Recent Reviews and Recommendations

I cannot emphasise enough how utterly brilliant and exceptionally wonderfully... [more]

Event Date: Friday 6th November 2009
Event Venue: Durham Gala Theatre

I cannot emphasise enough how utterly brilliant and exceptionally wonderfully great this man is. Daniel Kitson is constantly superb from start to finish.  Fairly priced tickets and his set ran for roughly 2 straight hours. No break, no support act, just 2 hours of perfect Kitson comedy.

Rather than seeing a comic that might make you smile or giggle, Kitson literally left the crowd in fits of continuous laughter. I'm not writing this to sell the show more but people were wiping tears from their eyes they were crying so much and for a comedian there cannot be any greater response. People rocked in their seats and struggled to catch their breath the laughs came so quickly.

One gift to Kitson's comedy is that it isn't just gag after gag. He leaves the audience with a moral to his story as his shows are based on one big moment in his life and how things have happened to him and how these things affect us all in the real world. In between jokes he'll give poignant little speeches based on emotions and actions and how everyting is part of reality.  Rather than live life to the full, just enjoy what you want and do what makes you happy (within reason and in the law) and if you can have a sit down while doing so, result.

If you've never heard of him, go his website or itunes and get his 2004 and 2005 shows as podcasts for free.

He too plays small theatres which is a bonus. Large arena shows ruin comedy. The more intimate the venue, the more comfortable the setting, the more local the crowd and the more comfortable the seating. He will never do arenas. If he were ever as big a name as Lee Evans or Bill Bailey (as good they are), be assured he would never play a big show. Kitson keeps himself quiet and as such does not print tour leaflets. You have to sign up to his newsletters, get alerts here or regularly check your local theatre websites for upcoming dates.

Forget Christmas DVD sellers and arena sell outs, Daniel Kitson is without any doubt the best stand up on the circuit and leaves everyone else standing, sitting, in the dust etc

He is just too good. Just see him if you can and love it for what it is. A five star, 100% funnyman who isn't afraid to say what he thinks. And what he thinks of is comedy gold. [less]
by Sean Prower

Either I'd forgotten just how good a Southside Johnny gig... [more]

Event Date: November 2, 2009
Event Venue: The Globe, Cardiff

Either I'd forgotten just how good a Southside Johnny gig can be or he got even better! There were a few changes from the last time I saw Southside:  a little more facial hair, the trademark shades being discarded early on, and the ever changing line up of the Asbury Jukes.

But much remained the same, including great musicianship from the eight strong backing band,  featuring a strong horns section (sometimes reminiscent of the Memphis Horns sound), keyboards, drums, lead and bass guitars.

There were the trademark gestures and the false starts: Johnny deciding he didn't want to do this song right now when he was a few lines in, killing the band when they chose a number he didn't want tonight or stopping a band member who'd outplayed their solo.  He certainly likes to control the show and make decisions on the fly - you wonder if it gets frustrating at times for the band, although I guess they know what they are going to get.

But when it all comes together it's truly glorious: the anarchic and spontaneous nature of a Soutside Johnny performance making a refreshing contrast to some well-known bands working though their stale set lists. In then last few years I've seen both the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen with the E-street band in Cardiff's Millennium stadium and hardly enjoyed them. They'd lost whatever it was that delivered those great experiences years ago. This was much more fun, with even Springsteen's own numbers like "Love on the Wrong Side of Town" sounding better here.

There was a lot of humour in the performance and the interaction with the crowd - never far from the stage in this wide and shallow small venue - was certainly entertaining. It's not often you get an audience member asked up on stage to sing chorus lines in Welsh!

If the lyrics were mostly about frustrated love, break-ups and heartbreak (inevitable with so much blues and soul influence), the sound was truly uplifting. As the gig progressed there was an increasing emphasis on crowd-pleasing numbers with sing-along choruses - I'm still hearing songs like Talk to Me and Walk Away Renee, days after the concert.

Above all, there was total commitment. On stage for a non-stop two and a half hours, Johnny left the capacity crowd with big smiles on their faces. Best gig I've seen in Cardiff this year. [less]
by Paul S from Cardiff

Dame Cleo Laine was in the audience for this concert... [more]

Event Date: October 27, 2009
Event Venue: The Stables

Dame Cleo Laine was in the audience for this concert (we are extremely thankful she and Johnny Dankworth have built this wonderful theatre). Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable night of virtuoso performances from this quartet (over 2 hours). Whilst I'm not a connoisseur of jazz, just intrigued by the advert - and having heard some Grappelli many years ago (with Yehudi Menuin) - I could appreciate that this was a masterclass in pushing this jazz improv style. Interpretations included Bach Fugue, Handel's Air and Gershwin; along with Grappelli classics, and some wonderful original material - playing conversations with amongst these four. All beautifully performed. Great usage of electric violin foot pedals: fuzz boxes and wah wah. Christian announced he was inspired at the age of 5 way back in 1978 by a concert by Stephan Grappelli at this very venue - I'm sure the master would have been delighted to have heard this show! Highly recommended [less]
by Phil & Sheena A from Northampton

Now i'm not gonna lie....I love The Maccabees. I always... [more]

Event Date: October 10, 2009
Event Venue: 02 Academy, Leeds/Elbow Room, Leeds

   Now i'm not gonna lie....I love The Maccabees. I always have. So if this is a little biased, i do apologise.
In the past year, I've seen them tens of times, literally. Living in Brighton until recently had provided me with the opportunity of following their progress since the release of "Wall Of Arms", and so tonight as their tour drew to a close, I was saddened to think of the months they would now disappear for, much like they did after "Colour It In".
  It's not just the music, even though it is faultless. After following them round for the best part of a year, it's no longer much of a surprise to them that I'm at a Brighton/London gig, so as I bound over to Felix before the support band starts he greets me like a long lost friend and asks "What are you doing in Leeds?" The Maccabees are the sweetest boys you will ever meet. The charming shyness, the eagerness to please, the genuine love, attention and care they show fans. Likelihood is if you've met them, they'll remember you.
   Post Felix chat and support band it's time for them to take to the stage, opening with "No Kind Words" states their dominance on the stage, and they proceed to charge through a collection of favourites.."X-Ray", "Can You Give It" and the resurrection of the much loved "Latchmere".
   Orlando calls a halt to proceedings towards the end of "Precious Time", a scuffle breaks out in the standing area and from the stage Orlando shouts "OI! What Are you doing?" I don't care who started it, you're not at school"...and then proceeds to finish the song.
   Die hard fans are treated to B sides such as "Accordion Song" which alows Felix to take centre stage and then onto his little brother Hugo for a heart-warming "Hearts That Strangle".
   I know the drill, once you hear the brass section of "Love You Better" start up, you know it's the end of the set. I find myself thinking I just wish it was the start again, I'm tired and my throat hurts but I'd give anything to go back an hour.
   So that's the end.......no. There's the after party, where the White brothers take to the DJ decks. Beastie Boys, Outkast, MJ....they get more perfect by the minute.
   And so that's it. The Maccabees tour. The Maccabees second album. They blow kisses as they leave, as we drunkenly tell them this is our last encounter for a while. But when they come back...with a third album...make sure you go see them. Please. Because if anyone appreciates it, it's them. So boys...just don't leave it too long! [less]
by Jaimie from Sheffield

I've seen The Rapiers live on four occasions now, and... [more]

Event Date: Sept 2007
Event Venue: Shadowmania

I've seen The Rapiers live on four occasions now, and am knocked out by the sheer professionalism, authenticity of sound and musicanship which is always to the fore of each performance. They go to inordinate lengths to ensure that they replicate perfectly the original Shadow sounds, so much so that Bruce Welch himself says that The Rapiers are the best in the business.  The lead guitarist, Colin Pryce Jones, is a great guy and a perfectionist, and if you close your eyes during a performance you would swear that you are listening to Hank B Marvin.   His equipment is the same that Hank used, even to a piece of fag packet paper under the guitar nut, just to create that same 'twang'.  He has scoured everywhere for equipment that was the same as Hank's and has put together an awesome array of it, all in the name of authenticity. And what a result. It's mind blowing to hear him play.  I have all The Rapiers CD's and never tire of listening to them. I would urge anyone who has not yet had the privelege of hearing them live to grab your tickets for the next show near where you are, you'll rejoice that you did, believe me, and I'd bet you too will be after the CD's as well.
Long may this brilliant band perform.
Mike Burrows, from Cheshire. [less]
by Mike from Northwich

Very atmospheric venue but was there any need for such... [more]

Event Date: November 21, 2009
Event Venue: The Warehouse Project

Very atmospheric venue but was there any need for such heavy handed security? Never had my socks searched before!! Zane Lowes set was excellent - Autocratz were very energetic but couldn't you find a less cheesey backdrop boys??

Sorry to report some mindless idiots throwing cans and others pushing through the crowd during La Roux's set - there were a few girls in tears around me but I stayed near a wall to avoid being crushed!

La Roux and Elly Jackson in particular were excellent but the sound was very muffled and over distorted to the point of just being very loud so that her vocals were drowned out ( A shame as she has a great voice).

It was a venue with much promise but way too late (finished at 2 am and I had an hours drive to get home), too loud (still have ringing in my ears - never had that even when I was a sound mixer!), too many idiots pushing - sorry Warehouse Project - must do better next time!! [less]
by Joe M from Tranmere

This show was the last of Gretchen's European tour. The... [more]

Event Date: November 22, 2009
Event Venue: Bush Hall

This show was the last of Gretchen's European tour. The hall was nearly full and she received a very warm welcome. Gretchen played acoustic guitar accompanied by Barry Walsh on piano. Most of the songs were from the Best of album. Gretchen radiates warmth from the stage giving the concert that camp fire feel. Her songs are strong as was her voice. She played for 90 minutes and provided good value. Definately deserves a wider audience but it is great to be able to see her in a small intimate venue. [less]
by John R from Chislehurst

A glorious wealth of colourful images were the projections that... [more]

Event Date: November 12, 2009
Event Venue: Cumberland Arms

A glorious wealth of colourful images were the projections that backed the band's performance, and the same could be said of the music which took the audience from lyrical quiet piano moments in songs to massive guitar soundscapes and left them wanting more. My Exit Music have their own sound which is a bit like Radiohead playing Floyd in a Mogwai style, but it is none of these as they have the experience to play how they want, and this always generates magic. A good night. [less]
by Ned Lud

I am 60 years old and i have been a... [more]

I am 60 years old and i have been a lover of music since i was 15.This band is exceptionally good in fact i go as to say they are the best band i have ever heard,and i am who i am is a work of art, all the best lads for the future.You have made two great albums keep them coming. [less]
by Snowy from Solihull

I have seen Les Mc Keowns BCR and it is... [more]

I have seen Les Mc Keowns BCR and it is a fantastic show,...100% perfect,i am going to see them again on the 6th of january,and i can't wait i am really looking forward to it......the memories of those songs and just sitting in front of the t.v. watching him,....and to see him for real and be able to touch was a dream come true,......Amazing....... [less]
by Joan from ireland