Bulletin 69 Autumn 2011: Northamptonshire Folk Activities Association

Letters Page

Hello All
Over Easter I was frequenting one of the pubs close to where I stay at Looe in Cornwall.
On Easter Monday * a Rock/Folk band was booked to play a 3 hour entertainment. The band was called STATE OF UNDRESS and featured a lady singer and four musicians. It was certainly one of the best three hours I have had in years. From the start they had all the people in the pub involved one way or another, from tots to wrinkleys. Those not joining in the dance and song were given shaky eggs, tambourines and similar percussion instruments.
It really was very refreshing to see a band who thought of entertaining and involving their audience, as well as playing for their own enjoyment as many we have seen do.
If you get a chance to see 'State of Undress' please do - you will not be sorry.
Best wishes
Colin Wills

*It was actually Easter Sunday but an easy mistake to make. The days all roll into one when you're having a great time! The pub in question was The Ship Inn in Looe. Thank you Colin for taking the time to write to your local Folk Association. We really appreciate it. Charlie xx

Maverick November 2009    LIVIN' IT LOVIN' IT
★★★★★

Traditional and modern folk effortlessly blended together.

State of Undress are an exciting folk band who effortlessly bring songs to life with their blend of singing enthusiasm/energy. Between them the band has many musical influences like U2, Alison Krauss, Show of Hands, and the Clash. Listening to songs on the album, it is easy to see where these influences come into play. Charlie Rose takes centre stage on lead vocals and percussion. The other band members - Alan Rose, Samantha Jane, Malcolm Windett and Keith Fletcher - play a variety of different musical instuments as well as offering background vocals on many of the songs. The violin, cello, African drum and guitar all make an appearance on this new seven song album. They open with One More Shot (Of You Boy). This up tempo song is an exciting choice and showcases Charlie's vocal talents. She has a wide vocal range, her voice bringing to mind many talented female artists including Norma Waterson, Barbara Dickson and Bonnie Tyler. Some great instrumentation backs Charlie up on this rock infused folk song. The overall atmosphere of this song reminds me strongly of the amazing folk/rock group Rock Salt and Nails. Plenty More Fish In The Sea sees the mood settle a little. There is a strong folk feel to it. Once again Charlie is allowed to shine on lead vocals. Mudeford Mood is a song about a fishing village in Dorset near to where the band comes from and is the inspiration for the title of the album. A slow song with unobtrusive instrumentation, this has a lot of atmosphere and emotion flowing through the the words and music in this charming little gem of a song. Raggle Taggle Gypsy is a popular folk song and has been covered by many famous folk artists including the Poozies and Elisa Carthy. State of Undress put their own stamp on this classic song as they give it a bit of a facelift with a much heavier sound to it. Charlie's vocals add depth to the song and really bring it to life. This truly modern and somewhat crazy version of this song might not be to everyones taste but I think it does the song justice and gives it a wonderful eccentric sound. The Love Detective sees Malcolm Windett sharing the vocals with Charlie on a pleasant song with a slight jazz feel to it. Country Girl sees Alan Rose duet with Charlie. Alan's vocals bring instantly to mind Ashley Hutchings. This song has a strong folk feel to it in terms of the vocals and instrumentation used. All too soon the album comes to an end with a song called Red Waters written by Charlie and Alan. Charlie's vocals are dazzling on this charming song, which could almost be called the real highlight of the album- maybe the band have saved the best 'til last? SH

The Alternate Root    LIVIN' IT LOVIN' IT

State of Undress is a five piece outfit from Dorset, England, specifically from the town of Christchurch. Female lead vocalist Charlie Rose, has a lilt to her voice that carries with it the salt scent of the sea....State of Undress mixes vocals courtesy of Charlie and Alan Rose (guitar) with jig and jump worthy music, Samantha Jane on electric and acoustic fiddle, Malcolm Windett on electric and upright bass and Keith Fletcher pounding on any number of instruments to keep a beat. Their current release, Livin' It, Lovin' It! says it all. This band plays with a pleasure that is physical. They love what they do and it comes through loud and clear. That being said, the passion can only move the music so far. They have the chops to move seamlessly between Rock/Pop such as 'The Love Detective' and into their own comfort zone of a more Roots flavored Rock, a sound the band calls 'fiddlesome'. The album opens with Charlie's chanting lilt riding above a united instrumental front, asking for 'Just One More Shot (of you boy)'. They move into a proper shanty style for 'Plenty More Fish in the Sea' and 'Raggle Taggle Gypsy'. State of Undress don't merely play their music, they prod and push it along with gale force and the consistency of the tide. You didn't think I would leave without sea metaphors now didja? Dan MacCluskey

R2 Rock'n'Reel Nov/Dec 2008    CAUGHT IN THE ACT
★★★★

Dorset-based five-piece State Of Undress recorded their new album live, and while it's no state-of-the-art live production, Caught In The Act is a tantalising taster for a terrific band. There's an infectious bluster on display that suggests State Of Undress are unconcerned with thoughts of huge commercial success or current musical fashion; instead their own material rattles and rolls along, overflowing with spirit and a compelling energy.

Frontwoman Charlie Rose makes up for any vocal inadequacies with a performance that marries verve, power and a lung-busting joie de vivre on tracks such as Ain't Nothin, Morning Glory, Spellbound, Jump To It and closer This Time. The accompanying blend of roots-rock, country, Celtic flavourings and a full-bodied melodic musical assault creates a powerful live combination that will undoubtedly win SOU legions of new admirers. Danny Moore

Audience Comments

'Love you to bits!' Mary, National Theatre, Sept 2011
'Love the corset! But more glitter!' Joe, Black Dog Aug 2011
'Awesome. Best night ever. Made our holiday!'     Elliott, The Greyhound, Corfe Castle
'You all made our evening. Totally unexpected - thought we were going out for a quiet drink with the family. Thank you!'    John and Chris, The Greyhound, Corfe Castle
'A perfect day in every way'     Lynne, Brighton Bandstand
'Wow! Great show guys. Love the energy!'     Kez, Finn M'Couls, Ringwood April 2010
'Incredible sound!!!!!!'     Andy, Fat Lils, Witney March 2010
'Thought it was fab. Can't wait to come again and shake my eggs!'     Dave, Mudeford Men's Club, Feb 2010
'Just great ....3rd gig and counting!'     Glyn, Finn M'Couls, Ringwood Jan 2010
'Funkytastic!'     Neil, Ringwood Jan 2010
'They rock on a Saturday night!'     Martin, Romsey Jan 2010
'Wonderful show. Thank you!'     Regent Centre, Christchurch Dec 2009
'Great band. Great songs. Great future ...'     Kevin, Regent Centre, Christchurch Dec 2009
'Yo! Tops for me!'     Pete, Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale Nov 2009
'One of the best gigs I have ever been at!'     Pippa, Chapel Arts Centre, Bath Nov 2009
'Never thought shaking an egg could be so much fun!'     Susie, Trent, North Dorset
'Fun, fun, fun - funtastic!'     Lindie, Trent North Dorset
'Like a lovely bag of dolly mixtures with spice!'     Suzie, Swanage
'F..... amazing. The best fun with my clothes on!'     John Paul, Katie Fitzgeralds, Stourbridge West Midlands
'Sammy J - Babe!'     Brendon, Troon, Ayrshire
'Fabulous, talented and entertaining band. Thanks for the fun evening.'     Linda, Lanark, Scotland
'The Love Detective rocks my world!!!'     Oliver, Edinburgh
'Fabulous evening. Thanks and haste ye back!'     Ollie, The Maltings, Berwick
'What is in the Dorset air?'     Jo, Berwick
'Brilliant, joyous, wonderful. Thank you.'     Mike, Selby Town Hall
'Very, very good. A breath of fresh air.'     Sarah, Winchester April 2010
'Fantastic. We love the banana. Can we keep it?! x'     Gina and Emski, Winchester April 2010