Four tracks created as part of walking improvisations in Coburg Germany and London UK, during Coburg Samba Festival July 2014 and Notting Hill Carnival August 2014.

John and Greg, carrying sound recording equipment, walked through the streets of Coburg during the festivals mentioned above.

1. “In the Market Place” (Coburg 2014)
The Group that Became September first improvised purely inspired by and based on the ambiance. Part I of the first instalment of what was initially called the Midnight Minstrels’ Art Parade.
Featuring John Hicks and Gregory Cowan.

2. “That Samba Feeling…Reggae… The Police” (Coburg 2014)
John and Greg continued to explore the streets of Coburg without a specific route or agenda in mind, and encountered various people including visitors to Germany from USA, Brazil, France, Russia, England and more.
John’s précis: “The second half of our jolly stroll around Coburg, 12/7/2014, it’s mostly one chord and some tuneful cuica, and rebelo, guest artists and a visitation by The Police”.

3. Strange Music DAY (Notting Hill Carnival 2014) – Part 1
Sitting in a sunny spot on the lawn at the London School of Samba 2014 carnival camp (Pt: Barracão) John and Greg, after playing improvised sounds and attracting comments from carnivalists of London School of Samba in passing, go on to tour the barracão where they find people rehearsing, changing costumes, or merely taking a needed rest – whereupon these people react variously with amusement, chagrin or displeasure upon hearing the ambulant and ambient minstrelling.
John’s précis: “Me and Greg Cowan on Strange Music Day, Barracão 1, Notting Hill”.

4. Strange Music Day (Notting Hill Carnival 2014) – Part 2
John and Greg, after playing improvised sounds and attracting comments from carnivalists of London School of Samba, then leave the barracão and venture to the Notting Hill neighbourhood where they encounter carnivalists, musicians of many kinds and other diverse people walking in the area.