The Bees (Unofficial) Acclaimed left-field, Mercury prize nomiated pnu-pop from Isle of Wight musicians Paul Butler, Aaron Fletcher, Mike Clevitt, James Nye, Tim Parkin, Andy Parkin, Warren Hampshire, Kris Birkin. The band's first album Sunshine Hit Me was released to popular and critical acclaim in 2002. The 2004 follow up, Free the Bees has been a huge hit, as have the singles Wash in the Rain, and Horsemen. You can find out more - including exclusive material - by clicking the link above. There is also stuff about the proto-Bees band, Pnu Riff and The Exploding Thumbs - click links below.
The Bees (Official) Very posh Bees website thing. As above - only flashier, shinier and with bells and whistles, tour dates etc. There is a also a great new Bees fansite and shrine by graphic artist Mr Kim Walker. It's called: FreetheBees . Everything a Bee-fan needs for unadulterated Bee worship and adulation. Cool.
Pnu Riff and The Exploding Thumbs Before the Bees there were Pnu Riff and the Thumbs. Legendary jazz-funk psychedelia from Isle of Wight musicians Paul Butler, Aaron Fletcher, Simon Leach, James Nye, Max Brennan, Mike Clevitt, Tim Parkin.
Call of the Wild recording by Zinc Stoat - as heard on BBC Radio London Live. The CD is a musical journey through Ken Campbell's show The History of Comedy, Part One: Ventriloquism, which was written by Ken Campbell and performed by him at the Cottesloe Theatre, Royal National Theatre on London's South Bank in August and September 2000. A highly eccentric concoction of jazz, dance, folk, Tuvan throat-singing, the album features Max Brennan, James Nye, Ken Campbell, Nina Plashwit, and Ken's dogs Gertie, Max, Mr Chins and Fred. A bizarre collector's item beloved by dogs everywhere.
Max Brennan, Fretless AZM, Universal Being, Nine Yards Orchestra, Maxwell House, O.H Krill Described by NME as a "spiritual disco-technician," Max Brennan has recorded some of the most consistently imaginative music of the last decade.
O.H Krill:The Krill Papers (vinyl) (DC, 2000) "Another case of divine jazz funk intervention . . . sublime cinematic soundtrack playing . . . mellow jazz jams, driving funk, Latin crescendos and tabla and sitar inspired bliss . . . " (Wax - November 2000) Great music from Max Brennan, Rupert Brown, James Nye, Tom Vernon and Paul Butler. You can get the CD by mail order direct from DC Recordings by emailing Dave
Drew Currently working on his second album for Virgin, Isle of Wight singer/songwriter Drew Kennet previously teamed up with The Bees' Paul Butler as producer to create: Songs from the Devil's Chimney (CD) (Virgin/Source) Tracks: Dig Deeper, Nothing Left To Lose, Changing Face, You Don't Know Me, Say You Love Her, Without Your Love, Don't Be Denied, OK To Cry, Under The Weather, Leave The Fear, Goodbye For Now. "Strong harmonies, likeable melodies and emotionally believable lyrical content. . . Manages to exude an air of warmth that is entirely welcome. At times the record sounds as if it could have been the outcome of a relaxed jam session between Lennon, McCartney and the guys from The Coral. In short, Devil's Chimney is a near perfect chillout album." (Tom Alford). "It is quite refreshing to hear a brand new album that sounds as if it was recorded in just a few hours in a shed in San Francisco... in 1966!" (BBC Manchester) Also available on vinyl: Songs from the Devil's Chimney (Vinyl).
Sophie Honeybourne Acclaimed jeweller Sophie Honeybourne designs and makes her own jewellery, both at her workshop in Ventnor, and at Theodosia in Newport. Having graduated from The Royal College of Art in July 2003, Sophie set up her own workshop, and sells work privately and through shops and galleries. She is happy to accept commissions, and you can contact her through her website by clicking the link above. Sophie has had a busy time. She contributed work to the Blue Room - the Newport, Isle of Wight, Quay Arts Centre Summer Crafts Show (24th July to 28th August), and ran a stall in the Arts Tent during Cowes Week (6th to 14th August). Sophie also participated in the Quay's Open Studios scheme (21st to 27th August) - part of the 2004 Quay Arts Map, during which artists can be visited in their studios. To find out more, you can visit the Quay's website by clicking here, or visit Sophie's online gallery (or email her) by clicking her name above or here. Sophie has also been selected as an exhibitor in Dazzle - Europe's biggest contemporary jewellery fair. Her work will be on show in Manchester as part of the Dazzle Christmas fair from October 2004 through January 2005. To visit the Dazzle site, click here.
Hannah Ray Using photographs, models and creative imagination Hannah Ray paints beautifully atmospheric pictures in oils - haunting, beautiful images inspired by human forms and emotions. Left: "Eskimo Kiss", right: "From the 'Eye Series'". You can also email her here: Hannah, or here: Hannah. The site ventnorartists.com also features work by Sophie Honeybourne, Steve 'Boney' Bone, Sorb, Nina Bulley, Blunt, April Dixcey, Lisa Joyce, Tania Dixcey, Guido, Mischa Giancovich, and Gianpaolo Mario 'GP' Giancovich.
Lil NutterAn artist and photographer, Lil's beautiful work currently adorns Paul Armfield's new album Song Without Words (see below). Here you can view more of her work in an online gallery, or contact her. Cards featuring her artwork and photography can be obtained by visiting the Quay Arts Centre or Ottakar's bookshop in Newport, on the Isle of Wight.
Bodj Wonderful fair trade project based on the Island and run by Ceddi Wells and family. Bodj import beautiful handmade terracotta floor tiles from a group of Cambodian families living on the banks of the Mekong just outside Phnom Penh. Each tile is unique, made by a an ancient traditional process using local clay. It's an amazing project which supports a whole group of people in Cambodia. So if you want a unique, beautiful floor, think about supporting this great project and using Bodj tiles. You can contact Bodj by email: Bodj or visit their website for more information and contact details: Bodj
Jayne Bouman is an Island artist who specializes in painting murals. An Islander by birth, Jayne has just started her own business as an artist. She trained at in Visual Arts at Portsmouth University for three years, after which she travelled, supporting herself by taking photographs. She sailed on the cruise ship Legends of the Sea, and then on Maasdam where she met her future husband, Second Officer Hans Bouman. The couple married, and travelled for two years with their son Tim before settling in Bouldnor on the Isle of Wight. They took over an old house, and Jayne renovated and restored it in her own style.
Jayne specializes in designing and painting murals and since starting her business just a couple of weeks ago (at the time of writing) has already received several commissions. No project, room or wall is too large or too small for Jayne. Except perhaps the Great Wall of China - but even then, knowing Jayne, I expect she'd be willing to give it a go. Jayne will paint you child's bedroom wall, she will paint a fluorescent nightclub mural, or a beautifully relaxing scene for your restaurant or bathroom. To view Jayne's stunning portfolio or discuss your requirements, phone Jayne on (01983) 761055 or (mobile:) 077812069357 or fax: (01983) 761355. You can also email Jayne.
Paul Armfield and the Four Good Reasons A well known Isle of Wight musician, double bass and saw player, Paul has produced the critically acclaimed album Songs Without Words (A Town Full of Fonzies, 2004). Actually, there are lots of words - and rather fine words they are too. Includes the first and only song I know about trigonometry. (Paul is currently working on a new song Antidisestablishmentarianism which will be on his next album.) The musical influences are diverse: folk, country, blue grass, jazz, French chansons, and a sublime Pink Floyd moment at the end of the final track Emily. (I usually have to leave the room for a little bit of a cry after that one.) Hugely Romantic, intelligent, warm and witty (just like Paul himself) and highly listenable, most people will love this - even your granny (though be warned, Paul does use the word "shit" at one moment. Just remind granny it's perfectly artistically justified).
Tracks by Paul Armfield (except* by Armfield and Adam Kirk, and ** by Jacques Brel): Now Is The Silence*, Devil On Your Back, Vapour Tracks, Song Without Words, Slaves*, Trigonometry*, Why Should It Be That A Man Gets Bored?**, Lost To The Light, The Return*, Taken, End Of Time, Emily. The album features musicians J.C. Grimshaw, Barkley Mckay, Jake Rodrigues, Trevor Smith, and guests Brian Sharpe, Danny Goodburn, Calina de la Mare, Howard Gott, Catherine Browning, Ruth Gottlieb, Louise Peacock, Gini Ball, Sarah Willson and Andrew Nice. The album can be bought from Amazon or via Paul's website, through high street record shops, and Ottakar's bookshops. A limited edition CD containing additional artwork and an extra track A Little Something For Your Troubles is available exclusively from Paul's website.
One of Paul's tracks has been included on the Jacques Brel tribute album Next The track, Why Should It Be That A Man Gets Bored? is a translation/adaptation by Paul and his wife Gina of Brel's song Pourquoi Faut-Il Que Les Hommes S'Ennuient? The album is an excellent compilation with other tracks by Scott Walker, Dusty Springfield, David Bowie, Alex Harvey, The Divine Comedy, Marc Almond, Nina Simone and others.
Jake Rodrigues Jake (pictured left) is another of the charmingly eccentric and highly versatile musicians produced by the Isle of Wight. Jake gave Hawaiian hula lessons to the late George Harrison (before he was late), and he and JC Grimshaw toured with Midge Ure for a while. A performer on Paul Armfield's Song Without Words (see above), Jake also has his own album out. Called Major Chicken, you can find out all about it by clicking his name.
J.C. and Angelina Grimshaw Brother and sister duo JC and Angelina "are the most delightful people, and their music is quite enchanting. JC is an amazingly talented musician and plays various guitars, mandolin and (mouth) harp. Angelina plays acoustic rhythm guitar and has an exquisite voice. She sounds totally authentic when singing songs by the likes of Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie. As an acoustic duo, JC and Angelina are unmatched. They have a wide range of influences (Country, jazz, blues, Hawaiian Hula etc.) but have their own distinctive sound and write some really haunting songs of their own."
For more on Isle of Wight musicians, try Isle of Wight Rock. Their former site (now an archive) is here: Isle of Wight Rock Archive
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Since 23rd May, 2004
