Radio Starlion - Gig Reviews Written by Jeanette Howlett

I hope that my passion for a wide range of music comes across in my work for Radio Starlion. Seeing live music and sharing the experience is integral to that passion, hence these gig reviews, which I hope you enjoy. Recent reviews are below. Earlier reviews are accessible on the Gig Archive page.

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PORCUPINE TREE

MANCHESTER ACACEMY, THURSDAY 10/12/09

My first Porcupine Tree gig - but I guarantee not the last!

In a way it reminded me of going to see Pink Floyd at Wembley Arena on the 'Animals' tour in 1977. There was a similar anticipation, a similar sense of knowing there was something very musically profound and original being experienced. Indeed, Porcupine Tree do aim to take the concept of the album as a complete art from seriously, and to fill a void that was left when 'serious' rock bands like Pink Floyd took a back seat in the late 1970s, and I really think they achieve that. But there is very much more happening here. The music of Porcupine Tree seems especially contemporary and currently relevant, thought provoking, yet, at its backbone, sheer 'heads down, no nonsense boogie' rock music. I LOVE them!!!

Frontman (and initially Porcupine Tree's only member!) Steven Wilson looks very much younger than his 42 years, and is extraordinary to watch. He plays and sings as unselfconsciously as if he were alone at home, seemingly completely unphazed by his fellow band members and the audience, but totally present and totally integrated. How lucky he is to be doing something he clearly loves so much - and how lovely that he is so generous with it.

It was, intentionally, 'a game of two halves'! The first half was largely to showcase their current album, 'The Incident', which I would very definitely describe as 'a concept album'. The visuals on the screen accompanying it were supremely creative and striking, and enabled those of us not familiar with the album to follow what was going on - but subtly. I deliberately didn't buy the album prior to the gig - I wanted this to be my first experience of it and I believe I was right to do so because now, when I do get the album, it will be very much more meaningful to me. There was an 'intermission' during which a countdown on the screen ticked away the seconds until the band returned to the stage. The entire audience joined in at '10, 9, 8 ...' and indeed the band did immediately reappear at the point of 'lift off'! A funny - and I think characteristically clever - touch! The better known tracks came in the second half, ending on the very wonderful 'Sound of Muzak' and 'Trains' which I've played a thousand times and could therefore happily join in!

A real rock event - like the ones I used to know! - but with something very new and very different happening. These guys are serious, but they know how to have - and give - a fun time. What do you mean, you've never heard of them??!!! Why not!!!??!!

PORCUPINE TREE:

http://www.porcupinetree.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnHmrN7_eOw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fqoZKyQhXc&feature=PlayList&p=8A059D28BE69FEEF&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=76
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg_yy0tEBuA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oXPsSZeo90&feature=fvw

STEVEN WILSON:

http://www.swhq.co.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Wilson

MANCHESTER ACADEMY:

http://www.manchesteracademy.net/

Review added: 12:27 Sunday, 13 December 2009

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COLIN HAY

MANCHESTER ACADEMY, SATURDAY 14/11/09

You may not recognise the name Colin Hay, but if I tell you that he was once in a band called Men At Work, I guarantee you will soon have the song 'Down Under' going through your brain, and possibly a couple of their lesser known hits too!

Indeed, Colin Hay was Men At Work's lead singer and main songwriter and, arguably, the major reason for their success. Contrary to what you may think, though, Colin Hay is not Australian. He is actually Scottish, but spent much of his youth and formative years in Australia. Judging by his many hilarious tales, to describe these as 'mis-spent' may be more accurate!

Those hilarious tales (as the result of one of which I can now only sing 'Goats appear and fade away' instead of 'ghosts'!), together with his genuinely communicative delivery and musical style, made for the most delightful evening. We were in the tiniest of the Manchester Academies - Academy 3! - down in the basement, where Andy (my husband) said he used to come for '60s and '70s discos as a student in the '80s, and where sirens annoyingly interspersed the first part of the set and where it seemed likely that gas pipes and generators would soon be clunking their way through the rest of it! Colin Hay, in true comedic style, merely incorporated all this into his act and sent waves of philosophical camaraderie through the audience.

It surprised us that he had such a young following, given that Men At Work were most active in the early '80s. Then we realised that much of that following is likely to have come via actor/director Zach Braff's love of Colin Hay. He has appeared (as himself, singing) in US TV hospital sitcom Scrubs several times and, to my knowledge, at least one Colin Hay song, 'I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You', has been included in a Zach Braff film soundtrack ('Garden State' - my favourite film!)

He does indeed now do acoustic versions of Men at Work's hits, and was gracious enough to allow one manic fan - who clearly knew all the lyrics to all his songs - to come up onstage and sing most of 'Down Under'!!! I didn't know all his solo songs but soon was enveloped by the love and appreciation in the (tiny!) room and was soon joining in with all the choruses and refrains. I've hopefully included a number of his solo albums on my Christmas list!

He's an artist you really don't need to know much about to go and see and really enjoy. I recommend that you do.

COLIN HAY/MEN AT WORK:

http://www.colinhay.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_at_Work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNT7uZf7lew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcu7OCIqlqE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swQi4CAzmrA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuXLElEDEKI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owAPNHiRXOg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JPzi1Su9T4&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn1o0ZjUrCU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4tcRlHY-3Q&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcsrnT7Tv1o&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u-8bGtAVpA&feature=related

ZACH BRAFF:

http://www.zachbraff.com/
http://www.scrubs-tv.com/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0333766/

MANCHESTER ACADEMY:

http://www.manchesteracademy.net/

Review added: 12:25 Sunday, 13 December 2009

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ROBIN WILLIAMSON

DULCIMER, WILBRAHAM ROAD, CHORLTON, MANCHESTER M21 0AE, SUNDAY 08/11/09

I had seen Robin Williamson at the same venue about a year ago (see Archive Gig Reviews 2008: Robin Williamson 09/12/08) and expected it to be a very similar show. Indeed he did play a few of the known favourites (e.g. 'Jordan is a Hard Road' and 'Painting Box'), but there was plenty of different material and some different stories and anecdotes.

The same warmth and vibrance was there throughout, though, and once again I was transported to beautiful, peaceful, mystical, mythical lands by his singing and by his Celtic harp and guitar playing. All of this was a very new experience for my friend Irene who came with me, and it was a very lovely thing for me to share with her.

It has been confirmed for me that no two Robin Williamson gigs are the same and that all are well worth experiencing. See him as soon as you possibly can.

ROBIN WILLIAMSON:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvhgANT-9d8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5bo10takGE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR2UebK2Mls&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtxHvlZTAuo&feature=related
http://www.we7.com/#/artist/Robin-Williamson!artistId=137940

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williamson
http://www.pigswhiskermusic.co.uk/biography.htm

DULCIMER:

http://dulcimer-chorlton.co.uk/

RADIO STARLION ARCHIVE ROBIN WILLIAMSON GIG REVIEW

http://www.radiostarlion.co.uk/gigs_2008.htm#02

Review added: 12:24 Sunday, 13 December 2009

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HOLLOWBODY + JETFLY + ANDI SKELLAM + DR MAHOGANY'S GOAT CIRCUS

ART OF TEA, BARLOW MOOR ROAD, DIDSBURY, MANCHESTER M20, FRIDAY 30/10/09

I have been to enough gigs at my local cafe The Art of Tea to know that I will always be treated to interesting and talented acts. This, of course, was no exception.

Of the acts appearing that evening, Andi Skellam, who was first on, was very definitely the stand-out artist for me. He's a wonderful finger-picking guitarist, who plays and sings strong, though sensitive, meaningful songs. His was the only CD I bought that evening and I've really been enjoying playing it in the days since.

However, I did also enjoy the other acts, especially Jetfly who I found to have a particularly warm and witty audience rapport. Their track 'Punk Folk Disco' has stayed firmly lodged in my brain and always makes me smile! Hollowbody is another solo act performing under a band name, as is the trend! He has some great songs on his 'mySpace' but, of the two, I felt Andi Skellam just had the edge over Hollowbody as a live performer.

The strange track at the link below is the only thing I have been able to find on the internet for Dr Mahogany's Goat Circus, but it'll give you an inkling of what they're about. 'Experimental' I guess is the key word here. For me, some of it works better than others. Individually, there are some wonderfully talented musicians here, from a variety of musical and ethnic backgrounds. But, for me, there was often too much going on to distringuish those elements and it did detract from my enjoyment somewhat.

All in all, though, a most enjoyable evening - and another nice Art of Tea experience for me!

THE ART OF TEA:

http://www.myspace.com/theartoftea

ANDI SKELLAM:

http://www.myspace.com/mrfingerless
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdcaf0Dj1b4

JETFLY:

http://www.myspace.com/jetfly

HOLLOWBODY:

http://www.myspace.com/songsofhollowbody

DR MAHOGANY'S GOAT CIRCUS:

http://www.retrogrademotion.net/node/25

Review added: 12:23 Sunday, 13 December 2009

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BAT FOR LASHES + YEASAYER

MANCHESTER ACADEMY, WEDNESDAY 14/10/09

I'd actually gone primarily to see Yeasayer, because I love them and this was the first opportunity I'd had to do so. It was at this gig that I learnt that it may not be such a good idea to go to a gig primarily to see the support act! It is apparently an especially bad idea if the main attraction has an obsessively idolatrous following!

I mean, I'd heard a couple of Bat for Lashes albums and thought they were OK with a couple of stand-out tracks. But, for me, no more than that. The audience clearly love them (for 'them', read 'her', i.e. front-woman Natasha Khan) adoringly. Nothing wrong in that. But if you're not really a fan and you're standing in the middle of the cross-fire of such intensity of emotion, it can be a little disturbing! When we left after about 5 songs, the glares of hatred that fell on us from the adoring crowds we had to squeeze through to get out confirmed for me that this had not been such a good idea!

Let's get this in perspective. I have artists I love and adore and think are wonderful and talented and whose lyrics and music I really feel a connection to, most notably Joni Mitchell, whom I was lucky enough to see in 1983. There is genuine love and respect for Joni Mitchell in her audiences, but I can't believe any Joni Mitchell concert would ever feel so exclusive or so obsessive. It really did feel like I was trying to stand between two lovers! I have been to very many gigs in my life, many of which were to see popular artists I didn't know that well myself. But I have never felt so out of place or so excluded at a gig. Nor have I experienced such disregard for the support act, which felt especially annoying and disrespectful in my eyes, given that they were who I'd primarily come to see!

For all that, as I say, I do think Bat for Lashes has (have?!) a few really strong, interesting tracks, most notably 'Sleep Alone', and I will listen some more to the tracks I have. But I don't honestly feel Bat for Lashes is (are?!) entirely deserving of such idolatry, which can't be too healthy for her or her fans!

But that's just my view!

Having said that, I did achieve what I'd gone to the gig for, which was to see Yeasayer for the first time and, despite the majority of the audience's disregard for them, they put on a good show. They're great live, and I can't wait for their new album to be released. I can't believe it's only their second. Their first album 'All Hour Cymbals' was released in 2007 and I play it often. They mix electronic music with rock, interesting rhythms with thought provoking lyrics and, above all, combine all of that to create a very unique sound and feel.

I will definitely be going to see them when they play the Academy again in February 2010 as the headlining act!

BAT FOR LASHES:

http://www.batforlashes.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1vtr9fXdg8

YEASAYER

http://www.myspace.com/yeasayer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2A_Juv213s&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZbyBiNW5yM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOdtcUHLpyk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okxAi06PTAU&feature=related

MANCHESTER ACADEMY:

http://www.manchesteracademy.net/

Review added: 12:21 Sunday, 13 December 2009

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ZERO 7

MANCHESTER ACADEMY 1, THURSDAY 01/10/09

I get very confused with who actually is and who actually isn't in Zero 7! They seem to have many guest band members featured on their albums, and playing with them live. From what I can gather (on web based research!), the core members are Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker, but there have been several female vocalists in the line-up, and it's taken me a while (well, 2 weeks since the gig in fact!) to work out who was the completely delightful female vocalist/instrumentalist I saw up there on the stage at the Academy on 1st October. Truthfully, it was she who held my attention the most throughout the gig.

She is in fact Olivia Chaney, a name I've not seen associated with Zero 7 before and, having found her on mySpace, I now understand completely why she took my breath away so completely. She plays beautiful fingerpicking folky acoustic guitar and has one of the warmest, smoothest, sweetest voices I've ever heard. At the Zero 7 gig she was also playing harmonium and keyboards on various tracks and, when not playing an instrument, her tall willowy body and long smooth hair were dancing swayingly with her as she sang and responded to the music around her - an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to.

Extraordinarily, 'the music around her' seemed largely to work well together with this. (Hubby didn't entirely agree!) Zero 7 are variously described as playing a mixture of 'Trip-hop, Downtempo, Ambient music and Acid jazz', most of which labels I have little concept of! (Poor old thingy!) I personally understand Zero 7 as largely ambient dance music with a strong electronic base. However you want to classify them, this is interesting stuff!

My favourite album of theirs remains their second one, 'When it Falls', which I bought when it came out in 2004 on the strength of some short soundclips advertising the album on TV, and have played a million times since. The music is very atmospheric and relaxing, yet with interesting rhythms my body refuses to resist, and the songs are largely thought provoking with some great lyrics. It's an album I can play whatever mood I'm in, and know it will leave me feeling at peace with myself and the world. So of course I play it often! 'When it Falls' also remains my favourite holiday MP3 choice!

I bought their first album from 2001, Simple Things' some time after because I was curious. I like some of its tracks, mostly 'In the Waiting Line' (used in my favourite film 'Garden State'!) and what I guess must have been the first single, 'Destiny'. They've had 2 albums out since then, 'The Garden', released in 2006, and this year's new issue 'Yeah Ghost'.

The setlist moved comfortably across all these albums, the more recent ones apparently heading into 'dancier electropop' (my label!).

There were actually two female vocalists on stage, the other being Eska Mtungwazi, whose voice is kind of soul/rap so fitted well with their newer materal. She did a great version of 'Destiny', which had everyone (else!) joining in. An acoustic version of 'In the Waiting Line' featuring Olivia on vocals and acoustic guitar with cello accompaniment was, well, different. One of the things I love about that track is the keyboard arrangement, so it was, intentionally I'm sure, a much stripped down version, which I'm not sure worked for me. A beautiful song nonetheless, and enjoyable in its own way.

There were parts of the set that I enjoyed very much more than others, and I'm not sure the newer albums would be quite my thing. But I will certainly give them a chance and, certainly, this was a good gig for me. I've wanted to see them live for some time - the five years since I first heard 'When it Falls' in fact! - so I was excited to be there, and am increasingly impressed by these clever experimentalists who seem to thrive on going with the flow, wherever that may take them.

I was thrilled and creatively stimulated!

http://www.zero7.co.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_7
http://www.myspace.com/zero7official
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=67138212
http://www.soundjunction.org/AllaboutEskaMtungwazi.aspa
http://www.myspace.com/sophiebarker
http://www.myspace.com/siamusic
http://www.we7.com/#/artist/Zero-7!artistId=95591
http://www.amazon.com/When-Falls-Zero-7/dp/B0001HAHY6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT8Wz1fa-_4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFeiKq9OvRA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2lRYiFqJqM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhXx9RABpRk&feature=related

Review added: 12:14 Thursday, 15 October 2009

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LO FI LUNG

BLUE CAT CAFE, 17 SHAW ROAD, HEATON MERSEY SK4 4AG, THURSDAY 27/08/09

I was really excited to get a chance to see Lo Fi Lung again. I'd first seen them at M19's 'Gig for Peace' last September (see gig archive 2008). This is how I described them then:

LO FI LUNG

The most intriguing act for me of the day were Julian and Chris from Lo Fi Lung. I'd assumed they were a duo but their mySpace lists several other band members, and I wonder what the others would actually find to do! Julian and Chris seemed to do many things between them - and indeed to do them all extremely well. They are both great multi-instrumentalists/vocalists - and there was even some audience participation! The content of their songs, their warm, gentle and humorous demeanour and general presence was ideally suited to a gig for peace. I loved them, and have been playing their CD/EPs (which came with wildflower seeds, I've yet to plant!) often since.

In fact, I've really enjoyed staying in touch with them since then, and am always pleased to hear their band news and indeed their new music. This gig at the Blue Cat was a bit of a 'stopover' for them on their way up to Solfest (see link below), and was the first Lo Fi Lung gig I'd been able to make since the Gig for Peace. So it was lovely to speak to them again and especially to hear them play.

The full band was there on this occasion so, as well as knowing I would enjoy Julian Butt and Chris Harding again, I also got to meet and see in action the two other vocalist/multi-instrumentalists Eve Morris and Loz Shaw. I'd sort of assumed Julian and Chris were the 'frontmen' but the band together exudes a very co-operative, collaborative feel. They are a warm and lively band to watch, and I found my eyes and ears darting about all over the stage trying to catch everything that was going on because there was so much! That's not to say I felt o'erladen - they work incredibly well together and the overall effect is gorgeous. They're kind of folky/indie, playing light heartedly conscience nudging songs of nature and humanity. I've not heard anyone else who sounds quite like them. Their music always makes me smile.

I felt so sad for them to be playing to such a small audience - I blame Manchester rain for that! - but that didn't affect their generosity as performers or indeed their enthusiasm or audience rapport. They are people whose creativity seems to spill over into every part of them. An exciting array of hand crafted merchandise caused us a dilemma of choice after the gig, but we eventually settled on a black on red Lo Fi Lung T-shirt (which Andy has worn often since!) and of course their single 'Outshine the Moon', complete with bracelet and badge!

Lovely people - great music!

See them soon!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkKnKVfjgrs
http://www.myspace.com/lofilung
http://www.myspace.com/bluecatmusic
http://www.solwayfestival.co.uk/

Review added: 10:57 Thursday, 8 October 2009

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ALICE ZAWADZKI & MOSS FREED

WHITWORTH ART GALLERY, OXFORD ROAD, MANCHESTER, SUNDAY 23/08/09

What a lovely way to spend a Sunday lunchtime! I love the Whitworth Gallery, and always go when work takes me nearby, which is nearly as good as working in Covent Garden round the corner from the National Gallery, which I did in the 1980s! Actually, it's better, in a way, as my workday lunchtime visits to the Whitworth now vastly outnumber those I made to The National, and in fact this has also reminded me that I once drew and designed the flyer that was used for a dance performance at the Whitworth Gallery years ago! So it's a special and significant place for me. Gallery No. 2, where the concert was held, is also my favourite, partly because of the intermittent display of the silver birch paintings at the far end, which complement the real ones that can be seen just outside the window in Whitworth Park. It is, for me, a beautiful oasis with many lovely associations. I have also seen day-time concerts there before but, for the moment, can only remember seeing The Lyndsay Quartet there over 10 years ago. I did a double take when I spotted this gig on Moss Freed's mySpace as it's his first day-time one I've been aware of!

I have of course seen Moss play before (see earlier 2009 gig reviews for Moss Freed playing with Trio Tupiniquim and Olivia Moore respectively) but I'd never seen Alice Zawadzki - and she completely blew me away! Her voice is the most expressive I think I've ever heard, controlled to perfection to match the (very varied!) mood of each song yet flowing easily and naturally between them - an absolute delight! She has a completely authentic jazz voice, but sweeter and smoother than any I've heard. Just lovely! I caught fleeting echoes of Stacy Kent and Sandy Denny in there somehow, but this is truly a uniquely beautiful and timeless voice.

It is always an added joy for me to watch a performance where musicians are communicating with each other, their instruments and their surroundings freely and completely - and Alice and Moss very definitely did this. As an accompanist (as indeed he is as a teacher), Moss is respectful, responsive and intuitive, enhancing and echoing his fellow performer's melodies warmly and subtly, but he couldn't possibly do that were he not such a good musician in his own right. With a well-chosen setlist that included a range of styles and blended jazz, folk and classical, they worked really well together and I didn't want them to stop! Highlights for me were 'Reynardine' and 'Stormy Weather'.

The biogs on the back of the concert flyer confirmed an impressive list of achievements for both artists. Alice has had many key engagements as a performer and workshop tutor since graduating as a violinist at RCNM last year and clearly has - ahem! - many strings to her bow! Sorry - couldn't resist! I didn't know, but wasn't surprised to learn, that Moss has a 1st class honours music degree and that his many talents have taken him, and continue to take him, all over the world. He has also received several scholarships, one from the Countess of Munster! Herman's Mum?! Sorry - couldn't resist again! Probably should! :o)

Both are involved in a number of different projects, and I would urge you to keep an eye on their respective mySpaces and see them, together or in other guises, at the earliest opportunity!

http://www.myspace.com/alicezawadzki
http://www.myspace.com/mossfreed
http://www.myspace.com/themosssextet
http://www.uk-guitar-teachers.com/guitar_teachers_profile.php?user_det=259
http://www.last.fm/music/Fairport+Convention/_/Reynardine
http://www.last.fm/music/Stacey+Kent/_/Landslide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCG3kJtQBKo
http://www.last.fm/music/Lindsay+String+Quartet
http://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Munster

Review added: 07:06 Tuesday, 25 August 2009

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VIP

THE TOWNLEYS' WEDDING RECEPTION, DEANWATER HOTEL, WOODFORD, CHESHIRE, SATURDAY 22/08/09

Andy and I were thrilled to be invited to Steve and Hayley's wedding reception. Andy has known Steve from work for many years, and it has been lovely for us both to see how happy Hayley has made him in the last several years. Music, as well as poetry (!), has always been very much a part of the friendship - in fact Steve played professionally in a band some years ago. So we weren't entirely surprised that the invitation came in poetic form (!) or to expect music to be a key element to their wedding, and especially that it would be really top quality. We weren't wrong - VIP were superb!

We had been intrigued by the request in our invitation for songs that would get each of us personally up on the dancefloor - my fear was that on hearing the first few bars of the songs we had each chosen, we would have to get up and dance alone to them and have all the other guests pointing and laughing at the spectacle we were bound to make of ourselves! Mercifully, that was not the case! But when I heard the unmistakable intro to 'Superstition', my feet (and my funk!) led the way! I was relieved that others were joining in too, but it really felt like a nice touch for wedding guests to have been included in this way. Furthermore, VIP's rendition of 'Superstition' (hey, I'm a poet!), like everything else they played (e.g. 'Mustang Sally', 'I will Survive', 'Celebration', 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' , 'Soul Man', 'Mercy', etc etc ...) was so great it was almost surreal. Two fine vocalists (one not on the website photo) fronted a remarkable band, complete with authentic soul horn section - and as funky as you can get! The dancefloor just wasn't big enough for everyone to get down and do their stuff on! They were irresistible!

Around VIP's two sets a disco provided appropriate sounds, presumably largely Steve and Hayley's choices, starting with the traditional 'wedding couple's first dance'. The track they chose for this was only vaguely familiar to me, to my shame because I was actually its source for them! 'This Way' by Jewel is indeed a beautiful, and very appropriate 'first dance' track. It was from a CD Steve had heard at our place years ago that we rarely play - so thanks for reintroducing it back to us!

Congratulations Steve & Hayley - and thanks again for including us in your special day, everyone's enjoyment of which was surely enhanced by the very wonderful VIP.

http://www.alivenetwork.com/bandpage.asp?bandname=V%20I%20P
http://www.last.fm/music/Stevie+Wonder/_/Superstition
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=1243843720
http://www.thedeanwaterhotel.co.uk/THE_DEANWATER_HOTEL/Home.htmlhttp://www.steventownley.co.uk/

Review added: 07:00 Tuesday, 25 August 2009

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FAIRPORT'S CROPREDY CONVENTION 2009 DAY 1

CROPREDY, OXFORDSHIRE, THURSDAY 13/08/09

GENERAL THOUGHTS

Fairport Convention have been going since 1967, an incredible 42 years! Of course, the original line-up (with the exception of rhythm guitarist/vocalist Simon Nicol, who continues to keep the thread of continuity going) is long since depleted by individual changes of musical direction and, sadly, the cruelly tragic premature deaths of original drummer Martin Lamble in 1969 and of course vocalist/singer-songwriter Sandy Denny in 1978. However, Fairport Convention is very definitely still going and, in some form or other, has never stopped.

The Cropredy Festival was first held in 1979, as a 'Farewell Fairport' event ... but Cropredy continued annually. Dave Pegg, Fairport bass guitarist since 1969, described it 'as a reunion, for each other and for the fans'. Having now been to Cropredy 10 times (gasp!) myself, I find this fact especially fascinating. Is it Cropredy that's kept Fairport going or vice versa? In answer to my own rhetorical question, I'd say it's probably a bit of both, and I can't now imagine either not existing. Clearly, I'm not alone!

My first Cropredy experience was in 1987 and I loved every second of it! Despite this, I didn't go again until 1998 but I've been with Hubby Andy every year since except for last year when we went to Cornbury (see 2008 gig archive) and also 2001 and 2005 (when we went to Cambridge Folk instead - but missed Cropredy!). We've made several incredibly good friends over the years at Cropredy, and also unexpectedly bumped into some old ones - and some newer ones. This, I've come to realise, is all in the spirit of the Cropredy experience - it's the friendliest, warmest, most accessible, most enjoyably relaxed festival I know. That's why we keep returning! In the words of the obligatory Cropredy last song anthem 'Meet on the Ledge', 'It all comes round again' - certainly seems to! It didn't even rain!!

(See also 2007 gig archive)

DAY 1

ARTISTS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

HARLEQUIN / 4 SQUARE / KEN NIOL & PHIL COOL / BUZZCOCKS / STEVE WINWOOD + COMPERE JOHN TAMS

We always do our best to arrive in time to set up camp and get settled before the music starts at 4.0 but never quite manage it! We do, however, generally get to hear at least some of the first act while settling in and indeed this time we were in the wristband queue (the longest I've ever seen!) when HARLEQUINN were kicking off the proceedings. Harlequinn are a lively young five-piece all female band (including Connie Raitt, who's just one letter away from being a stupendous blues artist!) who play their own mix of catchy pop-rock and made the long queuing process an unexpectedly enjoyable experience for us. Their extremely credible version of The Jackson Five's 'I want you back' will stay with me.

4 SQUARE were up next. They hail from Rochdale - but say Manchester because they think it sounds cooler! - and indeed two band members, Jim Molyneux (keys, accordion, vocals) and Dan Day (percussion, vocals, piano) attend Manchester's Chethams School of Music. Irrespective of their age, they are an exciting and extremely accomplished folk band, who write their own material, adapt traditional tunes and make both sound cool! I loved them.

And, talking of cool, do you remember PHIL COOL, the rubber faced chap who made us all (I'm assuming!) laugh and gasp on TV, especially in the '80s and '90s? He was next on the bill, having joined forces with Steeleye Spam's - sorry, can never stop myself, but you know I mean 'Span'! - KEN NICOL to form a superb and thought provoking singer-songwriting duo. Interspersed with a more familiar routine from Phil Cool (which had me curled up on my chair wiith uncontrollable laughter!), this was a fabulous set - certainly one of my Cropredy highlights. They also kept the north west theme going, as did the next act ...

When I first saw the line-up on the Cropredy website, I did a double-take at the inclusion of THE BUZZCOCKS. They were probably the most unlikely act I've seen at Cropredy. In the late '70s, at its height, punk was very definitely not where I was at. For the most part it scared me, frankly! But I always loved the Buzzcocks. To my hippie throwback ear, they still managed to write catchy, witty, interesting - and above all tuneful! - songs, while losing nothing of the energy or the ethos of punk. Clever, clever stuff. I love them still, and have long wanted to see them. Truthfully, Cropredy wouldn't have been my ideal setting for seeing them - I'd much rather see them at the Manchester Academy or some such, and I will definitely do that if I possibly can. But here they were, and here I was, and there was only one thing to do - go down the front and join in the fun! A perfectly wonderful thrill!

And there I was down at the front again for further thrills when STEVE WINWOOD took to the stage! Starting with 'I'm a Man' (which he recorded with the Spencer Davis Group in his mid-teens!), I was awe struck for the first 20 minutes or so, which also included Traffic's 'Pearly Queen' and 'Dear Mr Fantasy', which I know well, and the very wonderful Blind Faith song 'Can't find my way home', a song I never in my wildest dreams ever expected to experience live. I was in heaven! Sadly, a needlessly (and in my opinion incredibly indulgent) > 20 minute extended version of Traffic's 'Light up or let me go', left me cold and, honestly, rather irritated and bored, and I retreated to our 'base' further back in the crowd. He'd sort of lost me after that, but I did enjoy 'Higher Love' (his 1986 solo hit featuring Chaka Khan) and another Spencer Davis number, 'Gimme Some Lovin', which ended the set. Given the extraordinarily wonderful range of music he's created over the years, I was a little surprised and disappointed with the set choice overall, but I wouldn't have missed him for the world! BTW his song 'Valerie' was repetitively and annoyingly sampled for Eric Prydz's, 'Call on Me'! Give that a miss, unless you want to see the very sexy 'bottom' video, and head straight for the Steve Winwood original!

Overall, a wonderful first day at good old Croppers - and no rain!!!

HARLEQUINN:

http://www.myspace.com/harlequinngirls

4 SQUARE:

http://www.4squaremusic.co.uk/
http://www.chethams.com/

KEN NICOL & PHIL COOL:

http://www.nicolandcool.com/
http://www.kennicol.co.uk/
http://www.philcool.co.uk/

BUZZCOCKS:

http://www.buzzcocks.com/site/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn3BTfAqFfI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzv7uhgwo1s&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bif2q_Zo3-4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzmpRNAva-k&feature=related

STEVE WINWOOD:

http://www.stevewinwood.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzN0mMx-sJg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUW1SGF7bR8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT-SFgkVlno&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vReD2zryQmA&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_nwbTeIN4Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z4o4PrvwK0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz7hUbYUEwM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgfpxmf4LhQ
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Spencer+Davis+Group
http://www.last.fm/music/Traffic
http://www.last.fm/music/Blind+Faith/_/Can't+Find+My+Way+Home?autostart
http://www.last.fm/music/Steve+Winwood

JOHN TAMS:

www.johntams.co.uk

CROPREDY INFO:

http://www.fairportconvention.com/index.php
http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/cropredy/2009/

SEE ALSO CROPREDY DAY 2 AND 3 REVIEWS BELOW

Review added: 19:24 Sunday, 16 August 2009

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FAIRPORT'S CROPREDY CONVENTION 2009 DAY 2

CROPREDY, OXFORDSHIRE, FRIDAY 14/08/09

DAY 2

ARTISTS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

COLVINQUARMBY / MEGAN & JOE HENWOOD / SCOTT MATTHEWS / ADE EDMONDSON & THE BAD SHEPHERDS / JOHN JORGENSEN BAND / THE DODGE BROTHERS / RICHARD THOMPSON / SETH LAKEMAN + COMPERES DANNY THOMPSON / GEOFF HUGHES

Looking back over the list of artists and remembering the day, it's incredible to me how much, how great - and how varied! - the music was at Cropredy this year, and perhaps most of all on Friday. I can barely contain my excitement long enough to write this review! I keep wanting to hop to youTube clips and play the CDs! But that won't get this review written! So, onwards ...!

COLVINQUARMBY started the day (at 12 noon) in the most entertaining way. Frontman Gerry Colvin is not only a great musician and perceptive singer/songwriter - he's also hilarious!! His introductions and links to the (great!) songs were so funny he could easily choose his career to go either way, as did Billy Connolly years ago! I enjoyed this band so much, I bought the CD! 'I am the Bell' is my favourite track.

MEGAN & JOE HENWOOD were up next - I'd not seen or heard of them before either. Megan is a startlingly lovely looking girl, with long red wavy Pre-Raphaelite hair, and she is also most definitely a book you can judge by its cover, singing some truly beautiful songs with a truly beautiful voice - quite delightful! Andy was so taken by her, he - unusually! - went down to the front of the stage to watch her! Brother Joe accompanied Megan on an assortment of instruments, all of which he played well and sensitively. Unsurprisingly, they won Radio 2's Young Folk Musician of the Year and an all star folk band. including former Fairport member Maartin Allcock, were only too happy to accompany them onstage for part of their set. The only act whose CD Andy would have bought, he was disappointed to be told none was available! I hope there'll be a CD out in time for an easy Christmas gift solution!

I had seen SCOTT MATTHEWS before, supporting Robert Plant and Alison Krauss last year (see 2008 gig review archive) so I knew roughly what to expect. I preferred seeing him in this setting and he seemed more relaxed here too. I like his music and he comes across as a really nice person.

ADE EDMONDSON (yes, he of BBC TV's The Young Ones and Bottom fame!) & THE BAD SHEPHERDS were great fun, and rather splendid musically as well. Under Ade Edmondson's direction, they play songs from other genres, mostly punk, with folk arrangements - and yes it works! I bought that CD too, and am enjoying it at this very moment! The Public Image Limited song 'Rise' is my favourite track so far.

I didn't expect to enjoy JOHN JORGENSEN quite as much as I did - electric guitar fronted bands of this nature are not always my cup of tea - but I soon warmed to him because of his friendly audience rapport and some rather thought provoking songs, not least 'Son becomes father', and I really loved his version of Lesley Gore's 'You don't own me' which he told us was his contribution to a regular Nashville concert featuring banned songs, and for which he asked us to suspend reality for a few mintues and imagine he was a 14 year old girl!

THE DODGE BROTHERS pleasantly surprised me too. I've found journalist and film reviewer Mark Kermode rather opinionated whenever I've seen him on TV, but I was really impressed with his double bass slapping and the other members of this fabulous rockabilly band, and would go out of my way to see them again. It just goes to show, you should always keep an open mind!

RICHARD THOMPSON is of course Fairport's original lead guitarist and, arguably, the main reason behind Fairport's initial success. He remains a breathtaking guitarist I could listen to for hours, but not my favourite voice, though I still love hearing him sing and play 'Beeswing', which I always find incredibly beautiful and moving. For me his best work post-Fairport was with ex-wife Linda and he did some numbers from that period, not least 'Down where the drunkards roll' and (of course!) 'I want to see the bright lights tonight'. Another of their creative 'collaborations', daughter Kami(Kamila), joined Richard on stage towards the end of his set, and also sang my favourite Richard and Linda song 'Wall of Death' with him as an encore, but for me no-one enhance Richard Thompson's creativity quite like Linda could.

Finally for Friday's line-up, I enjoyed headlining act SETH LAKEMAN just as much (if not moreso!) than I did when I saw him at Cropredy two years ago (see 2007 gig review archive). A guy smoking a pipe at regular half-hourly intervals had plonked himself in front of us for most of the day but at Cropredy we tend not to confront anyone who irritates us as they''re just enjoying themselves too and we don't want to spoil the mood - ironically, someone behind us told us to sit down (actually asked us 'why can't you stand over there?'!) when we stood up to enjoy Seth Lakeman. Sorry - no! Seth Lakeman is very definitely an act to stand up and move about for. He is young and lively and he makes me feel the same. He's made folk music more accessible, especially to younger people (he's been played on Radio 1 even!), more than anyone I can think of, and continues to enthrall and delight an increasingly large and varied audience. No, I won't sit down!

Another incredible day - and still no rain!!!

COLVINQUARMBY:

http://www.myspace.com/colvinquarmby
http://www.last.fm/music/Colvin+Quarmby/A+Shor+Walk+To+The+Red+Lion/I+Am+The+Bell

Billy Connolly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lFGCgS3dwU&feature=related

MEGAN & JOE HENWOOD:

http://www.myspace.com/meganhenwood

SCOTT MATTHEWS:

http://www.scottmatthewsmusic.co.uk/

ADE EDMONDSON & THE BAD SHEPHERDS

http://www.thebadshepherds.com/
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Bad+Shepherds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Aulos-NGsk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzNjmIWbns4

JOHN JORGENSEN BAND:

http://www.johnjorgenson.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1BY7Gjad98&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzF9FDIcz3w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baZsQtIiFa4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmOrWG2FTbg

THE DODGE BROTHERS

http://www.dodgebrothers.co.uk/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbfOqkY8RLY
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/markkermode/index.html?scope=global&survey=no&surveyname=2009q3&site=makermodeblog&url=

RICHARD THOMPSON:

http://www.richardthompson-music.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUSyiGm2wyQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw1ZDzBoUf8&feature=PlayList&p=38267B398A2CD07F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=payivmhyrII&feature=related

KAMI THOMPSON:

http://kamilathompson.com/

SETH LAKEMAN:

http://www.sethlakeman.co.uk/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWiUSXxtYdE&feature=related

DANNY THOMPSON:

http://www.therealdannythompson.co.uk/Biography.html

GEOFFREY HUGHES

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffrey_Hughes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMMKYqsCrJM

CROPREDY INFO:

http://www.fairportconvention.com/index.php
http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/cropredy/2009/

SEE ALSO CROPREDY DAY 1 REVIEW ABOVE AND DAY 3 REVIEW BELOW

Review added: 19:19 Sunday, 16 August 2009

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FAIRPORT'S CROPREDY CONVENTION 2009 DAY 3

CROPREDY, OXFORDSHIRE, SATURDAY 15/08/09

DAY 3

ARTISTS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

RICHARD DIGANCE / THE CHURCHFITTERS / FEAST OF FIDDLES / DREADZONE / NIK KERSHAW / RALPH MCTELL / FAIRPORT CONVENTION + SPECIAL GUESTS (INC. YUSUF ISLAM AKA CAT STEVENS)

RICHARD DIGANCE is traditionally the first act on Saturday at Cropredy. Apparently some people have moaned about this, but not me! I love Richard Digance and find him funny, clever, interesting and a joy to hear. For me he remains the only way to start Cropredy Day 3!

I can't recall if I did actually see THE CHURCHFITTERS when I went to the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2001 or 2005, or if they're just simply a typical Cambridge Festival band. That may not sound very complimentary but that isn't how I mean it. They're a great traditional folk band who've been going for years and know how to entertain a folk inspired audience. I was especially impressed to discover how many instruments they all play and indeed that Boris Lebret makes an assortment of instruments from dustbin lids and saucepans - and they all sound extraordinary.

I can confirm that we definitely didn't see FEAST OF FIDDLES at Cambridge - I was thinking of Blazing Fiddles! Doh! I hope they'll forgive me for that, because I adored their set. They couldn't really go wrong, though, could they, with a phenomenal line-up including Fairport's own Chris Leslie (my favourite Fairporter!) and Steeleye Span's Peter Knight (their website also mentions Phil Beer from Show of Hands but I don't think he was there - if he was, he must have been hiding and he wasn't introduced!). They were on for the best part of 2 hours and held me gripped throughout with a wide range of tunes and songs including, would you believe, The James Bond Theme (does it have another name?!) complete with horn section! Utter joy.

The most fun act for me of the whole weekend, though, was DREADZONE, who allowed me to prove to myself that I do still, amazingly, have the energy to bounce almost non-stop for the best part of half an hour! A reggae band with a bit of a difference and fronted by vocalist Earl 16 (who's white but I don't think anyone's told him!), they were championed by the late, great John Peel, but I'm so unhip I hadn't heard of them before now! I'll be trawling their back catalogue now and reliving the fun!

I was already in my mid-20s by the time NIK KERSHAW came on to the '80s scene, but he made me swoon almost as much as David Cassidy had done the previous decade! Unlike David Cassidy, however, he was - and clearly remains - a great musician and singer/songwriter, which is just as well because he's not got nearly so much hair these days! He was, in my opinion, one of very few credible acts of the 1980s when so much was frippery! One of the highlights for me of Live Aid, way back in 1985, his set provided me with enormous pleasure, and now a desire to listen to all those great songs again! And yes, of course, it was he who wrote Chesney Hawkes' one and only hit, 'The One and Only'!

Opening his set with a beautful song I know well, 'Clare to here', RALPH McTELL was the last act on before Fairport's usual headlining appearance, a fact he admitted he was rather thrilled about. He expressed similar humility throughout his set and, though I have seen him before, not least at previous Cropredy Festivals, this appearance endeared him to me the most. He writes incredibly heartfelt songs of warmth and wonder, and one in particular (I think called 'Lost Boys' he dedicated to soldiers serving in the British Army with admiration for their courage, having left in his teens after less than a year. There is very definitely more to him than 'Streets of London', as great a song as that is! If that's the only Ralph McTell song you know - and it's likely that it is! - I urge you to explore his work further.

And so to FAIRPORT CONVENTION! Well, they play for the last 3 hours or so of every Cropredy Festival, they always have with them some surprise guests and they always finish with 'Meet on the Ledge'. This year we made the very untraditional decision to leave before the end of Fairport's set, primarily because we both felt we needed a good night's sleep in our own bed having spent two rather uncomfortable ones in a tent surrounded by some very inconsiderately noisy neighbours (if we wanted to listen to music after 2.0 a.m., believe me, we would!). So we only saw the first 45 minutes of their set, which meant that we missed seeing Yusuf Islam (the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens) and indeed that we also, shamefully (!), missed 'Meet on the Ledge' and most of our favourite Fairport songs. We do hope they'll forgive us - our track record suggests that we'll be back before too long!

If it's any consolation to them, we had, at least potentially, a rather hideous drive home thanks to the not previously announced closure of M42's J7 to the M6 and then a meandering unsignposted diversion, apparently taking us towards the M1, before eventually deciding we were better off U-turning and heading back to the toll road!

My deepest thanks to Fairport, then, and all others involved for making this the most wonderfully enjoyable festival.

RICHARD DIGANCE:

http://www.richarddigance.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6MVUBpc6Lk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEd7FIL1PqA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnjRBaR0w3g&feature=related

THE CHURCHFITTERS

http://www.churchfitters.com/ehome.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5gpiisZAgE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fAS-7WKpJs&feature=related

FEAST OF FIDDLES

http://www.feastoffiddles.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9fF0sg1W9o&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOsAmaHsPZU&feature=related

DREADZONE

http://www.dreadzone.com/
http://www.last.fm/music/Dreadzone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt8HDxPdsgo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWKTNDD-4vw&feature=related

NIK KERSHAW

http://www.nikkershaw.net/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHyB62AJICA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q711tY76_38&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqqXMXpyAkE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZgSpB_zP28
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QjVVS96GYc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTXmSuqkXEY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJfz2waZlhY

RALPH MCTELL

http://www.mctell.co.uk/
http://www.last.fm/music/Ralph+McTell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVSTr7rb1_Y

FAIRPORT CONVENTION + SPECIAL GUESTS (INC. YUSUF ISLAM AKA CAT STEVENS)

Yusuf at Cropredy 15/08/09: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFggpom3leA

http://www.fairportconvention.com/index.php
http://www.last.fm/music/Fairport+Convention
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iizZGDDiS4s&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFLE2eeZB3k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KshYEtJMPBg

SEE ALSO CROPREDY DAY 1 AND DAY 2 REVIEWS ABOVE

Review added: 19:08 Sunday, 16 August 2009

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DENISE MORGAN

NEXUS ARTS CAFE, DALE STREET, MANCHESTER, SUNDAY 02//08/09

I am always delighted to see Denise Morgan, but I'd really rather be seeing her at gigs that better reflect her ability.

Denise is, from any perspective, an extremely talented singer-songwriter. The Nexus Cafe Sunday afternoon spot is, with all due respect, an open mic session for people who want the experience of playing live. Denise has much experience of playing live and deserves a more actively appreciative audience than those cafe dwellers that afternoon. I mean, it's a nice venue, but I was frustrated for her that her audience seemed to be so unresponsive. Audiences don't have to whoop, whistle or cheer, but surely they need to give some indication that they are awake and actually listening! Furthermore, having seen Denise many times (see archive review links), I'm frustrated for her that she's not better known or more successful by now. She certainly deserves to be, and will always have my support.

Denise had added some songs to her set I'd not heard before, notably 'Connemara Man' and 'If you Love Me, Say You Love Me', which accompanying guitarist Julian Homer has recorded with her for youTube, along with several other numbers, which I'd recommend you check out. You can also hear several of her songs on Last FM, and you can keep up-to-date with her news and gigs on mySpace.

Keep on keeping on, Denise!

http://www.myspace.com/denisemorgan
http://www.last.fm/music/Denise+Morgan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S7CdFF6o0s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5487hveQvtw&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22KDQovHqyQ&feature=channel
http://www.nexusonline.org.uk/

Review added: 11:02 Sunday, 16 August 2009

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TAMESIDE'S SPLENDID WEEKEND: PARTY IN THE PARK

HYDE PARK, HYDE, TAMESIDE, GREATER MANCHESTER, SUNDAY 26/07/09

The first gig I ever went to was Hot Chocolate in 1972, aged 14! It was at the State Cinema, Grays, Essex. The cinema, incidentally, is a Grade II listed building, most famous for its original Compton pipe organ, you know, one of those that rise from the orchestra pit - wow! Both the building and the organ have been lovingly restored at different times, but then allowed to fall to disrepair, due to perhaps the inherent dismal apathy of the area (sorry but if you've been there, you'll know what I mean!), Grays being probably the most aptly named place in the known universe! But I digress ...! I had such fun at that Hot Chocolate gig there all those years ago. I wanted then to go to gigs all the time - and haven't done a bad job these 37 years that have followed, witness this gig review page accounting for the last 3 years alone! (That's not even including 'the London years'!) And I've always had a soft spot for Hot Chocolate as a result.

Knowing that Hot Chocolate would be headlining (for free!) Tameside's Party in the Park this year, naturally I leapt at the chance, however likely the rain! Also on the bill were (the real!) The Real Thing, lively folkies Sheelanagig, local bands Outrage and The Public, winner of The 2009 Tameside Schools X-Factor Competition, Lucy Pickford, winner of the Huddersfield Artist of the Year and Tameside's Got Talent (both in 2008), Jo Farrow, and 2009 X-Factor entrant and 'boot camp' qualifier (!), January.

We arrived during The Public's set, having sadly missed Outrage. I enjoyed what I heard of The Public. They had some interesting original songs and played foot-tappingly well. January was next up. I was really impressed by her version of Duffy's 'Mercy', which opened her set, which got me (and only one or two others - miserable lot!) moving, and I really liked her voice and her presence. I'll be watching out for her on X-Factor, and really hope she does well. Sheelanagig were great fun and really talented - I've seen worse at the Cambridge Folk Festival! It was quite a long set for purely instrumental numbers though, at least for my taste, but I really liked their blend of jazz and reggae influenced folk. Local talent show winners Jo Farrow and Lucy Pickford both had good, strong voices and were most entertaining. Afternoon Drivetime presenter on Tameside Radio, Wayne Kay, was an equally lively and entertaining compere, who kept the continuity of the afternoon going well.

Hot Chocolate did most of their hits and were predictably professional crowd pleasers - just not the same for me without Errol Brown and, last on the bill with the rain now pouring quite heavily, they came at the end of a long afternoon under grey skies, and not the highlight for me.

The highlight for me was most definitely The Real Thing, who spread their four hits (!) into a wonderfully extended set, to which audience participation was encouraged, welcomed and integral. They interspersed those four hits (see youTube links below) with a '70s disco medley, including Kool and the Gang's 'Celebration' and 'Ladies' Night', and had everybody dancing, joining in and transported us all to sunnier climes where grey skies were just a memory! They are apparently ageless and they were amazing!

All told, Tameside Council's Arts and Events Team in conjunction with Tameside Radio, did a wonderful job - thanks!

Hot Chocolate:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Chocolate_(band)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy_e6mjZH54

The Real Thing:

http://www.theofficialrealthing.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT1iDKkZNYU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG4zhRrTzNg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwobZWQIAiU&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-fjAujEjAg&feature=related

Sheelanagig:

http://www.sheelanagig.co.uk/

Outrage

http://www.myspace.com/outragemyspaceuk
http://www.tameside.gov.uk/splendidweekend/sunday
http://www.tamesideradio.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Cinema
http://www.statecinema.co.uk/home.htm

PS: Listen out for Radio Starlion's own Alan Ovington and Mike Wallbank on Tameside Radio on Saturdays at 6.0 p.m. and Sundays at 1.0 p.m. respectively!

Review added: 14:54 Thursday, 30 July 2009

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VERY CELLULAR SONGS: THE MUSIC OF THE INCREDIBLE STRING BAND

THE BARBICAN, LONDON, 19/07/09

This was my gig highlight of the year, thus far at least but unlikely to be bettered.

It was indeed a worthy celebration of the music of the Incredible String band featuring an array of better and lesser well known artists, mixing and matching and mingling in the most beautiful, delightful way to perform many Incredible String Band songs, yet still barely scratching the surface of their repertoire.

Introduced by Joe Boyd, whose record label Witchseason (part of Island Records) brought us the widest range of the best music of the 1960s and '70s (in my opinion!), it was presented as part of a 'Witchseason Weekender', which had also included 'An All Star Fairport Convention' gig the previous night. Having seen Fairport, and indeed most of the line-up, many times, it was the ISB celebration I was most interested in seeing, not least because of the fascinating line-up including Richard Thompson, The Incredible String Band, Robyn Hitchcock and, surprisingly, Green Gartside of Scritti Politti! - and of course Mike Heron and Clive Palmer themselves, though sadly not Robin Williamson, missed by all.

It was the fact that so many different voices, literally and figuratively, from so many different times and genres, had collaborated so freely and so generously to deliver and interpret those songs that made it so special for me. I was gripped and thrilled throughout. The highlight for me, without question, though, was Abigail Washburn and Robyn Hitchcock's duet of 'Swift as the Wind' (which sadly I cannot find anywhere online so cannot include a clip for you) from 'The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter'. This has been the most difficult ISB album for me to get into, largely for reasons of personal associations, but this rendition soared directly into my soul and my deepest consciousness to move me to to the point of trembling and to enable me to make some very poignant understandings. And, actually, that says it all for me.

It was truly an incredible evening, truly an incredible experience, truly an incredible weekend.

BILLED ARTISTS (in the order in which they are printed in the programme):

Robyn Hitchcock: guitar, vocals

Mike Heron: acoustic guitar, vocals

Clive Palmer: banjo

Alasdair Roberts: vocals, guitar

Georgia Seddon: vocals, acoustic guitar

Danny Thompson: double bass [sadly and reluctantly sent his apologies]

Richard Thompson: guitar, vocals

Abigail Washburn: banjo

Green Gartside: vocal, guitar

Alistair Caplin: violin

Kami Thompson: vocals

Rhodri Marsden: keyboards

Joe Boyd: producer/curator

Trembling Bells

Dr Strangely Strange

LINKS:

Joe Boyd:

http://www.joeboyd.co.uk/

'The First Girl I loved' - Richard Thompson & Robyn Hitchcock @ Barbican Centre, London 19/07/09

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gVzYlGFQTE

Incredible String Band BBC TV documentary, Parts 1-3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3aKfGXhT3I&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qh3REJJXjM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aobopMUiV44&feature=related

Richard Thompson:

http://www.richardthompson-music.com/

Robyn Hitchcock:

http://www.robynhitchcock.com/

Dr Strangely Strange:

http://www.myspace.com/drstrangelystrange

Scritti Politti

http://www.myspace.com/scrittipolittiofficial

Abigail Washburn:

http://www.abigailwashburn.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3wCnoKdCQE&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsXPqoxVZew&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4wYTWylEQw&feature=channel

Georgia Seddon:

http://www.myspace.com/georgiaseddon

Alisdair Roberts:

http://www.alasdairroberts.com/news/

Rhodri Marsden:

http://rhodri.biz/

Kamila Thompson:

http://kamilathompson.com/

Trembling Bells:

http://www.myspace.com/tremblingbells

The Barbican:

http://www.barbican.org.uk/
http://www.barbican.org.uk/music/event-detail.asp?ID=9000

See also Radio Starlion gig review archive pages for previous Mike Heron, Clive Palmer and Robin Williamson gig reviews.

Review added: 13:36 Thursday, 30 July 2009

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DR STRANGELY STRANGE

THE PLOUGH, WALTHAMSTOW, LONDON E17, FRIDAY 17/07/09

I have (of course!) seen Dr Strangely Strange before (see archives 2007 and 2008) and indeed saw them twice (actually, arguably three times!) during an exceptionally enjoyable weekend down in London (see also review for 'Very Cellular Songs: The Music of the Incredible String Band', 19/07/09). Whenever it's realistic for me to do so, I'll see them - 'cos I LOVE them!!!

This warm-up gig for the aforementioned ISB celebration, though, was probably the most enjoyable, apparently for them too. They certainly seemed to be at their most relaxed, and actually described The Plough as their spiritual home when in London!

There were a couple of songs I didn't recognise but otherwise all the loved and familiar ones were there as before - and it was indeed a great venue, and lovely to share the experience with friends once again.

Such fun!!!

http://www.timgoulding.com/music/dr_strangely_strange.shtml
http://www.theploughinne17.co.uk/

Review added: 13:31 Thursday, 30 July 2009

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THE ROCKY MONSTER SHOW STARRING PUPILS OF DIDSBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL

THURSDAY 02/07/09, DIDSBURY, MANCHESTER M20

Ah, now then - this was a delight! A friend phoned to tell me her daughter was appearing in this show and asked if I'd like to come see it with her. Why of course!

Both schools I went to had dynamic music/drama teachers who could get impressive stage performances out of school children. My junior school put on a number of Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, and parents and children alike in the audience were joyously entertained by seeing 11 year old boys with drawn-on facial hair dressed as policemen and forcing their pre-pubescent voices low enough to sing convincingly, 'a policeman's lot is not a happy one (happy one)'! Later, my grammar school (technical high, actually!) put on an unbelievably fine production of 'West Side Story', the memory of which has stayed with me to this day, and it remains my favourite musical as a direct result. I was never confident enough to put myself forward for any major school production, so I am especially impressed by young people who are.

The Rocky Monster Show is a 'made for schools' musical adaptation of the Frankenstein story, with direct reference to the Rocky Horror Show, Phantom of the Opera and Rebecca, and indirect reference to just about every Frankenstein interpretation and probably most pop and rock music from the 1950s until some time in the 1990s, which is as close as 'Googling' allows me to glean was when it was written by Malcolm Sircon, who sadly died in 2008. The information I can glean about him, however, tells me that he was rather a remarkable person with many creative strings to his bow including touring with the Rocky Horror Show himself. It's not clear when he did that, but I saw a live production of the Rocky Horror Show at its early residency at the Kings Road Theatre in London in 1976, complete with Tim Curry, Richard O'Brien (who wrote it) and Julie Covington no less! It shocked the innocent teen I was (!) but it was amazing! Malcom Sircon was apparently able to incorporate all he knew and loved into making this (and other shows, e.g. 'Olivia', the female version of 'Oliver'!) into a version appropriate for a school production loved by children, teachers and audiences alike. I think he did a really lovely thing.

The official website synopsis describes the plot thus: "Baron Frankenstein's descendant, and ex-pop star turned professor of Genetics, creates DNA moulds of people in his computer. How these moulds come to life as the ultimate Rock Group, headed by a clone of Elvis himself is the highlight of the hilarious plot." Clever stuff!

There were a few especially impressive performances, but all were good. It was clear that everyone involved had worked really hard and some had ventured way out of their comfort zones. So I'd highly commend the production as a whole. I've watched some youTube clips of other schools doing this show and, objectively, the Didsbury production was by far the least embarrassing and most professional. The only slight irritation for me was that the songs were ALMOST songs we all know and love. It's clear this was intentional and, indeed, there may have been some copyright issue. I guess it's just a personal thing - and actually I know those children would have done amazing versions of Great Balls of Fire, Blue Suede Shoes etc. In the scheme of things, though, it was a minor point and it certainly didn't detract from the fact that this was a huge success regardless of age of cast and venue.

CAST LIST:

Professor Fenton - Zidane Zafar

Daniel Stoker - Michael Lowe

Rebecca Shelley - Hana Zafar

Igor - Sam Blakely

Mrs Danvers - Fay Clifford

Gloria Fenton - Jessica Volders

Station Master - Elliot Brathwaite

Mungo - Elliot Pierlejewski / Mikkel Allison

Elsa - Nora Muhsin

Inspector Baskerville - Adam Quinn / Matt Knowles

Sergean Quick - Sam Penfold

Aunt Ada - Julia Lucy

Old Ted - James Elliott

Brother William - Michael King

A Villager - Dylan Van Eck

Village Lady - Phoebe Royle

Mad Boy - Praise Eze

The Superbs: Claire & Chloe Young / Raegan Clarke

Elvis - Dan Zaidi

Narrators:

Qudsia Lodhi / Matt Knowles / Sam Penfold / Elliot Pierlejewski / Adam Quinn / Mikkel Allison

/ Raegan Clarke / Chloe Young / Claire Young

Year 3 performed 'The Professor of Rock & Roll'

Year 4 performed 'Flash Crash'

Year 5 performed 'Doom!'

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Mrs Wilson

Miss Pitts

Mrs Phoenix

Will Levison

Miss Graham

Mr Pierlejewski

Parents who provided costumes (and much else!)

http://www.musiclinedirect.com/the-rocky-monster-show-junior-version.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Sircom
http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsS/sircom-malcolm.html
http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/sircom/2838087
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rocky_Horror_Show
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_(1940_film)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzSTTTCOHr4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzSTTTCOHr4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QS7wWzwak4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_QffCZs-bg&NR=1

Review added: 10:21 Thursday, 30 July 2009

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JEFF BECK + IMELDA MAY

MANCHESTER CARLING APOLLO, ARDWICK GREEN, MANCHESTER M12, SATURDAY 27/06/09

We'd bought a Ticketmaster giftcard for my father-in-law for his birthday last November. Unfortunately, nothing he wanted to see had ticket sales via Ticketmaster so we paid for him to see something else (The Glenn Miller Band (minus Glenn Miller of course!) at his local Reading venue The Hexagon), and thus still had money tied up with Ticketmaster.

Hub and I had long debates about what to book tickets for. Eric Clapton was high on the list, but of course quite a large monetary supplement would be required to see him! Plus, it was another MEN Arena gig (see B B King review to understand my reservations about that!) and I reasoned with the Hub that Jeff Beck would be fantastic to see in the nicer (and cheaper!) venue of The Manchester Carling Apollo. Now, you know I don't like writing negative reviews, but oh how I wish we'd paid the extra to see Eric!

I adore Jeff Beck's guitar playing and have seen him interviewed on TV a number of times, coming across as a really lovely, warm person. Indeed I have 'Beckology', a 3 CD box set, which I play often. Most, but not all, of the tracks include a vocalist, and I had never considered that to be an essential element. But it had also never occurred to me that he wouldn't talk or engage with the audience AT ALL until the very end of what was essentially a 90 minute guitar solo - and even then only a rushed hello, thank you and brief introduction to the band. That means there were no Yardbirds numbers, nothing he'd recorded as 'The Jeff Beck Group' with Rod Stewart on vocals and not even - much as it makes me cringe! - 'Hi Ho (chuffing!) Silver Lining'! Even that would have broken it up! But there was none of that. So I'm afraid to say I was very disappointed. Only respite for me was the transfixing female bass player, Hal Wilkenfeld. Judging by the youTube clips, however, it looks like the Royal Albert Hall date was a much better gig, with fantastic Dave Gilmour and a female vocalist - and, indeed, THAT song! :I still love Jeff Beck's guitar playing, but I would never go and see him live again unless I was certain there would be a vocalist with him and some audience rapport - ANY audience rapport! I'd also have to go with someone other than my Hub, who was really bored and now feels even more cheated having seen the RAH youTube clips.

Support act Imelda May was delightful though. We'd seen her at the Cornbury Festival last year (twice!) and enjoyed her immensely. With a close, lively backing band, she plays kind of Rockabilly/Swing/Alt Country, with an Irish twist. See her if you can.

http://www.jeffbeck.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1hijzkOrnk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejgqyEviSyk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e--e8fScb2A&feature=PlayList&p=16FE11016C109717&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=33
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki981DPGcvY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NseQWaK21Pw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj94tFIYtwU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHGbA7I5HZY
http://www.myspace.com/talwilkenfeld
http://www.imeldamay.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwmhMzuBA2Y
http://www.carling.com/music/venue/manchester_apollo.html

Review added: 11:07 Saturday, 25 July 2009

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B B KING + JOHN MAYALL & HIS BLUESBREAKERS

M.E.N ARENA, WEDNESDAY 24/06/09

The MEN Arena is my least favourite venue - huge and impersonal, with ice on the floor covered only by a flimsy tarpaulin if you happen to be 'lucky' enough to get a seat in the front rows of the stalls! With its odd shape, designed primarily for ice hockey, the cheapest tickets (which are never actually that cheap!) are likely to place you in a remote corner with obscured views of tiny dot-people onstage the other ends of the Earth - apparently! In fact, if you can't get a decent ticket, you might as well not bother going at all.

I have, however, had a few enjoyable MEN Arena experiences, firstly 'Robot Wars' (!), during which the little boy in me I didn't know existed excitedly sprang forth and had an immensely fun afternoon several years ago. Then in December 2003 I was indeed lucky enough to secure second row seats for Fleetwood Mac - wow! - which was amazing enough to take my mind off my frozen feet! I also went to the first 'Manchester vs Cancer' gigs in aid of The Christie Hospital several years ago, including New Order doing Joy Division songs and Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke playing 'How Soon is Now' together for the first time in about 20 years! No division of joy for me! The buzz of the event was big enough to render size unimportant on that occasion!

So I held those positive experiences in mind when I booked tickets to see B B King knowing that, at 83, this may be the only chance I have to see him and hoping that his music and his presence would be big enough to fill the place. Indeed, my instincts were spot on! B B King was PHENOMENAL!

I have a couple of B B King CD compilations, sadly one with incorrect track listings so I'm never sure exactly what each track is called! But I was able to recognise several of the numbers, including 'The Thrill is Gone', 'Rock Me Baby' and 'When Love Comes to Town', the latter of course without U2 and arranged rather differently. He explained that he had apologised to Bono for doing it 'his way'! He also spoke fondly of many other musicians he'd worked with, and described Eric Clapton as 'a gentleman'. Indeed, every song was interspersed - and some interrupted! - with meandering tales of explanation and background to the songs, which all just makes audiences love him more! He's a most endearing performer and a most generous one, the show lasting nearly 2 hours without an interval, which must take it out of a man of 83! He seems to care not a jot about this - he's just determined to give his audience the very best of himself, and his style demands that you reciprocate and participate! He got everyone communicating with the person next to them and he got everyone singing 'You Are My Sunshine'! His spoken interludes are funny, if a little hard to follow at times - but you can forgive that of a guy of 83 who's singing and playing his heart out to you, can't you?! Throughout the show he also often thanked the audience for coming out to see him and supporting him and his band, who were also pretty great in fact. Have I even mentioned his guitar playing?! Well, it's amazing of course - his entire body and soul seem to sing through it. So very stirring, you'd have to be a plank of wood not to respond to it or be moved by it. I have ALWAYS wanted to see B B King, and the experience was every bit as wonderful as the anticipation.

Supporting B B King that night was John Mayall and his Bluesbreakers. I've always wanted to see them too, and really enjoyed their set. John Mayall himself is not that much younger than B B King in his mid-70s, and seems never to have lost a certain attractiveness or charisma. I would prefer to see him in a smaller venue, but it was a thrill nonetheless. John Mayall is probably best known for providing a showcase for some remarkable guitarists earlier in their careers, not least Peter Green, Mick Taylor and Eric Clapton. But he deserves to be viewed as THE forerunner in the British Blues movement and an extremely talented, perceptive and versatile performer in his own right.

I left the venue smiling all over. In fact, I now refer to it as the 'Men Arena', in honour of B B King's endearing mispronunciation! Oh, and the seats weren't bad either!

http://www.bbking.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6gDeGdQ3rM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGsvAMRFivo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHFJJM6mJSs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNId8clBdbI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2M54u5aIGU
http://www.johnmayall.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRfMmCG0DQc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9lxHeqPkeE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwGL5LDb4u8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLzYBTIDYO0&feature=related
http://www.men-arena.com/index.php
http://www.manchestervcancer.co.uk/index.php

Review added: 08:38 Saturday, 25 July 2009

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JONI MITCHELL PROJECT (SALLY BARKER & GLENN HUGHES)

BURY MET, FRIDAY 05/06/09

If you know only one thing about me, it's likely to be that Joni Mitchell is my favourite artist. I was lucky enough to see her in concert in 1983 and, though it was at the less than perfect venue of Wembley Arena, and though I would have considered myself even luckier to have seen her in the early '70s, I still consider myself lucky to have seen her when I did. It was an extraordinary experience.

Sadly, on most radio stations, if you hear any Joni Mitchell tracks at all, it is likely that you will only hear 'Big Yellow Taxi', or possibly 'Chelsea Morning' and, even then, it is likely that the radio presenter will talk inanely over the beginning and or end of the track. To me that's all sacrilege, and I am never guilty of any of these things! I want to tell everyone that they should hear as many Joni Mitchell tracks as they can lay their hands on, to hear what she is really about and to discover what an extraordinary talent she has and is. I want to tell everyone that 'Woodstock' was written by Joni Mitchell and not Iain Matthews of Matthews' Southern Comfort, and that 'Both Sides Now' was also written by Joni Mitchell and not Judy Collins. I want to play her music to everyone I can. I guess that makes me a fan! But I'm not a blind fan. I don't like everything about her. I don't have all her albums, and have heard enough of the later ones (post 'Night Ride Home', 1991) to know I wouldn't like them. Listening to her cigarette ravaged voice now just makes me feel sad. I probably wouldn't even see her now, as unlikely as it is that she would tour again. But I am a fan, nonetheless, and always will be.

I accept, finally, that she is not to everyone's taste. Whether or not you like her voice or her music, her talent should never be in question though, nor her influence on generations of musicians. In so much she has led the way. I'm therefore thrilled to see that finally she seems to be getting the recognition she deserves. If that takes the form of other artists 'celebrating' her music in their own performance, then that's fine by me, as long as the artists in question do it justice.

Chris While and Julie Matthews managed to do just that a few years ago as 'Blue Tapestry' which, as the name suggests, also celebrated the music of Carole King in a most delightful way. More recently, Sally Barker and Glenn Hughes as The Joni Mitchell Project also achieve this completely, and I thoroughly enjoyed this gig.

I'd heard of the Poozies for the fact that Kate Rusby is a former member of that band, but must admit to knowing little else about them prior to finding out about this gig. Indeed, Sally Barker's website tells me she 'is 'the original lead singer of the Poozies' and, aside from that, she probably has as wide a range of musical influences and interests as Joni Mitchell herself. An accomplished singer-songwriter in her own right, some time ago she was approached to sing ‘Coyote’ as Joni in a tribute version of Martin Scorsese’s film The Last Waltz, and I understand 'The Joni Mitchell Project' idea grew from that.

So, accompanied by Glenn Hughes on keyboards, and hammered dulcimer on appropriate tracks, 'Carey', 'California' and 'Case of You' (all from the superb album 'Blue'), for authenticity, attention to detail and completeness, Sally Barker performed many of my favourite Joni Mitchell songs, beautifully, opening with 'Coyote' from my favourite Joni Mitchell album, 'Hejira'. I sang along (at respectfully muted volume!) for virtually the whole two part set, and loved absolutely every moment. There was even a chance towards the end of the show for audience participation with percussion instruments! A really nice touch, I thought.

Based on my experience of the evening, I'm certain it is accurate to describe Sally Barker as a delightful entertainer, extremely talented musician and, together with the fine musicianship of Glenn Hughes, a most respectful celebrator of the work of Joni Mitchell.

Go see!

http://jonimitchell.com/
http://www.sallybarker.co.uk/
http://www.joni-mitchell-project.co.uk/
http://www.bluetapestry.co.uk/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jRDLiFIwjw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn69WUBi89M&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-nKlBr_mcw
http://themet.biz/

Review added: 21:38 Monday, 13 July 2009

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GORDON GILTRAP

PORT ISAAC VILLAGE HALL, CORNWALL, MONDAY 24/05/09

I already had two very lovely memories of seeing Gordon Giltrap.

The first was in February 1977 (32 years ago - gasp!) at North East London Polytechnic (now the University of East London). I have fond memories of the friends I was with that night against the backdrop of that beautiful music. It was not like any other gig I'd been to at that point - not quite classical, not quite folk, not quite prog, not quite rock. Even then I didn't care about labels or boxes - I just knew I was experiencing something very special and very unique. I bought his LP 'Visionary' very soon after, and have loved it ever since.

Then in 1984, during Ken Livingstone's GLC heyday, I saw Gordon Giltrap again at a free concert (one of several organised by 'Red Ken' (!) and his crew) in Burgess Park in South London. I can still visualise the stage and the leafy setting. It was a calm, warm evening and the strains of Gordon Giltrap's delightful guitar playing joyously filled the air. I was young (ish!) and in love - and again there was a happy, memorable soundtrack. 'Heartsong' had by then become well known as the signature tune to BBC's Holiday Programme and Gordon joked about playing his 'hit'! He was a bit chattier this time!

And now, this, the glorious third:

In love again (!), but much older and in our 10th year of marriage (!), I was with my Hub spending a week down in Cornwall, the first half near Looe and the second near St Ives. I had no idea where Port Isaac lay between the two, but was determined to get across to see Gordon Giltrap there. My 'taxi driver' once again obliged! It was of course well worth the drive (I think Hub thought so too!), which was enjoyable in itself through much pretty scenery. The crowd of friends and strangers that had gathered in the local village hall for this, the Sunday night highlight of the Port Isaac Music Festival, mingled in friendly chatter in eager anticipation. Gordon took to the stage and the warmth in the room quadrupled! He was a regular visitor, happy to return. His rapport with the audience, both spoken and musical, was clearly sincere and mutually appreciated. He's very much chattier these days. He knows how to entertain, and he knows how to spin a yarn - all true of course! He asked for requests to be written in a book he'd left at the front during the break - and honoured them all in the second half. He also invited us to come and have a chat with him in the break, for CD signings and anything else, and spoke to us all as a new or older friend. The music of course was something else entirely. He's a phenomenal guitarist and it is difficult to keep your eyes off his hands as he plays - most of it seems impossible!

But he remains not just a great guitar player. Just like the very first time I saw him all those years ago, his music still does provide an experience very beautiful, very special and very unique. He's a lot of dates coming up all over the place - see him if you can!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftCbSABgzb0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tx8J5nBRck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4MYYjRlYnQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBBhMqS361U&feature=related
http://www.giltrap.co.uk/
http://www.portisaacmusicfestival.co.uk/Port_Isaac_Music_Festival/Welcome.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GLC_jobs_festivals_and_concerts

Review added: 21:31 Monday, 13 July 2009

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MOSS FREED & OLIVIA MOORE

SILVER APPLES ON ORCHARD STREET, WEST DIDSBURY, SUNDAY 26/04/09

Another lovely evening at Silver Apples - and indeed a second chance to sample the guitar playing of the versatile Moss Freed, this time playing alongside extraordinary violinist Olivia Moore.

Together they created an interesting blend of jazz and classical music, with a rather experimental twist. I found a couple of the pieces a little too abstract for my taste, but otherwise I was very beautifully entertained and creatively stimulated by them, recognising a few melodies here and there but generally happy just to follow the mellow mood they were leading.

I've always thought it must be difficult to perform in a cafe/bar situation where conversations are going on all around, and I try always to respect that when I'm in such situations. Sadly, not everyone does, but Olivia and Moss seem to take it in their stride like the professionals they clearly are.

Like Moss, Olivia plays in a number of different guises and I would urge you to look out for future gigs they each contribute to - doubtless you will be impressed.

http://www.myspace.com/mossfreed
http://www.myspace.com/oliviolin

Review added: 11:43 Thursday, 14 May 2009

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THE ZOMBIES - "ODESSEY & ORACLE AND BEYOND"

THE BRIDGEWATER HALL, MANCHESTER, FRIDAY 24 APRIL 2009

What a fantastic thrill!!!

This is now the 4th time I've seen Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent in the re-formed Zombies and, apart from the initial thrill of seeing them at the much smaller, more informal, Life Cafe in February 2005, (and indeed also seeing Argent at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London in 1974!) this was by far the most enjoyable.

The show was indeed billed as 'Odessey & Oracle and Beyond', so I knew it would include a live performance of said album, but I guess I hadn't appreciated the implications of that from these fine musicians and generous performers who care enough to pay so much attention to detail - though I should know them well enough by now!

They had indeed wanted to replicate the original (1967!) recording, but the end result was very much more than that - the warmest, richest, most moving live performance I've ever experienced. It really did show how much effort and care had been taken.

Original bass player Chris White and original drummer Hugh Grundy joined Colin Blunstone and Rod for this joyous occasion and, together with their usual touring band (inc Rod Argent's cousin and original Argent member, Jim Rodford), a polished (sic!) brass ensemble, additional vocalists and other tried and trusted friends and guests, (and even hunting down, and presumably paying a tiny fortune for, a 1896 Victorian organ for the dramatic 'Butcher's Tale'), it is clear they were going to leave nothing to chance - this was too special!

The result was indeed completely breathtaking, with beautifully enhanced rich vocal harmonies especially noticeable on the very moving 'Maybe after he's gone' and 'Changes', and when I heard 'This will be our year', a track which always seems to touch me deeply, complete with that fantastic horn section, I trembled inside with the power of emotion it evoked. I'm not joking!!! This was powerful stuff!

I've had 'Odessey & Oracle' for a number of years but haven't played it from beginning to end for ages. This performance (the word falls too short for an accurate description of the experience), breathed a whole new life into this album for me - and now I just want to play it over and over again like I did when I first heard it! Rightfully, it seems this amazing album is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

The first half of the show was very similar to the other 3 Zombies/Argent gigs I've seen in recent years, beginning with early Zombies number 'I love you' including Colin Blunstone's classic early '70s singles 'I don't believe in miracles' and 'Say you don't mind', the audience singalong encouraged 'What becomes of the brokenhearted' and ending with the anthemic 'Hold Your Head Up' recorded by Argent of course but indeed written by original Zombies bass player Chris White.

After 'Odessey & Oracle' which beautifully filled most of the second half, came another early Zombies number, 'Tell Her No', this time taking advantage of that wonderful horn section, the Dusty Springfield classic 'I think I'm going out of my head' and of course 'She's not there'. With an encore of 'Summertime', we all returned to the foyer and beyond grinning and gleaming with absolute joy.

I feel so privileged to have seen this apparently eternal youthful band (originally formed in 1961!) in what must surely be their finest moment - or is there even better to come ...?!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Zombies
http://www.rodargent.com/
http://www.colinblunstone.co.uk/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cYdH46HqpE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1iaCptDnMA&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiA8AVpf6M4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utHx1octp-w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sU8eL6FraM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwpY_QLF6pE&feature=related
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Zombies
http://www.last.fm/music/Colin+Blunstone
http://www.last.fm/music/Argent

Review added: 10:32 Sunday, 26 April 2009

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TRIO TUPINIQUIM

SILVER APPLES ON ORCHARD STREET, BURTON ROAD, WEST DIDSBURY, THURSDAY 23/04/09

Ah, another chance to visit the wonderful Silver Apples! The music this time was a wonderful surprise too. I knew only that a Brazilian Trio that would be playing, and I trust Rob Loader's ability to pick great acts but I really had no idea they would be that good!

The female vocalist (Flávia Albano De Lima)has a beautifully smooth, clear voice that makes the fact that she is not singing in English irrelevant. She's very easy on the eye too, and an absolute pleasure to watch. The percussionist (David Insua-Cao) is also incredible! I've never seen/heard anyone play a tambourine like that! He's also an extremely amusing and entertaining performer! Together with the soulfully rhythmic guitar of Moss Freed (whose mySpace details numerous other fine musical projects he's a part of), they are a delightful trio, who clearly love performing together and make the most gorgeous sounds together.

I have only been to Brazil once very briefly - we hopped over the border to see the Brazilian side of breathtaking Iguazu Falls on an extraordinary trip to Argentina a few years ago - and on an unusually warm April evening in Manchester, in the supremely well matched relaxed atmosphere of Silver Apples, I was transported to reliably sunnier climes far far away! Furthermore, even after the fantastic Zombies gig I went to the following evening (see gig review immediately after this one), I still had the infectious strains of Trio Tupiniquim singing ' Mas Que Nada' (you may not know the title but you'll know the song!) going over and over in my head! A most pleasant obsession!

See this delightful trio at the first possible opportunity you can!

http://www.myspace.com/triotupiniquim
http://www.myspace.com/mossfreed
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2427343&l=ede4b8dd52&id=626673941
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1461710&id=626673941&saved

Review added: 10:24 Sunday, 26 April 2009

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JAMES KREILING

ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS, TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON WC2N 4JJ, FRIDAY 17/04/09

'It never rains in London' said my Manchester friends and colleagues when I told them of my planned day trip to London to see friends. Of course it did rain! Poured in fact! But my friends I saw and the things we did together there that day made it an indelibly sunny experience for me.

When I lived in London years ago, I used to love going to lunchtime concerts at St Pauls and indeed St Martin in the Fields. They have them in Manchester too, of course, but it's definitely an activity I associate more with London, and was very pleased to have the chance to do this again, the most recent previous time having been on 1st January 2000! It was a wonderful start to the new Millennium - and this was a wonderful start to my short visit to London.

James Kreiling is a young pianist, currently working towards his MMus in chamber music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He played three pieces during this lunchtime recital: Schumann's Papillons Op 2, Scriabin's Sonata No 6, Op 62 and part of Ravel's Miroirs (Oiseaux triste. Une barque sur l'ocean and Aborada del grazioso). I knew none of these pieces but, of the three composers, am most familiar with the work of Schumann and love all Schumann pieces I've heard. My Dad used to play a lot of Schumann records when I was little.

The concert was a lovely way to relax after my long train journey, to focus and re-energise for the rest of the day ahead - and the longer (via Crewe!) train journey home late that night. So, while I was not especially moved or blown away by any of the music, I was beautifully calmed, soothed and stimulated by it, and am so glad these concerts are still held. The standard of musicianship is always high, the venue is wonderful and the experience always a reliably good one.

I'd recommend!

http://www.musicteachers.co.uk/accompanist/1a05e6b42d058dfbd371
http://www.paxosfestival.org.uk/sept07/students.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/promscomposerportraits/pip/6o8pt/
http://www2.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/page/home/home.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyIdUaHAJow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOSl4BM0vDo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-oMVBMXfd4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD7ws-u91nA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzE9waP9RQQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK89dETYjHk&feature=related
http://www.last.fm/music/Robert+Schumann

Review added: 10:19 Sunday, 26 April 2009

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CRAZY MAN MICHAEL + LENI WARD (SUPPORTING IAN SMITH OF BEEP SEALS)

HEMP AT ABODE, 539 WILBRAHAM ROAD, CHORLTON, MANCHESTER M21, THURSDAY 02/04/09

Actually, I never got to see Ian Smith or indeed Boundary Stone, who were also billed, as I had to leave before they came on. My main reason for going, though, was of course to see again Crazy Man Michael having not had a chance to see him for some time. This was the first time I'd seen him perform his own songs with other musicians accompanying him, and that really added a very lovely and unexpected dimension to the experience. The 'other musicians' were Sam Lench and Anna Zweck, aka 'Samson & Delilah', who I also know Mike has played with at the Waverton Collective as I have - and love! - their EP which includes the captivating 'Trans Siberian Express'. I hadn't made the connection immediately, but I guess I should have. Anna's vocal harmonising added something very beautiful to Mike's songs. She and Sam play a variety of interesting instruments between them and the combination works and flows very naturally. I have long been impressed by Mike's singer-songwriting ability and guitar accompaniment, but this collective performance took those songs somewhere else for me, and I enjoyed them even more.

Leni Ward, who was the other artist on the bill I got to see, is a unique and unusual performer, with a complexity of electronic instrumentation that somehow, with her voice, transcends any potential unwieldiness with clarity and a startling grace. Her voice and music reminded me of Sinead O'Connor's first album, 'The Lion and the Cobra', which is a particular favourite of mine. With all the equipment, you'd expect Leni to be less approachable and accessible than she is, both musically and personally. She was a very pleasant surprise to me. £5 also bought me an astonishing CD boxed set, complete with an interesting assortment of creative extras, all of which she has painstakingly prepared and created herself and which I will save and treasure!

A lovely evening!

http://www.myspace.com/crazymanmichael
http://www.myspace.com/thesamsonanddelilahshow
http://www.myspace.com/thewavertoncollective
http://www.myspace.com/leniward
http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/event/38281_hemp_present_ian_smith__beep_seals____boundary_stone___leni_ward___crazy_man_michael

SINEAD O'CONNOR (FOR REFERENCE)

http://www.last.fm/music/Sinéad+O'Connor/The+Lion+and+the+Cobra/Jackie

Review added: 23:52 Tuesday, 14 April 2009

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MEL PARSONS & THE RHYTHM KINGS

AL'S BAR, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND (!), SATURDAY 21/03/09

One of my very favourite things to do while I'm away on holiday - and yes I'm lucky enough to holiday in some wonderful places, not least New Zealand! - is to go into small independent music stores and listen to local talent with a view to buying interesting and unusual CDs to take home with me. At Greymouth in South Island I found the perfect place to do this - Bottom Line Music. The kind store owner gave me a bunch of CDs to take to the listening station (so glad there are still places you can do this!) and work my way through. We didn't have quite the same taste, however, and in the meantime eagle eyed Andy (that's my husband - nothing to do with Eagle Eye Cherry!) spotted a new CD just in that morning and a description that he knew would appeal. And that's how I first heard Mel Parsons!

When our road trip later took us to Christchurch, I was thrilled to discover that one of her tour dates coincided. So I was able to see her too. Seeing local bands in small venues while abroad is of course one of my other very favourite things to do while I'm away on holiday!

Al's bar had a very familiar feel about it and the anticipation of Mel Parsons appearing on the stage went in waves across the whole audience, presumably many of whom actually knew her. She was even better live than she was on her CD! She has an easily gentle but lively Alt. Country/Americana style and a genuinely sweet demeanour and her songs - all own compositions - are thoughtful and reflective, with a few catchier tunes for good measure.

Her Dad was greeting people at the door and demonstrating his unusual talent for telling you on which day of the week you were born just from knowing the date! All in all, it felt a bit like being a guest at the party of a new friend - and that's a lovely feeling. Music is the best souvenir in my opinion!

http://www.myspace.com/melparsons
http://www.jagg.co.nz/live/als-bar
http://www.nzlive.com/en/index?type=event&venue_name=Al's+Bar
http://yellow.co.nz/companies/CDs,-Cassettes&Records/Bottom-Line-Music/100349050_474.html

Review added: 23:48 Tuesday, 14 April 2009

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DENISE MORGAN & DOMINIC MORGAN

THE BLACK BOY, BOWLAND ROAD, WYTHENSHAWE, SUNDAY 08/02/09

I do get to some interesting places following Denise's gigs! The Black Boy is very much a 'local'. It can be quite odd and even quite daunting going into somebody else's 'local', especially if you are a female alone, drinking orange juice! However, I'm happy to report that I was made to feel welcome at the Black Boy, though I was pleased I didn't have to wait too long before Denise arrived!

Denise, accompanied on this occasion by electric guitar playing brother Dom (who was mistaken as a current Corrie heart-throb - I'm sorry I've not watched it for so long, I don't know who that is!), was making a 'guest appearance' at a regular open-mic session held at the Black Boy on Sunday afternoons - and was wonderful as ever, despite less than perfect sound quality.

Denise, you know I would go and see you anywhere!!!

EARLIER REVIEWS FOR DENISE MORGAN:

AT LMHR (LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM)/COMEDY NIGHT AT THE RECOVERY CLUB @ THE LATE ROOM, MANCHESTER, THURSDAY 01/02/07

... I'd gone primarily to see Denise Morgan, a young Manchester based singer-songwriter who's lately received an increasing amount of local media attention - and rightly so. When someone you know says 'I'm a singer' and hands you a CD, you instinctively reserve judgment but, from the very first note I heard Denise sing on that CD, I was gripped! I've been playing 'Bruises' over and over again at home since December and, as promised, this week I also played it on the live request show I co-present with Dave Carter on Radio Starlion, 'Wednesday Wireless'. Dave was really impressed too. I'd say it's the strongest of 3 tracks on the CD, thoough those ('Happy Song' and 'So Sad') have been growing on me too. Of course I was keen to see her live, and I wasn't disappointed either. 'Bruises' was equally powerful live (accompanied on guitar by brother Dom from Frame of Mind) and, though sadly this gig started earlier than this sort of thing usually does and we missed the beginning of her set, I loved the other two songs I heard too: 'Oogly Song' (??) and 'Crazy Makes me Love You'. I think we can safely say 'Watch this space' - and actually these days we can also say 'watch MySpace'! I'd urge you to do so - and not just 'cos I know her!

... It was past midnight by the time 'Frame of Mind' came on so sadly I didn't stay to the end but I was impressed by what I heard, though it was clear to me that they'd be much better to see in a larger venue. Indeed, having now toured as support with Chuck Berry, America and Status Quo no less, this gig must have felt to them like being trapped in a shoe-box. Still, I was curious to see Denise's brother and his chums in action, and I wasn't disappointed.

SUPPORTING TOSS THE FEATHERS AT ST KENTS SOCIAL CLUB, WILBRAHAM ROAD, FALLOWFIELD, MANCHESTER. FRIDAY 08/06/07

Well now - this was another bit of a surprise. An email from Denise the other day included a kind of 'Oh by the way, I'm supporting Toss the Feathers on Friday. Would you like to come?' You bet! Indeed, we had a great night! ...

... When I first saw Denise perform in February (see Review: LMHR (LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM)/COMEDY NIGHT 01/02/07), having arrived late and missed most of her set during what was, as mentioned then, quite a strange evening, I don't really think I got a true indication of just how good she is. I did at St Kents though! It became very clear to me there just how much her emotion laden voice sears the soul when she sings. She has a fabulously bluesy voice, a quality I'm amazed I hadn't really picked up on before. Together with sensitively melodic guitarist, Julian Homer, she treated her audience - at least those that stopped talking long enough to hear her! - to a taster of her range of ability and style. One of the songs I'd not heard before, 'Kellyanne', is an upbeat song of sincere gratitude and warmth for her best friend with a universal, while personal, message you might expect to sound shmaltzy but which isn't at all - quite simply a great song. Best moment of her set for me was 'Crazy', the song Willie Nelson penned in 1961 and made famous by Patsy Cline, interpreted with a deep sense of the true yearning the song suggests, the like of which I've never heard anyone else manage to capture. I was lost in the experience of hearing a song I know well and love becoming something altogether more meaningful and powerful than I'd ever expected. I came home wanting to hear it again and disappointed it wasn't on her CD - a good one for her to record I'd say. She finished the set, appropriately, with a traditional Irish song, 'The Fields of Athenry', which I didn't know but clearly many in the audience did. It may even have stopped a few of them talking!

She and Julian were the perfect support act for Toss the Feathers, a warm preparation for the fun to come! And fun indeed it was! ... It's great to see Denise - and Julian - go from strength to strength, they were also great company, sharing our table and chatting to us, and I look forward to seeing them at hopefully ever higher profile gigs. I would definitely go and see Toss the Feathers again - a guaranteed pleasure, though perhaps a band I would only want to see live for fear of CD disappointment unable to capture the feel of their act. I also loved the friendly atmosphere of St Kents - it reminded me of an Irish social club in Dagenham a neighbour took me to as a teenager - it's the place to go to forget all cares and worries and just have a great night out. (St Kents - not Dagenham!).

SUPPORTING MILLION DOLLAR BASH AT THE BOWLING GREEN, GRAFTON STREET, MANCHESTER M3, SATURDAY 14/08/07

Predictably, Denise was wonderful once again. We saw a different side to her this time as accompanying guitarist Julian Homer was out of action due to a footballing accident: he was watching football on TV and suddenly the strain of lifting pints grew too great and his wrist broke! No seriously, he did actually break his chord forming hand's wrist - guitarist's nightmare! ('guitar-wrist'?!) - but it was while saving goals for his local team. Denise was saved from his threats to accompany her on air guitar or, worse, voice guitar or, worse still, as her 'dancer', Bez-style! Perhaps we were all saved from that! But she was one man down as it were, and thus reduced to the solo act she was previously.

Without Julian, it is clear that the something very lovely he adds to Denise's act is missing. But it did give us a chance to see another side of Denise. Hubby Andy, who came with me once again, agreed with me that, of the three gigs we've seen, her voice was at its best this time - at its strongest and clearest, yet still, perhaps especially, sweetly soulful. Perhaps just a different mood was struck. Each gig is different after all, in terms of venue, audience, the weather (!), etc.

The mood had been set by the sound check of 'Million Dollar Bash', who we actually didn't stay to see (see gig review 'ZERO 7 DJ SET' below). They were a rock band, pure and simple - and loud! Their songs, from what we heard, were peppered with familiar riffs, the most familiar being Michael Jackson's 'Black and White' of all things! (I have often wondered if Mr J ever saw the irony of this song!). There was old style fun here - the older among the audience would get the Bob Dylan/Fairport Convention reference (Dylan wrote and Fairport Convention covered 'Million Dollar Bash') - and the 'intermission music' was largely Led Zeppelin, Little Feat, Buffalo Springfield, the Cult etc, which of course pleased me. I was especially delighted to be able to identify an obscure Fleetwood Mac track, 'Rattlesnake Shake' (from 'Then Play On'), even if no-one else cared! I'm used to that!

So, while there were certain elements lacking, not least the large, appreciative audience (who don't talk during the performance!) that Denise deserves, there was, for me at least, a 'less is more' kind of pleasure to be had. Her set was a well chosen mix of the familiar and the not so familiar, including one I'd not heard, 'Summer Song', which was lovely and, like the sun finally appearing in Manchester at last, Denise shone. I reminded her that I'd seen Jose Gonzales play in that very spot just a couple of short years before his chart hit, TOTP appearances etc - could be a good omen ...

WITH JULIAN HOMER AT 8TH DAY CAFE, OXFORD ROAD, FRIDAY 02/11/07

Another blinder from Denise and Julian!

It is therefore a shame that this Friday afternoon session at this venue was as poorly attended as the other 2 I have seen there.

The 8th Day is, as I have said, a wonderful place. These sessions are a great idea. Perhaps the staff aren't well enough informed, perhaps the sessions are just not publicised widely enough - I don't know - but for all three I have seen, the audience has largely comprised the friends of the act. It must be very disconcerting for the performers. There's great potential here, but it just doesn't seem to be reaching fruition.

At least Denise played at the other end of the cafe space, away from the serving area, as I had previously thought would be much better. The sound was indeed less echoey and there were fewer distractions. Having now seen Denise and Julian play several times, I do know most of their repertoire now but there were a few songs I didn't know: 'Summer Song', 'My Favourite Lad' and 'When You Go Home' and, of these, 'Summer Song' I liked especially, perhaps because it took me away from a cold November afternoon! Julian did a couple of solo instrumentals too: 'Ants in the Kettle' (based on a true event, which Julian relished describing in great detail - urgh!) and 'Hurricane'. I have already mentioned in previous reviews how highly I rate Denise as a singer-songwriter - this time I really got a taste of just how good a guitarist Julian is too. Their rapport is delightful and most entertaining.

To my shame, I arrived once the set had already started, and my sense of guilt was multiplied when I realised Denise was singing 'You Really Should Have Been There'! I really should! So should the rest of the audience Denise and Julian deserve.

AT IGUANA BAR, CHORLTON, MANCHESTER, SUNDAY 18/05/08

With her increasing repertoire of perceptive reflections on life, the universe and everything, peppered with the odd credible cover here and there, all delivered with her usual soulful yet powerful tenderness, Denise continues to amaze me - and, it seems, to increase her fan base. I do hope so! She deserves more and greater recognition. Perhaps soon all the world will know!

In the meantime, Denise continues to keep the locals restful and entertained. This gig, part of the annual Chorlton Arts Festival, was in a venue I remember as a Greek restaurant, though it was hard to place the memory in its current space. The transition was some years ago, but I still like to visualise (taste-ualise?!) the many mezes I enjoyed there. Certainly, the sense of warm and welcoming hospitality has prevailed - the perfect setting for Denise's own warmth. Her brother Dom(inic) joined her on lead electric guitar on a few numbers, in the absence of Julian Homer (working abroad this year), adding something excitingly different.

Each time I see Denise I am more moved and more impressed. See her while her gigs are still cheap or free!

http://www.myspace.com/denisemorgan
http://2fwww.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/29/29566/Black_Boy/Wythenshawe

Review added: 23:46 Tuesday, 14 April 2009

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DEAN MCPHEE + SAM & THE PLANTS + MAGPAHI

SILVER APPLES ON ORCHARD STREET, BURTON ROAD, WEST DIDSBURY, FRIDAY 29 JANUARY:2009

Ah, yes - another chance to visit Silver Apples! But of course, I'd be happy to see Magpahi anywhere, and I'd never actually seen Sam & the Plants perform live. This is especially odd - and interesting! - since Sam & the Plants and Magpahi are the same people! (Alison Cooper and Sam McLaughlin) The music associated with each name is very different though.

Sam & the Plants is, as you have probably guessed, the brainchild of Sam. The songs (and tunes) are more experimental - at times abstract even - than those of Magpahi, which are mostly Alison's compositions, though they influence and complement each other - naturally! Sam had kindly given me a CD of some Sam & the Plants tracks when he came with Alison (as Magpahi!) to record a 'Saturday Session' for me at Radio Starlion in August 2008, which was one of the most enjoyable things of any description I've ever done - or am ever likely to do! So I'd had a chance to listen to Sam's music and was intrigued by it, but it took him telling me that he makes films for that music to make real sense to me. On hearing it, I can quite clearly visualise black and white arthouse films, maybe French - certainly European. I don't know if that's what it's been used for, but I think the two would work together really well, on a number of different levels as the music manages to stimulate one's visual imagination and sometimes it takes music to make such films really come alive. Sam's lyrics on some of the songs made me think of early, quirky Syd Barrett songs, mostly because of their uninhibited, childlike stream of consciousness kind of style and phrasing, but also because of their observational nature and their wit. This was all a new experience to me - and it was a welcome stimulation for my brain!

Magpahi, on the other hand, is by now a known and very well loved quantity for me. Please see earlier gig review 18/01/08, which I've copied immediately below this one. Alison's voice, songwriting and musicianship continue to charm and delight me and, despite feeling unwell from flu that evening, her performance and presence moved and soothed me as before.

I had also seen Dean McPhee before, and enjoyed his guitar playing once again as I'd hoped I would. I can describe his music no better than I had previously, so I'm copying those reviews (from 02/08/08 and 08/08/08) below too.

A really beautiful evening, which left me with a warm glow despite the cold outside.

MAGPAHI (PART OF 'MINDTRAIN'), FUEL CAFE, WILMSLOW ROAD, FRIDAY 18/01/08

My first proper gig of the year and it was just delightful! ...Magpahi (? pronounced Magpie?!) were first on and were just lovely. Alison has the dreamiest voice and plays recorder (not simultaneously!) and harmonium beautifully to Sam's gentle and empathetic guitar accompaniment. I kept hearing shades of ISB's 'Painting Box', which was most pleasing. I smiled inwardly - and sometimes outwardly! - throughout their set ...

DEAN McPHEE AT HEDGEFEST, ST MARGARET'S CHURCH, WHALLEY RANGE, MANCHESTER, SATURDAY 02/08/08

...Dean McPhee's superbly atmospheric electric guitar playing worked incredibly well in the church venue. I heard a 'waterfall' element running through his music, reminiscent of the more tender moments of Jimmy Page in Led Zeppelin. I was transfixed and transported! I'm really looking forward to seeing more of him at the Art of Tea in Didsbury on Friday 8 August ...

DEAN McPHEE, THE ART OF TEA, BARLOW MOOR ROAD, DIDSBURY, MANCHESTER M20 6TW, FRIDAY 08/08/08

...Dean McPhee was up next. Of course, I'd seen him at Hedgefest less than a week before so I knew I was in for a treat. His is not an obvious use of the electric guitar - oft times wild and showy, the electric guitar seems to have been tamed by Dean and taken by him on a picturesque walk - on a loose lead! All his pieces are instrumental and appear to be meandering at first but sooner or later it becomes obvious that Dean is their gently disciplining, kind and respectful master! Subtle use of echo pedals throws a further element into the intriguing mix. The music is quite difficult to box and that's probably another point in its favour - close your eyes and imagine John Williams and Jimmy Page getting together with Tangerine Dream and you're almost there!

MAGPAHI:

http://www.myspace.com/magpahi

SAM & THE PLANTS:

http://www.myspace.com/samandtheplants

DEAN MCPHEE

http://www.myspace.com/deanmcphee

SYD BARRETT (FOR REFERENCE):

http://www.last.fm/music/Syd+Barrett/_/Dominoes

Review added: 23:38 Tuesday, 14 April 2009

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'HIT ME - THE LIFE & RHYMES OF IAN DURY' (BY JEFF MERRIFIELD, STARRING ADRIAN SCHILLER & JOSH DARCY)

LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE, LONDON, SATURDAY 17 JANUARY 2009

This was a truly delightful surprise on a freezing cold trip to London!

I'd always been disappointed not to have seen Ian Dury, especially coming from Essex! I nearly saw him - he was billed to appear at the only Glastonbury festival I ever went to in June 1999, but cancelled due to ill health, and of course he died the following March. Watching this remarkable show (can't quite call it a play) at times felt like I was watching the man himself.

Adrian Schiller was actually the stand-in for the lead, but I just can't imagine anyone 'doing' Ian Dury any better. His voice, singing and speaking, was absolutely spot on and in fact, for every second he was on stage, he LIVED the part of Ian Dury, complete with limp, a believably inactive arm and characteristic head rocks. Extraordinary! Friend Kate (who came to see it with Hubby Andy and me) was initially convinced he was miming (to backing tracks) he was so good - and she HAD seen the real Ian Dury! No, it really was the actor singing!

As you might expect, there were more swear words than any other kind, so definitely not something to take your children to see (or indeed anyone else likely to be offended!) but, given what we know of Ian Dury, was pure realism, as was the dialogue and the parallelled journey of his life the show takes. The part of his 'minder', Fred ('Spider') Rowe, as played by Josh Darcy, was equally believable. Good theatre makes you forget it's theatre you're watching - and this was exceptionally good theatre. I constantly did double-takes, it was so real.

'Hit Me' had a very short run in London, following its initial showing at the Edinburgh Festival last year, but I understand a nationwide tour is planned to start in January 2010. An absolute must!

http://www.cloutcom.co.uk/files/HitMe!PRleicestersquare.pdf
http://www.hanfordmead.com/books/Damahurauthor.php
http://www.myspace.com/meryfela
http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/otherresources/AdrianSchiller.htm
http://www.thecourtyard.org.uk/actors/75/josh-darcy
http://www.iandury.co.uk/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6idHmoe5EM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBLeVcP_JQg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPvRsLWlDXw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcat61nIBi4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5wgPUum6PY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZGVYOY9meo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7ND0mzH4_k&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CedEkofJ9Bg

Review added: 23:33 Tuesday, 14 April 2009

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ANTON HUNTER & GRAHAM SOUTH

SILVER APPLES ON ORCHARD STREET, BURTON ROAD, WEST DIDSBURY, SUNDAY 11/01/09

Beyond anything else, I was keen to see Silver Apples up and running! This charming cafe/bar is the new venture of Rob Loader, formerly of Zero Records, and his two sisters, Sarah and Kate, who previously supplied wonderful cakes to a variety of Manchester bars and cafes, and it is wonderful to see Silver Apples doing so well so soon.

So, truthfully, the music was a bit of an excuse for me just to go there! Jazz is not by any stretch of the imagination my first musical love but, played well and played soulfully, it can move me and draw me in, and so I enjoyed the music that evening too. Having checked out Anton Hunter's mySpace with great interest, it is clear that he had adapted his experimental jazz guitar style to a more accessible approach for this performance and, together with Graham South on trumpet, provided enjoyable Sunday evening cafe entertainment - a lovely relaxing way to prepare for the busy week ahead.

http://www.citylife.co.uk/pubs_and_bars/reviews/15886_silver_apples_on_orchard_street___a_blossoming_scene
http://www.qype.co.uk/place/179702-Zero-Records-Manchester
http://www.myspace.com/antonhuntermusic
http://www.couplandbrassquintet.co.uk/plyrgraham.htm

Review added: 23:30 Tuesday, 14 April 2009

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THE MISERABLE RICH + THE RANDOM FAMILY + CARL WOODFORD

DULCIMER, WILBRAHAM ROAD, CHORLTON, THURSDAY 08/01/09

Then back to the Dulcimer for my first gig of 2009 ...

Of the three acts, I knew only of The Miserable Rich; that was only through a knowledgeable friend's recommendation and the wonders of mySpace and youTube. That gave me enough information, though, to know this would be a great gig.

Unfortunately, but inevitably, that meant that many other people would have the same idea and, as mentioned in previous reviews, Dulcimer is a teeny, tiny venue. By the time The Miserable Rich came on, therefore, it was too cramped and squashed for me to enjoy the experience, so I left after the first couple of numbers. As a whole, though, it was an enjoyable and interesting evening, with support acts, The Random Family and Carl Woodford, as fine mood setters and audience tasters.

The Random Family are aptly named - a mixed bunch of characters, with beautifully blending voices nonetheless and gently evocative material to showcase their collective musicianship. To my ears, though, Billy Lazareni (Will?), who stands mostly at the back of the stage, demonstrated in one song that he had the best lead voice. He is also an extremely talented multi-instrumentalist (guitars, mandolin, ukulele, bouzouki). Together, the band works well and makes beautiful music, but it was Will who most impressed me.

It was Carl Woodford alone, though, who inspired me to buy a CD and whose performance will remain the most memorable for me. He has a unique guitar playing style, very percussive, sometimes quite dramatically so, but very delicate and precise nonetheless. His voice had an old sound to it and his performance overall was rather reminiscent of Robbie Basho. I was also interested to learn that he was previously in a prog rock band. It is clear he brings a wide range of influence into his music - I will continue to play his CD over and over.

Here's the links if you would like to check out any of these acts further - I think you should!

The Miserable Rich:

http://www.myspace.com/themiserablerich
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd8WewMyAWA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53w3RIPdMxw&feature=related

The Random Family:

http://www.myspace.com/therandomfamily1

Carl Woodford:

http://www.myspace.com/carlwoodford
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkb1Nxf5Tzk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3zAyM6Oqek

Review added: 23:28 Tuesday, 14 April 2009

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