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

21 November, 2014

Neville Staple Live @ Gloucester Guildhall 7/11/14

Filed under: Live Reviews,reggae,ska — Tags: Gloucester Guildhall, neville staple, talisman — willmunn @ 17:23

Neville Staple – Guildhall Gloucester 07/11

The rude boys were out in force to watch this legend from the Ska revival years of the late seventies and eighties. The Guildhall is a good venue for any band that gets the crowd dancing with a floor like a trampoline you have little choice but to bounce around.

Playing a set that was full of Specials and classic Ska hits the waiting crowd were up for it from the start. I did have the pleasure of having a chat with him while I was having a quick ciggy before the gig and what a really nice guy he is.

Among their repertoire were classics like “Rudy”, “Monkey Man”, “Guns of Navarone” and “Lunatics”. Interspersed with these we were treated to Specials songs “Gangsters” and “Ghost Town”. Needless to say this went down very well with and expectant crowd although I sensed that Mr Staple was getting a little annoyed at someone complaining he wasn’t bouncing around the stage. But after operations on both knees (as he explained) in recent years he could no longer do this but they were no less enjoyable because of it. Not sure the guy who was complaining understood though. The line up included a tremendous trombone, in the hands of Warren Middleton, Jesse Bud, hopping around like a demented flea as he tore at the strings of his guitar, Roddy Radiation, also guested on guitar, bringing a bit of punk rock attitude, to the stage. Joe Atkinson tickled the ivory’s and Matt Bane the drums. A menacing looking bass player in the form of Steve Armstrong, completed the line up, a regular to many Ska bands, complete with dark specs, and trilby, he could have been drafted straight from a scene of the Blues Brothers. To chants of Rude Boy, Rude Boy, Neville was in his element, maybe he could not jump from the stage as in past years, but he is as charismatic as ever, imploring all to ‘Enjoy Yourself’, that, they certainly did.

Ably supported by the excellent Talisman who are a very good reggae band from Bristol who I have seen a number of times and they often open with “Free Speech” but have recently added as their final number a cover of “The Harder They Fall”. It’s the only cover they do but I am not going to argue with the choice of song. Ably led by guitarist and vocalist, Dehvan, with some mean, thumping bass notes, added by Dennison Joseph, keys by Dennis ‘Chunks’ Hutchinson, Peter Fletcher, also on guitar, and deep in the shadows, but ever present, the beating reggae rhythm’s from Marqus Sticks Lynk, with dreadlocks flying as he hit those skins.

An excellent evening of reggae and ska, at a venue that comes alive as the floor moves in response.

 

Words By Lumpamundo

Photo By 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

 

22 August, 2014

Lakefest, Croft Farm, Tewkesbury 8/9/10th August 2014

Filed under: acoustic,blues,dance,dub,folk,funk,indie,Live Reviews,new wave,pop,punk,reggae,rock,ska,soul — Tags: ade edmondson, buzzcocks, doctor and the medics, fun lovin' criminals, lakefest, lee scratch perry, lightning seeds, neville staple, shed seven, skewwhiff, snap, spunge, The Leylines, young kato — willmunn @ 12:37

Last year one of the major highlights of the local festival calender, for me at least, was Lakefest over in at Croft Farm in Tewkesbury. The festival proved to be a wonderful family affair with an impressive music program (Ocean Colour Scene, The Levellers, Duke Special, Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, Roving Crows, etc) along with rides, face painting, zorbs and boat rides among many any other activities to keep the whole family entertained.

This years festival continued in the same rich vein with the aforementioned activities in place along as well as added silent disco and DJ lessons. Whilst the program of music reached further than ever before taking in a variety of genres as well as an intriguing combination of local and established acts, proving that the organisers have their fingers on the pulse.

Day One-Friday

The mainstage opened with the bouncy sunshine ska vibes of Sons Of Navarone, who provided the early revellers with collection of ska and reggae classics to get the feet moving. Following on, acoustic indie/folk act Bad Cardigan warmed up the crowd with a short yet infectious set before local favourites Young Kato (promoted from one of last years smaller stages) took to the stage like conquering heroes with their contagious set of high energy edgy indie rock, the six-piece welded hook-laden synths with serrated guitar and big sing-a-long choruses on the likes of Help Yourself, Light It Up and Sunshine. A diversion into the Floating Globe stage revealed the majestic harmony led No Good Nancy’s who delivered a wonderful set of soaring vocals and passionate covers of the likes of Natural Woman and You’re So Vain among others.

Back over in the main arena the crowds assembled for the high velocity ska punk sing-a-longs of Spunge. The band instantly took the festival by the scruff of the neck with a glorious bouncy set of long term favourites, the crowd responded to the likes of Jump On Demand, Ego, No Woman No Cry, Roots and of course Kicking Pigeons with high spirited dancing and hollering signaling the party had well and truly started. Over in the BBC Hereford Introducing tent Redditch was showcased heavily with the female fronted Byron Hare and indie four-piece Lost At Home both giving a good account for themselves, whilst multi instrumentalist and loop manipulator Ed Keane showcased his wares with a stunning sax/guitar/flute assisted instrumental that I think was entitled The Green Man.

Whilst people were reverberating to the sounds of 90’s dance act Snap and the legendary reggae/dub-man Lee Scratch Perry, I headed to a packed out Floating Globe stage for one of the highlights of the entire weekend in the shape of The Leylines, a violin/guitar wielding folk rock act that deliver hooks and contagious melodies aplenty during a thrilling set that even had the uninitiated singing along to the likes of Runaway and Run For Cover. The opening day was headlined by punk pioneers and festival mainstays The Buzzcocks who delivered an abrasive set of classics included, as you’d expect Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t Fall In Love With) and Orgasm Addict among others.

Day Two-Saturday

The first band to really grab the attention was a somewhat new look line-up of the Sarah Warren Band, that saw the big lunged blues/soul singer backed ably by the stunning guitar work of Melvin Hancox (Vincent Flatts Final Drive, etc), the band quickly drew in a large crowd with dazzling renditions of the likes of I’d Rather Go Blind, with Melvin’s guitar complimenting Sarah’s soul filled, powerful vocals effortlessly. The Jar Family followed on the mainstage with an intriguing and invigorating take on the folk theme, before Ade Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds took over with a mesmeric set of punk classics played on traditional folk instrumentation, mandolin and pipes combined to offer a completely original take on classics such as I fought The Law, Anarchy In The UK, Going Underground, Our House and Ace of Spades among others. if you’ve ever wondered what a new age folk take on a Sex Pistols or Clash classic would sound like, I highly recommend check Ade and the boys out at the venue near you!!!

From there it was a quick dash down the field to the BBC tent where Tyler Massey’s set of compelling folk was drawing to an end before Worcester’s serrated indie new wavers Skewwhiff delivered a jagged set lifted from their recent debut album, including such highlights as Gizmo and It Girl. Back across on the mainstage legendary ska man and original Rude Boy, Neville Staple and band produced a wonderful funky fun and lifting set drawing on his days with The Specials as well as his just released solo album, concluding with a mass crowd sing-a-long to Ghost Town following on from the likes of Message To You Rudy and Enjoy Yourself.

Saturday had the perfect one-two knockout punch with the final two bands on the mainstage. First up the Lightning Seeds weaved a magical set of pure indie pop nirvana with something of a greatest hits set. Grown men were seen arm in arm as the band delivered classic after classic. The tent filled with voices unified (mine included), gleefully singing- a-long to the likes of Never Change, Life Of Riley, Lucky You and Pure as if there life’s depended on providing harmony for Ian Broudie’s mob. With the crowd already at fever pitch and the numerous Brit-Pop T-shirts seen dotted around the festival the scene was set for returning 90’s heroes Shed Seven, the band could hardly disappoint drawing on their 94-99 heydays and top selling four albums the crowd rejoiced to the sounds of Disco Down, Chasing Rainbows and of course Going For Gold. Rick Witter seemed in good voice whilst every opening riff seemed to be welcomed with open arms, once again proving that Brit-pop thrills still speaks volumes to a generation of music lovers.

Day Three

The rains drew in, the parking field became something of a hazardous bog during the morning and first part of the afternoon, but thanks to the staff and organisers the party raged against the elements and by the time acoustic troubadour Gaz Brookfield showcased his wares the seasons at midday the clouds began to lift, whether that was down to the nature of Gaz’s memorable set of hooks and guitar-work can’t be proven but I’m sure it helped. Sundays are generally a little mellower and time for reflection, only no one told The Whipjacks who still manage to rouse the weary early afternoon crowd with a fun packed set of celtic infused pirate punk shanties with thumping double bass, guitars battered and the odd bit of accordion thrown in for good measure.

By four o’clock the sun was beating down the crowd gained that all important second burst of energy and the fun filled, gloriously over the top Dr And The Medics took to the stage for a set of rock classics and pure entertainment. The only comparison you can make to a Doctor And The Medics show is that of a high energy circus, with the good doctor as ringmaster and his fellow band members as the various different acts. Imagine a riotous blend of molten riffs, hollered vocals, big hair, gothic capes, cloaks and ice maiden backing vocalists thrown together to deliver the likes of Love Shack, Kids Of America and the grand finale of Spirit In The Sky and Whole Lotta Rosie to a captivated and wonderfully receptive audience.

There are few bands that could follow the spectacle of Dr And The Medics, but one such band that can fill that criteria are Lakefest house band The Roving Crows, a band that are fast becoming the must see band on the folk/rock circuit with their unique blend of celtic fusion. The band open with the blazing violin introduction of White Petticoats before the band join in to deliver a glorious set including long term favourites Long Time Dead, Love Is The Finest Thing and God On Demand among others, with each song the audience responded with outbreaks of dancing, singing and raptious applause as strummed acoustics, fiery violin and bursts of trumpet blended to provide a stunning Sunday soundtrack.

The Fun Lovin’ Criminals were charged with bringing the festival to a close on a high and the funky hip-hop/blues/rock racketeers did just that with a collection of amped up classics. The band opened their set with Up On The Hill and from there on Huey and the boys had the crowd eating out of their  hands, Loco (Gotta Be Crazy), King Of New York, Smoke Em were all dispatched by a band on top form, eager to display their instrumental chops to the appreciative masses, with Huey’s guitar-work and the harmonica of Fast particularly worthy of note. The FLC  left the crowd baying for more by finishing up with the effervescent Scooby Snacks and the funk ridden ode to soul, Barry White bringing the end to another vintage year for Lakefest.

Words By Will Munn

Photos By Graham Munn

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

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