• 5 GO OFF TO PLAY GUITAR
• MIKE HARDING? BILLY BRAGG? Interesting ...!
• WHAT NEXT FOR THE BOY POYZER?
• MONTHLY REVIEW - MAY 2003

and additional 'regular' sections as follows:

• THE MUSIC CAFE
• ACOUSTIC SINGER SONGWRITER TUITION
• ACOUSTICA COMPILATION CD
• ADD YOUR GIG
• WEB SITES AND DESIGN

5 GO OFF TO PLAY GUITAR
A brand new songwriters night with a difference, running every Monday, begins on MONDAY JUNE 16TH. Our venue is THE RAILWAY on Station Rd, Greenfield, Saddleworth, near Oldham. Start time is 8.30pm and admission is free. The format is quite simply yours truly playing a short set, with four other special guests playing extended sets.

Find out who is playing here

It's a cracking little venue, frequented by live music lovers and musicians, and the bar prices are nice and cheerful! And what's more, for those without cars, the train stops right outside the venue, with last train back to Manchester at 11.18pm.

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MIKE HARDING? BILLY BRAGG? Interesting ...!
I remember one of my first pieces of decent publicity was in The Guardian. Taking a sneek peek at an early dp live performance, the writer stated that I was "a cross between Slade The Leveller and Frank Sidebottom".

So here I am many years later, still pondering that cross between the angry punk spirited lyricist and performer and the comic genius, when a little debate between a few people who've seen me more recently compares me to Billy Bragg (pictured) and Mike Harding. Something I'm exceedingly happy about by the way!

Even better on reflection when I look into that and see that there is still a strong sense of the socio-political in my work and a desire to entertain that has been noted. Nice one, I don't always feel very happy with my work, so knowing that others hold me in such high esteem is something I am very grateful for.

Hey Billy, where did ya get that hat?

ps: It was suggested to me that I get a copy of Mike Harding's 'On The Touchline' album. As it happens, even the man himself ain't got a copy to flog me, so if anyone has a copy please get in touch and let's see if I can attempt to prize a purchase.

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WHAT NEXT FOR THE BOY POYZER?
Call it a head crisis, a greater desire to succeed or just a temporary blip in the cash flow, but I have been thinking lately where's it all leading to. You know, there's always those moments when you think 'right, we've come a long way yet there's still so much more we need to do'. So, as it goes, I'm having one of those moments ...

(And a thousand other songwriters and musicians shout "hey, aren't we all")

Taking the next step with anything musically is quite often down to confidence ... or lack of money ... opportunity ... luck ... friends in high places ... the list is endless! And looking at the recent live album 'GLOBAL' and the fantastic reaction I've had, I am kinda kicking myself for not being confident enough to send copies out to all the movers, shakers, dj's and producers out there who just might be a part of that next step.

I suppose the first bit of the battle is also knowing what the next step is. Sure there are deals to be made and there's publicity to beg for, but looking at the immediate solution which for me could involve a small production or distribution deal, I am not totally sure that I am going to want to deal with the bullshit anymore. Music is after all as the cliche goes, a shit business, and as independent songwriters go, I ain't doing too badly as I am.

And yes, let's say it here and now, most of the people I'm working with and playing to currently are truly wonderful and inspirational. Playing orginal songs to any listening audience is a privilege, and it's one thing that still humbles and enlightens me. Oh woe if the day arrives when I am not excited and enchanted by people who appreciate my songs, so let's hope that day never arrives.

Hey, I may be the most unfashionable songwriter in Manchester but I've been having a ball with this for quite some time now and there's plenty more to come ;-)

So to take this further, should I build the band thing and work it that way? I have to say that gigging with the likes of Andy, Fluff, Jamie, and of course Ann, Holly and Waz, is a wonderful experience. It is these 'band' gigs and occasional jams with Ben from Wigan and Attila that have left me pondering big schemes, yet there's no way I could seriously drag those folk through rehearsals and around the circuit full time without serious finance.

If only I had a team of people; a decent agent, a record label and a press team who love my contribution to folky pop showbiz enough to say "we don't want the easy money, let's go with dp"! Y'know, music isn't about money until you wanna take it that step further ... then it's kinda the key to the door ...

As it happens, currently I am grooving on into that trusted routine of believing that the next new album will be the awesome work of art that will propel the boy poyzer along the path of least resistance into the arms of a welcoming world. With studio versions of 'SOMEONE FOR ME', 'JULIE RAINBOW', 'NOTHING TV' and 'SIMPLE BOY' on the menu, I may yet be in with a shout of greater things. These songs are storming it at all the gigs I am playing, so why not?

I am therefore, holding my hands out to anyone who has any ideas, contacts or whatever, who could help with a little more exposure, a few more gigs and all that. Getting some serious publicity and radio play would be cool for now the time is right ...

 

MONTHLY REVIEW - MAY 2003
Wow, what a month that was!

MOSSLEY ACOUSTICA - THURS MAY 1st
Our monthly '1st Thursday' songwriters night continues to be one of the better songwriter nights around. A challenge at times due to the large gathering of drinking types crammed into a small space, this at times is not a gig for the easy listeners. As someone pointed out tonight "Darren, you really meant it" ... yep, I did, all guns blazing, the anger came screaming and the acoustic got a thrashing!
Big mention for songwriter STEVE MORRIS who played two new songs tonight and was in outstandingly good form, and ORPHEUS who ... well, he's Orpheus, it's that simple!.

Next Mossley Acoustica: THURS JUNE 5TH and 1st Thursday every month.

 

DARREN POYZER & FRIENDS @ THE BAKERS VAULTS - THURS MAY 8th
A cracking 'new' gig as new management have taken to the dp acoustic thing and therefore this is now a monthly '2nd Thursday' show. Suits me of course, and having thoroughly enjoyed playing 75 minutes worth of original songs tonight, I am well up for taking this kind of challenge on. Tonights special guest was the very wonderful STEVE O'DONOGHUE, whilst DAVID GORDON and a couple of chaps from Leigh band SHIVER SLINKY added to the fun and the occasion with fine tunes.

This gig replaced the previously advertised appearance with Lloyd Cole and whilst I was dissapointed to lose that, the Bakers gig looks like being every bit a worthwhile replacement.

dp next @ Bakers Vaults: THURS JUNE 12TH and 2nd Thursday every month.

 

BALLISTIC ACOUSTIC BIG NIGHT OUT @ THE QUEENS HALL, WIDNES - SAT MAY 12th
A big hall, a big stage, an early start and a cast of many. A celebration of the monthly Ballistic Acoustic night, this one-off event provided a brilliant line-up of songwriters and acoustic bands. Yours truly had the pleasure of hosting the event, opening up the show and then playing the final half an hour. Big mentions here for JAKI FLOREK for organising the event and to everyone who played, and whilst all were brill, particularly inspiring on this occasion were LOVECRAFT, GREG OLDFIELD and VINNY PECULIAR (pictured).

Check out www.loosemusic.org for Widnes music things.

 

ACOUSTICA @ GLOSSOP LABOUR CLUB - THURS MAY 15th
Ann English now runs this third Thursday monthly gig - a nice contrast to Mossley Acoustica in that this really is a sit down and listen event in a cosy little club. And emphasis on the cosy - certainly not a New Labour hole in any way, this club has been left to run itself down and therefore retains much of the traditional character of warm welcomes and decent people.

Next Glossop Acoustica: THURS JUNE 19TH and 3rd Thursday monthly.

 

DARREN POYZER + COLIN WAKEFORD @ THE BAKERS VAULTS - THURS MAY 22nd
Stepping in at the last minute tonight for TONY AUTON who was on a sicky. Another cracking good night, and a storming half an hour from COLIN WAKEFORDc (pictured) made the show complete. For those who know the dp set list these days, let it be written that tonight there was no 'Over The Moon' or 'Beaches Of Ibiza' and yet with a few coming out of the back catalogue, tonights 75 minutes worth was just as well received as my last visit here. Kinda reassuring in a pleasant sort of way ...

dp next @ Bakers Vaults: THURS JUNE 12TH and 2nd Thursday every month.

 

MARK BURGESS + DARREN POYZER @ THE CASTLE, OLDHAM - FRI MAY 23rd
If I ever compile a list of my best ever gigs then for some reason I can't as yet put my finger on, this will be up towards the top of the list. For the unitiated, BURGESS is the frontman and principal songwriter with THE CHAMELEONS, a band who were truly massive in everything but the corporate sense during the late 80's. They briefly reformed last year, but now sadly appear to have gone their seperate ways again. A band that will in the spiritual sense, never die ...

Mark is now living abroad, so this was a rare appearance by him and maybe his last in the UK for some time. That meant that tonight's audience was mostly made up of people who'd come to say a brief hello, sing their hearts out, enjoy a few drinks and wave a special goodbye.

We'd decided between us that an early show was the way forward with this ... and so at 8.15pm we set off playing alternate songs with a planned 2 hour set. I must admit I wondered if 2 hours without a break was too long, but it worked and was truly awesome as at no point did our show dip, it merely became more and more passionate and melodic. And to my personal delight, I find in Mark's fans a crowd of people who welcomed my every song and in places, sent a chill up my spine with their applause and respect.

Thanks to Cath for leading me to some of the quotes courtesy of The Chameleons online community at Wishville:

It was only right that Mark should take the end of the show and he further blew our minds with more Chameleons 'hits' and a couple of covers, even inviting yours truly back on stage to bluff my way through a little guitar accompaniment on 'SECOND SKIN'. By the end, our show had lasted over 2 and a half hours, and boy what a gig.

After a couple of small Guinesses and one or two big goodbyes, a bit of a nostlagia indie disco ... and then there was a nice little bout of review chatter to be found on The Chameleons website in the days following. Quite rightly, Mark's performance was raved about, however I found for myself one or two very nice remarks and comparisons to MIKE HARDING and BILLY BRAGG for me to ponder. All in all, this was a stunning night, and should we ever get the chance to repeat this show, be there ;-).

 

BUZZ HAWKINS & THE BRADSHAWS - PLAZA THEATRE, STOCKPORT - SAT MAY 24th
We went for a night out with family and yep there we were, ANDY GODDARD and yours truly jumping up on stage to gatecrash the show and play three songs in one of the NW's finest theatres to about 700 people. It has to be said that Andy and I are very accessible to many audiences as like tonight, we can use his songs to drive the set. Melodic and sweet harmonies sound so sweet in such a venue, makes you realise the beauty in music that you can miss out on by playing too many bars and rock venues.

BIG thanks to BUZZ HAWKINS (see The Bradshaws online), one very decent, multi-talented chap indeed!

 

POYZER + FOX + DELTA 9 + BARRAND, LUX CLUB, WIGAN - WED MAY 28th
Riotous. Wigan has become a very popular place to gig these days due to the vibrant and dedicated resident Wigan Music Collective. The Lux Club however is a spin off gig, and with one or two minor musical rivalries developing in the town, there's a fair amount of anticipation attached to more than a few of the events taking place. Most certainly tonight, the place is packed, even maybe with one or two who'd like to see me fall. It's a bit noisy at first, but just like Real Madrid before me winning the Euro Cup on penalties, I guess I sneak home with a trophy and a result that at times during the more subtle moments in the set, looked a little beyond me on this occasion.

Big shout for the others who played and were all stunning: STEVE BARRAND, SIMON FOX, DELTA 9. Barrand is from the full-on school of fast acoustic pop, Fox is just awesome with his Weller / Clash styled anthems, whilst Delta 9 have a wicked guitar driven sound interwoven with an almost Zappa like Sax. And of course, you can't fail to mention DJ Bang Yer 'Ead 'Ere for playing top tunes.

dp plays HAIGH HALL FESTIVAL, WIGAN on SUNDAY JUNE 15TH

 

GLENN TILBROOK + POYZER & GODDARD, BLACKPOOL - THURS MAY 29th
On the posters it said 'Live At The Winter Gardens'. Correction, what posters? Complaints to the venue from the local promoter that his posters had gone missing were merely the tip of the berg tonight. Due to some reason or other, the gig was moved from The Victoria Suite, Winter Gardens to another part of the complex that is usually a 70's disco club. With all the house lights up and afro flared silhouettes accompanied by mirror balls, it was like playing a large living room with shite wallpaper. I wanted to scream "Hey the 70's were shit, deal with it!"

And before I go off in whinging mode, let it be said that the roles of agent and promoter are often thankless tasks. I have to say thanks and stay cool therefore to Pod from Arc Sounds and to Glenn and his team for making this happen despite the nonsense. Andy and I are always made very welcome, especially by Mr Tilbrook.

In fact in our guise as an occasional duo we have been blessed with some awesome gigs this last 2/3 years, so I'll settle for 9 out of 10 on this occasion! I suppose if we were a little below par tonight, we could be forgiven. In many ways we weren't though - a 45 minute set, not a bum note or lousy harmony - yet finding that little bit of magic proved elusive, or so we thought. Sometimes when you come off stage, the words of 'new' friends are very welcoming, and yes, I guess we pulled it off and our new friends walked away leaving us with glowing tributes.

Glenn also appeared a little flustered at first, but ever the tireless wonder on stage, he played his heart out, walked around the big room enticing all to sing along, and then took about 50 of us out to walk the streets of Blackpool as he played 'pied piper' style to the amazement of many onlookers. The poor sound engineer at first thought he'd left the venue in disgust at the venue sound and acoustics, but this 15 minute interlude with sea air merely served up a rousing reception for the last few numbers and big finish.

GT became a dad again recently, so if you combine Glenn's late nights, Andy's workload and my own mental exhaustion you'd have thought this might not be a great gig tonight. Thing is, it was, and as this line-up has proved before, if all things come together then this is one helluva show!

Check out Mr Tilbrook and all things Squeeze at www.glenntilbrook.com, and listen to the boy andy g at www.andygoddard.com.

 

NICK HARPER + DARREN POYZER, MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY - SAT MAY 31st
"I've never seen you look so nervous" said my good friend Howard Grocott. Nervous? I was a little on edge tonight, but didn't put it down to nerves. I'd say a little too tightly focussed by the realisation that I was opening up for the guy I rate as the finest guitar playing songwriter in the UK, at one of the most prestigeous venues on the tour.

I'm a little lacking in words to describe this gig, but let's just say that onstage was 45 minutes of truly awesome, as was the reception from the audience, and off stage watching Nick Harper is always a mind blowing pleasure. Big thanks especially to all those who came to say hello, some of whom had seen me in Warrington and Mossley, and to Jeff and Dianne from the US who were particuarly kind with their appraisal.

And as one chap stated at the end of the night with Nick's wall of sound still ringing in my ears, much to my delight: "You two really complemented each other". YES!

It was also nice to see other songwriters coming along to introduce themselves and say hello ... despite the setting I worked very hard to be my friendly, informal self tonight and it reaped many rewards ... no showbiz for me, I'm crunching crisps in the stall with the rest of 'em!

As for Nick Harper, what can you say? ... he's the boy. It was a pleasure to play support (ta Nick, thanks Sean, cheers Harry), and tickets are now on sale for the show we are doing together in Glossop on Sat July 12th, when I'll also have Fluff guesting on violin.

Nick Harper + Poyzer & Fluff live @ The Lift Festival, Glossop - SAT JULY 12TH
First come first served, it's a small venue so be sure to be sorted with tickets asap!
TICKET HOTLINES: 01457 853821 or 01457 866357
V ia e-mail: liftrick@aol.com
See www.globemusic.org
Also see www.nickharper.com

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TUITION FOR SINGER SONGWRITERS (ACOUSTIC GUITAR)
I've now re-commenced personal tuition for singer songwriters, those who are starting out or maybe those who wanna get back out there and strut their acoustica talents. My newest protege is PHIL HANIFF and you will see him on the songwriter circuit very soon.

• Acoustica! Songwriters Network
• Big Theatre Company
• Buzz Hawkins and The Bradshaws
• Earthhum Recordings and Events
• Ella Rooke - Jazz Singer
• Feedback Magazine
• Fret Works Musical Instruments, Computers and Tuition
• Galligu Arts
• Globe Music, Real Ale & Vegetarian Food
• Gorse Hall
• Impulse Lighting and Sound Systems
• Kevin Fegan (Poet / BBC Playwright)
• Lift Global Music Club
• Loose Music Collective
• MBM Corporate Entertainments Agency
• Music Cafe (Cheshire Council's Music Site)
• Poyzer.com (Darren Poyzer, Singer / Songwriter)
• Sinnerboy (A Tribute to Rory Gallagher)
• Splendid Weekend (Tameside Council's Family Funday Events)
• Stereo Graffiti Web Sites Design and Multimedia (UK)
• Steve O'Donoghue (Singer / Songwriter)
• Waring Green Community Centre