Durham's Best Open Mic - 3/8/11

Have just got in from another pounding session at The Market Tavern, unquestionably the best open mic gig in town. Hosted by Honest Jack, there was a full bill of local luminaries on stage tonight: from Chris with his avant garde re-interpretations of the Zombies' back-catalogue to Nick G and his bulging songbook of Half Man Half Biscuit & Soft Boys covers. Fishburn Mafia were cooking with gas on a scorching version of 'Ziggy Stardust' and to close the night, it was those post-punk veterans, The Creme Brulee, who climaxed with a psychedelic raga-rock version of Echo & The Bunnymen's 'Do It Clean'. Outside the venue, DC's crisis kids roamed free on their skateboards; whilst inside, the white light/white heat of rock n'roll performance expressed people's resistance to the Coalition Junta. On a sweltering night in August, The Market Tav was the place to be.

Durham City Buskers' Night By Andy Warhol

Thanks to 'Andy' ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajdover/ ) for this Warholisation of me and the barcode from a tin of tomato soup. I would like to point out that I may occasionally have a few beers before getting up to play but I rarely get totally canned.

Digital De Stael

I am currently embroiled in writing an article about the Russian artist Nicolas De Stael (1914-55). As part of my research, I've been re-imagining some of his pictures using graphics software. OK, this may lose the impasto effect of oils, but it is an interesting way to get to grips with his unusual use of form and colour. The image below is my version of De Stael's 'Fallen Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes)' from 1951.

From The Durham Miners' Gala To The Houses Of Parliament

One of the highlights of this year's Miners' Gala was the rousing speech by Dennis Skinner, the MP for Bolsover. Despite the relentless rain, he soon had the audience worked up with a trenchant attack on David Cameron whom he memorably described as being 'educated beyond his intelligence'. I could have sworn that there was steam coming out of his ears by the end.

Only a few days later, I was watching the Westminster debate on the News International scandal when I was delighted to see the Beast Of Bolsover take centre stage again. Amidst the usual to and fro of debate, it was Skinner who asked the Prime Minister directly: 'Did you discuss the BSkyB bid in any of your meetings with News International?' Cameron looked as if he had been caught with his hand in the tuck shop till and could only reply: 'I had no improper meetings'. Needless to say, the Opposition benches fell about laughing at the pathetic inadequacy of his reply. This is actually a key issue in the whole affair and if it can be shown that Cameron agreed to help Murdoch control BSkyB in exchange for his support in the 2010 Election, then it's the end of the road for his wretched Tea Party Tory Government and their Quisling Lib Dem collaborators.

By strange coincidence, I am writing this listening to the acid folk classic 'On The Shore' by The Trees. Suddenly the song 'Murdoch' has come on, with the lyric 'Murdoch tempted me...' This must be a sign! Thanks to Chris ( http://twitter.com/chrisbrunsdon ) for this Gala pic of a miners' lodge banner on the way back from the speeches. Note how they are manfully resisting the urge to have a few in The Dun Cow.

Outlook Cloudy But Favourable

Northumbria has a long and proud tradition of working in glass. This is thought to date back to the 7th Century when European craftsmen were hired to glaze the windows of St Peter's Church at Monkwearmouth. Moving this venerable tradition forward is the Danish artist Anne Vibeke Mou with her new window at Healey Church near Riding Mill. Her painstakingly crafted piece was created by punching thousands of marks on to the surface of the glass with a metal point. It is, in essence, a minimalist abstract work where the form itself is the content; but for me, it gives the distinct impression of sunlight struggling to break through an overcast sky. In the context of a church window, that image carries an extra resonance. Special thanks to Jamie for the photo; more details about the artist at http://www.holeeditions.co.uk/anne-vibeke-mou.htm

Watched Over By Da Brudders

This picture is one of my faves. It was taken at The Angel last year and I love the way it's got Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee and Tommy watching from the back. I wasn't playing a Ramones toon at the time, but I'm sure they would have liked my Velvets cover. Cheers Dover http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajdover/

Open Mic @ The Market Tavern, Durham

The Market Tavern was rocking last night with a decent crowd and lots of new faces getting up to play. Someone even fell off his stool in the excitement. As usual, it was hosted by Alex & James with other regulars The Fishburn Mafia, Nick G and of course The Creme Brulee (plus solo sets from Mr Creme and Mr Brulee). To be honest, I was a bit wary about getting up as everyone looked so pissed, but the bellowing and out-of-time clapping didn't put me off and they even seemed to like my obscure Doors cover. Better an enthusiastic audience than one that ignores you I always say. Since it has moved from Mondays to Wednesdays, this night has gone from strength to strength and is well worth a look in if you're in town. All the guitars are provided, so all you need to bring is your pick. Or just get bladdered and shout at the performers. See you there next week!

In Flight At The Angel

An archive pic of me in action at The Angel last year. It's a shame that this open mic night bit the dust, as the venue was cool and you got two free pints when you played ! Special thanks to lensman extraordinaire Andrew Dover http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajdover/

Hey Hey We're The Creme Brulee !

I often gig in an acoustic duo with my old pal Steve Hill, the former lead singer of Eating Crow. We're called The Creme Brulee and if you've ever seen 'The League Of Gentlemen' you'll know why. The pic below is an oldie courtesy of Craig Oliphant ( craigoliphant@yahoo.com ) which shows us in action at The Queen's Head, Lanchester.

Richard Thompson @ The Durham Gala Theatre

Have just got in from seeing Richard Thompson. Although I love his work with Fairport Convention, I don't actually know all that much about his solo stuff. In fact, this was the first time I've had a chance to see him live and I was totally impressed. On stage, he kept a full house transfixed for over an hour and a half with just himself and an acoustic guitar (plus occasional help from Northumbrian Folk Magus Alistair Anderson). For me, the highlights were 'Beeswing', the old Sandy Denny fave 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' and a stunning '1952 Vincent Black Lightning'. His style is somewhere between folk and rock with lashings of male angst; imagine a British Leonard Cohen with attitude. If this is your bag, then check him out.