*New Video* New Recital (Temptation Mix) *Contains Strong Images*

*Contains Strong Images*

New Recital is a poem I wrote in response to the formation of the coalition government in 2010. I recorded it in the wake of the student fee protests earlier this month where I perform the poem over The Temptations, Papa Was A Rolling Stone.

The video footage that accompanies the piece shows clashes between Police and Poll Tax protesters in 1990; 20 years prior to these most recent protests against Conservative money-grabbing. However, this video is not meant to incite any violent actions, but instead, offers a mirror up to those on both sides of the divide. What I find interesting is how the Police in 1990 seem more openly brutal, but , due to their inferior 'kit' they appear less threatening than the modern day storm-trooper riot Police we are used to seeing at peaceful protests. Perhaps it is the portrayal of Police through our media networks that masks the brutality that was more openly broadcast two decades ago - state controlled TV, here we come.

Enjoy this freely; while you still can!!

Wordamouth @ The Live Room: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So, after a (well-publicised) last minute change of date, WORDAMOUTH went ahead at The Live Room on Monday night. Conspiring elements meant it was a predictably quiet night, but not one without high quality performance and an appreciative audience.

Captain of the Rant took the stage first and rattled through a 20 min set with his usual blend of well-observed critique and uncompromising wit. Next up was feature poet HKB Finn. Now, I remember Finn as a rapper, long before he moved into spoken word, and for me to be able to host Finn felt like I was paying back an overdue loan. True to form, Finn captivated the sparse audience with tales of travel, love, life and beyond. Finn is also a band member and performed with his Djembe for two pieces on Monday - one his; the other accompanying one of the open mic poets. It's not every performer who will participate beyond their booked duties so readily - props!

Unfortunately, Chris Syrus couldn't make it, but the 4 open mic poets filled the time and space admirably. In a night of first's WORDAMOUTH held it's first (and definitely last) SLAM!! Up for grabs was a copy of John Locke's, The Abuse of Words as well as a HKB Finn CD. Competition was furious and slightly hurried by the influx of late-night Sambuca seekers that flooded in after 11pm! After much deliberation and a couple of hours of myself and Funkhead Fred DJing 90's rave classics for the 'mad for it' crowd of local revellers that took over the venue (Xmas+free entry=WTF), the spoils were shared by Ardit and Nathan.

It was certainly a fun night, and with Alan Wolfson in attendance, an official poetry night! However, it was not the night I planned for and the Performer-Pundit ratio was way out of kilter due to iffy logistics and the date 'thing'. Still, props to the poets for doing a grand job and shouts to everyone who has, been to/planned to go to/tried to get to/talked about/served drinks/plugged in cables/printed flyers/blogged/liked and tweeted in support of WORDAMOUTH in 2010.

Next year there's big tings in the pipeline *pause* with WORDAMOUTH hitting Favela Chic on 8th Feb. There's no open mic at this one but top quality performance is definitely on the menu and then through the night with a poet-friendly DJ set from myself. Watch this space for more info.

Also WORDAMOUTH moves to a Sunday at The Live Room from January (dates tbc) as well as looking at exciting new venues/ventures in South London and Birmingham. Damn it feels good to see people up on it!!

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Future Movement - interview for The Artruists

I was lucky enough to get this clip shot by Lara Akinnawo for her blog, The Artruists. Follow the link to her site and read the interview that accompanies this poem. This piece talks about the ridiculous state of our political institutions. Enjoy.

Big thanks to Lara.

That's the true blue tune that's tooting...

I compiled this in anger at Sky News' reporting of students protesting in Parliament square today as 'just idiots', performing what a Metropolitan Police spokeswoman described as, 'wanton acts of violence'. A little historical research could have better informed their expectations...

1910

1936

1959

1981

1985

1990

2010

The true blue reality of Conservative politics in Britain.

(Funk) in your trunk...

If you are around London this summer, try and get down to Green Park to check out my man Ashwan's submission for Elephant Parade London 2010.

Elephant what? (I hear you say):

Elephant Parade is a conservation campaign that shines a multi-coloured spotlight on the urgent crisis faced by the endangered Asian elephant. Brought to you by www.elephantfamily.org, the event sees over 250 brightly painted life-size elephants located over central London this summer.

- Ashwan spent a few days in earlier in the year painting Harry (as my daughters named him!) in my garage and on my driveway. It turned plenty of heads and broke the ice for more conversations with my local community and neighbours than is usual in North-West London. It was a treat to see it come to being; from arriving as a white cast to leaving as a "...In Your Trunk, Turn The Bass Up"; a funky-ass piece of hip-hop painting/sculpture, destined to bomb one of the Queen's gardens - now that's gettin' up!

When you find it, look close for the curious tag nestled between the layers - props for that Ash!

Check the method:

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