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
