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The Headwhiz Consort Moderne Internationale
plays the music of John McGrail
Established in 1992 by Babakar Wade the Consort set out to play a variety of music that would be described as progressive, avante-garde or experimental. A guitarist himself Wade discovered the experimental music of John McGrail through John's brother Richard who lived in Senegal for years. A 1990 visit by John to his brother resulted in their meeting. Numerous cups of Nescafe and conversations about music resulted.
Eventually Wade formed the Consort. The idea of doing a recording of John's experimental music was suggested to the Consort by Wade. The members of the group were extremely excited and enthusiastic about the idea and Wade set out to make it a reality. They first did some concerts in Europe to work the material over before going to the studio. Originally they were to record in Dakar until John suggested the recordings be done at Mind Fry Studios. This was seemingly too expensive when J. Kinslow McGrail (President of Mind Fry) agreed to pay to make the sessions a reality.
Members of the Consort
Babakar Wade: Founder and leader of the Consort. He performs mostly on guitar although he does do some vocals. (Senegal)
Hans Z: Drums. Doesn't "do" percussion. Leaves that up to Samba. Also refuses to reveal his last name. No documents have been found to ascertain what it is. He may not exist. (Germany)
Vladimir Polchinski: Bass. Lives in Moscow. Mil mannered. His idol is Jonas Hellborg. His dog's idol is Lassie. (Russia)
Samba Djope: The elder statesman of the Consort at 61. He has known Babakar for years. He was the first man contacted by Babakar when putting the Consort together. (Senegal).
Jean-Luc Sartre: A French existentialist wind player with an English accent. Unless he is trying to sound French then he uses a fake French accent. (France)
Mairead O'Connor: Keyboard and vocals. Born and raised in Dublin. Spends most of her time drinking guiness (the only beer the Consort would accept as a sponsor if they were offered) and playing music. Has been accused of aiding the IRA. Claims she knows little of banking and cares even less. (Ireland)
Lady Bret Fastley: Marimba. Kind of a bitch but men think she's hot. Personally Babakar appreciates her musical skills. (England)
Bob Kohn: Programmer. Is in the Consort because of lady Bret. Otherwise he would be making real money with his knowledge of computers. (Israel)
Barney Cole: Guitarist. Does most of the lead guitar with the Consort. Also has his own jazz band in America. (OK so it's more jazz/rock/avante-garde/progressive). (USA)
Art Paisley: Lambeg Drum. (although there is no Lambeg Drum on their debut release). Claims to be the illegitimate son of the Reverend Ian Paisley. (Northern Ireland)
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