Turn of a Phrase – Clark Gormley

$20.00

The Club is a group of fiddle fans with many and diverse origins,meeting monthly to play tunes from Scotland (old and new) and the Scottish diaspora.It’s a happy group where everyone is encouraged and anything is possible.Kids as young as 8 and adults as old as 78 play together in rehearsals and performances and have recorded an earlier CD ‘Red Hot Scots'(1999) which has been a great success at home and abroad.The recording of ‘Reel Cool’ was a 12 month project, made possible by the enthusiasm and ownership of the entire group,especially the hard-working committee and the Founder/Director, Judy Turner

Also available Reel Copol Tune Book TN601 $15

7 in stock (can be backordered)

SKU: TN781-B Categories: , , ,

Description

The book of the CD. Paperback 72pp Includes chords Book and Cd sold separately

 

‘Turn of Phrase: poems, stories & stuff’

Reviewed by Robin Archbold

Any writer who constructs a word like ‘insinnuendo’ instantly has my attention. Clark Gormley, mild-mannered engineer by profession, has unveiled a range of talents in his book and CD ‘Turn Of Phrase’ that should cheer the sentiments and intellect of those lucky enough to encounter them. Plaintive, whimsical, romantic, comical and empathetic, Clark takes you on an unexpected journey to the nicest parts of your psyche. The man’s a button-pusher. You just want to take him home and get to know him.

His music segues from Dylan to bluegrass to country to ballad.  It’s simple, easy on the ear and complements his clear vocals perfectly. He comes across as an ordinary bloke doing something quite extraordinary, taking everyday situations and emotional concepts, slipping them under your pillow and allowing them to filter into your consciousness so you find yourself humming along on your way to work, or suddenly smiling as a Clarkism catches you by surprise.

‘Turn Of Phrase’ utterly captures the essence of his writing, evoking shades of Ogden Nash and Tom Lehrer. Modesty, self-deprecation and sympathy for the little guy suffuse his writing: “I could travel incognito but what would be the use?” from ‘Jane Citizen’ is full of pathos and humour, and you would swear Bob Dylan is helping out on ‘Something I’ve been meaning to say’.

Clark Gormley fits no genre apart from his own. To see him perform live in an intimate venue is one of life’s great pleasures. He sneaks up on you then seduces you. ‘The Herbal Tea Waltz’ is one of the most beautiful and moving offerings of friendship I have ever heard. Anyone who has ever had a broken heart will be deeply affected. Clark’s work goes straight to the heart and the funnybone, and if you have a sharp literary bent then he’s your man. It’s a lethal and charming blend of the various arts, and quite unique.

Have a listen and a read. If you get the chance to see him in person, treat yourself. He’s an unheralded treasure.

—Robin Archbold is performance poet, writer and singer who used to double as a real estate agent in the wacky alternative lifestyle village of Nimbin, and genesis/sponsor of The Nimbin Performance Poetry World Cup.  He has run writing and performance workshops at festivals and in schools, and has hosted a regular monthly event since 2013 via Sunshine Coast Spoken Word.  He works at University of the Sunshine Coast as a sessional academic and is writing his first novel.

Purchase Information:

‘Turn of Phrase – poems songs, stories & stuff’

Author – Clark Gormley

72 pages, self-published

ISBN 0-9581727-0-6

Note: There is an accompanying CD also titled ‘Turn of Phrase’. The CD comprises of two spoken word pieces and ten songs. The book has the words to these pieces, along with many others. The chords for the music are also included.

Additional information

Weight .250 kg
Dimensions 21 × 15 × 1 cm

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Turn of a Phrase – Clark Gormley”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like…