The Live Music Room.

[Scooter]

Two years ago we were going to kill two birds with one stone. We were going to San Sebastián in Spain to see and taste the legendary food and whilst there see Wilco. Obviously Covid kicked off so like everything else it got cancelled. The gig took place a week or so ago and we couldn’t fit it in, lucky in some ways as Nels didn’t play as he had to isolate after getting Covid. We rearranged the trip and we are going in two weeks time. Just checking on transport found out that whilst we are there it’s the Jazz festival which starts the night we arrive. Then found that on our second night Calexico are playing and there are still tickets available, result. So tickets bought now to check if there is anyone else on.

[Dan Steel]

Two years ago we were going to kill two birds with one stone. We were going to San Sebastián in Spain to see and taste the legendary food and whilst there see Wilco. Obviously Covid kicked off so like everything else it got cancelled. The gig took place a week or so ago and we couldn’t fit it in, lucky in some ways as Nels didn’t play as he had to isolate after getting Covid. We rearranged the trip and we are going in two weeks time. Just checking on transport found out that whilst we are there it’s the Jazz festival which starts the night we arrive. Then found that on our second night Calexico are playing and there are still tickets available, result. So tickets bought now to check if there is anyone else on.

Hope you have a great time

[Scooter]

4th of December 2019 was the last time Jim and was able to get out to see some live music, until tonight. Report in the morning.

[Scooter]

As previous post said over two years since Jim and I attended any gigs so last night was some what of a reunion. First band came on and we were at the back but never heard a note as we caught up. Especially as Jim has become a grandad and I have also become a grandad again but this time to twins. So we got some chairs out and the first band were totally ignored, didn’t even catch a name.
Then on came The Felice Brothers, straight into Jazz on the Autobahn the first song of their latest album. This was followed by Silverfish from the same album. So from this I thought the new album was going feature heavily but no. The setlist then weaved through their back catalogue. Vocals were shared between Ian and James which I didn’t expect so much. The bonus were their harmonies which sounded brilliant. The set flew by and I have no idea how long they were on, guessing a good hour and a half.
Excellent night and great to be back in Liverpool with out the covid restrictions.

[Dan Steel]

As previous post said over two years since Jim and I attended any gigs so last night was some what of a reunion. First band came on and we were at the back but never heard a note as we caught up. Especially as Jim has become a grandad and I have also become a grandad again but this time to twins. So we got some chairs out and the first band were totally ignored, didn’t even catch a name.
Then on came The Felice Brothers, straight into Jazz on the Autobahn the first song of their latest album. This was followed by Silverfish from the same album. So from this I thought the new album was going feature heavily but no. The setlist then weaved through their back catalogue. Vocals were shared between Ian and James which I didn’t expect so much. The bonus were their harmonies which sounded brilliant. The set flew by and I have no idea how long they were on, guessing a good hour and a half.
Excellent night and great to be back in Liverpool with out the covid restrictions.

Yes I really enjoyed last nights gig from one of mine and Keith’s favourite bands. We had plenty to catch up on mostly about the new grand kids who were born around the same time Keith winning 2-1 as his daughter gave him two beautiful twin girls. As Keith has said we didn’t really take notice to the support band as we were in catch up mode. They where a duo, two girls both on guitars whose harmonies and playing were delightful. Moving on to the main act The Felice Brothers who are one of the best Americans bands around. Ripping straight into “Jazz On The Autobahn” it was a flying start from an incredibly tight band with superb vocals from guitar player Ian Felice. “Valium” was another that captivated, but it was the introduction of “Whiskey In My Whiskey” that got the audience going. The ever smiling James Felice switched from accordion and keyboards throughout as the mood shifted between songs, taking you on that Americana ride that only the Felice Brothers can produce, we both agreed very similar to “The Band”. Admiralty backed by Jesske Hume on bass and Will Laurence on drums and accompanying vocals added to the atmosphere.
Great venue and band and as always great company with Keith.

[Wenge1]

Keith winning 2-1

You must be used to that by now Jim. What with you being a supporter of the blue half of the Pool ........

[Dan Steel]

Keith winning 2-1

You must be used to that by now Jim. What with you being a supporter of the blue half of the Pool ........

Wish it was 2-1 Adam we always get slaughtered

[Scooter]

Last night and it was back to Church for Kelley Stoltz. Support was from a guy who has nearly thrown as many strops as Ian McCulloch so I went late to avoid seeing him. I didn’t know whether it was a full band show or solo but pleasantly found it to be full band. The band was “standard” line up drums, bass and two guitars, although he said that the keyboard player was “stopped by the Ukraine war” so he had recorded some keyboards that they were go to “cheat” and play in some songs. Kelley did a range of his work and only played two songs off his new album (released two weeks ago). I didn’t expect that as most tours feature heavily on new material. Every song had a story which he told, for example the first song Pine Cone was about him finishing playing in Auckland and he was on the way home and had a pine cone in his hand luggage that he had picked up to take home. He was searched at the airport and it was taken off him. He was on for about an hour and a quarter. I was talking to the promoter who said the curfew has been brought in to half ten from eleven o’clock. So the set had to be cut a little. About three songs in he asked a question and two guys to my left answered, he recognised them as having been at a few shows. They said they were brothers from Stockholm who had come over to follow his tour, having been fans for years and they were having a great time. There was another couple from America who were in Chester and somehow found he was playing and came along.
Interesting bit for myself. When I arrived, I parked up. The church is by the “castle” and crown courts. To get to the church there is a passage way, notorious because it’s like a bridge over where they take out the prisoners from the courts to jail and many a photo is taken there in big cases. As I was walking through a guy was finishing a phone call, he looked up at me and said Hi. It was Kelley himself, he asked whether I was going to the show. So I walked to the church with him and outside I talked to him and his drummer for quite a while. Now if you know me what was the thing to be asked? So what was it like touring with The Bunnymen? A dream come true which he would do again. He was intrigued by the shows I had seen of them in Liverpool. I told him of the solo McCulloch show at the Anglican, he was envious. He said he had played guitar on a Mac solo tour of Japan. Coming from San Francisco they were surprised and pleased to hear John Murry had played here and how he was doing.
Overall a great night and as always excellent sound. As always I had the biggest guy in the audience in front of me but I managed to get to the front for a photo.

[Dan Steel]

Last night and it was back to Church for Kelley Stoltz. Support was from a guy who has nearly thrown as many strops as Ian McCulloch so I went late to avoid seeing him. I didn’t know whether it was a full band show or solo but pleasantly found it to be full band. The band was “standard” line up drums, bass and two guitars, although he said that the keyboard player was “stopped by the Ukraine war” so he had recorded some keyboards that they were go to “cheat” and play in some songs. Kelley did a range of his work and only played two songs off his new album (released two weeks ago). I didn’t expect that as most tours feature heavily on new material. Every song had a story which he told, for example the first song Pine Cone was about him finishing playing in Auckland and he was on the way home and had a pine cone in his hand luggage that he had picked up to take home. He was searched at the airport and it was taken off him. He was on for about an hour and a quarter. I was talking to the promoter who said the curfew has been brought in to half ten from eleven o’clock. So the set had to be cut a little. About three songs in he asked a question and two guys to my left answered, he recognised them as having been at a few shows. They said they were brothers from Stockholm who had come over to follow his tour, having been fans for years and they were having a great time. There was another couple from America who were in Chester and somehow found he was playing and came along.
Interesting bit for myself. When I arrived, I parked up. The church is by the “castle” and crown courts. To get to the church there is a passage way, notorious because it’s like a bridge over where they take out the prisoners from the courts to jail and many a photo is taken there in big cases. As I was walking through a guy was finishing a phone call, he looked up at me and said Hi. It was Kelley himself, he asked whether I was going to the show. So I walked to the church with him and outside I talked to him and his drummer for quite a while. Now if you know me what was the thing to be asked? So what was it like touring with The Bunnymen? A dream come true which he would do again. He was intrigued by the shows I had seen of them in Liverpool. I told him of the solo McCulloch show at the Anglican, he was envious. He said he had played guitar on a Mac solo tour of Japan. Coming from San Francisco they were surprised and pleased to hear John Murry had played here and how he was doing.
Overall a great night and as always excellent sound. As always I had the biggest guy in the audience in front of me but I managed to get to the front for a photo.

Looks like a great night all round Keith, I’ve got a couple of his albums. I was intrigued he likes The Bunnymen which can’t be bad.

[Scooter]

Last night and it was back to Church for Kelley Stoltz. Support was from a guy who has nearly thrown as many strops as Ian McCulloch so I went late to avoid seeing him. I didn’t know whether it was a full band show or solo but pleasantly found it to be full band. The band was “standard” line up drums, bass and two guitars, although he said that the keyboard player was “stopped by the Ukraine war” so he had recorded some keyboards that they were go to “cheat” and play in some songs. Kelley did a range of his work and only played two songs off his new album (released two weeks ago). I didn’t expect that as most tours feature heavily on new material. Every song had a story which he told, for example the first song Pine Cone was about him finishing playing in Auckland and he was on the way home and had a pine cone in his hand luggage that he had picked up to take home. He was searched at the airport and it was taken off him. He was on for about an hour and a quarter. I was talking to the promoter who said the curfew has been brought in to half ten from eleven o’clock. So the set had to be cut a little. About three songs in he asked a question and two guys to my left answered, he recognised them as having been at a few shows. They said they were brothers from Stockholm who had come over to follow his tour, having been fans for years and they were having a great time. There was another couple from America who were in Chester and somehow found he was playing and came along.
Interesting bit for myself. When I arrived, I parked up. The church is by the “castle” and crown courts. To get to the church there is a passage way, notorious because it’s like a bridge over where they take out the prisoners from the courts to jail and many a photo is taken there in big cases. As I was walking through a guy was finishing a phone call, he looked up at me and said Hi. It was Kelley himself, he asked whether I was going to the show. So I walked to the church with him and outside I talked to him and his drummer for quite a while. Now if you know me what was the thing to be asked? So what was it like touring with The Bunnymen? A dream come true which he would do again. He was intrigued by the shows I had seen of them in Liverpool. I told him of the solo McCulloch show at the Anglican, he was envious. He said he had played guitar on a Mac solo tour of Japan. Coming from San Francisco they were surprised and pleased to hear John Murry had played here and how he was doing.
Overall a great night and as always excellent sound. As always I had the biggest guy in the audience in front of me but I managed to get to the front for a photo.

Looks like a great night all round Keith, I’ve got a couple of his albums. I was intrigued he likes The Bunnymen which can’t be bad.

He did two or three years as Bunnymen's touring guitarist. Really interesting talking to him, I told him that whilst Will is great guitarist he adds the sounds whilst the rhythm guitarist keeps the song on track. He said that was spot on, although the job was "easy" it carried the songs. His first or second album was Crocodiles, he covered the whole album and remains his favourite Bunnymen album. I did put up the case for Ocean Rain and said Mac would be right behind me. As we have seen and heard from lots of American bands, he plays Liverpool on Saturday (Jimmy's top of Bold Street) the bonus is they can do the Beatles sites AND Bunnymen sites again. I tell you more next time we meet. As I said they were also interested in John Murry, the drummer knew John from San Francisco and was pleased to hear how he was. We have something on on Saturday night other wise I would have come over to see them again.

[Scooter]

As I commented in a previous post we had a holiday booked in San Sebastián and duly arrived yesterday evening. Flights were really good Manchester airport chaotic. There was a queue outside which we guessed was for Emirates check in. In all it took us just over an hour to go through security. So we got to our hotel about seven o’clock and more or less headed out to eat. Had to do the tapas or pinchos which is one of the reasons we came for.
Ten to nine headed to one of the beaches for the opening show of the jazz festival. We got onto the beach and as usual headed for the sound desk. Simple Minds we’re due on at nine o’clock but came in half an hour later. The sound was awful, SWMBO wasn‘t impressed and took a good three or four songs before it sounded something like. I guess as it was like a festival we got the greatest hits and they do have some great songs. One of my favourites Waterfront was fourth song in and the sound was also kicking in. Highlight for me was a brilliant Belfast Child, forgotten how good it was. They had a brilliant girl singer who took one song and unless I her name was Cheryl Baker (so I guess I misheard). Blistering set but after an hour twenty we decided to head off the beach before the stampede as the crowd was now big. We didn’t realise how big it had got until we did that, there must have been about ten to fifteen thousand. As we headed off the big hits kicked in, Don’t you forget about me, alive and kicking etc. As the boss said it was certainly a memory that will stay with us. What was also nice whilst very warm there was a nice breeze coming off the sea.
The festival starts “proper” tonight and we’re to see Calexico tonight at half six in a big theatre and then there a few jazz artist on about the town which we will check out. The other show we are going to catch is This Is The Kit, again on the beach on the stage where we saw Simple Minds last night and again a free show.
One note to add about Manchester airport is the frustration in the security checks of the number of people who have liquids unbagged in the hand luggage. This is what is causing a lot of delays. This happens despite staff going round the queue with the bags and telling pthe rules. There was one woman by us who had a shower bag full of liquids. Instead of carrying in with the search they should send them out or confiscate the liquids. Rant over.

[Scooter]

First show of the evening started at half six, a bit early but the idea is it finishes so you can go to the big stage or other shows. So headed to the theatre at six as the doors were opening. The Kursaal is reminiscent of the Phil but slightly larger holding 1,800. As we climbed the stair to enter the auditorium there were some great views over the beach big stage and smaller outside stage behind the theatre.
Calexico came out and straight into El Mirador. The band was 7 piece with Joey and John, bass, guitarist, keyboard player trumpet player and the guy who always make you jealous. He played trumpet, keyboard, xylophone, squeezbox and guitar moving ably between the instruments. The thing I didn’t understand was I was expecting Joey to speak Spanish but he stuck to English with the odd burst of Spanish although he did apologise for not speaking Basque. He commented that he has moved from Tucson Arizona to De Boise into an area of high Basque population so felt at home in the Basque. The set was El Mirador heavy with some gems from the back catalogue. One thing I love about Calexico, other than the images the songs produce. Is John Covertino’s drumming. I really rate him as one of my favourite drummers. Not only does he keep the beat but he sets scenes with his drumming. He only has a small kit but has about four symbols which he adds atmosphere to songs in quieter moments of songs. One of my favourite tracks Minas de cobra starts with sound of a train horn on the record. Last night they brought the sound to the stage which is very atmospheric, not seen them do that before. They were on for over an hour and a half. As we left we looked over the small stage where a jazz band were now playing. We headed out to see but it was already packed, it was hot and we needed a drink so headed back to the old town. Tonight is a night “off” as we have booked a good restaurant. Gregory Porter is on and SWMBO wanted a cast iron promise he would play Laura!





Looking down on the outside stage…

[Dan Steel]

First show of the evening started at half six, a bit early but the idea is it finishes so you can go to the big stage or other shows. So headed to the theatre at six as the doors were opening. The Kursaal is reminiscent of the Phil but slightly larger holding 1,800. As we climbed the stair to enter the auditorium there were some great views over the beach big stage and smaller outside stage behind the theatre.
Calexico came out and straight into El Mirador. The band was 7 piece with Joey and John, bass, guitarist, keyboard player trumpet player and the guy who always make you jealous. He played trumpet, keyboard, xylophone, squeezbox and guitar moving ably between the instruments. The thing I didn’t understand was I was expecting Joey to speak Spanish but he stuck to English with the odd burst of Spanish although he did apologise for not speaking Basque. He commented that he has moved from Tucson Arizona to De Boise into an area of high Basque population so felt at home in the Basque. The set was El Mirador heavy with some gems from the back catalogue. One thing I love about Calexico, other than the images the songs produce. Is John Covertino’s drumming. I really rate him as one of my favourite drummers. Not only does he keep the beat but he sets scenes with his drumming. He only has a small kit but has about four symbols which he adds atmosphere to songs in quieter moments of songs. One of my favourite tracks Minas de cobra starts with sound of a train horn on the record. Last night they brought the sound to the stage which is very atmospheric, not seen them do that before. They were on for over an hour and a half. As we left we looked over the small stage where a jazz band were now playing. We headed out to see but it was already packed, it was hot and we needed a drink so headed back to the old town. Tonight is a night “off” as we have booked a good restaurant. Gregory Porter is on and SWMBO wanted a cast iron promise he would play Laura!





Looking down on the outside stage…

Great write up Keith and some fine photos, looks like your having a great time and Calexico are always a pleasure to watch.

[Scooter]

First show of the evening started at half six, a bit early but the idea is it finishes so you can go to the big stage or other shows. So headed to the theatre at six as the doors were opening. The Kursaal is reminiscent of the Phil but slightly larger holding 1,800. As we climbed the stair to enter the auditorium there were some great views over the beach big stage and smaller outside stage behind the theatre.
Calexico came out and straight into El Mirador. The band was 7 piece with Joey and John, bass, guitarist, keyboard player trumpet player and the guy who always make you jealous. He played trumpet, keyboard, xylophone, squeezbox and guitar moving ably between the instruments. The thing I didn’t understand was I was expecting Joey to speak Spanish but he stuck to English with the odd burst of Spanish although he did apologise for not speaking Basque. He commented that he has moved from Tucson Arizona to De Boise into an area of high Basque population so felt at home in the Basque. The set was El Mirador heavy with some gems from the back catalogue. One thing I love about Calexico, other than the images the songs produce. Is John Covertino’s drumming. I really rate him as one of my favourite drummers. Not only does he keep the beat but he sets scenes with his drumming. He only has a small kit but has about four symbols which he adds atmosphere to songs in quieter moments of songs. One of my favourite tracks Minas de cobra starts with sound of a train horn on the record. Last night they brought the sound to the stage which is very atmospheric, not seen them do that before. They were on for over an hour and a half. As we left we looked over the small stage where a jazz band were now playing. We headed out to see but it was already packed, it was hot and we needed a drink so headed back to the old town. Tonight is a night “off” as we have booked a good restaurant. Gregory Porter is on and SWMBO wanted a cast iron promise he would play Laura!





Looking down on the outside stage…

Great write up Keith and some fine photos, looks like your having a great time and Calexico are always a pleasure to watch.

Cheers Jim. We were lucky to get tickets and the view was almost the same as we saw them at the Phil.

[Dan Steel]

First show of the evening started at half six, a bit early but the idea is it finishes so you can go to the big stage or other shows. So headed to the theatre at six as the doors were opening. The Kursaal is reminiscent of the Phil but slightly larger holding 1,800. As we climbed the stair to enter the auditorium there were some great views over the beach big stage and smaller outside stage behind the theatre.
Calexico came out and straight into El Mirador. The band was 7 piece with Joey and John, bass, guitarist, keyboard player trumpet player and the guy who always make you jealous. He played trumpet, keyboard, xylophone, squeezbox and guitar moving ably between the instruments. The thing I didn’t understand was I was expecting Joey to speak Spanish but he stuck to English with the odd burst of Spanish although he did apologise for not speaking Basque. He commented that he has moved from Tucson Arizona to De Boise into an area of high Basque population so felt at home in the Basque. The set was El Mirador heavy with some gems from the back catalogue. One thing I love about Calexico, other than the images the songs produce. Is John Covertino’s drumming. I really rate him as one of my favourite drummers. Not only does he keep the beat but he sets scenes with his drumming. He only has a small kit but has about four symbols which he adds atmosphere to songs in quieter moments of songs. One of my favourite tracks Minas de cobra starts with sound of a train horn on the record. Last night they brought the sound to the stage which is very atmospheric, not seen them do that before. They were on for over an hour and a half. As we left we looked over the small stage where a jazz band were now playing. We headed out to see but it was already packed, it was hot and we needed a drink so headed back to the old town. Tonight is a night “off” as we have booked a good restaurant. Gregory Porter is on and SWMBO wanted a cast iron promise he would play Laura!





Looking down on the outside stage…

Great write up Keith and some fine photos, looks like your having a great time and Calexico are always a pleasure to watch.

Cheers Jim. We were lucky to get tickets and the view was almost the same as we saw them at the Phil.

They were both great gigs especially The Barr Brothers one. They are a fantastic band who sadly only get a mention on here from either you or me.

[Scooter]

We had the final planned show of the week last night, This is the Kit. We had booked a restaurant and on Thursday I called in to see if I could move the time an hour earlier which they did. So we finished with about fifteen minutes to get to the show. What I didn’t plan or take into consideration was that to get to the beach you cross a bridge as we approached the crowd were coming out of the Ziggy Pop show and we’re heading our way. We got to the bars and were ordering drinks when I heard Kate starting up. We got our drinks and headed onto the beach. Missed the first song but got there to hear bullet proof. Sound was brilliant, not too loud and crystal clear. So much better than the start of the Simple Minds show. Next song in was my favourite Silver John. They were on for an hour during which were inched forward as there was lots of space. I guess there was around three thousand there nowhere near the numbers for Simple Minds but those that were there enjoyed it and showed their appreciation. I’ve seen them at the Church at home when she was touring the new album but once again we got a “greatest hits” set which was nice to hear. A great night of music.
When we booked this trip we weren’t aware of this festival and it’s been brilliant. When we were walking over to the beach last night we found another square with a stage and there was a big band on. I’m not sure how many stages there are but we came across three last night. I was talking to a guy who recommended a young girl from Madrid who he rates as the best jazz guitarist Spain has. I may check her out later. Although we have now got reservations that I’ve tried to change but can’t be moved. It’s a big holiday here today and tomorrow and the hotel advises that we would have trouble getting in anywhere. We didn’t know about the holiday when we booked. Would I come back, yes I think next year we’ll check the line up and consider it.

[Dan Steel]

We had the final planned show of the week last night, This is the Kit. We had booked a restaurant and on Thursday I called in to see if I could move the time an hour earlier which they did. So we finished with about fifteen minutes to get to the show. What I didn’t plan or take into consideration was that to get to the beach you cross a bridge as we approached the crowd were coming out of the Ziggy Pop show and we’re heading our way. We got to the bars and were ordering drinks when I heard Kate starting up. We got our drinks and headed onto the beach. Missed the first song but got there to hear bullet proof. Sound was brilliant, not too loud and crystal clear. So much better than the start of the Simple Minds show. Next song in was my favourite Silver John. They were on for an hour during which were inched forward as there was lots of space. I guess there was around three thousand there nowhere near the numbers for Simple Minds but those that were there enjoyed it and showed their appreciation. I’ve seen them at the Church at home when she was touring the new album but once again we got a “greatest hits” set which was nice to hear. A great night of music.
When we booked this trip we weren’t aware of this festival and it’s been brilliant. When we were walking over to the beach last night we found another square with a stage and there was a big band on. I’m not sure how many stages there are but we came across three last night. I was talking to a guy who recommended a young girl from Madrid who he rates as the best jazz guitarist Spain has. I may check her out later. Although we have now got reservations that I’ve tried to change but can’t be moved. It’s a big holiday here today and tomorrow and the hotel advises that we would have trouble getting in anywhere. We didn’t know about the holiday when we booked. Would I come back, yes I think next year we’ll check the line up and consider it.

[url=https://postimages.no org/][/url]

Nice one Keith, I’m glad you and Janice are enjoying yourselves as Lennon sang “ A splendid time is guaranteed for all”

[Wenge1]

We had the final planned show of the week last night, This is the Kit. We had booked a restaurant and on Thursday I called in to see if I could move the time an hour earlier which they did. So we finished with about fifteen minutes to get to the show. What I didn’t plan or take into consideration was that to get to the beach you cross a bridge as we approached the crowd were coming out of the Ziggy Pop show and we’re heading our way. We got to the bars and were ordering drinks when I heard Kate starting up. We got our drinks and headed onto the beach. Missed the first song but got there to hear bullet proof. Sound was brilliant, not too loud and crystal clear. So much better than the start of the Simple Minds show. Next song in was my favourite Silver John. They were on for an hour during which were inched forward as there was lots of space. I guess there was around three thousand there nowhere near the numbers for Simple Minds but those that were there enjoyed it and showed their appreciation. I’ve seen them at the Church at home when she was touring the new album but once again we got a “greatest hits” set which was nice to hear. A great night of music.
When we booked this trip we weren’t aware of this festival and it’s been brilliant. When we were walking over to the beach last night we found another square with a stage and there was a big band on. I’m not sure how many stages there are but we came across three last night. I was talking to a guy who recommended a young girl from Madrid who he rates as the best jazz guitarist Spain has. I may check her out later. Although we have now got reservations that I’ve tried to change but can’t be moved. It’s a big holiday here today and tomorrow and the hotel advises that we would have trouble getting in anywhere. We didn’t know about the holiday when we booked. Would I come back, yes I think next year we’ll check the line up and consider it.

Thanks for taking the time to write this up Keith. Sounds like (pun intended) that your both having a great time ..

[Scooter]

We had the final planned show of the week last night, This is the Kit. We had booked a restaurant and on Thursday I called in to see if I could move the time an hour earlier which they did. So we finished with about fifteen minutes to get to the show. What I didn’t plan or take into consideration was that to get to the beach you cross a bridge as we approached the crowd were coming out of the Ziggy Pop show and we’re heading our way. We got to the bars and were ordering drinks when I heard Kate starting up. We got our drinks and headed onto the beach. Missed the first song but got there to hear bullet proof. Sound was brilliant, not too loud and crystal clear. So much better than the start of the Simple Minds show. Next song in was my favourite Silver John. They were on for an hour during which were inched forward as there was lots of space. I guess there was around three thousand there nowhere near the numbers for Simple Minds but those that were there enjoyed it and showed their appreciation. I’ve seen them at the Church at home when she was touring the new album but once again we got a “greatest hits” set which was nice to hear. A great night of music.
When we booked this trip we weren’t aware of this festival and it’s been brilliant. When we were walking over to the beach last night we found another square with a stage and there was a big band on. I’m not sure how many stages there are but we came across three last night. I was talking to a guy who recommended a young girl from Madrid who he rates as the best jazz guitarist Spain has. I may check her out later. Although we have now got reservations that I’ve tried to change but can’t be moved. It’s a big holiday here today and tomorrow and the hotel advises that we would have trouble getting in anywhere. We didn’t know about the holiday when we booked. Would I come back, yes I think next year we’ll check the line up and consider it.

Thanks for taking the time to write this up Keith. Sounds like (pun intended) that your both having a great time ..

Thanks, we are. What is making it so good is that it wasn’t planned but does explain why the hotel rates were up. An Aussie I was talking to here told me about the Spanish guitarist was also saying how he had seen a girl singer Sharon Clark who he said was spell binding. The Spanish guitarist is called Eva Alcaide, I need to check them both out. Diana Krall is on tomorrow but sold out weeks ago. Where it is is in a square and there are a few bars close by so I’m thinking whilst we may not be able to see the stage I think we may well be able to hear her.

[Wenge1]

We had the final planned show of the week last night, This is the Kit. We had booked a restaurant and on Thursday I called in to see if I could move the time an hour earlier which they did. So we finished with about fifteen minutes to get to the show. What I didn’t plan or take into consideration was that to get to the beach you cross a bridge as we approached the crowd were coming out of the Ziggy Pop show and we’re heading our way. We got to the bars and were ordering drinks when I heard Kate starting up. We got our drinks and headed onto the beach. Missed the first song but got there to hear bullet proof. Sound was brilliant, not too loud and crystal clear. So much better than the start of the Simple Minds show. Next song in was my favourite Silver John. They were on for an hour during which were inched forward as there was lots of space. I guess there was around three thousand there nowhere near the numbers for Simple Minds but those that were there enjoyed it and showed their appreciation. I’ve seen them at the Church at home when she was touring the new album but once again we got a “greatest hits” set which was nice to hear. A great night of music.
When we booked this trip we weren’t aware of this festival and it’s been brilliant. When we were walking over to the beach last night we found another square with a stage and there was a big band on. I’m not sure how many stages there are but we came across three last night. I was talking to a guy who recommended a young girl from Madrid who he rates as the best jazz guitarist Spain has. I may check her out later. Although we have now got reservations that I’ve tried to change but can’t be moved. It’s a big holiday here today and tomorrow and the hotel advises that we would have trouble getting in anywhere. We didn’t know about the holiday when we booked. Would I come back, yes I think next year we’ll check the line up and consider it.

Thanks for taking the time to write this up Keith. Sounds like (pun intended) that your both having a great time ..

Thanks, we are. What is making it so good is that it wasn’t planned but does explain why the hotel rates were up. An Aussie I was talking to here told me about the Spanish guitarist was also saying how he had seen a girl singer Sharon Clark who he said was spell binding. The Spanish guitarist is called Eva Alcaide, I need to check them both out. Diana Krall is on tomorrow but sold out weeks ago. Where it is is in a square and there are a few bars close by so I’m thinking whilst we may not be able to see the stage I think we may well be able to hear her.

Definitely worth giving that a go ...........

[Scooter]

Well after dinner we made our way to the square where Diana Krall was playing but couldn’t get into the bars as they were closed. Could be a couple of reasons, one a result of the show or ,more likely, it was a major holiday here and lots of places were closed. So as she came on the heavens opened so we gave up and headed back to the hotel like a pair of drowned rats. We’ve had a great time here with some great food and wine and will definitely come back one day, maybe for Wilco.

[Dan Steel]

Well after dinner we made our way to the square where Diana Krall was playing but couldn’t get into the bars as they were closed. Could be a couple of reasons, one a result of the show or ,more likely, it was a major holiday here and lots of places were closed. So as she came on the heavens opened so we gave up and headed back to the hotel like a pair of drowned rats. We’ve had a great time here with some great food and wine and will definitely come back one day, maybe for Wilco.

Glad you enjoyed yourselves Keith

[Wenge1]

Well after dinner we made our way to the square where Diana Krall was playing but couldn’t get into the bars as they were closed. Could be a couple of reasons, one a result of the show or ,more likely, it was a major holiday here and lots of places were closed. So as she came on the heavens opened so we gave up and headed back to the hotel like a pair of drowned rats. We’ve had a great time here with some great food and wine and will definitely come back one day, maybe for Wilco.

Oh well - not an ideal end but the rest of your break away seems to have gone really well with the added benefit of all the great live music you have thoroughly enjoyed ..........

[Scooter]

Last night was a gig by Ian McNabb that was cancelled from the start of covid. We booked a pub restaurant prior to the gig, got there and ordered. I then got a ping on the phone to say the gig had been cancelled once again. It was the third time after covid regs were lifted and as a result the venue would no longer rearrange the gig so the only option is money back. The concern is Ian lost his Mum earlier this year and has been having a hard time since. He had posted the night before of how hard he is finding things since she died, of how he finds himself doing things that aren’t necessary. Sad and I hope he gets through it, as they say time heals.

[Scooter]

Writing the previous article I realised I hadn’t posted about a gig I went to two weeks ago. I did write it up but got distracted and forgot to submit.
When we went to see This is the Kit in San Sebastián after the shows end we thought she was coming back on as we were leaving. So headed back and got right to the front of the stage, everyone had left as there was a ninety minute break before the next band. They weren’t doing an encore just picking up setlist, plectrums etc. Kit came right to the front by us so I asked if she had any plans to play the church again. She said no but she was playing Storyhouse here next month. Storyhouse is a great building we have here. It was a cinema that the council took over when it closed. It was converted into the main library, a couple of bars, cafe/bar, small cinema and a larger theatre/cinema. So when we got home checked for tickets and luck was with us as we found two on the third row sitting amongst an almost sold out show.
So the support was from a local girl band, three guitarists whose harmonies were lovely. Harmonies not just singing but with the guitars. I can’t remember their name. Then onto This is the Kit. We now got a more varied set pulling from all of her albums. In San Sebastián we got a best of setlist. We got Bulletproof, Off Off On, This is What You Did but no Silver John. Silver John was a highlight in San Sebastián as it showed the talent of her guitarist Neil Smith who is a guitarist who adds “effects” to a song. At one point both Kit and Rozi stood back to watch him work. Kate enjoyed talking to the audience and told us she was wearing her lucky socks she had bought here on a last visit. She asked questions about the town. They were on for a good hour and a half.
I found it disappointing that I had to hear from the artist that she was playing here. The event was hardly promoted. We now use the cafe as it serves the best coffee in town. Whilst there we can see who is playing. It mainly seems to be comedians who also sell out instantly.
As I said at the start it’s a great building and something the city should be proud of. I have to be honest I took it for granted using the library but now I’ve seen what it offers we will use it more.