bh one is a Bournemouth-based music website, set up for the sole reason of highlighting and promoting the creative excellence within the bh postcode. Originally, the site was largely a two-person affair, with much appreciated assistance by a small group of fine folk. In late 2005 Rob gave Tony the final verbal push needed to kick-start the site, by May 2006 it was up and running. Clearly, when it comes to music one man’s excellence is another’s garbage, so over the years we have increasingly focused on artists, promoters and goings on which have simply caught our eyes and ears. We are open-minded, non-exclusive and continually attempt to seek out the good stuff. Oh, and we put on some of that stuff too. This is our taste, our love, our passion.

We’re forever grateful to the select number of contributors who over the years have helped feed bh one’s pages. We are always happy to receive and publish reviews, interviews or musically influenced social dialogue, though in order for the site to maintain its identity and soul, it is important that we are on a similar musical wavelength to the sender. Since its conception, bh one has developed and grown into areas that weren’t originally part of our plans. This ethos of simply following our instinct is set to remain, as the site’s content and upkeep largely depends on what life throws at us. It’s just a ride…

Here’s the current bh one team…

Tony Foster: owner/editor/reviewer – I just wanted to give something back to the local music scene that I’ve admired as a punter for over twenty years. I’m not even sure I’m much cop at writing – I just hope my passion and enthusiasm makes up for any lack of literary talent. bh one has expanded way beyond my initial expectations; the Live gigs and record label, as well as the site have helped me find hugely enjoyable jobs at the Gander (R.I.P) and Champions, as well as giving me a fantastic opportunity to raise money for Oxfam (through Oxjam Bournemouth) and many other worthy charities. I love music that’s played and performed with passion, I love music that moves me, regardless of genre if it makes me dance, cry or simply demands my complete attention I’ll listen to it. Lots. I’m rather fond of these: Neil Young, Bill Hicks, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Woody Allen, James Brown, Dirty Harry, The Specials, Nick Drake, Big Nick, Big Nicks, Manchester City FC, Provence, New York, a good book, a good holiday, a good meal, a good list, my family and friends.

Rob Langdon: web/email monkey & sometime contributor – sometime sitter-on-the-door of bhone Live nights and creator of both versions of bhone.co.uk.  If there’s a band who’ve played one of Tone’s nights, I’ll either have seen them, heard them, “discovered them” or…well, maybe I missed them, we’re not all perfect!  Sooo, now I work for myself, running 79 Nights (Website design, Web Development and Email Marketing) – I’m a terrible employee and am currently on my final written warning – but am trying really hard to build websites and email tools for people and companies far and wide.  I’ve also just inaugurated the Midlands branch of bh one, look out for DYone.co.uk in the near future.  Or not.

Karl Hayman: reviewer – Guitarist, vocalist and barman extraordinaire. Starting university in September to start a career in teaching music. Started writing for bh one to keep my creative juices flowing and get on the good side of Tone! Played guitar for years in various bands, worked at the Gander for a while (remember Fin & Nod?!), work at The Inferno and can usually be seen stumbling around Sound Circus if you’re lucky enough to encounter me. Apparently barred from Heroes for reasons unknown. Love my 90′s grunge, general rock & acoustic stuff plus anything that sounds weird and gnarly. Slight penchant to break out some old Linkin Park when I’m feeling nostalgic. Don’t have time for anyone who doesn’t like Regulate by Warren G.

Ollie Mutter: reviewer – As well as reviewing other people’s music, Ollie also makes his own under the name Oscar’s Trash Can with fellow Bournemouth musician Josh Green. They can currently be see gigging around town, giving out CD-R’s of their home-made (specifically, attic made) demos. So if you like Jonathan Richman, Neutral Milk Hotel or Arcade Fire, check them out. Beyond that, Ollie currently resides in Christchurch. He enjoys films, beard ownership and junk food to an insane, handsome and unhealthy level respectively.

We are also particularly indebted to the following for their expertise:
Marcus Edgar – expert web/design assistance
Dan Barrow – contributor extraordinaire
Grant David Read – photographer extraordinaire

We are also hugely grateful to the following for their contributions:
Matt Upchuck, Heidi Stenhouse, Sara Massoudi, Adam Scholey, Ben Martin, Big Ross, Catherine Burke, Chinners, Henrietta Rowlett, Japhy Ryter, Jinder, Jo Davies, Josh Hill, Lee Jones, Lisa Wilmott, Lisbeth Fenwick, Mike Stand, Niall Fealty, Sean Barker, Tom Blay.

Here’s what we did pre-August 2009…