Pink Princess in the Pool

Just before Christmas the Pie Tribe headed to Liverpool to celebrate the Pink Princess's birthday with a shopping trip. First point of call was the Everton FC shop and from this point on the shopping element went rapidly downhill for the Pieman.

Although  we stop to visit Greggs but not for Pie, a bacon bap instead. From here on it was girly shopping all the way for the Pink Princess. A brief break was taken for coffee (served in a bucket) and cake in the local costalot.

More shopping followed interupted by a quick visit to the continental food stall resulting in a purchase of Tartiflette a french alpine combination of potatoes, cream, onions, bacon, herbs and melted alpine cheese. It was excellent and definately something we'd try again.

Jolly Boys Christmas Gathering

The Jolly boys Christmas Gathering took place last night at a suitable refined hostelry in Hoole with all the required amenities and easy access to fine foods.The evening was its usual schedule of exchanging presents, fine wines, conversation and foods all served up in a convivial atmosphere!

Members travelled from far and wide and we thank them for their efforts. It was good to catch  up on news, views , experiences, pies and plans for the the future in such a relaxed manner. Much thanks to Mrs Pieman for providing an excellent taxi service at the end of the evening.

Alf and a Pasty

Mr and Mrs Pieman headed last night to see Alison Moyet at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool, as part of her "25 years re-visited tour". With a four piece band and a backing singer the sound and arrangements were relatively sparse which was no bad thing as with Miss Moyet's voice on fine form little else is required.

She meandered through her back catalogue from most of her solo albums and Yazoo career. Singing songs such as Only You, Don't Go, Ole Devil Called Love, Is This Love, Situation, Nobody's Diary, Love Resurrection, Weak in The Presence of Beauty, Love Letters.........

The earlier songs in particular are arranged to suit her blues/soul style without the need for symthesizers and allows her voice to take centre stage. She is on top form and greatly appreciated by the audience who affectionatly heckle sending her off on long trains of thought!

Support was provided by Alex Cornish a singer/songwriter based in Scotland. He was well worth listen and will be looking out for his next new material. Of course with a name like Cornish he is one artist this Pieman won't forget.

Shout To The Top

The Pieman travelled to Venue Cymru in Llandudno last night in the company of Georgio Dragonslayer, Cliff Chough and the Ashman to see the indomitable Mr Paul Weller live.

He was absolutely brilliant starting with an energising version of Peacock Suit, he led us along a swirling roller coaster of a ride through a kaleidoscope of sounds to a rip roaring conclusion leaving you wanting more more more and planning your next Paul Weller gig.

The Modfather and band (Steve Craddock et al) produced a performance tinged with rock, pop, soul, Rhythmn & Blues, reggae, folk, funk, psychedelia, ska, jazz, beat, punk and swing!!

Not one to waste time on lots of chat he ripped through a varied selection from the Jam, Style Council and solo era’s. Obviously a there was a large number of Fred Perry and Ben Sherman shirts giving it full thrutch at the sound of a Strange Town or Start!

A number of the songs were played from the latest album 22 Dreams some of which were all the better for hearing them live and the Pieman particularly recommends Seaspray, All I Wanna Do (Is Be With You), and Push It Along.

A rendition of Town called Malice or That’s Entertainment would have been the jelly in the pork pie but there was more than enough to satisfy this Pie muncher.

The standout rendition for me was Wild Wood performed during a sit-down, front of stage, acoustic portion of the set. Mr Weller accompanied by bassist Andy Lewis on the cello, Steve Craddock on Guitar and drummer, Steve Pilgrim on acoustic guitar.

The feature of this was the sharing of vocals with Mr Pilgrim and Mr Craddock’s sublime evocative and ethereal guitar in the background. I’ve always liked the original album version but this was even better, surely the sign of a great gig. That and the sweaty Fred Perry/Ben Sherman tops!