I got home yesterday afternoon after spending a few days hanging out with the cool kids in Bristol in such fine establishments as the Crafty Egg and the Kings Head. It was great to see everyone, and particularly good to meet Khayem, Walter and The Swede for the first time.
It wasn't just eating and drinking though, there was plenty of culture too. Bristol has some fantastic street art as you would expect from Banksy's hometown - you can find a few examples in my holiday snaps - and some pretty nifty museums and galleries too.
In one of them - possibly the Arnolfini - I found another piece by our old friend George Ginnis. This one was rather different in style to previous examples of his work I have seen but reflects the same preoccupations.
Bristol's musical heritage is as storied as its artistic one, and many of those stories have been collected and compiled by the good folks at Bristol Archive Records. Pretty much everything in their catalogue is worth a listen and I have opted for a couple of examples of 1980s MAR (Mandatory Avon Reggae) from their 'Bristol Reggae Explosion' series.
"Tribal War" - Black Roots
"Peacemaker" - Dennis McCalla
And some more vintage Bristol sounds to send you into the weekend. I have saved the best to last. It may be a slightly controversial inclusion but Brother Adge was originally from Portishead so I think it counts (also he mentions me three minutes in).
No trip to an art establishmnent would be complete without a George Ginnis! I hope to see more.
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to hang out with you and the other cool kids.
Likewise. Those of us who were there know that C is short for Cool.
DeleteYou and C arrived at the station so early yesterday that my train was still on the platform. I tried knocking loudly on the window to attract your attention, then stood up in the carriage and shouted 'Khayem!' at the top of my voice. Unfortunately neither of you heard me, though my efforts did guarantee that I had plenty of space around me for the journey back to London.
ReplyDeleteYou should have shouted "Walter!", that usually works.
DeleteD'oh! I meant to type Walter, but was listening through Khayem's latest post while commenting on yours and, in a senior moment, clearly became confused.
DeleteIt was like Alan Partridge shouting Dan. Walter!
DeleteTS, it’s always a pleasure/relief to k ow that people actually listen to the Dubhed selections I post!
DeleteGlad you managed to capture another George Ginnis. Clever chap.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fine get-together full of useless trivia about the Dooleys and Kenny (strike that, Racey). You're one of the cool kids yourself now Ernie.
The Queen of Cool has spoken...
DeleteSounds like a great time was had by all.
ReplyDeleteAs ever, I thoroughly enjoyed your company, Ernesto. And, as we talked about, I'll look into some dates for your Away Day.
ReplyDeleteNo list of Bristol musicians would be complete without this fella. I'm down again in Brizzle next month recording a couple of my songs with Phil (hoping a little bit of his magic will rub off on me.)
I look forward to hearing the results.
DeleteAnd it was great to see you looking so sprightly considering everything you've been through recently.
As you all said, it was great fun hanging out with you cool kids. Good to hear that I'm not the only one who had some difficulties with travelling.
ReplyDeleteWALTER!!!!!
DeleteIt was so lovely to meet you at last. Less an international man of mystery as a result perhaps, but your status as living legend is untouched!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased that you found much to enjoy in Bristol and the MAR (& other Bristolian) selections were - as always - spot on.