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

27 March, 2015

Matt Woosey/White Feather Collective Live @ The Marrs Bar, Worcester 20/3/15

Filed under: acoustic,blues,Live Reviews,rock — Tags: matt woosey, the marrs bar, white feather collective, Worcester — willmunn @ 21:10

Time For A Marrs Bar, ‘While The Cats Away’

Matt Woosey launched his latest CD, While The Cats Away at Marrs on this evening, a good crowd had assembled, with a real buzz in the air. Supporting Matt, in full plumage, Malvern band White Feather Collective, also had a distinct, youthful following, present.

This band plays a fascinating form of rock, which seems embedded in an early 70’s groove, having said that, they warmed up with a distinctly Mersey side sounding ‘Fireball’ of an instrumental, thumping drums and bass from Chris and bearded Roo. ‘Crosstown’, takes on a Doors feel, with Josh’s voice ‘stolen’ from Morrison, and I’m not talking supermarkets. The lyrics seem to fit the bill too, we slip back to the Mersey sound for ‘Yearning’, William’s Strat guitar leading strongly, but still that drum and bass coming through. Back into Doors mode for ‘Writing A Novel’, Josh in fine voice, before a more frenetic, ‘Shake It Up’, superb, with Josh filling in with some harmonica, and William, head down, buried in his guitar. When I saw this band 6 months ago, at The Cube, I was impressed, given their recent formation, I remain impressed, they produce an excellent sound, with fine instrumentation and lyrics. There are samples on Bandcamp, but being a bit of a dinosaur, I wait for a recording session and something to take home, switch on, volume up, walls shaking, and relive some great rock years.

Time for Matt, seated centre stage, guitar in hand, he started with a solo session, switch in some reverb, and a long instrumental feed in to ‘Love Is The Strangest Thing’. Matt looking fully warmed up it was time for a bit of fun, with the influential Rory Gallagher’s ‘Too Much Alcohol’, Matt seems to squeeze one more drop out of the bottle, every time he performs this song. The slide comes out for ‘Little Red Rooster’, before taking 99 and one half days before Matt is joined on stage by The Funksters, with electric guitar, drum and the unmistakeable presence of a Hammond Organ. Alex, Ryan and Simon, slot into the Woosey groove, subtle, but with tangible presence. ‘We Do Exactly As We Please’, brought in some nice organ licks as Matt looked toward Simon for a filling. ‘Hook Line And Sinker’, brought in the effective guitar chords from Alex, with Ryan tinkering on the high hats, as Matt casts out the lines. ‘Same Old Blues’, which Matt terms as a collection of mutterings, was turned into a full on thrash, a lovely heavily fruited, jam from the assembled band. The evening was rolling along nicely, Matt threw the dice and played I’ve Seen The Bottom’, a song he would not normally do solo, but here? The Funksters did not let him down, the bottom was not so lonely tonight, vision may be murky, but the sound was brilliant.

Now a real first for me, something was happening, that I have never previously witnessed. Matt stood, put aside his guitar, adjusted the microphone, and gave us a soulful old American gospel song, ‘Wayfaring Stranger’, some real spiritual blues, laid out in fine style. ‘Wade In The Water’, took us to the edge, as the evening was closing in. It had been outstanding, the air filled to the sound of applause and calls for more, there was more. Matt re-united with his guitar, called for the White Feather boys, it was going to be a new Collective, as the Funksters held their place, 2 drum sets, 2 leads, a Hammond, bass and 2 acoustic guitars, what could go wrong. Absolutely nothing, Matt led them into ‘Bad Moon Rising’, joined by Josh at the microphone. The girls danced around the floor, as the super band played out the night, it had been a fabulously entertaining evening, and Matt’s CD, When The Cats Away was well and truly launched.

Words & Photos Graham Munn

19 March, 2015

Neil Ivison Live @ The Gardeners Arms, Droitwich 12/3/15

Filed under: acoustic,Live Reviews,rock,rock n roll — Tags: Droitwich, neil ivison, the gardeners arms — willmunn @ 13:42

Neil Ivison Live @ The Gardeners Arms, Droitwich 12/3/15

The Gardeners Arms is fast becoming the place to be over in Droitwich, with regular nights of musical merriment being the order of the day. In recent months we’ve seen the likes of Hattie Briggs, Sunjay and Melvin Hancox and continuing the rich pickings, tonight’s entertainment was provided by Neil Ivison (of the Misers).

The pub was moderately populated, but those that did attend were treated to an infectious set lifted from across the hallowed songbooks of rock n roll and beyond, as Neil delivered a set littered with timeless classics, requests and a handful of originals thrown in for good measure.

From the opening rendition of Tom Petty’s Won’t Back Down, the sheer enjoyment of just performing was etched on Neil’s face, his gravelly vocals rang out, as he fingered the chords masterfully. The first request came in and Ring Of Fire by Johnny Cash was expertly despatched, Neil’s vocals mirroring those of the country legend perfectly, whilst the patrons around the bar mouthed along contently.

Neil’s set continued with takes on U2 (Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, With or Without You), The Beatles (Ticket To Ride), The Boss (Dancing In The Dark), The Eagles and beyond.

As the set continued I found myself humming along to near enough each and every song, a passionate take on Heard it Through The Grapevine and a mass sing-a-long to Don’t Look Back In Anger provided early second set highlights. Before the audience requested a few originals, Bantam Weight, Get Up For Love and a fantastic stripped down (and personal favourite) Lord, Shuffle My Feet were delivered, each of the songs sitting comfortably alongside the well known covers and appreciated in equal measure, proving Neil’s songwriting and delivery credentials.

Neil finished up his second set with a slice of Queen, leaving the audience with a collective grin on their faces and a song in their hearts, having seen a performer at very much the top of his game, whether playing his own or other folks material.

The numerous occasions I’ve seen Neil (and the Misers) I’ve never failed to enjoy the night, if you want a fantastic, fun night out and a good old sing-a-long, I highly recommend catching Mr Ivison, when he hits your local.

Video And Photo Taken @ Prince Of Wales in Ledbury by Graham Munn

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

12 February, 2015

Matt Woosey Live @ Prince Of Wales, Ledbury 8/2/15

Filed under: acoustic,blues,Live Reviews — Tags: ledbury, matt woosey, prince of wales — willmunn @ 11:53

 

Matt Woosey @ POW Ledbury 08/02/15

We have been very fortunate over the months, to have seen a stream of top quality blues performers at this cracking little venue tucked away in Ledbury, this day saw the return of highly acclaimed local man, Matt Woosey.

Confessing to a bit of a hangover, from a party with old Uni pals, Matt struck a chord with ‘Hook Line And Sinker’, a hard hitting song featured on both a recent EP and the subsequent album, Wildest Dreams. Valley floors and soaring heights, charted the Woo powered, ‘Give Me All Your Love’, before revisiting an old favourite, to ‘Walk Away These Blues’, its still late afternoon, and Matt has the appearance of a Jeff Bridges playing Rooster Cockburn, blues with true grit! There is no Dave Small lending a bit of percussion here today, so its provided the heel of Matt’s his hand, slapping into the hollow body, the thin skin around the sound hole is visibly hollowed and in danger of wearing through. The Taylor acoustic has been faithfully at his side for near ten years, I’m not sure it will stand 10 more years of being played with such venom.

A lighter note as he searches for his ‘Elsie May’, precedes a song taken from his inspirational roots, Huddy Ledbetter and later, Rory Gallagher, ‘Out On The Western Plain’, a range riding lament to a bunch of cowboys. Take a look at video footage of Rory, and you will see where Matt takes his guitar playing style from, but I firmly believe, (no doubt be controversially) that Matt brings more gravitas to his vocals. The cowboy song has drifted out to some Led Zepp licks, the night before, has been truly shaken off, time to switch in a bit of reverb. ‘Wildest Dreams’, it signposts the expansive style of music Matt is now producing, beautifully written, and presented this day. A chrome slide is conjured up, for an ever recurring blues dilemma, ‘Woke Up This Morning’, maybe to a ‘Cruel Disposition’. This song is rightly reprised at most of Matt’s gigs, appealing for divine intervention, it also happens to be a hard hitting song, where strings are attacked with malice aforethought, as the lyrics are spat out. Time for a more jovial drinkers song to close the first set, ‘Too Much Alcohol’, this Sonny Boy Williamson song has been reprised by many over the years, Rory included, its a fun bit of blues to close the first set, and find the bar!

‘Nowhere Is Home To Me’, restarts the gig, we are now listening to songs from Wildest Dreams, the deliciously dark, touching on erotic, ‘Don’t You Tell Nobody’ is here, including the missing verse, a murderous threat, followed quickly by the superb ‘I’ve Seen The Bottom’, perhaps an ode to many dedicated performers on the road, trying to earn a living. The guitar, does Exactly As It Pleases, as Matt sheds a string, how did it get this far into the set? A couple of old favourites to finish on, Willie Dixon’s ‘Lil’ Red Rooster’, nothing more needs to be said, and Matt’s storming finale, ‘Black Smoke Rising’. An exceptional evening, spent in the company of an exceptional talent, and a highly appreciative audience, cosily wrapped in the confines of The Prince Wales.

 

Words, Photos And Video Graham Munn

4 February, 2015

Marcus Bonfanti Live @ The Prince Of Wales, Ledbury 1/2/15

Filed under: acoustic,blues,Live Reviews — Tags: ledbury, marcus bonafanti, prince of wales — willmunn @ 22:10

 

Marcus Bonfanti, Sardine Time In The Prince Of Wales. Feb 1st

To say it was packed is an understatement, there were of course all the usual faces, they love the venue and the Sunday blues session, added to that already full crowd, were all those Bonfanti devotees within driving range. The atmosphere was electric, Marcus has had a widely acclaimed album ‘Shake The Walls‘, and was also carrying a 6 track acoustic EP, ‘Borrowed Times‘ only available at a gig. Much of what was to be heard came from these two discs, tracks from the full album, would be solo, with a different arrangement.

I will say right up front, I prefer Marcus in acoustic mode, that’s not to decry the full band, how can I argue with the rave reviews, its just my taste, founded in 2012, at an acoustic session at Upton Blues.

Apart from exceptional guitar skills, his voice is outstanding, rich 99% pure chocolate, with fiery ginger grated over the surface, resulting in a raw edged deep, dark, timbre. Ignoring his stringed weapons, Marcus demonstrated that vocal power with harmonica to hand, ‘God Only Knows’, was a stunning start to the evening. The guitar speaks, Marcus asks, ‘Is Your Life better Now I’m Gone’, apparently she said yes, but it gave him the tale to tell. Ripped straight from the EP, his very own ‘Layla’, and his take on that old tale of ‘John Henry’, finger picking into the lyrics we are so familiar with. He’s having a good time, an appreciative audience, the POW had done him proud, fed him, served him fine malt, and as much ale as he needed for the evening, now he was in his element. The gentle ‘Bittersweet’, rooted in a previous acoustic EP, preceded a hard hitting blues ‘Messin Round No More’ to close the first set, an opportunity, if you wanted, to fight your way to the bar. Crowd surfing would have been in order, but for the low ceilings.

‘Honey’, I seem to recall, also featured in that EP a couple of years ago, and had returned in full band mode, on the album, but here we were treated to a full bodied, thick set, acoustic nectar, it certainly had the crowd buzzing.

Switching to a more traditional blues riff, ‘Jezebel’, an edgy rock blues on the album, retains that punch, stalling half way as Jezebel is called for, before the guitar moves the song on. ‘Baby Don’t Dance’, she doesn’t rock & roll either in Marcus’s song, the bulk of the set come from Marcus’s well crafted pen. There are some fine songs with traditional blues themes, women found, women loved and women lost, death, but you have to add some spirit, and this spirit is ‘Cheap Whiskey’, it tells of the demon drink, and the fall out that comes with it. What made this more memorable, was a guest pulled from the masses in the packed bar, one Trevor Steger, from Babajack, Marcus did not need to pick up his harp again this evening, he was about to pass the baton onto Trevor. Trevor pushed through and stood by Marcus, ‘Cheap Whisky’, was never more tasty, a fine vintage, distilled for the occasion. Next came a particular favourite of mine, a gospel styled, ‘Run Long’, I had heard this back at Upton, the acoustic stage being run by Babajack. Here, that voice seems unbelievably stronger, within the confines of this tight little Inn, Trevor joined in with his precious Danneker harp, watching carefully, the fingers working the frets, I could not resist switching to video, as I had back in the summer of 2012, to record the moment. A fabulous and unforgettable experience.

As the numbers thinned, I took the opportunity to buy the EP, Marcus had delivered a great gig, here for his first time, at the POW, he will return, and I for one will be there.

Words & Visuals Graham Munn

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