#letthemusicplay

Day 102, in the lockdown house ( best read in a Geordie accent!)

Apparently , we can't start performing yet, as the blast of air from the trumpet and trombone, will infect a radius of 15 square miles, if we had the virus? On a serious note (B#) a couple of the band are convinced we had Covid in December. We were so poorly. As none of us have contracted it since, hope is high. This Saturday , we should have been playing an outside concert at a pub in sawley? We have lost so many functions..but for us, this is a hobby. Please give thought to those, that have entertainment as a career. We can't wait to get back and play for you all. But for the moment, we are all stuck at home, playing with ourselves. I will be glad when the opticians open as well ! 

Playing with one's self!

No my dear cranberrians, not a rude post , but something the magnificent 7 are having to get used to. None of us know how long we will be on lockdown. After 7 days with the wife , I suddenly realised she is quite interesting. 3 of us in the band have made videos to try and keep you entertained...obviously alone and more than 10 miles apart. Be it brass ,strings ,reed, vocals, keyboard  or percussion, we all have to practice every day to keep lips, fingers ,tonsils in pristine condition...ready...ready ...for the day this is all over and we can finally entertain you all again. We only have one message , stay safe...keep calm and look after your loved ones ( ok 3 messages) with love from team Cranberry x

Green

The word is spreading about the fantastic show given by Cranberry Flick. We are now travelling around the country. Usually in individual cars and Ted on his push bike ( he has a little basket on the front where he carries his trumpet and sombrero) It was hard work for him when we travelled to the depths of Lincolnshire, with storm Dennis making travelling a tad risky. However, the warm welcome we got at the Valentine's Steampunk dance was overwhelming...plus we got fed steak pie and mushy peas!!! Not a good combination for a brass player. Our lovely vocalist Angie Jean dug deep and the show went on ,despite her having a throat lurgy. A couple of days rest...( I say rest ,as most of our musicians play in different bands) and we found ourselves in a very cold tent for the Derby winter Beer festival at the roundhouse. We did the soundcheck in coats hats and thermal long John's....until someone turned the heating on. With over 400 different ales to sample, the band did an outstanding job ,of testing all, hic. Back on the road soon to chesterfield and beyond. 

2020 vision

Hi cranberrians. A quick update of the day to day life of the flickers. We were so busy before Xmas with different gigs. Most of the band went down with a truly nasty virus , but dug deep and fulfilled all engagements ,including a great concert at the House of Darwin and day time Xmas concert at Billy Bootleggers...of which we had to fight for parking spaces along with the last minute Xmas shoppers. Our Xmas concert at the duchess theatre was almost a sell out. We tested our new smoke machine on stage ,but most of it obliterated the bass player ( some say, that it was an advantage). So here we are in the new year and the word is spreading as we are getting so busy. Travelling the length and breadth of this fine country, we are hitting the road to bring you our fantastic and unique shows....be excited ...be very excited.

22

So, let's have a bit of a catch up from Cranberry Land. The guys and gal of cranberry have been a tad busy over the last few months. Very pleased to say, that the Cd is selling really well and has been played on local radio and playing at various vintage cafes and shops in the Midlands. We have just finished a sell out concert at the Ashby Venture Theatre, which was more akin to the O2 arena, judging by the reaction of the enthusiastic audience, ranging from people in their early 20s to a very youthful 91? Next project, a video shoot, to accompany the CD. (watch this space) From the Directors chair to a wonderful bistro called The House of Darwin. This is a fantastic restaurant /pub with outstanding decor, top chefs and magical ambience, on Nov 30th you can come and enjoy our music for free. From there we move into the land of the Hood.. Down town Nottingham Lace Market on 21st Dec and a brand new venue called Billy Bootleggers... And unusually, an afternoon gig. Then the big one. The only one that Santa takes a detour to visit and say hello. Dec 23rd at the Duchess theatre. Music and Mince pies in abundance. All details can be found on our Web site or Face Tube. We look forward to seeing you all and invite you to experience a truly memorable show. 

Light the blues touch paper

Only one day to go.....months of hard work....instruments being polished. Snares being tightened. G strings finely tuned..Dresses and make up and hair being curled (and that's just our trumpet player!!) Radio programs doing interviews. Flyers being dropped off at all 4 corners of Alvaston. Yes folks. 8 at 8 with 7 of the finest musicians in middle England will be at the Royal Oak Ockbrook ( Saturday 8th June) and in the finest traditions of Thunderbirds...it 5..4.. 3.. 2...1...Cranberry Flick is Gooooooo. Album launch is FAB. 15 tracks of pure entertainment.. a distinctive artwork cover...which will be a collector's item in the future. All this for only £5. Live music , great ale, bar snacks and a CD. We all look forward to greeting you at the best little public house in town. Guaranteed you will go home feeling happy ( or any other of the 7 dwarves)

Moving Along

I know we have been very quiet in cranberrians land for a few weeks. But we have been working so hard , producing our new album. To say we are excited , is an understatement. Personally , I haven't been so excited since the mother in law told me ,that she would jump up and down on my grave when I'm gone. Which is brilliant as I am being buried at sea !!
The cd has now been mastered. The artwork and album sleeve has been designed and we are ready to go to print. We are also in the process of organising a launch gig , where the entrance fee includes a copy of the CD aptly titled ' As long as I'm moving' Special mention to Terry of Major Oaks Recordings for his patience and professionalism throughout this project. Also to our lovely vocalist Angie who has spent hours designing the artwork for sleeve and burning the midnight oil, to get it completed . It really is something to be proud of and I know you will enjoy it.  Watch this space for launch dates .