BIOG : michael pipe
Michael Pipe celebrated his 10th anniversary at the Ent Shed in the heart of the arts quarter of Bedford in 2012. His relaxed, genuinely warm and friendly manner has drawn many regulars to his live gigs over the years. They were invited to vote for their favourite acts in various categories to make up the 10th Anniversary programme! And what a programme! The Cherry Lee Mewis Band play the final Anniversary gig in May 2013. Most gigs are sell-outs! Tickets rarely exceed £15! Staged in an intimate, refurbished venue, Michael's guest artists add a superb dimension to the very lively Bedford live music scene. Michael's natural encouragement and mentoring has been much appreciated by many aspiring musicians; they and well known artists return to the Ent Shed confident of a warm welcome. Drawing international acts which are always 'just a little different', Michael Pipe is held in high regard by new musicians and those with legendary careers. www.entshed.co.uk
One of these is blues legend, JOHN VERITY! Do read on!
One of these is blues legend, JOHN VERITY! Do read on!
BIOG : JOHN VERITY
FIRST BEDFORD GUITAR FESTIVAL 2007
PROMOTER MICHAEL PIPE
starring PAPA GEORGE ~ ROY METTE ~ roland chadwick
Reviewed by JOHN VERITY
for art'icle magazine bedford UK
Editor/publisher SANDRA DUDLEY
art'icle magazine bedford uk sponsored by autoglass
JOHN VERITY, INTERNATIONAL BLUES LEGEND, began his career in the early 1960s in his native Bradford. By age 21 with his band TUNNEL he played support to guitar hero, JIMI HENDRIX in New York plus other similarly gifted musicians. By 1971, the JOHN VERITY BAND was formed in Miami and, returning to the UK later that year, the first of many outstanding solo and band albums was released. By 1973, ROD ARGENT, after lead vocalist RUSS BALLARD's departure, appointed JOHN VERITY. The band? ARGENT!
Touring and gigging for 3 years until ARGENT disbanded, JV, as he is affectionately known to this day became an Artist and Recording Producer. Forming PHOENIX with BOB HENRIT and JIM RODFORD, albums were released with CBS, Rocket Records and Charisma Records. A decade passed as a session musician and record producer with most of the best known bands and musicians of the time. Moving to Bedfordshire, further albums were released and fan bases built from village pubs to city clubs and at international festivals and venues.
At the 1994 Manchester Festival, JV guested at the Fender Stratocaster 40th Anniversary concert. "Stay with me Baby" was to receive enormous appreciation. In 1991, a Granada TV Series "Full Stretch" included JV, and in 1995 opening the celebrations at the Hippodrome in London's West End for a 32 date JOOLS HOLLANDS SEX JAZZ AND ROCK AND ROLL TOUR which toured all the major UK venues including Manchester Free Trade Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.
2012 ~ A LANDMARK YEAR - see www.johnverity.com . . .
- READ how JV's long legendary career moved into the 21st century, his lifelong love KEEPING MUSIC LIVE!
- READ how a 'chance meeting with guitar guru TREV WILKINSON'.....'lead to the development and release of the JV Signature model guitar' . . . The FRET KING BLACK LABEL CORONA JV SIGNATURE MODEL'!
- READ how the perfect amplifier was developed with STEVE MOTLER of VTR AMPS!
- READ of a specially voiced loudspeaker to JV specifications with PAUL SEAGO, TAYDEN LOUDSPEAKERS!
2012 began with opening the GREAT BRITISH ROCK AND BLUES FESTIVAL, Skegness. A 3000 capacity audience roared their approval - the standing ovation overpoweringly electric - as experienced by one member of the audience attending her first R&B Festival - but OMG, was it deserved!
SUE MARCHANT, BBC RADIO CAMBRIDGE presenter, posted on Facebook that night "YOU WERE ON FIRE, JV!"
2013 and the JOHN VERITY BAND is back on the road!
- Check out the GIG LIST on www.johnverity.com
- Next STABLES, WAVENDON date to be announced soon!
- JV demonstrated the JV Signature model guitar at the Great British Guitar Show 2013 in Birmingham. Look out for other shows - visit JV on his stand!
- Don't miss WEDNESDAY 29 MAY - Malt and Shovel Tavern, Northampton maltshoveltavern.com ~ 8.45 pm ~ free admission!