From: Level42-request @ worldmachine.com (Level42 Digest) Subject: Level42 Digest V99 #129 _ ____ _ ____ _ _ ___ // //__ // / //__ // /__// __// //__ //__ \\_/ //__ //__ // /__ D I G E S T Level42 Digest Volume 99 : Issue 129 1088 subscribers Today's topics: Simply superb! GREAT BRITAIN ICE HOCKEY>> MK at Skanderborg festival.. =?iso-8859-1?Q?S=F8ren_G>> Mike In Brighton - the account of an attendee Laurence Green Thumb slaps in LIL Greg Jamate L42 stuff Richard Maybury Re: Level42 Digest V99 #128 RPERSAUD12 Re: Level42 Digest V99 #128 TAFinAH UK! Bilal42 Mr Mike Alexandra Sips Mulder lives in 42. Alvar Coma Mike Lindup ------------------------------ Subject: Simply superb! From: "GREAT BRITAIN ICE HOCKEY SUPPORTERS CLUB" Date: Sun, 9 May 1999 11:26:39 +0100 Hi everyone! Got back from Brighton yesterday evening (Saturday) after a wonderful weekend. Mike Lindup was simply superb. I can't recall his voice being in a better or stronger condition and considering he sang live with just his own keyboards as background music, the songs sounded as good as the originals. I won't cover old ground as a lot of people have posted already about Thursday's show. Fridays show appeared to be very similar with perhaps a few differences. Firstly, the theatre was around half full, my guess was about 130 people. Secondly during a question and answer section of the show Mike was questioned (by my wife Annette) as to which track was his favourite off of Changes. He replied that he hated choosing favourites off his solo/Level 42 albums, but if he had to choose a track it would be Changes, a reply that pleased Annette as it's her favourite too! He also told us that the track Life Will Never Be The Same, was based on his relationship with Mark at the time and how they had grown apart in certain ways, yet he still knew that Mark would be a part of his life forever. The lyrics, I love to ride the ocean waves, refers to the boat trip at the time that Mark gave Mike from IOW to the mainland. He revelaed his instrumental album would be out in the autumn and that he was working on a vocal album. The songs performed appear to be the same as thursday's show, but after leaving the stage to a very noisy standing ovation from the crowd (which included Jakko by the way) then returned to perform TSGD and It's Over. It was a fantastic evening and gave an insight into a man we knew very little about. Mike opened up to the audience nicely as the night wore on and shared his choices of literature from his past, as well as his thoughts on various subjects including of course Level 42. Two and a half hours later we staggered out at around 12.40am happy that we had spent a great evening in Brighton. Its just a pity that more fans chose not to turn up as you missed out on a real treat. Allan ------------------------------ Subject: MK at Skanderborg festival.. From: "=?iso-8859-1?Q?S=F8ren_Gundahl_S=F8rensen?=" Date: Sun, 9 May 1999 13:28:37 +0200 Hi folks! Marie-Louise wrote... "Now I'm wondering...is there any other DK-digester or digester at all heading for this years Skanderborg Festival?? Anybody I meet at the gig in Aarhus...Søren, Dorthe, Nikolaj??? Kenneth!?!" You bet my friend! I wouldn't miss the opportunity so i'm coming! It is going to be so cool. If you go to the 'Crazy Tequila bar' and ask for Søren we can have a Corona together. I'm working there as a bartender most of the festival. If there are any other digesters going to the MK gig at the Skanderborg festival in Denmark this august, please ask for me in the 'Crazy Tequila Bar' - it could be great to meet some of you!! tcoy Søren ------------------------------ Subject: Mike In Brighton - the account of an attendee From: "Laurence Green" Date: Sun, 9 May 1999 15:23:39 +0100 I have foreseen an enthusiasm of previously unthinkable scale in my post today, so I can state beforehand that I may even spell check and proof read this mail. Chapter 1 - the scene is set We set off to see our hero in the early hours of Thursday morning. The previous night we consumed what early reports suggested was an unhealthy amount of alcohol whilst listening to some incredibly cool Level 42 tunes until the early hours of the morning. Once in Brighton (5 hours after departure) we sniffed out the venue before we sampled some of the delightful street theatre and the delectable cuisine of the many bustling brasseries of Brighton. Finally, as I am sure many attendees I spoke to remembered, we consumed vast amounts of garlic in an Italian establishment before the gig - for which I apologise. We drank heavily throughout the day. As we approached the venue it was clear that the pink lady had already arrived and was chatting to the man in the yellow and green and orange and blue jacket, clearly produced by the fashion house 'changes' as it had their name embroidered into the back and believe me, it was cool, we're talking worth doing time for cool. Our few words with the pink lady meant Mike was getting away and I desperately wanted to get him to sign my 'Spirit Is Free' cassette single. So we proceeded to go into every bar within a 4 mile radius to see if Mike was in any of them. Anyway, he wasn't. Anyway, I've grown tired of writing in that style. Basically so far I have establish that Mike had this worth killing for Changes jacket on. Into the gig. Mike played 8 songs on the first night. If you don;t want to know don't read on, although I should add the gig may not be officially release (though it may). All the tracks were piano only, just mike singing and playing piano. He also played a snippet of a song that contained some prose from one of his choices of literature. I interrupt this message for a newsflash. Gary Husband will be playing drums in Marks band in his up and coming gigs. Anyhow, Mike played Leaving Me Now, Something About You, Life Will Never Be The Same, Changes, An untitled track from his completed solo album which as Nigel said has a working title of 'Conversations with silence', A track from his piano album called 'Heart Of the Matter', a specially composed track to the poem in the middle of 'The Tempest', a track from a song based album which he has recently begun called 'Love is the answer' and finally 'The Sun Goes Down'. Well, what can I say - there were about 100 people there and what does it say about the state of the world when only 100 people turn up to see what is basically in essence pure pleasure from the fingertips of a man who is surely a musical genius. What Mike did with those Level 42 songs just on Piano is almost beyond description. And as Mike said, you have to move on, you can sing the same songs, but they have to change with the times - and they certainly did. His piano compositions brimmed with effulgence - that is simply the only way they can be adequately described. His new song 'Love is the answer' I cannot even begin to describe. Mike mentioned in the discussion that he has toiled over wondering what to do and how to do it, but had reached the conclusion that he should just do what he likes, and what he enjoys. Imagine 'Changes' only about 4 times better and that, in my opinion is the kind of Level we are talking of based on his new track -thats no lie. To see Mike performing 'The Sun Goes Down' without even his prophet 5 was very special. Some of the more interesting things Mike said on the first night: If Level 42 were to ever reform, it would not be for a re-union tour - it would have to be to do something new. His Changes jacket is one of 2, the other he gave to his sister. Mike is obviously very proud of 'Changes' and it seems it is an album he enjoyed making and enjoys listening to. The second night was the same as the first in terms of tracks, except he played It's Over at the end as well. He also played an impromptu extract from a track he remembered from his childhood after an audience member (sea nymph) requested this. On the second night however, Mike said something completely upsetting (or perhaps moving). As he introduced 'Life Will Never be the Same' he explained how he got the idea from this song when Mark gave him a lift from The Isle of Wight to Southampton in his new boat. On the way over Mike suddenly realised that Mark and he were drifting apart in many ways whilst still remaining together. He said he was basically married to Mark for 15 years and it was quite sad to see how they were kind of growing apart. This gave a much deeper significance to 'Life Will Never Be The Same' and I'm sure I won't ever hear that song again in quite the same way. I was fortunate enough to meet Jakko at the interval and he said he also was moved by Mikes introduction to the song. I should add by way of an additional apology that we continued to drink excessively and also eat at Italians and I apologise to all I spoke to for the olfactory displeasure and incoherence - acceptable levels of which I have now regained. Afterwards I gave Mike copies of 'Word Machine' and showed him my glossy advert for his performance - he seemed quite impressed I guess. I got him to sign my promo flyer for the 'Changes tour'. In summation to see those songs played in those ways, the variety and skill of the performance was very, very agreeable. I hope I have not bored you all here. LOZ ------------------------------ Subject: Thumb slaps in LIL From: "Greg Jamate" Date: Sun, 9 May 1999 11:46:28 -0400 Hi Level heads, > Tom Brown asked >You'll have to excuse me if this sounds a really dumb question for the >bassheads, but I'm trying to get up to speed on LIL. >Are all four strings slapped, or do you go for a pop on D & G. I've tried >both ways, but I cannot get a good sound when I try slapping a G string >(Ooo-err). Just wanted to follow this up. I've studied the bass line in Lessons In Love and concluded that Mark slaps the main pattern all the way through, including the notes on the G string. He confirmed this live in person at Shephards Bush. The thumb slapping on D and G is how Mark maintains the groove to the end of the phrase. Getting tone out of the D and G requires a little more finesse; try moving your thumb off the string quicker than on E and A. If your having trouble getting tone, concentrate first on the D and G string notes by themselves. When you've got some tone, play them with the whole phrase. Go real slow at first. At the tempo of LIL this is tricky, but with repetition can be done. At the very end of the phrase Mark occasionally throws in some pops of the C on the G string. Hope this helps, Greg ------------------------------ Subject: L42 stuff From: "Richard Maybury" Date: Sun, 09 May 99 19:45:47 PDT Eric, I have sent this message a few times, but it has notbeen published : Howdy Folks, I too have got my tickets for the shows later on this year. Can anyone else answer the following : 1. How long will Mark be playing for each night ? 2. Will there be other support bands/ artists ? 3. Hpw many people does the Jazz Cafe hold ? 4. Is it true the cafe has a strict dress code ? 5. Is it true that the cafe is open till the early hours ? On a different note I picked up a copy of the Strike single "I feel peace". This song was released in 1997 and sampled the piano melody of "Leaving Me Now". However within the credits there is no direct reference to L42 other than the song is written by : A.Gardner/M.Canter/K.Gordon/P.Gould/M.King/W.Badarou - what a cheek hey !!!!!!!! Are more updates on the Unreached Levels CD - anyone ????????? Also, does anyone have a audio or video recording of the Mike Lindup gig. I remember Gavin Robertson saying this was being considered ? On a final note one of my friends is off to Japan next week. Are there any special Japanese editions of L42 material, it may be worth picking up - any ideas ??? "Now the time has come to show you how I feel" Kansas City Milkman Email : maybury @ nildram.co.uk ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Level42 Digest V99 #128 From: RPERSAUD12 @ aol.com Date: Sun, 9 May 1999 15:51:28 EDT Hello, Just a mention about the Mike Lindup shows. It was great to see Mike after so long! I finally made the 2 shows, which were highly interesting and entertaining. A different from the norm. It was a great opportunity to have an insight into Mike Lindup. The only difference between the 2 nights is that on the second night everyone insisted on another track and Mike played 'Its Over'. Also a well member of Level42 came to see Mikes second show, this was Jakko M. Jakszyk. He did mention to me that he is keeping busy but he didn't elaborate. Does anyone know if Jakko has a website? The shows were great and well done to Mike and Gavin Robertson. Best Wishes Raymond ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Level42 Digest V99 #128 From: TAFinAH @ aol.com Date: Sun, 9 May 1999 19:55:57 EDT In a message dated 5/9/99 5:00:30 AM Central Daylight Time, Level42-request @ worldmachine.com writes: << Level42 @ worldmachine.com >> Please remove from mailing list. Thanks so much. ------------------------------ Subject: UK! From: Bilal42 @ aol.com Date: Sun, 9 May 1999 21:15:46 EDT Hello everyone Well, I'm back in the UK after a jolly good adventure in the USA. Now that I'm back, I can help out with anything you foreigners (woops) might need when you come over to see the King again. Just give me a shout if you need anything, and do join the ILF list if you are coming. In fact you might be better off joining the ILF list after the NYCLF has passed, that way you wont get too much irrelevant mail. To be honest, i'm glad I wont be at the NY fest coz I'm absolutely shattered!!! Go easy on brother Adz wont ya?! Anyway, seriously, I must send a huge hearrtfelt thanks to the lovely digesters who made my trip so special, especially on my birthday; I still have no idea how you knew. Big thanks to Carl and Laurel (I lurve you guys!), Danny and Don, Win (you have no idea what you did, but thanks man), Julie and Monique (you crazy pair! - see ya in November, this time I wont be doing my laundry so often!) and last but not least MIKEY42 and Rizvan- you ole tarts! Thanks to all the rest of ya also, yu have a great country and I'm afraid I'll be coming again and again! I'm particularly sorry I wasnt able to spare much time and I had to miss the Jazzfest. I was genuinely amazed at how many people knew of Level42 out there and to be honest, as on previous trips, I did find an abundance of L42 cds in the record stores. Particular highlights were meeting some Mark King fans who had no idea of Mark's come back, playing 'Instrumental Love' to someone who was listening to some Jazz station - he liked it straight away. My team sang merrily away to a live copy of LIL through the streets of Charlotte courtesy of Carl Mueller. Finally, a Spanish girl I met on a plane traded personal stereos with me so we could checkout each other's music. She definitely got the better deal, I had an L42 Enschede tape in my player, she had some awful dj/dance rubbish! Anyway, I was surprised at how quickly she liked the music and kept asking me 'what is their name, what is their name?' 'Level 42' I told her. I tried to explain about the band then I figured the story is too long, they'll be touring again I said, with my fingers crossed... Bilal ------------------------------ Subject: Mr Mike From: Alexandra Sips Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 08:35:57 +0200 Dear all, normally I don't comment to the digest but this time I have to as I went to see Mike on the 6th and 7th May 1999. I had been waiting for this moment for 5 years and it was worth it ! I think Mike has developed more and more and especially the new songs sounded great, moving and fresh (fi a new song called The Heart Of The Matter ) Both nights Mike played Life Will Never Be The Same which moved everybody like Nigel said before. Played so beautifully and with so much feeling ! I thought the combination of poetry and music worked very well and I thought it was a nice change from "just a concert". As a bonus Mike played It's Over at the second night which we all sang together which was great ! What a wonderful ending to two very entertaining nights ! Mike if you are reading this is any way...thank you again ! It was also great to meet some digesters and some long lost friends (you know who you are ?!) If anybody has ANYTHING on the Mike Lindup shows please contact me privately as I would be VERY interested !!! The Spirit Will Always Be Free, Alexandra Alexandra Sips Financial Administrator Analytico Medinet aass @ medinet.nl ------------------------------ Subject: Mulder lives in 42. From: Alvar Coma Date: Sat, 10 May 1980 10:55:11 -0900 (PDT) Dear Friends, Yesterday Telecinco, a Spanish TV Channel, offered us the 2nd part of the episode "Dreamland".It seems Mulder is proud of his golden "42" on his door's flat... Àlvar Coma. ------------------------------ Subject: Mike Lindup From: "" Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 02:39:17 PDT hi all...great to meet some fellow digesters for the first time on thursday night in brighton....as mentioned in the last few digests, the gig was great and it was just brilliant to see mike back on the scene again. his voice was live velvet (as usual), and he performed the old songs with a twist (loved 'living it up' at the end !). the new stuff was stunning, as mentioned he did a couple of new instrumentals and a new song from his voice album. fantastic stuff. i met mike after the gig outside, he signed my changed cd booklet, and was very warm and friendly, and did not seem to mind answering whatever questions we had for him. he said again that he might record/gig with mark in the future, but not at the moment. he also told me that he HAS to get his piano album out by the autumn as he needs the money ! ... the other thing we chatted about was the polydor re-issue project. i asked him if he had any info about how it was going and he looked suprised, and said that i probably knew more than he did about it, as he no longer has anything to do with polydor. he knew of the plan to release them but hadn't heard anything for ages.this tells me that although mark and mike own the level 42 franchise, it is obviously mark who still pulls all the strings here. don't get your hopes up about l42 reforming in any way...i personally don't think they will ever reform as level 42, rather they might in a few years time collaborate for a one off record on an album, but i kind of think that might be it...neither of them seem to really want to get into that album/tour, album/tour circuit again. i could be wrong and i hope i am , but perhaps we should just direct our energies and hopes into the solo stuff. in short it was a great night, and i only wish i could have made the second night as well. if anyone taped the show, would they be willing to make me a copy please ? tcoy dean. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com