Had a great week at Whitby during the Folk Festival. Spent a bit of time down at the harbour and drank, played and sung in the local hostelries. Met a number of good folk. Thanks to all who plied me with beer and bought CDs.

Been performing at a few parties lately. Congratulations and cheers to y'all who've had cause to celebrate this month.

This Thursday evening (2nd Sept) I'll be at the Hole Note Club in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire to play a few numbers before watching the amazing Jon Gomm. I haven't posted this one since it's his gig, but I'll be there. Might see some of you there.

27th July

I'm sad to hear that another great pub has gone. The Murgatroyd Arms in Halifax, which provided a stage for local performers (and some very good ones too), has closed its doors for the last time. Sadly, the managers were unable to meet the growing costs of running a successful public house and have called it a day. I would like to wish John and Pam all my very best wishes for the future.

26th July

The film I've been working on is available for preview on YouTube. It's a low resolution version for easy access and is entitled "Bang Up Or Pay Back". The director is Dan Wagstaffe of Blazing Fire Theatre Company and I think he's done a fantastic job. Well done to actor, Paul Joseph too. He is very convincing as a disillusioned, convicted thief.

My brief was to provide music which would be ominous and and hard edged. I provided 6 music tracks which were cut and used as the film needed. I used "riffy" electric guitars and lots of drums. One of the tracks also consisted of a gentle piano piece intended to convey nostalgia. There were also a few atmospheric sound pieces too which pop up here and there in the film, but you might not notice them. They just add to the ambience of the film.

The music is unlike anything else I do, and isn't really representative of my live work, nor of the songs on my album, but it was fun to do and suits the needs of the film. It's really film soundtrack music and I'm proud of it as an alternative side to me.

Hope you enjoy it. Here's the link to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9bCnWRhcaM

The high definition version of the film will be released in the near future.

23rd July

Another good night, this time at the Princess Royal Folk Club in Sheffield. Another full house and a lovely, appreciative audience. Thanks to all who travelled some distance to see me.

22nd July

A great night at Otley folk club last night! Full house, brilliant floor spots all, warm and happy audience, lovely atmosphere. Thanks to Tom Bliss for joining me for a couple of numbers too. Can't wait to go back there again.

5th July

Up today early to meet with film director Dan Wagstaffe. He's using my music for his next one. It's a bit different doing this stuff; mostly quite hard edged and a bit scary, but lots of fun. I've got six tracks for him to cut and play with. Next week it's filming scenes with the actors, then it's back to the editing. Busy times for the next couple of weeks....

4th July

The Crown of Lights on Thursday night was a great gig. The soundman "Pete" did a fine job in letting me hear what I was singing. Especially important since I had a throat like sandpaper. Sounded a bit husky I think. (might try to keep it like that...!) Dave and Tom were both on form and it sounded sweet. Thanks guys, you are awesome!

My own little slot today for Cleckheaton festival, at The George "showcase" gig, was fun too. It's surprising how many people can squeeze into a small room on a hot day and sing out with such gusto. Energising stuff! Met a few nice folk there too. See them again I hope.

23rd June

Played some nice gigs lately. Had a good night at Beverly festival with BB&C last Friday, in front of a large crowd in the main marquee, a very appreciative audience and a super evening all round. Last night on my own at Hillsborough Folk Club was nice too; it is a great room to play in with fine natural acoustics and a lovely audience. I'm looking forward to going there again! Apparently, I'm booked for the Princess Royal Folk Club in Crookes, Sheffield too on 22nd July - just found out! I'd better go there then.... the night before (21st) I'm at Otley Folk Club in Korks, so I'm hoping for a good turn out at this fairly local gig. Come down if you can make it. It's always nice to play to music lovers and not just beer lovers (although they have their own particular charm...!) See you soon. :)

2nd June

Sorry, I've not written much here lately. I've been recording for the new album and also for a short film which will be released later this year (more will be disclosed soon!) I have also been out and about trying new songs in various places and deciding which ones are going to go on the new album. I've a good idea which ones will definitely be included. But as is always the way, I'll probably change my mind. Planned release for the new CD is around October.

I've added more to the dates page as well, some solo and some with "BB&C". Posted dates are only up to the end of July at the moment. Dates for August and beyond will be appearing soon.

3rd May

Had a great time last night at the Wath Festival with our new trio "Bowie, Bliss and Cockerham" Thank you to a warm and welcoming audience who sang their hearts out with us. Hope to see you all again very soon. Please also check my solo dates (constantly being added to...)

Phil :)

21st April

Had a busy time the last few days. Thanks to all the good people who came to the last few gigs at: Raggalds in Bradford, to the Acoustic Showcase in Mirfield and to The Midnight Bell in Leeds. We had fun! Also been rehearsing with Dave Bowie and Tom Bliss for a number of festivals over the spring and summer. Some dates coming up quite soon! Details will be announced as soon as we have them confirmed. Cheers.

15th April 2010

Just unveiled our new trio, "Bowie, Bliss and Cockerham" (that's Dave, Tom and me.) We performed a few songs last night in front of a very enthusiastic audience at Otley Folk Club. Thanks to all who came to support us. We'll be popping up again somewhere soon. This is in addition to my solo stuff and a few other things I'm doing. The album is going well and getting a good reaction from all those who've heard it. It's all very exciting!
Hope to see you all soon.
Phil

3rd April 2010

It's amazing how many great acoustic venues are springing up all over the place..... places for musicians to gather, watch and gain experience from each other. I've met some lovely people and heard some delightful music lately, in small (and not so small) rooms; above pubs and behind restaurants and cafes, above gyms, attached to libraries, arts centres and cinemas ... even in barns. In fact, wherever there's a space (and a door you can close to keep out the street noise) there's likely to be a gathering of souls who have something to say and are maybe carrying an instrument. I love it! The standards are often incredibly high, and in just about everywhere, the team spirit is strong. All musicians want to support each other and no-one is turned away. Audiences listen with interest and smile. And they keep asking me back!

22nd Feb 2010

Had a great night at The Swan in Addingham last night. Thanks to all the brave souls who ventured out on a cold and snowy evening. It was a packed house, who were very welcoming to me and to my friends, the eclectic duo "Strid", who performed later on. We did a few numbers together as well, which was great fun. Hope to see you all again!

Just posting some new dates for the Spring. Keep watching this space!

8th Feb 2010

Just discovered another Phil Cockerham in West Yorkshire, who is actually a banker! It's not me, I promise you! Maybe he's heard my song, "I'm So Happy I'm A Banker". It's been getting a few radio plays and I wonder if he's a little bit cross.... :)

3rd Feb 2010

Just announced a couple of festivals in the West Yorkshire area. Watch the dates list for further details! (It's amazing just how many great little festivals there are running over the summer. Sadly, some are on the same day and I can't do them all...!)

24th Jan 2010

Getting a few radio plays with my song, "I'm So Happy I'm A Banker." Seems to strike a bone with everyone, that song! I've also had several people who want to do it themselves... "Last Orders" is also a popular one, requested frequently. Both are in the tuning of DADGAD (from the bottom string) and both use a capo to set the correct pitch for my voice. Have a go, but don't forget to mention me please, if you perform them. And if you wish to record any of my songs yourself, then of course you'll need to check with me first .... (or at least let the PRS know about it!) Looks like I'll be popping up at a few festivals this year too.... Watch this page for details.

14th Jan 2010

Just uploading a new song "100 New Year Promises". It explains in a 4 minutes song, how all the good, New Year intentions can, unfortunately, fail. This is a low resolution mp3 file, uploaded like that for speed. The full res version will be on the next album, I expect. But, it's timely right now. So Here it is! CLICK HERE!

13th Jan 2010  

Hello everyone, or "Na'then" as we say around these parts. Happy New Year to you all and welcome to the new, updated website. A special thanks to Bruce Wilson for his hard work in getting me up and running.

Well, the year has begun well for me, despite having to battle through snow, ice and blizzards to get out to you all. I've had some good nights, performing in some great places and we'd had a few laughs along the way. I'm beginning to post some dates for this year's gigs, so write them in your diaries and there are a few more in the offing, yet to be confirmed. Watch this page!

The album, "Waiting For The Age Of Reason", is out and is being well received by all who have one. Thanks for waiting so patiently for its eventual release; many of you have been asking regularly how long it was going to be (it's about 47 minutes, actually..! There are 14 of my songs and one instrumental) Now I can start working on the next album. Already , I'm performing some songs which will probably be part of the next CD and a few are recorded. Hopefully, I'll have a few guests "appearing" on the next album, but we'll have to wait and see who they are just yet! I was thrilled to have Duncan McFarlane, Carol Yeadon, Bruce Wilson, John Lockwood and Rick Potter on this one,  All are my heroes and it's great to hear them.

I'm currently working with Jennie and Simon, who together make "Strid", and who I've been bumping into regularly as we all tread the same boards. We'll hopefully be doing a few songs together whenever we meet up, wherever that may be ...... it's always a nice surprise.

Hope to see lots of you too, soon.

Bye for now, Phil

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"Spent" gigs (dates played since April 2010):

Friday 16th April - Raggald's Acoustic, Queensbury, Bradford

Support for Gerry Cooper at this comfortable and friendly venue. A nice night in front of a small but receptive crowd.

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Sunday 18th April 2010 - Acoustic Showcase Sunday, The Black Bull, Mirfield, W Yorkshire

The first of a season of acoustic gigs. Also featured Chris Martin and Den Miller. Lots of fun.

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Tuesday 20th April 2010 - The Midnight Bell, Holbeck, Leeda

A whole evening of Phil and his music. A friendly, intimate venue playing in front of an appreciative audience.

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Saturday 24th April 2010 - Craven Festival, Skipton

Opened the afternoon concert in the Cruck Barn. A nice afternoon with some great performers

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Sunday 25th April 2010 - Acoustic Rotherham 7, The Queen's Hotel. Rawmarsh, S.Yorkshire

A whole day festival featuring a number of performers. Thoroughly enjoyed the day. A lovely warm audience.

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Sunday 2nd May 2010 - Wath Festival evening concert

Opened the evening concert with our trio: Bowie, Bliss and Cockerham. One of a growing number of gigs for BB&C

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Thursday 6th May 2010 - Swansongs, The Swan, Addingham

Featured performer at the monthly acoustic night. Another nice night in front of a receptive audience. Cheers.

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Sunday 16th May 2010 - The Hole Note Club, Hebden Bridge

Supported the John  Herring Band; thank you to a great enthusiastic audience who gave me a warm welcome.

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Thursday 3rd June 2010 - The Murgatroyd Arms, Halifax HX3 0RX

A whole evening of Phil and his music. A good night for everyone.

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Friday 5th June 2010 - The Black Swan Folk Club, York YO1 7PR

Phil completed the Saturday evening line up in the upstairs clubroom for this popular weekend festival event.

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Thursday 10th June 2010 - The New Conservatory, Albion Place LEEDS LS1 6JL

Phil performed in the evening to a lively and happy audience. Lots of fun.

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Sunday 13th June 2010 - Melamatik at the Hole Note Club, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

A nice evening as part of the Bradford Melamatik Festival. Phil finished the evening with a 45 minute set of his music.

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Friday 18th June 2010 - Beverley  Folk Festival, Concert Marquee

"Bowie, Bliss and Cockerham" opened the evening for an enthusiastic audience

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Tuesday 22nd June 2010 - Hillsborough Folk Club, The Burton Street Foundation, 57 Burton Street Sheffield S6 2HH

An intimate venue for an appreciative audience. A solo gig where Phil played two sets over the evening.

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Thursday 1st July 2010 - Cleckheaton Folk Festival opener (in association with The Crown of Lights)

The Comrades Club, Regent Street, Heckmondwike  WF16 0HD

"Bowie, Bliss and Cockerham" Also appeared: The Mahogany Monkeys, Russ Hughes. A great night!

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Saturday 3rd July 2010 - Cleckheaton Folk Festival, The George, Parkside, Cleckheaton BD19 3RA

A solo 20 minute set from Phil during the afternoon. Many thanks for the keen support of all in the audience!

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Sunday 18th July 2010 - The "Aire-do"  Festival,  Keighley,  BD20 6LH

Also on the line-up that day: Strid, Gerry Cooper, PlumHall, The Hall Brothers and The 309s.

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Wednesday 21st July 2010 - Otley Folk Club, Korks Wine Bar 40 Bondgate  Otley, LS21 1AD

A great night! Full house, brilliant floor spots all, warm and happy audience, lovely atmosphere. Thanks to Tom Bliss for joining me for a couple of numbers too. Can't wait to go back there again.

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Thursday 22nd July 2010 - Princess Royal Folk Club -   The Princess Royal, 43 Slinn Street, Crookes, Sheffield, S10 1NW

Thanks to all those who travelled some distance to see me. A full house and another great night!

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Sunday 8th August 2010 - "Todstock" (the Todmorden free festival) 

Centre Vale Park, Burnley Road, Todmorden Lancashire OL14 7BS

Free music festival  over 2 days - 7th / 8th August. Phil appeared on the "Hole Note" stage.

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Sunday 22nd August 2010 - Leeds Festival Fringe 

The New Conservatory, Albion Place LEEDS LS1 6JL

Fundraising event of blues and other acoustic music. Money raised for the Martin House appeal.