I’ve just returned from a (damp) weekend at the Cropredy Festival where, on Saturday afternoon, I was fortunate to rediscover the talents of the rather amazing Francis Dunnery. It’s eleven years since I last witnessed the blistering guitar solos, contrapuntal rhythms and supernatural lyrics of It Bites, but his current performance still betrays his progressive roots.
Whilst he’s mellowed a lot over the years, most of the Cropredy set being played on an Ovation acoustic (the black Stratocaster still made the occasional appearance, sounding as lethal as ever), the voice is most definitely still there, together with those scat vocal add-ins.
The article in the Cropredy programme starts with a quote from Dunnery: “I’ve just had enough of all this record company bullshit”. And who can blame him? After all, this guy has more skill in his little finger than many guitar-playing pretenders who’ve enjoyed so much more commercial success. Dunnery never sold out – clearly, he has principles.
Accompanied by “The Grass Virgins” with some nimble-fingered bass playing from Matt Pegg and stunning vocal support from (I think) Doreen Jackson, the set featured ten songs, all new to my ears. Highlights included “In the Garden of Mystic Lovers” and the infectious “Me and Franciene”, but best of all IMHO was the concluding “Close My Door” with its wonderfully uplifting coda.
I bought a copy of his latest album “Man” (from which most of the songs on Saturday were chosen) at the festival since I read that it is only available at gigs or through the Francis Dunnery web site (www.francisdunnery.com). Give it a try - you won’t be disappointed.
It was a great moment of rediscovery for me. And I find there are several other albums since It Bites to catch up on. Great stuff!
Regards,
CB
Posted on: 14 August 2001 by Stephen Bennett
It's always a great feeling when you discover that someone you admire not only still making albums and music, but even producing their best work now. I didn't realise that no-man were still recording until I met Tim Bowness and started working with him. Their latest album 'returning jesus' is their best imho since the heady days of 'days in the trees'. Then you find out that the gusy from japan are still playing and recording. Most of these musicians have moved on from record company debt and onto the net. Try searching for a long lost loved band or artist - chances are they are on line & making albums.
I saw it Bites in Norwich years ago. FD was an amazing guitar player but the music didn't gel with me. That could be sour grapes though as I was trying to make it then with a similar style of Progressive pop - probably my younger more cynical self. Wait a sec - I'm still cynical, or 'realistic' as I prefer to call it. I'll give IB another listen.
Regards
stephen
Posted on: 28 August 2001 by Top Cat
Man, I miss that band. Somewhat Mullet-tastic, but they got me through a difficult break-up in my first year at uni all those years ago, so they still occupy a place in my affections...
So, what has oor Franco done since IB?
John
