Monday 30 November 2020

An Interview with Adrian Thomas

My recent post, Create or Destroy, included an offer:

'If creative people out there would like to be interviewed for my blog then just let me know.

We can talk about the positive aspects of your life and work. We can get your message across.

This offer is small fry, in the grand scheme of things - but nevertheless it is a positive action.'

Samantha Durnan was the subject of the first interview in this series and today we proudly present our next instalment.

Today we enter the world of British Rhythm and Blues and welcome Adrian Thomas to our series of interviews.

Adrian plays with The Voodoo Sheiks, who have been featured here at Marsh Towers once before. That was back in 2014, when I reviewed their Borrowed and New album. Looking back on the review, I find I took the Voodoo Sheiks to task a little, as I wanted to hear more of their original songs amongst the cover versions.

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Adrian and I have been friends (in a virtual world) for a long time now. Despite claiming to know nothing about chess, he even participated in our most recent Project 30 Zoom Quiz - outscoring several established chess stars along the way.

Sit back, relax and enjoy our in-depth interview...


Who introduced you to music?

My Mum and Dad had a collection of 45s which I used to play on their mono record player. I was introduced to the likes of Des O’Connor, The Hollies, Connie Francis, Leapy Lee and Cliff Richard, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, The Bonzo Dog Doo-dah Band plus many more.

Dad always had the transistor radio on in the mornings and at the weekend so there was a constant musical atmosphere in the house, including an upright piano in the living room!

Are any members of your family active, musically?

My elder brother plays guitar and bass. He’s in a couple church bands and has his own three-piece rock band. He helped source my first two drum kits!

How old were you when you realised music was going to be a major part of your life?

I was about five years old when I became interested in listening to music. As previously mentioned there was always music on in the house somewhere.

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How would you describe your musical style?

My general musical style I would say is rock with a sprinkle of blues. I was brought up on The Sweet, The Beatles, Dr. Feelgood and Deep Purple.

Tell me how the Voodoo Sheiks started out.

Crikey, I’ll try and keep it short as it’s a longish story!

Slowblow Dave was putting a band together with original drummer John Coombes and bass player, Bob Francis. They were looking for a guitarist and I had previously auditioned for another band that Bob had tried to put together but never amounted to anything.

Bob called me and said they were looking for a guitarist would I like to audition. I went along with a few other guitarists and well, here I am still! After just two gigs, Bob decided he’d had enough and left the band.

We auditioned a few bassists and Andy was the man for the job. I’d actually known Andy from our days at ACM Guildford in 2005/06.

Can you tell me something about your creative process? Are you writing songs more or less all of the time, or do you have to take time out from other aspects of your life in order to fully focus?

Personally, I’m not a prolific songwriter, so I’m not writing all the time. If I am writing then I do indeed have to take time out and focus on the task in hand.

Do you write better on your own, or with the help of others?

I definitely write better with other people. I tend to bounce off their creativity and come up with ideas as we go along.

What usually comes first – the music or the words?


If I’m writing with The Voodoo Sheiks then it can be either. Often, Dave will have a whole set of lyrics ready to go and I’ll come up with a riff or chord sequence and we fit it together. A lot of the band’s songs have been guitar ideas from which we have built upon.

How do you balance your musical career and aspirations with the ‘real life’?


I’ve been a professional musician since 2002 so everything has revolved around that. Real life is my music - until recently, when everything was turned on its head!
What interests do you have outside of music?

Outside of music I like keeping fit by going to the gym. I love walking the dog in the forest where we live. I enjoy standup comedy and some comedy-style panel shows. A good film is always an escape too.

Are you available for lessons?

Yes, I am available for lessons. Normally I do one to one lesson at my home studio but since March when everything changed, I now only do online lessons via Zoom.

You play your own, original songs but also have a full repertoire of cover songs with The Voodoo Sheiks. Is the former body of work easier to remember and play than the latter?


Now that’s a good question! I would say yes, original songs are easier to remember as you’ve been involved in the creation from start to finish. You know every dynamic of the song!

Having said that, I’ve been playing with covers band for years and some of those songs I can play on autopilot!

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Are there any internal battles within The Voodoo Sheiks when it comes to choosing the set lists? Are there any songs that you really wanted to include, but didn’t?

No internal battles, it’s all very amicable. Dave tends to sort the set lists but he knows what we like to play but you can’t play every song at every gig so we chop and change the set as we see fit according to venue and gig type!

Which artists/groups do you most admire?

That’s a tough one because I admire anyone who has made a success out of music. Whether they be famous or otherwise. I know a ton of musicians that are industry professionals and they teach, record, tour etc. but unless you actually know them you wouldn’t have heard of them.

As far as famous artists are concerned, I’d say I admire Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr for different reasons. I also think that Nine Below Zero are to be admired for evolving through the years and continuing writing, recording and touring.

Which albums would make it onto your desert island list?

I just think about the albums that I have probably played the most over the years. ‘Flying In a Blue Dream’- Joe Satriani, ‘Made In Japan’- Deep Purple, ‘Malpractice’- Dr. Feelgood, ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’- The Sweet, ‘Escape’- Journey, ‘Departure’- Journey

Which song do you wish you had written?

It’s either ‘Smoke On The Water’ - it’s such a great riff and a catchy, singable chorus, or ‘Burn’, another Deep Purple classic. Ritchie Blackmore is a genius at writing memorable riffs.

The Internet has impacted greatly on the music industry. What are the good and bad points from your point of view?

I suppose the obvious bad points are that music has become almost give away and that the cost of recording and pressing CDs is never recouped at this level due to downloading etc.

The good points are that you can reach a worldwide audience with all your social media and music distribution etc.

For your dream gig, with whom would you love to perform?

Deep Purple or Journey.

Are you nervous before the gigs?

I’m not nervous but I just want to get started, so the waiting around after you’ve set up and sound checked makes me slightly anxious! When I was younger I used to get very nervous to the point where, for the first few numbers my hands were shaking!

You have just left the stage at the end of the shows. You have connected with – and entertained – every person in the hall; a success by anyone’s standards. How does it feel?

It feels amazing! Especially if you’ve really connected and people are coming up to you, chatting and buying merchandise.

How long does it take you to wind down afterwards?

Like the above answer, it does depend on the venue and the gig! When you play a big stage to a large room then you are buzzing when you come off stage. If it’s a smaller pub type gig then whilst it’s still a buzz you don’t get the same adrenalin rush.

What are your most memorable gigs of your own?

The most memorable gig of my own was when we played The Half Moon, Putney in 2016. We played there a few times but this was the first time we’d headlined and it was a real blast.

How about memorable gigs by other artists or bands?

The one that always sticks in my mind is seeing Whitesnake at Hammersmith Odeon in 1980. There was a real atmosphere and place was electric, the band were absolutely in the zone!

Is there anyone you have never seen play ‘live,’ but would like to (have done)?

This is an interesting one as I have turned down tickets to see some amazing gigs which I have later regretted. Zeppelin at Knebworth, U2 in 1980 and my local Sports Centre, Pink Floyd - The Wall at Earls Court 1979-ish and The Killers at a small club in Reading when they were virtually unknown!
I understand you have recently switched from guitar to drums for the Voodoo Sheiks. Why the change and with which instrument do you feel the strongest natural connection?

Over the last two to three years I started to developing psoriasis on my hands and finger tips. I didn’t know what it was but it made it more and more difficult and painful to play guitar for prolonged periods. I recently saw a specialist who diagnosed it as psoriasis.

I’m currently using various emollients and hand washes to get on top of it but it still seems to be fighting back!

I started drumming when I was about 10 and got my first kit on my 11th birthday. I have always felt comfortable behind a drum kit. Whilst guitar became my number one instrument, I always kept playing drums and have gigged many times with an assortment of bands.

Switching was an easy choice as I can still play with my hand condition although it takes its toll I can at least strap my hand up which you can’t do if playing guitar!

I would definitely say that drumming is my strongest natural connection.

What advice would you give to anyone starting out in the world of music?

You have to love what you do. Be positive and believe in yourself. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks but of course take on constructive criticism and advice along the way.

I know a lot of people who seem to be seeking approval before they do anything like, “do you want to hear some new music from me” or “If I gig will you book me”, just do the music and get the gigs!

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The entertainment industry has been very badly hit by the pandemic. How do you think the Government has handled the situation?

I don’t think it was handled very well. The Government didn’t act quickly enough and then weren’t definite on actual do’s and don’ts!

What would you have done differently?

I’d have been more assertive and definite about the rules!

How long do you think it will be before the emergency clears?

I really couldn’t say. It’s unchartered territory! I’m hoping that by spring it’ll be as good as
over!

Do you think most things will recover (in time) or do you take a more pessimistic view?

I’d like to think that most things will recover but inevitably some things won’t. It’s had a massive financial impact on the world and the live music industry has been particularly hard hit – who knows how many venues will be closed permanently?

What is in the pipeline from the Voodoo Sheiks? Have you been active during the entirety of 2020 or has everything been on hold during the lockdowns?

Well, I’ve continued with my teaching throughout 2020 - doing my lessons online instead of face-to-face. With regards to the Voodoos - we’ve been keeping in contact and brought in a new guitarist to replace me whilst I step over to the drums.

We managed a few rehearsals in between lockdowns and have written some new tunes. I’ll be heading to a recording studio in the very near future, to track the drums for three new tunes then we’ll most likely record the rest remotely.

I can’t wait to get out and gig again, and with me on the drums, it’ll be a whole new vibe!
Thank you very much, Adrian!

When gigs are possible again, let's work on a plan to bring The Voodoo Sheiks to Teesside for a celebratory blast of Rhythm and Blues that will not be forgotten!

Thursday 26 November 2020

ChessTech 2020 Update

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The ChessTech 2020 Conference is now just over one week away.

There will be a veritable bonanza of chess talk, demonstrations, presentations and various other events over the weekend of 5-6 December.

Basic tickets are free and there is an opportunity to purchase a Professional Ticket for £50, which will give exclusive access to several parts of the conference.

It will be a meeting of minds like no other and promises to be a very positive experience amid the otherwise desolate landscape of 2020.

250 people have already registered and we are creeping towards full capacity.

The full programme is about to be unveiled, so keep a close eye on the official website.

Be there - or be square!

Sunday 15 November 2020

Project 30 November Zoom Quiz

The third edition of the Project 30 Zoom Quiz was the biggest and best to date.


The quiz has now gone international, thanks to the involvement of Kineke Mulder of Chess Unlimited.





Jo Hutchinson and Adrian Thomas (one of the kings of British Rythm and Blues - check out the Voodoo Sheiks) were among those also making their debuts in this strictly-by-invitation series of events.



David Hardy is the champion, with John Garnett runner-up and Sean Cassidy third.

Thank you, everyone, for a fabulous, fun evening.




Incidentally, some of the answers I received for the lyrics question were not only incorrect, but also anatomically impossible.

Project 30 Match Update

The big Project 30 match has been decided, with Team Two crossing the finishing line as victors, thanks to excellent wins from Peter Parker.

One fixture remains, but it cannot change the standings.

Remaining Fixture

Paul Weightman - Kevin Waterman


Results

Mike Pointon 1-1 Matt Jackman
Mike Pointon 1-1 Sean Marsh
Mike Pointon 0-2 Peter Harker
Mike Pointon 2-0 Graham Edwards
Mike Pointon 1-1 Royce Parker
Mike Pointon 1-1 Kevin Waterman

John Garnett 0.5-1.5 Matt Jackman
John Garnett 0-2 Sean Marsh
John Garnett 2-0 Peter Harker
John Garnett 2-0 Royce Parker
John Garnett 2-0 Graham Edwards
John Garnett 1.5-0.5 Kevin Waterman

David Baillie 0.5-1.5 Matt Jackman
David Baillie 1-1 Sean Marsh
David Baillie 1.5-0.5 Royce Parker
David Baillie 2-0 Kevin Waterman
David Baillie 2-0 Peter Harker
David Baillie 1.5-0.5 Graham Edwards

Richard Harris 0-2 Matt Jackman
Richard Harris 2-0 Peter Harker
Richard Harris 1-1 Royce Parker
Richard Harris 1.5-0.5 Kevin Waterman
Richard Harris 0-2 Sean Marsh
Richard Harris 1-1 Graham Edwards

Paul Weightman 0.5-1.5 Matt Jackman
Paul Weightman 2-0 Graham Edwards
Paul Weightman 0-2 Sean Marsh
Paul Weightman 0.5-1.5 Royce Parker
Paul Weightman 0-2 Peter Harker

Sean Cassidy 0-2 Sean Marsh
Sean Cassidy 0-2 Matt Jackman
Sean Cassidy 0-2 Royce Parker
Sean Cassidy 0-2 Kevin Waterman
Sean Cassidy 0-2 Graham Edwards
Sean Cassidy 1-1 Peter Harker

Team One 32, Team Two 38

Players who have completed their fixtures are given with their final scores.

Team One
John Garnett 8/12
David Baillie 8.5/12
Richard Harris 5.5/12
Mike Pointon 6/12
Sean Cassidy 1/12
Paul Weightman

Team Two
Sean Marsh 10/12
Matt Jackman 9.5/12
Graham Edwards 3.5/12
Royce Parker 6/12
Peter Harker 5/12
Kevin Waterman

ChessTech 2020

The London Chess Conference will be held on the weekend of Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 December.

Circumstances have rather forced our hand to make the entire conference and online affair. 

However, there is an element of serendipity here as the theme was already set as Chess and Technology.

This is from the official website:

ChessTech2020 is the premier chess related conference in the world. Its name reflects the topic: Chess and Technology. This is the Eighth in the sequence of London Chess Conferences since 2013. 

Meet the leaders and pioneers of online chess, discover new products and services, debate cheating and learn about the latest chess-related research!

This year our theme is Chess and Technology with special regard to online learning, teaching and training. 

The conference is held online through video conference with networking opportunities through digital kiosks. 

There will also be a business competition for start-ups.

Topics 2020

Cheating and Anti-cheating
Streaming
Hybrid Events
Digital Strategy
Digital Formats
Online Learning Systems
Integrated Hardware
Playing Platforms
Let’s Make Chess Greener
Online Projects for Girls and Women
New Journalism Formats and much more

General admission is free this year and there is an upgraded Professional Ticket, priced at £50, for those who would appreciate a plethora of extras.

Head to the official website for further details.

Friday 6 November 2020

Project 30: Match Update

Here is an update on our big Project 30 match, which is now coming to its conclusion.

Team Two have extended their lead by a point.

6 points are still available.

Team One needs five and a half points to win the match.

Team Two needs one and a half points to win the match.

A score of 5-1 to Team One from the remaining fixtures will tie the match.


Remaining Fixtures

Paul Weightman - Peter Harker
Paul Weightman - Kevin Waterman

Sean Cassidy - Peter Harker


Results


Mike Pointon 1-1 Matt Jackman
Mike Pointon 1-1 Sean Marsh
Mike Pointon 0-2 Peter Harker
Mike Pointon 2-0 Graham Edwards
Mike Pointon 1-1 Royce Parker
Mike Pointon 1-1 Kevin Waterman

John Garnett 0.5-1.5 Matt Jackman
John Garnett 0-2 Sean Marsh
John Garnett 2-0 Peter Harker
John Garnett 2-0 Royce Parker
John Garnett 2-0 Graham Edwards
John Garnett 1.5-0.5 Kevin Waterman

David Baillie 0.5-1.5 Matt Jackman
David Baillie 1-1 Sean Marsh
David Baillie 1.5-0.5 Royce Parker
David Baillie 2-0 Kevin Waterman
David Baillie 2-0 Peter Harker
David Baillie 1.5-0.5 Graham Edwards

Richard Harris 0-2 Matt Jackman
Richard Harris 2-0 Peter Harker
Richard Harris 1-1 Royce Parker
Richard Harris 1.5-0.5 Kevin Waterman
Richard Harris 0-2 Sean Marsh
Richard Harris 1-1 Graham Edwards

Paul Weightman 0.5-1.5 Matt Jackman
Paul Weightman 2-0 Graham Edwards
Paul Weightman 0-2 Sean Marsh
Paul Weightman 0.5-1.5 Royce Parker

Sean Cassidy 0-2 Sean Marsh
Sean Cassidy 0-2 Matt Jackman
Sean Cassidy 0-2 Royce Parker
Sean Cassidy 0-2 Kevin Waterman
Sean Cassidy 0-2 Graham Edwards


Team One 31, Team Two 35


Players who have completed their fixtures are given with their final scores.


Team One
John Garnett 8/12
David Baillie 8.5/12
Richard Harris 5.5/12
Mike Pointon 6/12
Sean Cassidy
Paul Weightman

Team Two

Sean Marsh 10/12
Matt Jackman 9.5/12
Graham Edwards 3.5/12
Royce Parker 6/12
Peter Harker
Kevin Waterman

Thursday 5 November 2020

Excellent New Magazine: Chess Tales

We have excellent news for everyone involved with junior chess.

Chess Tales

Chess Tales is an English translation of the German Rochade Kids chess magazine.

Teesside helped to test the content of the magazine and there is another link too; Royce Parker, my good friend and teammate, is the translator.

The material is excellent and fully engaging.

You don't need to take my word for it, as you can see the contents of the first issue here.

Additionally, UK schools can claim one free copy of the magazine by clicking here.

Approximately 25,000 children use the magazine in Germany. I believe it to be a very valuable set of resources, which will work in the classroom scenario and also in one-to-one lessons.

International Master Tobias Hirneise is the editor of Chess Tales and he is offering a discount of 50% to schools ordering 10 or more copies of the first issue.

Head to the Chess Tales website for further information.

Wednesday 4 November 2020

Acorn Chess



Acorn Chess

Mini-games are a valuable part of a chess tutor's resources.

They are ideal for teaching chess methodically, as they use a small number of pieces each time to build up knowledge and skill.

They are used extensively by Chess in Schools and Communities in over 300 UK schools.

One problem - particularly now online teaching has become a necessity - is that most computer programmes cannot be used to set up the mini-games, as they class them as illegal positions (because there are no kings on the board.)

Acorn Chess is a brand new venture, which allows mini-games to be set up easily and offers various levels of engine strength to test a player's skill.

Mini-game in Action

I have tested Acorn Chess and I believe it offers an excellent set of resources for chess tutors to use in group or individual settings.

There are lots of other games and features and the project is developing all of the time. Head to the Acorn Chess website to investigate the new resources and follow Acorn Chess on Twitter to keep up to date with all of the new developments.

Monday 2 November 2020

An Interview with Samantha Durnan

My recent post, Create or Destroy, included an offer:

'If creative people out there would like to be interviewed for my blog then just let me know.

We can talk about the positive aspects of your life and work. We can get your message across.

This offer is small fry, in the grand scheme of things - but nevertheless it is a positive action.'

We are starting our new series in great style, as we proudly present an interview with Samantha Durnan

Samantha Durnan

Samantha, a singer/songwriter based in North East England, has already appeared on this blog, both under her own name, when supporting Heather Peace at Arc, and also as part of The Hootones, who rocked The Georgian Theatre with Gypsy in 2019 and SHE easier this year.

We discussed Samantha's life in music from her early days to the forthcoming new album, scheduled for 2021.


Who introduced you to music, and are any members of your family active, musically? 

I come from a musical background. My Dad plays the guitar and my Nana used to be a singer. I was eight years old when I learnt my first couple of chords and it was then I knew I wanted to be a musician.

Not long after that I started guitar lessons with our lead guitarist in the show (James Henderson) and he encouraged me to record my own material.

How old were you when you realised music was going to be a major part of your life? 

I was 8 years old when I discovered that I had a passion for music and I knew that nothing else would come close to the buzz I felt while playing an instrument.

How would you describe your musical style? 

Alternative/Pop. I'm influenced by all types of genres from Pop to Metal from Classical to Rock. I try to include a little bit of something for everyone in my music.

Can you tell me something about your creative process? Are you writing songs more or less all of the time, or do you have to take time out from other aspects of your life in order to fully focus? 

I often get a random urge to write and as soon as I get that feeling, I grab my guitar. I don't plan to write, it just happens. Very quickly. Then I stop and think, where did that come from?! 

I'm currently writing an album and I'm on such a creativity high. I never know where the music will end up taking me and that is what I find so exciting about the process.

Do you write better on your own, or with the help of others? 

100% on my own. I'm not ashamed to say I'm a complete control freak when it comes to writing, haha! Once I hear an idea in my head, I'm set in stone.

What usually comes first – the music or the words? 

Music. Always the music. I like my words to work rhythmically with the music. I tend to create a melody by humming and then the words will flow.

How do you balance your musical career and aspirations with the ‘real world'?

I wear lots of different hats to succeed as a full time musician in the 'real world'. It would be a dream to write songs for a living but it doesn't pay my bills...yet, haha! 

I set up a Music Agency a few years ago called 'Pluck' and we specialise in Weddings & Corporate Events. Having the Agency allows me to afford to live and invest time and money back into my writing. 

At the end of the day as long as my career involves music, I'm happy.

You play your own, original songs but also have a full repertoire of cover songs with The Hootones. Is the former body of work easier to remember and play than the latter? 

I feel there is more pressure to remember the cover songs as people often sing along to the classics. Not as many people know the words to my original material so it wouldn’t a miss if made up a lyric or two, haha!

The Hootones in Action

Are there any internal battles within The Hootones when it comes to choosing the set lists? Are there any songs that you really wanted to include, but didn’t? 

It all depends on the Event. For Weddings we know we need to get the guests up on to the dance floor so we will decide as a band which upbeat songs will work best. Obviously some members prefer some songs to others but we always go with what we think the audience would prefer. With our show SHE we have a different approach as we perform our favourite songs by some of our most inspirational female artists.

Which artists do you admire?


I have so many! But the artist that stands that stands out for me is Stevie Nicks. I love everything about her from her voice, image to her sheer determination. To still be touring the world and moving around the stage like she does is admirable!

Which albums would make it onto your desert island list? (As many as you want!)

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

Michael Jackson - Thriller/Bad

Ludovico Einaudi - Island

The Staves - Dead Born & Grown

Haim - Days Are Gone

KT Tunstall - Eye to the telescope

Florence & The Machine – Lungs 

Which song do you wish you had written?

Beat It by Michael Jackson.

The Internet has impacted greatly on the music industry. What are the good and bad points from your point of view? 

I have been able to reach audiences from around the world via the Internet and I am hugely grateful for the platform. However it is sad to see artists getting paid so little due to illegal downloading and streaming services paying out a small percentage.

For your dream gig, with whom would you love to perform?

Stevie Nicks. I think I’d break down on stage but after a few drinks and tissues, I’d be fine.

Think back to the two fabulous evenings (Gypsy and SHE) at the Georgian Theatre. Were you nervous before the gigs?

Yes! Only because I’d organised the Evening and I wanted to make sure everything ran smoothly and everyone had a great night.

You have just left the stage at the end of the shows. You have connected with – and entertained – every person in the hall; a success by anyone’s standards. How does it feel? How long does it take you to wind down afterwards? 

It is one of the best feelings! When musicians and audience members connect, the energy in the room is on another level. I’m completely wired for a few days after a gig like that.

What projects do you have lined up, either for The Hootones or for your own work?

Due to the current live music circumstances The Hootones aren’t able to perform. Once live music restrictions are lifted we are hoping to put on another show and have a huge party! Aside from the band I’m currently in the middle of recording an album which I will be releasing next year.

What advice would you give to anyone starting out in the world of music?

Listen, learn, be true to yourself and enjoy the journey!

The entertainment industry has been very badly hit by the pandemic. How long do you think it will be before the emergency clears? 

Honestly, I have no idea. I am still in complete disbelief that we are currently living through a pandemic.

Do you think most things will recover (in time) or do you take a more pessimistic view?


I like to hope that most things will recover although it is extremely difficult to feel and see any positivity throughout this heartbreaking pandemic. But I have faith in the industry and I believe we creative folk will get through this horrendous period in time.

Thank you very much, Samantha Durnan!

This is a taster of Samantha's work. Head here for more information and bookings.





Stay tuned for the next interview in our series, which is coming soon...