Graham Parker (web site | learn more) has been a great singer-songwriter since the 70s and he still is today. He has refused to compromise his vision and so fame has eluded him. But there was a time when he was compared to Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, Nick Lowe, and others. And honestly, though I like those people too, Graham has remained truer to his original sound. He’s still great to see live (my review of his Winters show) and on record his biting, literate lyrics and hook-filled, heartfelt songs are what pop-rock music would be in a much more interesting world.
Why not help get this film produced? Want a copy of it? Want a T-shirt? Want your name in the credits?! C’mon, he deserves this! Click on his picture for more info.
From the web site:
About this project
THE FOCUS: Graham Parker has recorded and performed non-stop for the last 35 years. Refusing to compromise, Graham marched to his own drum. Together with his passionately remembered band the Rumour, Graham was the inspiration for artists that followed him such as Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. But in the end he defied the movement that he helped spark. And when the music business continued to change beyond recognition, he remained true to his musical vision. A modern troubadour, Graham releases new music almost on a yearly basis, while touring small clubs around the country to a die hard fan base.
THE TWIST: Graham, at 59 years old, has had a slight change of heart. He just may be ready to go commercial. Leaning on his publishing company to place his music in ads and TV shows Graham makes his last attempt at selling while not selling out. The film documents the history of his independent spirit and defiant optimism, celebrates the sincerity of his music and delights in his self-deprecating wit.
THE INTERVIEWEES: Martin Belmont, Steve Goulding, Bob Andrews, Nick Lowe, Joe Jackson, Dave Robinson, Ian Hunter, Pete Thomas, Black Francis, Jesse Malin, The Figgs, Meg Griffin, Alan Pepper, and others.
WHAT WE NEED: This project has been a labor of love funded by my credit cards which are now, maxed out. We need to cover the expensive responsibility of showing Graham at his pinnacle with his band the Rumour for all the unfortunates who never had a chance to see them. The many clips we have compiled, are costly. The project splits the profits with Graham 50/50. The lower the recoverable costs the sooner Graham might benefit from his patience with me….(We’ve been working on this film for about 4 years.)
A worthy cause…
