Photographic Evidence

Photographs: I love taking them. I love looking at them. Below is a collection of my favourite pictures that I have taken over the years, across the world. Enjoy!

Sunrise in New York

A folly - Painshill Park, England

Avenham Park, Preston

Oakwood Theme Park, Wales

Casa de Campo, Madrid

New York, New York

A church in St. Davids, Wales

Emilia Wickstead

I'm not a big magazine reader, but every Sunday I will pick up a copy of Stella - The Telegraph's fashion offering. And even though I could never even dream of affording any of the clothes written about, it is a very well thought-out and inspiring read.

One of the fashion designers recently to feature in Stella was Emelia Wickstead; a 28 year old from New zealand who brings high society to the catwalk, and whose client base includes the likes of Samantha Cameron and the Duchess of Cambridge.     

Her pieces have classic lines and a neutral palette, all with a touch of class and sophistication. Her dresses only feel at home having lunch with the girls; Her playsuits would fit in nicely at a summer picnic.

 

Her work may seem a little old fashioned, maybe even pretentious to some, but I have fallen head-over-heels for Wickstead's designs. I picture myself, glass of pink lemonade in hand, sitting at a garden party and looking fabulous in one of her made-to-measure pieces. But alas, this shall have to stay a fantasy until I have either 'come into the money' or, more realistically, her style has filtered down into high street fashion. Emilia, I look forward to that day!

Jacob's Dream

In the spring of 1856 with the snow still on the ground

Two little boys were lost in the mountains above the town

The father went out hunting the boys had stayed behind

While mother tended to her chores they wandered from her side

The two had gone to follow him and lost their way instead

By dusk the boys had not been found and fear had turned to dread

200 men had gathered there to comb the mountain side

The fires were built on the highest peak in hopes they'd see the light

Oh mommy and daddy why can't you hear our cries

The day is almost over, soon it will be night

We're so cold and hungry and our feet are tired and sore

We promise not to stray again from our cabin door

Now Jacob Dibert woke one night from a strange and eerie dream

He saw a path between two hills near a dark and swollen stream

He told his wife he saw the boys huddled close beside a log

For two more nights the dream returned, this vision sent from God

A thousand men had searched in vain the west side of Bob's creek

But Jacob's wife knew of this place and said to travel east

With a guide to take him there, Jacob came upon the scene

And found the boys cold and still beneath the old birch tree

Oh mommy and daddy, look past the tears you cry

We're both up in Heaven now, God is by our side

As you lay us down to rest in the presence of the Lord

Know that we will meet you here at Heaven's door

Performed by Alison Krauss. Written by Julie Lee and John Pennell.

No Hopers, Jokers and Rogues

A sure sign of a newly discovered song is when I'm to be found with headphones in my ears, the repeat button on and holding my eyes open due to the unearthly time at which I have chosen to become addicted to one particular tune. A few weeks back this scene occurred once again, this time to the music of the aptly named, Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends.

As the name suggests the group originates from the little fishing village of Port Isaac in Cornwall and is made up of local men singing a selection of sea shanties and folk songs. The ever-changing group have been warming the hearts of locals and tourists alike for over 15 years, and have now released their first album. This collection of music seamlessly joins each man's exquisite vocal tone together with a smatter of rolling drums, a dash of catchy guitar riffs and a pinch of harmonic genius.

Even though the whole album collectively presents a variety of different pieces to please all, there are three songs which particularly stand out: South Australia, Haul Away Joe and No Hopers, Jokers and Rogues. They each demonstrate the full sound quality of the group and the sheer beauty of the male voice in its natural state. The harmonies are flawless and it is made clear from the set-out that The Fisherman's Friends rely upon their vocal talent alone.

So, whether you're an avid folk enthusiast or refuse to hear even one note of a sea shanty, have a listen to this bunch of jokers and rogues and find out for yourself how these locals from Port Isaac are causing a stir in the world of music. And for the football fans among you, they've released Back of the Net especially for you. Go on, give them a listen!

Music gets the best of me

There are many reasons for putting on a good tune and cranking up the bass. You're feeling low, you're feeling happy. It's sunny outside, it's tipping down with rain. You feel the urge to dance, you need to lie down. The house is too quiet, next door's is too loud. Whatever the reason is, there aren't many things which can top a pair of speakers or headphones playing the sound of music. 

There is probably some scientific or psychological basis for the benefits of music, detailing why this art form is so prominent within out culture, economy and media. In layman's terms however, the cause of this is simply that we all love it. We can't get enough of it. We crave it day in, day out. I am currently sitting at my desk listening to Industry by Jon McLaughlin and having the sudden realisation... the amount of music at this moment in time transcending across space from radio/computer/CD player/ipod to ear is phenomenal! Hurts my little brain just thinking about it. And if all of those tunes combined, now that would be one mighty clash! 

Each piece of music, I firmly believe, has a clincher moment. Now this may be an alien concept to some music lovers so I shall elaborate. Whether it's as evident as the bass line or the chorus, or as missable as a chord change or the adding of a violin in the bridge, each and every song has a moment which hooks you in as the listener. You may not notice the point at which you decided you liked the piece, but it was that element which encapsulated you just the same. And it is worth noting that one song can contain more than one clincher moment, or be different to each person. You may even discover a new one each time that you listen.    

Burgundy Shoes by  Patty Griffin

If the title wasn't beautiful enough to entice you on its own, the piece certainly does the job. Clincher moments: The chorus - exquisite over layering of drums, piano, vocals and harmony, each with their own rhythm. The instrumental - leads the listener from simple ballad to intriguing and moving piece. Perfect Second: 1.53.

Get on the Floor from FAME (2009 film)

Has the unfortunate essence of a 'film piece' but still contains those little moments of genius. Clincher moments: Rapping - underpinned by brass line, amazing rhythm. Instrumental - always love the use of the electric piano! Chorus: The bass rhythm will push anyone to get on the floor. Perfect Second: 0.33. 

Thank Goodness from WiCKED

Now, it took me a while to warm to this song; It wasn't until I discovered the music beyond the first 4 minutes! Clincher moments: The constant change of rhythm within phrases. Building up and down. The over layering of lead vocal (simple and sustained) and chorus members (staccato and fast). Ending - generally makes me smile! Perfect Second: 4.41.     

Kings and Queens by 30 Seconds to Mars

My love of this song has recently grown even more, if that were possible, since the excellent use of it within a film trailer. Clincher moments: The lead's vocal quality. The intro - simple and quiet, then explodes! A perfect marriage of vocals, guitar and drums. Contrast - the verses sustain, the chorus satisfies. The bridge - completely drops back, once again allowing the chorus to bring about its intended effect. Perfect Second: 4.17. 

Whether music gives you the urge to stand, arms outstretched, on a cliff face with the wind blowing in your hair, or to pretend you're on the catwalk as you strut down the aisles doing your weekly shop... play it loud and play it proud! 

Song of the Week: Like the Sun by RyanDan (Perfect Second: 3.08)