Interview with Angelina Grimshaw at the Spyglass, Esplanade, Ventnor 1/7/99 by Vic King

A new wavelength

There have been a couple of very good Dance Preachers gigs of late. Firstly the Gaffers Festival at Yarmouth.

The one was quite a surprise. We didn't realise that it was going to be quite that successful. It started raining, they all headed for the marquee and we had a permanent audience. We were on top form. It was the first gig for the Dance Preachers for a while. A party atmosphere, just the feel of it was right.

Then the following night was the CD launch at the Hotel Ryde Castle.

That was a wipeout weekend for sleep. We had also played at the Castle on Sunday lunch time. The night was quite nostalgic. So many bands under one roof for a couple of quid. The idea felt quite dated. It proved that he support is still there.

Any chance of a repeat performance?

Possibly at the end of the year we may do something similar.

How did the recent tour of Germany go?

It was a tight schedule, there were gigs in both the east and west. there were a few days off. Most of the gigs were in specialised blues clubs. Quite a body of gigs were pigeon-holed into acoustic blues, but there was the opportunity to border on to country folk blues. No language problem. We focused on the evenings, you're living for that couple of hours. It was quite relaxing just to get away from the routine over here and also inspiring to meet other people.

I certainly feel that you deserve a wider audience. Any other trips abroad planned?

We're going to Southern France at the end of July, near Bordeaux to do a festival with Dr. John and Buddy Guy. They are catering for both acoustic and full on electric.

What direction do you feel that you own songwriting is going in?

It's developing from Lonely Road style. I'm into more creative vocal techniques, more soundscapes with vocals. That's the area to be worked, phrasing. I'm listening to a Richard Thompson compilation album at present. I'm concentrating on more impulsive ideas.

What other music are you currently listening to?

Miles Davis - A Kind of Blue, I'm also interested in what local floor singers are up to. You've got to go out and gather your own influences.

What about Billie Holiday?

I'd like to put a bit more time into it. It feels close to me and needs to be explored to lift out the essence. She is a very important figure in my musical development. It's understanding the mood and application. You have to understand the character.

Black Muddy River is an interesting cover. We know that from the Grateful Dead version.

I heard it by Norma Waterson. She is a pioneer. I need to lock myself away and put some of that on. You need to listen with the lights off as opposed to listening to something while your washing up. I haven't had the time to do that recently.

What's been happening away from music?

I've been working with students at the College who have severe learning difficulties. It's very rewarding. I've developed more life skills, building a rapport with other people, just taking people as they are. It's pure life skills, it's not about obtaining 'A' or 'O' levels, not having to grade people. It's about life learning, it's a new wavelength and things I'm writing have been more influenced by it. Teachings a bit like being on stage, it can be freestyle.

Finally who wrote Sugar Blues? That's such a good song.

That's Coley Jones . . .

Vic King