to play REALLY LOUD with Metallica. It’s not a criticism I kind of like it. It’s called Lulu. I guess I’m glad he hasn’t been tamed by old age. I have to say David Lynch’s new song ‘Crazy Clown Time’ I heard is far out! His voice is odd. Strangely hypnotic! Maybe it’s the dawn of a new age.
And what about Europe what’s going to happen who know. I keep watching Hard Talk late at night on BBC News channel 80 trying to make sense of it all. It’s quite something to go to sleep to. All I know is that I cannot use my telephone to make any calls to big companies because it is not TOUCH TONE.
Lettie's Telephone retrieved from her boss's bin
Lettie's telephone where she can't get messages because it is not touch tone
My dream launderette machines I saw at table top sale in Leiston The Long Shop Museum, Suffolk….
Old launderette machines at Long Shop Museum, Steam Machine Museum in Leiston,Suffolk
And some inspiring dishes for Autumn..
Good Housekeeping's Menus copyright The National Magazine Co Ltd 1954 Autumn Menu pg 80
Good Housekeeping's Menus copyright The National Magazine Co Ltd 1954 Autumn Menu pg 81
And I love this!
Motives For Marrying from The Secret of a Happy Married Life by Mrs Julia A Shelhamer from God's Bible School and Revivalist Cincinnati, Ohio Eight Edition 50,000 (date unknown)
Click on any images to make larger!
Right signing off for now! More news soon. I don’t blog that often because it takes hours scanning stuff in. It is all hand done and a bit obscure. It’s now 3.30am in the morning …
So the photographer turned out to be a criminal. To think that I spent an afternoon with someone who had slashed his neighbour’s tyres through anger, and was a known and convicted con man, someone who the police had known about and had been evicted possibly on the very same day that he took my cash.
Unknown Photograph from old book of photography found at M Masons House- Be careful who you trust
Despite my numerous reports to the police about the matter it wasn’t until my fifth or so phone call that I even had a reference.
Cards image from unkown source
All the money I make from my jobs goes into music. I am not complaining but when someone takes money off you and you count those hours, it is very depressing. My brother and I went to confront him at his address around the corner but he had already run. To be honest we had no idea what to do if he was in. Anyway, I hope he rots in the Slough of Despond!
One good thing has come out of it through kind friends, I have managed to get my cover shot done by Michael Seymour who in his brilliant career, not only won an Oscar for Art Direction for Alien, but is also a fantastic photographer, the pictures of Julie Christie, Terence Stamp and Michael Caine in the 60s you may have seen. I am so honoured that he would do this for me, for nothing, I have let it go. A thank you to Alexis at London Taxidermy for loaning two beautiful starlings. If you ever need a stuffed animal he has the most beautiful collection I have seen.
David Baron is mastering the album on Monday and we wrote the 14th track two weeks ago. I was worried at just thirty seven minutes it was a bit short and as I am very superstitious so we passed ‘13’ which is great. Also the track means the whole thing has a feeling of being done all last week which of course, has been a process that began in November 2010. I am really pleased with the song and it has a lot of energy.
The thank yous are endless and I will go into it more next time but above all David Baron‘s faith in me has been the most important thing that has ever happened to me and without that, I would not be here. I also want to thank Brian Kavanagh who created my website and all my photographs so far and I know he could have done more photographs but we will do more eventually. He is an academic, musician, photographer, website creator, advisor and a brilliant person all round. Unusual in this day and age.
I am very proud of the album and I am going to be printing a run and selling them like I did last time myself with a collection of my postcards enclosed. Some of my postcards are worth quite a lot so perhaps they will be of interest if the value of music is so cheap. I do have a bit more of a plan this time too, in trying to get it out there more.
I am now working nearly full time. I won’t let go of the music but as you can imagine, it has become increasingly more difficult to perform however, I really hope to next year. Here is a trailer I made during the heatwave at Easter. I was looking out at the sea and just had to run in. It was so still and beautiful and not a sole in sight.
As it’s been a while since I posted I just remembered about my eating trip with my friend Petra who runs something called Eat.St. At the Thames Festival this year we literally ate our way along the Thames as those involved with Eat.St were there and kindly kept giving us free food. It was such a great day and she is doing amazing things with street food.
'We Wanted To Be The Sky' at Thames Festival 10/11 September 2011
Woman with her babies in the fountain at the Thames Festival Sept 10/11 2011
Old London Pub on Southbank Thames Festival 10/11 September 2011
Tango on the Thames - Thames Festival September 10/11 2011
Dining Table across the bridge at Thames Festival September 10/11 2011
Me at Royal Festival Hall at Thames Festival 10/11 September 2011
Royal Festival Hall at Thames Festival 10/11 September 2011
The Lift in the Royal Festival Hall Thames Festival September 10/11 2011
Posh Restaurant at Royal Festival Hall September 10/11 2011
Royal Festival Hall Birds Eye View Thames Festival September 10/11 2011
I have seen some great music lately including my friend Erin Lang at the Slaughtered Lamb performing some fantastic new material.
Erin Lang and the Foundlings 14 September 2011
I can’t wait to see her again next year. I also saw Crystal Fighters at the Shepherds Bush Empire, with Louise Dodds and, despite selling out, still have to pack away their own gear and still do not have a roadie! So off Andrea went to put his drums in the car for the next part of their hectic touring schedule.
Louise and Andre from Crystal Fighters outside Shepherd's Bush Empire before he had to and pack away his drums
The Summer came and went very quickly and now it very much feels like Autumn which always feels like the beginning of the year for me strangely. In fact September 1st brought about terrible panic in me, however it did not last long, as I have been thinking much more about the devastating impact Hurricane Irene had on the people in the Caribbean and the East coast of America including my friends in Upstate New York. I know my friend Sarah has been helping out a lot with the clear up. I thought it changed its course but as with all things, especially when it comes to the weather, these storms are entirely unpredictable and although David was not hit, the area has been without power for over a week and therefore, many people have moved out of the area in order to work.
Anon photograph from junk shop in Hamburg
My timing is completely out of whack and sadly I’ve had real problems trying to go forward with anything. I did some photographs with a photographer originally Weston-Super-Mare, the results of which I haven’t seen yet but I have never been to this place but its on my miniature golf map of places to go.
Winter Gardens and Knightstone, Weston-Super-Mare
Anyway, this Summer I very much enjoyed Latitude Festival – here’s a little film. I was so glad Ford Escort that I was given made it through the mud cause lots of cars didn’t.
The reason I don’t add audio is cause frankly it sounds crap so I made a celtic drone in the hope that Latitude organisers might ask me one day to play as it is my home county…!!
Many thanks to Andrea Marongiu drummer in Crystal Fighters for getting me a guest pass. I didn’t get there till Saturday so sadly missed Adam Ant and The Duke & The King. I am so over the moon that Simi Stone sings on one of my songs. One of my other favourite acts was OMD who completely surprised me and totally blew me away with their songs- all of which I knew. The lead singer was a hit; great performer, good mover in a kind of kitsch way that I like you know dancing out the words (LOVE IT) and wow he just got everybody dancing! Just like Crystal Fighters, the audience were in it! I know people don’t care but I personally found the weather pretty grim and it did affect the festival and artists because invariably a lot of people chose to go undercover. I didn’t even camp! I spent most of my time in the second stage tent and a lot of great acts were to be found in here but I did feel a bit sorry for some on the main stage. I had an LED flashing blue umbrella which I thought would enable easy finding but this didn’t much work either despite many compliments about it. I hardly ever go away in the Summer but I used to take time out in August to work on music but now I know the weather is so bad and it has been for the last few years, I work on through.
On the music front the album ‘Good Fortune, Bad Weather’ is finished just when the hurricane hits. It’s weird. I am so grateful for all the incredible hard work David Baron has put into it. I just don’t know what I would do without him. All that’s left is mastering and my job to finish the artwork and make it a success which has given me just a few sleepless nights because I have to beg, borrow but I don’t steal …..
Raid At Jewellers in Hanging Ditch from series of photographs
Raid At Jewellers in Hanging Ditch from series of photographs
Raid At Jewellers in Hanging Ditch from series of photographs
Raid At Jewellers in Hanging Ditch from series of photographs
Raid At Jewellers in Hanging Ditch from series of photographs
Raid At Jewellers in Hanging Ditch from series of photographs
Raid At Jewellers in Hanging Ditch from series of photographs printed Ilford
Anonymous Ladies College circa 1920s not sure
It has been a bit quiet on the music front as I am not performing. Instead I have been recording some interesting covers, some vocals on a lovely track someone sent me, and writing more. This week onwards is going to be devoted to playing again ….
Photograph Eberhard Kirsch 1 Berlin 41 1973
Photograph published by Joe Berlin telefon 030 24 26 09 Dated 1973
Musically I have been to a couple of jazz gigs lately with my friend Louise Dodds who is a fantastic jazz singer herself, at an obscure basement bar in the city. I can’t believe the performers I have seen who you would normally find in Ronnie Scott’s playing this place for free on a Friday night to but a handful of people. I also caught the Tony Cannam Set at the foyer of the Queen Elizabeth Hall when they had a vintage week end back in July. It was probably the hottest week end we had all Summer….these are probably the most successful photographs I have taken with my camera. I won’t go on about digital but it’s just not the same as the old photographs. I haven’t done anything to these photographs and at last I like some.
Audience watching Tony Cannam Set at Queen Elizabeth Hall Front Room Vintage By Hemingway 31 July 2011
Tony Cannam Set and child running from fountain through audience at Queen Elizabeth Hall Front Room Vintage By Hemingway 31 July 2011
Lettie 