One of Rye’s best-loved bands is set to play the final Kino music slot as the Rye Good Time Window Wanderland celebration reaches its end this Sunday, December 12.
Entertaining Mr Stone bring their distinctive mix of original songs and unusual covers to the Kino courtyard from 6:30pm, promising a lively end to the Wanderland’s music programme.
“It’s good to be back and playing in Rye,” says Steve Stone, the band’s singer, guitarist and principal songwriter. “The last year or so’s been difficult for most musicians, but it’s great to have this chance to see out 2021 as part of the Rye Wanderland.”
On top of the pandemic in 2021 the band’s violinist Paul Brasington had to contend with what he calls “a touch of cancer”, but happily all is well now. While Paul recuperated, Steve and keyboard player Dave McKean were hard at work on arrangements for new material, keeping the set list fresh.
“We’ve been playing together for three years,” Steve continues. “The sound has evolved as we’ve influenced each other, and that’s especially reflected in the newer songs. Obviously things are still up in the air at the moment around the pandemic, but we’re hoping we can get back out there properly in the new year and bring this new material to a wider audience. It’s an exciting prospect.”
The band’s music is very much rooted in Steve’s song writing, reflecting his development first as part of the south London post-punk scene, and later mellowing influences from the likes of Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen. For his part, keyboard player and vocalist Dave McKean is an internationally renowned artist, illustrator, writer and musician, who like violinist Paul Brasington brings jazz and folk elements to the arrangements.
The trio’s relatively unusual combination of guitar, keyboards and violin, together with the vocal harmonies of Steve and Dave means they will take on challenging cover material including the Beatles’ Strawberry Fields and the Stranglers’ Golden Brown.
“We look for good melody hooks,” explains Paul, “and Steve has a gift for creating them in his own songs.”
Rye’s second A Rye Good Window Wanderland will brighten the evenings of Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12 between the hours of 6pm – 9pm, with late night shopping on the Saturday. Enjoy live music, live art and performances throughout the streets of Rye.
You can find out more about Entertaining Mr Stone, with songs and video on the band’s website.
Find out more about Dave McKean at www.davemckean.com and Paul Brasington at www.brasington.co.uk.
Image Credits: Paul Brasington .