tag:thekorgis.com,2005:/blogs/the-korgis-winter-tour?p=1The Korgis Gigs 20222023-07-02T15:14:15+01:00The Korgisfalsetag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/72359252023-07-02T15:14:15+01:002024-02-18T18:45:01+00:00ROBERT OPPENHEIMER AND THE A-BOMB<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/385771/e107bd9e8cea62e069bdc0b94d53552e345e3e76/original/oppenheimer-stuck-in-this-moment-approved.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_" /></p><p> </p><p>On 21st July 2023 the Christopher Nolan film OPPENHEIMER is released.</p><p><br>By strange coincidence The Korgis were also writing a song about the 'Father of the A-Bomb'.</p><p>All great stories deserve a great song. This one was conceived by Chris Hopkins (aka Exhibit-1) Al Steele and James Warren. Chris of course helped us begin the Kartoon World process. instigating ‘This is a New Low’ and contributing the dark middle section to Magic Money Tree. It probably doesn't come as too much of a surprise that his ideas are in the mix when it comes to new material.<br><br>In this case Chris had the main riff and a tune. <img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/96daa5b1a4b98a145d906665168c3e6f5d3d0b53/original/exhibit-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" />Al tweaked it slightly and began with lyrics. It was always to be about a great moment of stillness - the point when you know you have something important - and want to hold on to that moment. Not sure how we settled on Oppenheimer, but an image of a still mushroom cloud perhaps clinched it.</p><p>It is always great when the writers are all on the same page. This was NOT the case here! Chris always saw the song as a jangly summer Carlifornian type of tune, whereas James Al and John saw it as dark still and cold. In the end we agreed to disagree, but at some point it would be amazing to hear Chris finish off his vision of it. This was probably not helped by James' ‘out there’ middle 8, which Chris described as 'weird jazz'!<br><br>None of us wanted the song to be ordinary, as Robert Oppenheimer was neither an ordinary man, or lived an ordinary life. He was a fascinating character, who never denounced the use of the bomb, but devoted the rest of his life to peace. He also narrowly escaped a murder charge when his college professor DIDN'T eat the poisoned apple he left on his desk.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/385771/1cb19a7fe55f4e7618b4c012b5cd38e53a8f9760/original/john-al-james.png/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.png" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p><p>The Korgis as a band brought this to life in an extraordinary way. We tried to recreate the timeless harmonies of Crosby Stills and Nash, between James, John and Al. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/385771/bf0982152c7c76a6b85eec483a45dac2d0e9393b/original/paul-and-dan.png/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Of course many more harmonies were brought it courtesy of the band with new member Danielle Nicholls adding a magical Glockenspiel part. Paul's drums began with a simple idea and ended up being anything but. We tried several small snare drums out and settled on one where Paul could still hit the rim.<br><br>So it came to the video and Al had come across a brilliant App called Revive that could make a still image speak - or in this case SING! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/385771/039c27b61365878d551258d640b8b3aeb81e3c13/original/robert.png/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.png" class="size_s justify_right border_" />The result is spooky, which of course is perfect.<br><br>The song is now up on all digital stores. Please SHARE this to your playlists whether they be on Spotify, Apple Music or the countless others.</p><p>We will be playing this on our upcoming gigs at Melbourne (Derbyshire), Westbury (Wiltshire), Chesham, Alnwick, Paisley and Dundee and would be delighted if you could make one of them. Make sure you come and say hi, if you do!<br><br>Thank you for sticking with us!<br><br><span style="color:rgb(192,57,43);"><strong><img src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/2764_fe0f/32.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="❤️" /></strong></span>The Korgis</p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/71913122023-04-16T17:53:36+01:002023-04-16T17:53:37+01:00The Lost Stackridge Photos<h4><span class="text-big">The Lost Stackridge Photos</span></h4><p><span class="text-big">The Lost Stackridge Photos</span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/385771/dcb70518baae666eaccf67eb31a7b929ad6a8eb6/original/stackridge5jpg.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />It always amazed me that at the pinnacle Stackridge's success - the sessions with George Martin for the recording of The Man in the Bowler Hat - that there were not lots of photos with George and the band. If this were today there would be hundreds of pics on each phone, as we meticulously documented every note! But this was not 2023, this was the summer of 1973 and as we spelled out in Kartoon World, the times were much simpler.</p><p>I asked James Warren if he remembered there being any pictures taken not expecting anything more than vague recollections, but to my surprise he had a different tale to tell.</p><p>No-one is sure how it came about - maybe he felt connected because of his name - but the youngest son of a West England pig-farmer named Stanley Cobbler had volunteered to be the official photographer.</p><p>James remembers that throughout the sessions Stanley was very active and although George was not present for all the sessions there were definitely photographs taken whenever he was. James particularly remembers Andy showing George the fingering for the tricky 2nd solo in The Last Plimsole.</p><p>Just before the sessions came to an end Stanley was urgently recalled to the family farm as the prize pig had just given birth to 14 piglets! He promised to send on the photos but no-one remembers them every materialising.</p><p>To this end I set out to find Stanley in the hope that 50 years later he would still be alive and able to lay his hands on the precious photos.</p><p>The trip to Cornwall was uneventful but long(!) and when I finally arrived in the bizarrely named Camel Valley on Bodmin Moor, it was too late to ask about the whereabouts of the Cobbler's. The next morning I was up early and I figured my best shot would be the local postie. This turned out to be fortuitous as he not only knew The Cobbler's but informed me that there was a small shop down a windy lane called Stanley's Rock Shop! He did say that no post is ever delivered there so my heart sank.</p><p>I arrived at the shop as the morning mist was clearing. To my surprise a large hand-painted sign outside said </p><h4 style="text-align:center;">
<br>'COME IN AND SPEAK<br>(proprietor is blind). </h4><p><br><br>That explained the lack of mail!</p><p>I entered and there was Stanley! He was wearing a bowler hat covered in badges and surrounded by open drawers that must have contained thousands of photographs.</p><p>I explained why I had come and asked if he could help me find the pictures, should they have survived the half century that had elapsed. In a slow Cornish drawl he said 'Oim blind<span> </span>so you'll just arf to look on your ooan'.<br>Alphabetical order was obviously not a system that Stanley believed in, so I set about the arduous task of searching each drawer.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/385771/fcc68eefc518b6d21148617c2852cdc3b752d018/original/george-and-james-02.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p><p> </p><p>The first pic I came across was a great shot of Andy, George and Billy in the control room. On the back was scrawled 'Recording Humiliation - Control Room'.<br> <br> </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/385771/df4447508d7a0833cf73755a6dd897bae590ca1e/original/george-and-james-03.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p><p> </p><p>You can imagine my excitement! Just that one pic meant my journey was not a wasted one. Then I spent two hours with nothing further, and I thought my one treasure might be all I returned with. Then finally, I pulled up this beauty. A full colour image of George and the boys posing at the desk! Check out James' hair - 'bad hair day' doesn't begin to come close!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/385771/10a659f79b5aebd7fcb9ee09b725a2c15e562d6d/original/george-and-james-04.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Then two beauties came in quick succession. First the photo that James had recalled with George miming air guitar - he was always ahead of his time!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>As I searched through the last two drawers I found this pick of George. On my long journey home, I had more than occasionally looked over the lost photos, but kept getting drawn to this final pic.</p><p> </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/385771/5d964656b1bbc8fe4443343a4f91d64005e07cb9/original/george-and-james-05.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Now we finally know who 'The Man in the Bowler Hat' was!<br><br> </p><p>These pics and many more to be used for onstage films in the upcoming show The Korgis Time Machine during our performance of The Last Plimsoll. TICKETS HERE! <a class="no-pjax" href="/gigs" target="_blank">/gigs</a><br><br><br> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/385771/a75994b62be784ccf275fd162e1003c9bbc89827/original/george-and-james-01.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><p> </p><p>James caught up with George years later on at an awards ceremony where George talked fondly about Stackridge and The Man in the Bowler Hat.</p><p> </p><p>Hope you enjoyed this little story!<br>Best from<br>Al ‘Honest’ Steele</p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/71502572023-02-08T00:37:50+00:002023-02-08T00:44:21+00:00SOON!<h2>The Last Ever Performance of Kartoon World<br><br>Hello friends! </h2>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/5d9771afd1da4020056a5c238ece563596440625/original/kw-sales.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" />Way back in 2021 we released Kartoon World. When we were writing it - through Covid lockdown and beyond - we knew we had something special. Of course that in itself doesn't guarantee a favourable reception at the Box Office! </p>
<p>Fortunately the general public agreed and took to it like an old favourite. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/b7106e7b87b008a86ef5a83ce3059fca0bcaa0d9/original/kartoon-world-live.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" />On our return to live gigs in November 2021 we decided to do two gigs where we would play the album in it's entirety. That was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, but we thought we had better mix it up a bit more. </p>
<p>That is what we have been doing in the year and a half that followed, and also including the related album Kool Hits, Kuriosities & Kollaborations,<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/a7f14877f82fc05e0ec2c6bcac1aadecc094bdb1/original/kool-hits-kuriosities-kollaborations.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpeg" class="size_s justify_right border_medium" alt="" /> which included new versions of the classic Korgis songs, plus a few things that preceded and followed Kartoon World. </p>
<p>Now we are a long way through the writing process of a new album (or albums!) and we decided to change up the live band a bit. However we have had such a blast with the current lineup and they fit the material so well, that we thought we would give Kartoon World one last fling in it's complete form. </p>
<p>So on Feb 18th at Chapel Arts in our home town of Bath we will be performing the whole damn thing - <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/6c71c1dcaae5a70f8f66b19a1319247b9a867281/original/korgis-concorde62.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />plus all the favourites of course. We would LOVE you to come and join us, and please say hello if you do! </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Tickets <a contents="HERE!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thekorgis.com/gigs" target="_blank">HERE!</a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After that it is a brand new adventure!... stay tuned. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Korgis ❤️</p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/70642082022-09-20T18:30:43+01:002023-01-12T10:50:35+00:00Alan Draper Brings His Signing Pen to The Spring Arts Centre!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/b7c179aa4d6dac356fb15f52ce6db6d42247a376/original/81wcq09xaol.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Alan Draper has written a book that has caused whirlwinds of excitement in the<br>Stackridge - Korgis camp!</span></h4>
<p>I have only had a brief look through this but got to say his observations for me were pretty 'on the money'! Not only does he cover every Stackridge song but also every solo album from James, Andy and Mutter (not sure if Crun ever did one?) and of course all The Korgis albums including Kartoon World.</p>
<p>I am often pleasantly surprised by how well Kartoon World is received by the hardcore Stackridge fans.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/7e9f2d68de9549a204bf897a3c69af97bb21ed0a/original/alan-draper-picbio.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" /> Perhaps because when we began to make it, we through away the rule book! If a wild idea occurred to us, we went with it. If the lyrics were a bit 'out there' then perhaps that is because the whole world was feeling that way.</p>
<p>Anyway, I got talking to Alan via email and it turns out that he is coming to our gig at The Spring Arts Centre in Havant on October 28th. I thought 'Hey!... bring some books along as I am sure a lot of peeps at that gig would love a signed copy. It turns out he has given them all away other than a couple of emergency copies.</p>
<p>Undeterred, I contacted the publisher to see if we could buy some to have handy on the merch stand. As the publisher wishes to sell books and we wish to buy them(!) his answer was YES!<br><br>Alan Draper has agreed to bring his signing pen, so if you have already bought the book then bring them along, and if you haven't yet got it, then don't despair, you can grab one from us.</p>
<p>We have 3 very different gigs in quick succession and Spring Arts is our proper 2 - set show with all the favourites and a good helping of Kartoon World. Alan said 'Í would be happy if you played the whole album from start to finish!', but we pointed out that we did that last year.</p>
<p>Tickets as always from <a contents="Korgis Website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thekorgis.com/">The Korgis Website</a> or from this direct link to <a contents="Spring Arts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thespring.co.uk/whats-on/the-korgis/">Spring Arts</a></p>
<p>Hope to see a good few of you there and please come and say hello at the end of the night, if you do!<br>Al Steele ❤️ The Korgis</p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/70453322022-08-25T00:33:32+01:002022-09-20T12:50:33+01:00The Korgis Go All Beatles & Book An Orchestra!<h2><span class="font_small">The Korgis Go All Beatles & Book An Orchestra!</span></h2>
<h3><span class="font_large">THE KORGIS GO ALL BEATLES & BOOK AN ORCHESTRA!</span></h3>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/14b623973ebf6b057db3e4405508e1a78be4a2c8/original/korgis-tv-ver.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" />Way back in 2020 James Warren and Al Steele were working on a side project called James Warren and his Mighty Miniature Orchestra. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/4a65c10a574a7498fa82b409e8db16c66a401cc3/original/jm-orch-promo-fb-white.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />The idea was to have a small orchestral ensemble fronted by 4 people who would cover lots of instruments... a bit like Brian Wilson's band. We set about choosing songs that would suit that line-up.</p>
<p>Concurrently Al was doing a couple of gigs a year with The Mike Smith Big Swing Band... an ensemble he had taken over a few years earlier. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/bdcdefeb55d014628627ba4b3fda3059fb3c99e6/original/concert2109-postera3.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />Once a year he would perform a concert and expand the band with a string section, and the Swing Band would become an Orchestra. James was a guest on one of these concerts and as well as some Beatles songs he did a fantastic orchestral rendition of Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime.</p>
<p>THEN THE WORLD WENT BANANAS FOR A TIME!</p>
<p>During lockdown The Korgis wrote and recorded Kartoon World and the idea of James Warren and his Mighty Miniature Orchestra was shelved as it was now in conflict with performing the new material.</p>
<p>However the idea was always there to play The Korgis songs with an orchestra. Also on the horizon was a resurrection of the The Mike Smith BSB, but we were all worried about how many of our mature audience would venture out.</p>
<p>Al hit on the idea of fusing the two. The Mike Smith BSB would do the opening set and then The Korgis with Orchestra would take the second set. Who knows there might be some grand finale as well - but it is early days yet.</p>
<p>So now the venue is booked and it is really happening. In fact before tickets even went on sale we had sold 30 seats! So we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to The Civic, Trowbridge on October 23rd. There are still a few good seats left so if this sounds like it will be a good night - and we guarantee it will be! - then grab a ticket now!</p>
<p>As with most things Korgis you can get them from the website - <a contents="The Korgis With Orchestra & The Mike Smith Big Swing Band" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thekorgis.com/event/4774463/609435105/the-korgis-with-orchestra-the-mike-smith-big-swing-band" target="_blank">The Korgis With Orchestra & The Mike Smith Big Swing Band</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/361de88cbdcbd5041dd07009ed03430126a21204/original/heart.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="The Korgis" /><br><span class="font_xl">The Korgis</span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/70268792022-07-30T00:53:02+01:002022-08-19T19:33:02+01:00TRADING BOUNDARIES and THE GREAT KORGIS GIVEAWAY!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/35b429854e8f465b40bb3fb58812861b61f190c2/original/dsc1340.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">On August 12th we are heading down near Brighton to the rather brilliant venue Trading Boundaries. Apparently this place has been around longer than even us!!!... since 1770 to be precise.<br>I learned a little about this venue standing in a queue for a bar in London. Our good friend Robert Parry sidled up and said 'Hey Al, what are you doing here... meant to give you those Korgis pics from the Concorde Club etc... The bloke behind taps me on the shoulder and says 'Did you say The Korgis?... I am doing sound for you next month! He was telling us what an amazing venue it is and how great the staff are.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/e49467ee736158f2749e05cb92679f08773be2de/original/the-sheffield-arms5.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></span><span class="font_large">At this point it was called the Sheffield Arms Hotel.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/f6e02568d4056d8d3aa346bfd7320d7a280bf7f1/original/trading-boundaries-cafe.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /> but after a bit of a refit and a couple of hundred years it is more like this and had changed it's name to Trading Boundaries.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/33a08b7c608dfaaa7d632dc1d6dc9e3efdaa94b1/original/tradingboundaries2019-4.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_right border_none" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The stage area looks amazing and we are so looking forward to this one, as after that we are on summer breaks so NO GIGS!... and no... Steve Hackett is NOT joining us onstage for this one!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">We want to tempt you to this gig so in order to do so we are giving away a FREE GOODY BAG!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/82cb021e1058cf04704fa5449f26584143dab482/original/20220722-151244.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">Well what is in this Goody Bag I hear you ask... ONLY A SPECIAL EDITION OF KARTOON WORLD, THAT'S ALL!!!...and actually that is not all, because you get the posters that come with the big proper version and even a couple of badges (new ones!)<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/d42c8f9df20539e2e13e17fafb2334139bdfe873/original/cartoon-james.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/26c68811b019da803ae96cd34deda48986b260b3/original/40-years.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_none" alt="" />, as well as the Goody Bag itself that you will proud to walk around town with! Hardly anyone else will have one! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/375813fdcaab706b2e04223e4b255380fc731e4f/original/tk-kw-logos.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/bae4325f529797d5a3571da89e67d24b4e8ef19b/original/kh-k-k.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_none" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">We are very well aware that many people at the gig will already have a copy of Kartoon World so this Goody Bag is worth a £5 trade-in off any merch. If you came without a shirt, then the Korgis T-shirt is the one for you! Without your pants?... you could probably cover up with one of our giant A3 posters!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">People at the last couple of gigs will have noticed the absence of our Johnny Baker - well he is absent no more! We have the full line-up for this gig and of course our multi-media to go with it.</span><br> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE support this amazing venue and us into the bargain and pop along to Trading Boundaries - just south of Gatwick. Handy if you are flying in from Japan or Brazil to see us... not so strange the way things are going!... but that is another story...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">Have a great couple of weeks and see you there we hope!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/361de88cbdcbd5041dd07009ed03430126a21204/original/heart.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" /><br>Al Steele - The Korgis</span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/69567102022-04-25T23:53:36+01:002022-05-13T12:18:27+01:00LONDON DATE - The Pizza Express, Holborn May 14th<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/7aec60bd043eb91878f0a11c12a3dfa6f67ce794/original/swns-pizza-express-72.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I tell you what!... we are stoked to be playing the Pizza Express in London next month - May 14th to be precise. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Not only does the stage and venue look gorgeous, but the London Pizza Express' also have a history of great music. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As always our rather good 8-piece band will be munching through a feast of classics - both old and new. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/4cef7e8cb3dc3e33938b94b3cd255e3a031563bc/original/always-a-sunny-day-single-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">'If I Had You', 'Dumb Waiters', 'Boots and Shoes', 'If It's Alright With You Baby', and of course the monster hit 'Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime'. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We are currently in the charts with the new classic 'Always a Sunny Day', and are still somewhat overwhelmed by the reaction to our most recent album 'Kartoon World'. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/681b8d35065854924807c85665b387f1d12d1cf3/original/bbtsolcover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />We will of course be playing a good selection from that album including the lead track 'Bringing Back the Spirit of Love'. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Talking of love, of course we would LOVE to see you there. Tell all your friends, bring the family, bring the family butcher!!!! </span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/361de88cbdcbd5041dd07009ed03430126a21204/original/heart.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
<h2>The Korgis</h2>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/69558892022-04-24T20:09:06+01:002022-04-24T20:09:06+01:00The Korgis Big Easter Giveaway!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/645e778d7094944fc0c65b8f3efd5667b7dbb8ed/original/box-set.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This Easter some members of The Korgis have missed out on Easter eggs as they were in remote corners of the world. We felt so sorry for Al in Africa and John in the Maldives that we thought we should have an Easter sale to raise money for some Easter Eggs for them! </p>
<p>This could be the PERFECT opportunity for those who bought the CD but really wish they had the Vinyl (with those BIG A2 Posters) as well... those that had the download and then saw that magnificent album artwork and wished they had something to hold. There could even be still some people who don’t own Kartoon World at all!... hard to believe I know! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/4eab7344d3f24ed7b3cd0037e96c8989b0558ef5/original/20200116-171707.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>T-shirts come in 2 designs and both are an ideal alternative for pillow fights. They can be worn as well! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/8e26f271f8b36889a40e51cf030068085d322eed/original/al-with-cds.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>It is not just Kartoon World merch that is reduced!... The Korgis Collection, the ‘Always a Sunny Day’ download and even Al Steele’s solo album ‘Coming Up From Down Under’ (Al claims it is a ‘must have’ item!) is included. </p>
<p>Whatever you preference we are here and ready to take your money... Its all in a good cause! </p>
<p>At checkout make sure you add the code – The Korgis Big Easter Giveaway! – this gives you 10% off everything! </p>
<p>A belated Happy Easter one and all and hope you can make one of our gigs soon! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/361de88cbdcbd5041dd07009ed03430126a21204/original/heart.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
<h3>The Korgis</h3>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/69140922022-03-04T22:32:37+00:002022-05-27T10:22:22+01:00It's Always A Sunny Day when you are hanging out with The Korgis!<p><span class="font_large">It's Always A Sunny Day when you are hanging out with The Korgis!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">It's Always A Sunny Day when you are hanging out with The Korgis!</span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/4cef7e8cb3dc3e33938b94b3cd255e3a031563bc/original/always-a-sunny-day-single-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We first met Joe when he interviewed James Warren just before the release of the Korgis 2021 album, Kartoon World. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> <a contents="The Korgis' James Warren chats to Joe Matera" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVrf0Vt9IE4" target="_blank">The Korgis' James Warren chats to Joe Matera</a> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/4e240ce9b615e82524e3b1c7e474f66378110906/original/james-and-joe-interview.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_thick" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Australian born Joe Matera is a rocker through and through, having a career that has swayed between rock journalist/ guitar player/artist. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As a magazine writer he has interviewed artists of stellar magnitude and as diverse as Sir George Martin and Lemmy! <br>As a guitar player he has been seen playing for Steve Harley and the Swedish rock legends Rough. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In his own write he has released 3 Albums and countless singles. <br>The funny thing is that rock guys seem to dig The Korgis. When Al was recording The Damned, Captain Sensible proclaimed his admiration for the 'under-blown' sound of the band and left wearing a Korgis T-Shirt! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/8e79b6458a739feb4c70924c11e82560ab489d34/original/captain-sensible.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_thick" alt="" /></span><br> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">So it was with Joe and it wasn't too long before he suggested a collaboration. Maybe because he was from Kyabram, (near where Al used to go on holidays as a kid) that he was the first to pick up the challenge. <br>Using a chord riff and tune that Joe had sent across and sparked by a conversation (between Al and his daughter Lorna) in the plane flying across to Greece, the chorus of 'Always a Sunny Day' was born. There is even a rough demo using the inbuilt mic on Al's Mac that sounds remarkably similar to way the chorus ended up. As it was quite an unusual sound harmonically we hoped Joe would be ok with this softer edge than perhaps he was used to. Fortunately he loved where it was going. <br>On Al's return from Greece, we quickly got to work on completing the song albeit in demo form. This is also how the whole of Kartoon World was written, by assembling rough demos and the adding the band in bit by bit. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">James called across and wrote a verse/bridge in about 20 mins which fitted perfectly, and between us we hammered out a middle 8. This was quite reminiscent of Brian Wilson with lovely chords underpinned by altered bass notes. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/5fc2594ff6c6a7463b8732fc3c6b1a5b63e1f2a0/original/john.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_left border_thick" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> John Baker came across and put a magical of lower vocal in the chorus' and a lovely McCartney style line in the second bridge. Meanwhile Joe had sent across his vocals and a magical guitar solo, plus a lovely rhythm part. The whole piece was starting to gel. <br>Al finished lyrics based on some of Joe's ideas and the whole song became about the 'have's and have not's. What is it like to start life with everything you want?... and what is it like to start with nothing? The wealth divide is one of the biggest problems in the world today. When you add homelessness in, then that is pretty much where we are with this song. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/24fc8f0f8a1ccaac8cd6ba863fb40d900ffaa4f8/original/paul.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />Whenever we bring Paul Smith in on drums, the songs always take on a more 'finished' feel. Even though fake drums can sound good, we are all much happier when Paul works his magic. We tend to rethink patterns on the fly and see what else we can pull out of the bag. He is an amazing musician and nothing is technically too difficult for him. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/833040f7c3c67fdc3a34c0315d5cf9829a19d3d1/original/b2w.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> </span></p>
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<p><span class="font_large">What can we say about our lovely backing vocalists 'Born2 Win' that we haven't already said a thousand times?! Jay, Emmy and Ava are the most positive people to work with, as well as singing with voices of angels - which was of course exactly what we needed with this song! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Although we already had LOT'S of vocals recorded, we decided to push the boat out and see what else we could add. The very last phrase of the song 'rain.....bow' was perhaps the very last thing to be recorded - and what a beautiful unexpected end. Just when you think it is going to fade out you are left with that line.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We didn't want this release to be just 'another digital download' so we decided you should have the 'paper parts' even if they are virtual! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We hope you enjoyed the story of the journey so far. This song can perhaps have as many lives as a lucky cat. Thank you for being there at the beginning of 'Always a Sunny Day', and we hope you will follow it's progress along with us. <br>The Korgis<br><br><a contents="Grab your own copy here!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thekorgis.com/single/51333/always-a-sunny-day">Grab your own copy here!</a></span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/68603482022-01-06T01:33:43+00:002022-02-24T12:21:03+00:00The Korgis Kartoon World Livestream<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/69e43764e53d5bfe5637a11ae7eebe0824c35a73/original/kw-title-with-figures.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
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<h3><span class="font_large">You guessed it!... we are finally 'gettn down wiv da kidz'!</span></h3>
<p><span class="font_large">Happy 2022 to you all, and let's hope it's a little more like 'normal'... not the 'new normal'... just 'normal'!</span></p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/d2426b1a88149acff70d41f8863586d92a1688f0/original/all-3-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We had a couple of great gigs in December performing 'Kartoon World' in it's entirety and big thanks to all who came. <br>It was so great to play the whole album. Although we would love to carry on in that vein, it would perhaps be unfair to any that don't have the new album to inflict an hour's worth of music they don't know. So the next shows will be a real mix of old and new possibly called 'Back in the Eighties'</span></p>
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<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/905681c9faf9c1198bf4ddefc70c0ea89a6d73a6/original/emmy.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" />Our next gig is our return to the 100 Club in London on Feb 11th. There is so much uncertainty about all gigs but we REALLY hope this one goes ahead. Unfortunately our gig at The Platform in Morecambe is postponed. We only managed to get the ticket link quite late so feel we couldn't give it a fair crack of the whip.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font_large">Thank you as always to our mighty band.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/3703705eb5083b6ab311fcad573327753ea18dbd/original/b2w.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" />Not only are they the greatest musicians and singers, but they ALWAYS keep us smiling. Anyone making one of our gigs will be testament to that!</span></p>
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<h3><span class="font_large">So to 2022 and The Korgis Kartoon World Livestream!</span></h3>
<p><span class="font_large">We had an idea that seemed like it would be a lot of fun. Centred in the control room of Shabbey Road Studios we will be doing a Livestream on Youtube every Thursday evening at 18.00 GMT. The first one is scheduled for Jan 13th, so put the date(s) in your diary and just click on the link to join in the fun! <a contents="The Korgis Kartoon World Livestream" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/McmP3ee8PAY" target="_blank">The Korgis Kartoon World Livestream</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Each week we will centre on one song and talk about how or why we wrote it, and the process of recording - plus perhaps a chat about the video. There will be competitions with some AMAZING giveaways. Things perhaps you would never get anywhere else. This will generally be hosted by Al Steele, but he will be joined by other members and perhaps some 3rd parties who have something interesting to say. We are not sure if we can twist Chris Hopkins (Exhibit-1) arm to come down from Liverpool, but we reckon we could get our chum Peter Karrie (longest serving Phantom of the Opera) - who performed the rant in the middle of 'This is the Life' - to pop in and talk about his character, and what else he has been up to!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This little promo will give you an idea... <a contents="Al talks about the upcoming Livestreams" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/Q6SfFkdMcZc">Al talks about the upcoming Livestreams</a></span></p>
<h3>The Korgis Kartoon World Livestream - Episode One 13/01/22</h3>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">The first episode we will be looking at Bringing Back the Spirit of Love.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/163760519be2253f8696522de4bd68fab5736e6e/original/20220106-011240.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_medium" alt="" />This was an important song for us as it kind of summed up where we were going with the whole album. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">Al will be joined by James Warren for this episode.<br>You will be able to ask questions, or just say hi!.. and we hope you will find</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">our whole convoluted process quite interesting. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/5bbeb2e165e36754c3513a58f8d1a6e49e42f10c/original/20220106-011331.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">We will be showing you our secret documents that we use to work out ideas - some of which may never happen - some that have not YET happened. Tell us if you like an idea, as it may just tip the balance. We might even show you the video message that Al sent to James and John just after writing the chorus, where he is looking quite haggard!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">Hope 2022 is great for you and of course hope to see you on a gig or just speak to you on Social Media or here. Sign up here if you wish - it may make you first in the know or first in the queue for something great!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 22.4px;">The Korgis</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22.4px;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/361de88cbdcbd5041dd07009ed03430126a21204/original/heart.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_center border_none" alt="" /></span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/68166512021-11-21T00:19:21+00:002022-01-05T09:23:57+00:00The World Premiere of Kartoon World and the Arrival of Vinyl!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/9b78708a3baf694576f8600737da931ab24de295/original/20211109-130610.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">IT'S FINALLY HERE!</h2>
<p>The long wait for vinyl is finally over, and I am telling you that it feels REALLY solid. We were hoping the sleeve would feel really substantial, but we needn't have worried. The vinyl itself is quite heavy as well. I remember the old days when the pressing plants were economising and the records got thinner and thinner. The big A2 posters mean that it is possible to actually read the lyrics - and the 2nd poster tells the story of how we made the album and who contributed.</p>
<p>Most importantly for us, it brings us back to the days when a release meant something, and you could get out the paper parts and have a good long peruse through them. We all used to go around to our mates house and play the new album we had just bought. Let's bring those days back!</p>
<p>The arrival of vinyl (possible song title there!) means that the Box Set is finally complete. Anyone hanging on for this moment - well now's your chance. If you want to know what is included in the Box Set (and it is easier to list what is NOT included!) then have a little look at my QVC audition piece as I lovingly unpack each element.</p>
<p><a contents="Al unpacks the Box Set" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/q3UxlGIA-uQ">Al unpacks the Box Set</a></p>
<p>If you want to grab one - or any other product - get it here. <a contents="Box Sets, Vinyl, Posters, CD's T-shirts" data-link-label="Kartoon World Sales" data-link-type="page" href="/kartoon-world-sales">Box Sets, Vinyl, Posters, CD's T-shirts</a></p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">THE WORLD PREMIERE of KARTOON WORLD</h2>
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<p>Yes we have a world premier coming up and we have chosen the village of Abbotskerswell as the optimum spot for the event!</p>
<p>To explain, Mike Webb - the man who is usually behind our Merch stand - has a meaningful birthday coming up and as he has been badgering us to do his gig for some time, we figured that this could be the present he has long had coming!</p>
<p>We will be performing Kartoon World in it's entirety - as it was intended - but hope to share some of the inspiration behind the songs as we do. WILL WE BE WEARING THE SUITS?!!! Come along and find out. We will of course also be playing a load of other fav's so no-one will be left wanting.</p>
<p>It is rumoured that I will also be doing a short set full of surprises. </p>
<p>All in all a rip-roaring night will be had, and can't wait to see all our good friends there. This is history in the making.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">AFTER THE WORLD PREMIERE!</h2>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/79c3641b2739ecb17be99023a36bb493449e5585/original/korgis-in-suits-6.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />There can only be one World Premier of Kartoon World, but there can be many other performances!!<br>Upcoming gigs...</p>
<p>Dec 3rd - Abbotskerswell Village Hall, Nr Newton Abbot<br>Dec 4th - The Rondo, Bath<br>Dec 16th - Waterloo Music Bar, Blackpool<br>Dec 17th - Victoria Hall, Settle<br>Feb 11th - 100 Club, London<br>Feb 25th - The Platform Morecombe (tickets soon!)<br>April 2nd - Concorde Club, Nr Southampton</p>
<p>...that should do for now!</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">A FRIEND POPPED IN!</h2>
<p>Lovely to see Paul Griffon who was in the area. We had a cuppa and talked of many things!.. including the Shabbey Road Mainframe Computer, who is credited with the computer voice on 'This is a New Low'.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/e1880971cb0d73ddbe1e82691b4fe77ec54b7188/original/paul-griffon.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />That's all the gen for now - but there are a few hush hush exciting things in the pipeline.<br>Ssh -mum's the word!<br><br>Love always, Al / The Korgis</p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/67672352021-10-06T02:15:26+01:002022-05-11T08:29:17+01:00Gigs, Vinyl soon and New Projects!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/e67332e32587152601d2eb4d3eafc1a363055145/original/whatsapp-image-2021-09-06-at-11-32-58.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<h2>GIGS!</h2>
<p>It really is great to be back out gigging again - and boy have we had some good ones!<br>Great to see our Yorkshire mates up at Black Dyke Mills and many thanks to all the staff and crew who made us feel so welcome.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/61c7daf81f31ec28749cd1e9a6b7883aa6469818/original/240729969-3090906217859186-5350151890379901685-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>Rather lovely to meet up the next morning as well for our Brunch get together. Some of these guys even followed us across to the legendary Cavern later in the day.</p>
<p>Thank you, thank you, thank you!</p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/41d01bb4f542a5e48b99f29c000c33c83a8c30ef/original/241475313-3091560747793733-5768796679743888053-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_medium" alt="" />The Cavern of course was as amazing as we thought it would be.<br>What a great atmosphere, and the crew were SO on the ball - nothing too much trouble. </p>
<p>Our last gig of the trio - and the end of our 40 Years of The Korgis Tour - was quite fittingly, where we left off about 18 months ago, at Chapel Arts in Bath.</p>
<p>We reckon everyone in the band was feeling like the new numbers were really settling in and we had gone into a real 'let's have fun' mode.</p>
<h2>VINYL!</h2>
<p>The long wait is nearly over. We had test pressings about 3 weeks ago, so looks like the Kartoon World vinyl will finally arrive by the end of the month. We just can't wait to hold that big sleeve in our hands and fold out those big posters! We might need to pour ourselves something nice before we sit back and drop the needle on the decks!</p>
<h2>NEW PROJECTS</h2>
<p>While we are not quite ready to delve into another intense period of writing, there have been several collaborative projects we have been working on.<br><br>We are not quite ready to spill the beans on our Brazilian collaboration, but let's just say that the remake of 'Don't Look Back' is going to be AMAZING!</p>
<p>There is perhaps a collaboration with some Japanese artists - of course we would love to do some dates there as well.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/5f75d1768eef91a70bc3aab416070caf6f29a44b/original/press-release-korgis-jm.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_thick" alt="" /></p>
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<p>The collaboration that is properly underway, and we are very excited about is with Aussie rocker Joe Matara. This will be a brand new song and a true organic project. We are still not sure how it will turn out in terms of style - but you can probably guess we will make sure it is damn good! Here is the Press Release about to go live.</p>
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<p>Our guitarist Al Steele of course is Australian by birth - and by accent(!) so he is particularly excited by the prospect of some dates 'down under'.</p>
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<h2>THE WORLD PREMIERE OF 'KARTOON WORLD'!</h2>
<p>To say we are excited about premiering the whole of Kartoon World live would be like saying Fawlty Towers was 'quite funny'!<br>So far we have two gigs in December but we are adding more all the time, so keep checking the gigs list.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/26b88e6a9e08e2c86fe450969cbbe582938628cb/original/244563074-10228195260805835-7452961485877056124-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Our good friend Mike Webb has been trying to arrange a Korgis gig in his hometown for some time now!... so we decided he should have the WORLD PREMIERE!</p>
<p>Please come along and join us. We promise it will be unpredictable, visually spectacular and damn good fun! Tickets from the gigs page on the website <a contents="Grab One Here!!" data-link-label="Gigs" data-link-type="page" href="/gigs">Grab One Here!!</a> You can also grab them from Mike. The number and email is on the poster.</p>
<p>Thank you for supporting us, and we will look forward to seeing you somewhere. If you want to know anything (because we know everything!) then drop us a line on the Ask Us Something tab <a contents="Ask Us Something" data-link-label="Sign Up/Contact Us" data-link-type="page" href="/sign-up-contact-us">Ask Us Something</a></p>
<p>Much love - James, Al and John</p>
<p> </p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/66513722021-06-07T02:40:34+01:002021-11-15T09:30:58+00:00The Great Vinyl Delivery Date Swindle!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/9087601df25af3c481286f637727a823d58a1e02/original/kw-pre-sales-for-website.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">WOW!<br><br>Fantastic response to our Pre-sales. Thank you so much.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">After the shut-down in this industry, there has been lot's of doom and gloom, saying things will not come back for another year etc... let's hope your enthusiasm is a sign that we are ready now!<br>As you know we have a bunch of dates lined up and can't wait to get out there and play you some of our new stuff!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">BAD NEWS - unbeknown to us - this year has been a vinyl disaster year! We have been given as many reasons why as there are duplicating companies, but the long and short of it is, that turnaround times are 4 months more than normal. We have managed to find a company that is KIND OF giving us a mid-October date. We will update you as we know more.</span><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/45fb58238224c34970b6b89a756480fd12b3266f/original/vinyl.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">SO - all you vinyl freaks - please accept our sincere apologies as we wanted to release the vinyl first - but there will be a delay. Those that have bought the Box Sets (and a MASSIVE thank you for that!) we will still send the Box Sets and then vinyl as soon as it arrives. Anyone who has ordered vinyl alone will get the download on the day of release. We are going to make this the full CD2 version, which includes the 3 tracks we couldn't fit on the vinyl (because no-one wants a rubbish sounding LP!) and all the extra mixes that James has been working on in his loft!</span><br><br><span class="font_large">Do email us if you have any queries - it has been brilliant to have the feedback of some of our recently estranged EU cousins as to how best to avoid unnecessary extra charges. Any way we can help we will. We don't have a third party dealing with these sales, so any emails come through to James John or Al, and hopefully we know what is going on!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We have an extra VIP to add to our fold. In secret Nigel Voyle has been slaving away behind the scenes - making all of those amazing pics, and posting away on our Social Media - and generally helping us to gain world domination! Nigel is our new manager and we would like say a BIG THANK YOU for moving us out of the dark ages. You might see Nig on gigs taking pics and saying 'no comment' when asked awkward questions. Don't pester him - he is doing a great job!</span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/06eab2b46bbc80650ca1fd899c38256a4035d189/original/t-shirt.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_large">Anyone who bought pre-sales (and you still can!) is also eligible for a postage free top up of merch. We meant to have the T-Shirts and standalone poster options there as we went live, but 'The best laid plans of mice and men...' Again email if you fall into this category.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Just for clarification, if you order any of the larger size products then all extras are free postage. For those that don't know, the CD versions of course include the two posters, but they are a smaller size than we can fit in the Vinyl's or Box Sets. The LARGE posters are in the Pre-sale Store as extras at £3 each. WHAT?!!!... are we barmy?! Most people that know us are already aware of the answer!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Sorry again for the vinyl holdup - but if we were in charge this would never happen! KORGIS FOR GOVERNMENT NOW!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Love from James John and Al</span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/361de88cbdcbd5041dd07009ed03430126a21204/original/heart.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_none" alt="" /></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/66348882021-05-20T00:54:35+01:002021-07-17T14:41:57+01:00PRE-RELEASE!! The Kartoon World of The Korgis!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/7c7f4ec2fd5a1965f3c69a415d99f4927472014b/original/kw-title-with-figures.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_medium" alt="" /></p>
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<p><span class="font_large">Hi guys - Al Steele here. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The big news is that Kartoon World is available on Pre-release NOW! We are personally signing the first 50 of each product type as an early bird thank you... there are a few still on offer.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Pre-sale link is here <a contents="PRE-SALES - Kartoon World" data-link-label="Kartoon World Pre-Sales" data-link-type="page" href="/kartoon-world-pre-sales">PRE-SALES - Kartoon World</a></span><br><span class="font_large">If you are planning to buy, then it really helps with duplication amounts etc if you do pre-order. There is pretty much a product for each preference including Vinyl, CD and Download and there is also a good explanation for what each package contains. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So to Kartoon World itself... </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Until recently this album seemed like it was still a way off... I mean what fools attempt a 13-track concept album during a pandemic? Well you know now that The Korgis do!! </span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/4addf8ee09dfadd36d56ded93d8bab9647e1545b/original/imgp1248-sharpened.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" /><span class="font_large">To say we are proud of this album is an understatement. It has been a real group effort with James, myself and John writing all new material. We wrote the songs initially completely remotely and then I did initial demos where I spend most of my life - at 'Shabbey Road Studios'. </span></p>
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<p><span class="font_large">James was the first to brave the outdoors and we both worked at completing all the songs including backing vocal ideas. John Baker was next in and put the leads down on the songs he had co-written, backing vocals plus some hefty amounts of guitar on all the tracks. Then it was a process of each of the band coming in to replace the guides... some replacing the demo parts but also adding new parts as we went along.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font_large">James and myself then began the task of mastering - but this turned out to be just as creative. We would mix at the studio, but James would then take all the strands of each song and see how to make them even better. Finally he would bounce them back to me and we would both suggest final changes. Next we had to decide how they would join, as this album really goes straight from one song into the next, or sometimes using a musical passage to link from one to the next. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We wanted the vinyl mixes to sound much more dynamic in a retro way, so special attention was paid to them. We can't quite fit the same amount on an LP so the joins and track list are also different. Personally I LOVE the way these mixes sound. For this reason, we decided to make these available to non-vinyl converts so these mixes are available on the Double Deluxe CD along with some other curiosities and extras. </span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/45fb58238224c34970b6b89a756480fd12b3266f/original/vinyl.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" style="margin-right: 10px;" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We had planned to release Vinyl first, then Deluxe CD and Box Set, then finally the Standard CD... however the production of Vinyl is running way behind demand at the moment so we are currently figuring out if we need to juggle the order. Please bear with us if this is the case as it is completely out of our control. Rest assured if you ordered multiple versions then we will send those separately if necessary. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We hope you are as excited by the news of our impending masterpiece as we are(!) and look forward to hearing what you think of it. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Hope to see you before too long at one of our gigs. Kicking off in Sep with Black Dyke Mills. The Cavern, Southampton and Bath. We will be playing some songs from Kartoon World on these gigs, but the whole album will be performed on Dec 3rd/4th. Firstly down with Mike Webb in Abbotskerswell and then at The Rondo in Bath. Links for all these shows is here <a contents="Gigs" data-link-label="Gigs" data-link-type="page" href="/gigs">Gigs</a><br>We will of course be adding some classics and favs in addition to the album, and of course more gigs when we get them! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Thank you for sticking with us through this seemingly never ending hibernation. Fingers crossed we are over the worst and life can return to it's 'Kartoon' version of normal! </span></p>
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<p><span class="font_large">Much love, Al and the guys </span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/65345232021-01-30T03:46:32+00:002022-05-26T13:04:44+01:00Kartoon World - The first 3 singles.<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/582ec58fe8b64d7ead9cf60892ebe9bd67cbc085/original/kartoon-world-logo-with-figures-2.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_large">For a songwriter, having time on your hands is not an issue - so the last year of lockdown has meant we could turn those whirring brains to something big!<br><br>Well... here we are 3 singles in, with at least half of the album mastered and we thought it might be fun to let you in on our working methods. We have already covered the birth of our album 'Kartoon World' in an earlier blog (check out The Creative Process Behind Magic Money Tree with some more info and a link to the demo of the 2nd song in The Korgis Status Report Mid-2020) so we will leap frog on to where we are now - and more specifically the first 3 singles. This is Al Steele by the way. James Warren, John Baker and myself wrote all of this album with some input on a couple of songs from some third parties.</span></p>
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<h4><span class="font_large">1) The Ghost of You</span></h4>
<p><span class="font_large">You will notice that all the videos begin with scrolling text. That's because this is a 'concept album man!!!' Each song fits into a time period between 1980 and 2030 - yes we are commenting on the past, present AND projecting into the future!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">By about May James Warren had started coming into the studio and we began working on various bits of songs - some scraps and pieces I had and some he had. However this song was a new idea we built from scratch, based around a few simple chords and an infectious drum loop that James brought in. He also had a rough tune for the verse. When James went home I carried on working on it, and quickly wrote the chorus sequence. The whole song really felt like it belonged on the dance floor, so initially we went full pelt on this idea. The middle 8 to me was a stop gap that I thought we should replace but everyone seemed to like it - so it stayed. I did like the idea of it being a tongue twister though!<br>Here is what the early dance version sounded like!<br><a contents="The Ghost Of You - Dance Version - DEMO!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2602427/the-ghost-of-you-demo">The Ghost Of You - Dance Version - DEMO!</a><br>Knowing how the rest of the album was shaping up, I thought it would not quite fit in, so we went for a more synthy 80's thing and that gave us a bit more scope with guitars as well.<br>Here is James talking around the time of the release.<br><a contents="James' thoughts on The Ghost of You" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/1iWA5WexX9w" target="_blank">James' thoughts on The Ghost of You</a></span><br><span class="font_large">We chose this as a first release because we thought it might be a little unexpected, and we certainly didn't want people to think this would be a Korgis album to pass people by! By single number 3 we are really starting to rattle some cages!... but I am getting ahead of myself! Here is the video and final version of The Ghost of You - we managed to sneak every member of the 8-piece band in there!<br><a contents="The Ghost of You - Single version" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/mN386QXVtU4" target="_blank">The Ghost of You - Single version</a></span></p>
<h4><span class="font_large">2) Bringing Back the Spirit of Love</span></h4>
<p><br><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/1ef7588721f0c4f34a46e5b03e926c42243182ac/original/james-warren-01.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" />This song looks back at the peace movement of the 60's when even the guys wore flowers in their hair and love was most definitely the answer. Well anyone with any modicum of sense knows that it still is! We wanted to write a modern day revolution song.<br>This started with an idea I sent to the guys to think about and embellish. As you will hear, the lyrics and the end sequence changed as we went along. Here is me in Studio 2 at Shabbey Road bashing out the idea on a travel guitar!<br><a contents="Bringing Back the Spirit of Love - Original idea" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/7m7JPFUeg5E" target="_blank">Bringing Back the Spirit of Love - Original idea</a></span><br><span class="font_large">Hashing out the rest of a song can be a long and arduous process - unless your name is James Warren. Just before he left the studio one day I said, 'James, we need a verse for Bring Back the Spirit..' He replied 'Shall we do it now?' 10 mins later we had the verse and bridge section of the song. Again I think I went straight on and put down the basic verse instruments in a rough form - but I know the original guitar stayed. Why reinvent the wheel eh?!<br>We pieced the songs together with each person coming in separately. The exception being Jay, Emmy and Ava, our backing vocalists (a band in their own right called Born to Win) who were their own bubble. There are MASSES of vocals on this song. I reckon the main block of the chorus has 18 vocals not counting the extra lines that come in at the end! Drums were done in blocks of 3 or 4 songs a session. James and myself did basses and electric guitars and John did lots of the acoustic guitar parts as well as about a million vocals! Nigel came in and dubbed grand piano on the song giving it a real Paul McCartney flavour.<br>Before we finally got the master stage James went through the whole song adding little bits of guitar/keys here and there - and RIGHT at the end, I went back to my original idea which was a kind of oompah oompah stick it up your jumper type rhythm but reinvented as a rap/rant to ramp up the song to the end.<br>James has been mastering these at home - and doing a grand job as well. There will be a different mix for vinyl - a more open 70's kind of thing - you know before we got into the loudness wars? Here is the vid - this will be preceded by The Kartoon World Overture where we will have our familiar space scroller text. Enjoy!<br><a contents="Bringing Back the Spirit of Love - Single Mix" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/9In3xV_ietY" target="_blank">Bringing Back the Spirit of Love - Single Mix</a></span></p>
<h4><span class="font_large">3) Time (Song for Dom)</span></h4>
<p><span class="font_large">This started with something James called Fantasy Waltz. He had been tinkering with things in Glenn Tommey's studio in Bath. It was from the start a very odd piece and reminded me very much of something Stackridge might have done. I really liked the original lyrics but James insisted they were just nonsense and suggested we re-write. He was of course one of the principle writer's in Stackridge before himself and Andy Davis went and formed The Korgis some years later. Here it is!<br><a contents="Fantasy Waltz" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2615456/fantasy-waltz">Fantasy Waltz</a><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/28e485439be3bf284ff1ad5df7257d1c34dcb562/original/clock1.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_" />It kind of reminded me of a clock and as our artist Leah Darknell had already drawn a cartoon about a Paul or drummer being drawn into a magical clock, it seemed the idea might work. I am not altogether sure when the idea for it to be about Dominic Cummings came about - I would like to be clever and say because it fitted the timeline of the Concept Album, but it was before that idea had solidified - possibly after I had added the chorus section. The chorus lyrics are just a play on works of all the phrases that include time in them - and I reckon the onion was the same one The Beatles were talking about when Lennon sang 'Well here's another clue for you all - the Walrus was Paul.'<br>In case anyone gets the wrong end of the stick - this is not an anti-Brexit song(!) but more an observation on how Dom changed the political tools when he began to use Cambridge Analytica to massage the Social Media and reach out to the untouchables that no-one had been able to reach before. He was, and still is, a very clever man. Whether he has been a change for better or for worse only history will judge.<br>Now it was really starting to sound even more like Stackridge and we really put our prog heads on. Lurching into the rock section in the middle really made the song for me. The tune is the same - the chords are the same - but we are suddenly back in the era of ELP and Genesis! John does a great vocal here and in the video he is furiously pedalling an exercise bike that obviously is going nowhere... there is perhaps a statement there! The epilogue where Dom eventually goes to heaven is also something that makes me smirk.<br>'Repent if I could, do you think that I would?... when the good life is just for the chosen one'<br>Here is our very prog video!<br><a contents="Time (Song for Dom)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/mZMTZoRPDXI" target="_blank">Time (Song for Dom)</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Anything else you would like to know please ask away in the comments section below. Feel free to share!<br>Can't wait for you to hear the whole album. Keep in touch - drop us a line in the contact us tab if you want.<br>Have as good and safe a time as you can - until we meet again in person at a gig - WHAT'S ONE OF THEM?!!</span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/65055332020-12-22T17:56:22+00:002022-05-17T22:45:03+01:00Merry Christmas 2020<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/a65ceef3a3f29cc00dc23a6c3964c0c1ff1b2ed4/original/christmas.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><span class="font_large">Well we are almost at the close of 2020 - Can't Wait! we hear you exclaim!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">2020 certainly has been a year to re-assess things, and we have done just that.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Although we weren't really planning it, here we are 13 tracks in (lucky for some!) to a concept album. It is called Kartoon World and through the eyes of The Korgis charts the evolution of humanity from it's very beginning (around 1980!) all the way through to 2030. There are high points and low points, but it begins and ends with love! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/681b8d35065854924807c85665b387f1d12d1cf3/original/bbtsolcover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The opening track 'Bringing Back the Spirit of Love' is already out there as a single and sets the tone admirably. In case you think it will be a one trick pony, check out the other single 'The Ghost of You' to be reassured. The album is as varied as the roots of it's members and some of the songs are very reminiscent of Stackgridge... did we hear a few Hooray's going off in the distance there?<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/ce711e0d94b9fc8aa2d696b019d1c1276525d667/original/the-ghost-of-you.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span><br> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">We are also having to figure out what to leave off the vinyl version!... because YES!... THERE WILL BE A VINYL VERSION!<br>We didn't just want to take our pop mixes and put them on the black stuff though - we wanted a return to a much more open sound, so the record version (can we use that term?) will be a different mix. Also because the track list will be different, not all of the songs will link together in the same way.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">We also took the opportunity to look at the boring business side. In an effort to 'get down with the kids' we started to research the streaming sites and were flabbergasted to find that we have an enormous following on Spotify and Apple Music. On Spotify alone we have over 10,000 followers and around 400,000 listens per month! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/3f4cda2f98e223a54667d231b01a609f0afbfb3d/original/spotify1.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Some other mouth-watering statistics include, back in April last year, more than 18,000 people were listening to Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime at the same moment in 92 countries! The other real surprise is that worldwide our second most popular song is 'Don't Look Back' having been a massive hit in South America. There wasn't even a video made for this song - maybe that is a project for the new year - a new version and a new video!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The bottom line here is that we are mighty encouraged that there is still a lot of interest. Of course the people who signed up here knew it all along, and we thank you for that!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">James, John and Al have been hard at work mixing and mastering the new songs and we can't wait for you to hear them! The plan is to bring out another few singles and hopefully spring the album on you March or April time. Perhaps the world will be a better place for that and many other reasons at that time!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">When all this is over we are going to come round and hug you all personally! </span><br><span class="font_large">It just remains to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">James, John, Al, Paul, Ava, Jay, Emmy, Dave and Nigel.</span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/63456442020-06-07T23:37:28+01:002022-05-29T02:56:53+01:00The Korgis Status Report Mid-2020<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/cb8a02ed3747dcfd3b716995bff5c1adb0f43854/original/dsc7360.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_large">Hi guys, and thank you for being so patient in these trying times!</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/a9f198a3823f855fee6ed1ba08812685b352d17e/original/100-club-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We have had many people asking which gigs are on and which are off. Obviously our lovely little tour of The Netherlands went by the wayside as did The 100 Club gig. The 100 Club is tentatively scheduled for September 3rd - but we are possibly being a bit hopeful there.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/7af5644e2ac6badddc1f20847684d1657e12de95/original/cavern3.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Sadly our dates at The Cavern and Black Dyke Mills are being postponed. We will be looking for dates as early as we safely can, but no point in making predictions on that as yet.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/8787f30534ec1f165789a59fcc35632931e26b92/original/jm-orch-promo-artwork4print.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">James and Al have also had to postpone the James Warren and his Mighty Miniature Orchestra gig, as even if The Rondo were to miraculously reopen by July 3rd, we would not be able to physically rehearse this rather complex show. When it happens it will be spectacular though!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We reckon our gigs have been getting better and better, so it has been very frustrating to be cut off in our prime - if you can talk about people of our age being in our prime!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Something we are crucially aware of, is how precarious the future for all venues is, when we eventually come through this pandemic. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that a venue cannot survive on half full houses if there were to be enforced social distancing. We are rather hoping that it will be left at the discretion of each person to judge how safe they feel and not legislated, as that will be the death knell for many venues. Maybe a good way to look at it is, when there is more chance of being run over by a bus, than of catching Corona Virus, then perhaps that is the time to go out again - and those stats will be with us probably sooner than the press would suggest.<br><br>In the meantime we have been going through a bit of a creative spurt with two new songs released - albeit with a few more Korgis to add to the final versions! There are also a good few new songs peeking over the horizon. John Baker and James Warren got together last week for the first writing session, and James & Al have begun regular writing/recording slots. Other members of the band will be brought in when it becomes more feasible to do so. In case you missed it here is the 2nd release - the 1st one being covered in a previous blog. As there are such a lot of conspiracy theorists raising their heads at the mo, we thought the video could reflect that. Rarely has there been such paranoia coming from all directions!<br><a contents="This Is A New Low" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/OqROvMTEPj8">This Is A New Low</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Our resident creative art genius Leah Darknell - she animated the video of Colours - has been coming up with a series of cartoons called Keeping Up With The Korgis. This is a somewhat fictitious account of what we have all been up to during lockdown. Here are the first two... and if you want a to see them unfold then head over to Keeping Up With The Korgis. She says there are also Easter Eggs, but it is way past Easter so no idea about that one!!!<br>We will post them there slightly earlier than on Facebook and Twitter.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/1ef7588721f0c4f34a46e5b03e926c42243182ac/original/james-warren-01.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/bb2530384cd932b6499f920e3f5a4f00b09356fd/original/al-in-space.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We really hope to be able to catch up with you all in person before too long, and before we all go STIR CRAZY!<br>Meanwhile stay safe - only you can know what safe feels like for you. We will continue to listen to your thoughts and try to base our return to gigging on when the time is right for the majority. A great gig is not really a great gig without an audience!<br>Thanks for being patient with us during this time.<br>James, John, Al, Paul, Nigel, Emmy, Jay, Ava and Dave.</span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/62891812020-04-21T17:28:59+01:002022-05-28T12:13:52+01:00The Creative Process Behind Magic Money Tree<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/a2a00126538aaebfed967f3f65d8b6a8b89a1e43/original/magic-money-tree.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">When the lock-down for Corona Virus suddenly came into play in March 2020, James Warren and Al Steele were right in the middle of a bout of songwriting sessions, and creating musical arrangements for the forthcoming James Warren and his Mighty Miniature Orchestra gig. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">When we realised that we could not physically get together our collective brains started ticking as to what we could do remotely. Equally cut short were String Sessions for Liverpool band Exhibit-1, and main man Chris Hopkins and Al were talking on Messenger when the slightly outlandish idea was put forward that one of us would start a song and then pass it onto the other. James was invited to participate, and the ideas started rolling. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The first one came in from Chris, called ‘This Is A New Low’. Carrying on in the political vein, Al put forward the verse called ‘Magic Money Tree’. Almost simultaneously, James wrote a fantastically tuneful chorus and Chris sent through a very dark middle section. On the same day Al also completed a very Floydian 2nd section for ‘This Is A New Low’. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Both songs seemed somewhat reminiscent of a couple of the tunes from Stackridges ‘A Victory For Common Sense’... a thought that did not go un-noted, as Al had previously brought Exhibit-1 to the attention of James, for the band’s similarity to Stackridge. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Al began to mix the various files for ‘Magic Money Tree’ as they were sent through - splitting Chris’ long section. into two halves and key changing the 2nd half into an outro. All 3 parties then added various layers of harmonies. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/d49a96e6fad240a27606c91b82834f61b3d0694b/original/20200421-165831.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">James and Al had been experimenting with the meeting app Zoom, and talking about the possibilities of ‘green screen’ video via it’s Backgrounds and Recording facilities. Al filmed his sections in this way, with an old shower curtain on the wall. Fortunately the fish on the curtain didn’t show up(!) and a backdrop of money was shown in its place. Al’s shirt was quite close to the colour of the fish curtain, so it disappeared completely, letting the money backdrop show through. The random appearance/disappearance really adds to this rather manic Farage-type character. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/96daa5b1a4b98a145d906665168c3e6f5d3d0b53/original/exhibit-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Exhibit-1 are exclusively a studio band - something they have in common with the later Beatles period! - so there was a tiny bit of resistance to going public on film. After explaining how a towel could be a green screen, they sent through some footage with the accompanying text... ‘If you think this is bad, then you should have seen the other 12 takes!’... adding ‘We make the original Batman series look like a convincing, well-acted drama’! </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="Have You Seen The Colours" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/A3AkPLVAc4s">Have You Seen The Colours</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Leah Darknell - the artist who created James Warren’s ‘Have You Seen The Colours’ video - animated a ‘Magic Money Tree’ in which she hand drew every note of money, and made them shake in a random way. As this was to coincide with James’ chorus we would need the man himself to tackle the old green screen challenge! After several Zoom sessions where there did not appear to be a clear wall nearby, and he couldn’t find anything tall enough to hang a beach towel on, we settled on filming against a cream wall... not ideal but would have to do. As it happens it created a rather interesting effect of making his silhouette disappear, and he blended into the blue sky seamlessly! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We all felt that this would make a rather splendid Korgis song, and the plan is when lock-down is finally over, the rest of the band will dub in their bits. <br>Here is the Youtube link - and hey!... please subscribe. <br><a contents="Magic Money Tree" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/7tLexkNuImE">Magic Money Tree</a></span><br><br><span class="font_large">As we were nearing the completion of the video and the final master, James sent across another FIVE pieces of music that could be taken much further. Chris has already begun work on one of them. <br>So here is to the future, where we can actually write together in the same room!... but thank you to this isolation, we know that we can still bring things together even when we are apart! <br>Let’s hope the whole world can do the same... </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">THE KORGIS</span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/62577692020-03-22T00:29:50+00:002022-05-26T07:42:11+01:00The Best Laid Plans of Korgis and Men!<p><span class="font_large">2020 was shaping up to be our busiest year yet!... but as they say 'The best laid plans of mice and men...'<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/a9f198a3823f855fee6ed1ba08812685b352d17e/original/100-club-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Of course in these troubling times, our first priority is for safety, both of the band and our lovely concert goers. It will therefore be of little surprise that our gig at The 100 Club on May 16th, while not yet cancelled, certainly has a huge cloud of doubt hanging over it. Even the most optimistic of people are not seeing the end of our lock-down in sight by May. Likewise our 3 dates in Holland are just as doubtful.<br><br>We will of course hope that by July people are able to travel a little more freely, which means we can possibly make our gig at Black Dyke Mills on July 18th, our Korgis Brunch get together in Bradford or Halifax and the Cavern gig on the 19th. We will keep you updated here and of course <a contents="Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/thekorgis/">Facebook</a> and <a contents="Twitter" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/The_Korgis">Twitter</a>.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/8787f30534ec1f165789a59fcc35632931e26b92/original/jm-orch-promo-artwork4print.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In the meantime James and Al have been busy arranging the music for their self-indulgent side project James Warren and his Mighty Miniature Orchestra. More of that in a separate blog, but suffice to say that more than half the songs have not been performed by The Korgis live, and there is a VERY healthy percentage of un-played Stackridge songs in the set list. This is scheduled for July 3rd at The Rondo Theatre in Bath, but of course The Rondo is currently closed... until they are not! Watch this space!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The first thing we may do is a Facebook Live event where we play a load of back to back videos - some live - some old - some new - some classics. You get a chance to comment live as they play and most of the band will be there to answer questions etc.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16.8px;"><span class="font_large">If we are still in lock-down come the middle of May - providing it is safe to do so - we are thinking of streaming a live concert - internet only. Of course this will be free - but if you wish to support it, then we have some very fine merch available from our various websites. I </span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/4eab7344d3f24ed7b3cd0037e96c8989b0558ef5/original/20200116-171707.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">seem to have the<span class="font_regular"> </span>monopoly on that at the mo!!! Hot sales are the 40 Years of The Korgis T-Shirt. <a contents="Al Steele Website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://alsteele.name/store">Al Steele Website</a> Anyone who signs up thekorgis.com is eligible for a discount code on anything on the Al Steele site including all Korgis merch. Use the Contact Us form and we'll bung it across to you.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><br><br><span class="font_large">Most importantly keep yourselves safe, especially for those most at risk. Keep a healthy supply of Korgis/Stackridge/DLM/James Warren/Mutter Slater Band music nearby - always good in an emergency! - and we will see you out the other side.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Best and warmest wishes, Al Steele</span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/61719202020-01-25T02:22:23+00:002022-08-13T10:56:52+01:00John Baker on Chapel Arts Bath, and Korgis history.<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/f0b73e133d0a8e52069956ae80d5bc9577d3ab0c/original/john.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />So, finally after 40 years The Korgis got to play Bath ( Where it all started). In all fairness, James did play The Theatre Royal one Sunday night in 1982 ( with Backing Tapes) but for a 8 piece korgis Band taking the stage at this great Little Venue ( Chapel Arts Centre) it really was a special moment. </p>
<p>Great organisation by the staff at the venue. Our Sound engineer Ed had already set up Mics and Lines in exactly the right parts of the stage and the Soundcheck went really smoothly. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/7e717c57b012801bde0c52263ebc39de164fe6ff/original/20200118-183344.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>Mr Al Steele and of course the Wonderful Ceri Darknell had done an amazing job with the Set. New 40 Years banners and Vintage surrounds for The Korgis TV’s. </p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/a74496ffa3c615d4ca2de776564db44f2e933c5a/original/james-b2w-al.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_left border_" /></p>
<p>All set to go then. Of course we knew it was a sell out but hadn’t expected Old Friends who hadn’t managed to get a ticket to be stood waiting outside on the off chance that there would be some returns. Luckily most ended up happy and tickets were found.</p>
<p>Atmosphere was building when our support for the night Mr Matt Owens took to the stage around 7.55 to warm up the crowd. He did a great set, and had the foresight to get an audience shot on his phone. When the time came for our entrance around 8.35 the wonderful crowd were purring in anticipation.</p>
<p>Right from the off there were incredibly happy faces both in the crowd and on stage. I feel that we rose to the occasion and took the eager audience through Old Stackridge, Korgis and even Beatles Tunes throughout a total of 1 and half hours on stage. All interspersed with banter, anecdotes and general mischief and merriment. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/fb6332bca523ef24cddf0b370187f307cdc2e4ca/original/end-with-waving.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_right border_" />At 10.30 and after a rousing rendition of “EGTLS” we took our Bows only to be greeted with huge cheers for “More”. 2 Encores followed including a very well received rendition of Freheit’s “ Keeping the Dream alive” and then it was time to say goodbye.</p>
<p>Everyone in the band enjoyed mingling with the crowd afterwards, catching up with Family, Friends and old acquaintances that in some cases hadn’t been seen for 25 years or more. </p>
<p>Personally, I slept really poorly, full of adrenalin and excitement at what had just happened and also memories of the 40 or so years I have been singing and making music with Mr Warren and the incredible memories we share. None better than this great night! </p>
<p>Bring on Norwich, London and Holland next!<br>See ya! John</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/ae4932bd04e9ad33baa0773b84f656a875fa9d1d/original/john-and-al.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/60225662019-12-16T01:24:17+00:002022-01-26T22:18:53+00:00Al's end of year Monologue<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/862c4938ae49eeafb386cc6bbffb61da204a71c8/original/dsc02775.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<h4><span class="font_large">2019 has been a great year.</span></h4>
<p><span class="font_large">Looking back to 2018 when we really only played a couple of gigs - enjoyable and encouraging though they were - this year has been a roller-coaster!<br>Starting off in Yorkshire and then to a sell-out at London's 100 Club (which was a real blast) we felt like the band had really locked together and we had cemented our onstage persona. Followed by the beautiful venue Ropetackle on the south coast, and then to Bath at The Folk House. We also had the pleasure of Barry Walsh opening for us in superb style. What a great night that was! Finishing off our Spring/Summer tour with The Globe in Cardiff - home turf for the Welshies - of which I consider myself one! - was fab. Thanks to the friends who made it along, and also to my long-term mate Lee Cottey who was a wizard on the sound. Then on to the lovely Selby Town Hall. Got to say the crew at Selby were second-to-none. They coaxed life into their giant video screen, so the films we had prepared looked fantastic.<br>For our last two dates of the year - imaginatively titled our 'Winter Tour', we started at Acapela in Cardiff. This was the unveiling of a new show, and brought in some OLD classics such as Stackridge's 'Freindliness', and the 'Fine Vintage Korgis/Stackridge Medley'. It was also the first show utilising multiple TV's - not without it's teething troubles!! The opening sequence can be seen here - excuse the wobbly top TV image. I superimposed it to simulate what it looked like on the night.</span></p>
<p><br><span class="font_large"><a contents="Opening Sequence 2019" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/u53ddT49OGE">Opening Sequence 2019</a></span></p>
<p><br><span style="font-size: 1.4em;">Finishing off the year in style at The Wharf in Tavistock, in front of a lovely appreciative audience, brought us to a lovely end in 2019</span></p>
<h4><span class="font_large">Where do you we go from here?</span></h4>
<p><span class="font_large">Next year is the 40th Anniversary Tour.<br>'Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime' was the worldwide breakthrough The Korgis had been waiting for, and to celebrate James Warren has a brand new stripped down version of that classic song. Details of where to get a hold of that to follow soon.<br>We are also looking at a new stage set to incorporate some of the images of that original single cover.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/69506f73a56fe6e2f20f4314157c21b033234fb8/original/korgis-7.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_right border_" />Come along and see what we did with it!!<br>Dates for the diary</span></p>
<h4><span class="font_large">Jan 18, Chapel Arts, Bath<br>Mar 13 Epic Studios, Norwich<br>May26 100 Club, London<br>May 22 Luxor Live, Arnhem, Netherlands<br>May 23 Boerderij Cultuurpodium Zoetermeer, Netherlands<br>July 18 Black Dyke Mills, Bradford <br>July 19th The Cavern, Liverpool</span></h4>
<p><span class="font_large">The reinstated Backstage at the Green, Kinross and one more Scottish date in the Autumn - plus much more as the year goes on!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Thank you for being with us on our journey so far, and hope to bring you LOT'S more in 2020!<br><br>Merry Christmas and a fab 2020<br>Al Steele</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><br> </p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/59771782019-11-26T13:54:32+00:002023-12-10T19:33:07+00:00John Baker talks Tavistock, and his new amplifier!<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/09d5d8643ac25c6350233ac40649651e98f9ddc5/original/24172922-10156111288759644-2952936708894623301-o-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Friday at Tavistock was a fantastic gig... the band starting to really gel now. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/e0421e97a9eda0252bdbe46fdbfbf43e24a1d3bc/original/julian-tucker.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" />We even had a dep Keyboard player in called Julian Tucker. What a musician, played sax and flute as well.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><span style="font-size: 1.4em;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/32c710a6b25450c3253a3fd05b506a2439a61ec7/original/korgis-chapel-40-header-c.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span></span><span class="font_large">Looking forward to celebrating 40 Years of the Korgis next year – 2020 and where better than Bath – Jan 18th - where it all started and the hits were recorded.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/2f6cbae077509974d6b6004fae678f29b3470674/original/fishman.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />I am really pleased with my latest purchase, this fantastic sounding Fishman amp. Sounded great at The Wharf, Tavistock. Great little Acoustic amp blasting our 60 watts but very light and portable.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/3cf4f20a6c9f3f9d04ada403f4cbc904793f114f/original/marshall.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_" />If anyone is interested , my previous Korgis Acoustic Amp the Much favoured Marshall As50R is for Sale. Reverb not working but other than that sounds lovely - £50 and it's yours!! Message me here, using the Contact Us link.</span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/59720132019-11-25T20:06:14+00:002022-06-02T02:14:21+01:00Jim's Winter Blog December 2019<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Very pleased to confirm that The Korgis live band is getting better all the time!</span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/a278c98f715e720ba2536ee01e9894b46b1ec349/original/whole-band-08.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><span class="font_large">I think starting with our gig at the absolutely delightful Acapela venue in Cardiff recently and continuing on to The Wharf in Tavistock, we've definitely turned a corner performance-wise.<br>Everyone in the band is now very comfortable with what they're doing and exuding a new-found confidence; it feels great.<br>Even playing without our regular keyboard player Nigel Hart at The Wharf, (he was already booked elsewhere), didn't seem to phase any of us.<br>Undoubtedly the brilliance of stand-in Julian Tucker helped in no small measure, but it's obvious to me the band is absolutely up-for-it and raring to go.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/862c4938ae49eeafb386cc6bbffb61da204a71c8/original/dsc02775.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br>We are also lucky to have such a wealth of diverse material to choose from - very skilfully set-listed by Al.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><br><span class="font_large">Al of course is a formidable guitarist, arranger and techno-wizard as well as repertoire organiser - where would we be without him?</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/5e3df6bc3a6be563513d40235cb4c1de0d9345c9/original/dsc02630smaller.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Not only that, but how about the amazing energy contributed by Ava, Emmy and Jay ("Born To Win")? I always wanted to be in a band with proper backing vocals and now as I near my 70th year it's finally happened!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/d88ff8d75b619a5f34016ae8c6c04a83cf0f112b/original/dsc02615.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Talking of vocals, it's also working fabulously well having my mate of 40 years Johnny Baker singing some tracks and generally beefing up my vocal efforts. (Although speaking as a committed vegetarian I wish Mr Baker would lay off the beef and hit the tofu instead)</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">And I'm loving playing bass to Paul Smith's utterly dependable drumming and being inspired by our recently-enlisted keyboardist Nigel Hart's incredible virtuosity.<br>It's all fallen into place; I reckon 2020 is gonna be the best year yet!</span></p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/59349582019-10-22T16:36:26+01:002023-12-10T16:55:39+00:00The Spring/Summer Tour is Dead! - Long live The Winter Tour!<p>Thanks to all who made it to our Spring/Summer dates! Here is s pic from our final rehearsal - what a miserable bunch!!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/2f8f9f42f2b5d30e2a04b251263b1087a4a766b8/original/20190915-160427.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We are just a week and a half away from our Winter Tour! We have some great tunes in the new set.</p>
<p>Nov 1st We kick off in Cardiff at the fab Acapela Studios. This beautiful converted church is one of the most intimate venues you can play.<br>Nov 2nd To London - Subterania has had EVERYONE play there - The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Foo Fighters - even MADONNA!!!<br>Nov 14th First Korgis gig EVER in Scotland. Of course it is a favourite Stackridge haunt, so we feel we are among friends!<br>Nov 15th hightailing it down to Blackdyke Mills near Bradford. The history of this venue and location is inspiring us already!<br>Nov 22nd Down to the South-West and Stackridge heartland! The Wharf in Tavistock is a proper rock venue, and we will be getting our rocks off!!<br>Dec 16th Ending our little run with style, The Palace (suitable for Royalty we feel!) is a lovely theatre in Southend on Sea.<br><br>We would love you to come and join us at a gig, and later at the bar! Thank you for all who came and all who are coming. Looking forward to the next chapter!</p>The Korgistag:thekorgis.com,2005:Post/58823662019-09-06T01:15:57+01:002022-07-18T14:10:30+01:00The Korgis Winter Tour 2019<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/385771/1360dbabb6005ec3a0bb015b225dfcc427a40415/original/korgis-promo-a3-winter2019tour.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />With great joy we announce our winter tour!<br> We hope you love our new set as much as we love our new set!</p>
<p>With some great Stackridge tunes that haven't been performed since Humpty Dumpy fell off the wall, and some classic Korgis favourites - not necessarily the ones you would think... how about 'Dirty Postcards' or 'That Was My Big Mistake'.<br>Come and marvel at how daring we can be- and how daring YOU can be.<br>See you there, and make sure you come and say hi!!</p>The Korgis