Catchy Rhythms is Stephen Parker and Benny Dart. We met in Falmouth, Cornwall, where Benny was working in the infamous Sheikyerbooty record shop, learning the life of record-shop counter culture by the seas. After a life in music photography, Parker was growing vegetables on a hill outside Penryn. (read more on that over at Caught by the River.)
The idea formed somewhere in the mystic between Parker’s recommendation of The Jolly Brother’s roots reggae Conscious Man 7” to Benny back in 2010; then in a fortuitous reuniting in Bristol’s Wanted Records in 2019, and later sharing the warm notes of the music compilation Catchy Rhythms from Nigeria on a hot summer’s day 2023.
Finally, over a few pints at the Drapers Arms in the early Autumn sunshine, we decided to pour all our knowledge, experience and love of music into Catchy Rhythms. After lifetimes of listening and talking music, we became the ‘odd couple’: Benny is half Parker’s age, Parker is starting a new job as he reaches retirement.
Catchy Rhythms listens closely and searches widely for those essential sun-worn African imports, trawled up European folk roots, Cajun & old time shuffle, hot Latin dance, roots, reggae & dub, jazz, classical music across all its forms & continents, field recordings & ethnographic studies, electronic & avant-garde music and of a course a nod to the Western canon of rock, pop & indie music.
Say hello & talk music – catchyrhythms@gmail.com – Open all hours.
Benny & Parker
