In a neck and neck tie with The Jam, The Specials were my favourite band in 1979/80, and their debut album remains in my top five of all time. As a 13/14 year old you’re looking for idols, for cult figures, for inspiration, and The Specials ticked all those boxes brilliantly. I never saw them live, but such was the emotional attachment that bonded the band with their fans (an attachment which typified those times), that lack of a live experience made no difference to how I felt. Their music was energetic and passionate; it spat out attitude with ferocity. I believed in, and loved The Specials.

More than thirty years after they last played Bournemouth (oh, how I’d have loved to have gone to the tiny Stateside Club in ’79), and here they were, back again at the BIC. Now, thanks to a lovely friend I had the opportunity to go – a no-brainer you might think – but I’ve been bitten before with the ‘come-back tour’ gig. The Who were a massive let down when I saw them in the early ‘90s, hardly spoiling their legacy, but ever since I’ve always been wary of watching bands live, decades after being in their prime. Obviously, this gig could never capture the raw emotion and passion created by a Specials gig in ’79; the band was singing about what was happening at the time, politically and socially. ‘78s ‘winter of discontent’ preceded Thatcher’s appointment, racial tension was rife and unemployment was escalating rapidly. There was a lot to be said, and like a Pistols gig in ’77, a Specials gig in ’79 would’ve been unmissable.

Looking around tonight’s vast crowd pre-gig it was like ’79 all over again, except the skinheads by choice then, are skinheads by defect now. Braces are still being worn, but for the use originally intended. My age is the average age. There’s a huge buzz of expectation. So, a Specials gig in 2011… Any good? Fuck yes! Racism still exists, unnecessary wars surround us, politicians are still hoodwinking the public and we’re experiencing a double-dip recession and social depression. And The Specials are still as believable, passionate and relevant as they were over thirty years ago. I found myself singing along to almost every song thinking “shit… this stuff is still happening”, still believing in it, and still loving The Specials. The band entered to a huge backdrop of social imagery, provoking a mix of boos and cheers from the 6000 in the BIC. Then they launched into ‘Gangsters’ and the place erupted.

They played everything from debut album Specials, all bar a couple from follow up More Specials, and their singles and musically it was spot on. For me, The Specials were the 2-Tone band, they introduced me to ska and bluebeat, to Trojan and way beyond, and if they couldn’t quite look like they did (still natty none the less), or have the same on stage energy, I itched for an authentic sound. Apart from Jerry Dammers on keys, this was the original Specials line-up. Terry Hall hasn’t changed. He still plays the straight-faced misery naturally, but you knew deep down he was enjoying himself, even managing some dry one-liners and playful pleas to his band to do some Wham. He’s still Terry Hall and he’s still believable. Neville Staple, Roddy Bryers, Horace Panter, John Bradbury and the enigmatic Lynval Golding were joined by Nick Torp on keys and a superb three-piece brass section, and midway through the set as the backdrop changed for ‘International Jet Set’, a three-piece string section. And they sounded bloody sweet. They sounded 1979.

A wonderful journey down memory lane lasted well over ninety minutes, brushing shoulders with a sea of Fred Perrys and Harringtons, desert boots and DMs, emotional faces singing, happy feet skanking. One encore, then another – ‘Little Bitch’ followed (obviously) by ‘You’re Wondering Now’ and they were done – they played everything I wanted to hear and unlike The Who many years earlier only enhanced my emotional attachment to the band. If you were a Specials schoolboy/girl fan in ’79 and aren’t sure whether to see them live now – GO. Of course it helps if a lovely friend buys you a ticket…

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Well, that was fun! Six months planning, and every single minute was time well spent. It is impossible for me to look at last Saturday’s Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover objectively – it has been the most important thing in my life for the best part of six months, so I can only look from the inside out. But, I know it was a huge success, something which I set out to judge by four separate criteria: Did the bands & artists enjoy playing? Did the venues do well as a business? Did those who bought a wristband enjoy the event? And most important of all, did we raise as much money as we hoped? The answer to all those four questions I believe is YES! Sure, Saturday’s event didn’t go without the odd hitch, but the few problems were minor ones, and from an organiser’s perspective I feel confident and proud that the Oxjam Bournemouth Team put on an event which truly did the town and the charity complete justice.

So, what was raised on the day? Well, it’s a fantastic £4718.75, and counting!! Approximately 675 kind and beautiful people came out to watch 34 artists, 8 djs, and the odd ‘surprise’ guest. Without your support and desire to donate the event would have been a non-starter, so a first thank you goes to everyone who purchased a wristband and gave so generously. £6 for a wristband was a pound more than last year, yet at least 150 more attended on the day – a fantastic turnout! We hope you enjoyed it!

Mutant Vinyl – photo by Dreadlock Photograhy

To all the venues, soundmen, and volunteers who helped, reduced their fees or donated their time for free – especially the Oxjam Army – again, thank you for your generosity! One of the lessons learned from last year was to keep the venues at a walkable distance from each other, and to have wristbands available at each one. Having walked about five circuits of the venues throughout the night, it was one of the most pleasing aspects for me to see all of the venues busy, with people clearly cherry-picking their favourites and walking easily between venues.

To all the bands and djs who performed, including the impromptu appearances… thank you so much for donating your time, skill and energy for free. Bournemouth has a fantastic live music scene, and Saturday’s event proved it. A few of last year’s bands may not have enjoyed the live experience due to time slot or venue location, but to see The Winchester so busy for openers County Hospital was in itself a highlight. Local music, global impact sums up Oxjam perfectly, and Bournemouth’s local music scene rocks – we have quite possibly raised the most amount of money for Oxfam in the UK this year with an incredible overall total of over £11,000! To those who criticise our local music scene… good things can happen if you want them to, but a positive attitude is required. You want to change something and make a worthwhile difference? Just do it.

The Neon Tigers – photo by ORB Photography

A massive thank you must go to all of our sponsors. Music Is Life donated a huge amount, both in terms of cash, raffle prizes and backline hire – your generosity made a huge difference. To The Print Room, Imagine Publishing and Urban Reef – thank you for your kind donations, and to Tony at Mail Boxes Etc – your generosity and excellent service were both hugely appreciated. Thanks also to Mike at Classic Drums, Jon at Hogbitch Promotions, to anyone who gave us press space or radio air time, and to everyone who donated raffle prizes… thank you!

Before I make the most important thank you of all, I should write a few words about some personal favourite moments from the Takeover. Whilst I wasn’t strictly there to enjoy the music, I saw some superb performances. As much as anything we wanted the event to be a celebration which created an beautifully uplifting atmosphere, proving that the right bands, in the right venues would make this a joyful musical spectacle. Maybe my glasses were rose-tinted but I think we got it right, and the bands and punters loved it.

Disco’s Out (Murder’s In) – photo by Dreadlock Photograhy

A few weeks ago I wished Edwin Pope well on his venture in Liverpool, saying “… in over five years of running bh one Ed is quite simply the most gifted artist we’ve had the pleasure of watching perform”. Well, Saturday confirmed that statement – his performances with County Hospital, Spiders and the immense dub-rock of Mutant Vinyl were just stunning. One person could lay claim to matching the brilliance of Ed, and that’s Michael Wookey – a one-time Bournemouth regular who now plies his trade in Paris and whichever venue throughout Europe has the sense to book him. His set was a personal battle against the ‘cabaret throb’ of upstairs, but only enhanced his reputation as a bit of a genius.

Mr Pope and Wookey were (intentionally) the only artists I managed to watch for more than ten minutes, busy as I was ‘circulating’, but there was so much more that brought a smile to my face. Peace, Love & Gloves are an absolute joy of a band who have an incredible following – positive vibes flowed through On The Rocks. To see The Winchester so busy all night (a venue which never really got going last year) pleased me immensely, and the three bands I saw there – County Hospital, Spiders and Animal Talent Show rocked it. The Neon Tigers, Head Of A Cuban Trojan and Mother Ukers were three other bands I managed to enjoy for more than one song, and a special thanks must go to the incomparable Dapper Dan who braved the crowds to perform his dj/compere duties despite a recent ankle fusion leaving his leg in a brace. A star!

Spiders – photo by Grant David Read

By far my biggest thank you goes to The Oxjam Bournemouth Superstars – an amazing team of volunteers who have devoted an incredible amount of time, energy and enthusiasm to Oxjam for the last six months. At a recent interview with a local media student I was asked what was my personal highlight of the Takeover. I told her it was when the Oxjam team returned from their venues and met back at 60 Million Postcards. It was about 1.30am, we were wiped out, but we were euphoric. The enormous sense of achievement and pride in what we had all achieved was just an incredible feeling. To Livvy Page, Geoff Birchenough, Andy Stock, Katy Hamer, Sara Price, Jo Tyler, Brad Davis and Steve ‘Old Bloke’ Smith… you are all amazing and thank you so much for your dedication, enthusiasm, and for making the last six months so much fun!! Lastly, thanks also to everyone who has helped at our numerous fundraisers since that incredible launch event at Chaplins in May, including Laura Beaumont and Emma-Kate Rickard – both part of the original Oxjam team.

Chris Woodford – photo by Dreadlock Photography

So, what was it all for? By now I’d like to think that the vast majority of people who read this are now fully aware of the fantastic work Oxfam does around the world, working with others to deal with suffering and injustice, and to make a positive difference to the lives of people who need help the most. This short video hopefully sums up the work of Oxfam…

Last of all, thanks to Ski off Kentucky Fight Club for organising an Oxjam Closing Party this Friday at The Winchester – a KFC Shindig which will feature Tapioca, Kentucky Fight Club, Xander Allen, Magner Rise & Steve Biddle, plus if time allows a dj showdown inc. Tony Viagra, Andy Razz and many more. Entry is just £1 and we’ll also be selling our remaining Oxjam Bournemouth merchandise for a bargain price – just £3 per item, which includes calendars, 20-track cds and Takeover t.shirts. Hope to see you there!

Oxjam Bournemouth Team – photo by Dreadlock Photograhy

To see more photographs and videos from the Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover – you’ll need to join the Oxjam Bournemouth facebook group.

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So, in a few weeks I’m leaving town, and potentially this could be a permanent vacation. Having had a few weeks to reflect on this situation I’ve decided it would be a shame to just let bh one disappear. I’d like to think that in five and a half years it has built a decent reputation for promoting quality local music, and whilst I’m truly passionate about that reputation, I’d like to think there is someone who shares that passion, and who has the desire to keep bh one alive.

What is most important to me is the integrity of the site, and whilst everybody has their own taste in music it is vital that the site remains in the hands of someone (or a collection of people) who has a passion for originality, for creativity, and for artists who rise above mediocrity.

If anyone is interested in running bh one, and can devote the time and energy required, and would be happy for me to write the occasional long distance album review… please send me an email. Thanks!

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Five months and sixteen fundraisers after our launch at Chaplins in Boscombe, and the main event is nearly here. This Saturday the Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover returns. With nearly £6,500 already raised our original target of raising £8,000 for Oxfam is almost certain, and our hope is to now raise in excess of £10,000 – a fantastic amount which will make a huge difference to the lives of people who most need help – aiding Oxfam with their emergency and development work, as well as their non-stop campaigning for change.

After the Takeover there will be a vast amount of people to thank, until then we’d like to make one more plea… we want to make this Saturday’s Takeover an event to remember, an event which Bournemouth can be proud of, and one which creates a fantastic atmosphere in each of the six venues on the day. We’d love each venue to be packed, and that will simply be down to the efforts of everyone involved – bands, venues, friends and fans – if everyone makes the effort to attend, donate and help spread the word then the £10,000 target will be smashed.

This year we’ve had a huge amount of help from not just bands and venues, but from our sponsors too, and it is largely down to their support and kind donations that we’ve been able to set up merchandise stalls at three of the venues this Saturday. At 60 Million Postcards, Champions and On The Rocks we’ll be selling Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover t.shirts (£10 each, or £8 for band members), Oxjam Bournemouth compilation cds (20 tracks for £5), Oxjam Bournemouth calendars (£10) and various other pieces of merch. Raffle tickets will be available from every venue too, with a fantastic range of prizes available, the draw for these will take place at 60 Million Postcards on Sunday 23rd.

Since the last fundraiser the Oxjam Bournemouth team have been putting the finishing touches on the Takeover, as well as playing on Bournemouth beach. This video was created by a number of kind and creative folk – if you like it, please link it online – spread the love!

The Oxjam Bournemouth compilation cd is now available online through Bandcamp – 22 superb tracks all donated for free and available individually, or to download in its entirety for just £5 as a fantastic example of the creative talent in this town. To check out the album, go to Oxjam Bournemouth on Bandcamp.

For those still unaware of what the Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover is all about – here’s a final quick summary:

6 venues, 34 bands, 8 djs plus Grubnium, face-painters, magicians, merch stalls, raffle tickets and hundreds of lovely people making this event something special.

£5 advance tickets will be available in all venues and online here from WeGotTickets until midnight on Friday 21st. We’re also selling £15 Golden Tickets! As well as a wristband, these will come with a takeover t.shirt, cd and calendar – value £30!. Bargain huh!? Buy here from WeGotTickets. Wristbands can be bought at any venue on the day for £6 and will allow entry into all six venues on the day. Anyone purchasing a wristband will also get an Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover programme.

For more information and one of the ways to spread the word, here’s the Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover on facebook. For the final time… please support this fantastic event! Local music, global impact.

For those wanting to attend the Freeway Poets at The Winchester from 3pm, we’ve just been informed that this will no longer be happening, so doors will now be at 7pm with live music from 7.30.

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Any band fronted by a twin six-string attack of Martin Ruddock and Angus Rudd would immediately prick my ears. Add to that the multi-skilled Joey Daley, and my expectations are raised even further. Whilst the rhythm section of Thomas Browning (drums) and Albert Dyba (bass) are new names to me, their skills not only compliment those of the other three, but also enhance The Committee’s sound superbly. These are five quality musicians. Quality musicians, and songwriters too… their debut EP Half For You, Half For Me is a melodic, kaleidoscopic journey through psychedelic prog and sunshine pop.

Opener ‘What A Drag’ sums up the band’s appeal perfectly, a song which flows between musical phases, blending wonderful vocal harmonies with dexterous musicianship. It meanders like a trip from the ‘heavy’ end of the sixties through to some prog noodlings and dreamy jazz tones from the early seventies. Nice. It fluctuates wonderfully, has a killer guitar riff and vocal hook “I don’t want to fly this plane with you / you’re making me an angry shade of blue”. Not a drag.

‘Get My Coat’ is pure pop pleasure. Compared to the opener its fluctuations are minimal, and for the most part it’s an uptempo and jaunty sing-a-long, this time with Joey’s backing harmonies and more creative instrumental nuances giving it extra depth. A catchy little mutha. ‘Murders Song #5’ sees the sound veer towards new wave, primarily due to Joey’s effortless, almost nonchalant vocal style. It’s less retro with a (comparatively) straight-forward rhythm and structure, whilst still featuring dreamy backing harmonies and twee noodlings.

I love ‘The Wreck Of The Philip K Dick’. It’s a dreamy, floaty, swirling ride through somewhere wonderful, taking you wherever you want to go. More laid back harmonies and restrained lead guitar, both beautiful, give this song just the most gorgeous vibe. A courteous nod to the American sci-fi novelist, and a glorious slice of musical heaven. Closer ‘Stone The Crows’ opens with Joey sounding like she’s dressed in black. A decent track but the weakest of the five, it’s saved by the middle and end sections which ‘rock out’ deliciously.

After seeing the band’s superb debut at Cellar Bar a couple of months ago, ‘Half For You, Half For Me’ sounds less retro than I expected. A couple of the band’s more sixties-inspired tracks are not featured here, and whilst I’m a glutton for psych, the musical diversity contained within these five tracks is even greater than I’d expected, making the listening experience all the better. Congratulations to Angus Rudd for a quality bedroom production, fist pumps to Rich Sanz for his skill with crayons, and high fives to The Committee – for a first EP this rates very highly amongst local debut recordings over the last five and a half years. Almost toppermost I’d say.

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