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

20 June, 2014

Wychwood Festival 2014, Cheltenham

Filed under: acoustic,alternative,bluegrass,blues,country,dub,electronic,folk,funk,garage,gospel,hip-hop / rap,indie,latin,Live Reviews,new wave,pop,post rock,punk,R&B / soul,reggae,rock,rock n roll,ska,soul,swing,world — Tags: bad manners, boomtown rats, craig charles, gabby young and other animals, gentlemans dub club, glitches, kyla la grange, levellers, mr b and the gentleman rhythmer, polly and the billets doux, railroad bill, The Stranglers, wychwood festival 2014 — willmunn @ 12:25

This year saw the tenth anniversary for, perhaps one of the most family friendly music festivals on the calender, as ever the organisers of Wychwood delivered an incredible weekends entertainment covering everything from comedy, children’s workshops and book reading to relaxing massages and spa’s and of course a diverse, intriguing musical program that brought together festival favourites to brand new buzz bands across a handful of stages and tents.

Like any festival it’s impossible to cover every performer and mention every event over the course of three days but I’ll try to break it down and give you a feel of the festival.

Day One. Friday

The rain had fallen and left the site with a boggy squelch underfoot, but despite the conditions the early entrants were ably warmed up by the likes of A Way With Words on the mainstage but our first port of call was over in the BBC Introducing Tent for a blistering set of guitar histrionics from Bromsgrove based blues rock heroes, Virgil And The Accelerators, creating an early storm with a dazzling flurry of riffs, solos and bombarding drums. A quick dash across to the mainstage to catch a bit of Newquay Times before heading into the Big Top for the first time for early highlight, skiffle blues band Railroad Bill who welded acoustic guitars, washboard, tea chest double bass and infectious tongue in check vocal harmonies to create a riotous take on the genre complete with a rock n roll attitude, gurning, hook-laden sing-a-longs and more foot tapping rhythms than most bands can muster in a life time. From there on in it was dash after dash across the site to catch further up and comers in the Big Tent and Worcestershire’s finest over in the BBC Tent, with the occasional pause at the mainstage. BBC Hereford And Worcester did a stunning job of showcasing the regions finest as many mainstays from the Introducing program graced the stage and gave their all, the likes of The Misers with their rootsy take on rock n roll, the ever dependable and uniquely contagious alternative pop rockers, Jasper In The Company Of Others and stage headliners, The Stiff Joints drew huge crowds in the cramped tent, whilst the brassy Collective 43 drummed up support outside drawing in further revellers to the sounds of Hereford And Worcester. Smashing Blouse were providing a party of their own over in the Big Top as they hosted a number of stunning, evocative sets from a host of newcomers. Whitechapel based trio Glitches made an immediate impression with a blend of dark electro-indie topped with a stunning almost falsetto vocal, cutting through the melancholic synth/guitar based backing to create a fragile, yet compelling sound. Lloyd Yates, provided a folkier, more organic sound incorporating acoustic and electric guitars alongside a deep baritone lead vocal, instantly bewitching the audience. back to the electronics (and a debate over whether using synths and computers makes the performers any lesser musicians, personally I love a bit of live electronica!!!) for the likes of the hip-hop/sax flavours of Benin City and the rather more moody but no less interesting No Ceremony. Inbetween bouts of electronic goodness, ventures into the sunshine provided wafts of the likes of Graham Gouldman and pals delivering acoustic renditions of Dreadlock Holiday and unwanted blasts (my personal opinion, though the masses love them!!) of The Real Thing. As the first day drew to a close we were treated to one of the sets of the festival. in the shape of Bipolar Sunrise, a chilled out soulful collective that effortlessly blended R&B, electronics and pop to create a stunning set that was rounded off brilliantly with aptly entitled mantra, Love More Worry Less. As we left the site on Day One The Stranglers were inciting mass sing-a-longs for the likes of the always punchy Peaches and No More Heroes, whilst Golden Brown had pretty much the whole site swaying along.

Day Two. Saturday

So I admit it, I’m a wimp, but I just don’t do camping, sure I’m up at the crack of dawn but I’ve still had a good nights kip ready for another packed day of festivities.  As we hit Wychwood, Justin Fletcher was leading all the children on a merry song and dance on the mainstage, with the kids obviously lapping up the Mr Tumble/Gigglebiz performer we decided to hit the Big Top for first, a dance to Cuban big band Ran Kan Kan and then an introduction to something called Chap-Hop by the rather delightful Mr B The Gentleman Rhythmer, who took hip-hop, shook out all the posturing and profanity, added a banjolele and a heap of humour to create a gentleman’s take on the genre. Mr B’s history lesson of hip-hop took in snippets from the likes of Run DMC and The Beastie Boys along with Northern indie legends Primal Scream, Stone Roses along with Kraftwerk and the alike as he delivered a mirth filled set that left people proclaiming his genius (myself included!!), as his own song proclaims “All Hail The Chap”. Being an avid reader of R2 I already had great expectations for Wigan based folk rockers Merry Hell as they took to the mainstage and their set of high octane rockers and soulful laments captured the imagination from the outset. Their set had it all, male/female harmonies, biting social commentary (Love The Skin Your In), touching love songs (Lean On Me Love) and even a clanging slice of hammer and spade percussion (Bury me Naked) as Merry Hell showcased just why they’re so highly regarded in folk circles and beyond. By now the temperature down the front was rising and the multi cultural collective La Chiva Gantiva added to the sweaty humidity with a dazzling combination of Latin rhythms, Afrobeat percussion and funk-driven rock, driving the audience into all new frenzy as their undeniable groove took hold and their infatuating frontman revved up the intensity further. Bad Manners were welcomed to the stage as conquering heroes, Buster Bloodvessel and his energetic horn section delivered all the ska party favourites from My Girl Lollipop to Feel Like Jumping all the way to Special Brew And Lip Up Fatty inciting outbreaks of skanking and mass sing-a-longs along the way. Newton Faulkner took to the stage for an early evening slice of acoustic pop and after a couple of technical hiccups, seduced the audience with his deft finger picking and gentle croon delivering stunning takes on Teardrops by Massive Attack and his own effervescent Dream Catch Me along the way. With every festival you get the obligatory stage clashes, for me day two presented a couple to ponder upon do I see Reef or venture to the Big Top for Kyla la Grange? I originally went with the former, but after Place Your Hands and Come Back Brighter, my interest quickly began to wane and my feet to wander, in contrast Kyla was simply mesmeric, the blend of pop infused electronic/indie compels, whilst her vocals transcend you to another world completely, that voice is a bewitching thing of beauty that captivates anyone stood in earshot, whilst the songs themselves wrap their talons round both your head and heart….wow!!! Day two was completed with foppish indie dandy King Charles elegantly sashaying across the stage whilst The Levellers brought out a greatest hits set over on the mainstage featuring the likes of Hope Street and One Way Of Life among their supercharged setlist.

Day Three. Sunday

The final day of Wychwood’s birthday celebrations, the sun reveals it’s full potential, folk begin to look a little weary after two days of singing and dancing, yet still seem to be in high spirits as the first of the days band’s take to the stage. KSH & The Going Goods open the mainstage with a fine line of acoustic hip-hop (acoustic guitar. human beatbox, etc), the likes of Happiness with it’s hook-laden chorus and The Day After Friday soon entice the first sing-a-longs of the day as they end set to a great deal of acclaim. Polly And The Billets Doux continued to rouse a weary audience with an incredible, early afternoon set of harmony infused blues, soul and folk, complete with clever guitar work, throbbing double bass, harmonica blasts and powerful, passionate vocals that yank at the heartstrings, originals such as Money Tree and Black Crow instantly cast a spell over the audience, whilst their rendition of House Of The Rising Sun was not only a completely original take but also jaw dropping for the instrument swapping mid song. Baracka brought a delicious Caribbean stew to the proceedings with a combination of world grooves, reggae, soca and calypso vibes as the sun proceeded to shine brightly on, a now carnival like atmosphere. Whilst baracka were busy creating a sunshine state, Craig Charles dropped the funk bomb with a hot and sweaty DJ set to a jam packed tent for the second year in a row. Gabby Young And The Other Animals took to the stage and instantly demanded attention with a flash of red hair, circus swing, spaghetti western and off the wall rock n roll, the band’s flamboyant singer, Gabby proved to be a captivating focal point, not only did she had a rather unique style but also one of the most impressive set of vocal pipes over the festival, whilst the other animals ably backed her on the likes of I’ve Improved and the Morricone inspired Horatio (did I spot a Calexico influence?). Whilst Sadie And The Hotheads and the regular workshop showcase took up the main arena we retreated to the Big Top for a stunning set of glacial Sigur Ros meets Radiohead (with added trumpet) soundscapes from epic indie rockers Racing Glaciers, whilst over in the introducing tent up and comers Pretty Rascals delivered a Beatles/Oasis/Artic Monkeys inspired set topped off with a fantastic run through Come Together. Due The Champs have been picked for bigger and better things with their brand of acoustic harmonised indie folk and their set of Turin Brakes like originals did have a couple of stand out moments such as My Spirit Is Broken, but for me I would of like a little more variation, perhaps ones to look out for in the future. Back over on the main stage a one-two punch of ska with The Gentlemans Dub Club and Lee Thompson’s Ska Orchestra, with the former proving to be highlights with their dub fuelled rhythms and infectious ringleader commanding the audiences participation on the likes of If The Truth Be Told and the frantic Fire. All good things must come to an end and so be it with Wychwood’s birthday party but before we go there’s time for one more band, a legend perhaps….the crowd pushed forward for the arrival of Sir Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, from the off, Bob strutted, pouted and gesticulated wildly, with the crowd lapping up every swing of the fake snakeskin clad hips, whilst his band pounded out the hits and what better way to finish off a perfect weekend of entertainment than a holler along to She’s So Modern and the obligatory I Don’t Like Mondays.

I could go on and on about this year’s Wychwood, but I should sum up, if you weren’t there you missed out on perhaps the festival of the Summer, if you were there, you don’t need me to tell you how damn impressive this year’s shindig was, bring on the eleventh birthday!!!

 

Words Will Munn

Photos Graham Munn

8 May, 2014

Swingamajig Festival-Digbeth, Birmingham 4/5/14

Filed under: Blog,blues,caberet,electronic,folk,hip-hop / rap,jazz,Live Reviews,ska,swing — Tags: birmingham, collective 43, digbeth, holy moly and the crackers, Jenova collective, little violet, lunatrix, mr tea and the minions, playing django, ragtime records, Renegade Brass Band, sam green and the midnight heist, swingamajig festival, temple funk collective, the destroyers, the electric swing circus — willmunn @ 15:35

Trying to capture the essence of Swingamajig Festival in words isn’t going to be the easiest write-up I’ve ever done, you see Swingamajig is rather unique, sure there’s live music but how many festivals do you know have dance performances, burlesque and circus performers among the off-kilter bands and DJ’s. Then there’s the audience, there’s none of this baggy shorts and T-shirts look for this lot, no at Swingamajig people dress to impress, taking their influences from the 1930’s swing era and then adding their own twist, which is also a way to describe some of the music on offer, updated versions of swing mixed with electro beats, gypsy folk, ska and funk are just some of the sounds on offer.

Collective 43, Worcester’s New Orleans influenced jazz combo serenaded the festival revellers as they entered the site with the likes of a holler-a-long version of When The Saint’s Coming Marching In and a megaphone assisted Fever. The collective transported the early birds to the second line of the Mardi Gras as they marched through the festival to take to the stage, encouraging an audience to join in and dance along.

Whilst Collective 43 welcomed the masses to the festival 3 Piece Playing Django opened the Hot Club De Swing Stage with an incredible display of nimble guitar picking and subtle double bass work invoking the spirit of Django Reinhardt himself with a dazzling rendition of Exactly Like You, among others.

As we enjoying our first musical treats of the day the Clik Clik Collective, were busy playing dress up as they helped the festival goers capture those moments with a photo booth.

Lunatrix took to the aforementioned Hot Club De Swing stage and immediately kick started the party, with lead singer Abi Good whipping up a frenzy out front, the six piece combined jazz, electro swing and a touch of hip-hop to create an infectious sound, full of hooks and genuine sing-a-long moments such as a jazzy take on Hakuna Matata (from the Lion King). The crowd took the band’s early set and by the time they performed their recent EP’s hip-hop infused title track, Mr Sunshine the band had captured the hearts and feet of the well dressed. Further highlights included the cockney knees up of East Ham and the tongue in cheek risque Lack Of Tact as the band proved an early highlight.

As I wondered off to capture the first performance on The Swingamajig Stage, the other half popped in to capture some burlesque courtesy of Doe Demure in the Ragtime Records Stage.

Temple Funk Collective were well into their set as I hit the stage but as soon as I heard the seven-piece brass band unleash a funk driven rendition of the theme to Stringray followed quickly by a medley of the likes of No Limits and Boom Boom Boom, my feet took over and I joined the thong towards the front for a touch of booty shaking, the band continued a thrilling set of funked up covers taking in the likes of Stevie Wonder and James Brown along the way.

As the festivities continued we took a look in of some dancing as well catching an incredible, fun and quite frankly bonkers “Headphone Dance” by Corey Baker (courtesy of Birmingham Dance Festival) a performance  that had to be seen to be believed.

Holy Moly And The Crackers were the next live band up and they added something a little different to the proceedings, the band played a contagious and edgy mix of gypsy folk, combining sawing violin to guitar strums and occasional blasts of trumpet to form an evocative yet darker base of songs taking in murder ballads, drugs and wanton women into their stunning set of folk based laments. Despite the more sinister undertones of the Newcastle based 6-pieces set, the audience still lapped up the likes of Cocaine, Lily and Swamp Dog Stomp, as Holy Moly And The Crackers provided a stunning, mesmeric alternative to the dance friendly electro swing.

A pit stop for a delicious sourdough based pizza and another waltz around site to take in more dancers, performers and a couple of songs by the folky blues slide guitar genius of Sam Green And The Midnight Heist before the glittery Balkan electroswing/gypsy/ska/funk infused heroes Mr Tea And The Minions took to stage with an infectious rendition of Hit The Road Jack, then pump up the crowd further with originals such as Beware Of The Bear, Break The Barriers and No Sugar among others, fusing their myriad of influences to the delight of the assembled masses, inciting universal dancing and applause aplenty.

A quick dash past a human statue and we’re back at Swingamajig stage to take in a stunning set of electro swing courtesy of the glamorous and dashing Little Violet, a seven piece combo that added glitz, funky organ and even a flute to a stunning set of swing and electro grooves delivering covers such as the disney classic, Never Had A Friend Like Me and delicious originals such as the foot tapping Charleston Boogie and Don’t Stop.

Jenova Collective continued the electro swing vibe over on the Hot Club Da Swing Stage with an added bit of ghetto dance, providing wonderful bass heavy set that opened with a stirring rendition of Diamonds Are A Girl Best Friend (reminiscent of the thobbing electro version in Moulin Rouge!!!) followed by the aptly titled Get On Down (and there certainly were a great deal of folk doing just that!!) and a brilliant, instantly memorable original entitled Beginning of Something New.

Back across the site The Renegade Brass Band were dazzling one and all with a combination of funked up brass, jazzy breaks and free flowing hip-hop lyrics making the the gathered crowd strut and throw there best gangster shapes whilst the band laid down the likes of Take No Chances, Make No Changes and Just Business.

Following on from another quick break to take in the sights and sounds of the festival, along with another bite to eat we returned to the live arena to catch some of the massive gypsy folk ensemble The Destroyers, who merge swinging horns, violins, accordians, hollered vocals, infectious rhythms and big hooks. The Swingamajig stage like the rest of the festival was heaving at this point and everyone seemed to be embracing the upbeat gypsy sound of The Destroyers.

By now the DJ’s had kicked off their various sets and once again, much like the live music, the record mixers had the crowd throwing shapes and setting the dance floor ablaze with a variety of cool grooves, funked up floor fillers and throbbing electro classics.

We had time for one more band before heading home, Ragtime Records and Birmingham’s very own The Electric Swing Circus, that included Swingamajig organiser Tom Hyland among their number. Now as you’d expect for a local band, they seemed to draw in pretty much everyone to their performance and what a performance, the six piece welded throbbing electro beats and synths to a glorious retro swing sound to create the ultimate party atmosphere. Dual lead singers Bridget and Laura pumped the atmosphere further, whilst Tom Hyland and the rest of the band looked on proud as punch as the crowd whooped and hollered for more (yes they even played an encore). Highlights came thick and fast with the likes of Bella Belle, Valentine and Swingamajig (that’s where the festival name comes from fact fans!!) had the crowd pulsating (even inciting crowd surfing, a first for a swing gig surely), whilst a glorious jazzy yet unusually arranged Minnie The Moocher instantly hit a chord with this writer.

And so as The Electric Swing Circus brought the Swingamajig stage to a close the weary yet exhilarated Rhythm & Booze team decided to rest those aching feet and took our leave as the festivities raged on with the likes of Molotov Jukebox and Bobby Friction, Madame Electrifie and The Fresh Dixie Project brought in a new day.

Swingamajig is a blast from start to finish, like I said at the opening of this write-up, words don’t really do justice how much fun we had during the duration of the event, the music was intoxicating, the atmosphere electric and the audience, well let’s just say that the sharp dressed guys and gals helped create the most memorable festival that I’ve attented. So here’s to the organisers and to the next one!!!

www.swingamajig.co.uk

 

Words Will Munn

Photos Graham Munn

16 April, 2011

(Never Mind The) Stars-Young Love (It’s Like)

Filed under: electronic,pop — Tags: never mind the stars — willmunn @ 16:13

In truth I can’t tell you too much about electronic pop act (Never Mind The) Stars, all I do now is that it’s the work of one Simon Little and apparently he currently resides in Holland where he writes, creates and produces infectious tongue in cheek wonky electro-pop complete that’ll weld a smile onto your face and a happy soundtrack for the day.

Young Love (It’s Like) is a wonderfully contagious track that comes complete with a massive vocal hook, a catchy beat and a whole school playground chanting and cheering along. Imagine Kids era MGMT, The Go Team, Daft Punk and Hit Chip combining to create ready made consumer friendly electro-pop and you’re in the right area for the uplifting and dare I say it euphoric sounds of Simon Little.
The Single is backed by countless remixes of the main track, which for me is always a little disappointing, I’d rather hear another original rather than a re-hash. Having said that the the Unplugged piano version is well worth hearing as Simon delivers a gorgeous stripped down ballad like version that could easily have been a stand alone single itself.
The strangely bracketed (Never Mind The) Stars is a brilliant concept and if the rest of the recently released album, Aeroplane is as addictive as Young Love (It’s LIke) then it should be available on the NHS  as a cure for the sometime blues, it’s catchier than the common cold and way more fun.
Rhythm & Booze Rating 9
www.nevermindthestars.com

22 February, 2011

The Focussed Distraction=EP Uno

Filed under: electronic,folk,indie — Tags: folktronica, the focussed distraction — willmunn @ 10:40

The Focussed Distraction is the work of one man by the name of Jon McLeod, he plays guitar, uses a looper (I’m sure there’s a techincal term) and a bunch of subtle electronic beats to create a wonderful evocative mix of folktronica, indie and modern day electronic blues.

Jon Mcleod has performed a number high profile shows for the likes of Rough Trade and Bloody Awful Poetry among others whilst also catching the ear of 6 Music’s Tom Robinson among others.

Listening to the four tracks on EP UNo it’s easy to understand all the attention that The Focussed Distraction Attention project is receiving, the songs are a delicious mix of subtle beats, bubbling electronica, looped guitar riffs and Jon’s warm yet rough voice. If I was to draw comparisons to any contemporary artists I’d have to mention the likes of Caribou, Four Tet and perhaps a more stripped down Tuung but this is no mere photocopy, Jon’s music is very much his own and all the better for it.

The Ep opens with perhaps despite it’s name the most upbeat (musically) track, Misery Jukebox, a glorious track that mixes up a comination of futuristic beats, waves of bubbling electronica, bluesy guitar and an almost Beck like vocal delivery, the track is instantly memorable with it’s contagious loop and slacker like vocals. From here on in Jon drops into a more laidback groove with Bed By The Motorway, a track that features a Beatles like guitar riff that gently lulls the listener into the blissed out indie electronica. From here we’re taken into a bluesy harmonica assisted electronic folk number in the shape of Frictions Fractions followed by the closing Best Blown Chances Yet, a track that sees Jon up the beats slightly to finish the EP with a stunning addictive dose of electonica.

EP Uno is a delightful and intimate CD, just perfect for those laidback evenings where you fancy something that will both challenge and lull, if you like beat infused folk or electronic peppered stripped indie you should love The Focused Distraction.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 8

www.myspace.com/thefocusseddistraction

12 December, 2010

Introducing…..McKendree

Filed under: Blog,country,dance,electronic — Tags: McKendree, new album — willmunn @ 11:36

McKendree Mania Vol:2 – January 31st 2011

 

“Here to save the world, the universe, and any other part of the universe not yet known to man – from musical boredom!”

 

Fresh from the success of the only re-write of Dolly Parton’s Jolene, cleared by Dolly herself, on McKendree Mania Vol:1, McKendree is back with the Mania Vol:2. Take your average perception of what an album of dance infused tracks should be and get ready to turn that idea upside down and on its nut! Nashville-born, international genre-bending recording star McKendree has moved the boundaries of the box once again with Mania Vol:2. McKendree is bigger, badder, and better than he has ever been thanks to co-writing uber-producer Pete ‘ZombieBoy’ Brazier. Recorded in Cambridge, England at Vertical Rooms.com for M2 records, Mania Vol:2 is a grimy, backroom party type of album. An awesome array of tracks which make you want to party, coupled with the majestic and mystic vibe of the chants that open and close the album.

 

McKendree Mania Vol:2 is a full on assault on your musical senses. Quirky and cheeky from the off the album opens with a yoga style mantra before quickly diving into the cheek and quirk of ‘Country Back’. Cheeky numbers such as ‘Sand in my Sockz’ act as palette cleansers preparing the listener for the next uplifting level of this fantastically produced journey. Each track feeds and grows directly from the previous one and sets you up for the next in the way only the best albums can do. Maniacs (McKendrees fans) can expect to hear a fully rounded album of club, pop and chilled hits that deliver joy at every turn. MMV:2 manages to pack 14 tracks of pop genius that keep you wanting more.

 

Originally a country singer in his home states, McKendree joined forces with Brazier in 2009 and together they caused controversy with their take on Jolene with McKendree singing the track from a man’s perspective. Dolly Parton herself has declared she is a huge fan of McKendree and we have no doubt that she would not be disappointed with MMV:2.

 

MMV:2 is available exclusively from www.mckendreemania.com from January 31st 2011. 

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