Brian is The Fo'c'sle's popular resident MC and regular floor-spotter. As well as being a member of numerous groups over the years, such as Double Cross (with Pete Harris), Cat's Whiskers and Hooper & Fry (with Tony Fry), he has been on the folk scene in Southampton and surrounding areas so long many of us can't remember that far back.
Who has not heard his inimitable rendering of Graham Penny's The Channels (in fact his own arrangement, with a specially extended instrumental to fit a film sequence once upon a while)? Who hasn't doubled up laughing at his exquisitely resurrected 1.45? Or his key-changing Kisses Sweeter than Wine (once used to put off an obtrusive and unwanted accompaniment, though he would normally welcome anyone joining in)? Not a prolific songwriter himself, he nevertheless has one or two respectable compositions to his name. When it comes to rendering a serious standard (and he knows some unusual ones, if that isn't a contradiction) he is up there with the best for beauty and memorability.
Brian is also author of the long-running and always interesting Hooper's Column in Folk on Tap.
He released his first solo CD in 2002, 'Hooperman in the Can' which may be had at The Fo'c'sle or by contacting him direct.
Jeff Henry and Brian Hooper (half of Cats Whiskers, for those with long memories) started life as a duo in 2002, featuring two voices, two guitars, mandolin and Appalachian dulcimer (not all at once). With some solo material from each of them as well, they promise a varied evening of entertainment and amusement and are understood to be Quite Good. Check out There ... and Back Again Jeff's 2002 CD
Play, Sing, read a Poem, tell a Story, listen, fetch the beer, anything
"A One-Man Folk Industry!" was how Jim Lloyd described Pete Coe on Folk on 2. With a vast repertoire of traditional & original songs, dance tunes & dances playing bouzouki, melodeon, dulcimer, banjo & step percussion, he's been a professional musician since 1971.
Pete looks to the tradition, but doesn't shrink from adapting and reinventing in order to move forward. He is essentially a storyteller, equally at home with lengthy traditional ballads as with pithy self-penned songs. Shreds and Patches
He has recorded ten albums, broadcasts regularly on local and BBC radio and has appeared in several television programmes.
Journalist Colin Irwin wrote in Mojo Magazine:
"He explores the heartland of the English folk song revival with an ease and honesty that invests traditional songs with a simplistic beauty"
Pete has frequently worked and recorded with other musicians throughout his career ... with Chris Coe as a duo... with Chris, Nic Jones and Tony Rose as BANDOGGS ... with the legendary NEW VICTORY BAND and with RED SHIFT. He continues to work as a caller with dance band RAW MATERIAL (as well as other local and nationally known dance bands) but his main work is solo.
Pete is a prolific songwriter and his songs include Joseph Baker (performed by The Chieftains), The Wizard of Alderley Edge (an early classic), The Alimony Run (recorded by Token Women), Sold Down the River Again (recorded with Red Shift), The Jackdaw, The Waves of Tory (a comment on the Thatcher Era in Britain), Bring the New Year In (on the new album) and numerous others.
Pete's new CD is imminent: "in paper houses" Pete Coe (2004)
"Destined to become a classic, it is a work of distinction, containing some superb performances and an elegant balance of material" (Review - David Herron Living Tradition Magazine)
Play, Sing, read a Poem, tell a Story, listen, fetch the beer, anything
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