After intense debate, several lagers and several bad sonic impressions of seabirds, the name Gull has been dropped, to be replace by "Jacanda". Steve, Chris, James and Kev go into Lakeside Studios this week to start work on their 10 track album. For a taste of the forthcoming album and song lyrics, please check out the music section.

As a reminder, the band-formerly-known-as-Gull will be playing at the Folkhouse on 30 July, along with the Wraiths. Should be a good night.

As predicted, the former members of Minerva are unleashing the next wave of musical madness on the world (and enjoying turning up at each other's gigs!). For more information, check out the following links:

Gull (Chris, Kev and occasionally Al) - www.gullmusic.com
Gull is the new band from highly respected singer-songwriter Chris Pritchett, delivering richly layered and touching acoustic songs that blend folk, pop and even progressive influences. Along with lush piano, djembe and saxophone, Chris' songs are given a deeper and more vibrant texture, and range from delicate folk-tinged laments to darkly aggressive protest music.

Built in early 2006 on the foundations of successful Bristol band, Minerva, Gull are in the process of recording their first album due for release in August, and are gigging regularly on the Bristol circuit. With songs that touch on love, violence and everything in between, Gull is the new name in acoustic music that really means something.

Catch Gull live at Joe Public's on 27 June 2006 with support from Furlined.

E Henry Thripshaw's Disease (Neil) www.myspace.com/ehenrythripshawsdisease

EHTD defy description & categorisation while at the same time redefine the genre ‘dirtybluesrock’ as pioneered by the likes of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Black Keys, and The White Stripes. Brash, energetic and unsurpisingly infectious.

Van de Woestyne (Matt) www.vandewoestyne.com

Rising from the ashes of the local legends, and one of Glastonbury 2004's highlights, New Grand Smoking Palace, Van de Woestyne are a band full of filth, depravity and sleaze with the sassiest vocalist this side of Wendy James & Debbie Harry and a full-on rockin' band to put a shot in your arm!

Chris has his next solo CD written and ready to go. Several of the tracks were debuted along with James Phillips (Sax God www.tailfeather.co.uk) and Paddy at the Kellaway Arms on Sunday. For something as thrown together as it was, the result was fantastic, particularly considering Paddy hadn't heard most of the songs until we played them. We'll hone the material and hopefully set about tracking them at Riverside Studios in the new year, along with some fine guest musicians. In the meantime, some of the lyrics for the new tracks can be
previewed here.

In other news, Bob Pierce at the Bunker is finishing his polishing of some live acoustic tracks, which will be up on the site shortly.

Other plans are afoot..don't touch that dial!

After two and a half years together, Minerva are set to go their own musical ways. It's been a great time, and we have some cracking gigs to remember as well as some fine recorded material. At the end of the day, the pressures of real life meant that we couldn't all put the energy we wanted into the band, and as a result, the gigging and rehearsing slowed
down a little too much. On top of that, different ideas were emerging on the musical direction the band was taking, which ulitmately meant that we felt it was best to split for the sake of making music we all really love. It's a shame, as there was quality new stuff on the way, but I've no doubt the various members of the band will emerge phoenix-like from the ashes and there will be a lot more music from everyone in the near future.

Highs: Ashton Court 2004, anytime at the Fleece, headlining Bush Hall in London, cracking Louisiana gigs, a sold-out Folkhouse, 5 track EP etc.

Lows: That gig in the Church, with the cleaner pottering away in front of us!

It's been a blast, but watch this space for more details on whatever Chris, Neil, Matt, Kev and Al are up to next. There's plenty more to come!

After the hurley-burley of a cracking summer of festivals and plenty of live action, things have settled down a little at the moment. Minerva are locked away jamming and honing new material, with a fresh, angular sound (not to be construed as sounding like a fisherman). Chris on the other hand has been madly writing, and is preparing to return to the studio to begin work on the follow-up to "Waiting in Line", along with several guest musicians. Along with some reworked versions of familiar songs, the record will have 9 brand sparkling new compositions, which explore some new areas whilst retaining the acoustic roots. Updates
will follow, so watch this space.

As well as laying some working demos at the Bunker Studio, Chris is also polishing some live tracks taken from his support slot for Gordon Giltrap at the Folkhouse. On the website shortly we hope.

Finally, there may be an EP from Lara on the way from the show at St Aidan's Church that was recorded back in July.

More soon!

Lots more gigs including a headline for Minerva at the Fleece and an appearance at the presitigous Harbour Festival on 23 July. Check the gigs listings for more details.

Chris is now back in the country, and working on various musical endeavours with Minerva and Lara, ready for a busy summer of gigs and writing. Please check out the Gigs page for new shows for June and July.

Website update:
Check the music section for tracks, samples and lyrics for the both the Minerva and Lara England EPs. There's also a brand new bio.

Chris will perform live on air with Lara on Keith Warmington's show at 5.50pm on Thursday 24th March, to talk about life in general and promote the show with Roger Tarry at the Folkhouse on 29th March. Which we just did as well.

Lots of new gigs to announce over on the listings page, starting with a slot in support of the incredible Gordon Giltrap. I've been a fan of Gordon's incredible guitar style for many years, so it's a real thrill to be sharing a bill with him.

The show is at the Folkhouse, Park Street, Bristol, at 8pm on the 12th of March.

Well, it's been some time since the last update, but things have been very busy. A quick summary below!

Two new EPs
Available for preview online shortly will be the new EPs from Minerva and Lara England. Lara's 4 track EP was recorded at Lakeside Studios, and Chris contributes 2 songs, guitar and vocals. Lara's an exciting new prospect, and fresh from a cracking performance in front of a 250 strong crowd in Support of the Strawbs, Chris and Lara are looking forward to the Summer Festival circuit. Check her out.

Meanwhile, Minerva haven't been idle. At the end of January this year, the band locked themselves in Bink Bonk studios, and forced themselves to play with some gorgeous vintage analogue gear. It's a tough life... Anyway, from this shameless fun and games an EP thankfully emerged, featuring 5 tracks which are the cornerstone of the Minerva live set. It's vibrant and alive, whilst retaining the hooks and melodies we know and love. In short, it rocks!

GIGS
Minerva have been asked to support the world-renowned T-Rexstasy at their upcoming Bristol June date. Should be a sell out, so get tickets early. Venue isn't confirmed as yet, but we'll let you know asap.