Cinerama
Biography
David Gedge put the Wedding Present on a shelf after a 1997 gig. Since then, he's concentrated on the classic pop-oriented Cinerama, centered lyrically around his regular themes of courtship, romance, love, lust and infidelity. Since Gedge spent the better part of two decades in a band that painted his diverse tastes into a corner musically, it's no surprise that his new work would be just as heartfelt and prolific as that of his former band. A fittingly titled group, Cinerama has indulged Gedge's love of film music from John Barry to blaxploitation, as well as the classic songwriting of Bacharach/David and the less dramatic sides of Scott Walker -- a comfy spot between twee and Tindersticks. Certainly more powerful and gutsy than the former, and not as dark and solemn as the latter. Those familiar with Gedge's gravelly vocalisms should be pleased to discover his steady transformation into a relatively smooth crooner.
Primarily a duo shared with mate Sally Murrell, Cinerama has employed a shifting lineup of collaborators and full-blown members. 1998's Va Va Voom featured the help of the Church's Marty Wilson-Piper and Emma Pollock of the Delgados. Gedge rescued the rhythm section of the disbanded Goya Dress (Terry de Castro and Simon Pearson) in 1999, employing them as members, and former Weddoes guitarist Simon Cleave has been in the lineup since the group's first show.
Selected Discography

John Peel Sessions
2001

Disco Volante
2000
