Xmas Art Market Curated by Alice Herrick

The Xmas Art Market, curated by the artist Alice Herrick, took place on Thursday 19th of December at http://vout-o-reenees.com/eventtype/the-stash-gallery/

Among those selling their mini masterpieces were the art dealer, curator, and writer: Clive Jennings.

These splendid knickers were stitched by the artist Julia Maddison

Above: The artist Cate Halpin with her F**k Boris prints.

Above: Sadie Hennessy looking dashing in some Harry Pye Sunglasses.

Above: Editor of The Dark Times, Paul Sakoilsky

Above: Joe Sakoilsky

Jasper Joffe and Harry Pye. Jasper is holding a bag of delight.

Corey models a Karl Lagerfeld t-shirt designed by Tosic & Pye

Gordon Beswick puts tinsel round a print of 'The Life Drawing Class' (by Beswick & Pye)

The artist Michael Coles hides behind one of his brilliant masks.

Above: An official Harry Pye mask, 2 Unofficial calendars and Santa Corey sporting a, "Bring Back Pubes" badge designed by Sadie Hennessy.

Above: Paul Sakoilsky helps Alice Herrick draw winning raffle numbers. Money raised from the raffle went to help a Food Bank Charity. The Xmas Art Market was well organised and lots of fun. It helped us forget about the miserable election result and lots of people came away with unusual Xmas presents for their loved ones. Well done Alice and all the artists who took part.

Cut Out And Keep Me by David Devant and His Spirit Wife

They say, "the best things come to those who wait," and fans of David Devant & His Spirit Wife are in for a treat.The new Devant album, Cut Out And Keep Me is their first since 2004 and it's probably their best. 

Last night at The Water Rats in Kings Cross the band were on fine form and a packed crowd marveled at their new material.

Singer Mikey Georgeson (a.k.a "The Vessel")and Co have come up with 12 fab new tracks. Album opener, Sublime is an intriguing yet soothing celebration of being over the hill. Sally's Down With The Kids is fast and fun bit of Glam Rock. Guitarist Foz is an amazingly inventive player it's great to hear him go balls out. The Bowie-esq Data Streams gives bass player, Le Colonel the chance to shine. Rough Magic is pure pop perfection and deserves to be a huge hit. Georgeson sounds very soulful on this immediately lovable track. The title track, Cut Out And Keep Me is an impressive recording that wouldn't be out of place on Abbey Road. Side One closes with the dreamy, This Train. It's a curious song which doesn't sound like anything the band has done before. 

Here I Am begins with a My Sweet Lord intro and features a guitar riff not unlike Day Tripper. The song is Mikey musing on why we remember what we remember - it's interesting. Miracles Happen could have been a single by Madness (circa Cardiac Arrest). The music is upbeat and jolly and the lyrics are witty. Drummer, Professor Rimshot plays military style drums to perfection. 

The Weatherman is yet another very strong track. I think Foz is playing The Saw rather than the guitar on this song. One of the few pop songs to mention both Cliff Richard and Heidegger. (He's A Bit Of A) Rake is a killer. It really packs a punch and is great to bop around to. In some ways it's the most similar to the Devant we know and love. It's as good as Devant classics such as Cookie and Ginger. Early Worm is pleasant, sophisticated and charming. And finally, album closer, Putting My Demons to Bed is just fantastic. I love this song. Again it's surprisingly soulful and the band sound super tight. The, "night night" outro that the backing singers do is just beautiful. If you want suggestions as to what to buy the music lover in your family this Xmas... my vote is for David Devant. 'Cut Out And Keep Me' is a classic.       

Buy the CD from this site: cutoutandkeepme.com

Cut Out And Keep Me was recorded at Kindness Studios, Brighton.

Text and photos by: Harry Pye

December 12 2019