Recommendation for
Jools Holland
by Fiona
I've become a huge fan of Jools and his Big Band after fist seeing them live 5 years ago. Since then, my sis and I have been to see him live every December - it's become a wee tradition now!
He immediately gets the audience clapping, tapping their feet or up... [more]
I've become a huge fan of Jools and his Big Band after fist seeing them live 5 years ago. Since then, my sis and I have been to see him live every December - it's become a wee tradition now!
He immediately gets the audience clapping, tapping their feet or up dancing as soon as he starts playing and interacts with them, getting a bit of audience participation going too! At the end of each gig, we all join in singing the same song year on year, which leaves you hungry for more. He always finds great supporting artists, whether it's his old mates from Squeeze, or relatively unknowns. His guests have included Lulu, Solomon Burke (remember 'Cry To Me' from Dirty Dancing?!), Eddi Reader and this year's fabulous surprise guest, Marc Almond. Ruby Turner always tours with him too; she has a phenomonal voice and again, has the audience up dancing and joining in.
If you love Jools but have yet to see him live, go see him on his December tour - you won't be able to stay seated! [less]
Live Review of
Vagabond
by Rose from Newport
My introduction to Vagabond came courtesy of James Morrison: when I went to see him a few months back in March, Vagabond were his support act. As ashamed as I am to admit it, for I do delight to discover great new music, I was guilty of writing off the... [more]
Event Date: May 22, 2009
Event Venue: The Louisiana, Bristol
My introduction to Vagabond came courtesy of James Morrison: when I went to see him a few months back in March, Vagabond were his support act. As ashamed as I am to admit it, for I do delight to discover great new music, I was guilty of writing off the support band before I'd even heard them; of viewing them merely as a set amount of time before the headline act came on, but no longer do I hold this view. Vagabond far and away surpassed my expectations, so much so that I jumped at the chance to go and see them again. However, this time they themselves were the headline act, and it suited them: they're just too good to be anybody's support.
Although The Louisiana was a far cry from Colston Hall (where I had seen them supporting James Morrison), both in terms of audience size and general venue grandeur, the band didn't seem the least bit phased by the transition, a testament to the professional ethos and love of music clearly shared by the band. The room was small, but packed full of people. The ceiling was so low on the stage that foam had been put up to prevent enthusiastic band members from hitting their heads and concussing themselves, which although was thoughtful on the part of the venue owners, I couldn't help but think was necessitated by an unfortunate accident in the first instance. I was grateful for the air conditioning in the room, although even that couldn't stop the smell of sweat building up towards the end of the night. Ah well, it's all part of the experience I suppose!
The audience was varied in age, although consisted more of women than men. To be honest, it was mostly teenage girls. It's really little wonder - the music appeals to both men and women, but there's no denying that frontman Alex Vargas' curly-permed good looks help to draw in the ladies.
It was a privilege, in a way, to go to this gig. In the same way as I now mourn the fact that by the time I was into music in a big way, I was too late to see Keane do a small, intimate gig, this was exactly the kind of gig that I know will one day make all of my friends jealous; that day, when Vagabond are internationally famous and nobody can get hold of tickets except for some extortionate ransom price, I will tell of how I was once a mere two feet from the band, and the guy playing the keyboard kept smiling at me... or did I imagine that?
Anyway, it's about time I talked about the music. Vargas' gorgeous, bluesy vocals define the sound of this indie soul band: a modern blend of real, authentic vocals over a backdrop of synth-pop guitars, mellow bass lines and smooth drumming. It's a winning combination.
I was really struck by the stage presence and positive vibe emitted by the band the entire night. Vargas had a good rapport with the audience; his ability to get the whole room dancing was truly impressive. It's so obvious that they love what they're doing, and it's a joy to be a part of that experience.
Time will do a lot for this band. Although intimate gigs are great, and I did relish the proximity to the band, I was left wanting more. From the band's point of view, this is a good thing, of course, but sadly they didn't even get to do an encore. This was due to the fact that a large portion of the audience left after they went off stage. Now, I know it looked like they'd finished, but at every other gig I've been to if you just scream loud enough, you get an encore. Well, nobody was hanging around to scream for more this time, and I know this was a really small gig, but I wanted an encore, surely I can't have been the only one. I'm sure that this small disappointment will be rectified in time, when more people become as passionate about the band as I am, and they start drawing in larger crowds. I see big things in the future for Vagabond, and I know for a fact I am not the only one who recognises this potential. I can't wait for their album to be released in August. [less]
Live Review of
Aynsley Lister
by Jonathon P from East Hoathly
Have recently discoverd the talents of Aynsley Lister - I had been missing one of the greatest talents on the blues rock scene. Last night he wowed the audience in Crawley with some brilliant guitar playing and fine vocals, in an intimate atmosphere.
Playing songs from his new 'Equilibrium' CD... [more]
Event Date: April 16, 2009
Event Venue: The Hawth, Crawley
Have recently discoverd the talents of Aynsley Lister - I had been missing one of the greatest talents on the blues rock scene. Last night he wowed the audience in Crawley with some brilliant guitar playing and fine vocals, in an intimate atmosphere.
Playing songs from his new 'Equilibrium' CD and old classics like Purple Rain (stunning rendition) he showed what an amzing talent he is - go see him, now! [less]
Live Review of
Imelda May
by Phil & Sheena A from Northampton
Last night was first time we'd seen her live - not even on TV. But heard one song on radio, bought CD and had to see her! Wow, what an original sound today (well admit her excellent compositions are mainly based on early 50s RnR, Rockabilly, Skiffle, C&W) and it's... [more]
Event Date: May 20, 2009
Event Venue: Wavendon, The Stables
Last night was first time we'd seen her live - not even on TV. But heard one song on radio, bought CD and had to see her! Wow, what an original sound today (well admit her excellent compositions are mainly based on early 50s RnR, Rockabilly, Skiffle, C&W) and it's a great show - yes totally agree with all said by 2 previous reviewers.
This is great perfect small venue which I've reviewd about 30 times and audiences are usually very reserved, but it was full (450?) and when all give immediate standing ovation, that is very rare, which tells its own story; she was visibly moved, never left the stage (and had to be called back like most acts) so she could cram in an extra song - she then sang an incredible version of Tainted Love (please put on her album!). Lets not forget the great 4-pce band who gave us a memorable performance, with authentic classic instruments.
If I'm going to be picky I'd say have a pianist so she can perform her 3-4 slower 'french cafe' style songs (like Madeline Peyroux). I thought the vocal was a bit lost in sound mix (possibly cos I was deafened by the support act who started loud then got louder). I'd like to see her do some move dance moves with the band members. But heh - just please come back soon and play 2 nights! Please don't make her too famous so she only plays arenas!! [less]
Live Review of
Southside Johnny And The Asbury Jukes
by Paul S from 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... [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]
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