Friday 7 May 2010

new kids on the block ......

Songwriters Playtime now moved to The Looking Glass Braunstone Gate




There are mixed opinions about whether Leicester can cope with another open mike, so any that do pop up like songwriters playtime better cut the mustard .... (ill hold up my hand and admit I have a vested interest in this one so no reviews im afraid....). Anyway as far as 'cutting the mustard' goes, thats down to YOU THEN. Its all about the performers and the quality and intellect of the listeners, OK im off scot free now =]

One unusual thing about this open mike is, that its timetabled directly after the African Kubanza drumming workshop and i'm hoping some of these guys will hang on and get up and play during the evening, giving a special percussive slant to the proceedings.

The relaxed atmosphere and great layout of the arts centre on Humberstone Road, lends itself to getting the most from a performer. Having been involved in running the first 2 woodwork parties there i can speak from experience so i personally am looking forward to some special nights there ... and i think you should too

see you at the next gig




Tuesday 6 April 2010

somethings rumbling ....

... a little birdy tells me theres a 3rd woodwork party coming along very soon ..........

Saturday 16 January 2010

You SSOOOO missed out here.....

'Answers On Postcard' night with Sally Hossack, Mike Sole and Boppa @ The Shed

THE SHED = punk, hardcore metal, sweaty leaping moshers helicoptering there way to a LARGE hangover doesn't it?

Not this Friday night it didnt.

It was the first 'Answers On a Postcard' night of 2010, AOP is a periodic night with an eclectic and often esoteric music policy, this was my first visit to the night and I think I'm going to enjoy them a lot, coz to get kind of Arnie about it .... 'ill be back' and so should you.

So why am i raving?



Well Sally Hossack of Free Control, Mike Sole (Gadjos and others) and Boppa (Jack of Hearts) played a set that simply took me gently somewhere else for an hour then softly brought me back down to earth. Its the first time I've seen sally perform away from the outstanding Free Control and i was blown away. The set started with Sally playing some wistful and heartfelt solo songs, filled with melody and originality. Her voice and presentation stopping me 'mid sup' when she began the first song. Sally was then joined by Mike Sole. Now I've seen quite a few amazing musicians in my time and Mr Sole could hold his head high on ANY stage Ive seen. The ability to improvise and STILL stay listenable and add something to the song, is a talent that isn't learnt your born with it and Mike has it in bucketfuls.

The pairing kept reminding me of a sound and style that I couldn't quite recall. Then it dawned on me (and i don't mention this lightly as personally i dislike comparing acts, but this is one of my all time favorite duo's) Sally's voice has the same haunting and fragile quality as Beth Gibbons work with Rustin Man. With Mike adding something that takes their music into a beautiful place from a different time.



As the set went on more friends joined them and the music gracefully moved up a notch and grooves started appearing, Boppa (Jack of Hearts Band) joined them with some 'Django' guitar then a sax player (sorry i didn't catch your name) turning the whole set onto a swing tip. The set was ended with a stomping version of 'I'm King of the Swingers' yes, from jungle book and believe me it worked, and worked well.

OK OK ill stop gushing now, but really if you didn't come along YOU MISSED A TREAT. If you see them billed again don't hesitate to drop all plans and go see ... They really are that good.

The 'Answers on a Postcard' night has a facebook group and I suggest you join it and keep up to date with their events as I for one am loving what they are doing.

see you at the next gig.

Markus

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Mule Plows on..........

The Donkey open mike is in new hands

Fresh off the press so ill fill in the gaps as i get the info. But i gleaned today that none other than Mr Plow has taken over the hosting of the donkey open mike night.

Firstly I would just like to take the time to thank Calder McLaughlin for running the nite for so long and adding his own stamp on it. I know he has big plans this year, and sometimes you just have to get your head down and get on with it, good luck fella!

I'll be along to check out Mr Plows hosting asap and report back on his songs about kittens, sunny meadows and all things soft and fluffy......

see you at the next gig.

markus