I'm generally feeling better, not least because I've been recruited by a musical hero of mine, Pirate King Bid, also known as frontman for The Monochrome Set, to join the live incarnation of his current arcane pop band, Scarlet's Well. Not entirely sure what I'll be doing yet, perhaps a bit of guitar, bass, and vocals, but I'm happy to just share a stage with him and hold his plectrums if needs be. And also, to put about the call for other possible SW players. It's unlikely to be a full-time engagement, in fact I'm expecting it to help me cure my sinful apathy and fecklessness of late, and generate more activity with Fosca, with writing and with life in general.
I've sung the estimable praises of Scarlet's Well before, but if you're still not aware of the group's albums, released in stunningly beautiful sleeves by Siesta Records, I really must insist you investigate them forthwith. They're available online from http://www.siesta.es/
The world of Scarlet's Well often resembles to that of arch Victorian poetry, with some lyrics written by Christina Rossetti, but set to tunes somewhat more exciting than "In The Bleak Midwinter". If you think there should be more pop songs about water shrews, werewolves lurking in glades, parrots, pirate crews and jellyfish, and referring to a ship with words like "doxy" and "draggle-tail", I can't recommend the albums highly enough.
There's audio samples tucked behind illustrations at the band's own website, http://www.bid.clara.net/swell. Click on "Albums" to hear them.
While there, also click on "Live" to read Bid's open appeal for fellow musical musketeers for live concerts, even if not based in London. Do please pass on the information to any curious (in every sense) musicians you may know, as long as they are prepared to not wear trainers onstage. It's all very open-door and unfixed at the moment. Drummers and percussionists are particularly sought, I hear. It was ever thus. My acqaintances Ms Dornan and Mr White have already tentatively answered the call. I rather enjoy being Captain Bid's recruiting lieutenant.
All concerts, once booked, will naturally be included in this diary. Onwards and fopwards!
