Singer/Songwriter

New album due late 2010

"My blood pressure is higher
than a bird in the sky
I've got paranoia and anxiety
My friends say I'll sink if I don't see a shrink
I say music is cheaper than therapy"
Music is cheaper than therapy - Old Compton Street

Background

Since the late 1980s Graham Corbould has been doing the rounds of folk and acoustic clubs in London and the South East playing his own songs, selected covers, guitar instrumentals; add in the odd story and humorous anecdote and an enjoyable evening is in store.

As a song writer Graham addresses a wide spectrum of topics, feelings and issues. Never forgetting that audiences are there to be entertained much effort is put into making songs accessible through strong choruses and verses which carry a story. The stories are varied in topic, not limited to love and loss, but tell of many things. Some have a rye humor about them others address more serious topics.

Influences include Roy Harper, Al Stewart and Ralph McTell as well as a breadth of musical genres.

Graham released his first collection of original songs in 1997 entitled 'After all the Years…'. The second solo collection 'Old Compton St' comprises of 12 new songs and 3 covers. The production was more robust than just the acoustic guitar of a live gig but does not distract from the stories in the songs. In between these two albums a number of original songs appeared on an Empty Vessels CD – a folk/rock band of which Graham was a founding member (the highlight of the band was supporting The Oyster Band at the Mick Jagger Center Dartford).

Also Graham is involved in staging events, for example for the past seven years he has hosted and plays the acoustic/community stage at the Bexley Festival where a variety of other acts also perform; he organised and hosted the JACS (Jaggers ACoustic Sessions) at the Mick Jagger Arts Centre in Dartford where local players mingled with the greats, which included Ralph McTell, Eric Roche and Cara Dillon. Recent solo gigs included The Troubadour, The Comedy, Open Mouth, Songwriters Showcase, Mick Jagger Center, Orpington and other folk clubs.

Last year Graham was chosen to take part in a song writing workshop led by Ray Davies (of the Kinks fame). Graham was asked and duly composed a song to raise money for the Carole Lewington Trust; 'Magic on Paper' was duly recorded and raised significant funds.

Recording of a new album (working title "New Light through Old Windows") is well under way and will be launched at the Mick Jagger Centre gig on 12th June (tickets are available in the shop!).

The current live set features his own compositions mixed in with covers from a wide number of sources which would include material from well known singer / songwriters, solo guitar pieces and perhaps even the odd song from more popular culture!

So that's the history and the future, the present is about entertaining audiences and creating great music. For more details please email here.

In June 2009 Graham played to 200 people at the prestigious Mick Jagger Center in Dartford. A DVD will shortly be available but here are a few comments:

"Well done for Friday - a really good show! Even if I hadn't known you I would have thought it a really good night's entertainment. Particularly liked the Stairway to Heaven mash up - special -and very creative." Mr P.C.

"Very impressed with Friday night. Apart from us getting £20 fines each as we thought Dartford was in the Travelcard zone, the whole evening was great. I thought your stage presence is excellent, you have a laid back approach and unflappable nature which goes down really well and the songs you wrote are excellent" Mr D.N.

"Thanks for performing and informing last Friday - a great evening!" Mr K.P.

"For a terrific night on Friday, so much talent on stage and you!" Mr C.R-J

"It was a real testimony to the talent you have to see such a huge audience." Mr M.S.

"Just a short note to thank you for the great evening’s entertainment last night." Mr B.B.

"Thoroughly enjoyed the concert. Friends and family pass on their congratulations and enjoyment. Mrs B.B.