St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight

Subject: St Albans + Alan Moorehouse + Spotlight + Breezy
From: GUEST,Anonny Mouse
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 09:47 AM

When walking through St Albans last weekend I was accosted by a none-to-savoury looking busker who asked me to make a posting to this message board. Heaven alone knows why I agreed, but he was very persuasive in a wheedling sort of way, and actually he was making a passable attempt at a Cyril Tawney song at the time, (If you can ignore him playing one tune and singing another) This busker's name, if I remember correctly, was "Breezy" and I am given to understand that he may be known to some of you who drop in here from time to time.

He has asked me to let it be known that his "dial-up is buggered" and consequently is unable to communicate with you all in his usual manner. Personally, I'd have thought that was an extremely good thing. and we can only hope it'll be a long time before he gets his hands on another modem.

However, he did seem very concerned that I should let you all know that Alan Moorhouse will be playing at the Spotlight Club at the British Legion in St Albans on the evening of Sunday 25th. September, this Sunday in fact, and that you would all be well advised to attend and it would be very foolish of you to miss out on this opportunity.

This seemed like some sort of veiled threat to me, I don't like to pry, but presumably those of you who know this "Breezy" fellow will understand the likely consequences of not turning up at the Legion on Sunday. As I say, he was a mean looking fellow, and I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt on account of me not relaying his message.

Apparently you can talk to 'Breezy' directly 07774 909067 if you wish to "book a spot"
whatever that means.

This has all been a lesson to me. I'll be keeping clear of buskers in St Albans in future.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Ross
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 09:53 AM

Wise words; mssr Mouse

Are you related to Fred Tit...mouse

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Annony mouse
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 03:25 PM

Ah Ross

Fred Tit Mouse no, I'm from the Hertfordshire branch of the Hippotty Mouse family.

Are you aquainted with this Breezy character? How does someone Like Alan Moorhouse who I understand is an entirely different class of busker and based in Germany, get mixed up with the nefarious goings on down at the British Legion of all places, on a Sunday night?

Strikes me there's something distinctly murky going on behind all this. I suspect money changes hands somewhere, and I can guess where it ends up.

AM

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Ross
Date: 22 Sep 05 - 03:51 AM

Fred lived in Potten, Herts - ran a post office after his legendary off spinning days for middlesex

Breezy drives a porshe, wears shades and looks like Magnum PI; when he's not pretending at the folk (alledgedly)

St Albans is mentioned in the Lord of the Rings; a city outside the land of jam, near Mordor

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Moses
Date: 22 Sep 05 - 05:43 AM

The consequences of failing to turn up on Sunday when summoned by Breezy are not to be underestimated.

"The Ref" and I plan to throw our hats in first as we missed last Sunday due to being 200 miles away at Otley. Apparently this was not considered to be a reasonable excuse and we may have to pay a penance or two in order to get back in what passes for his good books.

For those of you who may have missed out on the unforgettable experience of hearing the said busker perform in French Row, there is the chance of catching his "songs from the cutting edge of folk" when he takes centre stage on Friday 14th October on the re-opening of his other club, The Windward Folk Club, for the Autumn season at the Duke of Marlborough, Holywell Hill, St Albans.

As usual the opening time varies according to his whim but is likely to be in the region of 7.38pm and we could kick off the singing at 8.16pm.

Moses and The Ref will be there to add some decorum to the proceedings as will the wonderful George Papavgeris and Flash-Fingers Flegg.

Christine

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST, Hamish
Date: 22 Sep 05 - 06:18 AM

All the best, guys/guyettes.

Here's the website: Windward which is up to date thanks to the technologically adept Sir George of Greece.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Ross
Date: 23 Sep 05 - 04:13 AM

I missed a session last year

Granny went missing - we get the odd post card

We miss her cakes

Oh cruel world

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Annony Mouse
Date: 23 Sep 05 - 07:15 AM

Really sorry to hear about your granny Ross. The more you go into this business the more unsavoury it becomes. Who are Moses and the Ref? They sound like couple of right bruisers to me. Wouldn't be surprised if they had a hand in your present cake shortage. Did your granny live in Otley by any chance?   You'd better prepare yourself for the ransom notes.

Between you and me I read "Moses and The Ref will be there to add some decorum" with some dread. I think we all know what 'adding decorum' means in these circumstances. If you do go on Sunday, check there are no concrete mixers around the building. I certainly wouldn't want Moses and the Ref offering me any new footwear. I'll bet too, they stop at nothing 'persuading' people to buy tickets for the sort of raffles that this 'Breezy' fellow runs:- I've heard about them before, the more tickets you buy the better your chances of leaving the place at the end of the evening in the same condition as you arrived…..You definitely don't want to win one!

I hope John Moorhouse knows what he's letting himself in for. Sounds like far too nice a chap to get involved with Breezy and his henchmen…..but then you hear all those stories about Frank Sinatra and his 'connections'…….??!!

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Ross
Date: 23 Sep 05 - 07:45 AM

Many thanks for your kind words - it's not been an easy time; what with the tanker crashing into our living room and the death of our pets through an inexplicable outbreak of anthrax

Be also aware of fingers flegg - as in 'you were only supposed to blow off the bleeding doors' fame

In JB's defence though, I did win one of his CD's once in the raffle; and when I complained it was full of nonsensical folk music; he whipped off his socks and exchanged them for it there and then

I have used the socks to built an altar to life

Did Frank Sinatra live in St Albans - I never saw him in the Legion?

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Annony Mouse
Date: 23 Sep 05 - 08:18 AM

Apparently Frank tried the Rose and Crown once but didn't get to sing a note. Nobody knew his tunes, so he moved back to America.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 23 Sep 05 - 09:11 AM

Oh...this just has to be the best thread on Mudcat! You guys have me rolling around with laughter down here in Sidmouth.

Why aren't you all running the Country? We'd all be having a hoot! Quick form The Breezy Party and base it in St. Albans...I'll join!


Lizzie ;0)

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Ross
Date: 23 Sep 05 - 10:36 AM

Cheers Lizzie - it's only the hope of making a spark on other peoples lives that keeps me going

Seriously - it should be an amazing night in St Albans on Sunday - I urge everyone to attend (poor granny)

I've attended the St Albans spotlight on many occasions and had a fine time - there's a lot of laughter (not all hysterical) and cake

And it's getting easier now, to for me to use the computer with only the use of my big toe

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Annony Mouse
Date: 23 Sep 05 - 12:32 PM

Hi Lizzie,

I think I must have I misunderstood you.   You appear to be suggesting that Breezy run for parliament   

AM

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 09:33 AM

Hello there Annony....cute name...do you know Stuart Little by any chance? ;0)

Now listen...Breezy sounds a great guy! Just look at what he's inspired in this thread. Lordy this country needs inspiration!!!

Why....with him in charge and you as second-in-command we could put the GREAT! back into Britain and we'd be known all over the world for our brilliant sense of humour again!

On the other hand though, maybe you should be in charge with Ross as Second and then Breezy could be our mascot....

Either way...I'm voting for all three of you!

Then again...if I joined as well I could be one of 'Breezy's Babes' ;0)

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Singing Referee
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 02:38 PM

For god's sake Lizzie, don't encourage him like this!

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Annony mouse
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 04:52 PM

Lizzie, I'm sorry to dash your hopes, but let's be clear about this. No one, and I mean no one, connected with Breezy or the Spotlight should be allowed to run a bath on their own, let alone the country. We are dealing with a dangerous bunch of meglomaniac anarchists here, whose grasp on reality is both tenuous and sporadic:- particularly on Sunday nights.   

Ross, great to hear that you are now finding it easier to use the computer with your toe, but have you considered using your fingers at all?

AM

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Singing Referee
Date: 25 Sep 05 - 07:22 AM

We'll be raising the hustings tonight at about 7:30pm ready for Breezy's first electoral speach at 8:00. Im not sure if he's had tme to hone his manifesto to perfection yet, but I'm sure he'll charm us all as usual with his thought provoking and rational argument.

A night not to be missed!

Oh yes, and a chap called Alan Moorhouse and a few of us regulars might be doing some singing.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 25 Sep 05 - 12:15 PM

there will be a brassy wind in the old RBL tonight...
And I am not referring to the results of the onion flan I had.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Lanfranc
Date: 25 Sep 05 - 01:18 PM

I hope to be there, despite Breezy's three-line whip (cat'o'three tails?) that I never darken his doorstep again.

This Moorhouse character has been a hero of mine ever since I first spread his Bramble Seedless on my cold toast as a nipper.

Storbans go braugh, or summat.

Alan

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 25 Sep 05 - 01:45 PM

Gosh....is this THE Alan that you're all talking about?


http://www.alan.free-pop.com/

I'm just sitting here listening to 'Walk In The Shadows' as I write this. It's lovely...embarrassing though if I've got the wrong chap...hope I haven't! Is that a mandolin I can here in this song...Mmmmmm

And George is there tonight as well! We've all gone 'loopy' about George down here in Sidmouth! Caught him at Otley...now he's starting to 'pop' up all over the Radio 2 board. Yay George!! ;0)

Do you know, 'folk clubs' are beginning to grow on me. I was in a folk club for the first time EVER in Otley...and it didn't hurt at all! And if all of you hang out in them too, well I reckon they're probably great places to be.

Hope you all have a good time tonight, something tells me that you undoubtedly will...and not too much giggling into your beer lads!

Have fun...Oh...and if anyone sees Breezy could they ask him to open up a new branch of his Folk Club down here in Siddy please.

Lizzie :0)

PS...Ross take no notice of Anonny....a man who types with his toe sounds deeply fascinating. ;0)

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 25 Sep 05 - 08:26 PM

I haven't had so much fun in a folk club for many a year. Alanabit (who I haven't seen live before but have long loved his CD 'Small Voice Crying') was brilliant and El Greko as good as ever. But what's amazing is that everyone put their hearts and souls into it, even if there was an epidemic of memory lapses, it just prompted everyone else to join in with loud la-las in harmony! This is what folk clubs used to be like, way back then. I'd recommend an excursion to St Albans on a Sunday once in a while to anyone (though for the benefit of Kevin Sheils who might be reading this, I'll be back at Walthamstow next week).

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Singing Referee
Date: 26 Sep 05 - 04:06 AM

Thanks for that Countess.

As the main 'CRAFT moment' sufferer I was fortunate enough to get the best la-las during one of my songs; might have to engineer that again sometime.

Second thoughts, knowing me I'll probably not have too. It will happen again naturally in the not too distant future.

Great evening, superb singing by everyone. Alan was brilliant.

El Greko's trio was something else. What about Fleggy on that sax; wow! Atmospheric or what?

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 26 Sep 05 - 04:26 AM

Thanks Countess, it was lovely to see you again too.
Steve, I claim the first memory lapse - it was a double one too, and on the song "Memory", to make it worse!
Lizzie, I am so sorry not to have spent more time with you and yours on Sunday, but I left straight after the Tams/Coope afternoon set. But as you liked "Anytown", you can listen to it on the internet from last Saturday's Celtic Heartbeat show of Frank Hennessy's on BBC Radio Wales, about 57 minutes from the start, along with a 40 minute interview and some live songs I did for Frank. The version of "Anytown" there is a rough mix from the recording studio where I'm preparing the next album and it is without Fleggy's sexy sax, as we only recorded that yesterday morning - but it does have Miranda Sykes' rocking bass.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Moses
Date: 26 Sep 05 - 06:26 AM

I'm not standing on that bit of floor again! Dragon-Zorg has stood on it too many times and it has absorbed his craftiness - releasing it on the unsuspecting when he isn't there to control it.

Altogether though, a great evening - wonderful to hear that sax played not just in the jazz sessions - AND I won Alan's CD in the raffle.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Ross
Date: 27 Sep 05 - 04:09 AM

Good show - glad to hear you all had a jolly good time - many apologies for my absence

My broken arms are healing - is was unfortunate that those two nice gentleman got the wrong folk singer - they were very apologetic

I've since shaved off the beard and wear lashings of aftershave

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Annony Mouse
Date: 27 Sep 05 - 08:47 AM

"Sexy Sax"? "Rocking Bass"? What's next week then, Folk-Metal Night?

Good idea shaveing off the beard Ross, a very wise precaution. I Suggest you steer clear of baseball caps as well.


AM

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Ross
Date: 28 Sep 05 - 10:43 AM

Is this a good time to say my CD is now on sale

Called 'Council House Kid', is £10 including postage and packing

Please PM me for details or general insults

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Sep 05 - 10:51 AM

Thanks everyone. I am now recovering in Köln, happily overdosing on a two week shot of affection from my kids. I still have not got my head around everything which happened in Cornwall and England, but I can tell you that I will be a much more frequent visitor in the future. Markus really enjoyed himself too. I think he enjoyed playing on George's brilliant new song "Any Town".
The mandoline playing (and the slide) on "Walk in the Shallows" was done by our colleague from the Alan's Abits trio, Thomas Kärner. We are hoping to bring him with us on a future visit. We will see him in a few weeks time, when he comes up from Bavaria, for the presentation of "Travellers' Tales".
I was so looking forward to meeting everyone and in the event, Markus and I were also treated to some very fine singing and playing by all the guests.
George and Vanessa were our hosts that night and they spoiled us rotten. I knew I would like George, from his wise and witty posts here. I really hope there will be more time to talk for longer with all the other talented and interesting people on future visits. I would not have missed a minute of it. Thanks to Breezy for taking a chance on us and thanks to everyone who took the trouble to come out and see us. We'll be back.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 28 Sep 05 - 12:47 PM

We'll be back

Soon, I hope. You and Markus were great. The performance at St Albans even outstripped expectations after playing 'Small Voice Crying' for so long before actually getting to meet you.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 29 Sep 05 - 05:21 AM

Excuse me butting in here lads...and lasses...but next time you're all together, any chance of a DVD? You could call it 'Live and Breezy' or something...I'm sure you could all think of a brilliant name.

I'm sitting here in Sidmouth feeling miserable that I wasn't there!

Blimey Diane....WHAT is happening to me????

I blame George Papavgeris and Duncan McFarlane for this. They are starting to make me want to go to folk clubs!! Eeek!

And I did get the right Alan...phew!...and he loves 'Anytown' too....Oh that song is just so wonderful.



Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Ross
Date: 29 Sep 05 - 06:47 AM

JB used to carry his cam recorder everywhere

He thrust at me once, when I was singing Molly Malone

Nothings has been officially issued

Most of the footage is of Ladies bosoms and cleavage

And tattoo's in unusual places

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: alanabit
Date: 29 Sep 05 - 07:02 AM

Lizzie, if you like the noise we make, I am happy to tell you that we are planing to visit the UK again next year in late spring/early summer and then again in autumn. We will certainly go to the West Country, as that is where I originally come from. It seems likely that we will gig at least once in Plymouth and possibly in other places nearby. We will certainly do a house concert in Cornwall, where my sister lives. If you are interested in any of this, please PM me.
We are very much looking forward to coming back again and making some more friends.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 29 Sep 05 - 10:48 AM

I'd like to dive in here and offer my sincere thanks to Breezy and Co for the reception I got when I did a spotlight on the 18th.

Surprisingly, after all these years, I was a bundle of nerves and probably did not perform to my usual standard, but I was made to feel totally appreciated, and, when I stopped shaking, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Good on yer Breezy, it's a great club.

Don T.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Moses
Date: 30 Sep 05 - 11:37 AM

As himself is still off-line, just a reminder that the Spotlight Club, this Sunday, features (according to the sketchy,incomplete and often misleading information he transmits from time to time) "Gwylim Davis & Missus"

Anyone got any more info?

Christine

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: alanabit
Date: 30 Sep 05 - 12:13 PM

No matter who else does or does not t urn up, the singing and playing of the residents alone will make it worth the journey.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Tradsinger
Date: 30 Sep 05 - 01:00 PM

Dear Moses and all,

I am that Gwilym (NB spelling). The missus and I are the guests at St Albans this Sunday. Carol plays keyboard and I mainly play melodeon and our reportoire is mainly English trad. Hope you and other Mudcatters will be there to support us.

Cheers

Gwilym

Check out the website: http://www.cmarge.demon.co.uk/gwilym/

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Waldorf
Date: 01 Oct 05 - 12:41 PM

"Sketchy,incomplete and often misleading information?" It's not usually that good. When was this then Moses?

Gwilym, I'm sure we'll all be delighted to see you and the Missus tomorrow night, and you can be sure of a warm, enthusiastic welcome . However, please don't take it amis half of us are expecting to see someone else. It's perfectly normal, and really part of charm of the Spotlight. We love surprises....

When I saw You-Know-Who busking earlier to day, he was singing your praises and enthuiastically announcing your forthcoming appearance to all and sundry.

I'm not entirely sure he knew which day you were coming though.....

Waldorf

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Statler
Date: 01 Oct 05 - 12:45 PM

But is it still at the Legion?

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Waldorf
Date: 01 Oct 05 - 12:47 PM

Search me! Ask the Frog!

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Statler
Date: 01 Oct 05 - 12:50 PM

Is he on too?

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Singing Referee
Date: 01 Oct 05 - 02:19 PM

Yes its @ The Legion.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST,Statler
Date: 01 Oct 05 - 02:27 PM

How about that! You go looking for a frog and a referee pops up.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST, Hamish
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 04:35 AM

Ah, but how was that chap I sent along? He tells me he found it "friendly & encouraging" and that he "quite enjoyed it" although he was "a bit nervous". He was called David and played two original compositions. It was his first time ever in front of a live audience.

(pm me if you'd prefer to keep your opinions "entre nous")

~8^)

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Tradsinger
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 01:40 PM

The boy done good. He is obviously a competent guitarist and singer, with influences more on the rock side than the folk side. I personally found the songs a bit introverted, but that's me. I think he should be encouraged to keep singing, keep writing and explore different styles. I hope he keeps going back.

Next subject - me and the missus (Carol) would like to thank the club for the warm welcome we had there, and especially to Breezy for hospitality and breakfast!

Hope to see y'all again.

Gwilym

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Singing Referee
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 01:59 PM

Couldn't agree more. David did realy well for first time out. I hope he comes back. The songs were more 'acoustic lounge' than folk, But we're not 'folk nazis' at The Spotlight. As Gwilyn said, let's encourage the lad to try different styles and write from a more outward looking prespective, and welcome him back.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: GUEST, Hamish
Date: 05 Oct 05 - 04:02 AM

Thanks for that: I'll pass on your messages. ~8^)

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Moses
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 08:34 AM

It's Friday again and time for another great evening at Windward. (Duke of Marlborough, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Herts). Doors open 7.47pm (ish) Music starts around 8.19pm

Tonight, Chris (Flashingers) Flegg has his 2nd cd launch. Ten great songs some of which I'm sure will be sung during the evening. Entry is FREE - exit is negotiable.

On the down side, Breezy will be there trying to flog raffle tickets for his dubious prizes - I hear last weeks winner got free admission for tonights show.

Usual band of residents - supporters - hangers-on.

Wouldn't miss it.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: My guru always said
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 03:16 PM

Sorry I couldn't make it tonight, am sure you all had a Brill time!!!

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Singing Referee
Date: 26 Oct 05 - 01:18 PM

This week, Friday 28th, Breezy and I share the limelight with a set each. I'll be singing some stuff you've not heard me sing before, so should be exciting. For me at least!.

What will Breazy do?

Well, you know Breezy; anything he likes!

Usual excellent residents in support.

Last Friday at "The Duke" for a while, before we move to "The Comfort" for the winter.

Sunday Spotlight at The Legion, is a resident's night with me picking up the feature spot. Old favourites from me this time.

Floor singers wecome, phone Breezy on 07774 909067, to be sure of a spot.

Subject: RE: St Albans + Breezy + Spotlight
From: Singing Referee
Date: 28 Oct 05 - 04:39 AM

Tonight!