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Graham Holland
Acoustic / Folk / Comedy

"One man, one guitar, lots of silly songs..."


United Kingdom

Profile Views:  6366




Last Login:  10/8/2008
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   Contacting Graham Holland

 MySpace URL: 
  http://www.myspace.com/grahamhollandmusic  

   Graham Holland: General Info
Member Since8/7/2006
Band Websiteitsafrogslife.net
Band MembersBand? What band? Nobody said anything about a band!
Influences Over the years I have been inspired by some of the greats of musical comedy. At university one of my lecturers, Jo Woodhouse, introduced me to the delights of Tom Lehrer. I remember walking home from lectures listening to a tape of Poisoning Pigeons in the Park for the very first time. Wow! While at the height of his fame Tom Lehrer suddenly stopped writing and performing. When asked why he said that there was nothing left to write about - there were no taboos left to break. After such a statement it's great to see the satirical spirit of Tom Lehrer still alive today in the guise of Amateur Transplants, a duo who find plenty of taboos to break!

I'm also a fan of Flanders and Swann, and in recent years have discovered the late, great Jake Thackray. Thanks to my good friend Eric Cymbir I was introduced to the wonderful world of Noel Coward. His ability to mix memorable melodies with clever lyrics is an inspiration. His serious songs are also of the highest quality. My (as yet unrecorded) song 'A Close Shave' is inspired by, and dedicated to, Mr Coward. My Song 'Ernie was a Lonely Earthworm' was written in homage to the comic genius that is Mr Les Barker.

Sounds LikeSounds like me. Is this a trick question? Please let me know if I sound like anyone else or, for that matter, if anyone else sounds like me. I need to know.
Type of LabelNone



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   About Graham Holland
I host the It's A Frog's Life Acoustic Podcast, and use my main MySpace profile for that. Click the Graham Holland "Frog" friend below to visit it.

I've been playing music since my early teens, and have been writing songs since then too. I used to invent songs for my fellow Scouts to sing while sitting around campfires during summer camps. I sang and played guitar in one guise or another at school and at university. I even got onto the radio singing a song called "Dry Spell Blues" live on the Steve LeFevre show on BBC Radio Leeds back in the drought-hit summer of 1995.

I cut my folk music teeth as a member of the Liverpool Singaround Folk Club (unfortunately no longer running), and used to attend the Stainsby Folk Festival in Derbyshire on a regular basis. It was at Stainsby in 1999 that I reached the final of the singers competition. At Stainsby in 2000 I reached the final again and took second place in the performers competition whilst winning the Best Original Song category with my song "Eyes of a Child". When time allowed I used to enjoy visiting different folk clubs around Merseyside and the north west, and over the years have had bookings to perform at The Prospect (Weston Village), Heswall Folk Club (as was), Halingdon Trades, and Anthony John Clarke's folk club in Liverpool. I am also a lapsed member of the Shellback Chorus sea shanty singing group. During my time with the Shellbacks I performed with them at festivals in Liverpool, Whitby, Fleetwood, Banbury, Edinburgh/Leith, Upton-upon-Severn, and Saltburn, usually singing the song I was commissioned to write for them - the Song of the Salty Young Sea Dog.

Since 1998 I have been involved in the Liverpool poetry and music scene, and have performed at Explosive Mouth, The Dead Good Poets Society, Rubyactive, Borders (Speke), Borders (Cheshire Oaks), Café Pop (Manchester), New Brighton Beer Festival, BBC Music Live, and New Brighton Comedy at the Railway. I was also one of the two guests who took part in the opening night of Outlet, the Tuebrook writing group. If all that wasn't enough, I also run and co-host 'Come Strut Your Stuff', a monthly poetry and acoustic night at Liverpool's Egg Café. Occasionally I even find time to perform, if I can fit myself into the running order. My other host is Nick Payne (from the Dead Good Poets Society), and the evening features Stan the Harper. You can find out more details by following the link in the 'My websites' section of my homepage at itsafrogslife.net

I have taken my musical talent to different countries (mainly through Scouting links) and have entertained people at campfires and bars in countries such as Russia, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and latterly the USA. It was in the United States, whilst working at Camp Freeland Leslie in Wisconsin that I picked up a copy of a campfire songbook which I took back to England, edited, added to, and published on the internet. A link to The Good Book of Peter Henry can be found in the 'My websites' section my website.

"It's A Frog's Life" was my first CD, hence the name of the website and podcast. The CD came about due to pressure from friends in the UK and the USA, many of whom continually pestered me for recordings of my songs, such as "Campfire's In Heaven" (dedicated to the memory of a Scouter from the UK and a young staffer from camp in the USA), "The Greens" (it's that froggy theme again), and the highly popular "Never Trust A Panda". Thanks go to Liz Holland and Jeff Parton (one half of His Worship and The Pig) who offered to record me after hearing one of my songs during a FOLKUS training day earlier in 2000. Their help, support, cups of tea, encouragement and impartial, critical feedback were invaluable to me. "Thanks a bundle, guys!" Maybe in the next ten years I'll record another CD...


   Graham Holland's Friend Space (Top 16)
Graham Holland has 224 friends.
 It's A Frog's Life Acoustic Podcast 


 Culture Shock 


 The Coffee and Tea Show 


 Come Strut Your Stuff 


 Nicholas 


 maccman23 


 Tony Kehoe 


 La Jeusseliniere 


 Stuart Todd 


 The Alun Parry Band 


 Tricia McTeague 


 Todd Chappelle, Comedy Guitarist 


 The Almighty Bobbu 


 Acoustic Slice 


 Je Suis Un Rock Star 


 Mark Wilson 





Graham Holland's Friends Comments
Displaying 50 of 86 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Ben Coyle





Oct 7 2008 7:24 PM

shame u missed it last night G.
It was awesome, one of the best Eggs i have ever been to, hope Rich is feeling better (tony told me he weren't too well) c ya soon
Ninure da "Praying" Hippie





Sep 29 2008 1:04 PM

Just stopping by to say hello and share a thought:
~ Why are they called "stands" when they are made for sitting?
sues





Aug 28 2008 7:31 AM

Graham, i emailed you the details over. The night starting at The Blackburme Arms Hotel is called Acoustic BLiss.(just so it has it's own name!!) If anyone is looking to play the night which will take place every Saturday they can email me at suecullen@merseymail.com or call/text my mobile which is on my profile.
Thanks again for your support!
Oystar


Is Online


Aug 27 2008 5:16 PM

Hey Graham Holland

Thought you might like to know we've got a massive gig this Friday at...

Babalou, Brixton 8pm, Oystar, Serotonin, Booker T
Friday 29th August (THIS FRIDAY)

It's only a fiver to get in if you email us first at oystarmusic@gmail.com.

Hope you can make it - it's gonna be fuuuuuuuuuuun!


More details here.

Dan Oystar
Good Natured Music





Aug 25 2008 12:08 PM

Thanks for the add Graham!
I will be extra wary of Pandas from now on!
GNM Claire
MochAcoustic





Aug 25 2008 10:47 AM

Mochacoustic
mazieswake fans site





Aug 25 2008 7:54 AM

thanks for the add
Ninure da "Praying" Hippie





Jun 29 2008 12:31 PM

I’m just stopping by to say “Thanks for being in my Circle of MySpace Friends”, and to hopefully make you smile today.

The Bathtub Test

During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director how do you determine whether or not a patient should be institutionalized.

"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub."

"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."

"No" said the Director, "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"


ARE YOU GOING TO PASS THIS ON, OR DO YOU WANT THE BED NEXT TO MINE ?

Hope you have a Wonderful Day!

Ninure Da Hippie
the Amazing Doug!





Jun 10 2008 6:58 AM

Welcome to the Family
just trying to
meet as many good
musicians, and their
supporters, as possible.

I like your sound
and what you do.
zoe nicol





May 22 2008 1:11 PM

I'd love to be played on the pod cast. Thankyou for asking!

Zoe.
Poetry noodlings by Helên Thomas





May 12 2008 11:36 AM

Cheers for the friend add Graham - hope you're enjoying the sunshine.
HT
xx
Acoustic Slice





Apr 13 2008 7:58 AM

graham

you sent your comment to my acoustic slice page rather than to 3345 itself. as you know, acoustic slice is simply a night that runs at 3345 (or rather used to run). i have no connection to 3345 myself,

al
Indigo





Apr 12 2008 11:00 PM

yo there Graham
just popped in for a listen
really like that first song
it would be a great song to sing around a campfire with your friends
great work mate
take care

Indigo
son of the music snapper





Apr 12 2008 10:40 PM

YAY i will be famous thank you Graham, my mum said you were cool :o)
Ninure da "Praying" Hippie





Apr 9 2008 3:24 PM

Just checkin in......
Je Suis Un Rock Star





Apr 4 2008 3:08 PM

Hi Graham
Thanks for the add
Best Wishes
Nick
Poet Helên Thomas





Apr 3 2008 6:17 PM

Hi Graham,
Thanks for the friend add. I'm still plugging the 'We Are Poets!' anthology so please tell your friends to check it out at www. mucusart. co. uk/wap. htm
Feedback welcome!
All the best
HT
We Are Poets!





Mar 24 2008 4:03 AM

Many thanks for the add Graham,
Belated Happy Easter and all that - All the best from
Penelope Page and Gabby Mouth
xx
The Almighty Bobbu





Mar 11 2008 11:48 AM

Hello there Graham, long time no speaky! How's things going? I hope all's well with you; and that you're still taking good care of the Egg? Of course you are :)

Not just a social call though, this here message - I've finally got A Place In Between up and running again, after a lot of downtime. Almost 6 months, I believe.. :S And I was somewhat presupposing and put you on there - check it out at good old www.aplaceinbetween.com and see what I mean, because things have changed alot. It links to itsafrogslife.net, rather than making a whole separate page for you. I'm aiming to have APIB as more of a hub and community axis than a big networking site, so it's a big shift of direction. I hope you're still on board, though if not just say the word and I'll take you off there. Or if you want me to direct link to more of your stuff, like to the podcast (which I'm ashamed to say I have been neglecting, sorry!) then I'll do that too :)

Hope you're keeping smiling and making that grand music of yours!

Bobbu xx
Ninure da "Praying" Hippie





Mar 4 2008 2:19 AM

Photobucket
Acoustic Slice





Jan 27 2008 2:02 PM

ACOUSTIC SLICE Mon 28 Jan

3345 Parr St
(off Slater Street)
Liverpool

Doors 8pm, Start 8.30

A truly outstanding local lineup this week

Playing this Monday

STEVE PILGRIM

MICHELLE STRAHAN

KAYA

Don't miss it!

Open mikers advised to get there early!

For directions and info go to www.acousticslice.co.uk
TygerStyle





Jan 21 2008 3:57 PM

ta for the add
Comedy Music Cellar





Jan 10 2008 2:22 AM

Thanks for all the great music! It was a pleasure playing you on my podcast.
-= Naked Brain Radio =-





Jan 8 2008 9:27 PM

Your tunes are being rocked on...




A multi-genre sound scape featuring original tunes, comedy, parodies, covers, mash-ups, remixes and more!!

Fans can request to hear your tracks anytime at http://RADIO.NakedBrainStudios.com


.. feel free to send us any new tunes or station IDs you would like to be promoted and heard worldwide!
Ninure da "Praying" Hippie





Dec 27 2007 4:57 PM

ImageChef.com - Custom comment codes for MySpace, Hi5, Friendster and more
Acoustic Slice





Dec 14 2007 12:57 PM

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Mon 17th December

3345 Parr St
(off Slater Street)
Liverpool

Doors 8pm, Start 8.30 SHARP

We're having a FREE party on Monday at Acoustic Slice. So instead of having just three booked acts, we're bringing back a sleighfull of our favourite Slicers for this Christmas special.

We have TWELVE acts - one each for the twelve days of Christmas!!!!

BARRY BRIERCLIFFE
EMILY BARDEN
KAREN CLEARY
LEE BRODERICK
RAGZ
STEVE WINSTANLEY ("the mandolin man")
STUART TODD
THE GOOD INTENTIONS
THE MONO LPs
THOMAS JOSEPH & MURPHY
THOMAS WESTERN
TONY KEHOE

Don't miss it!

(Note: there's no open mike component for this week only)
Acoustic Slice





Nov 30 2007 7:28 PM

FREE LIVERPOOL MUSIC WEEK SPECIAL

Acoustic Slice Mon 3 Dec


We have a truly awesome lineup for you for our Liverpool Music Week special of Acoustic Slice.

At 3345 Parr Street, starting promptly at 8.30 pm we have a lineup that features

ALANA LEVANDOSKI - MAJOR CANADIAN STAR!!!!
This Canadian songstress is tipped for stardom and on the verge of a major, major deal. She absolutely must not be missed!!!! We have managed to persuade her to play Acoustic Slice as part of her UK tour to celebrate Liverpool Music Week. Next time you see her, she'll be in a venue holding thousands!

BOTTLETOP MILLIONAIRES
Mandolin driven Americana folk. Great songs and excellent vocals.

ZOE NICOL
LIPA based songwriter. A recent bit hit at the Payday Playtime event in Liverpool.

Plus its FREE to get in!

Starts and ends with open mike. Open mikers advised to get there very early to get one of the limited slots.
Acoustic Slice





Nov 23 2007 2:28 PM

FREE Acoustic Slice Mon 26 Nov

Don't miss out this week as we bring you yet another fabulous - and international!!! - line up of music.

At 3345 Parr Street, starting promptly at 8.30 pm we have a lineup that includes

JAMES ALLISON
All the way from New York City, James Allison, half of renowned American duo Blastronauts, features Slice as part of his UK tour.

WROBEL & O'NEILL
Wonderful Manchester based duo with great Americana influenced songs and vocals. Not to be missed.

EMMA FOXALL
LIPA based songwriter blending feminine rock with Bollywood strings, grunge guitar and hiphop rhythms.

Plus its FREE to get in!

Starts and ends with open mike. Open mikers advised to get there very early to get one of the limited slots.

More info at www.acousticslice.co.uk
Acoustic Slice





Nov 17 2007 12:03 PM

FREE Acoustic Slic Mon 19 Nov

Don't miss out this week as we bring you yet another fabulous line up of music.

At 3345 Parr Street, starting promptly at 8.30 pm we have a lineup that includes

KAREN CLEARY
The talented singer songwriter returns to Liverpool for her first slice outing

JESSICA'S GHOST
Cello, keys, mandolin, double bass and more. Don't miss this great five piece.

KATE THRELFALL
Jazz and soul influenced acoustic singer, currently sudying at LIPA

Plus its FREE to get in!

Starts and ends with open mike. Open mikers advised to get there very early to get one of the limited slots.

More info at www.acousticslice.co.uk
Acoustic Slice





Nov 4 2007 2:53 PM

Relaunched New Acoustic Slic Mon 5 Nov

The new format is a definite winner!!

Don't miss out this week as we bring you yet another fabulous line up of music.

At 3345 Parr Street, starting promptly at 8.30 pm we have a lineup that includes

CAROLINE ENGLAND

TONY KEHOE

BEN BLANCE


Plus its FREE to get in!

Starts and ends with open mike. Open mikers advised to get there very early to get one of the limited slots.

More info at www.acousticslice.co.uk
Maria





Nov 1 2007 5:42 PM

Urgent.. this Saturday!!!!!!

Benefit Gig...

The Old Angle Stoney St Nottingham... To fund life changing event to America for Lion Smyth and his family

Bands on the night are:

10 o’ Clock Horses, Fat Digester, Old Basford, Skinny Sumo
Date/Time: Saturday 03 Nov 2007
Time: 19:00 - 23:00
Entry Type: Appointment
Country: United Kingdom
Sharing: Share w/ Everyone
£5 Donation!!!!

TELL EVERYONE!!!!!
Deesal, the Frog Queen





Nov 1 2007 1:26 AM

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Acoustic Slice





Oct 21 2007 12:48 PM

Relaunched New Acoustic Slic Mon 22 Oct

Wow! What a fantastic Monday we all had last week, and how will did the new format work!!!!

Don't miss out this week as we bring you yet another fabulous line up of music.

At 3345 Parr Street, starting promptly at 8.30 pm we have

RAGZ
BARRY BRIERCLIFFE
THE STRUTTS


Ragz is one of Liverpool's finest songbirds.

Barry Briercliffe is a recent Search for a Star finalist.

The Strutts are a Dublin duo with a Scouse sound.

And what's more, its FREE to get in!

Starts and ends with open mike. Open mikers advised to get there very early to get one of the limited slots.

More info at www.acousticslice.co.uk where you can also check out the brand new podcast!!
Ninure da "Praying" Hippie