visit our website www.thisiscornwall.co.uk (TR) West Briton Thursday July 10, 2008 39 Celebrating Incredible organist Briggs offers a night historic date to remember for audience at Cathedral in calendar SATURDAY will be a signific- The Phantom of the Opera art of improvisation –David Briggs' Briggs’ use of ‘signature’themes for and at one point a fourth dimension ant date in the history of Corn- Organ Improvisation by David Briggs own landmarktranscriptions of the characters greatly enhanced under- from the divided pedal, plus dinosaur wall. Truro Cathedral great Paris organist Pierre Cochereau standing of the plot, particularly when growls straight from Jurassic Park. It is the 500th anniversary of Review by Judith Whitehouse were completed and recorded at used as reminiscence or precursor – As night fell in the Cathedral, the the signing of the Charter of Truro. the Phantom’s theme courtesy of Wag- uplit gothic vaulting round the screen Pardon, where King Henry VII IN the era of silent films,our great- The film itself is a tribute to the ner, the heroine’s by Lloyd Webber. Of almost became part of the filmset –a of England enshrined the grandparents could well have heard acting and miming skills of the par- course there’s much moretoimpro- very spooky effect in the underground rights and privileges of morelive organ music at the local ticipants, though inevitably amodern visation than that –Briggs’ combin- scenes,and just one example of the Cornish miners, dealers and cinema than at church. This was an audience will react differentlyfrom ation and development of themes imaginative ways music can be presen- traders in tin, their heirs and opportunity to experience the best of that of 1925 –and who could now keep a coupled with his ability to generate ted. Film buffs, organists, even Lloyd successors forever, to pay no both worlds, as David Briggs (who did straight face at the caption “He has no totallyconvincing romantic slush, Webber devotees experienced a night to taxes to the Crownexcept for so much to set Truro Cathedral’s music nose!” and the identification of the creeping terror, utter frivolity,dark remember. Incredibly,Briggs, after 80 coinage on their products. on the road to excellence during his henpecked theatreproprietor as ‘Mr foreboding, desolation and complete minutes’non-stop playing (was there This was the outcome of a time as Director of Music) improvised Buquet’? Therewas also much mer- slapstick without pausing forbreath really only one of him?) still had the protracted struggle wherethe one of his celebrated live accompani- riment at Briggs’ cheeky musical quo- would have been spellbinding even energyto leapout at the audience in a King assured rights of Tinners ments to the 1925 classic The Phantom tations – ‘Postman Pat’as aletter without the pictures! Theorgan’s voluminous cloak to take the rapturous to regulate and benefit from the of the Opera. In an illuminating in- arrived, ‘Pink Panther’ preceding the famed tonal range was taken places it applause. It is rumoured he hopes to all important tin trade. troduction, a packed audience was giv- introduction of an Inspector Clouseau- doesn’t usually go in services –multi- return to Truro with The Hunchback In 1497 the Cornish under en some fascinating insights into the like secret policeman, and many more. textured heavy reeds with mixtures, of Notre Dame –soon, please! Michael Joseph of and of , rose to protest against heavy taxes imposed by Henry to finance his war against the Scots. They marched to London and Jack’s mellow music takes were defeated at Blackheath by Henry’s professional army and their rights and privileges were withdrawn. An impossible situation then arose during which the King minds off the wet weather got no Cornish tin. In 1508 he granted the miners the Charter of Pardon (for which they paid By ANNA WHITNEY hardcore for thatkind of non- Afew years agowhen Ifirst £1,000 and in today’s value [email protected] sense. In fact some surfers had heard him, i thought he was would be at least £1 million) to come dressed as if it was sum- fantastic, but the novelty had regain privileges. WHEN I hear Jack Johnson’s mer. Anyway the music soon worn offabit and iwas be- The Charter of Pardon en- easy on the ear sounds, I think took our minds offthe weath- ginning to find him a bit, well, hanced the establishment of a of summer in , or er. ‘samey’ these days. Cornish Stannary Parliament more far-flung exotic Folk man Mason Jennings But seeing him live won me made up of representatives lcoations, thousands of miles kicked off proceedings to an round again. His unassuming from the four Stannaries of away. enthusiastic reception, his personality comes across live Lostwithiel, Truro, Helston Wherever it is, it’s always blend of witty lyrics and hu- and older songs such as Bubble and Launceston. Under the drenched in sunshine. mour proving a hit with the Toes, along with more recent Lord Warden of the Stannaries, So much forthat. Iwas crowd, performing several hits like Breakdown and Better the Parliament met and reg- among the legion of disappoin- songs from his new album In Together were greeted with a ulated production and trade in ted fans who found out on Sat- the Ever,which looks set to rapturous reception, along tin, copper and other metals. urday the show was cancelled, increase his profile. with his thanks to Newquay’s Cornish Heritage, a body de- and spent the day instead look- Former Slowdiveman and surfers for helping his pop- voted to the welfare, protection ing forlornly at the torrential Newquay resident Neil Hal- ularity spread across the UK. and research of Cornish rights, rain and 70mph winds lashing stead’s dreamy blend of indie His band were also fantastic, is holding a celebration at the windows. folk conjured up the sound of particularly his keyboard Kingsley Village, Fraddon at 12 But Sunday’s concertwent summer, but I was a bit dis- player Zach Gill, who boasted a noon on Saturday to commem- ahead, and though the stage on tracted during his set as a superb, husky voice. orate the 500th Anniversary of top of the cliff at Watergate Bay passing seagull decided to The last couple of albums the Charter of Pardon of 1508. resembled a fragile island in shower me with luck, so had to hadn’t grabbed me as much as Among those participating will the midst of astorm, the gig retreat to the beer tent to wash his older stuff did, but maybe be the piper Will Coleman, was a virtual a sell-out, as it off. Things soon picked up that’s simply because the nov- Bard Pol Hodge, Graham Hart, many with tickets from the with G. Love and Special elty wore off some time ago. Matthew Clarke,dancers Ros Saturday decided to go on Sauce.Band member Jim But it’s impossible not to Keltic, Dalla Duo and Misty Sunday instead. ‘Jazz’Prescott, who from like this music when you’re Mountain Line Dancers and Jack himself seemed more wherewe were standing, standing in the rain butsud- stalls selling Cornish goods. than a little shocked by the looked like Bill Bailey doing a denly transported back to a There will be a procession into cold temperatures.He con- second job, did a valiant job of beachbar in Costa Rica, or all Kingsley Village with an escort fessed he was wearing some wiping the rain off his bass the other beautiful locations of kilted Cornish men and the “long thermal pants” and said between songs. it’s possible to hear his music Piper forthe Charter of Par- he was wearing shoes for only G. Love’s improvised rap being played in these days don. Everyone is welcome, both the second time in his per- about sampling strong brews around the world. Cornish and non-Cornish. forming life. and fish and chips, and spot- The best, though, was saved Shoes,he claimed, smiling, ting seagulls in Newquay was till last for me, with a gorgeous with toes painted on them. a real giggle. rendition of Rainbow, from the Most of the audience His blend of hip hop and surf movie soundtrack to Will week funds laughed when he asked: “I blues really worked and what I Jack Johnson walks on stage in typically self-effacing style. Thicker Than Water, where guess you are all wearing long hadn’t really grabbed me on Picture: www.TekterImages.com Jack invited all the other CORNWALL Hospice Care’s johns too, right?” I don’t think first listening to his newal- artists back on stage to sing Make aWill Week has been a he was joking though. He ob- bum really came alive on stage was waiting for, and he didn’t simple, accoustic trademark with him for alast encore. huge success encouraging viously didn’t realise us and got everyone jumping. disappoint. The Hawaiian- sound inspires a love/ hate Jack’s at his best when he’s morethan 260 people to have Cornish are clearly far too But it was Jack everyone born surfer turned musician’s reaction among music fans. singing the blues. their wills written and raising over £13,000 for the charity. Solicitors and independent financial advisers across Corn- Biking: Local club boasts two of the country’s top riders wall, including Truro solicit- ors Nalders, Follet Stock, Carlyon & Son and Chris Har- A CORNISH BMX and off- Pirates at their base at ‘The rison Law agreed not to charge road biking club can boast Track’, near . normal fees for updating or two of the country’s top Mr Herman, from Cam- writing wills for a week. Dona- riders. borne, is one of the coun- tions were requested for Corn- Dave Herman, secretary try’s leading over 40 age wall Hospice Care. I BMX riders of the Duchy Pirates, is de- group riders. “The response was amaz- from left: Will lighted with the club’s suc- “The sport is open to ing,” said fund-raiser Kevin Evans, Ben cess since it was formed a riders of all ages, making it Marsh. “Nearly all the parti- Clarkson and year ago. great fun for all the fam- cipating solicitors and finan- Dave Herman Will Evans, 23, who lives ily.” cial advisers were fully booked. pictured at near Truro, is a member of The club has about 40 Some volunteered to have more The Track the GB 4X team. members, ranging from appointments at other times.” near BMX biking is now an seven years upwards. Paul Paterson of Nalders . Olympic sportand Ben Mr Herman said: “There said: “Having your will pre- Picture: Colin Clarkson, 14, from St Steph- is no age discrimination. pared by a professional adviser Higgs/C&IoSP en, near , is a Everyone is the same out is important to ensure your potential Olympic compet- on the track.” wishes can be carried out.” itor. G The Duchy Pirates are Money raised will help Corn- He has been selected for always on the look-out for wall Hospice Care provide spe- the British Cycling Feder- new members. cialist medical, practical and ation’s talent team from For moreinformation emotional care to people in which futureOlympic visit www.duchypir- Cornwall wholive with a life squads will be drawn. ates.co.uk or call Mr Her- threatening illness, as well as They both ride with the man on 07999 454434. support to families and carers.