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

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

 

28 November, 2014

James/Starsailor Live @ The NIA, Birmingham 22/11/14

Filed under: alternative,indie,Live Reviews,rock — Tags: birmingham nia, james, starsailor — willmunn @ 09:52

I shouldn’t have to introduce either of these bands to you (the loyal reader), James have been mainstays on the indie rock scene for numerous years (first forming way back in 82), releasing intelligent, infectious and passionate albums throughout their career, from the early spiky, new wave inspired years to this year’s mature widescreen model (added trumpet and violin) as heard on the stunning new album La Petit Morte. As for Starsailor, they possess one of the best voices in the world of indie in the shape of James Walsh and released one of the most memorable albums of the noughties, Silence Is Easy.

My expectations for this one hit an all new fever pitch, here were two bands I’ve listened to for years on one bill, I’d not seen either group live before, so here was a chance I wasn’t going to miss. For me this was a must see, a chance to see those worshipped groups up close and in the flesh.

Starsailor took to the stage accompanied by a huge roar of approval from the crowd, the band drew from the audiences energetic response and delivered a spellbinding set, drawn from the band’s four albums to date, the band proceeded to produce a stunning masterclass of mesmeric indie rock. Frontman James Walsh tour into his guitar, whilst deliver those soaring vocals that he’s become known for, the likes of Poor Misguided Fool, Lullaby and Tell Me It’s Not Over all peppered by those lush keyboards and spiraling crescendos were lapped up gleefully by the masses, whilst the likes of Alcoholic and Silence Is Easy were hollered back to the band with more muster than most headline acts receive. James left the stage with his guitar still ringing out, whilst the rest of the band laid waste to rest of the audience with a tight finale, leaving blown minds and screams for more.

Few bands could follow the engaging spectacle of Starsailor, but then few bands can draw on thirty plus years of experience and less bands can boast a frontman like Tim Booth.

Now I know I said I was excited by the proposition of seeing James for the first time, but nothing could have prepared me for the exuberance, the energy and delivery of both the band and particularly Tim, I’m not really sure what I was expecting, I knew Tim possessed an incredible, moving vocal range, I knew that about his songwriting ability, a talent unequalled by any of the band’s peers, but what I didn’t expect was his movement, Tim jerks and moves around the stage like he’s been electrocuted, his movement is unique and compelling and he doesn’t stop, the band launch into an instrumental break and Tim’s off convulsing adding to an already bewitching spectacle. By the third or fourth song he’s dropped into the welcoming arms of his audience, carried aloft my the welcoming masses whilst still delivering his passionate lament, never have I seen a frontman embraced with the enthusiasm shown by the NIA crowd.

Of course the theatrics and Tim’s expressive vocals still wouldn’t mean a thing if the rest of James couldn’t back it up, but right from the opening duo of Sound and Walk Like You, the far reaching mix of trumpet, keyboards and of course guitar shape, each and every lament, whilst the rhythm section drive each number on. Lifting material from every corner of the band’s career, the audience welcomed each song like a long lost friend, with both the likes of golden oldies such as Laid and newbies such as Frozen Britain both hitting the mark as the band captivated the audience with a varied and always compelling set-list, obvious highlights included the mesmeric and poignant Moving On and a raucous main set closer Gone Baby Gone to name but a handful.

The audience naturally hollered for more and eventually a spotlight hit the balcony on the far side settling on trumpet player Andy Diagram in the audience introducing Born Of Frustration with a jazzy flourish and then another spotlight, this time our side, right above me and there in all his glory is frontman Tim Booth, embracing his audience, somehow hitting every note as a melee forms to hug him as he makes his way across the balcony.

With both Andy and Tim safely back on stage the band conclude their epic set with a frenzied Interrogation and a final flourish of fan favourite, Sometimes to a euphoric cries of adulation as the band depart the stage for the last time, knowing their job here is well and truly done and no one is leaving unsatisfied.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

 

 

26 October, 2014

Wille And The Bandits Live @ The Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

Filed under: alternative,blues,Live Reviews — Tags: adam sweet, birmingham, hare and hounds, mark black, wille and the bandits — willmunn @ 21:30

 

Wille And The Bandits, running with the Hare & Hounds.

Underrated, unbelievably unsigned, undeniably unique, Wille and The Bandits returned to Birmingham.12 months ago they gave the Kings Heath venue a bloody good shaking down, in a venue packed with expectant, but slightly unknowing, music fans. This time, those gathered new damn well what was about to be unleashed. The band has established a big solid footprint on UK festivals as well as successful ventures into Europe, I have seen lethargic, hung over Sunday morning troglodytes drawn into main stage arenas by the vibe that washes out, to ebb back, drawing all before.

How could I not find my way to H&H for this show, the Bandits would be holding up the stage, and there would be plenty of witnesses.

First, they were not alone, they had two solo performers in support, and both are very worthy of mentioning. Adam Sweet, who had appeared at Upton Blues back in the summer, was delivering his self penned songs from his ‘Small Town Thinking’ album. Appreciated by all, he stomped and sang his way through a short set, accompanied by his acoustic Gibson guitar. Check out his ‘Santa Rosa Street’, excellent.(www.adamsweetmusic.com)

Next came Mark Black, who blends blues and Celtic roots into gritty vocals that took a couple of songs to get him fired up fully. This was his final set, having toured to this point with Wille & co, but he was not alone. He had brought an extendible ‘plastic downpipe’, which turned out to be a variable pitch didjireedoo to accompany his 12 string, bringing an interesting dimension to his sound. Outstanding song for me was ‘Rambling On My Mind’, good gritty stuff. (http://www.markblackmusic.com)

Wille settled with his lap and acoustic guitars, Matt slung his 6 string bass, and Andy tightened his snare, time for some music. Not far in before we reach a particular favourite, ‘Mammon’, a hauntingly beautiful song, Andy on Tom’s, as Wille mumbles out the lyrics with a passion that reflects in his face. In the past the band have given us exemplary versions of Black Magic woman, and their incredible, Money For Nothing, now its the turn of Mr Robert Johnson to be explored, and that well driven path to the ‘Crossroads’, is taken, sliding on through perhaps leaning back into your Harley, which way do you turn? Down to the delta of course, with your steel lap guitar. ‘Forgiveness’, what for, Matt is attacking his skeletal double bass, bow-sawing it through, as the groove kicks in.

Andy sits, watching like a hawk, his hammers building a cymbalistic storm, Matt is picking his way across his strings like someone playing lead, then the plaintive cry of Wille’s slide, we are entering the final stages of the gig, this is ‘Angel’, near 12 minutes of a rising stairway to heaven, its mesmerising, the pace picks up, matt is bouncing around, bending those big fat strings, Wille,s guitar is sobbing with empathy, as Andy builds up the percussion, Phil Spectre’s, wall of sound, (or wall of prison?), was never any where near this. It flows out engulfs all, intoxicating the senses. If you have never seen or heard Wille And The Bandits, take time out, go to their web site, (www.willeandthebandits.com) apart from being able to access their video channel at present, you can also download a free track, and its the wonderful, ‘Gypsy Woman’, which can also be seen as a video.

OK so you have missed them this time, no matter, mark your calender, and start 2015 with some fabulous music, they are at Robin 2, February 11th, I for one will be there.

 

Words & Photos Graham Munn

19 September, 2014

Vo Fletcher & Tyler Massey/Arc Iris Live @ St Peters Church, Malvern 1/9/14

Filed under: acoustic,alternative,Americana,folk,indie,jazz,Live Reviews — Tags: arc iris, malvern, st peters church, tyler massey, vo fletcher — willmunn @ 13:33

Occasionally you come across a band that defy classification, a band that straddle and merge genres to create something new, innovative and beyond description, a band that have to be literally seen to be believed, the mesmeric Arc Iris are one such band, an explosion of glitter, glam, jazz, folk, country, ethereal indie and lots more beside, fronted by the enigmatic multi-instrumentalist Josie Adams (once of personal favourites The Low Anthem), a performer that bewitches and enthralls in equal measure.

Thanks to Tyler Massey (more of whom later), Arc Iris hit Malvern and one of the most spectacular venues in the county, St Peters Church, following on from their triumphant performance at this years Moseley Folk festival, Arc Iris stunned a small yet rapt audience with a gloriously engaging set, that ranged from hushed ethereal folk to an almost jazz swing.

As soon as Josie and her band took to the stage you could tell this wasn’t going to be usual ensemble, the band were adorned in glitter and sparkles, with Josie looking captivating before uttering a word in a stunning all in one catsuit, whilst pianist Zach Tenorio-Miller complimented the look with equally flamboyant attire.

The band soon proved to be a whole lot more than mere clothes horses, with the opening number instantly drawing the listeners attention in, a stunning combination of piano, cello, drums and Josie’s evocative voice seduced the audience instantly, imagine a combination of the beauty of the Cocteau Twins colliding with the other worldly experience of Bjork or Joni Mitchell fronting The Dirty Projectors (if that’s possible) and you’re sort of in the right kind of direction. After the opening number the band proceed to produce a collage of folk, classical and jazz mixed with cabaret and theatrics topped with rich harmonies and infectious melodies.

Arc Iris drew heavily from their recent self titled album with the likes of Honour The Rainbows and the smoky jazz of Powder Train proving to be instant highlights along with Lost On Me, but in truth picking individual highlights seems to be something of a disservice as the entire intoxicated from start to finish.

Supporting Arc Iris was the always impressive duo of Tyler Massey and Vo Fletcher, who set the scene with a glorious set of folky laments and intricate guitar work, playing off one another superbly, with the likes of Pancho & Lefty (originally by Townes Van Zandt), Wheels On Fire (Dylan) and Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key (unrecorded Woody Guthrie song, released by Wilco & Billy Bragg on the Mermaid Sessions) standing out during their hugely enjoyable set.

Tyler and friends have put a few events on at St Peters Church and each one has been more than a little special, if you missed Arc Iris, more fool you, but I do highly recommend you keeping an eye out for the next one, you never know who might be performing next time round.

23 August, 2014

Four Shires Festival, Droitwich 15-17th August

Filed under: acoustic,alternative,Americana,blues,folk,indie,Live Reviews,rock — Tags: abbey inez, babajack, Droitwich, four shires festival, hannah dallas, haunted souls, jessica rhodes, missing sparrows, sarah warren, tina v, vaults of eagles — willmunn @ 04:29

 

Four Shires Festival at Droitwich 15th-17thAug

An ambitious inaugural weekend festival materialised in Droitwich with a 3 day schedule with 44 sessions featuring with 39 different artists and bands listed. Included in the planned sessions were some interesting pairings, such as Abby Inez and Tina V, in fact Tina was popping up throughout the 3 days. I managed to catch most of Saturdays show, an impressive mix of local talent being showcased alongside the more experienced and full time musicians. The sound was excellent, the stages and facilities, impressive for for the first of what is hoped to be, a series of festivals over the 4 adjacent shires. Up and coming artists came from Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Shropshire and of course Worcestershire. They performed in the acoustic stage, between sets of the established bands on the main stage. There were few delays, the entertainment being almost seamless across the day. I managed to hear Aymee Weir, Alex Petrie, and Emi Mcdade perform opposite, Chicago Bytes from Kiddermister area, who gave us Springsteen, Stevie Ray and Rory Gallagher and the lovely roots blues of Damon T and Luke Philbrick from Gloucester. Plenty of slide, harp and Delta passion. Hannah Dallas and Sarah Warren fronted Haunted Souls, with such a powerful pair of vocalists how could you fail to enjoy the Americana country style of this superb band, complete with acoustic guitars, mandolin and fiddle.

Then a surprise package in Missing Sparrows in the acoustic stage, with their ‘unique sound of London Town meets Billie The kid’. I’m not sure about the description, but they certainly had some interesting lyrics, perhaps more Lilly Allen dates Gaz Brookfield. Either way, an impressive little set from from 14 year old Tallulah and 16 year old Niall from Worcester. An acoustic session from Damon T preceded Kidde’s Vault Of Eagles, a grunge rock band fronted by Mari on lead and Hetti on a bass that seemed far to big for her, with Scott sticking it to the drums. Some powerful stuff from this unusual line up, with a flavouring of Souxsie and The Banshees.

With barely time to draw breath, let alone sample a bit more of the excellent ale on tap, there is a short set from Abby Inez with her country pop style of self penned songs, mixed with a few covers. Its a short set as Jessica Rhodes prepares on the main stage. I have to say the Jessica Rhodes Band was outstanding, formed in 2013 between cousins Oli Luke and Jessica, they performed much of their own material, a lively cocktail of soul, pop, and a large dash of jazz, complete with ice, umbrella and cherry. They are the full package, with real stage presence, Jessica’s voice, with a slight Scots tinge, has a genuine quality, certainly a band to see again.

A switch to the acoustic stage brought us to Tina V, this pop balladeer, present all weekend, has been instrumental in encouraging some of the new wannabes to play at the festival. Closing with ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’, not a problem, the weather had held, the entertainment extensive, the bar was still open and Babajack were about to play the final set.

There is not much I can write about Babajack that I have not scribed before, the band is, for me, superb, they have tweaked up their stage performance (if you thought that possible) and they play truly wonderful roots blues music. By the time this goes to print, they could have collected more awards at the annual gathering at Colne. If Becky collects a third award, she will enter the ‘Hall Of Fame’. So suffice to say, if you have never seen or heard the band, find a CD or better, see them live.

Overall, the festival appeared to achieve everything it set out to do, a good set up, with twin stages, allowing virtually non stop music. A showcase for up and coming performers from the surrounding counties, mixed with fine, well seasoned, quality, bands. Plenty of music for all tastes. This ‘prototype’ festival lack only one thing, and that was foot fall. The reasons are many, but the bottom line is that it was not possible to pre-advertise the event widely and early enough. A great shame, given the efforts and resource put into making this happen. I am sure that any future event will address that problem, all else was fine, there are always minor tweaks and changes that can be made, but the structure as a whole seemed to work well. People and tickets sales are the lifeblood to any festival, I am confident that the organisers will make this work, they will then have a festival to be proud of.

 

Words & Photos Graham Munn

 

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