During his current UK tour TheMusicMagazine slipped on some loafers, visited the liquor cabinet and joined rising comedy sensation, Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer for a friendly drink by the fire. We decided the most fitting course of action would be to indulge his persona by letting the sherry run free. The result of which is the interview you see before you. Enjoy.
Apart from Banjolele, what does B stand for?
Bragadaccio, Beats, bedlam, briar pipes…anything but boredom.
What makes a gentleman?
Quite a question sir! A Gentleman knows his own mind, although it might take a few sherries to gain such knowledge. He also obeys the ten Chappist commandments (see: www.thechap.net/content/section_manifesto/index.html) and above all he is a gentle man.
Who is your nemesis?
I don’t do nemesii as a rule, far too affable a cove for that sort of thing. All I can say is I shan’t stand for a lack of imagination.
On Myspace you say your music sounds like “Noel Coward and Afrika Bambaataa enjoying a sweet sherry at a party held at Mansion House.” What do you think their conversation would entail?
They would begin by extolling the quality of the sherry and, suitably oiled, shall discover a shared love of rhyme and showmanship. Then, further oiled, they shall spectacularly fall out over the very same subject and damn each other’s eyes/teeth. They shall then, at the optimum point of oiling realise that variety is the spice of life, make up and then things may get a tad peculiar…
You’re hosting a dinner party. What would you serve and who would you hire to cook it?
I would request the services of Nigella Lawson. I don’t know what I would ask her to cook, but it would involve a lot of whisking.
Who would your ultimate super group consist of?
Banjolele: G Formby
Vocals: N. Coward
Bass: M. King
Brass: Oompah Brass
Drums: Clyde Stubblefield
Maraccas/Catering: Nigella Lawson
You’re house is hit by a flash flood and you only have time to save an armful of belongings. What would they be?
My banjolele, my Caramel Herr Von Eden Corduroy three piece suit, a Tootal tie and nigella if she’s still cooking. And the water’s up to her neck.
Name your five Desert Island disks.
Noel Coward- Mrs. Worthington
Public Enemy- Rebel Without a Pause
Prince- Erotic City
Art Of Noise- Beatbox
Tom Lehrer- Poisoning Pigeons in the Park
Your track, Timothy is about the infamous Mr. Westwood. How would you imagine an encounter with him on a desert island?
It would proceed in much a familiar fashion to Noel and Bam’s meeting at Mansion House. But with the sherry replaced by puddle water.
50 years from now your music has brought together all humanity and is regarded as the very fabric of a new world society. What would be the main philosophies of this society?
Beats, Rhymes and Manners.
Other than yourself which artist would you most tip for the top this year?
I have absolutely no idea, when I’m not making my music or quaffing sherry I’m at the pipe, so to speak.
Finally, where can people buy your album?
There is a link on gentlemanrhymer.com and The Chap magazine have deemed it in the public interest to sell it as well at thechap.net
Pat
2 months ago
Thank you for such a splendid chat with Mr. B. Scintillating in all aspects of a intensely, splendidly humourous person. Now, if he would bring he and his banjolele across the pond to us heathens here in the Colonies!
Paul R.
2 months ago
Wonderful to see the affable and talented Mr B getting this sort of recognition for his efforts. Keep up the good work, old chap!