Three-part vocal harmony from Westcountry Songwriters Circle

In the folk-acoustic singer-songwriter tradition, Westcountry Songwriters Circle entertained the audience with songs and acoustic guitar music from a variety of styles incorporating political, social, philosophical, and literary influences.
 
The signature song for Westcountry Songwriters Circle is ’Westcountry Love Song’,  with words and music by Jinder and accompaniment from Pete Christie and Nicky Swann

The first live music event from Westcountry Songwriters Circle: Pete Christie, Jinder and Nicky Swann was at The Finedon Sessions’  quarterly acoustic roots concerts at the Finedon Community Centre, a superb characteristic listening room-style venue, situated in the town of Finedon, Northamptonshire.
 
Westcountry Songwriters Circle re traveling performers performing in public venues, art centres and theatres throughout the UK; one such upcoming event is at Joules Yard and Eating House

WEST COUNTRY SONGWRITERS’ CIRCLE
 
Saturday 21 September 2013    |    20:00 – 23:00 

 
“…Featuring three of the UK’s top singer-songwriters – Jinder, Nicky Swann & Pete Christie…”
 
www.jinder.co.uk / www.nickyswann.com / www.petechristie.co.uk
 
Saturday night music events at Joules Yard features a mix of the very best local folk, blues, roots, plus some of the finest acoustic acts from across the UK. Joules Yard is also well known for their special menu of inexpensive quality meals.

Recording debut of ‘Seagulls’ acoustic guitar instrumental

I really like what ‘Swindon Tv has done with the filming of ‘Seagulls’; this is the recording debut for this quintessential British acoustic guitar instrumental; which was filmed live at my ‘Beehive Pub music event on Sunday, March 17th 2013. Credit for the great filming goes to Doug Kirby, Creative Director/ Producer Partner at Swindon Tv.

It was another fun gig at The Beehive, with a great audience, Landlord Andy Marcer and bar Team as always!!

‘Seagulls’ was written and performed on a George Lowden O10 Guitar. The inspiration for ‘Seagulls’ comes from living on The Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.
 
 

 
 
One audience member said “…listening to ‘Seagulls’ is like hearing a one-man Pink Floyd doing ‘Wish You Were Here’…”, others liken it to an early Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac.
‘Seagulls’ is an original Pete Christie instrumental which is performed as an extended outro to a contemporised version of ‘Oh Well’; which seems to captivate the audience. By the time ‘Seagulls’ starts the room has usually gone quiet and the audience is observed to sit mesmerised. A clear favourite with the audience and a great experience for any musician.

Acoustic Fingerstyle guitar video

Dancing Diamonds – an original song by British singer songwriter Pete Christie, about someone who, on the surface, had everything they could ever want, but let it all slip away.

Filmed at Finedon Community Centre, a former Methodist Church in Northampton, with amazing acoustics.

Promoted by Kevin Buxton courtesy of Kontra Roots and Finedon Sessions. Sound engineer Geoff Bland.

Dancing Diamonds – a song about someone who, on the surface, had everything they could ever want, but let it all slip away.

The night was a live music event called:
WEST COUNTRY SONGWRITERS’ CIRCLE SPECIAL FEATURING:
PETE CHRISTIE / NICKY SWANN / JINDER

Ballad of an Ordinary Man is my protest song.

A song which protests about the erosion of the principles of life that were once described as ‘rights’, only to be conveniently re-defined as merely temporary privileges by the changing of political horizons.

Photo at Dancing Ledge, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset UK

You can listen to’Ballad Of An Ordinary Man’ on ‘Pete Christie’s SoundCloud profile page

British singer songwriter | English songs | Acoustic Fingerstyle Technique

 
***
 

Ballad of an Ordinary Man

It’s a ballad of an ordinary man, trying to do the best that he can
Taught to know the value of his word, he got tossed into the theatre of the absurd
So down the road of life he makes his way, trying to do an honest job, make some honest pay
He takes his disappointments in his stride, and he smiles though he’s beaten up inside.
Sometimes he feels that he’s winning – most times he knows he’s not
Sometimes his head won’t stop spinning, most times he makes the most of what he’s got
Discontented with his lot

It’s a ballad of an ordinary man, caught up in someone else’s master plan
Tries to keep his head above the flood, feels his feet are sinking in the mud
Knows that something somewhere is bound to break, had about as much as he can take
The voice of doubt keeps whispering in his ear, but still, he will endeavour to persevere
Stumbling blindly through the fog of confusion, fighting battles he’s already lost
Treads the line between faith and delusion, another burning bridge he’s still to cross
Nothing ventured, nothing lost

Thumbing slowly through old photographs, taken when he was in his teens
He stares at faces of friends who’ve passed, and he wonders what it means…

Inst.

In the line marked “Situations Vacant”, he finds himself at the back of the queue
Down the stairs and into the basement, in the dark, without a clue,
Of what an ordinary man’s supposed to do

It’s a ballad of an ordinary man, bound to do the best that he can
Rising as the new day has begun, he will go to bed relieved that it is done.
His minutes turn to hours, months to years, he remains the product of his fears
A shadow of the man he planned to be, caught between the devil and the deep blue sea
Wonders how he’s supposed to make a difference, when every day he’s under attack
And every way is filled with frustration, one step forward two steps back
Stuck on the wrong side of the tracks

It’s a ballad of an ordinary man

 
 
***
 

‘Ballad Of An Ordinary Man’ is also available to watch on the ‘Pete Christie YouTube Channel

‘Waiting In The Wings’ is from Pete Christie’s studio album ‘Frank’.

“Waiting in the Wings” is Pete’s most famous song; and according to Tom Semioli reviewing for  Minor 7th in the USA, “it is reminiscent of the off-the-wall stuff of Brian Wilson and Sir Paul as produced by Sir George Martin.”

Critically acclaimed for  showing off Pete’s gift for tethering his romantic ruminations to memorable melodies and instrumental harmonies. The album ‘Frank’ has been called “refreshing”, “honest”, “wonderful”, “natural”, “versatile”, “…heartfelt songs that recall McTell’s glory days…” by Acoustic Magazine, and “delivered by a master craftsman”. “Frank is not background music. It’s a wonderfully written book brought to life by sounds”.

Ian Peterson Live Wire review and quote on the biography page

“…Pete Christie is in a league of his own. His new album, entitled “Frank” is a knockout collection of eight self penned songs, plus a track, “Not Yet Dark, written by Dylan. Anyone who plays guitar should go and see Pete in action. The way he explores rhythm and the dynamics of the instrument is a real education. His use of the loop station, and a few subtle dabs on his effects pedals, layering rhythms and sounds, is mesmerising.
The CD is wonderful. Tracks of the quality of “Waiting In The Wings” and the highly commercial “Easy Come, Easy Go” are worth the purchase price alone…”

A special thanks to Douglas Dickens in USA, who showcases independent artists on Reverbnation once a week, for reminding me to record this song at a live music event.

Jackie Leven + Hannah Robinson + Pete Christie @ Mr Kyps

12.15.2010 · Posted in Gig Reviews by Karl Hayman

“…Christie’s ability to connect with his audience lies with his unabashed and honest delivery, his plausibility due to a belief that when he sings of love, loss and life, it is from his own experience. This is all but confirmed by his last song, in honour of a friend confined to a wheelchair. Christie found his inspiration in the eternal optimism of his friend, and was compelled to complete the writing of this song in one brief sitting. Entitled ‘Waiting In The Wings’, the song’s moral is that there are always people worse off than yourself, and if their positivity is able to shine through, it would be an injustice for yours not to. This was my first first encounter of Pete Christie, and I was left thoroughly warmed by it. By all that I have just described, I wish I had heard him sooner!…”

“…’Waiting in the Wings’ is one of Pete Christie’s classics; which has on occasion changed the course of people’s lives after taking on the sentiment of the lyrics that “life is not a rehearsal and to make the most of it by doing what you want to do, now…”

There are other blog posts to read about ‘Waiting In The Wings’ and the story behind why I called the album ‘Frank’. 

 
The album version features ‘The Band of the Royal British Legion, Christchurch’.

The studio Album ‘Frank’ is available to purchase still.

Thanks to all the musicians, photographer and sound engineer that helped bring the ‘Frank’ tracks to life.

 
by Pete Christie

Pete Christie performing at Fiveways Folk Club

Fiveways is a new Folk club in Charminster, Bournemouth run by Mo, Ed & Karen to showcase popular local performers and for those who enjoy good music.

13th Feb is a club night I may take the Gurian guitar for this unplugged night.

You can expect to hear a wide range music from traditional and contemporary folk, to celtic and singer/songwriter artists.

The Folk Club is in an upstairs function room and well away from the busy pub, with its own bar.

The Folk Club runs on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Doors open 7.30, Music starts at 8pm.

I was lucky enough to one of the musicians invited to the opening night at Fiveways Folk Club on 24 October 2012

“…Pete Christie, performing songs & melodies in his own unique style…”

Check out the Fiveways Folk Club Facebook for more details

Fiveways Folk

“…Pete Christie did a great set on our opening night. You can see him again combining styles from rock & folk ballards to blues He’s a unique fingerstyle guitarist & I’m looking forward to an amazing evening!…”

A heartfelt song by Pete Christie – ‘Just A Song’ from the album ‘Frank‘

One of my favourite songs on the album.

British singer songwriter | English songs

by Pete Christie

What a fantastic live music night at Finedon Community Centre

A former Methodist Church in Northampton, with amazing acoustics and a great sound desk / engineer Geoff Bland - perfect for musicians!! Compere and Master of Ceremonies was Kevin Buxton courtesy of Kontra Roots and Finedon Sessions.

The whole concept of  the Westcountry Songwriters’ Circle Special was very well received by the audience and we have been invited back for a repeat performance at Joules Yard in Market Harborough on 21st September 2013.

Westcountry Songwriters’ Circle Special with

Phil Jinder Dewhurst Facebook
http://www.jinder.co.uk/

Nicky Swann Facebook
http://www.nickyswann.com/

Acoustic Spectrum is a new MULTI radio and television station creating valuable exposure for musicians seeking additional exposure using both forms of media.

3 Radio stations, 1 TV station

Acoustic spectrum radio is specifically designed to cater to unsigned or signed artists with small labels to showcase and promote their particular style of music. Artists will be given opportunities for free publicity across Acoustic Spectrum’s listeners and of course Fatea Magazines supporters

Follow Acoustic spectrum on twitter @acousticspectru and @Fatea_magazine and Acoustic Spectrum on Facebook

Acoustic Spectrum TV is great exposure for all the newest indie and alternative featured videos streamed 24/7.

I recorded the song ‘Ballad of an Ordinary Man’ for the Fatea Showcase Session Download Spring 12 – ‘Walking’ which went live on February 1st 2012.

Our good friend and fellow music-lover, Neil King is one of the creators of Acoustic Spectrum, has been involved in the Indie music scene for over 20 years, bringing the first published music magazine for the indie market and 20 years on still producing the magazine and showcasing new artists from all over the world!

Check out FATEA Magazine for reviews, releases, Live and much more.

I’ve had some very well written reviews from FATEA; they really listen!!

• Fatea review – Master of Anglicana – Pete Christie album ‘Frank’

• FATEA review by Neil King | Pete Christie @ The Bricklayers Arms, Poole | nostalgia for a listening audience.

• Pete Christie – Black, White, and 50 Shades of Grey – Review by FATEA at Purbeck Folk Festival.

by Pete Christie

Derrin Nauendorf Album launch ’Distant

Empires’ with special guest

Pete Christie 

Derrin’s first studio release in four years – The album ‘Distant Empires’ is a personal journey; artistically and musically.

A great night of singer songwriter material and amazing acoustic guitar performances.

Admission £8.00

Derrin Nauendorf and Pete Christie have shared the stage many times over the years:

Mr Kyps in Poole, Dorset

‘In the Round’ at Mr Kyps event with Derrin Nauendorf, Pete Christie and Alex Roberts

Quotes about Derrin Nauendorf‘s music

“Excellent!”

Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2.

“Sheer Musical Genius”

Forte Magazine, Australia

“Blistering Guitar Skills”

Yamaha Europe

“Derrin deserves to be a major player in the music industry”

Maverick Magazine

Derrin Nauendorf blends blends blues, folk and country.

Pete Christie combines styles from Anglicana Rock and Folk, Ballads and Roots to Blues

Centre Stage

14 Queens Road Bournemouth BH2 6BE 01202 540065

by Pete Christie