Corridors Of Stone by Alun Parry

The ten tracks put an acoustic spin on a range of genres, from the folkrock of Corridors of Stone, the skifflesque Guthrie tribute of Woody's Song, the aggressive rock feel of Make A Man, and the street ballads of Life of Crime and Today's Just Yesterday.

But what stands out in this album are the well crafted lyrics that provide substance to the arresting melodies. The comical You Are My Addiction, the wittily insightful Because You're Beautiful, the cheeky tale within The Ship Song, the raucous rebellion of Thursday Night Drinking Song, and the heartfelt conviction of the anti deportation anthem I Want Rosa To Stay.

Joined for this recording by Rob Harper, formerly of Pete Wylie's The Mighty Wah, and Fayze Two drummer Tom Western, Alun Parry delivers an album of music that, as LIVE magazine put it, "makes you smile as it makes you think."

The full track listing for "Corridors Of Stone" is as follows:

1. You Are My Addiction

2. Corridors of Stone

3. Because You're Beautiful

4. Woody's Song

5. Life Of Crime

6. Make A Man

7. Today's Just Yesterday

8. Thursday Night Drinking Song

9. I Want Rosa To Stay

10. The Ship Song

Reviews

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The Guardian

'Talented songsmith'

Billy Butler, BBC Radio Merseyside

'One of our great Liverpool songwriters. So varied it will take you by surprise.'

Live Magazine

'Music that makes you think as it makes you smile'

Adam Ford, Indymedia

'He managed the rare trick of combining radical politics with a down-to-earth style that won over everybody in the room.'

Nerve Magazine

'A vigorous sincerity and an infectious sense of fun and energy.'

Liverpool Echo

'Post punk social realism on an acoustic guitar.'

icLiverpool website

'An energetic display delivered with typical gusto. Parry's percussive style quickly won over an appreciative audience.'

Amanda de Angeles, author

'He lifts your spirits. At the very least your toes tap; at best you wide-smile and dance!!'

National Gig Guide

'It seems strange that one man and a guitar can create such a lively night out but Parry managed to do this and more.'

Your Move Magazine

'A fiery brand of footstomping folk-rock.'

The Name Thing

First off, my name is Alun Parry, not Alan Parry. Its not a typo. I was named after former Liverpool striker Alun Evans. There is a football commentator from this neck of the woods called Alan Parry. That's not me. I'm just a singer songwriter.

The Music

I'm a prolific singer songwriter from Liverpool and I play across the North West regularly performing my own music. My music is best described as gritty folk rock laced with social observation. It's footstomping stuff in the main. It mixes a contemporary, urban feel with a strong traditional roots influence.

Humble Beginnings

I started off as a humble busker in Bold Street with a guitar that wasn't even mine (borrowed not nicked!) My aim was to buy a guitar of my own which I eventually did. I still have it to this day though it's a bit warped now. I keep it for sentimental value really, what with it being my first guitar and all. If anyone remembers a scruffy youngster bellowing John Lennon's Power To The People while stood opposite the side entrance to Central Station - that was me.

Second Friday

I host the hugely successful Second Friday event in Liverpool which is a monthly showcase of local singer songwriters. The quality of the pre booked acts is tremendous. It has quickly become one of Liverpool's best musical night outs, featuring the stars of Merseyside's acoustic scene.

Acoustic Slice

I am also the driving force behind Acoustic Slice, a weekly acoustic showcase held at the legendary Parr Street Studios at their 3345 venue. This features a one hour open mike sandwiched between two pre booked acts, often featuring artists as part of their national UK tour.

Media Appearances

I've been featured on local radio several times, including a set of songs performed live on BBC Radio Merseyside, and a live broadcast from the top of an open topped bus filled with tourists!! I've also been the focus of various magazine features and interviews, and a host of reviews which you can read elsewhere on this site. I've played at most of the major venues in Liverpool, including the Royal Court, the Everyman and the Playhouse.

Musical influences

My musical influences are wide ranging but I'm always switched on by music that tells a story or has something to say.

The first song I heard like that was when my Mum played San Quentin Live by Johnny Cash. Even now its a track that gives me a huge lump in the throat and sends the hairs on the back of my neck standing up.

Any music played authentically in a rootsy style will always twang my ears. Yet at the same time I was pretty much raised on The Beatles and The Who.

I like a lot of old style musicians too. If you're a dead musician there's a really high chance I'll be into your stuff. High price to pay for my fandom though I guess!

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