Going for gold in Bexhill-on-Sea

I have to confess that the run up to the 2012 London Olympics has me pretty nonplussed really, especially the bewildering greed and opportunism of the sponsors that have hitched themselves on the back of the whole event. That said one or two things have actually managed to capture my imagination, like this piece/installation by sculptor Richard Wilson that is part of the cultural olympiad, a series of artyfarty events running in tandem to the sporting one. Perched on the roof of the De La Warr Pavillion in Bexhill-on-Sea is his piece "Hang On A Minute Lads, I've Got A Great Idea..." a brilliant tongue in cheek balancing act.
Eddie Izzard who helped fund the piece says "By the end of 2012 I would hope that the word goes out from our country that not only do we run excellent world events, but also we balance coaches on the edges of buildings like no one else ever could.” Well said Eddie, at the end of this expensive, frenzied Olympic fortnight when all the golds, silvers and bronzes are counted we will indeed boast that we can balance a coach on the edge of a building like no one else.

Etta James, January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012

Quite a few years back now, I had the good fortune to be introduced to the wonderful voice of Etta James, by my great friend and fellow musician and singer 'Grip'. Back then we'd listen to all kinds of random stuff, making up mix-tapes (remember them?) just searching for inspiration or songs to sing.





Etta James it seems was an enormous influence upon ever so many singers and musicians down the years, so, sadly we learned of her death a couple of days ago. In the spirit of giving thanks for her and her singing I thought I'd post a little something up here. In the unlikely event you've never heard her voice here's a couple of her songs for you to enjoy. RIP. Etta.

The Sound Of 2012

So a new year lurches forward already one week old, as the old one recedes rapidly in my rearview mirror. Many questions and some resolutions too, for both me and thetartist. Who will be the sound of 2012? that's a good question, well according to the BBC it's soul singer Michael Kiwanuka who tops their Sound of 2012 list, he really reminds me of Bill Withers. My hope is that perhaps this young man may be in the vanguard of a bunch of emerging songwriters, singers & music makers who will be making music for us that is not 'pasteurised' or 'X-Factored' into a bland stodge.



He's in good company, previous winners include Jessie J, Adele, Mika, Ellie Goulding, Corinne Bailey Rae and Keane.