Rhythm & Booze An online music webzine created by music lovers for music lovers.

12 March, 2015

Alex Rainsford/Ethan Ash Live @ The Marrs Bar 8/3/15

Filed under: folk,indie,Live Reviews,singer-songwriter,soul — Tags: alex rainsford, ethan ash, marrs bar, Worcester — willmunn @ 12:26

Since Worcester’s finest music venue opened all those years back, I’ve witnessed countless bands and numerous singer-songwriters pass through the hallowed doors, from the good, the bad and the ugly, there have been packed out gigs and there’s been the woefully unattended, the forgettable and the never forgot, the Marrs Bar has seen it all (and so have I).

On an unassuming Sunday evening The Marrs Bar welcomed a young singer-songwriter for the first time by the name of Ethan Ash and in front of an audience of around about twelve people (don’t get me started about the apathy of the so-called Worcester gig-goer) he proceeded to deliver what has to go down in history as one of the most impressive debuts (if not gigs) at the venue since the grand opening.

From the opening number, Would You Mind, Ethan, with just his guitar for company, grabbed the attention of the few in attendance and bewitched them with his stunning, mesmeric voice, his instantly likable stage mannerisms and those all important hook-laden songs. Tales of love and loss were delivered with such emotion, such passion that every note hit by Ethan yanked at the heart strings, it was almost difficult to comprehend how a guy, short in stature could reach such impressive heights, his voice swooped and soared whilst his guitar (both acoustic and electric) rang out.

On the sole cover, As Long As I can See The Light (originally Creedence Clearwater Revival) you could almost imagine a gospel choir joining in as Ethan made the song his own with a stunning soul makeover, whilst originals such as Seems Like Love Has Died, Face To Face and Boy Like Me all equally impressed, whilst the encore of Chasing Your Love has hit written all over, with it’s compelling folky melody and infectious vocal hook.

Sure there may not have been many people in attendance, but there wasn’t a single person in the building not moved by Ethan’s jaw-dropping set, soul has a new name and that name is Ethan Ash.

Before I run off into the sunset proclaiming Ethan as the new messiah, I must also mention Alex Rainsford, who offered support on the night, he delivered an interesting set that combined an indie sensibility to the standard singer-songwriter fare, time changes and anthemic vocals, creating stirring anthemic like songs such as Better Man and brand new track Left Behind, both standouts of an impressive slot, proving Alex to be a more than capable writing and performer, who’s well worth keeping an eye out for in the future.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 1o
www.ethanashmusic.com

 

19 February, 2015

The Carrivick Sisters Live @ Huntington Hall, Worcester 6/2/15

Filed under: acoustic,Americana,bluegrass,folk,Live Reviews — Tags: huntington hall, the carrivick sisters, Worcester — willmunn @ 16:25

A wise man once said “there are only two types of music good or bad” and I guess my wide ranging music collection echoes that ethos, spreading over genres and time encompassing everything from the blackest metal to traditional folk via hip-hop, jazz, world and beyond, but in recent times I find myself turning to the more stripped down roots end of the musical spectrum, fueled by a desire to hear a story rendered in it’s purest musical form.

With this in mind The Carrivick Sisters were always going to be right up my alley, an acoustic duo that weave compelling and majestic tales with a handful of stringed instruments (guitar, banjo, fiddle) and bewitching vocal harmonies, straddling between folk and country whilst occasionally dipping into a bluegrass direction, to bring their stories alive.

Although Huntington Hall was only half full, those that were in attendance were captivated right from the opening, jaw-dropping acappella number, to the very last wrung note, the unique bond between the two was evident from the off, with both their vocals entwining beautifully whilst their deft sawing, picking and plucking complimenting each tale wonderfully.

Highlights came thick and fast with the likes of the stunning harmony drenched Over The Edge proving to be an early highlight along with the likes of originals such as Garden Girl, and Bird, whilst the duo showcased their influences on spirited renditions of the traditional roots ballad Darlin’ Corey, Sweet Baby James, (James Taylor) and Gillian Welch’s Americana tinged Dear Someone among others.

The audience were suitably engaged throughout with not only the sisters set but also the evocative back stories to each song and the sisterly banter about among other things banjo competitions and tea, giving the gig a warm intimacy fail to deliver. Understandably, not wanting the night of rootsy goodness to end we all beckoned the sisters back for one last song before heading into the night, leaving us with a collective song in our hearts and a hope that The Carrivick Sisters return our way soon.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

www.thecarrivicksisters.co.uk

25 January, 2015

Hattie Briggs Live @ Gardeners Arms, Droitwich 11/12/14

Filed under: acoustic,folk,Live Reviews,singer-songwriter — Tags: Droitwich, gardeners arms, hattie briggs — willmunn @ 18:34

The last couple of months have been hectic around these parts, obviously I’ve had to endure another Christmas in the wonderful world of retail and then on top of that I’ve been (and now completed) moving house, so there has been little time for live music, but the one exception to that has been the Slap nights over at The Gardeners Arms in Droitwich, a once a month session, featuring the best live music has to offer. To date the pub has held host to a number of up and comers as well as a few established names from around the local scene.

December saw the turn of a bona-fide star in the making, sensational singer-songwriter and Radio 2 Young Folk Musician nominee, Hattie Briggs, a performer who’s already released a couple of critically acclaimed singles, performed across the UK and in recent times has been recording her debut album, which should see the light in the near future.

On this occasion the Gardeners had a smattering of people dotted round the bar, but as soon as Hattie opened her mouth and that stunning, soulful croon was omitted, everyone immediately focused their attention, at times during Hattie’s set you could hear a pin drop as she captured the imagination of one and all with her bewitching set.

Whether Hattie was using a sparse, strummed acoustic or accompanied herself with piano tinkerings, every song was filled with heart and passion, delivered beautifully by Hattie’s warm and tender voice. Originals such as Pull Me Down, Tilly’s Song and Old Eyes were lapped up with relish, whilst the hand picked renditions of Kathy’s Song (Paul Simon) and Fields Of Gold (Sting/Eva Cassidy) mesmerised, bettering the originals (in this scribes humble opinion) as Hattie breathed new life into weathered old material.

Hattie delivered a gorgeous, understated yet throughly engaging set, leaving the Gardeners regulars longing for more and once again proving that the regular Slap nights very much a monthly must see attracting only the very best in live music.

Since performing at The Gardeners Arms Hattie has been as announced as the main support act for folk royalty Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman’s forthcoming UK tour take a look at hattie’s site for all the details www.hattiebriggs.co.uk

10 January, 2015

Roving Crows Live @ The Park Hotel Golf And Country Club, Tewkesbury 31/12/14

Filed under: alternative,folk,Live Reviews,rock — Tags: park hotel golf and country club, roving crows, tewkesbury — willmunn @ 18:18

 

Roving Crows New Year Bacchanalia 2014/15

This years celebration was destined again for Tewkesbury, spiritual home of the band, at the Park Hotel, Golf and country Club. At the start, the ‘murder’ of fans, gathered for a buffet in one of the restaurants. We were destined to move to the main function room and join guests who were enjoying a full dinner to be followed by disco dance. Much to their surprise, it was now going to become a bit more crowded and the music was to be live. A real bonus you might think, but there was a bit of confusion, before all settled down to what became an excellent New Year gig.

The ‘stage’ was warmed by the engaging young Caira O’Neil , accompanied by dad, Martin on guitar, unfortunately, I did not catch their set, but from past experience, I am sure Caira has blossomed in her performance, the applause seemed to affirm that case. As I caught up, Cheltenham band, Hawthornes began. Now I had been fortunate to see them support 3 Daft Monkeys, only a few weeks ago, and they left an impression. Here they performed a much more expansive set, with a mix of self penned and ‘borrowed’ songs. It has to be said Louisa is a delightful vocalist, ably assisted by Jesse on cajon and Gordy on base, their genre is alternative folk/punk, sitting comfortably with the Crows. With songs from Elvis, Bob Marley and The Monkees thrown in, ‘Im A Believer’! Even an enthusiastic take from Outkast, ‘Hey Ya’, it was a great little set.

Not much delay before The Roving Crows kicked the evening up a gear, what floor space there was, soon choked, as any space found between tables became tributaries of bubbling rapids, feeding the wild waters of the dance floor. Trumpeter, Greg, bassist Loz, and Tim, on drums, were very much in the shadows, definitely heard if not seen. Paul and Caitlin lead the celebrations, its New Years eve, and the band are in their element, as the catalogue of songs pour out to the revellers surrounding them. ‘Your A long Time Dead’, so get up and party, the band implore us, ‘White Petticoats’ scorches the ground with its blistering pace, as feet struggle to keep up. This may be the zenith of the winter, but ‘Days In The Sun’ are not so far away, so why not bring in a little sunshine. The clocks nearing midnight, we hear the toll of the bell, Auld Lang Syne links us all together, along with our memories of last year and expectations of 2015. The show rolls on, glasses emptied and refilled, ‘Nancy Valentine’ keeps us all moving, but were nearing the end, Everyone calls for more, it has to be ‘Devil Went Down To Georgia’, Caitlin obliges in style as Paul calls the lines, superb, maybe not original Crow music, but what the hell, its superb. Into the New Year with style, Bacchus would have been proud of his name, given wings by the fabulous Roving Crows.

Words & Photos Graham Munn

 

20 November, 2014

Ben Vickers Live @ The Gardeners Arms Droitwich 13/11/14

Filed under: acoustic,folk,Live Reviews,reggae,ska — Tags: ben vickers, Droitwich, gardeners arms — willmunn @ 13:02

We originally set out to the Gardeners expecting to see the compelling and unique singer-songwriter Rod Branigan but due to unforseen circumstances (or something that effect) Rod was unable to make it down to Droitwich but luckily regular Gardeners Arms open mic head honcho Ben Vickers was not only in attendance but also happened to have all is gear with and heroically stepped into the breach, making a number of friends along the way.

Prior to watching Ben take to the boards I had done a little research to discover that the singer-songwriter performed in a number of different bands including Nestah, who won a competition by ice cream supremos Ben And Jerry’s with a compelling and contagious Bob Marley cover. So with that in mind it wasn’t too unexpccted when Ben opened his set with a brilliant Three Little Birds followed shortly by a cover of I Shot The Sheriff, both showcased Ben’s effortless ability to strum and pick his guitar with the best of them, whilst vocally, Ben’s soulful croon instantly seduced those that were listening with intent.

Ben continued his set with a mixture of further Marley covers (Redemption Song, One Love, etc), a ska/reggae inspired take on The Beatles and nice homage of Sweet Home Chicargo before delivering the only original of his two sets, a catchy ode to Black Cherry (Strip club in Lowesmoor) entitled Sixty Bucks, which sat proudly alongside the covers without sounding out of place, as well as proving that Ben is more than capable of penning a cotagious melody or two of his own.

After a well deserved break Ben returned to the stage area to send us off into the night with a glorious interruptation of disco classic, Staying Alive, a funk fuelled Supersitious and a song lifted apparently from both Matilda and Ice Age, leaving the assembled more than content with their fun night out.

We may have originally come to see a guy play two guitars at the same time, but we left with a smile and a song in our hearts, whilst vowing to catch Ben again real soon.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 8

 

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