The Bookshop Band: Where Words Meet Music
The Bookshop Band, a duo consisting of Beth Porter and Ben Please, is a unique entity that brings together two seemingly disparate worlds: literature and music. Their music is inspired by books, and they have been performing at bookstores, festivals, and libraries across the United Kingdom. I had the opportunity to attend one of their shows at Rheged, an arts center in Penrith, just outside the Lake District in northern England.
A Journey to the Show
I traveled from London to attend the show, which took almost seven hours. The journey was long and harrowing, but I was excited to see the Bookshop Band perform. As I arrived at Rheged, I was struck by the beauty of the surroundings and the enthusiasm of the crowd. The show was a collaboration between the Bookshop Band and Jackie Morris, a renowned illustrator, whose work was on display.
The Show
The show began with the Bookshop Band performing a series of songs inspired by books. Their music is hauntingly beautiful, with Porter’s voice being a particular highlight. The duo’s chemistry is undeniable, and their harmonies are effortless. They swapped instruments seamlessly, moving from cello to violin and guitar to ukulele. The audience was entranced, and I found myself completely absorbed in the music.
The Power Outage
Just as the show was reaching its climax, the power went out. The crowd gasped in surprise, but the Bookshop Band didn’t miss a beat. They continued to perform, illuminated only by five emergency bulbs. The atmosphere was electric, and the audience was captivated by the duo’s ability to adapt to the situation.
The Bookshop Band’s Story
The Bookshop Band has been around since 2010, when Please corralled Porter and another friend, Poppy Mosse, to write songs for author events at Mr. B’s Emporium Bookshop in Bath. They started small, performing at bookstores and libraries, but their music quickly gained popularity. They have since released 14 albums, including their latest, "Emerge, Return," which was produced by none other than Pete Townshend, guitarist and singer for The Who.
Pete Townshend’s Involvement
Townshend, a former bookstore owner and author himself, discovered the Bookshop Band through a mutual friend. He was impressed by their music and invited them to stay at his place if they ever needed lodging while on tour. A flurry of messages resulted in plans for a return visit and an agreement for Townshend to produce an album that the band would record in his studio.
The Album
Townshend’s involvement might account for the band’s ambitious schedule, which includes several months of back-to-back engagements at festivals, bookstores, and libraries across the United Kingdom. The list of 50 events is printed on souvenir tea towels featuring cover art designed by Stanley Donwood, who also works with Radiohead.
Conclusion
The Bookshop Band is a unique and talented duo that brings together two worlds: literature and music. Their music is inspired by books, and they have been performing at bookstores, festivals, and libraries across the United Kingdom. Their show at Rheged was a testament to their talent and ability to adapt to any situation. If you’re a fan of music or literature, or both, the Bookshop Band is definitely worth checking out.
FAQs
Q: What is the Bookshop Band?
A: The Bookshop Band is a duo consisting of Beth Porter and Ben Please, who perform music inspired by books.
Q: How did the Bookshop Band get started?
A: The Bookshop Band started in 2010, when Please corralled Porter and another friend, Poppy Mosse, to write songs for author events at Mr. B’s Emporium Bookshop in Bath.
Q: Who produced the Bookshop Band’s latest album, "Emerge, Return"?
A: Pete Townshend, guitarist and singer for The Who, produced the Bookshop Band’s latest album, "Emerge, Return".
Q: How many albums has the Bookshop Band released?
A: The Bookshop Band has released 14 albums.
Q: Where can I see the Bookshop Band perform?
A: The Bookshop Band performs at bookstores, festivals, and libraries across the United Kingdom. Check their website for upcoming tour dates.
Q: Can I request a song for the Bookshop Band to perform?
A: Yes, the Bookshop Band collects reading recommendations from listeners and incorporates them into their shows. You can submit your requests on their website.
