Pond Girl

2000. An early exploratory mixture of pop, latin, jazz, ambient, quirky and sometimes funky songs, with a team of singers and players to help out - this is at the start of a journey through different styles, themes and textures.

This set of songs covers many subjects, from the experience of near drowning, relationships new and old, political absurdities and a tribute to a classic car. The styles mirror these subjects, ranging from funky keyboard based with a capella section (Pond Girl) to big band instrumental (XK140) to Latin Rock (The Itching) and gentle piano/vocal ((The Same Dream) and more.

By slight demand, this first CD or digital download album (not including the ones made on cassette and half inch tape when starting out) has been planted out in the chord garden.

Employees of the European Chord Mountain utilised here include Julie Weaver, Sam Brown, & Kristy Ferguson on vocals; Addo Koranteng & Carl Gowland on drums, Billy Miller on bass, Tom Cantwell on guitar, Carolyn Norris & Gareth Weaver on trombones - thank you to all of them.

'Pond Girl' A 3 part acappella start, making full use of the chord mountain's favorite chord, the myna nina. Funky Casioesque keyboard groove takes over as the horror of nearly drowning is depicted. Also featuring the gorgeous voices of Kristy and Sam as well as the vocals from me. See the video here.

Listen to excerpts from the songs here.

'The itching' Big, bouncy latin/flamenco sound with the inimitable North East speciality the Billaddo brothers rhythm section, and the fabulous Tom Cantwell on guitar. With Julie's spicy vocals to complete the recipe.

'Pictures' Reminiscient of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, this funky yet reflective song tells the tale of “it's not you, it's me”.

'Travel by Car' Time for new romance! Bouncy with ambitious brass section riffs, intended to get you singing along. Featuring Julie on lead vocal.

'The Same Dream' Just piano and vocal, in the style of a jazz standard.

'Riders in the Banana' a political song about a London tube driver who had a bad day. A choppy, funky bass line Level 42 style (great job, Billy) and a fruity, juicy guitar solo from Tom at his drunken elephant styley best. Synth solo included as part of the deal. In the saddest of all keys. Featuring Julie on lead vocal.

'XK140' My mates made two Jaguar XK140 replicas which are fab. They (the cars) deserved a joyful, modern big band style instrumental to honor them. Contains some superb drumming from Carl on this one. And a bit of squarky trumpet for good measure.

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Pond Girl

The Itching

Pictures

Travel by Car

The Same Dream

Riders in the Banana

XK140

All tracks are available for streaming/download on the usual sites. The (CD-R) CD is available by contacting directly. Please also use the contact form to enquire about high quality wavs or mp3s.

Full tracks can be streamed

Tracks available via carolineguirrmusic@gmail.com

and also from many digital places including