Christmas In Suburbia (Benefit Single), by The Eye Tunes Band

Christmas In Suburbia (Benefit Single)

by The Eye Tunes Band

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Christmas In Suburbia 03:12

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In 2018, the poet and musician Martin Newell played a special gig he dubbed "Eye Tunes". It was in aid of the Glaucoma Fund that is run by the Colchester NHS eye unit, who saved Martin's sight in a series of difficult operations.

As part of the gig, Martin performed every song from his acclaimed album "The Greatest Living Englishman" to mark its 25th anniversary.

But he forgot to play one of the songs: "Christmas in Suburbia".

We're here to put that right. And to raise more funds for the Glaucoma Fund.

The following friends, musical collaborators, and the medical team who saved his sight, have contributed to this special performance of Christmas in Suburbia:

Lorraine Bowen (star of Britain's Got Talent and great quirky songstress)
John Cooper Clarke (Britain's foremost living performance poet)
Fiona Harmon (Martin's neighbour and friend, in several bands including Hobo Chang and The Wicked Ravens)
The Hosepipe Band (Folk band who provide accompaniment to Martin's poetry, with long-time friend Nelson)
Karla Kane (Singer with Californian band The Corner Laughers, and a great admirer of Martin's work)
Ian Peppercorn (long time friend and former bandmate)
Richard Shelton (Released an album containing 5 of Martin's songs, an acclaimed actor and crooner)
Rev Simpkins (Friend of Martin's, clergyman, and has released some great music)

Oh, and Martin didn't know that it was happening, so it's our Christmas present to him.

Martin, who lives in Wivenhoe, England, has been in the music business since the 1970s, though the 'business' part is not something that has interested him much. He has consistently made a living from music, poetry, and writing, without having to succumb to the men in suits, the binding contracts, and art organisation handouts, that would otherwise have had him compromise his work.

And in the process, he has made some great friends and attracted many fans and admirers, without a marketing department in sight. All the people who have contributed to this record are musical collaborators and friends of Martin. Without their help, this record would never have been made.

The project was conceived by Ashley Powell, a long time fan and friend of Martin's. In 2018 Ashley created a DVD to accompany the Eye Tunes gig, comprised of many performances by Martin and his stage guests, filmed over a space of 15 years. This DVD, "Eye Tunes Reel 1", also raised a lot of money for the Glaucoma Fund.

Ashley Filmed the Eye Tunes gig with documentary maker James Sharp, and James has edited the footage together for a future DVD release. When Ashley heard about this, he felt it was only fitting to somehow include the 'missing' song "Christmas in Suburbia". This record is the result. Released - only just - in time for Christmas 2020.

The cover image is provided by Hilary Lazell, illustrator and photographer, and Martin's long-time partner.

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released January 1, 2016

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