He was a member of the English avant-rock group Henry Cow and founded several bands himself, including Red Balune, Random Bob, Black Sheep, Mirage, and Ex-Wise Heads. 2009 : Leigh is currently involved in several projects, including solo performances, a duo with Simon Crab, with Japanese pianist/vocalist/composer Yumi Hara Cawkwell and recent activities include appearance with Japanese psychedelic rock band Acid Mothers Temple. Leigh & Yumi Hara were joined by legendary Japanese drummer Tatsuya Yoshida for a concert in Tokyo. In August Leigh performed at the annual Avant Garde Festival in Schiphorst, Germany, with Yumi Hara and ex-Henry Cow members Chris Cutler (drums) and John Greaves (bass/vocals).
Geoff Leigh - Chemical Bank Revisited
in the chemical bank the boss is so restless
the natives are dancing to computer rythmns
whose tic-a-tac tape loops threaten extinction
the staff are holding a general meeting
to shape the future in terms very concrete
while wrap around walls reflect every intention
bleary eyed hard edged multiple agents lacking
in trust guarantee your protection with
specialised forms of immunity
in the chemical bank the vaults are so crowded
everyone working on playback connections
coded they signify more than delusions
beings eroded by overload factors
analyse structure reveals obsolescence
cracks on the surface and ferment below
meanwhile contact the internal gamblers
spinning the wheels and dealing the winners
wearing a mask but forgetting the essence
the chemical bank still grinds out production
the boss has promised a special reduction
in all of the present available resources
while right hand men start to rally the forces
the market is reeling it's right on the edge
the precipice yawns and pretends it's asleep
reason returns and produces a wedge
the left hand gang start to drive it in deep
sound familiar?
nothing much has changed in the world of high
finance since I wrote this in 1979, so I thought
a remix / rework / reminder would be totally relevant
in today's economically / socially screwed up atmosphere.
the enemy are still there and the same faces appear everywhere.
I'm currently completing a full circle, digging into the past, transforming
audio and visual material into a new show which hopefully will stand the
test of time - no fashionistas allowed -
in 30 years or more - what's really changed?
expect the unexpected.
repeat the unrepeatable.
think the unthinkable.
Geoff Leigh
May 2009
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoff_Leigh
http://www.myspace.com/geoffleigh
