WILBERWORD
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Wilberforce activity and other stuff..... email: wilberforce@wilberweb.org PHONE: +44 (0)7985 362 990 
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parts for the new album, May 2005. |
Work finally began in earnest on 24th May for the new album in sessions that are expected to last at least 3 months. Early indications are it's a more uptempo, heavier and accessible album than it's predecessor "Madame Fruitbowl", signalling a change of direction for the band. A demo version of the new album now exists, with great care and attention being paid to the running order, which now boasts a previously unheard Blob Hotel song from 13 years ago! It's now expected to clock in at 14 tracks. |
LIMITED EP RELEASE
* Work still continues on the "Ravenscroft" EP. It's delay is simply that the new album is taking priority, and the EP is being recorded at the same time as the album. It's expected to form a limited CD release with tracks also available online.
* Thanks to all those who responded to our request for backing vocalists for one of the new songs. It's still not too late to sing (See previous news below) so... get in touch!!
21st APRIL 2005
CHANCE TO SING WITH WILBERFORCE!
"As you may already know Wilberforce are recording a brand new album, due for release later this year!
"We're working on a track called "Big Pressure" which requires lots of backing vocals. If you fancy being on the new album and giving your lungs a workout, here's your chance to get involved. Just contact me ASAP and we'll arrange a time and date to capture your efforts. Should be fun!!
"Look forward to hearing from you!"
Mark
OTHER STUFF
* The "Ravenscroft" EP, postponed from last Christmas, is set to be released in the coming weeks. These are tracks considered unsuitable to the new album, but deemed fit enough for consumption. Watch this space!
* The album now boasts 16 tracks, 9 of which are "definites" with 6 still needing words. 3 are live favourites and 2 are written by Helen. Titles so far include "Play a game", "Sounds" and Dave Goodman tribute "Frinton Bassett Blues".
1st APRIL 2005
WILBERFORCE ON THE MARCH
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The occasion was in memory of Sex Pistols and Blob Hotel producer Dave Goodman, who passed away in February. Mark performed a specially written song "Frinton Bassett Blues" about Dave's first band (while former members looked on), having only completed some of the words on the train into London. |
OTHER STUFF
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* Mark and Helen have been in rehearsals for a new project, a cabaret act playing Helen-only compositions. It's likely some of these will also be introduced into Wilberforce' own repertoire when they return to the stage. * Work continues on lyrics for the new album. The running order has now been narrowed to sixteen songs. * The "Meet Wilberforce" sections have been refreshed with new text and corrections. Find out why Jack is no longer "Dancer" in Wilberforce. |
21st MARCH 2005
PHIL JOINS WILBERFORCE
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Wilberforce played their second gig with Phil on drums at The Alma pub in Crystal Palace, London, on Friday 18th March. Read what nearly caused a riot, what comparisons were drawn, and other nonsense in "Gigs" . The Alma gig came in the week Phil officially joined Wilberforce!! He's certainly made a huge difference, so read his new profile here. |
WILBERFORCE ALBUM STILL IN PRE-PRODUCTION
Attention continues on the as-yet-untitled second album, due for a late summer release.
About 20 tunes have been written, but so far no lyrics. One new song composed in the last week is "Frinton Bassett Blues" a tribute to Dave Goodman.
Rumours are Steve Lake will be making a cameo appearance on shouty backing vocals. Ideas are still being tried and tested in the demo stages before the real business of recording begins in mid-April.
REHEARSAL FACILITIES
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* Another welcome development comes in the form of new rehearsal space. Situated in a business unit in Bickley, Kent (right), and surrounded by hundreds of giant water coolers, Wilberforce plan to use it for various nefarious activities. Look closely and you'll see it resembles a small-scale mock-up of Abbey Road's famous No.2 studio! |
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OTHER STUFF
* Wilberweb now has the addition of a Site Map . After feedback from a visitor, we decided to place every link in wilberweb on one page for easy access, with a rough chronological order (if you were ever crazy enough to read the whole 60 plus pages of the site!!).
A new mailing list form (top of the page) has also been added. Just fill it out and we'll send you regular updates, just between us of course.
* The February Tsunami gig (which featured Wilberforce) raised nearly £400!
4th MARCH 2005
CRYSTAL PALACE GIG DETAILS FINALISED.
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Wilberforce return to the stage with a gig at The Alma pub in Crystal Palace, London, on Friday 18th March. Once again they'll be playing with drummer Phil Clyde. Come along and bring all your friends, apparently it's a great, friendly venue! Further details can be found in "Gigs" . Meanwhile the whole site has recently been updated with new pix and refreshed text. Gallery has been expanded and now runs chronologically, the most recent pictures first. |
DAVE GOODMAN 1951-2005
 Mark with Dave, July 2002. |
"Dave Goodman, former Sex Pistols producer and New Age musician, sadly passed away on 10th February. He was 53. "Dave was responsible for producing, arranging, and playing on 2 tracks for Wilberforce predecessors Blob Hotel, namely "This Must Be Love" and "Loser In Luck". He also added double bass to "If Only She Could Know (How I'm Feeling)" and lent me the distinctive wah wah pedal on "Laughing at the Boss". |
"He was a good friend whose undimmed enthusiasm and sense of fun were an inspiration. I always longed for a studio like his, aspired to emulate his laidback lifestyle of making music, and marvelled at his life and career.
"The last time I saw Dave was July 2002 after I gave him a copy of "Madame Fruitbowl". He was about to move to Malta where he and Kathy spent the last few years. I've many happy memories, among them filming his band New Age Radio at Glastonbury, and spending an afternoon being introduced to lots of stratchy old Kinks LPs in his living room. Thank you Dave, you made a difference to my life and I won't forget you."
Mark
MORE GIGS PLANNED!
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Wilberforce played their first gig of 2005 at the Paxton pub in Gypsy Hill, South-East London, their first as a trio, and their first with a drummer! They hope to play more dates soon! See "Gigs" for more! |
WILBERWEBBED!
Meanwhile wilberweb has been given a complete makeover with restructured and revised sections, Still in a constant state of development, new text and pictures are being added constantly.
Find "Madame Fruitbowl" and Wilberforce predecessors Blob Hotel in the new "Discography" section. There's also a new "Links" section! And in the coming weeks you'll see Gallery packed with fresh pix too!
SURPRISE CHARITY GIG IN LONDON!
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Wilberforce take to the stage on Friday 4th February at the Paxton in Gypsy Hill, South-East London. This will be the band's first gig since their basement bedsit set in October and will be in aid of the Tsunami crisis. For more info go to "Gigs" . |
"A quiet year for Wilberforce, but we managed to play 2 gigs and release a new track right at the end.
"2004 was more about upgrading our studio and writing new material for the next album. Everything is set up for a very busy 2005 with an EP to finish and a new album scheduled for the summer. It promises to be quite a year for Wilberforce!"
Mark
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