In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
The tittle of the blog is from the poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae (1872 - 1918)
I had provided some wildlife photographs to a friend who asked if I could provide a photograph of a poppy. I knew I had seen some but where.
I pass this busy roundabout often and had seen poppies had grown around it. The only problem is that it is in the middle of a very busy road with the memorial across from it. The second problem was the number of ugly road signs in the area.
The answer was a very early morning lying in the grass and poppies in the middle of the roundabout. I was passed by a couple of cars and did get a few concerned looks.
I think it was worth it.
Always appreciate feedback
Peace labrat
Swingers return visit
Swingaroo Vintage Dance asked me to shoot this months dance and I was only too happy.
The night consisted of live music from Louis, Louis, Louis who I had been told were brilliant and they lived up to exception. They were very well received from the opening song to the final goodnight baby.
One of the features of Swingaroo Vintage dance is the cakes which are arranged in a room between the dance floor and the bar. The one I had (yes just the one) was really good. No soggy bottoms here.
The dance floor was busy from the first dance to the last and i think one or two hardly left it all night. I am always amazed at the skill and stamina of the dancers and I was exhausted watching.
Thanks to Swingaroo organisers for inviting me down, staff at the Hall for looking after me and the dancers for letting me shoot them.
Swingaroo Vintage Dance is held the last Friday in the month at Preston Masonic Hall.
Back to the Future
Really looking forward to taking photos at Preston Swingaroo Vintage Dance on Friday night. I have heard great things about the band. I things its going to be a lively one.
This photo is from the November 2015 dance. more photos at www.labratphotos.co.uk
The sting of sweat in my eyes
Sunday night the band are sound checking and its still light it must be summer.
As regular readers of my blog and viewers of my shots will know I am a big fan of No Hot Ashes and was pleased to be asked to shoot them as they returned to the Ferret Preston. One day I will get to the Ferret early enough to eat as the plates of food heading out of the kitchen looked great.
No Hot ashes have a new single out Cool Cat which has some great artwork and is worth checking out. They played their usual great energetic set and soon had the place jumping. It was easy to spot their fans in the crowd as they joined with what are now the bands classics Skank, Easy Peeler and Goose.
Isaac was on fire with his great voice and high energy performance. I had never noticed before how good Luigi sounds as he joined Isaac with the vocals on several tracks. Jack always seems to be really focused during the performance and plays the cool funky bass lines. Matt as ever held the whole band together with a solid drumming performance.
As they finished their set I turned away from the stage and could not believe the number of people in the bar it was virtually full. Every credit to the band they wiped themselves down and spent time talking to their fans and signing merchandise.
Get Inuit from Kent were next to hit the Ferret stage. I was unsure if there would be a language barrier but their music soon overcame it. As the band lined up I must confess I was confused as I could not determine what they should sound like from their look.
The geeky looking front man soon had the crowd onside with a great range and catchy lyrics. The band behind him played some great tunes with classy guitar riffs. The now full room bounced to every song.
The Spring King had recently played on Jools Holland and had been listed as one of the top Manchester bands to watch in 2016. This is impressive but Preston folk like bands that walk the walk. These guys walked the walk. The set up on stage is slightly unconventional as the drummer is also lead singer and so had one guitar to his left and 2 more to his right. All my photos had to be taken from the stairs as the room was at capacity and I would have had no chance amongst the crowd.
As I said in some places with the hype around a band "they would be must be good" in Preston its usually more "lets see you impress me then lads". Impress they did, really tight band and great song vocals its easy to see why they have been tipped for bigger things.
Thank you to MR Peeps the oracle of Manchester Music for the invitation and also copy of the No Hot Ashes limited edition Cool Cat artwork.
The bands for working their butts off to produce a great night off music
The Ferret Preston for their hospitality defenetly on for some food next time
The promoters for bringing 3 amazing bands to play in Preston
Camden in Manchester
Camden in Manchester at Academy 3
Jess Kemp is a singer songwriter from Manchester. I have seen her play several times and was pleased when she asked me to shoot her EP launch. It was obvious from her emails that she was very excited to be headlining at the Academy in Manchester. I was really pleased it was the academy but for selfish reasons It has a nearby carpark £2 all night, a sainsbury for drive home munchies and a really professionally run venue with great sound and lighting.
At the venue I met up with Jess Kemps driver, PA, security, merchandising manager, sound quality technician, front of house, roadie and fan her dad. Note to all musicians be nice to your family they may come in handy. A large number of the Kemp clan arrived later to enjoy the gig.
The promoter ran through the rules for the night and I headed into the green room to meet the artists. It was a very relaxed and happy room with all artists looking forward to performing at this great venue.
The time keeping is usually spot on at the Academy and bang on time The Claremonts took to the stage. This 4 piece band from Manchester played a great set and the classic influences showed through (smiths, stone roses etc). One of the nicest things about the band was the grin on the drummer Imogen's face. If a band enjoy playing the crowd enjoyed listening. I am expecting to hear more from this band.
The Roasts are another young band but the confidence and swagger of the lead singer showed no nerves playing to this large and now loud crowd. Again another accomplished set with the band picking up on the energy from the crowd.
The photo pit was getting a bit busy but all played nicely and hopefully got their shots. As I sat at the end of the set I spoke with a father and daughter who had come together to enjoy live music. I hope when she is old enough my daughter won't be too embarrassed to be seen with me in public.
INK a five piece band from Manchester had a much more funk sound than the previous bands. The combination of funky bass, sax and great lead vocals instantly grabbed your attention. The now full venue sang and danced to this exciting band.
AEIM are 3 very skilled lads with a synth driven classic sound that took me back to music I liked to listen to. They describe themselves as "The space between everything else, filled with massive, wondrous noise. They truly are wondrous and I found my self dancing along to their tracks.
Jess Kemp I have never seen play with her band and I was slightly nervous. I love listening to her play and sing and so really hoped that the band would add and not detract from the performance. I should have trusted Jess more they were amazing. All the songs had the original great song writing skills but had transferred wonderfully to the new band sound.
The crowd loved the performance and many were seen singing along to their favourites. Jess has plenty more gigs lined up and is well worth seeing.
Thank you to Jess Kemp for asking me to shoot the event. Thank you to The Academy and their staff for looking after me and for the Kemp clan for not minding being photographed.
LABRAT