The Name Thing

First off, his name is Alun Parry, not Alan Parry. Its not a typo. He was named after former Liverpool striker Alun Evans. There is a football commentator from this neck of the woods called Alan Parry. That's not him. He's just a singer songwriter.

The Music

He's a prolific singer songwriter from Liverpool and he plays across the North West regularly performing his own music. His music is best described as gritty folk rock laced with social observation. It's footstomping stuff in the main. It mixes a contemporary, urban feel with a strong traditional roots influence.

Humble Beginnings

He started off as a humble busker in Bold Street with a guitar that wasn't even his (borrowed not nicked!) His aim was to buy a guitar of his own which he eventually did. He still has it to this day though it's a bit warped now. He keeps it for sentimental value really, what with it being his first guitar and all. If anyone remembers a scruffy youngster bellowing John Lennon's Power To The People while stood opposite the side entrance to Central Station - that was him.

Second Friday

He hosts the hugely successful Second Friday event in Liverpool which is a monthly showcase of local singer songwriters. The quality of the pre booked acts is tremendous. It has quickly become one of Liverpool's best musical night outs, featuring the stars of Merseyside's acoustic scene.

Acoustic Slice

He is also the driving force behind Acoustic Slice, a weekly acoustic showcase held at the legendary Parr Street Studios at their 3345 venue. This features a one hour open mike sandwiched between two pre booked acts, often featuring artists as part of their national UK tour.

Media Appearances

He's been featured on local radio several times, including a set of songs performed live on BBC Radio Merseyside, and a live broadcast from the top of an open topped bus filled with tourists!! He's also been the focus of various magazine features and interviews, and a host of reviews which you can read elsewhere on this site. He's played at most of the major venues in Liverpool, including the Royal Court, the Everyman and the Playhouse.

Musical influences

His musical influences are wide ranging but He's always switched on by music that tells a story or has something to say.

The first song he heard like that was when his Mum played San Quentin Live by Johnny Cash. Even now its a track that gives him a huge lump in the throat and sends the hairs on the back of his neck standing up.

Any music played authentically in a rootsy style will always twang his ears. Yet at the same time he was pretty much raised on The Beatles and The Who.

He likes a lot of old style musicians too. If you're a dead musician there's a really high chance he'll be into your stuff. High price to pay for his fandom though I guess!

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