Pub songs wanted! Otley Pub Club launch pub album project Otley Pub Club are asking for musicians and songwriters to send them songs about pubs they’ve written, for a special album to celebrate the great British pub and to promote the town’s pub heritage.
The Club, who are a local community group who support and promote Otley’s pubs, have decided as their latest project to bring together the famous pub culture of Otley and the town’s musical heritage, as the home of Otley Folk Festival, Otley Folk Club and many musicians – as well as many of the pubs themselves being part of a thriving live music scene.
The album which, once finished, will be full of songs that feature pubs, whether old or new, open or closed and whether local or not and whether real or imaginary!
Working on the project with Otley Pub Club are local musicians Jon Palmer of Jon Palmer Acoustic Band and Gerry and Ani McNeice, of the Ale Marys; Greg Mulholland, Otley Pub Club President, is also a singer-songwriter with local band Summercross.
Jon Palmer’s Another Friday Night (in a Northern Town), the Ale Marys’ Otley Challenge and Summercross’ Last of England – which all feature Otley’s pubs – will be on the album. Other local songwriters are writing and recording songs too, but applications to be included on the album are open to anyone who has a song that features Otley and pubs in any way.
Any musicians or songwriter with song that they’d like to put forward for inclusion, need to send it to whatson@otleypubclub.co.uk. Only original songs are eligible for inclusion on the album, which will also showcase the featured music as well as celebrate pubs and promote Otley.
Greg Mulholland, President of Otley Pub Club, singer-songwriter and an Otley Ambassador said:
“Pubs and music have long been associated and this album will be a great way to celebrate the role the great British pub plays in our communities and our culture as well as promoting Otley as a famous pub and music town. We hope lots of musicians, songwriters and bands send in songs to make it a real mix of musical styles and something that showcases both Otley music and Otley pubs”.
Ani McNeice of the Ale Marys said:
‘Music has been a massive part of my life and many of our finest gigs have been in the pubs in and around Otley. I have always felt comfortable in the pub surroundings and I enjoy the opportunities we have had to make music with The Ale Marys. We’re very excited to be involved in the Otley pub album project!’
Jon Palmer, singer-songwriter of the Jon Palmer Acoustic band said:
“When I moved into the area in the mid-nineties, two things about Otley very quickly became clear to me. Firstly, there are many fine pubs; and secondly, the town has many excellent musicians and a vibrant music scene. I have spent many happy hours down the years frequenting both and am delighted to be a part of this project”.
Bob McLaughlin, Otley Pub Club Committee Member and album project co-ordinator said:
“As the token non-musician in our group I have had so much enjoyment from the excellent Otley pubs and the talented Otley musicians over the years. This album will be a fitting tribute to our town and its great traditions.”
Cllr Paul Carter, Chair of the Otley Trade & Tourism Committee said:
“Otley is famous for its pubs and music and it’s a brilliant idea to bring them together like this”.
