The Live Music Room.

[Dan Steel]

Glad you had a great night and nice to see Janice is getting stronger. As usual Prowsie delivers.

[Scooter]

Some twenty years ago I ventured to Manchester, to one of the University halls to see an upcoming band called Wilco. Fast forward to last night some twenty years later and we ventured again to see them in the bigger Albert Hall in Manchester. Nowadays SWMBO is a firm fan who loves them live and they are one of the few bands who she will go to see live, well actually it’s just them and Ian Prowse. We decided to stay over, have dinner followed by the gig. Unknown to us the hotel we had booked was literally across the road from the hall. So when we left the hotel to go to the restaurant there was already a large queue building to get in. We got into the hall at half seven and the guitar techs were tuning up and put out the guitars, the hall was full but we managed to get a good spot in the balcony about twenty yards from Jeff Tweedy. Fifteen minutes later on they came, so we had missed the support and I was shocked how early it started. On they came and played two new songs from Ode to Joy which is released next Friday. Then it was onto a mix from the past. Listening to them it was hard to believe that they have had a two year break, it was like they had played every night over those two years. A good example was a three beat break during random name generator was picked up by the three guitars perfectly. We had the nice soft rock songs but we also had the guitar blasts. Once again for me watching Nels Cline is a delight, he adds “treatments” to the songs which he just plays in the background giving a depth to the song. He really has talent which ranges from jazz to alt country, etc. They also did impossible Germany which features Jeff, Nels and Pat on guitar. This was a highlight because Nels took the solo and the whole band and audience were enthralled and the reception at the end was overwhelming and again not just from the audience but the band as well. Another song that amazed (and in my case always has) was Via Chicago which is transformed from a gentle song into a maelstrom of sounds with Jeff is still singing over, the maelstrom then stops on a beat back to the gentle song. The night also involved lots of guitar changes which were handled smoothly and didn’t impede the gig in any way. An absolutely brilliant night from a great band who are all great musicians.
Finally over the past couple of years we have heard musicians apologise for Trump, last night Jeff Tweedy commented that things were a little bit worse here now after someone shouted a comment from the audience. When we left the hotel it had overnight become a fortress surrounded by the police. I asked one why the presence and was told it was the former Tory party conference which starts tomorrow with delegates arriving today. When I asked what he meant by former he replied “well you can’t call them tory anymore can you”.

[Dan Steel]

Great gig Keith, glad you enjoyed yerself.

[Scooter]

Great gig Keith, glad you enjoyed yerself.

Next up Jesca Hoop a week on Tuesday Jim. Hope you’ve got it in your calendar.

[Dan Steel]

Keith & I will be at the Leaf on Tuesday 8th Oct

[Wenge1]

Keith & I will be at the Leaf on Tuesday 8th Oct

Have a great time lads .............

[Scooter]

Before writing this I revisited my write up of when Jesca Hoop played the church last year supported by Chloe Foye. One thing I picked up from that was the amazing harmonies. So last night Jesca played Leaf in Liverpool which Jim and I attended
We were treated to a brilliant gig. Chloe again did the support and this time instead of playing solo she had a guy behind her playing guitar and for two songs violin. This gave the songs a boost. She finished and on came Jesca. The first song (Free of the Feeling) gave an indication of the way it would go, harmonies and could they harmonise. So much better than last year mainly because there was a girl who played guitar and drums but also had a voice that complimented Jesca and Chloe. The sound was amazing when the three of them started singing together. I should also add that there was a guy playing guitar and bass whose voice also added to great effect. Jesca then moved between albums. I brought over her latest album for Jim and I was sad and surprised to say that the live performance was so much better than the album, probably not the right thing to say to some who you have just given an album to listen to. I think Jim summed it up when he said she draws you in. A superb performance that was watched by a really attentive audience who were so quiet and appreciative. I was so engrossed that I didn’t notice how long she was on for other than it was well over a hour. Guy Garvey describes her as the best female vocalist in the U.K. and I have to agree she really is up there. I should add she is married to someone connected to Elbow, manager of them or such so he may be a bit biased. Another great night where we both agreed we had once again seen something special. Final thought for Jim, if you had to pick between seeing Jesca or Courtney Marie Andrews? I think it would be very hard.

[Dan Steel]

Excellent write up Keith, nothing much to add. Two fine performances from Chloe and Jesca. Brilliant harmonies and playing and the craic was great. Would be hard to pick between her and Courtney as both styles were different Jesca being folky while Courtney’s country. I call it a score draw.

[Scooter]

Excellent write up Keith, nothing much to add. Two fine performances from Chloe and Jesca. Brilliant harmonies and playing and the craic was great. Would be hard to pick between her and Courtney as both styles were different Jesca being folky while Courtney’s country. I call it a score draw.

Both have wonderful voices, probably the best vocalists I’ve heard in years but as you say two differing styles.

[Scooter]

Sunday is the day to attend church so last night I did, to see John Smith. First I wasn’t sure whether I could go as it was my nephew’s 18th birthday but at the last minute we celebrated it on Saturday leaving me free to go. Then hit I another problem, the gig had sold out. The promoter has always said that would always be room for me and he kept to his word. So I entered a full and packed church. First up were a three girl band from York (I believe) called the Magpies. A very capable and entertaining band. The highlight for me was when they covered Gillian Welch’s Rock of Ages. The girl playing the banjo apologised as being nowhere near as good as Gillian but she did a really good job. They are currently recording an album for release early next year and will be a name to watch on the folk circuit.
Onto the main man John Smith. He has a back catalogue to pull from and he did varying from new to an album that is no longer available (but he intends to get reissued). The show last night was the last of an eight date tour so he was in top form. The last time I saw him he seemed subdued compared to last night where he was telling stories between songs. My favourite where he explained two songs were highly influenced by Van Morrison who he is a big fan of. Last year he was introduced to him at the British folk awards. He expected him to be a grumpy as hell and tell him where to go but he was the exact opposite, really nice. He said never meet your heroes because they don’t live up to your expectations. He said he was an Essex boy who now lives in the heathen north, Somerset!! He got talking about pubs and said the best pubs are in Liverpool. That I didn’t expect. He went onto to introduce a song that he first heard sung solo (no guitar) in Peter Kavanagh’s pub in Liverpool which he said is the best pub in the world. This got a big cheer from his Liverpool fans who had travelled across the river to see him. He then sang Master Kilby from his Hummingbird album. He told of his days living in Liverpool, that I did not know. He went on about the vibrant music scene there and how he owed it so much. He also said he spends a lot of time there still and in Chester where he has a lot of friends. I had no idea of his past, I had always assumed he was from the South but found out that a big part of his life was Liverpool based. He played for an hour and three quarters pulled songs from most albums and the album he wants to reissue. A great night and if you do get chance to see him don’t miss him.
John with the Magpies...


Performing...

[Wenge1]

.
Great write up Keith. I will watch out for The Magpies' - if you hear of any release that they do, let us know ......
.

[Dan Steel]

Looks like a great night Keith

[Scooter]

On a wet, cold horrible night ventured out for the ten minute ride to Church to see A.A. Bondy.The promoter put up the set times on line which also said the support was a magician not musician. So got there to miss most of his show. Carl, the promoter, was a bit weary because A.A. Bondy wanted as many lights out as possible, this included the lights that light up the stained glass window behind the altar. So all possible lights out and on the stage walked a tall hooded figure who put on a string light on over the only keyboard on the stage. He then hit a button to start the music, as he did video streamed onto the screen behind him. So that was the stage set up, one mike, one keyboard strewn with a red string light over it and a large screen behind playing sequenced film. He played the keyboard whilst setting of sequences on it and foot pedals. He played all of his last album Enderness with one song off his other two albums and finished with Smile, the old Nat King Cole classic. The whole show lasted just an hour but was brilliant, the sequencing of the music and video was impeccable and must have taken a lot of work to set up and get right for the performance. I’m not a fan of backing tapes, emulators etc but this worked and he really had to be on his toes to get the timing right. One of the sequences was a video of a solo by Prince, he sat to the side of the stage so the view was open, it only last about one minute but was very effective. He described the performance as “what ever it is” but was really good on a couple of levels. His voice is unique and soothing. Not an every day gig but one that I will remember for a while.



I spoke to the photographer after wards and he said he got some photos but it was hard work with the lack of light.

[Dan Steel]

Glad it was a great gig Keith, fine write up as usual.

[Wenge1]

.
Wow that does sound like a great and a 'different' gig Keith. Good write up as usual ........
.

[Scooter]

.
Wow that does a great and a 'different' gig Keith. Good write up as usual ........
.

It was very different, if you know his work his last album was a total change of style which I thought was bold and a good thing. You always hear musicians saying the next album will be different but his was and is. I don’t think he has put out a bad album but this show really was different and a bold move which I’m sure involved a lot of hard work.

[Scooter]

Because of time limitations after doing the school run I decided to drive over to Liverpool, what is usually a half hour drive but last night it turned into a one hour crawl after RTC/breakdown on the motorway. So arrived late to meet Jim in the Phil pub. Got into the Phil half way through the support act Lisa O’Neil’s set. I think we saw about three or four songs. Onto the main event Calexico and Iron and Wine. They Opened with the opening song of the last album Father Mountain. The set then flowed and at one point Sam Beam said he had picked the Calexico sings and Joey had picked the Iron and Wine songs. Although they predominantly used the new album they also played from In the Reins from the first Calexico and Iron and Wine album from 2005. Half way through we had two songs from Sam and Joey whilst the rest of the band left the stage. We also had a couple of covers, first was I Lost It the Lucinda Williams song. Right from the start Sam joked that they were going to do Beatles covers, they didn’t but did cover another a Liverpool band. What came as a shock to me was they broke into Bring on the Dancing Horses by Echo and the Bunnymen. They also brought Lisa back to cover All I do is Dream the Everly Brothers song. Compared to a Calexico show it was somewhat subdued but that is the difference in styles, Iron and Wine calm the Mexican sound down to more Americana. We also lost the jazzy sound although we did get a pinch of it, especially the upright bass solo which also gave John a chance to shine on the drums. Sound was good, as I have come to expect a the Phil. We were “up in the Gods” as the stalls sold out really quick. They were on for about two hours, I didn’t check, for me it flew by. Another great night with Jim, next up in two weeks is Aldous Harding.

[Dan Steel]

Fine write up Keith really enjoyed last night gig which started of nicely with Lisa O’Neil’s very broad Irish folk set which was very nice indeed.






Calexico and Iron & Wine did a superb set. On the evidence of last nights excellent gig the decision to unite was fruitful to both acts. Beam’s warm voice was in fine fettle and he complemented Calexico’s musicianship. Beam’s nning guitar picking complemented Jacob Valenzuela’s trademark Mariachi trumpet, the results were sublime on Sunken Waltz.
It was easy to sit back and let the songs wash over you as the six piece band eased their way through each soundscape of their fabulous music. As great as the full band sounded, the highlight saw Beam and Burns alone on stage for an acoustic segment that features nning versions of Iron and Wine’s Naked as We Came followed by an equally touching Calexico’s Frank’s Tavern, fine ff.
Things get even better when the duo were joined by Lisa O’Neil for a run through of the Everley Brothers‘ All I Have To Do Is Dream with the audience in total silence... magic
After constant joking from Beam about how the band were going to play a Beatles song, it’s actually to Liverpool’s other fab four they did a brilliant cover of Echo and the Bunnymen‘s Bring on the Dancing Horses which transformed the song into a sun-scorched ode to beauty.

It’s a fitting and fun climax.

Better together than apart, tonight proves Beam and Burns are a match made in folk rock heaven.

Next gig Aldous Harding at the Arts Club 4th Dec.

[Dan Steel]

Keith and I witnessed a splendid gig by Aldous Harding at the Arts Club Liverpool last night. She’s an artist of rare calibre, Aldous Harding does more than sing; she conjures a singular intensity. Her body and face a weapon of theatre, Harding dances with steeled fervour, baring her teeth like a Bunraku puppet's gnashing grin. Captivating the audience to complete silence while she weaved her way through her songs, playing acoustic guitar and piano and backed by 4 fine musicians drum, bass, guitar and keyboards. You could here a pin drop as she slowly started each song before opening out into a wall of sound. The way she moved and performed around the stage reminded me of Patti Smith. I hadn’t heard much of her stuff so I didn’t know what to expect but I came away mesmerised by her stunning performance. A must go to gig if she’s performing near you.

[Scooter]

Keith and I witnessed a splendid gig by Aldous Harding at the Arts Club Liverpool last night. She’s an artist of rare calibre, Aldous Harding does more than sing; she conjures a singular intensity. Her body and face a weapon of theatre, Harding dances with steeled fervour, baring her teeth like a Bunraku puppet's gnashing grin. Captivating the audience to complete silence while she weaved her way through her songs, playing acoustic guitar and piano and backed by 4 fine musicians drum, bass, guitar and keyboards. You could here a pin drop as she slowly started each song before opening out into a wall of sound. The way she moved and performed around the stage reminded me of Patti Smith. I hadn’t heard much of her stuff so I didn’t know what to expect but I came away mesmerised by her stunning performance. A must go to gig if she’s performing near you.

Not a lot I can add to that other than once again a great night out. Cheers Jim.

[evil_C]

Saving Grace, Salisbury City Hall, 10 December 2019

Saving Grace describes itself as a co-operative comprising Suzi Dian (vocals), Oli Jefferson (percussion), Tony Kelsey (mandolin, baritone and acoustic guitars), Robert Plant – (vocals) and Matt Worley (banjo, acoustic and baritone guitars, and cuatro).

It was a superb evening’s entertainment, with support from The Rails, an excellent male/female acoustic guitar duo, which reminded me of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

As for the main act, well it was one of the best performances from Robert Plant that I have seen, and I’ve seen him in most incarnations since Zeppelin. Better even than the outing with Alison Krauss. As Bob Harris said of this band earlier this year: “I’ve been privileged to share some amazing moments with Robert through the years but none were more magical, kind and beautiful than the performance by his new band Saving Grace this evening. One of the best gigs I’ve seen in years”.

[Dan Steel]

Saving Grace, Salisbury City Hall, 10 December 2019

Saving Grace describes itself as a co-operative comprising Suzi Dian (vocals), Oli Jefferson (percussion), Tony Kelsey (mandolin, baritone and acoustic guitars), Robert Plant – (vocals) and Matt Worley (banjo, acoustic and baritone guitars, and cuatro).

It was a superb evening’s entertainment, with support from The Rails, an excellent male/female acoustic guitar duo, which reminded me of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

As for the main act, well it was one of the best performances from Robert Plant that I have seen, and I’ve seen him in most incarnations since Zeppelin. Better even than the outing with Alison Krauss. As Bob Harris said of this band earlier this year: “I’ve been privileged to share some amazing moments with Robert through the years but none were more magical, kind and beautiful than the performance by his new band Saving Grace this evening. One of the best gigs I’ve seen in years”.

Looks like a great gig Clive glad you enjoyed it.

[Scooter]

Some years back, 5 or 6, we had been out for a meal and finished in a pub. When we got in there we found we had to pay a cover charge/door fee as there was a singer on. The guy was doing all his own material which impressed us, the girls sat down but my mate and I stood watching listening really enjoying the songs. It turned to be a Liverpool lad called Robert Vincent. We then caught him later that year at the Liverpool acoustic festival and again he impressed us. Since then we have seen him on many occasions including him supporting Ethan Johns last year. Last night he was back in town assisted by a lady called Anna playing keyboard and vocals. Starting with his new “single” This Town off his new album which is to be released on Valentine’s Day. He then went through a selection of songs off his two albums with three or four new songs thrown in. I can’t remember Anna’s surname and it may have even been Emma but she has worked with him since the first album. Her vocals compliment his and her keyboard adds a nice feel. He finished with Demons from the first album but had to come back for one more finishing the night with the title track of I’ll Make the Most if My Sins. He was on for well over an hour and a half and it flew. After the taster of new songs really looking forward to the new album. When I got there the first singer was on so as not to disturb I sat at the bar which is well away from the stage. I hadn’t been there long when I was greeted by the man himself with “how are you, isn’t your mate with you tonight”. So it appears he was looking for Jim who is usually with me. He also told me that he is playing Jimmy’s in Liverpool in April so one to watch out for.

[Dan Steel]

Glad you enjoyed it Keith, it’s not our house he’s playing at.

[Scooter]

Glad you enjoyed it Keith, it’s not our house he’s playing at.

That would be good. Apparently it used to called the Cabin.