The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a
green thing that stands in the way. Some see Nature all ridicule and
deformity, and some scarce see Nature at all. But to the eyes of Imagination, Nature is Imagination itself.
William Blake, 1799, The Letters
An acoustic duo just shy of two years old, The Douglas Firs’ love of nature is reflected in their songwriting. Their arrangements are untainted and uncomplicated with the focus never straying from their simple yet strong melodies and thought provoking lyrics.
Now firmly established on the regional music scene and with one self released EP, ‘Happy Being Lost’ under their belts, Suzy and Jimmy Douglas launched their second EP, ‘Walk Tall Past Talking Walls’ in October 2008 with a highly successful show headlining Bournemouth Folk Club. Armed with the new EP the duo have been playing to new and growing audiences in the area.
• Dorset Unsigned Music Awards 2009 •
In May 2009, The Douglas Firs won 2 judges' prizes in the finals of the Dorset Unsigned Music Awards (DUMA); winning a photography session on location with Seeker Photography and also recording time at Room With A View studios, owned by award-winning sound engineer Steve Smith.
Suzy and Jimmy have been testing out some new songs during their live performances recently, some of which will feature on an extended EP to be released later on this year.
The Douglas Firs at D.U.M.A. © Sophie Court
What They Say About The Douglas Firs:
“Songs like 'Woman of Wood ' and 'Regrets and Cigarettes' illustrate this duo's ability to write remarkably original and inventive songs. The live performances are usually modest and understated - as is the 'Firs' ethos - yet always deeply powerful and emotive.â€
Paul Burke, Bournemouth Folk Club
“The Douglas Firs are a band that continue to go from strength to strength. Those that were there on this night really were very blessed…something special indeed.†Neil King, Fatea Records www.fatea-records.co.uk
“As with their debut ep, this was another meeting with The Douglas Firs that left me with a warm glow. Tonight, Jimmy’s guitar playing was never overdone, kept intentionally simple as if to give the songs air to breathe, and to allow Suzy’s vocals to stand out…. her performance was simply impeccable. On tonight’s evidence I’m expecting great things - they have now won me over both on disc and on stage.†Tony Foster, bhOne promotions www.bhone.co.uk
‘The Douglas Firs ooze the spirit of the song with every note, enchanting their captivated audience with a perfect blend of stunning vocals, soft harmonies, reflective melodies & thought provoking lyrics. An uncompromised performance - stripped, laid back, bare & beautiful’ Helen Parker, Live Music Showcase
'Woman of Wood' EP Launch show, video by Live Music Showcase
Happy Being Lost - debut ep - now finished & available
• NEW E.P. 'Walk Tall Past Talking Walls' out now... •
After many nights spent in our log cabin singing, plucking and strumming away, we are pleased to say we now have the finished article, that of our new E.P. Walk Tall Past Talking Walls. You can get one by coming to one of our shows, or very soon, you will have the option to download our music for a modest fee. More news on that later.
The two videos featured on here are from the EP launch show at Bournemouth Folk Club in October, courtesy of Live Music Showcase.
The Douglas Firs Typewriter
We decided that our recent E.P. launch show was a good time to introduce people to the Firs' typewriter. In the age of dazzling technology we are going old school - the typewriter will be with at many of our future shows, and we're hoping to document our gigs through the messages left by those good people watching and listening to us. So if you want to leave a comment, tell us what you thought of a new song, a random thought, a line from your favourite poem, strange musings or even insult us - whatever compels you - step up to the typewriter after the gig where you can tap away till your heart's content.
We will, from time to time, be posting the typewriter messages anonymously on here and, judging from the pages of stuff left after the launch show, we will not be short of material! Thanks to all those people who queued up to 'christen' the typewriter at the launch show and all the weird and wonderful messages left...first typewriter posting to follow shortly.....
'Inside The Doll's House'
