acousticexposure

new kids on the block ......

2010-05-07T21:05:00.010+01:00

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

somethings rumbling ....

2010-04-06T12:33:00.000+01:00

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

You SSOOOO missed out here.....

2010-01-16T12:13:00.005Z

'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

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

2010-01-06T22:44:00.002Z

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

Woodburner ....

2009-12-21T13:04:00.012Z

The First WOODWORK PARTY Was HOT HOT HOT....

Well actually it was bloody freezing! ... but that didn't alter the fact that 70 or so people turned out at the inaugural Woodwork Party acoustic session organised by Mike Harper and Leicester Music Scene.

Braving sub zero temperatures, on the last Friday night before Christmas to see a first class acoustic line up, I have to say everyone I spoke to seemed impressed. With a great line up and a really special venue, the Independent Arts Centre on Humberstone Gate has only been open to the public since October and I suspect it will quickly become a favorite music and arts venue around Leicester.

The stage was dressed like a lounge with rugs and lamps, an old grundig cabinet radio and films of jungles, sunrises over Stonehenge, Mayan temples and ocean waves projected throughout the entire evening.

Kicking the night of in fine style was Matti Wilson. Singing us a set of her neatly written, and beautifully observed songs. Its always a shame that someone has to be first on and play to a smaller crowd. I have a feeling Matti wont be playing that type of slot for much longer as her talent is incredible. If you missed her here then you missed a treat, as Matti plays with more confidence and depth every time I see her.

Next up in total contrast was Rhett Barrow, playing storming set of garage'y yet insightful songs, his dirty blues and dare i say 'grungeyness' coming together to form a powerful sound that I think has a big future.

Contrast is important, and after Rhetts heavy set, the floating, lilting tones of Mary Anne Ratcliffe took us off to faraway places. Her beautiful poinient and heartfelt songs leaving us in no doubt just how talented she is.

Next was some bald, gobby fella called Markus Reeves. He says he enjoyed it lots.

After a short break, (the music between sets was provided by the fantastic Planet Mondo and the full mix can be found here .... I heartily recommend you listen to his podcasts if you like a healthy, irreverent, sideswipe at all that is modern culture).

Once set up Grace and the Magic Roots provided us with a set that PROVED originality and listenability can go hand in hand. I love this band and you should too! One of the very few technical hitches of the night was that the projected name for them read 'race and the magic roo' ... hmmmm marker pen and paper came to the rescue though.

And so on to the final act, The Gadjos.

This was the first full set Ive seen from them and bloody hell those guys can play!! An hour of non stop, good time, Gypsy jazz; a brilliant end to the night and after three encores, sadly they had to stop so the staff at the arts center could clean up and go home! As a musician I have massive respect for anyone who can play as well as these guys , but it goes further than ability, as they forget about all that and PLAY.

Now that's what I call music.

Leicester Music scene intend to put on more event like these so keep an eye out on their facebook page here for more info about the next Woodwork Club...

see you at the next gig

markus

one of these days i'm gonna get myself acousticalised.....

2009-12-09T21:06:00.005Z

THE WOODWORK PARTY; Shaping up like no 'normal' acoustic session.... for a start no bar owner is going to hold you to ransome over your drink, you can bring your own!!

Its on FRIDAY 18th DEC @ The Independent arts centre, on humberstone gate.

With a stellar line up ..plus a shouty bald bloke....

£3 on the door.

The artists from this event will be paid a (good) share of the door takings, so come along and support the Leicester music scene :]

The Gadjos
http://www.myspace.com/thegadjos

Grace and the Magic Roots
http://www.myspace.com/magicmoondust

Markus Reeves
http://www.myspace.com/markusreeves

Mary-Anne Ratcliffe
http://www.myspace.com/khashassi

Rhett Barrow

Matti Wilson
http://www.myspace.com/sendittothesky

plus the fire breathing/throwing/jumping talents of 'COMBUST' will be performing outside

there are rumours of projections of sunrises over Mayan temples and top flight sound tracks while the artists aren't on

I'm really exited about playing this night and hopefully the plan is for a few more through 2010... if all gigs could be put on this way the Leicester music scene would be a healthy wealthy and wise place to be....

see you at the next gig

Markus

OPEN MIKE REVEIW 'The Quay' every thurs

2009-12-09T20:03:00.005Z

Top Top venue ... new new night ... bags n bags of potential...

Well last Thursday I took myself off to The Quay on Western Boulevard to check out the newest open mike night on the block. Never having been there before, I had no idea what to expect. So I was somewhat taken aback when I walked in to the huge and recently (very nicely) refurbished 'New Quay' for their weekly open stage.

Everyone was really friendly and the whole place seemed very relaxed with people arriving for their great drinks offers and atmosphere all the time. The stage is situated in the far corner of the bar (dead batteries so no photos sorry) and around 9 o'clock the first spot was quietly ushered into the limelight and started his set of 4 songs, as a side note he was a 'first timer' and did really pretty well too so hats off to you!.

This is were I started to think, as the lack of a host made for an unengaged crowd and each act was silently ushered on and rather hurriedly announced by one of the bar staff (hosting these things isn't everyone's idea of fun lets be honest). Each act played well and the general atmosphere was busy with conversation like a busy bar should be.

Not having a host left the proceedings with no real show of character though, plus I do think they need someone to take a little more ownership and control over the sound as it was pretty rough going as a player. As nights like these rely on getting a good mix of abilities from newbies to more experienced 'quality acts', the night itself needs to be attractive to the artists and good sound is right at the top of the list.

BUT and I stand by this, it was still a good night and given a little more attention and thought from the owners I think it could be one of the better nights in the city, the venue is great. The staff are friendly and there was something definitely 'right' about the whole thing. I'll definitely be going back and would encourage other players too as well.

Given time and a little more 'ownership' I think Thursdays at the quay could become a very popular night, if your a player looking for a wider audience and 'non open mike crowd' to play your songs to ... get your self down to the quay on Thursdays.

If you not a player get yourself down there... the beers dead cheap and the open mike promises to get better and better.

As a foot note, my write up might sound a little harsh in places, but its really not meant that way, in fact if it didn't have so much potential I may not have made my points so clearly.

Ill certainly be playing The Quay again soon.

see you at the next gig

Markus

there by the grace of roots go i and i ...

2009-11-26T15:42:00.003Z

grace n the magic roots demon FM live session

well i just cant get enough of these guys right now, last night i dropped by to the demon FM studios to check out grace and her magic roots play one of the best live sessions ive heard for a loooooong time.

If you heard it then you know what i mean..if you didnt you'll just have to wait until its on the NEW EXPOSURE WEBSITE! Graces songs and the bands confident and effortless presentation of them are really something special. If you've not heard them you should ..... now.

http://www.myspace.com/magicmoondust

It WILL make your day brighter

Then we all went to the hub bar and got mashed ... a good nite was had by all

see you at the next gig

markus

My Linford surprise

2009-11-22T13:42:00.008Z

Linford Song Club: it doesn't get much better.

Last Friday I played a short set at Linford song club in Newtown Linford, not knowing what to expect i was thinking 'quiet country pub, a few locals it'll be a quiet little gig' I WAS SO WRONG.

Run by Wally Walton this little gem of a night had everything you could need from a night of live acoustic music, and easily the best sound I've ever heard from a 'non permanent' PA system. I was first on, breaking the ice and a guitar string, prematurely ending my set so the real entertainment could begin.... on the bill were The James Lewis band, playing a bouncy energetic set that had my girlfriend saying to me after every song ' oh i liked that one'. Domenic Crane, accompanied with harmonica and electric bass, playing some neatly crafted songs with real depth and conviction. Liz Scattergood, with her quite stunning sounding 'lowden' guitar giving us a powerful show of what it really means to love music. And a personal favorite of mine Andy Griffiths and the tiny steel orchestra (the orchestra is infact the uber talented Lizzie Gill on cello), mesmerizing us with his beautiful lilting melodies and tales of love and loss, finishing with a last minute inclusion of 'spitfire' that had the room stunned into silence with its heart melting simplicity.

So what made it so special? well for one thing these nights are not held too often (the next one is in January) so the quality of acts stays high and Wally seems to be very selective about who he puts on. Every act tonight was diverse and experienced and played their heart out for the 100 or so people watching. Ive already mentioned the sound, and it makes a BIG difference, not only for the people listening but for the players too, when you know that you're sounding good it brings out a better performance. The venue is a no nonsense village pub with a good sized 'back room, which is where the song club is held. OH and the beers very good value too......

I know its a little out of town and there are many attractions closer by for a lot of us. But i really can't recommend this night enough, if you go you really wont be disappointed.

For more info and updates about the next one check the calender on this blog, ill be going back for sure....

see you at the next gig

Markus

Girls with Guitars 2 its all about the breasts you know.......

2009-11-22T13:39:00.014Z

Girls with Guitars goes from strength to strength.

Raising money for breast cancer research never seemed more fun. The second installment of Girls with Guitars at the Donkey was a huge success last Thursday. With a sparkling array of talent singing there hearts out for a great cause.

I had a previous commitment and was only able to make it after Bethia Mitchel had been on, but reports are that she played with the maturity and power that belies her tender years and i have no reason doubt that. I've seen Bethia on many occasions astound people with the clarity and depth of her voice. After Beth was Cherry and the orchestra, this was the first time I've seen more than half a song from these 2 (usually 3 as there were minus a percussionist). I'll be checking to see when they're playing next as they have a quality and conviction that makes you want to hear more. Next up was Matti Wilson. Now then, the more I see Matti perform the more I'm convinced she was born for the stage, i know that sounds a little trite, but offstage shes quiet (ish ;) polite and slightly shy .. as soon as she gets in front of the mike something happens, she grows, 15 years become 50, she entertains and makes you smile inside and out, and then there's her songs, witty confident and mature. I'll say nothing more that just, go and see for yourself.

Matti Wilson

Grace Capper and the magic roots

The final act has a touch of magic about them and they now it .... if only because they are called Grace Capper and the Magic Roots. With originality seeping from every pore these guys are truly inventive and still accessible, brilliantly listenable and very very cool with it! win win win id say. Playing an acoustic mix of reggae and rootsy folk with Graces songs taking us to far off places and still keeping toes tapping. The highlight of the set for me was a cover of Kate Bushes Army Dreamers ... played with such ownership i just wasn't a cover song anymore. With a belly dancing Paula Driver to complete the final number of the night, everyone had a great time raising money making sure the world is a slightly safer place for breasts, and who's going to argue about that?

Looking forward to GWG3 already.....

see you at the next gig

markus

OPEN MIKE REVEIW 'The Donkey' every weds

2009-11-22T13:35:00.014Z

Great Music Venue, Talented Host, great for newbies and uumm not newbies too...

If you've been going to live music around Leicester for any amount of time you'll know the donkey pub, i think its a great great live music venue I've seen some great acts there and had some bonza night in there too...

But I'm confused now, I've been to the open mike at the donkey a few times and its always very quiet admittedly its a bigger venue than most open mikes so it needs more people to make it feel busy, but even so, there were 4 players including me. I'm sure that there are night that this place rocks on a Wednesday. But the night i went there was Rhett Barrow, Kev Lee, Anne Mary and myself, 3 class acts that you would pay good money to see in there own right and a bald bloke doin a load of shouty stuff.....

Host Calder who is also a singer songwriter, with his powerful delivery, well tuned sound and neatly played songs warms the place up ready for the open mike acts. The beauty of it being less busy is that we get the chance to do a few more songs, so all players got to do 2 short sets and as the evening went on everyone relaxed and it turned into a very chilled out and enjoyable low key night of music.

I just wish more people got to see it.

If you're a player get your ass down there and get a chance to stretch your legs.

If your a music fan get your ass down there and check out some great tunes and the sofas are really really comfy too....

See u at the next gig

markus

its all about the ladies......

2009-11-15T15:39:00.003Z

its 'girls with guitars 2' at the donkey on thursday

the first installment at the hind was class act after class act, i still find it astounding how much talent there is in Leicester! you really should get down to the donkey on thursday 19th for round 2 and see for yourself, i can absolutely guarantee you wont be disappointed.... its free so what excuse do you have?

just preview the artists here and see for yourself...

cherry and the orchestra on myspace

bethia mitchell on myspace

grace capper and the magic roots on myspace

matti wilson on myspace

meri everitt on myspace

charlie jones on myspace

ill see you there!!

thanks for reading

see you at the next gig

markus

OPEN MIKE REVIEW 'don quixote' @ The Hind pub

2009-11-13T14:39:00.016Z

chilled, spontainious and friendly at a great 'boozer'

Every open mike has its own vibe and the feeling you get as you walk into The Hind pub on a wednesday night and smell the burning insense and hear the lively banter going on, is that there are a lot of people here who LOVE MUSIC.

Hosted by the effervesent and charming Paula Driver, and as a singer songwriter herself, she is as passionate about YOUR music as she is her own. Welcoming beginners and first timers or 'don quixote virgins' with the same open arms as seasoned proffessionals and regualr players. The same can be said for the crowd who are ever apprciative of anyone with the 'balls' to get up and have a crack.

As with all weekly open mikes some weeks are busier than others but don quixote you can usually rely on a good turn out. Last wednesday was no exception with a list of players most people would pay earth pounds to see in there own right. With Andy Griffiths, Dawson Smith, Carly Hook, Chris Conway, David Anderson, Neil Sergot, Paddy Hodgkinson, Matti Wilson, Rhett Barrow and Carl Dawson all turning up to play short impromtu sets for us amongst others like myself . With a total of 15 acts to get through everyone had to muck in and get change overs done and sorted, beer spllages mopped up and things generally rocking a rolling smoothly along.

Andy Griffiths and the tiny steel orchestra

I go and play at the hind reasonably often and the the music is always of a very high standard, but this night was staggering. I dont say this lightly either as i am pretty hard to please. But with act after act taking me away to another place, i was genuinly open mouthed at the quality of musicianship. From Andy Griffiths's sublime new material played with enough tenderness and feeling to soften even the hardest, coldest heart to Dawson Smith rocking us all out on a bluesy tip to Chris Conways masterful songwriting and playing. I would be here for a long time if i went into details about every player, but for me the beauty is in the mix of abilities and styles that this particular night gave us.

Rhett Barrow

Matti Wilson

Fannys band.....

Chris Conway

As a player a visit to The Hind on a Wendesday will get you encouragement and the chance to play in a relaxed atmosphere .

As a listener you can be sure to hear great down to earth music from people who just LOVE TO PLAY.

Win Win i think.

thanks for readin ...

see you at the next gig

markus

hind leg .....

2009-11-11T10:57:00.003Z

im off to the hind to play the Don Quixote open mike tonight ....

tho the hub bar and the donkey open mikes, will get a visit in the next few weeks ... anyone going to these 2 tonight please feel free to comment below how it went ....

ill try n get some photos ... the clues in the word TRY tho ......

see u at the next gig

markus

did a number 2....

2009-11-10T00:23:00.000Z

well ive just landed myself deep in it really haven I?

I've just got home from doing my second slot on DEMON FMs exposure show where i foolishly said 'i know! ill do a blog about leicesters open mike scene with a calender and everything'

well here it is

keep coming back for more folks ...

see u at the next gig.