Spectacular spooks

The Method - who have been playing together for the past five or so years - will be playing their Hallowe'en gig at Worcester's Marr's Bar on Sunday, October 31.

The band - Luke Wurmli (acoustic guitar), Colin Brown (guitar), Bod Barlow (keyboards and synths), John Gittings (decks) and Robbie Gittings (bass) have re-scored the 80 minute Dracula spectacular using a wide range of acoustic and electronic musical instruments.

The film - which was made in 1921 by the renowned director Murnau - will be projected onto a large screen while the band - whose sound is described as a a mix of samples, driving drum beats and sweet melodies - play.

The idea came when the band were touring Europe with another group who were producing live music for silent movies and it has already proved a success - with previous sell-out shows in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

"It's a unique concept that really captures the imagination," said Luke.

"There's some sampled sounds in the music but there's also a lot of melodies."

The band will be performing at 4pm and 8pm. Tickets are £3 in advance or £5 on the door.

Mix of Irish music and Celtic lore

A FORMER Malvern resident will be bringing his anguished vocals to Worcester's Marrs Bar as part of a concert featuring a trio of talented artists.

Martin Furey is a multi-instrumentalist with a voice Time Out described as an ''Irish Aaron Neville'' and will bring to the stage an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary songs - some self-penned - including a wealth of Irish music and Celtic lore.

He has been touring venues and festivals around the world, including the Fleadh in London and Glastonbury this year, since the late 80s - when he formed his first band in Scotland.

And he will be joined on stage for the gig - on Monday night - by Surrey based singer/songwriter Newton Battenberg Faulkner - who has started his musical career at the tender age of 19.

The skilled musician's new concept to acoustic guitar playing, combined with a powerful voice has led artists such as Jimmy Page to lay praise at his feet.

Also performing is long-time Malvern resident Clive John, who will be opening the evening with a set of acoustic material.

His rich, deep, emotive voice blends well with his songs about life, love and loss to leave listeners with a wonderful sense of enjoyment.

Tickets for the event are £6.50 in advance or £8 on the door, with doors opening at 7.30pm.

Advance tickets are available from Online Malvern at 239 Worcester Road, Malvern or Music City in The Tything, Worcester.

BRIEFLY

what's going on

Return date

MUSICIAN Ian Parker is set to make a welcome return to Worcester's Marr's Bar tomorrow night.

Ian's ever-expanding itinerary now includes many of the major European festivals as well as regular dates at notable venues and Germany's leading music TV show, Rockpalast.

While serving his apprenticeship on the European blues/rock circuit, Ian was noticed by none other than Eric Clapton, and opened a show for the guitar legend in London in December 2002 and then again in 2003.

He has also worked alongside other notable luminaries including Jeff Beck, John Mayall, Walter Trout and Peter Green.

Tickets are £6 in advance or £8 on the door.

Spanish influence

A TASTE of Spain will be coming to Malvern this evening as flamenco guitarist Robin Broadbank makes a welcome return to the town.

Robin will be playing the Octagon Bar at St Ann's Well Caf on the Malvern Hills, Great Malvern, at 8pm this evening.

The skilled acoustic guitarist has been inspired by many musicians including in particular the flamencos Phil Slight, in England, and the del Gastor family in Andaluca.

Since the 70s he has been exploring and recording roots music in Spain, Ireland, Asia and Latin America.

Tonight's gig will include flamenco, music from Brazil and Cuba, and possibly something from 16th Century England and Spain.

Doors open at 8pm and entry is free.

Bringing their songs to life

A MUSICAL duo who continue to be a leading force on the UK's acoustic/roots circuit are set to perform in Worcester's Huntingdon Hall next week.

Chris While's and Julie Matthews' songs cover life as they see it, from the industrial wastelands of the north to injustice and freedom, matters of the heart and everything in between.

Their songs are covered by many revered singers the world over, but it is While and Matthews' musical partnership and joy of performing together that brings their songs to life.

The duo, pictured right, already have four albums and a songbook to their credit, as well as several solo albums.

They are also founding members of Blue Tapestry - celebrating the music of Carole King and Joni Mitchell - and team up with Chris Leslie and David Hughes each December to become St Agnes Fountain, giving Christmas carols a breath of fresh air and a new groove.

They can be caught at Huntingdon Hall on Thursday, October 28, at 8pm.

Tickets are £10 (concessions £9), available by calling the box office on 01905 611427.