Marcus Bancroft

A slight differrent apraoch to this artist page.

Here are two entries from Marcus Journal.

* Journal Entry - 5/8/2003

Still based in London, probably until the end of the year, with hopefully a
number of trips into the lands of Europe. Had a couple of really enjoyable gigs
last weekend, especially one down in Portsmouth, where I played at the RMA
Tavern. The people who own place, Sally and Steve are the nicest people, and
John the promoter was such a champion...so funny, and such a very talented muso
by all accounts, who is really doing all this for the love it with little or no
cash back.

The musos around the traps here in the roots music scene are very very good
players, I sat around with John, Sally and Steve and some of John's crew for a
few hours after the gig just listening to cds of all these artists who have
played around there, and some of the stuff is unbelievable..such a cool
night....got a really nice reaction, very stoked and should be heading back there soon
when Danny gets over here to smash the skins...the train is my new
friend....I have possibly forgotten how to drive, and I now have learnt to contort my
back during peak hour to the curve of the train...while dodging someones armpit
with my head.

Kym and I are living with our friend Shelley, with an Indian lady, in an area
strong in Indian culture. We love it, and the food, music, dancing and
general atmosphere is starting to really get into my head, can't wait to see if
comes out in the songs...may have to pursue this feeling and go to India next..the
curry house down the street know me by name..have had the chance to write
quite a few new songs, a couple of which I am very excited to record, so
hopefully I can start that when Danny gets here, will keep everyone posted on cd
update..of to Croydon  this weekend, hopefuly there will be surf, or there will be
tears..no matter how frustrating it gets doing the gig struggle indi thing,
all up the beauty of being here is the time and influence that I am getting and
what I am learning from the people I am meeting, and to transcribe that to the
guitar and voice is the goal..



* Journal Entry - 9/12/2003

Playing in Europe has been such a blessing. The people have been very
receptive, especially the country towns. I had the chance to support Kelly Joe
Phelps, a real influence of mine. It was so good to see him playing close up, and
then go and practice for a week after the inspiration.

I am getting so inspired by meeting people in the blues and roots scene,
especially in England, where the best players, at their peak are often in their
40's, attracting large crowds everywhere and running there own show, how they
see fit. At 28, it's nice to see a future where the more you develop, the
better it is, and if you are lucky, people show such loyalty to these players over
the years. It's nice to have something to aim for. People such as John, a
promoter in Southsea, the most lovely person you could ever meet, who are honest,
work so hard to help people and genuinely love music and have an amazing
knowledge of it make the travel and experience brilliant.