There was a coffee house in Stratford from about 1962 to 1978 which co-existed with the Stratford Shakespearean Festival. I first discovered it while on a high school English trip. The performances at this Black Swan Coffee House were either just before or after the plays at the theatre. Initially the featured performer was Cedric Smith who had a very dramatic performance to his songs, which were often satirical. As the years passed, he was joined by many others who became known as the Perth County Conspiracy. They toured across Canada as well and put out a number of albums. Performances at the Black Swan Coffee House often went on till 4 a.m. For the last 20 years there has been a once a year revival of the Black Swan in August. If you check out my YouTube channel you will find some videos taken during these revivals.
Any feedback on melody would be appreciated. I seem to get into a sort of "monotonic" trend in my songs. Also, any suggestions for changes in the lyrics would be good, too.
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Black Swan Cafe on a sultry summer's night
Singing till half past three, got home by morning light
Never went to Stratford just for Willy Shakespeare
Perth County Conspiracy was the hook that brought us there
We could sing all night long till the day was done
And we have the power with us everywhere
Never have to lose the bewitching hour
Stratford's only espresso machine and a fruit cheese plate
Songs shouting love, harmonies so sweet
Their little kids ran around while they played
Now they're grown and write songs for today
The Black Swan closed more than 40 years ago
But we remember what they said to know
The Black Swan can arise anywhere
People sing of love and life, to be different they dare
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David, I like to hear songs that reference cool places in time where creativity flourished. This makes me want to know more about the Black Swan Cafe for sure. The melody here I think wants to work but maybe the monotonic feel to this pushes me away some. I’d be curious to see how this would sound with a more uplifting feel to it. I hope my feedback is helpful. Lyrics, I think theres some nice gems that help paint the story of Black Swan Cafe nicely. However, without the description you provided I’m not sure if I would have gotten it or not. But maybe that’s not a problem at all cause sometime the listener doesn’t need to get the song entirely. I look forward to hearing your other music.
April 12, 2015
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Dennis Field
David, I like to hear songs that reference cool places in time where creativity flourished. This makes me want to know more about the Black Swan Cafe for sure. The melody here I think wants to work but maybe the monotonic feel to this pushes me away some. I’d be curious to see how this would sound with a more uplifting feel to it. I hope my feedback is helpful. Lyrics, I think theres some nice gems that help paint the story of Black Swan Cafe nicely. However, without the description you provided I’m not sure if I would have gotten it or not. But maybe that’s not a problem at all cause sometime the listener doesn’t need to get the song entirely. I look forward to hearing your other music.
April 12, 2015
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