JOHN Meriton (aka John Butler) has performed regularly at Write Angle and also with Nineveh in Havant.

There are real stories here, real songs of experience and emotion.
 A versatile singer/songwriter, with a powerful mix of words melodies and rhythms, that draws on folk and rock traditions to excite the soul. A telling of tales with a telling guitar style, reminiscent of proper English pubs and festivals, of dreams and actualities. A trace of tradition with a barefaced modern lyric produces a performance that sits up and makes you take notice.

Writing songs, playing and singing are John's way of understanding and expressing his experiences and emotions about the world he lives in. His musical journey began when he first picked up a guitar and started writing songs. After a spell as lead singer in a school band, he formed a band at university, playing local pubs and clubs. Then came children and a successful career in social housing. Music took a back seat, although he continued to play solo and in a ceilidh band.

In 2007 he decided to change his life and work part time to focus on his music. Playing solo and with a band, this is a continuing journey of inspiration and exploration of different musical styles in which to perform his songs. So he can adapt to playing anything from a solo performance at a poetry and music evening to a band performance at a festival. He loves mixing with a range of musicians in world music and getting audiences involved.

John also continues to play guitar in an trio playing Irish instrumentalscalled the Houseband, accompanying Chris Walker on Uilleann pipes and whistles along with Bill Woods on Bodhran. Mixing this with his own material and popular songs, they run local acoustic nights and are bookable for house parties, community events, barn dances and any kind of celebrations.

The trio, playing Irish instrumentals, is also seeking to play around more.  They are moving theirr acoustic nights, which were at Nineveh book shop last winter, to the Robin Hood pub in the middle of Havant as it’s a better room for music.  This will be on the last Thursday of each month at 8 p.m., starting on 28th.  They will continue the mix of instrumentals, John's songs and “popular” songs, with guest performers.   

Another venture is to play at the boathouse no.6 in the Portsmouth dockyard, as part of a pre-film event at the cinema there (called no.6 - see the website events page)  The next one is on 23 Jan when, before the film Bright Star, which is about Keats, they are doing a set mixed with some readings of Keats poetry by Tim Dawes