Haringey singers pay homage to Kinks songwriter (From Haringey Independent)

Haringey singers pay homage to Kinks songwriter

10:52am Monday 6th July 2009

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SINGERS from Haringey will perform four songs written by Kinks songwriter Ray Davis in London's Carnaby Street this weekend.

The amateur songbirds hope to entertain shoppers by lending their vocals to classics Sunny Afternoon, Lola, Waterloo Sunset and Dedicated Follower of Fashion.

All four songs were penned by lifelong Haringey resident Ray Davies and the frontman for legendary band The Kinks.

The songs have been reworked with new harmonies by musical director Idit Gold who runs Singing in London based in Lauderdale House, in Highgate.

She held free singing workshops at Hornsey and Wood Green Libraries to help the group of up to 30 novices prepare for their West End debut.

Ms Gold said: "We chose The Kinks because Ray Davies grew up in Haringey and still lives in Crouch End. It seemed like a nice tribute to him.

"He wrote all the songs and I tried to pick out those that everyone knew. None of the group is professionals. They are all amateurs with different levels of experience.

"Everyone can sing. It's a natural thing. Some people get very nervous which tightens the vocal chords. So I helped with breathing exercises and posture and things like that.

"It should be a good performance."

The Kinks performance is one of 30 similar events taking place across the capital as part of annual musical festival Sing London, which aims to get everyday people bringing fresh sounds to the streets.

All shows will be accompanied by a pianist.

To support the Haringey singers and hear what they've got to offer, head to Carnaby Street, in central London, on Sunday, July 12.

For more information about Idit Gold and Singing in London, visit www.singinginlondon.com

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