tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50458951459722618682024-03-13T17:01:17.665+00:00Minty And The Beeb Go GiggingA place to capture our memories of the gigs we seeMinty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-51512431681871120812021-11-06T23:30:00.175+00:002021-11-15T11:02:40.798+00:00SPYGENIUS<p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">The Oval Tavern</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Oval Road, Croydon</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">6th November 2021</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxJQkn504OA/YYkSaRd8WAI/AAAAAAAAGG4/87LWA9xJJ5YqsQXMmO1WBJp8ssxGUZWNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20211106_224832.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxJQkn504OA/YYkSaRd8WAI/AAAAAAAAGG4/87LWA9xJJ5YqsQXMmO1WBJp8ssxGUZWNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20211106_224832.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br />We first met this band at the annual Liverpool International Pop Overthrow Festival a good many moons ago and after seeing them for a couple of successive years, we became friends and take the chance when we can, to see them play outside the IPO universe.<p></p><p>A 4 piece of drums, keyboard, guitar (more often than not, a jangly 12 string) and bass, Spygenius are a mix of powerpop, surf, pysch, jangle pop and a little nod to ska with a good dose of all round fun thrown in. They have a good back catalogue of original material and are just about to launch their next CD, all recorded during the Covid lockdown on phones and laptops before being expertly spliced together to give what is an album of pretty fine versions of an eclectic mix of covers.</p><p>Tonight's gig was a solid straight 2 hours without a break, which just flew by and included older material alongside their more recent songs. A strength of this band is that all four members sing so the backing for the lead vocal is very strong. The older songs sounded really great so we will be digging those CDs out again to give them another listen. The sound was really good to the extent that we could actually hear all of the words, rather then them being buried in the overall mix, as tends to happen at the IPO venues. And it is important to hear the words being sung by this band, as the lyrics are invariably very clever and intellectual. Then you get the catchy "Pineapple Drive" which is basically infectious fun which you can't help tapping your feet to and bopping in your seat.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMZtci9Md4Y/YYkSh1A6_MI/AAAAAAAAGG8/ZEeonXbizdQiEIZkYSH0VRQ2XqmbfIXcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20211106_225059.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMZtci9Md4Y/YYkSh1A6_MI/AAAAAAAAGG8/ZEeonXbizdQiEIZkYSH0VRQ2XqmbfIXcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20211106_225059.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A couple of stand out songs tonight were "Cafe Emery Hill" which would sit very comfortably on a Ray Davies/Kinks record and "Get Over Yourself". And did we get "Dumb Angels" at the end of one song? That 4 piece vocal harmony was lovely.</p><p>Mid way through the set, a sombre but touching tone befell the band as they did a song recorded by The Jazz Butcher, an 80's indie band headed by Pat Fish who recently passed away, and was known to the band. A fitting tribute.</p><p>What we know as "The Shouty Song" is a firm favourite of ours, giving the bass player the chance to offload the bass and become a punk star for a couple of minutes. Pure brilliant and another song with great lyrics and was a powerful way to end the night.</p><p>The Oval boasts of being passionate about live music and they certainly do have a full schedule. Tonight the place was as full as it could be considering that the pub is still not allowing standing and we were glad we reserved a table. There was a mix of locals and friends of the band, resulting in a great atmosphere and appreciative audience.</p><p>We are so glad that live music is back.</p><p><a href="http://spygenius.co.uk" target="_blank">Click HERE for the Spygenius website</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbN8326ZeDI/YYkTwSuH7wI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/9YawAPRqT2g5WVZ3O4Y0T4iGhb-9YqAoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20211106_211622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1402" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbN8326ZeDI/YYkTwSuH7wI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/9YawAPRqT2g5WVZ3O4Y0T4iGhb-9YqAoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20211106_211622.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aEJ9qoOhrA/YYkT0-cyrwI/AAAAAAAAGHU/OlFszjaRyY8zM_xJr-bIVgbRF08LIJx8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20211107_003001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aEJ9qoOhrA/YYkT0-cyrwI/AAAAAAAAGHU/OlFszjaRyY8zM_xJr-bIVgbRF08LIJx8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20211107_003001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofing around at the end</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-62754537076054860692021-10-27T23:30:00.023+01:002021-11-15T11:00:59.794+00:00CLIFF RICHARD<p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>Royal Albert Hall</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>London</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>Wednesday 27th October 2021</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p>And we are back...... our first big gig since lock down restrictions eased. Postponed from what would have been Sir Cliff's 80th birthday last year, we were really looking forward to this gig.</p><p>Seated up in the Gods (Rausing Circle), we had an unrestricted view where the sound was absolutely fantastic as we were pretty much level with the huge sound system.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1nMuvhlQ8c/YYkYpKb457I/AAAAAAAAGHo/0HTY0eEJngA59x3yyuxicbGmDuuG-ZFbACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20211027_201104.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1nMuvhlQ8c/YYkYpKb457I/AAAAAAAAGHo/0HTY0eEJngA59x3yyuxicbGmDuuG-ZFbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20211027_201104.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br />The set began with "Wired For Sound" and during the best part of 2 hours, we got a bit from just about every one of the 7 decades he has been recording. With his vast back catalogue, how do you choose a set? There is so much choice. What do you leave out? He got around this a little bit by doing a medley of shortened versions of his oldies, which included the audience singing back with The Young One's version of "Living Doll", and a medley of "Carrie" and "Devil Woman".<p></p><p>He looked good, he sounded great and gave us a really enjoyable show.</p><p>The highlight was of course, the never aging "Miss You Nights" - always guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye.</p><p>It was another "oldie" to tick off, although the way Cliff was moving and sounding, he is not going to be leaving us anytime soon and we might just get the opportunity to see him again. During the show, Cliff gave a nod to Bruce Welch who was in one of the boxes watching the show.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx_28zlYfwY/YYkYyxLtFoI/AAAAAAAAGHs/3_BXD2_O6u8sK6XQ5siyMoItY685WVeRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2611/20211027_214406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="2611" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx_28zlYfwY/YYkYyxLtFoI/AAAAAAAAGHs/3_BXD2_O6u8sK6XQ5siyMoItY685WVeRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h185/20211027_214406.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--waRpYYrsQo/YYkYG2GLf4I/AAAAAAAAGHg/vY83ZqZvCV0Egojo2aN4xTgMm-gPE36DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20211027_221648.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--waRpYYrsQo/YYkYG2GLf4I/AAAAAAAAGHg/vY83ZqZvCV0Egojo2aN4xTgMm-gPE36DQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20211027_221648.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bags of Merchandise!!!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-32375972639726561062019-01-28T00:34:00.000+00:002019-01-28T00:35:05.371+00:00RONNIE SPECTOR & THE RONETTES<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">THE ROUNDHOUSE</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">CAMDEN</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY 2019</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Minty has loved the Girl Group sound since before she was a teenager and tonight she saw that historic sound recreated to perfection on a live stage.<br />
<br />
Backed by drums, bass, guitar, two keyboards, a horn section and two "Ronettes", Ronnie Spector walked onto the stage to great applause.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S15A40s5h80/XE5E95F8bsI/AAAAAAAAECk/YKZBl-4LZHYcAVEW2kpaonyQ2s4RyYySgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S15A40s5h80/XE5E95F8bsI/AAAAAAAAECk/YKZBl-4LZHYcAVEW2kpaonyQ2s4RyYySgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1904.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The show kicked off with "Baby I Love You" and that set the bar really high for the rest of the show. With a backdrop of film and photos being shown, in between songs Ronnie shared memories of her time as a Ronette, ranging from their appearance on the Dick Clark show, being on tour with The Rolling Stones, time with Johnny Thunders, the way they got into the Peppermint Bar in NYC when they were mistaken for the dancers to recall just a few of the stories.<br />
<br />
Ronnie's voice was amazing, and the band really did recreate that wall of sound. She encouraged people up to the front, and started to shake hands as she walked along the front of the stage. The Beeb did not need any extra encouragement and he raced to the front and shook her hand and she blew him a kiss too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gect0uZsPdI/XE5E-CcTXqI/AAAAAAAAECo/J_Yj2VuAhtwOPX_pua7A4zG3a1enheSWACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gect0uZsPdI/XE5E-CcTXqI/AAAAAAAAECo/J_Yj2VuAhtwOPX_pua7A4zG3a1enheSWACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Highlights were "Walking In The Rain", "Be My Baby", a fab version of "Don't Worry Baby" and the surprise inclusion (because it got The Ronettes back on the Billboard chart last year), of "Sleigh Ride" complete with the clip clop of reindeer hooves!<br />
<br />
She also included a lovely tribute to her "Big Sis" Estelle, who passed away 10 years ago, with a cover of The Bee Gees "How Do You Mend A Broken Heart" which brought a few tears to her eyes.<br />
<br />
The encore started with a lovely tribute to Amy Whitehouse, with film of her looking at a Ronettes album in a record store, and talking about how they had inspired her, and then Ronnie covered "Back To Black" which set the whole of the Roundhouse on fire. Amy's mum, who was in the audience and has been a friend of Ronnie's for some time, must have been very moved by this tribute in Camden.<br />
<br />
With the addition of a 24 piece choir, the night rounded off with "I Can Hear Music", before she walked off the stage to a standing ovation, rapturous applause and lots of whistles. She nailed it and she knew she did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NWskSLTlrA/XE5E-McQhaI/AAAAAAAAECs/B1TDQawwlvgTh3j8c-_ynB_Kr6c-tN3mwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NWskSLTlrA/XE5E-McQhaI/AAAAAAAAECs/B1TDQawwlvgTh3j8c-_ynB_Kr6c-tN3mwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1915.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Videos below<br />
Walking In The rain (part)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Bwsk4O6-2rc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bwsk4O6-2rc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Don't Worry Baby</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZHbcJtDM-F8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZHbcJtDM-F8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Be My Baby</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y8FHxaSGGSc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y8FHxaSGGSc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I Can Hear Music</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DnX2OVoO5t8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DnX2OVoO5t8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-51652241485529892432018-12-22T23:13:00.000+00:002019-09-20T16:06:59.009+01:00BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>MICROSOFT THEATRE,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>L.A. LIVE, 777 CHICK HEARN COURT, LOS ANGELES</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>SATURDAY 22ND DECEMBER 2018</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nnldDYaWZ8/XFcxyvw-IkI/AAAAAAAAEXo/hsOFsl5IgKoRaQpvUJlmyNn0O6nRWZV_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nnldDYaWZ8/XFcxyvw-IkI/AAAAAAAAEXo/hsOFsl5IgKoRaQpvUJlmyNn0O6nRWZV_ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We have seen Brian Setzer on his own and with The Stray Cats but never with his Orchestra and never with his Christmas show.<br />
Being in Los Angeles at Christmas gave us the opportunity to experience the "Christmas Rocks! Tour".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cvh2h9rbrQ/XFcxv8SouxI/AAAAAAAAEXA/zF3lxnKAw08Ddt-rVUtR6guePacqMubBgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cvh2h9rbrQ/XFcxv8SouxI/AAAAAAAAEXA/zF3lxnKAw08Ddt-rVUtR6guePacqMubBgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1460.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Security was tight at the Theatre, with bags searches creating lengthy queues.<br />
<br />
Once inside, there was a section of the lobby with Brian Setzer's guitars. The public could try these and have their photos taken, but the queue for that was really long so we had to pass on that one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oINzdJpZm0Y/XFcxv2wvLQI/AAAAAAAAEW8/hepuGLgNlxIQtCO49F1AN7qV0TrHp0kywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oINzdJpZm0Y/XFcxv2wvLQI/AAAAAAAAEW8/hepuGLgNlxIQtCO49F1AN7qV0TrHp0kywCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1459.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nEIkWrmY14/XFcxwrhxSII/AAAAAAAAEXI/Mou23H6M3LAnsNYVzlGtlcyTger4WF_cgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nEIkWrmY14/XFcxwrhxSII/AAAAAAAAEXI/Mou23H6M3LAnsNYVzlGtlcyTger4WF_cgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1462.JPG" width="240" /></a>The minute Brian Setzer walked on the stage, the crowd were on their feet cheering and the majority remained standing for the whole show.<br />
<br />
The show was really fantastic, and works with the Big Band. Full on energy, high octane performance great sound, and a really up for it audience - all ingredients that produced a fabulous show. No wonder these Christmas shows sell out.<br />
<br />
Brian Setzer sure knows how to rock and bring everyone along with him. The set was a mixture of Christmas songs, covers and Stray Cats numbers and the encore with the Nut Cracker Suite was something else which the crowd went wild about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsXftl_uLVI/XFcxw4_ZWpI/AAAAAAAAEXM/Fa1yrW06fzAAohGYfDEIK2O7rXFE6C5BACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsXftl_uLVI/XFcxw4_ZWpI/AAAAAAAAEXM/Fa1yrW06fzAAohGYfDEIK2O7rXFE6C5BACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1464.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-yT7zWVU3E/XFcxxA4cBKI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/OTBdYV26aWQrlqr8ocn_3ooDCXkYxpVGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-yT7zWVU3E/XFcxxA4cBKI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/OTBdYV26aWQrlqr8ocn_3ooDCXkYxpVGACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1466.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64yVx1JopzY/XFcxxUCEhQI/AAAAAAAAEXU/V8KdR-Q8jGYP7ID3hF0WpEapMuQJB8EpwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64yVx1JopzY/XFcxxUCEhQI/AAAAAAAAEXU/V8KdR-Q8jGYP7ID3hF0WpEapMuQJB8EpwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1469.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrv3EJAzLbI/XFcxxg75HgI/AAAAAAAAEXY/Rfscp4Tkf0MpU3JzqHMJK4mF3q3z-zKvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrv3EJAzLbI/XFcxxg75HgI/AAAAAAAAEXY/Rfscp4Tkf0MpU3JzqHMJK4mF3q3z-zKvACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1470.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtiyqK2nUE0/XFcxx-41LZI/AAAAAAAAEXc/umdLjSd3-iw_1kn7rcPLFo2jJ-wJo21MQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtiyqK2nUE0/XFcxx-41LZI/AAAAAAAAEXc/umdLjSd3-iw_1kn7rcPLFo2jJ-wJo21MQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1471.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTiUPKoJd0k/XFcxyKgEuXI/AAAAAAAAEXg/anAJYxFqwDshHdztEeIlfFM9-SrMcke0gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTiUPKoJd0k/XFcxyKgEuXI/AAAAAAAAEXg/anAJYxFqwDshHdztEeIlfFM9-SrMcke0gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1474.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HG50A9VK9uM/XFcxyUA8uuI/AAAAAAAAEXk/dHSXNRMRriklijzMLknyJ8jlOIz0W3v9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HG50A9VK9uM/XFcxyUA8uuI/AAAAAAAAEXk/dHSXNRMRriklijzMLknyJ8jlOIz0W3v9QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1478.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Set List</u></b><br />
Dig That Crazy Santa Claus<br />
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree<br />
Gettin' in the Mood (For Christmas)<br />
Stray Cat Strut<br />
Boogie Woogie Santa Claus<br />
Gene and Eddie<br />
Angels We Have Heard on High<br />
Runaway Boys<br />
Jump, Jive an' Wail<br />
Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)<br />
The Dirty Boogie<br />
Hey Bulldog<br />
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas<br />
Tribute to Roy Clark<br />
Rockabilly Boogie<br />
Ring of Fire<br />
Fishnet Stockings<br />
Rock This Town<br />
<br />
Encore:<br />
Nutcracker Suite<br />
Jingle Bells<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-52118878455796450742018-12-21T20:00:00.000+00:002019-09-20T16:06:51.711+01:00BRIAN WILSON - Christmas Show<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>CERRITOS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>18000 PARK PLAZA DRIVE, CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>Friday 21st December 2019</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
In November 1964, The Beach Boys released their Christmas Album. In November 2018, 54 years later, Brian Wilson took it on the road and the tour reached Orange County on 21st December.<br />
<br />
This was a new show for us, having experienced a greatest hits around Pet Sounds Live for the last few years and we were looking forward to it.<br />
<br />
The stage was decorated all Christmassy and the venue was pretty full. with a few odd empty seats. We had first row seats on the first tier balcony....... high enough to not have heads in the way and also not too far back from the stage.<br />
<br />
There was no messing about as Brian and his band took to the stage and started immediately with Side 1, Track 1.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIzXDZoSuM4/XFcqjylD1RI/AAAAAAAAEVs/rcXgDrgrkmEtTUxr5TCw-hdLE7ZBDtLOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIzXDZoSuM4/XFcqjylD1RI/AAAAAAAAEVs/rcXgDrgrkmEtTUxr5TCw-hdLE7ZBDtLOACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1401.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtKexhVq1yk/XFcqmBonW_I/AAAAAAAAEWY/UBCfaWFRhPAFxbaUcZbLjYgbqroTVyk9gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtKexhVq1yk/XFcqmBonW_I/AAAAAAAAEWY/UBCfaWFRhPAFxbaUcZbLjYgbqroTVyk9gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1433.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Brian was middle centre, behind a white Baby Grand, and seemed to be on form tonight, contributing to the vocals.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAtKBmiv1vI/XFcqivIKDkI/AAAAAAAAEWo/PQyS66IjNN8jeKeUjwwP2L5PEiU1uhZ4QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAtKBmiv1vI/XFcqivIKDkI/AAAAAAAAEWo/PQyS66IjNN8jeKeUjwwP2L5PEiU1uhZ4QCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The main vocals seemed to come from new addition to the band, and son-in-law Rob Bonfiglio who delivered superb falsetto and lead vocals across the whole show. He did not dominate the stage, but there was something electric about him that drew your eye to him, be it his voice, his little shimmys, the way he played the sleigh bells or just his obvious enthusiasm for being up there. That enthusiasm had also rippled through the rest of the band, who had a good mood and vibe about them, and were much more energised and together versus some of the shows we had caught over the last couple of years where delivering Pet Sounds (again) had seemed to have signs of the band just going through the motions to deliver a show.<br />
<br />
Al Jardine's voice has remained strong and he is a a formidable force in the band, adding so much harmony to the overall sound.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9_4m7ApnGQ/XFcqkhuIx8I/AAAAAAAAEWw/GdXb04nLJ8EFAV0qPXQwpAKK5Csd-EAqwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9_4m7ApnGQ/XFcqkhuIx8I/AAAAAAAAEWw/GdXb04nLJ8EFAV0qPXQwpAKK5Csd-EAqwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1409.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After the last track of side 2, we got some more Christmas songs, taken from Brian Wilson's own solo Christmas album and other Beach Boys recordings, before the finale was built up with some of the hits.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_M4sRiY3m00/XFcqjcOdG0I/AAAAAAAAEWs/qcded5Azq1Ur91ge25zBkEAniQX-tIU5wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_M4sRiY3m00/XFcqjcOdG0I/AAAAAAAAEWs/qcded5Azq1Ur91ge25zBkEAniQX-tIU5wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1398.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Blondie Chaplin got his spot with a superb version of Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run". He was on fire tonight and had spotted a blonde lady in one of the boxes to the side of the auditorium and he spent the rest of the show flirting with her!!<br />
<br />
During "Good Vibrations", The Beeb made his contribution to the show from his seat - the "hum de dums" that were added to the Brian Wilson solo SMiLE version. Afterwards we got a message from Probyn saying "That was YOU lot on Good Vibes!! Next time I am calling security". Well, actually it was only The Beeb doing them, but it was funny to know that it had been heard on the stage!!! The guys sitting next to us recognised The Beeb's version,<br />
<br />
There was no encore as such as the band did not leave the stage, but once Fun Fun Fun finished, the band introductions were done, and then we were treated to a superb vocal from Rob Bonfliglio on "White Christmas" before the band gathered around Brian at the piano and sent us on our way with "Auld Lang Syne".<br />
Other Christmas highlights of the show were a jazzy style "Frosty The Snowman", a reggae style "Blue Christmas" with Blondie on lead vocal, and "Winter Symphony".<br />
<br />
Some more photos of the band, and then a couple of videos at the end you can check out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZN1BBkAO4A/XFcqijo3IvI/AAAAAAAAEWk/D2E5KjBlAOwuDcM23ZJzdusMV4eyfOfgQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZN1BBkAO4A/XFcqijo3IvI/AAAAAAAAEWk/D2E5KjBlAOwuDcM23ZJzdusMV4eyfOfgQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1393.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Paul Von Mertens</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNYwqPyVGMU/XFcql44F-BI/AAAAAAAAEWs/30L6gPSuA40wqfHmd4uG5TAMRZbCUXnhwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNYwqPyVGMU/XFcql44F-BI/AAAAAAAAEWs/30L6gPSuA40wqfHmd4uG5TAMRZbCUXnhwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1430.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Al Jardine</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_Hhzs2laK4/XFcqi338uEI/AAAAAAAAEW0/shuyAUfd948BN3I7VS6vWQeiLWnLr6UlwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_Hhzs2laK4/XFcqi338uEI/AAAAAAAAEW0/shuyAUfd948BN3I7VS6vWQeiLWnLr6UlwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1396.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blondie Chaplin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i54EQQlyZ2E/XFcqjvl68WI/AAAAAAAAEWw/lM-rvWKc02ca3HwTlz8oJa2-XKpmwisLACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i54EQQlyZ2E/XFcqjvl68WI/AAAAAAAAEWw/lM-rvWKc02ca3HwTlz8oJa2-XKpmwisLACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1399.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Probyn Gregory</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z97x5qPTgcQ/XFcqkV1lqKI/AAAAAAAAEWc/7bGUU0YOJs4WV8ZHlFdt_-eNeuoKKJO0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z97x5qPTgcQ/XFcqkV1lqKI/AAAAAAAAEWc/7bGUU0YOJs4WV8ZHlFdt_-eNeuoKKJO0gCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1402.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gary Griffin & Darian Sahanaja</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlrrACdCV0E/XFcqkZrjU3I/AAAAAAAAEW0/IVMzinWd3ukG8UJWUEBCd-LKVDa3ECXTgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlrrACdCV0E/XFcqkZrjU3I/AAAAAAAAEW0/IVMzinWd3ukG8UJWUEBCd-LKVDa3ECXTgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1406.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jim Lespesa</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHaosfOBpEI/XFcqk3_I2PI/AAAAAAAAEWg/vAMjFLks9Rc2AYCGbCrvO9Zt9_QAzbgKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHaosfOBpEI/XFcqk3_I2PI/AAAAAAAAEWg/vAMjFLks9Rc2AYCGbCrvO9Zt9_QAzbgKwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1418.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Probyn Gregory</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o9oDY8Wo69w/XFcqlK7vPKI/AAAAAAAAEWw/Dmr7Z-OiiYYkLzye1p_6N9pNFCt-BHv_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o9oDY8Wo69w/XFcqlK7vPKI/AAAAAAAAEWw/Dmr7Z-OiiYYkLzye1p_6N9pNFCt-BHv_wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1421.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rob Bonfliglio</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mx3RRzCZHg/XFcqlK_LYAI/AAAAAAAAEWo/3_LpE3HQA74tzBXZvx7x86KoNVyTbIhvQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mx3RRzCZHg/XFcqlK_LYAI/AAAAAAAAEWo/3_LpE3HQA74tzBXZvx7x86KoNVyTbIhvQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1423.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gary Griffin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ1PByHJMqo/XFcqljaVUSI/AAAAAAAAEWo/l7WQPgri6EYj0B-ShFwAf5mtpMkg0r9EQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ1PByHJMqo/XFcqljaVUSI/AAAAAAAAEWo/l7WQPgri6EYj0B-ShFwAf5mtpMkg0r9EQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1425.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6p3PfnwDvxE/XFcqlSg8ZoI/AAAAAAAAEWk/Ap-iSwO19t0wyd1FNCypzNUzlAshsqMCgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6p3PfnwDvxE/XFcqlSg8ZoI/AAAAAAAAEWk/Ap-iSwO19t0wyd1FNCypzNUzlAshsqMCgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1426.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Darian Sahanaja</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7htdSce6Yw/XFcql88npmI/AAAAAAAAEW0/ppdItuJ8yT4b_ykjdhyeolxyEPr8oTY2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7htdSce6Yw/XFcql88npmI/AAAAAAAAEW0/ppdItuJ8yT4b_ykjdhyeolxyEPr8oTY2QCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1431.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike D'Amico</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtKexhVq1yk/XFcqmBonW_I/AAAAAAAAEWw/kobYI7duCUoumEDq7fj-Zt-KTaTkgn1kQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtKexhVq1yk/XFcqmBonW_I/AAAAAAAAEWw/kobYI7duCUoumEDq7fj-Zt-KTaTkgn1kQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1433.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
End of Fun, Fun, Fun<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bSJs88FfDKA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bSJs88FfDKA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
White Christmas</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rPK97Fc55uA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rPK97Fc55uA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Auld Lang Syne</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIyXF3iDIyY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RIyXF3iDIyY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Set List</u></b><br />
<br />
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Little Saint Nick<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Man With All the Toys<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Santa's Beard<br />
4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Merry Christmas, Baby<br />
5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christmas Day<br />
6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Frosty the Snowman<br />
7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We Three Kings of Orient Are<br />
8.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Santa Claus Is Coming to Town<br />
9.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I'll Be Home for Christmas (If Only in My Dreams)<br />
10.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Blue Christmas<br />
11.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christmasey<br />
12.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On Christmas Day<br />
13.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Winter Symphony<br />
14.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christmas Time Is Here Again<br />
15.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Holy Night<br />
16.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Run Rudolph Run<br />
17.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wouldn't It Be Nice<br />
18.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sloop John B<br />
19.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God Only Knows<br />
20.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Darlin'<br />
21.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sail On, Sailor<br />
22.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Good Vibrations<br />
23.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Help Me, Rhonda<br />
24.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Barbara Ann<br />
25.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Surfin' U.S.A.<br />
26.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fun, Fun, Fun<br />
27.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>White Christmas<br />
28.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Auld Lang Syne<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-67776553360819579692018-05-15T00:00:00.000+01:002018-05-16T12:38:59.332+01:00IPO LIVERPOOL DAY 1 (Tuesday)<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Cavern Pub and Cavern Club</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mathew Street, Liverpool</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The annual International Pop Overthrow Festival spans 8 days and features around 150 bands. T</span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">his festival goes a long way to keep music live and give some great bands the chance to showcase their music to an audience who may never hear about them otherwise.</span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The artists range from a solo singer/songwriter with an acoustic guitar to a full on rock band and loads in between! During the festival we try to see as many artists as possible, some are good, some are not so good, and some are wee nuggets. This blog is our own personal review and where an act may not our cup of tea, they are still worth checking out as they may be yours.</span> </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Bands seen today:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A View of Earth From The Moon, WHY NOT NOW, David Luke, Twister, The Aim, Jose Estragos Band, Edgar Road, The trip Takers, Watchtower, Jack Bartlett, Last Fakers</b></span><br />
<br />
(we apologise for the quality of the photos - the red lighting in the cavern Pub make decent pics impossible!!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mE8StNMPaF8/WvwL4kJyBBI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/UdGU1rhKWJEu7NrOJ9IsYIcBFnQnN1EcwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mE8StNMPaF8/WvwL4kJyBBI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/UdGU1rhKWJEu7NrOJ9IsYIcBFnQnN1EcwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_9272.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A View Of Earth From the Moon</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 16th Liverpool IPO kicked off, as always in the Cavern Pub and it started off well.<br />
<br />
Jon Fickes, aka <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">A View Of Earth From The Moon</span></b> had come all the way from Seattle to delight us.<br />
<br />
Usually he would have a band, but today he was flying solo, just him, an acoustic guitar and a box full of harmonicas. More often than not, we find that a solo guy trying to so songs usually done with a band fall a bit short, but not in Jon's case. He proved the point that good songs will stand out no matter how stripped down they are.<br />
<br />
We suppose you could liken him to Dylan, but his voice is 1000 times stronger and more tuneful. He was everything good about a guy with a guitar on his own. He was also very gracious to the audience, who really did seem to appreciate the 30 minutes. We have to like this guy - any American who says he is looking forward to drinking his weight in Stella in a bit of a bad ass!<br />
<br />
Next up was a local band from Liverpool whose name shouts at you because it is all in upper case!! - <span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">WHY NOT NOW</span><span style="color: #990000;">.</span></b></span> Despite some decent backing vocals from the bassist and the other guitarist, the main lead vocals really dominated and whilst he had a strong and distinctive voice, it did get a bit samey after three or four songs. Their set was rocking enough, but the over-powering lead vocal really distracted from what should have been an actual band sound. We think some of the problem may have been down to him. More of that later though.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtRaR1Tcwqk/WvwL4YdS_cI/AAAAAAAAD3I/jX39vKcJ-7AxMRF7oEFT-DwpF1mC9J-ogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtRaR1Tcwqk/WvwL4YdS_cI/AAAAAAAAD3I/jX39vKcJ-7AxMRF7oEFT-DwpF1mC9J-ogCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_9287.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>WHY NOT NOW</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpapXXPS1Zs/WvwL4mmbR4I/AAAAAAAAD3M/EmFiMgWaf1MoP76Jc3FqfouC6OuMHyeogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpapXXPS1Zs/WvwL4mmbR4I/AAAAAAAAD3M/EmFiMgWaf1MoP76Jc3FqfouC6OuMHyeogCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9294.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>David Luke</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had not intended to catch <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">David Luke</span></b> as our IPO research had revealed him as a covers' artist who uses backing tracks. However, he had a full band behind him today which took<br />
around 25 minutes to set up! Way too long for an IPO set.<br />
<br />
Once they got going we were impressed, and surprised to hear original material. The songs were toe tappers and they ended strongly on a song called "Country Girl" which was a bit of a nod to Keith Urban's style. We actually enjoyed their set, although introducing each and every single song with the hoary old "And it goes like this" had some of our company in giggles!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjNblZNsW6c/WvwL5NLS26I/AAAAAAAAD3U/LBqwb9kuedUgOGb1AnsAbhQ5FyZsA-7EwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjNblZNsW6c/WvwL5NLS26I/AAAAAAAAD3U/LBqwb9kuedUgOGb1AnsAbhQ5FyZsA-7EwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twister</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up was <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Twister</b></span>. We have seen this heavy rock band last year and in the pub they do more of an acoustic set before wheeling in their Marshall Stacks for their Back Stage slot later on! So, the pub it was then!!!<br />
<br />
They look like a heavy rock band - tousled hair, black t shirts and jeans. Both the guitarists are good singers and with the acoustic set, can be heard no problem.<br />
<br />
They did Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and really made it their own. We'd like to have seen the electric set, but experience taught us it's not worth the bother as it would have only been good songs made intolerable by painful, unnecessary volume.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We caught the last 20 minutes of the set from <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Aim</b></span>. A bunch of upbeat Cockney lads and a gal. Their sound was mod rock/ska/soul and drew in quite a large gathering in the Back Stage. The lead singer had a lot of character, and their whole set was very energetic. We liked them. You just know they would rock any pub gig they play in.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clNRoM1ZQjE/WvwNDYu0njI/AAAAAAAAD3o/6UvZN0aN8nIk19tBJccVwkFCmy5gITZrgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clNRoM1ZQjE/WvwNDYu0njI/AAAAAAAAD3o/6UvZN0aN8nIk19tBJccVwkFCmy5gITZrgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9299.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Aim</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oiF8cOggbx0/WvwNEPlxmWI/AAAAAAAAD3s/QnOnItdk2Ioh8-6B1ZPCp-bSJXGc_87DgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oiF8cOggbx0/WvwNEPlxmWI/AAAAAAAAD3s/QnOnItdk2Ioh8-6B1ZPCp-bSJXGc_87DgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jose Estragos Band</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spain always delivers at the IPO, and <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Jose Estragos Band</b></span> have appeared just about every year.<br />
<br />
It is not often we actually get to see them so we made a point of seeing their Back Stage slot today.<br />
<br />
They stay true to their roots with the majority of their set is sung in Spanish, but today the audience were appreciative of covers of "That Thing You Do" and also The Ramones' "California Sun". This is the sound the Cavern was built for!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Edgar Road</b></span> from Elgin rocked the front stage. The drummer was very good, pounding the tom drum a lot. Their sound was rock infused with a bit of symphonic keyboard without being Prog Rock! The keyboard player really did enjoy herself and her vocals added a lot to the overall sound.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEhKK6GNuVY/WvwNEGaIKNI/AAAAAAAAD3w/hqjzNc93CDYOqOunV6IW8W-9EBZDq8fhwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEhKK6GNuVY/WvwNEGaIKNI/AAAAAAAAD3w/hqjzNc93CDYOqOunV6IW8W-9EBZDq8fhwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_9308.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Edgar Road</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_QylV1XhZU/WvwNFEyOuAI/AAAAAAAAD30/u9_zPI6D6IsgSSmZXP-XHx01DUa6i_x2ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_QylV1XhZU/WvwNFEyOuAI/AAAAAAAAD30/u9_zPI6D6IsgSSmZXP-XHx01DUa6i_x2ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Trip Takers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Scicilian band <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Trip Takers</b></span> were one we had really wanted to catch as they have a Mod/Psych with a hint of Beatle sound.<br />
<br />
Tonight was not good for them. The sound engineer really struggled to get any balance (again) and everything was muddy. It was obvious the band were not happy and things were not gelling.<br />
<br />
Also, maybe their English is not too good as they did not engage with the audience at all....... apparently they had vinyls for sale, but as they did not tell anyone, I guess they did not sell any!<br />
<br />
We saw <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Watchtower</b></span> in 2015 when they announced at the end of their set that they were calling it a day and splitting up, with the gig that night being their last. We had really liked them so were really pleased to find they have reformed and were on this years' bill.<br />
Even though they were a three piece (as opposed to a four piece in 2015), we were not disappointed. They have personality, and the bass player got a wiggle on from the start, hopping around or shimmying. They had a great beat and the lead singer gave a few interludes from time to time of surf like guitar complete with whammy bar, on his Gretsch. They were fun and finished up on a cover of Led Zep's "Rock and Roll" with the Bass player taking the lead vocal, doing a fine impersonation of Robert Plant. Brilliant set.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R4STuQNFbro/WvwNLVyRBYI/AAAAAAAAD38/y5vHFpDYFiIKtx2mj88VLrdPgvVNteTfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R4STuQNFbro/WvwNLVyRBYI/AAAAAAAAD38/y5vHFpDYFiIKtx2mj88VLrdPgvVNteTfwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9316.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Watchtower</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Cx7mKBefo/WvwNHnu_6kI/AAAAAAAAD34/ymZCEQ8x0FoSPn3KiSz13UAzr5bptpWHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Cx7mKBefo/WvwNHnu_6kI/AAAAAAAAD34/ymZCEQ8x0FoSPn3KiSz13UAzr5bptpWHwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_9319.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jack Bartlett</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All the way from Devon, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Jack Bartlett</b></span>, in a smart Mod style suit and a slightly gravelly voice opened his set by going straight into a cover of The Jam's "That's Entertainment"before he introduced himself.<br />
<br />
His set of eleven songs had 7 covers in it. The four songs of original material were actually extremely good, in particular stand out songs were "I Can't Help Myself" and "10,000 Dreams" where you can hear his mod and 60's influence shine through. His original material is usually done with a 5 piece band but the fact that the songs sounded great with just Jack and an acoustic guitar is testament to the quality of the songs - they really stood out.<br />
<br />
We wish he had ditched some of the covers and had the confidence to do more of his own songs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We stayed for the last band, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Last Fakers</b></span>. This was another band with sound issues, but not really the fault of the sound engineer this time. They just would not turn down, and the drummer beat seven shades of s@@! out of the drums which along with the bass, just drowned out the vocals and the harmonica player. Every time the sound engineer adjusted their volumes, they just turned it all back up. Seriously, there was absolutely no point in the harmonica player being there at all. It was as if none of the band knew what a sound balance was meant to achieve. Each and every one of them seemed to just want to be the loudest. We left sharpish!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-41801366539042257432017-08-19T23:30:00.000+01:002017-08-24T22:34:52.488+01:00SURFIN' LUNGS<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Rising Sun Arts Centre,</span></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Silver Street, Reading</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Saturday 19th August 2017</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We have seen many Surfin' Lungs gigs over the years and never get tired of seeing them. Tonight it was a special gig to celebrate the launch of their latest album, Surf Factor 8 on red Vinyl.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVA4JLLBmts/WZ8Vfrqc8sI/AAAAAAAAD2c/If237tUxKbcLVRsHoLfOG6m8SfWgPx0LgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVA4JLLBmts/WZ8Vfrqc8sI/AAAAAAAAD2c/If237tUxKbcLVRsHoLfOG6m8SfWgPx0LgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7222.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Two support acts, Horse Rock an amusing, masked surf instrumental band and Psych punk band Go Go Cult warmed everyone up (literally as the room was very hot!) before the Surfin' Lungs powered through a brilliant set of old and new songs.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Their musical career spans 30 years so there is a wealth of material to pick for a set list and tonight it was really balanced between songs from their very first vinyl release "Cowabunga" ("389", "Who Stole the Summer", "Quasimodo a Go Go" and "Down At The B-Club"), and then one or two from each subsequent release, right up to songs from that new vinyl Surf factor 8 and a few covers thrown in too. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The encore was "Pray For Sun", again from their first release and a cover, "Peppermint Twist".</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLRl3xyFwig/WZ8VggfxBAI/AAAAAAAAD2s/96MkF-72vNcR0PN8iHloYKyYJQs-W9gagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLRl3xyFwig/WZ8VggfxBAI/AAAAAAAAD2s/96MkF-72vNcR0PN8iHloYKyYJQs-W9gagCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7235.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cA1DSWEffWY/WZ8VgC3pVRI/AAAAAAAAD2o/-S2zcbjsXO4QYJfASujusvdbJqsW9aotwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cA1DSWEffWY/WZ8VgC3pVRI/AAAAAAAAD2o/-S2zcbjsXO4QYJfASujusvdbJqsW9aotwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7227.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Highlights were "Where Young Men Go To Cry" which has a great "Be My Baby" Hal Blaine drum beat, the mafia influenced instrumental "The Godfather" which is definitely one of Minty's favourites and from their new album, "Don't Take My Baby". </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"The Beach Will Never Die" and "Pray For Sun" went down very well.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A good thing about the Lungs is that they have always kept true to their sound which means that one album is just as good as another and their set lists flow really well. They are high octane, fast paced but filled with great melodies and harmony. Think The Ramones meet The Beach Boys and you've got their sound.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Loved every second of this gig.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOTImUzGj9o/WZ8Vf6PdTGI/AAAAAAAAD2k/cd7b93uXs8UjpWSEgq5HL8rDQEOZ0NjUACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOTImUzGj9o/WZ8Vf6PdTGI/AAAAAAAAD2k/cd7b93uXs8UjpWSEgq5HL8rDQEOZ0NjUACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7224.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEmGRWgle8k/WZ8U9dYBlII/AAAAAAAAD2U/L7xVYG0u-1M7Xhn_Uuo8dvivJEMC5wXmgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEmGRWgle8k/WZ8U9dYBlII/AAAAAAAAD2U/L7xVYG0u-1M7Xhn_Uuo8dvivJEMC5wXmgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7240.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Surfin' Lungs (L-R Clive, Chris, Steve and Ray) promote the red Vinyl of "Surf factor 8"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-23362477367899690972017-08-03T23:30:00.000+01:002017-09-02T13:50:56.213+01:00BRIAN WILSON - PET SOUNDS TOUR<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">4 dates:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Galway International Arts Festival - Sunday 23rd July 2017</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin - Wednesday 26th July 2017</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Hammersmith Eventin Apollo, London - Tuesday 1st August 2017</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow - Thursday 3rd August 2017</span></b><br />
<br />
Rather than capture our thoughts on each concert individually, this is an overall view across our "mini tour".<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8ZOTL4PvNs/WZ71h3nzblI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/V0m6QvzmsWMT13ZL5S5w-fb5EV0xGjL7gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8ZOTL4PvNs/WZ71h3nzblI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/V0m6QvzmsWMT13ZL5S5w-fb5EV0xGjL7gCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6755.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brian Wilson - London</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7GqPFSFcls/WZ71h0wxFtI/AAAAAAAAD1w/BQ9eq2QvqvMyRNmfNPCqSLLgb21EKa7NgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7GqPFSFcls/WZ71h0wxFtI/AAAAAAAAD1w/BQ9eq2QvqvMyRNmfNPCqSLLgb21EKa7NgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6750.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beat Root Revival - London</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For all of the gigs we caught, there was a support act - <b>Beat Root Revival</b>, a duo made up of Ben Jones and Andrea Magee. We were really excited to hear that this duo, who are originally from Kent and Northern Ireland but are now based in Austin Texas,would be opening the Irish shows as we have known about Ben for quite a number of years.<br />
<br />
We have seen his previous bands The Lovedays and The Rifle Volunteers, as well as performing as himself at some of the International Pop Overthrow Festivals in Liverpool and London. A few years ago he went over to perform at one of the IPOs in the US and then made his home in Texas, where Beat Root Revival play regularly.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VyxTBEm08lw/WZ72ETWx8mI/AAAAAAAAD1w/05MKlkN4-gcLj-AMZwbHUq6lOZI-9pAEQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VyxTBEm08lw/WZ72ETWx8mI/AAAAAAAAD1w/05MKlkN4-gcLj-AMZwbHUq6lOZI-9pAEQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6813.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beat Root Revival - Glasgow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pair are two great personalities who really engage with the audience and they sounded great too.<br />
<br />
For the main part, Andrea played the Bodhran (that's the handheld Irish drum to a layman!) whilst providing some superb vocals and Ben amazed us with his slight of hand on the guitar, loops to give the extra backing, drum pedal to give that extra oomph and also some stunning vocals.<br />
<br />
We can hear the influence from Fleetwood Mac in their sound and indeed they included a cover of "Dreams", which Andrea played the tin whistle on which really added their own Beat Root Revival flourish on it to make it their own.<br />
<br />
Their own material is pretty fantastic too, and after seeing them play four times, we had some really firm favourites, such as The Cheese Song (officially "Forever"), "Instincts" and "Before It Gets Too Late" and we got their whole back catalogue from the Merch table.<br />
<br />
Their signing off song was a tribute to the Beatles, with a cover of "Come Together" which apart from the "shoot me" and the chorus, sounded nothing like the original, it was really refreshing. Eight minutes of Beat Root's take on the Beatles, performed in Glasgow can be seen at the bottom of the blog. Check out Ben's dexterity on the guitar!<br />
<br />
The people of Austin are lucky to be able to have the chance to see this pair play frequently in their adopted town. A few of the Brian Wilson fans we caught up with after the gigs commented on how good this duo was and how much they had enjoyed seeing them.<br />
<br />
What we really liked was their obvious delight at being asked to cover the support slot for Brian's shows. After years of attending Brian Wilson concerts as fans and being among the audience, to be able to share the stage must have been a dream come true.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt7KhHJgwkg/WZ705sfF6BI/AAAAAAAAD0o/8Ig-6VpvjfAIV-4MVySnfoGEY-KSgLmRgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6566%2BBeat%2BRoot%2BRevival%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt7KhHJgwkg/WZ705sfF6BI/AAAAAAAAD0o/8Ig-6VpvjfAIV-4MVySnfoGEY-KSgLmRgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6566%2BBeat%2BRoot%2BRevival%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A chance to say hello to Andrea and Ben in Galway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
And... to the main attraction........ The Brian Wilson shows were in two parts and each show was pretty much the same set with the exception of the Glasgow where the show was a bit shorter. Kicking off with "California Girls", the recognisable opening chords got everyone cheering and got the show off to a great start.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reZqfapUDZw/WZ7061TOCLI/AAAAAAAAD0o/T4owgxxY4D8wepa0prJ2pF-COCoVbwEngCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reZqfapUDZw/WZ7061TOCLI/AAAAAAAAD0o/T4owgxxY4D8wepa0prJ2pF-COCoVbwEngCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6599.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brian Wilson - Galway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZbIaXmXe-s/WZ72FUgjXuI/AAAAAAAAD1w/nKJqw9vKe4Qjk7bzSLkdh45yZo7z1eXAgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZbIaXmXe-s/WZ72FUgjXuI/AAAAAAAAD1w/nKJqw9vKe4Qjk7bzSLkdh45yZo7z1eXAgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6899.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Matt Jardine hits the falsettos</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brian was quite prominent on lead vocals for much of the performance, with Matt Jardine taking the falsetto parts in Pet Sounds, and the lead on "Don't Worry Baby" and "Let Him Run Wild". We were quite impressed with Matt on this tour and our appreciation of him grew considerably. We could see how much more comfortable he is with filling those higher notes when Brian trails off.<br />
<br />
<br />
Al Jardine covered the car song medley, and "California Saga" along with his leads on some of the Pet Sounds songs, his signature tune being "Sloop John B". He still has a great vocal range and a strong voice which really does add to the shows.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUazDYrstRU/WZ71irJVOfI/AAAAAAAAD1w/ZagRgnDUcvYOPHkB-1_ZTBvjklIkbyltgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUazDYrstRU/WZ71irJVOfI/AAAAAAAAD1w/ZagRgnDUcvYOPHkB-1_ZTBvjklIkbyltgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6761.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Al Jardine - London</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v46Vss1iyEg/WZ71j3y-TpI/AAAAAAAAD1w/LaBbA8q7IvIDbalhqL055dPHWL7cCwW0wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v46Vss1iyEg/WZ71j3y-TpI/AAAAAAAAD1w/LaBbA8q7IvIDbalhqL055dPHWL7cCwW0wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6766.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blondie Chaplin - London</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Blondie Chaplin, a Beach Boy in the early 70's during the Holland era, turned everything psych rock with his Shamen style moves, guitar shredding and strong vocals on "Wild Honey", "Sail On Sailor" and "Feel Flows" - the latter one being a surprise and an absolute treat to hear.<br />
<br />
<br />
He even sneaked onto stage during some of the other songs to lead the audience into a handclap during "Little Honda", or just shimmy around the stage playing the tambourine like he was casting some kind of magical spell over the show.<br />
<br />
<br />
During the Dublin gig, we saw him to the side of the stage, out of normal view, dancing wildly to the car songs!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHrqFJbQabs/WZ7057sp9xI/AAAAAAAAD0o/YgJAEojdwFwyJtxgLl-rjNT-0AhuGv7SgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHrqFJbQabs/WZ7057sp9xI/AAAAAAAAD0o/YgJAEojdwFwyJtxgLl-rjNT-0AhuGv7SgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6539.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Darian Sahanaja (with Nelson in the background) - Galway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Darian Sahanaja has really made "Darlin'" his own now, taking the lead vocal at all of the shows and the acapella ending is just superb.<br />
<br />
The crowd went wild after each performance and he genuinely appeared to be very humbled at such a great reactions. The man is too modest!<br />
<br />
Some other songs outside of the usual hit factory were in the set and sounded great, like "Aren't You Glad", "Salt Lake City" and "Let the Wind Blow" (which was an addition for the London and Glasgow shows).<br />
<br />
The second half of the show was the entire "Pet Sounds" album. We have always loved this album and have seen it performed many, many times since over the last fifteen years. We think it is marvellous how it is recreated so authentically on stage, despite the intricacies of the instrumentation and harmonies produced on the record.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SziNoBmhgfs/WZ8GNR7liGI/AAAAAAAAD2E/f4vmy2N9hk4I3Yk-SfYDSKhAHuPl5Fk1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SziNoBmhgfs/WZ8GNR7liGI/AAAAAAAAD2E/f4vmy2N9hk4I3Yk-SfYDSKhAHuPl5Fk1ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6696.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brian - Dublin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The stand out song is always "God Only Knows" when the crowd start to cheer at hearing the first note from the French Horn played in the intro. The crowd sing "God only knows what I'd be without you" back at Brian so loudly, it drowns the band out and Brian just stops and absorbs it all. He can feel the love from the UK and Irish crowds and it is no wonder he can smile to himself. The reaction of the crowd once the last note has faded away is nothing short of immense, a standing ovation that lasts for a long, long time, until Brian asks the audience to "please be seated". That produced a chuckle in Galway as it was a standing gig!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8YPNMC8E8A/WZ705rLv_PI/AAAAAAAAD0o/HLbUdhtqOGINwIIhezNoqmwC4OyEXy9CACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8YPNMC8E8A/WZ705rLv_PI/AAAAAAAAD0o/HLbUdhtqOGINwIIhezNoqmwC4OyEXy9CACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6570.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The backdrop in Galway - Brian in profile from 1966</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the humourous band intros, the encore is the standard fayre of "Fun, Fun, Fun", "Help Me Rhonda", "Good Vibrations", "Surfin' USA" and "Barbara Ann" and ended with the get home safe song "Love & Mercy".<br />
<br />
There has been comment in press reveiws about whether Brian should still be touring. His voice is obviously weaker than it was when he started to tour again in the UK in 2002 and at times he sort of speaks/sings and can be a bit breathless. But he really looked comfortable during all of the shows we saw. Being really high up in Dublin, we had the birds eye view and could see he was actually tinkling away on the old Joanna throughout the show too and his demeanor did not suggest he was having to deal with any demons or voices in his head whilst on stage. He smiled a lot and joked around and when he wasn't singing, he was really absorbing everything.<br />
<br />
A nod must go to the rest of the band who have not been mentioned above. The rest of the band excelled in all of the shows. They are great on all of the "hits" but they really do shine throughout the whole Pet Sounds set. Without their attention to detail, the show would not work.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUkk_a1oOOo/WZ72D7UhzhI/AAAAAAAAD1w/3ESiu5K08-gKyTGkEJc2ML2vkf2wRMZRACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUkk_a1oOOo/WZ72D7UhzhI/AAAAAAAAD1w/3ESiu5K08-gKyTGkEJc2ML2vkf2wRMZRACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6828.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Probyn Gregory - Glasgow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Multi-instrumentalist Probyn Gregory holds so much of the instrumentation together, switching so smoothly from guitar to trumpet to trombone to theramin to the exquisite French Horn on the opening of "God Only Knows", AND adding backing vocals.<br />
<br />
He is amazing to watch and never seems to drop a beat. He must have an extra arm somewhere to cope with the pace of the instrument changes! He is pivotal to the show.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nelson Bragg is stunning on percussion and fascinating to watch in action, He is like the Tasmanian Devil, creating a whirlwind around himself as he single handedly takes on all of the many pieces of percussion needed to recreate that authentic "Pet Sounds" sound mastered by Brian Wilson and the Wrecking Crew 5o years ago.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOeMADQXVog/WZ72PZcTC8I/AAAAAAAAD10/FLMptGp77wMaym_kyId6p5GBvlFcMMhbACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOeMADQXVog/WZ72PZcTC8I/AAAAAAAAD10/FLMptGp77wMaym_kyId6p5GBvlFcMMhbACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6699.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nelson Bragg - Dublin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
His energy is something else as he chimes the triangle, shakes the tambourines, taps the cowbell, shakes sleighbells, clinks finger cymbals, bangs the tom drums, shakes the shakers to name but a few of the various instruments he plays and don't forget the "beep beep" of the bicycle horn at the end of "You Still Believe In Me"<br />
<br />
Mike D'Amico has really turned into a great Pet Sounds drummer and is master of the Floor Tom and Bass drum all the way through the rendition of the iconic 1966 album. He is right at home behind the rig, with the Brian Wilson drumhead. As Brian Wilson yells "Let's hear some drums!!!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrLWIXDHWWs/WZ707mCJF4I/AAAAAAAAD0o/G4t1iZZP6SEZqa1IkQnnMoB78al4QiX_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrLWIXDHWWs/WZ707mCJF4I/AAAAAAAAD0o/G4t1iZZP6SEZqa1IkQnnMoB78al4QiX_wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6683.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mike D'Amico - Dublin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The interaction between Mike and Nelson is very evident, side by side, working off one another and culminating in the drum off on the instrumental track "Pet Sounds". This just gets better and better every time they do it and attracts such a loud roar from the crowd and some comments of admiration from the Big Guy Brian Wilson himself. Check it out for yourself in the video below, from Galway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Zgo5y_U_ljU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zgo5y_U_ljU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xa0Cx1X0SQ0/WZ71kYITdQI/AAAAAAAAD1w/9rumJRolWZYeEMReXb6_IPRMMasRH9niQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xa0Cx1X0SQ0/WZ71kYITdQI/AAAAAAAAD1w/9rumJRolWZYeEMReXb6_IPRMMasRH9niQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6794.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Drum off - London</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQAzLRsiZtU/WZ71k7lV1ZI/AAAAAAAAD1w/r8dEuhwgtEslBmRUw9ibpm8bOtnBXbMZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQAzLRsiZtU/WZ71k7lV1ZI/AAAAAAAAD1w/r8dEuhwgtEslBmRUw9ibpm8bOtnBXbMZgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6795.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nelson Bragg - Mid "drum off" - London</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNDQ7TLDWzA/WZ72Fy8EbDI/AAAAAAAAD1w/HJcuL8KFjjo5CF371-h4JglRA5rT_d2qACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNDQ7TLDWzA/WZ72Fy8EbDI/AAAAAAAAD1w/HJcuL8KFjjo5CF371-h4JglRA5rT_d2qACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6939.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Paul Von Mertens - Galway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Musical Director, Paul Von Mertens is surrounded by a multitude of wind instruments: flute, oboe, harmonicas and saxophones and has the opportunity for a few sax solos where he takes the spotlight at the front of the stage.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egwPU3Eya9M/WZ71jXOBtXI/AAAAAAAAD1w/yoKjAH9vKgoxaebaA5j4_LacfSYHQfKBACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egwPU3Eya9M/WZ71jXOBtXI/AAAAAAAAD1w/yoKjAH9vKgoxaebaA5j4_LacfSYHQfKBACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6765.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nicky Wonder - London</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nicky "Wonder" Walusko commands not only the lead guitar but also the baritone guitar and his opening on "Pet Sounds", (that song without words), is sublime. The acoustic on "In My Room" shone through.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Bob Lizik is a quiet and unassuming bass player who seems to be quite at home keeping the rhythm.He has played with Brian for so long it must be intuitive now. Off stage he is a pretty good guy too.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIVD_Ch2wE4/WZ72EzXmT-I/AAAAAAAAD1w/WolcUT63Z7Uk1iga6tOrJVxdg0eN_hRtQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIVD_Ch2wE4/WZ72EzXmT-I/AAAAAAAAD1w/WolcUT63Z7Uk1iga6tOrJVxdg0eN_hRtQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6893.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bob Lizik - Glasgow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Am7R6iMoL2A/WZ72EWn1DLI/AAAAAAAAD1w/sFZObpx3KP0oYllQxYuVHx5GxF4878BZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Am7R6iMoL2A/WZ72EWn1DLI/AAAAAAAAD1w/sFZObpx3KP0oYllQxYuVHx5GxF4878BZwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6827.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gary Griffin - Glasgow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Gary Griffin on keyboards has been a more recent addition to Brian's band, but he fits in well. He can also boast of being in the screen biopic "Love and Mercy" playing one of The Wrecking Crew!<br />
<br />
Standing alongside one another, Gary and Darian interact and swap places between two sets of keyboards and vibes, delivering some great vocals and playing the odd tambourine too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnxXjruplOE/WZ708E-aAsI/AAAAAAAAD0o/z4F_zgH7RLUABPPtm5ROIzKhojaIR0gYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnxXjruplOE/WZ708E-aAsI/AAAAAAAAD0o/z4F_zgH7RLUABPPtm5ROIzKhojaIR0gYgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6689.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gary Griffin and Darian Sahanaja - Dublin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sound was really good on this tour, even the marquee and outdoor shows in Galway & Glasgow respectively. London was a little muddy, but a special mention has to be made about the sound in Dublin. It was so crisp you could hear every note played, every word sung, every breath taken and every handclap added in backing. Did you know the sound guy, Chris was the subject of an article about being in charge of the sound on Brian Wilson shows in "Sound on Sound". Check it out.<br />
<br />
After Glasgow, the band were racing off to the next venue, and it was left to a small crowd of fans to continue the party until around 3am the next day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29jJoLriVJA/WZ72G2438DI/AAAAAAAAD1g/Rspe26NK2GMXXLHwflU2clg9jUEM828iQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29jJoLriVJA/WZ72G2438DI/AAAAAAAAD1g/Rspe26NK2GMXXLHwflU2clg9jUEM828iQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6974.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"See you all next time"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbtjoSCqIk4/WZ72GXdT9HI/AAAAAAAAD1c/hMd7cDK6uL8tImhDOyjUkFwPF_h5N_--gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbtjoSCqIk4/WZ72GXdT9HI/AAAAAAAAD1c/hMd7cDK6uL8tImhDOyjUkFwPF_h5N_--gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6964.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb with Darian and Nicky - Glasgow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88l-QRohP-I/WZ72GyhjRUI/AAAAAAAAD1k/aHESntS6U7AoSflUVXiy1ukbvCOKx8QywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88l-QRohP-I/WZ72GyhjRUI/AAAAAAAAD1k/aHESntS6U7AoSflUVXiy1ukbvCOKx8QywCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6971.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Minty and Darian - Glasgow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTXwOCoi3UU/WZ709LMZHuI/AAAAAAAAD0o/OOMFi6H5WCA4rqb9hybyKmg3KgwClAmVgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6714%2BBB%2B%2526%2BBob%2BDublin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTXwOCoi3UU/WZ709LMZHuI/AAAAAAAAD0o/OOMFi6H5WCA4rqb9hybyKmg3KgwClAmVgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6714%2BBB%2B%2526%2BBob%2BDublin.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb and Bob Lizik - Dublin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqwRXt6eMj8/WZ708TYnNFI/AAAAAAAAD0o/OuDmavPToQ8QiLlLaMLG8ZRPfNWTe2EXwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6713%2BJD%2B%2526%2BNIcky%2BDublin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqwRXt6eMj8/WZ708TYnNFI/AAAAAAAAD0o/OuDmavPToQ8QiLlLaMLG8ZRPfNWTe2EXwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6713%2BJD%2B%2526%2BNIcky%2BDublin.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Minty with Wondermint Nicky in Dublin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VGzcw-M0EQ/WZ8FnQMRlPI/AAAAAAAAD18/EGjJf3AWG7k8oS_V46u1jvg7UVsFHymOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6672%2BDublin%2Bwith%2BNelson%2Band%2BBlondie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VGzcw-M0EQ/WZ8FnQMRlPI/AAAAAAAAD18/EGjJf3AWG7k8oS_V46u1jvg7UVsFHymOgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6672%2BDublin%2Bwith%2BNelson%2Band%2BBlondie.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb bumps into Blondie and Nelson around Dublin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Below is the video of Beat Root Revival doing their take on the Beatles "Come Together".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/guT-BCjKNL0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/guT-BCjKNL0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
And here are the band introductions, compered by Paul Von Mertens<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vgxA95Pa9QQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vgxA95Pa9QQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-26933409694214573462017-07-11T23:30:00.000+01:002017-07-31T16:24:58.281+01:00BRIAN SETZER<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Forum</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Kentish Town</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>London</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tuesday 11th July 2017</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZQV9f9zGM0/WXol-3xhsMI/AAAAAAAADxs/Y-Q3K1qt-uAH8YfoXHIZy-ji1bvqaZHEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZQV9f9zGM0/WXol-3xhsMI/AAAAAAAADxs/Y-Q3K1qt-uAH8YfoXHIZy-ji1bvqaZHEQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6333.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rockabilly Riot</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tickets for Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot sold like hotcakes when the show was announced, being the only UK show on his tour and we were very lucky to be able to nab tickets. Unreserved seating on the Balcony meant getting there early to be first in line to get a good seat at the front! It was pouring with rain but this did not dampen any spirits.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RsaTfQaCgG0/WXol9Z-hmAI/AAAAAAAADxg/PpNvnFh2_8I7CRQ9ImYrhqafJPLm86s-QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RsaTfQaCgG0/WXol9Z-hmAI/AAAAAAAADxg/PpNvnFh2_8I7CRQ9ImYrhqafJPLm86s-QCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6323.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Brian Setzer is looking fit- a few pounds shed since we last saw him, dressed in a pinstriped suit and sporting his trademark blonde quiff he kicked off his London Rockabilly Riot with a Carl Perkins cover "Put Your Clothes On".<br />
<br />
<br />
With a career spanning the best part of 30 years, there is no way you can cram all of the old favourites into a single gig, but the set was a really balanced mixture of covers, solo stuff and Stray Cats songs.<br />
<br />
<br />
He was looking good, he was sounding great and his riot band of drummer, double bass player and a boogie woogie piano player were superb. He changed guitars a few times, from orange to black to green - all Gretsch as he powered through this blistering set. The Quiff had melted by the end of the show!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxe3Ssl3-9U/WXol9VCpF1I/AAAAAAAADxc/MQQdNM4PLBoIQFYgZ8VC9EKGUEp3X2mpQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxe3Ssl3-9U/WXol9VCpF1I/AAAAAAAADxc/MQQdNM4PLBoIQFYgZ8VC9EKGUEp3X2mpQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VLxqPEm7Jqs/WXol-R9eWuI/AAAAAAAADxk/88FbY3TUYvMoHwoB-G9e9ii9c-xjI_b-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VLxqPEm7Jqs/WXol-R9eWuI/AAAAAAAADxk/88FbY3TUYvMoHwoB-G9e9ii9c-xjI_b-gCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6327.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The encore included a great version of "Sleepwalk" and everytime we see Brian Setzer play this tune, it is always different as he adds his own twist to it. Tonight was no exception and you can see the video of this below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1mmcrfA3Ug/WXol_NcFENI/AAAAAAAADxw/jjKa1kfS9nkxcpt_ttfvSRG33fEfdWqZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1mmcrfA3Ug/WXol_NcFENI/AAAAAAAADxw/jjKa1kfS9nkxcpt_ttfvSRG33fEfdWqZQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mxbxfif4r8/WXol_WxvAMI/AAAAAAAADx0/WWJ7OKbrf6YkoWgBYbA08yDkWt89tb8eACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mxbxfif4r8/WXol_WxvAMI/AAAAAAAADx0/WWJ7OKbrf6YkoWgBYbA08yDkWt89tb8eACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6347.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You London</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sleep Walk - Setzer Style</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_28Bs-HPx1g/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_28Bs-HPx1g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Set List:<br />
1 Put Your Cat Clothes On (Carl Perkins cover)<br />
2 Rumble in Brighton (Stray Cats song)<br />
3 Vinyl Records<br />
4 Stray Cat Strut (Stray Cats song)<br />
5 Nothing is a Sure Thing, Baby<br />
6 Stiletto Cool<br />
7 Cry Baby (Stray Cats song)<br />
8 '49 Mercury Blues (The Brian Setzer Orchestra song)<br />
9 Whatshername<br />
10 Drive Like Lightning<br />
11 Slow Down / Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash cover)<br />
12 Gene and Eddie (Stray Cats song)<br />
13 Blue Moon of Kentucky (Bill Monroe and The Bluegrass Boys cover)<br />
14 Runaway Boys (Stray Cats song)<br />
15 Jump, Jive an' Wail (Louis Prima cover)<br />
16 Fishnet Stockings (Stray Cats song)<br />
17 Let's Shake<br />
Encore:<br />
18 Sleep Walk (Santo & Johnny cover)<br />
19 Rock This Town (Stray Cats song)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-35387682448794391572017-06-15T23:30:00.000+01:002017-07-31T16:23:54.997+01:00DARREL HIGHAM<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Borderline</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mannette Street, London</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Thursday 15th June 2017</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ3PTL55mn8/WXoWXlfz28I/AAAAAAAADxA/T1zkYSmjUGAic9wC7BNe-ORtkjqkPjAMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ3PTL55mn8/WXoWXlfz28I/AAAAAAAADxA/T1zkYSmjUGAic9wC7BNe-ORtkjqkPjAMgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5979.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
It was a basic set up - a drum kit, stand up double bass and Darrel Higham with his rockabilly quiff and guitar to give us just over an hour of some great rockabilly tunes. No need for fancy stage sets or guitar pedals. This is pure raw rockabilly music.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1OwE3GQLZbs/WXoWW2wPPzI/AAAAAAAADw4/MdqhI0L0QVIV1b7RGFMVMs8KY6OZYQ7TgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1OwE3GQLZbs/WXoWW2wPPzI/AAAAAAAADw4/MdqhI0L0QVIV1b7RGFMVMs8KY6OZYQ7TgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_5959.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
The influence of Hank Williams and Eddie Cochran is very transparent in Darrell's solo material. His set tonight had a few covers included but it centred mainly on his latest two album releases, "Hell's Hotel" and "One For The Road" which was great as we had not heard anything from the "One For The Road" album before.<br />
<br />
The songs are short, punchy, with that simple drum beat, bass slapping and guitar twang that is synonomous with the rockabilly beat, but each individual enough to avoid sounding like the same song over and over again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We really enjoyed this gig. Not only for the music but for the intimate setting too as The Borderline is a small venue.<br />
<br />
After the gig, Darrel was extremely generous with his time to say hello to people, have photos taken and sell his CD's which seemed to be flying off the merch table. Would not hesitate to see him play again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdx_ne9rYr8/WXoWXXGd94I/AAAAAAAADw8/Eoiw-swjtG4hNxduL4-edBaU1HeTZvGXACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdx_ne9rYr8/WXoWXXGd94I/AAAAAAAADw8/Eoiw-swjtG4hNxduL4-edBaU1HeTZvGXACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_5967.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darrel's back up guitar - the White Falcon teasing us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMY7RFAfIho/WXoWXyjcyPI/AAAAAAAADxE/_D1l_pz4W_UfxEGHk2A3bvR7rOo8s_L0wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMY7RFAfIho/WXoWXyjcyPI/AAAAAAAADxE/_D1l_pz4W_UfxEGHk2A3bvR7rOo8s_L0wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_5984.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6s1JrBWZ4dE/WXoWYXjdM1I/AAAAAAAADxI/eN07IK1Ob9cGfBt8NCj6Y-M-ulhhxm7lwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6s1JrBWZ4dE/WXoWYXjdM1I/AAAAAAAADxI/eN07IK1Ob9cGfBt8NCj6Y-M-ulhhxm7lwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_5985.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Video of "And The Angels Cried"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vhXTZt_n-so/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vhXTZt_n-so?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-50062608799555246792017-06-04T23:30:00.000+01:002017-07-31T16:23:10.731+01:00MARI WILSON<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Bush Theatre</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Shepherds Bush, London</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday 4th June 2017</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
"Said he was giving me a Taffeta dress.... that's Just What I Always Wanted" - the opening lyrics from what is one of Minty's favourite songs and the theme of the gig which celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the release of this iconic 80's song.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3a7BbQWL0U/WXE2AMMWo-I/AAAAAAAADwU/1wq4cqTdb2khyeM_PGrPoDt5KmaJY1V5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3a7BbQWL0U/WXE2AMMWo-I/AAAAAAAADwU/1wq4cqTdb2khyeM_PGrPoDt5KmaJY1V5ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5832.JPG" width="300" /></a>The gig was a total sell out and no wonder, as Mari pulled out all the stops, with a full band and backing singers to support her, including original Wilsation Saxophonist Stewart Curtis, and James Nesbitt who has been the staple guitarist in her solo shows for a few years now. The big band really made for a great party atmosphere as Mari lead us through what has been a brilliant musical career .<br />
<br />
Her first album "Showpeople" was really celebrated as well as her most recent release "Pop Deluxe", a covers tribute to all those fantastic 60's girls who ruled the charts, such as Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black and Petula Clark.<br />
<br />
She can belt out those classics when she needs to and then she can sit perched on a stool and deliver such a soft, slowed down version of "24 Hours From Tulsa" which leaves you with the hairs standing on the back of your neck, and too scared to breath lest the sound break the hush that fell over the mesmerised audience. The reaction to "24 Hours From Tulsa" was amazing.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-No8_PLeqmM4/WXE1_-eSUyI/AAAAAAAADwE/B8znykiID6A3sN9aebSMVRBe46JmB8xrgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-No8_PLeqmM4/WXE1_-eSUyI/AAAAAAAADwE/B8znykiID6A3sN9aebSMVRBe46JmB8xrgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5845.JPG" width="300" /></a>The crowd were delighted when long time friend of Mari's, Marc Almond joined her on stage to duet on two classic Dusty Springfield songs, "I Close My Eyes & Count To Ten" and "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself".<br />
<br />
She has a great sense of humour and a cheeky laugh and kept the audience entertained in between songs, not that there was much of a break between songs mind you, as the whole set flowed so smoothly and included 4 costume changes. Mari has the knack of finding great outfits for her gigs. Starting out in a 60's style sequinned mini dress, she also wowed us with an orange and red chiffon combo, sexy black leggings and sparkly top and jacket and her final costume, a lovely little black dress with sequin trim. Truly stunning in all of them.<br />
<br />
The encore of 3 songs ended with that 80's Pop Classic "Just What <i> </i>Always Wanted" which had everyone on their feet and brought the show to close. What a brilliant night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zD-JQUqnQI/WXE2AnOByaI/AAAAAAAADwM/9kI21RlKhdQuRRkTqkm4PRPdaiDnGV_9gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zD-JQUqnQI/WXE2AnOByaI/AAAAAAAADwM/9kI21RlKhdQuRRkTqkm4PRPdaiDnGV_9gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5857.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asaOCka9Jk8/WXE2A4wh2oI/AAAAAAAADwQ/M9K7iV1zW9cjYv-tH43h3CfHCk2zL5CfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asaOCka9Jk8/WXE2A4wh2oI/AAAAAAAADwQ/M9K7iV1zW9cjYv-tH43h3CfHCk2zL5CfwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5866.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nEfhP7jdGk/WXE2BT6jT7I/AAAAAAAADwY/d0znJ6nQXqkAGTlw9eteHXsVWKVE4gBuwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nEfhP7jdGk/WXE2BT6jT7I/AAAAAAAADwY/d0znJ6nQXqkAGTlw9eteHXsVWKVE4gBuwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5868.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cry Me A River, with Stewart Curtis on Sax</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
A mention has to be made about the support act. This was a solo Rockabilly gal, Emily Cappell with a rather good looking guitar. A pure young talent, who really entertained us with her self penned songs and a great wit. Each song had a story, mostly humorous, which made everyone giggle (wonder if her first love will ever find out!) and it was a great 20 minutes of entertainment. Here's hoping we get the chance to see her again, and hopefully she'll become a very successful singer/songwriter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNV15bD9DFE/WXE2AO6iWEI/AAAAAAAADwI/uOINSMtVyD4DvcSM6p-iBf7ups5FZJycACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNV15bD9DFE/WXE2AO6iWEI/AAAAAAAADwI/uOINSMtVyD4DvcSM6p-iBf7ups5FZJycACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5828.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily Cappell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-74379282736511098302017-05-27T23:30:00.000+01:002017-07-31T16:21:42.731+01:00BMX BANDITS<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>St Lukes</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Glasgow</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Saturday 27th May 2017</b></span><br />
<br />
The BMX Bandits do not play live very often, and with a new album just released, this launch party gig was one not to be missed. By the time the BMX Bandits took to the stage, the place was packed and we found a bit of space at the back by the sound desk, which is always a good place to be!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQPIO693JuE/WVb0TiTIq2I/AAAAAAAADvk/Fo8e49S_YaUV4XZg0dAiKaLjeaJbNDN3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQPIO693JuE/WVb0TiTIq2I/AAAAAAAADvk/Fo8e49S_YaUV4XZg0dAiKaLjeaJbNDN3wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5632.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Members of The BMX Bandits come and go, each contributing to their piece of the band's history and back catalogue which is vast, spanning just over 30 years. This is a line up we have seen a few times now, so it's pretty stable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5yS0JMOSrQ/WVbz-ZBupjI/AAAAAAAADvg/eB7G8_16I6wL69XBlSt-nbV0V6WgxjLvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5yS0JMOSrQ/WVbz-ZBupjI/AAAAAAAADvg/eB7G8_16I6wL69XBlSt-nbV0V6WgxjLvACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5673.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Davey Scott</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The one constant is Duglas T Stewart, his gentle soul and his apple (although tonight, he also had a banana). His sidekick, Chloe fills the female vocal parts very well, as well as playing a bit of guitar, keyboard and some percussion.<br />
<br />
Great backing vocals are provided by the rest of the band and tonight we got the added bonus of Pearlfisher, Davey Scott who joined Duglas on stage for a few songs which was great to see and hear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okJQ5BKCQEA/WVbyEo9t5VI/AAAAAAAADvE/uTNVuXdTsRgEkdhGrcvzZILm4Y49EKMRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okJQ5BKCQEA/WVbyEo9t5VI/AAAAAAAADvE/uTNVuXdTsRgEkdhGrcvzZILm4Y49EKMRACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5639.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chloe</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
With 30 years in the bag, the set list for a gig must be hard to decide on.<br />
<br />
Tonight we got a good selection of songs from the new album "Forever" and some great songs from yesteryear including staples such as "Serious Drugs" and "Your Class" which has been in the set for the last few gigs and has become a very firm favourite with us.<br />
<br />
Oh, and the new album is wonderful. Full of classic Bandits songs already.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-be-M3IJGUYA/WVbyElptYvI/AAAAAAAADvA/do9rPTf_P40fDKOpqlc2w_PBwM58jONygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-be-M3IJGUYA/WVbyElptYvI/AAAAAAAADvA/do9rPTf_P40fDKOpqlc2w_PBwM58jONygCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5686.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After the Gig - The Beeb with Chloe, Duglas and Stu Kidd</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7HONJYv8vc/WVbyFbDAa4I/AAAAAAAADvM/sRRZVkPvS0wUZjDpmRSW9PWDq4UHmgBawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7HONJYv8vc/WVbyFbDAa4I/AAAAAAAADvM/sRRZVkPvS0wUZjDpmRSW9PWDq4UHmgBawCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5687.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb and Duglas</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH4koZFzCK0/WVbzFc9swiI/AAAAAAAADvU/y5Ky4I0HGt8yiicELqQbrv3kQcIpG3IJQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH4koZFzCK0/WVbzFc9swiI/AAAAAAAADvU/y5Ky4I0HGt8yiicELqQbrv3kQcIpG3IJQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5623.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Booty</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-43880162263731631142017-05-26T23:50:00.000+01:002017-07-31T16:20:52.022+01:00THE BEACH BOYS<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The SECC</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Glasgow</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Friday 26th May 2017</b></span><br />
<br />
We travelled all the way to Glasgow to catch The Beach Boys - the incarnation that is Mike Love and Bruce Johnston. Years ago, this outfit was the act that just rocketed through the back catalogue of the hits. Since musical director Scott Totten and former "CEO of Falsetto" from Brian Wilson's band, Jeff Foskett have been firmly implanted in the band, the performance has expanded to include more obscure Beach Boys songs, to the extent that The Beach Boys now give a performance, that for the casual fan, could almost rival Brian Wilson and his touring band.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh4Bhmu7g_Y/WVbgxWRlctI/AAAAAAAADuI/LQykzo4abVARj-5swtR4Z0wb5GoqDiB6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh4Bhmu7g_Y/WVbgxWRlctI/AAAAAAAADuI/LQykzo4abVARj-5swtR4Z0wb5GoqDiB6QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
It was a great show. Mike Love is the quintessential front man, who dazzles the crowd with his gold rings and sparkly eyes. His voice is not as strong as it has been in the past, and in his defence we feel he does recognise that he cannot sing every song anymore, which also gives the great opportunity to include the songs sung by others in the set. Both Jeff Foskett and Scott Totten stepped up for many leads, and drummer John Cowsill did a fantastic "Wild Honey". Bass player and former member of (a recent version of ) The Four Freshman, Brian Eichenberger also added some superb lead vocals.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiUNT-20qTI/WVbfGCL6bMI/AAAAAAAADt0/OZnUY8ludTUtCjxRkZ2lZryfBNcS9FHLACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiUNT-20qTI/WVbfGCL6bMI/AAAAAAAADt0/OZnUY8ludTUtCjxRkZ2lZryfBNcS9FHLACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5555.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jeff Foskett</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All through the show, the big video screen at the back of the stage displayed loads of video, which was quite distracting at times because you can't watch the video and the band at the same time!!!<br />
<br />
John Stamos was included in the UK leg of the tour. OK, he is nice Eye Candy for the girls, but he did prance about a bit too much, demanding the spotlight every time he was on the stage. Aside from adding vocals (he took the lead for "Forever"), and strumming the guitar, he was behind the drum kit a lot which we felt left John Cowsill a bit out in the cold. Cowsill is a brilliant drummer for The Beach Boys and we did miss his brilliant tom beat throughout the whole show.<br />
<br />
Bruce Johnston sang lead on his signature song "Disney Girls" but other than that he seemed very quiet, and apart from joining in for the acapella nod to the Four Freshmen with "Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring", pretty much just kept behind the keyboard for the duration of the gig.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rDrB1HP3dxg/WVbf_N7Q1XI/AAAAAAAADuA/OKl_SjqeZ94TLhjUFLvAz4oCSmp1ygA2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rDrB1HP3dxg/WVbf_N7Q1XI/AAAAAAAADuA/OKl_SjqeZ94TLhjUFLvAz4oCSmp1ygA2QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5585.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bruce Johnston</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With a dedication to the two Wilson brothers who sadly are no longer with us, Carl Wilson's vocal was used for "God Only Knows" to the backdrop of Carl videos. The same was done for "Do You Wanna Dance" with the vocal from Denny Wilson.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEO40xQ6-u8/WVbihI6rEnI/AAAAAAAADuo/f_aQj8LdvlMcaonBsULbv2P-NWJk7LbHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEO40xQ6-u8/WVbihI6rEnI/AAAAAAAADuo/f_aQj8LdvlMcaonBsULbv2P-NWJk7LbHQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5584.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Bonhomme</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall the sound was very good, clear from where we sat. An addition to the sound on this tour was a Sax player and Tim Bonhomme on a second keyboard - this did make a difference.<br />
<br />
<br />
The video backdrop was also used effectively for a break in the show for Mike to pay tribute to those who had been killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist bombing earlier in the week, with all the victim's names and photos displayed on the big screen. It was quite touching, but the cynics in us noticed that Mike and Bruce were reading verbatim off text taped to the floor by the microphones, so it was very scripted. All in all, this is a band who have improved greatly since we first saw them years ago. And despite his critics, kudos have to be given to Mike for still putting in a lot of physical effort keeping this show on the road, and doing so many gigs every year.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBAOqnN1dhA/WVbgxv8jEWI/AAAAAAAADuM/SBpWTzsNzkIEfxjOP_KYhWREBPhjOqiZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBAOqnN1dhA/WVbgxv8jEWI/AAAAAAAADuM/SBpWTzsNzkIEfxjOP_KYhWREBPhjOqiZQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5579.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mike Love</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJUXj4vW1oQ/WVbh946XUWI/AAAAAAAADug/FXsSJZN9GNYMtRBpc0iFGcT1jVZxyHVgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJUXj4vW1oQ/WVbh946XUWI/AAAAAAAADug/FXsSJZN9GNYMtRBpc0iFGcT1jVZxyHVgQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5583.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mike Love & John Stamos</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were very fortunate, through a friend of the band, to obtain backstage passes, so after the show we had the chance to say hello to Jeffrey Foskett and Mike Love, who graciously posed for photos and signed memorabilia for everyone. We also met Mike's wife, Jacquelyne, who was an absolute delight and great to speak with.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XtkfZ4gSYfQ/WVbhjq3gEdI/AAAAAAAADuY/NWZIu6EbEd4tqeHJ6TSvliFYdRQ8TlSdgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XtkfZ4gSYfQ/WVbhjq3gEdI/AAAAAAAADuY/NWZIu6EbEd4tqeHJ6TSvliFYdRQ8TlSdgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5600.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With Jeff Foskett</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-acKQ5uXlnKo/WVbhjStnm0I/AAAAAAAADuU/gYWwz-SWrkAb7YRHFu72X51sboLhgwbNACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-acKQ5uXlnKo/WVbhjStnm0I/AAAAAAAADuU/gYWwz-SWrkAb7YRHFu72X51sboLhgwbNACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5612.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Meeting Mike Love</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJIjVkbS1Bo/WVbhjuiF2kI/AAAAAAAADuc/2WpvlaUnaK0cVfaKM16O-JUxW2w-b-sMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJIjVkbS1Bo/WVbhjuiF2kI/AAAAAAAADuc/2WpvlaUnaK0cVfaKM16O-JUxW2w-b-sMwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5616.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb & Jacquelyne Love</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One comment about the SECC - we had front row balcony seats as these usually give a great, uninterrupted view of the stage. What we did not know at the time of booking is that people have to walk across the front of the balcony to get to their seats so we had a constant stream of traffic!! Grrr<br />
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-53829118801567977732017-05-20T23:30:00.000+01:002017-07-01T00:12:38.558+01:00INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW DAY 5 - SATURDAY<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Cavern Pub & The
Cavern Club<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mathew Street, Liverpool</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Saturday 20<sup>th</sup>
May 2017</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Bands seen today = 16<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Dave Rave & Hailee
Rose, Marco Rea, Colin’s Godson, Honeybug, Nathan Bennett, The Hepburns, Yoav
Arbel, The Know Escape, The JetBeats, Clown Capers, B-Side, Dream Factory, Kontiki
Suite, The Real Me, The Fast Camels, Johnny Remember Me, </b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The International Pop
Overthrow is in its 15th year in Liverpool, with around 140 bands playing
throughout the 8 days. We see as many bands as we can, some we like, some we
love........ others not so much. This is a personal review of each day and even
though some bands may not have been our cup of tea (we can’t like them all!),
they are still worth checking out for yourself. Have fun, that’s what music is
all about.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Another mammoth day for
us with 16 bands caught today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Since the time <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Dave Rave</b></span> has been appearing at the IPO with <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hailee Rose</span></b>, we have not been able to see them perform as they have always been scheduled to play on the Monday/Tuesday slots after we have gone home. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So, we were delighted to have the opportunity to see both in action this year, opening the 5th day in the Cavern Pub. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The set was a mix of songs with leads from both Dave and Hailee, apart from when Simon, the bass player, took control of the microphone to sing what is now an IPO anthem - "Hey Anne-Marie". This is a song we love and which was written during an IPO a few years ago about, well, what it says on the tin..... Anne-Marie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The lunchtime pub crowd were tremendous, and the place was getting quite full as people stayed, rather than just wandering in and then back out again. Why were they staying? Well, Hailee has a great set of pipes on her - a really powerful voice that got everyone's attention and Dave Rave is a very personable and infectious performer who has the ability to draw people to him.The good thing about Hailee's voice is that it is a natural voice and she does not feel the need to go all 'Mariah Carey' through climbing up and down the scale and back up again in the space of 10 seconds that so many young female singers seem to think is the right way to sing nowadays!!! </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWP-7Hq3iKw/WVZq580GPjI/AAAAAAAADsQ/7RrDbfKlFaU7JRSRNNQA2my6yXdrpv_3gCLcBGAs/s1600/5330%2BDave%2BRave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWP-7Hq3iKw/WVZq580GPjI/AAAAAAAADsQ/7RrDbfKlFaU7JRSRNNQA2my6yXdrpv_3gCLcBGAs/s640/5330%2BDave%2BRave.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dave Rave and Hailee Rose</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The set included two covers. Their version of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" was slowed down and sounded really good and they finished with a rousing version of "Respect" with Hailee taking the lead and doing Areatha justice. The audience loved it and judging from the smiles on stage, Dave, Hailee and the band loved it just as much.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSMO3KX1b0U/WVZq52SFCoI/AAAAAAAADsM/j5H6MovFGnUeQRmLkJQ0Zqv2vnhOFrOKgCLcBGAs/s1600/5331%2BMarco%2BRea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSMO3KX1b0U/WVZq52SFCoI/AAAAAAAADsM/j5H6MovFGnUeQRmLkJQ0Zqv2vnhOFrOKgCLcBGAs/s400/5331%2BMarco%2BRea.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Marco Rea with Jim on bass</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Marco Rea</span></b> is an amazing singer/songwriter from Glasgow. Not all of his band, The Wellgreen were available for the IPO this year so this was a solo set, Marco on guitar, with Jim on bass to keep things trotting along. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We got a great set of Marco penned gentle songs and the good thing was the large pub crowd was respectful enough to not overpower an acoustic set with constant chit chat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGpymBn1Byk/WVZq8ct9zMI/AAAAAAAADtA/vUU1MzT1rQo5fncSGCad7fgCDtx6ahaHgCLcBGAs/s1600/5406%2BMarco%2BRea%2BThe%2BBeeb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGpymBn1Byk/WVZq8ct9zMI/AAAAAAAADtA/vUU1MzT1rQo5fncSGCad7fgCDtx6ahaHgCLcBGAs/s320/5406%2BMarco%2BRea%2BThe%2BBeeb.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The finale was a rousting version of "Red Light" and we cold see the audience's heads bobbing and feet tapping. We feel they appreciated this set. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Much later on, in the Cavern Club, Marco did his second slot. This time, The Beeb was on the stage with Marco and Jim, providing some backing vocals and a bit of harmonica. You just can't keep The Beeb down!!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6r2N2ffqbvA/WVZq8rJ00LI/AAAAAAAADtI/_LZUy5Mp6YYX6MgTvZ6TmQQ0AvvCQtwJQCLcBGAs/s1600/5415%2BMarco%2BRea%2BThe%2BBeeb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6r2N2ffqbvA/WVZq8rJ00LI/AAAAAAAADtI/_LZUy5Mp6YYX6MgTvZ6TmQQ0AvvCQtwJQCLcBGAs/s320/5415%2BMarco%2BRea%2BThe%2BBeeb.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Marco Rea</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKw-D3CHuQE/WVZq53be0KI/AAAAAAAADsU/R6j49hkiogQI7r-iWjC41agRXZ-UBID9QCLcBGAs/s1600/5336%2BColin%2527s%2BGodson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKw-D3CHuQE/WVZq53be0KI/AAAAAAAADsU/R6j49hkiogQI7r-iWjC41agRXZ-UBID9QCLcBGAs/s400/5336%2BColin%2527s%2BGodson.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colin's Godson</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We managed to catch another performance from <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Colin's Godson</span></b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The set was the same as yesterday's but that did not matter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The narrative in between songs was just as hilarious second time around and the songs themselves still held their own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was a pleasure to have been with them on their interplanetary journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sW2zEVJe2A/WVZq6Tb1zVI/AAAAAAAADsY/NG11AF4QvDUkm-6aZPtt_8wKRGpgr-hzACLcBGAs/s1600/5340%2BHoneybug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sW2zEVJe2A/WVZq6Tb1zVI/AAAAAAAADsY/NG11AF4QvDUkm-6aZPtt_8wKRGpgr-hzACLcBGAs/s400/5340%2BHoneybug.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ni, Honeybug</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Honeybug</b></span> has graced the IPO in many guises since we've been attending the festival, ranging from Ni on his lonesome through to 3 piece, a four piece and even an entourage of seven! One day he'll hit the right formula!! (kidding). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We never know what to expect each year and that makes it even more fun. This year we got a duo........ 80's Synth Honeybug. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We got songs such as an old favourite, "Lady Luck" which we have heard in the past completely stripped down to a lounge style, this year spruced up to an 80's disco dance track, complete with the drum and bass machine. Wonderfully inspired. If Ni had been around in the 80's he would have been king of the charts with that set!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i6fOOq3ouq0/WVZq6hlNZsI/AAAAAAAADsg/L-AdvdvAKS0StZ_0m8WbEPWVCZmP8QC2wCLcBGAs/s1600/5344%2BHoneybug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i6fOOq3ouq0/WVZq6hlNZsI/AAAAAAAADsg/L-AdvdvAKS0StZ_0m8WbEPWVCZmP8QC2wCLcBGAs/s640/5344%2BHoneybug.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Honeybug</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A last minute switch in the line up due to a major traffic incident delaying some people from getting up to Liverpool in time, meant we did not manage to catch Fun Of the Pier this year. Instead we got <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Nathan Bennett</span></b> in their slot. Whilst it is nice that the IPO host wanted to give Nathan the chance to play, it was grossly unfair to bump other acts to accommodate this, especially as he did have a second slot already in the line up later on..... so it was not as though he would not have been able to play at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">That aside, he did have a nice voice and looked vaguely like the actor Tom who played Miranda's love interest in the BBC sitcom. However, his set did seem to be a "work in progress" affair, with a disproportionate number of covers and he had to refer to a notebook of lyrics most of the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Hepburns</b></span>, from South Wales, were introduced as being influenced by Burt Bacharach, and the horn player certainly gives this band the Bacharach vibe, in particular the flugal horn which really gave the set a lounge style sound. Close your eyes and you could be forgiven for thinking this was LA Lounge band, Mellocads. Mid way, the tempo changed to a more Latino rhythm before closing on a festival type song. We really enjoyed their set and got their CD too.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8vLRgJXZwQ/WVZq6i-7g-I/AAAAAAAADsc/Eduj0WWXDOQOcqNW4s2Zd-l42m8a-KuvQCLcBGAs/s1600/5347%2BThe%2BHepburns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8vLRgJXZwQ/WVZq6i-7g-I/AAAAAAAADsc/Eduj0WWXDOQOcqNW4s2Zd-l42m8a-KuvQCLcBGAs/s640/5347%2BThe%2BHepburns.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Hepburns</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQORa8EtBIw/WVZq7EqrxiI/AAAAAAAADso/bDFXEyL3QeoS5FiW0myKb4spR3vEGhVkwCLcBGAs/s1600/5349%2BYoav%2BArbel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQORa8EtBIw/WVZq7EqrxiI/AAAAAAAADso/bDFXEyL3QeoS5FiW0myKb4spR3vEGhVkwCLcBGAs/s200/5349%2BYoav%2BArbel.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yoav Arbel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">From Israel <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Yoav Arbel</span></b> had piqued our interest. He was good, but by this point we had absorbed enough keyboard and left early. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We heard later he did a brilliant version of God Only Knows. Sad to have missed that one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The Back Stage was needed to accommodate everyone in <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Know Escape</span></b>. This band is the latest project from Mark Mortimer who is a bit of an IPO veteran and has appeared in a few guises over the years. With 8 on stage, it took forever to get everyone set up, including Mark himself who seemed to need to tune up 3 guitars and then go and get his jacket on! The set up included a large brass section which added volume and oomph, however we left after a couple of songs as they did not set us alight. There was nothing that really stood out.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffmOmjaNrI0/WVZq7HOKL9I/AAAAAAAADsk/y4mLu0-lZ-UG6yhPZ_aCV0EczIGjFGw0QCLcBGAs/s1600/5354%2BThe%2BKnow%2BEscape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffmOmjaNrI0/WVZq7HOKL9I/AAAAAAAADsk/y4mLu0-lZ-UG6yhPZ_aCV0EczIGjFGw0QCLcBGAs/s400/5354%2BThe%2BKnow%2BEscape.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Know Escape</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u78GIXiZJzw/WVZq7tSUsZI/AAAAAAAADsw/GkK-KkntPvwd0cFytN7JUg_6d5Xh8eQcgCLcBGAs/s1600/5362%2BThe%2BJetBeats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u78GIXiZJzw/WVZq7tSUsZI/AAAAAAAADsw/GkK-KkntPvwd0cFytN7JUg_6d5Xh8eQcgCLcBGAs/s400/5362%2BThe%2BJetBeats.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The JetBeats</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The JetBeats</span></b> were born to play at The Cavern. Having seen them yesterday in their leather jackets, today they were suited and booted, 60's style and sounded right at home on the Beatles stage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">They really do nail that 60's beat sound and could easily have been the band on "That Thing You Do", they sound that good! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Their songs are happy, upbeat and infectious to the point that you cannot do anything other than to bop your head, tap your feet and sing along to the chorus' in your head. Totally recommended.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZPOT0c3L7Y/WVZq7XgODOI/AAAAAAAADss/7Zkos3xW0mU-8buIZ-C6teD7X0F9tn9hwCLcBGAs/s1600/5357%2BThe%2BJetBeats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZPOT0c3L7Y/WVZq7XgODOI/AAAAAAAADss/7Zkos3xW0mU-8buIZ-C6teD7X0F9tn9hwCLcBGAs/s640/5357%2BThe%2BJetBeats.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The JetBeats</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUJk6yClLew/WVZq7xIKTuI/AAAAAAAADs0/GiDHIMUMR44o7424pzY4C6cUgyowMBI8wCLcBGAs/s1600/5367%2BClown%2BCapers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUJk6yClLew/WVZq7xIKTuI/AAAAAAAADs0/GiDHIMUMR44o7424pzY4C6cUgyowMBI8wCLcBGAs/s400/5367%2BClown%2BCapers.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clown Capers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Clown Capers</span></b> appeared for the fourth time, filling in for some late cancellations. Every time they have played, it has been a good solid set, with some great tunes. The lead guy's beard is still the best beard of the IPO!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--TLyj3kOqzI/WVZq79gSo7I/AAAAAAAADs4/7FvDFY6CEhMWWwj1rgCxQ7sCdoH75iqIgCLcBGAs/s1600/5377%2BB-Side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--TLyj3kOqzI/WVZq79gSo7I/AAAAAAAADs4/7FvDFY6CEhMWWwj1rgCxQ7sCdoH75iqIgCLcBGAs/s400/5377%2BB-Side.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>B-Side</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">B-Side</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> had a bit of a different sound this year - starting their set in a very Pink Floyd, Prog Rock style with mood and extended guitar solos.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> It was a bit of a surprise, but not bad! Mid-way through they reverted back to their Beach Boys' influenced, summer, happy style songs and we were delighted to hear again, their single "The Sun Brings Out the Girls" which has always been a great crowd pleaser. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCWJufOFFbQ/WVZq8GQtRJI/AAAAAAAADs8/IT-UJZRzPKMKSZru6Jsm6bjJFKhvsnTNgCLcBGAs/s1600/5378%2BB-Side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCWJufOFFbQ/WVZq8GQtRJI/AAAAAAAADs8/IT-UJZRzPKMKSZru6Jsm6bjJFKhvsnTNgCLcBGAs/s320/5378%2BB-Side.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>B-Side's Sean Macreavy brings out the Sunshine</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On this song in particular you can really appreciate the influence of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys on Sean Macreavy and it would not be out of place on a "Beach Boys Best Of" album, with the harmony and summer feel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Another Mark Mortimer project, </span><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dream Factory</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> took over the Back Stage with their 9-piece formation who were basically the same members of The Know Escape from earlier in the evening. Having a 4 piece brass section really gave the band a bit of a Big Band / Northern Soul sound. They were good, but the line of music stands and IPad holders across the front of the stage was a disappointment because it showed this band were not really gig ready and you also could not see them either as they were a bit hidden!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHAvUaNpxeY/WVZq8t9G4GI/AAAAAAAADtE/e9L8wx-56dIwtyG-Xbe2j3GTA8igFOwZQCLcBGAs/s1600/5382%2BDream%2BFactory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHAvUaNpxeY/WVZq8t9G4GI/AAAAAAAADtE/e9L8wx-56dIwtyG-Xbe2j3GTA8igFOwZQCLcBGAs/s640/5382%2BDream%2BFactory.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dream Factory</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JAyCAz3lGk/WVZq9E-wwXI/AAAAAAAADtM/-45YRpI5cKgkhaAVbcjKYGZF9EuFwXb3QCLcBGAs/s1600/5420%2BKontiki%2BSuite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JAyCAz3lGk/WVZq9E-wwXI/AAAAAAAADtM/-45YRpI5cKgkhaAVbcjKYGZF9EuFwXb3QCLcBGAs/s320/5420%2BKontiki%2BSuite.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kontiki Suite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was a pleasure to see <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Kontiki Suite</b></span> back this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">From Cumbria, this band has a lead singer who appears to be painfully shy and not keen on chatting to the audience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">They have moved from a gentle west coast pysch sound to more prog rock variant and the drummer sang some great backing vocals. An enjoyable set and we do like their albums</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was great to be able to catch the second appearance from Spanish band <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Real Me</span></b>. again they delivered a great set of toe tapping, head nodding and sing along in your head tunes. This is traditional powerpop for sure... brilliant vocals, great guitar and catchy hooks and choruses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> "Oh Jen" is definitely one of the best songs of the IPO and hearing their songs for a second time prompted Minty to buy both of their vinyls. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGZTbiIuhTU/WVZq9X3a1YI/AAAAAAAADtQ/3hh2ljIEjG0TfHzwGoqCjucsUWj1n6IKwCLcBGAs/s1600/5429%2BThe%2BReal%2BMe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGZTbiIuhTU/WVZq9X3a1YI/AAAAAAAADtQ/3hh2ljIEjG0TfHzwGoqCjucsUWj1n6IKwCLcBGAs/s640/5429%2BThe%2BReal%2BMe.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Real Me</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gsze0iO6yB4/WVZq91mxChI/AAAAAAAADtc/K9aVRJCZKds9Ry_abXVO5C2ZvfCAZdU2wCLcBGAs/s1600/5444%2BThe%2BFast%2BCamels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gsze0iO6yB4/WVZq91mxChI/AAAAAAAADtc/K9aVRJCZKds9Ry_abXVO5C2ZvfCAZdU2wCLcBGAs/s320/5444%2BThe%2BFast%2BCamels.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Andy - The Fast Camels</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Next up was one of Glasgow's finest, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Fast Camels</span></b>. Scheduling on Sunday meant that this was the only opportunity to see Drew, Mark, Joe, Andy and CJ on stage this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">What a delightful set they played, kicking off with two new songs which has really whetted our appetite for album no 4. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">They are very psych influenced, with roots that give a nod to Arthur Lee but with a great individuality that means you cannot say "They sound like.....". because they have their own sound, their own style of chord progression. Over these last few years, the boys have really come into their own, being very comfortable with their look and their sound. It is a great group effort too, with everyone contributing, including writing the songs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Despite consciously moving to a more commercial sound last year, in all honesty they have not really departed from their psych influences. The songs are a little shorter than in the past, but the sound is still their own. Another stunning set from the Glasgow boys, which went down very well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dao1_cclIUc/WVZq9tTUIXI/AAAAAAAADtU/pTeU3H_3CKc1BCI1vhYVq-CMnEdenfTFQCLcBGAs/s1600/5443%2BThe%2BFast%2BCamels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dao1_cclIUc/WVZq9tTUIXI/AAAAAAAADtU/pTeU3H_3CKc1BCI1vhYVq-CMnEdenfTFQCLcBGAs/s640/5443%2BThe%2BFast%2BCamels.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Drew & Mark, The Fast Camels</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We did catch one more band, Germany's <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Johnny Remember Me</span></b>. In our IPO research we had noted these as Joe Meek influenced, with a bit of a sound quite similar to eighties band H2O. Maybe it was late and we are doing them a great injustice, as we had been all banded out, but nothing has stuck in our minds about this band.</span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-71256623317576539052017-05-19T23:30:00.000+01:002017-07-01T00:01:21.702+01:00INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW DAY 4 - FRIDAY<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Cavern Pub & The
Cavern Club<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mathew Street, Liverpool</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Friday 19<sup>th</sup>
May 2017</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Bands seen today = 17<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>The JetBeats, Deni
Bonet, viseMenn, Miracle Glass Company, The Shudders, Amoeba Teen, Colin’s
Godson, Leisure McCorkle, Edward Rogers, Cirrone, Picnic Republic, Squire, Love
L.U.V, Caper Clowns, The Real Me, Ladies, The Jeremy Band</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The International Pop
Overthrow is in its 15th year in Liverpool, with around 140 bands playing
throughout the 8 days. We see as many bands as we can, some we like, some we
love........ others not so much. This is a personal review of each day and even
though some bands may not have been our cup of tea (we can’t like them all!),
they are still worth checking out for yourself. Have fun, that’s what music is
all about.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">This was one of the big
marathon days and we managed to take in 17 (yes, Seventeen) bands today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbokvMe4KNM/WTVLBujs42I/AAAAAAAADqg/_AAdEfOr__I5LftAzi4m1EY3jeRZdxdzQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbokvMe4KNM/WTVLBujs42I/AAAAAAAADqg/_AAdEfOr__I5LftAzi4m1EY3jeRZdxdzQCLcB/s320/IMG_5212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The JetBeats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Starting in the Cavern
Pub, we knew we would love <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The JetBeats</span></b> who had come all the way from Grand
Rapids, Michigan. This is a 60’s style beat group who have nailed the sound without a
doubt. They also have a great look, wearing black leather. Immediately we
thought they were quite similar to another fantastic beat band from the US, The
Beat Rats. We always describe The Beat Rats as The Beatles meet the Ramones and
The JetBeats are not so distant cousins here with their punchy beat inspired
songs, albeit they are not quite a “punky”. Absolutely loved their set.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Next up was a “quirky”
performance from <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Deni Bonet</b></span>. From New York. As well as being really talented
musically, she was very witty and had us all chuckling about her stories and 3
marriages that inspired some of her songs. She played the violin which gave her
that edgy quirkiness, especially on her cover of “Please Please Me”. We liked
the fact she went with the flow, changing her set on impulse and her
personality rubbed off on the Pub crowd who just loved her. Vocally she is very
strong with a naturally great voice.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XO9dPu0U4Og/WTVLBjWxnYI/AAAAAAAADqc/7Yw-lv3FG7w3FSUwNklAAyS5AK-RCFVWQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XO9dPu0U4Og/WTVLBjWxnYI/AAAAAAAADqc/7Yw-lv3FG7w3FSUwNklAAyS5AK-RCFVWQCLcB/s320/IMG_5223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deni Bonet & Edward Rogers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">For some of her set, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Edward Rogers</b></span> joined
her on stage and when we saw him later that evening on the Back Stage, he
returned the favour by having Deni on stage with him for part of his set, so
these two really do work well together as a double act. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The back stage
performance from Edward was brilliant, although we were a bit disappointed he
did not include “Denmark Street” as this would have resonated with a lot of the
musicians in the Club. But the exclusion of his song about that iconic London
street in no way weakened his set which was in a nutshell, pretty terrific. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akGCWZhAA54/WTVLDlrJP_I/AAAAAAAADrI/ydt1mXNuZ9IWqlMLOVAKzjUu9YDFz9jSACLcB/s1600/IMG_5281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akGCWZhAA54/WTVLDlrJP_I/AAAAAAAADrI/ydt1mXNuZ9IWqlMLOVAKzjUu9YDFz9jSACLcB/s640/IMG_5281.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Edward Rogers and Deni Bonet on the Back Stage</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Edward has a wry sense of humour and coped well with some of the rabble in the Back
Stage who then started to listen up and pay attention. He is an obvious great lyricist and we would say his songs are genuinely poetic ...... He got a fantastic reaction
from the audience. He had a bit of an Eric Idle “Always Look on the Bright Side
of Life” style about him during a couple of songs and Minty thought he had a
lovely English accent despite being New York based for some time now. Although
we do begrudge paying a tenner for CDs at the IPO, we didn’t mind paying the
price for his. It was worth it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymha3ClHQg0/WTVLBlxAh9I/AAAAAAAADqk/Kv_vbjEkEDwym7V59CPop-wUlVZoXd1mgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymha3ClHQg0/WTVLBlxAh9I/AAAAAAAADqk/Kv_vbjEkEDwym7V59CPop-wUlVZoXd1mgCLcB/s320/IMG_5229.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">viseMenn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We thought we had walked
into a real powerpop sound when we caught Norwegian band <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>viseMenn</b></span> on the Back
stage. With the vocals and backing harmony they sounded great. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">However, they
then turned Prog Rock the middle part of their set, with a moody sound that
seemed quite Pink Floyd inspired. They finished on a more up tempo number,
almost U2 style which suited the lead singer’s voice more than the prog rock.
Overall though, not a bad performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnO-jQzF2FQ/WTVLCsjvvVI/AAAAAAAADqw/b66r-TDCcfMCbqFVIr_DxnoRlI9s92HZwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnO-jQzF2FQ/WTVLCsjvvVI/AAAAAAAADqw/b66r-TDCcfMCbqFVIr_DxnoRlI9s92HZwCLcB/s200/IMG_5239.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Miracle Glass Company</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZhDG9xP0qQ/WTVLDAWRivI/AAAAAAAADq0/NJOqH-0cRLgZ0t-0YcDPlqXLoAuJDA65QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZhDG9xP0qQ/WTVLDAWRivI/AAAAAAAADq0/NJOqH-0cRLgZ0t-0YcDPlqXLoAuJDA65QCLcB/s200/IMG_5240.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Miracle Glass Company</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Miracle Glass Company</span></b>
was another potential nugget we had noted during our pre-IPO research We had
missed their Thursday performance and had heard other IPO’ers raving about
them. We HAD to see them. Today’s set was an acoustic one, versus the electric
one they played the night before, and with real sublime 3 part harmony they had
a bit of a nod to Gallagher & Lyle / Crosby, Stills & Nash. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bw-6edaM9ng/WTVLCUZlVNI/AAAAAAAADqo/BvAzju99FbsBSyxpdwDVs22_OOObZ6c8ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bw-6edaM9ng/WTVLCUZlVNI/AAAAAAAADqo/BvAzju99FbsBSyxpdwDVs22_OOObZ6c8ACLcB/s200/IMG_5238.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Miracle Glass Company</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The
audience was absolutely entranced with this acoustic performance and for once,
there was a bit of a hush in the Back Stage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">All three members of the band get
a shot on lead vocals and one real highlight was their new single Trouble which
was a great foot tapping rhythm, fantastic vocals and had you singing along in
your head from the get go. Definitely recommended and another band we were
willing to part with a tenner for their album.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cC5f0i68BXo/WTVLCuCob5I/AAAAAAAADqs/ytmen6XhbxIdv31g3qfoyLcjvhRxOIYbACLcB/s1600/IMG_5237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cC5f0i68BXo/WTVLCuCob5I/AAAAAAAADqs/ytmen6XhbxIdv31g3qfoyLcjvhRxOIYbACLcB/s640/IMG_5237.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Miracle Glass Company</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Up next, the full set
from <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Shudders</span></b>. This band really do deliver solid harmony filled rock/pop
with good vocals. A few of their songs start out quietly and build up to a bit
of a crescendo with some good guitar work thrown in and the chorus of their
songs are almost anthemic. Again like the day before, they did eek out their
last song with an extended guitar solo but it was a really, really strong set.
Their second last song should have been their grand finale to finish on – it
was a bit of an Irish jig rhythm, that would have had a crowd in an Irish pub
clamouring for more!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gawvc1U-EY8/WTVLDHSppLI/AAAAAAAADq4/KLcxqVJ-HwMweRWKpQBGQmf8-rWo2Gh-ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gawvc1U-EY8/WTVLDHSppLI/AAAAAAAADq4/KLcxqVJ-HwMweRWKpQBGQmf8-rWo2Gh-ACLcB/s640/IMG_5253.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Shudders</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7WRfbEOY1U/WTVLDUDEnuI/AAAAAAAADq8/YNnEzS-iXfYfcG3q8Nwoq4PxbZCTfstmwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7WRfbEOY1U/WTVLDUDEnuI/AAAAAAAADq8/YNnEzS-iXfYfcG3q8Nwoq4PxbZCTfstmwCLcB/s320/IMG_5257.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amoeba Teen</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Punchy powerpop, jingle
jangle from a 12 string Danelectro, solid drum beat and vocals all blended
together in a superb set from <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Amoeba Teen</b></span>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">With a sound reminiscent of Gram
Parsons and The Byrds, the West Coast vibe of this band really shone through.
They were brilliant – powerpop as it should be and the band also looked like
they loved being on stage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Their set included a cover of the highly influential
powerpop classic “No Matter What” and they nailed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Scotland seems to pour a
never ending stream of music talent across the border and Glasgow band <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Colin’s
Godson </b></span>can be added to that list of great bands form North of the Border.
Quirky with it too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Taking the time and effort to dress in orange boiler suits,
we thought they looked like the Numbskulls (from the Whizzer & Chips
comic?) or tyre fitters! In fact, they were space and time travellers and their
set was based around tales of their intergalactic travels. These interludes to
provide narratives in between songs were so funny and they packed so much into
the half hour they had. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">They started off asking the audience for apathy as that
powered their hypergalactic drive and their first song “Stadium Rock” which had
a tongue in cheek nod to big stadium gigs,</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">set a high bar that the rest of the set matched or
exceeded. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Other songs in the set included the discovery of a split Oasis/Blur
single from the 90’s, their failure to stop the making of Black Adder Goes
Forth and a nostalgic reminiscence of the demise of “Orange Wednesday”. Although
we should really have had "Fenian Friday" to balance that! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">After we wiped the
tears from our eyes from laughing so much, we really did cheer loudly –
brilliant set. This band really does go the whole hog on merchandising and we
bought a “goody bag” of CDs, 7”’s and a fantastic comic that was designed by
the band to tell the story of their space travels!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOLwqOYrvf0/WTVLDUqQQ-I/AAAAAAAADrE/wbBimuoyWMwWDop7P9sS9OsRL-OfaCKuwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOLwqOYrvf0/WTVLDUqQQ-I/AAAAAAAADrE/wbBimuoyWMwWDop7P9sS9OsRL-OfaCKuwCLcB/s640/IMG_5263.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colin's Godson</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-px17XZ3pa0Q/WTVLDUcFPWI/AAAAAAAADrA/TmPWqzUpdKM0C1pimde4t1-2j2W9titUwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-px17XZ3pa0Q/WTVLDUcFPWI/AAAAAAAADrA/TmPWqzUpdKM0C1pimde4t1-2j2W9titUwCLcB/s320/IMG_5268.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Leisure McCorkle</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The Back Room can be a
big stage for a solo artist, especially when the audience is fairly large and
in a chatty mood. Unfortunately that was the case for <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Leisure McCorkle</b></span>. He had
come from the US to play at this year’s IPO, and had a pretty cool looking
travel friendly guitar with him (thin and small) which provided a surprisingly
good sound. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">He had a very strong voice naturally, but also augmented it through
a vocal pedal and this did help in the battle against the constant noise for
the audience in the bar area. Whilst he is a good artist, the songs were all
quite similar and became hard to distinguish one from the other by the time the
middle of the set was reached.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Another band we were
really looking forward to seeing after doing our pre-IPO research was Sicilian
band <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cirrone</span></b> (pronounced Chir-rone-ee). Knowing there were three brothers in
this band was a winner for us. Being big Beach Boys fans, we do like the family
connection and at previous IPOs have really enjoyed bands of brothers such as
54321 and The Kinbeats. And this year, Cirrone was no exception to this rule. We
caught both of their sets today, the first on the Back Stage and the second
much later on, on the Front Stage. You might expect a gentle harmony from a
band with three brothers, but no, this band absolutely rocked as much as they
harmonised. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The guitar playing was brilliant even to the point on their latest
single they extended the song to include a good five minutes of Van Halen /
Slash style rock guitar!!! Well we assume it was an extended version and not
the radio edit! A friend of a friend sitting next to us was absolutely
awestruck. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcmUne_SG44/WTVLD0RGwxI/AAAAAAAADrQ/1yMonu_QiFM00z7V7SPEUbQ1_ahrMRnKACLcB/s1600/IMG_5291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcmUne_SG44/WTVLD0RGwxI/AAAAAAAADrQ/1yMonu_QiFM00z7V7SPEUbQ1_ahrMRnKACLcB/s640/IMG_5291.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cirrone</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Their Front Stage set was equally terrific – same set played to an
audience that totally filled the Front Stage area. The place was so mobbed we
could not get any pictures. Again they went down a storm and to be honest, they
really suited playing this stage. We could not quite comprehend the
interruption from local radio DJ Billy Butler who came on to the stage after
the second song to pay homage to the band as this did disrupt the flow, but in
the end up the performance was still quite stellar. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We loved this band. We
found out later that they also play at The Beatle Week so we hope to see them
again in August.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo6TIfJbqXo/WTVLD8kyYjI/AAAAAAAADrM/-ZVCjd2SrA02LR1C_Zphw5d1in3z3YAFgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo6TIfJbqXo/WTVLD8kyYjI/AAAAAAAADrM/-ZVCjd2SrA02LR1C_Zphw5d1in3z3YAFgCLcB/s320/IMG_5292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Picnic Republic</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">From France, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Picnic
Republic</b></span> were totally different to our expectations. From our pre-IPO research
we had heard a band who sounded not dis-similar to Crowded House or Scotland’s
own The Pearlfishers and this would have been right up our street. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">However, the
band that appeared on the stage today had a more traditional “pop” sound.
Decent enough and enjoyable but nothing really stand out from this band to make
anything stick in our memory other than a Cello player being in the band!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Next up, on the front
Stage was a real Mod-revival band from London, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Squire</b></span>. They used to come to the
IPO year in year out, and they are favourites of ours to the extent we have also seen them play outside the IPO environment. We have not seen them at the IPO
for a while so it was terrific to see father and son Anthony and James Meynell
back on the Front Stage. Minty was absolutely delighted to hear “Girl On A
Train” which is her favourite Squire song. The Rickenbacker really adds to the
sound of this band. The audience in the Cavern were not a typical Mod audience,
but they loved this band. Terrific stuff. Come back again soon!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1rngGIAX_Q/WTVLEK3r_CI/AAAAAAAADrc/vn4WdjNR5II-lVMuFBAXcSGXiNVxqhxkgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1rngGIAX_Q/WTVLEK3r_CI/AAAAAAAADrc/vn4WdjNR5II-lVMuFBAXcSGXiNVxqhxkgCLcB/s640/IMG_5294.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Squire</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ToId-brn1w0/WTVLEAl2zYI/AAAAAAAADrU/k8G6kn7Q6S0AOsQZqUvz7LdNbiQPVwdwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ToId-brn1w0/WTVLEAl2zYI/AAAAAAAADrU/k8G6kn7Q6S0AOsQZqUvz7LdNbiQPVwdwwCLcB/s400/IMG_5295.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Love L.U.V.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Every now and then the IPO
attracts bands that have a bit of a girl group influence / sound – highlights
in the past have been The School from Wales, Las Annettes from Barcelona and the
more rocky Cocktail Slippers from Norway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">This year it was London’s turn, and
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>LOVE L.U.V. </b></span>were a band Minty was really interested in seeing. They had a good
look – 60’s influenced and they really did storm through a brilliant set that
the audience just lapped up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The lead singer was the main face of the band and
she was a cross between the sweet voice of Clare Grogan from Altered Images
and the power of Mary Weiss from the Shangri-las. Excellent backing vocals (and a lead vocal for one song) was provided by the keyboard player who also had
that 60’s mod girl look and of course the drummer had got that “Be My Baby”
drum beat down to a fine art. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">A couple of songs had influences drawn directly
from the 60’s, for instance a bit of
“The Stroll” and the “Aaahhhhs” that the Beatles stole from the Isley Bros!
Love L.U.V. really hit the spot. It was however a tad disappointing that their
merchandise did not include any CDs as they would have flown off the merch
table….. maybe next year?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-dF7vZ95BU/WTVLEFFcjFI/AAAAAAAADrY/PcGEn2CXHmUOVYicbiRs4LGpC4PCVeQ8gCLcB/s1600/IMG_5297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-dF7vZ95BU/WTVLEFFcjFI/AAAAAAAADrY/PcGEn2CXHmUOVYicbiRs4LGpC4PCVeQ8gCLcB/s320/IMG_5297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Caper Clowns</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">From Denmark, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Caper
Clowns</b></span> won the award for the best beard of the IPO (that from Dave Wilcox and
seconded and thirded by us!). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Again, our pre-IPO research had highlighted this
band as a must see, and we were really impressed with them. Their set was
varied, starting with the typical Power Pop sound before slowing down mid-set
to a more gentle beat and then back to full power. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The fact that 3 of the band
delivered the lead vocal through the set added to the variety. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">They gave a
really strong performance and we managed to enjoy their set, despite the
sometimes obnoxious crowd that seeps into the Cavern on a Friday night!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkZ0LT6dHY0/WTVLEhb914I/AAAAAAAADro/nsT3OwFEfjkP1Sb8cih_d1ZzkLOr4BcfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkZ0LT6dHY0/WTVLEhb914I/AAAAAAAADro/nsT3OwFEfjkP1Sb8cih_d1ZzkLOr4BcfQCLcB/s400/IMG_5302.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Real Me</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We were impressed with
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Real Me</span></b> who gave us some really harmonious melody. "Oh Jen" ” has all of the powerpop essentials - a
great vocal, brilliant drum beat and all round spot on sound. The lyrics "Oh Jen, it's good to see you again, Oh Jen, I hope that we can be friends....." just kept going around in Minty's head. A truly lovely song.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Another song,
“Hurt Me” had a distinctive Doo Wop feel to it and sounded terrific. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">This band
were really tight musically and were right at home on the Front Stage. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The fact
that the band really enjoyed their set added to their overall performance.
Loved it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amuquCYYj2U/WTVLElTJQBI/AAAAAAAADrg/EtiL3RM6w_Q1Wl3sg4XbVWJQwdsddXIfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amuquCYYj2U/WTVLElTJQBI/AAAAAAAADrg/EtiL3RM6w_Q1Wl3sg4XbVWJQwdsddXIfQCLcB/s200/IMG_5305.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chaz from The Ladies</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Ladies </b></span>essentially
did not turn up for their second slot, and it was left to just one of the band,
Chaz, to do a solo stint, rather than pull out all together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The blurb on this
band likened them to the Partridge Family and The Brady Bunch – and we
understood why. Not in sound, but in looks with Chaz sporting a very 70’s teenage
boy hairdo. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Hats off to him, he played a really good set on his own. He was up against it
a bit with the noise of the midnight Cavern Crowd which can be a bit relentless
but he did the full slot and got a great reaction from the audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FI7stCurCHc/WTVLE-EBlqI/AAAAAAAADrk/jdjcwzlzMikz5x3XCJmJtxthydD0pxzPQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FI7stCurCHc/WTVLE-EBlqI/AAAAAAAADrk/jdjcwzlzMikz5x3XCJmJtxthydD0pxzPQCLcB/s320/IMG_5309.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jeremy Morris</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The last band to round
off our marathon day was <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Jeremy Band</b></span>. Jeremy Morris is the King of the IPO,
playing all around the US and every year he makes the trip to Liverpool from
the US and never fails to entertain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvNjtO1JPJ8/WTVLFPll12I/AAAAAAAADrs/44LiIXajZ3ASZlNfR0pCss9BqQ0SUisygCLcB/s1600/IMG_5317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvNjtO1JPJ8/WTVLFPll12I/AAAAAAAADrs/44LiIXajZ3ASZlNfR0pCss9BqQ0SUisygCLcB/s320/IMG_5317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb and The Jeremy Band</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The Beeb was invited up to play a bit of
blues harmonica half way through the set, and never one to let anyone down, he
obliged. Jeremy’s set rocked, and included (at the behest of host David Bash),
his song about the IPO and to Minty’s delight, his surf selection where he includes
a blinding version of "Misserlou".</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Being last on, the only thing that can stop
Jeremy is the Cavern’s own 2am curfew, and Jeremey timed it to perfection when at 1.59 the final twang of
the guitar faded and the amps were turned off. However this was not before
Jeremy made the audience gasp with anticipation as he leapt from the drum
platform and launched himself onto the water pipes that run across the stage
ceiling…… not once, but twice! A brilliant end
to our marathon day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nC1uhXQ28o/WTVLFb6aMSI/AAAAAAAADrw/WJPSFx9hnvcmDtC_G6Gv7zUUlM2p0qqVwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nC1uhXQ28o/WTVLFb6aMSI/AAAAAAAADrw/WJPSFx9hnvcmDtC_G6Gv7zUUlM2p0qqVwCLcB/s640/IMG_5322.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb with The Jeremy Band after the Cavern closed</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-56576746398144088982017-05-18T23:30:00.000+01:002017-06-30T23:55:57.907+01:00INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW DAY 3 - THURSDAY<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Cavern Pub & The
Cavern Club<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mathew Street, Liverpool</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Thursday 18<sup>th</sup>
May 2017</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><b>Bands seen today = 8</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><b>Ben's Diapers, Col Lewis, The Shudders, The Bad Losers, Thee Wylde Fuzz Show, The Gentle Scars, The Spontanas, The Oxides</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">The International Pop Overthrow is in its 15th year in Liverpool, with around 140 bands playing throughout the 8 days. We see as many bands as we can, some we like, some we love........ others not so much. This is a personal review of each day and even though some bands may not have been our cup of tea (we can’t like them all!), they are still worth checking out for yourself. Have fun, that’s what music is all about.</span></i><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Day 3 started for us in
the Cavern Pub, with <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Ben’s Diapers</b></span>. This is a band who previously appeared at the
festival a few years on the trot and we loved them back then, so it was great
to see them return to Liverpool this year. Back home in Turku, Finland, they
are a country band but it not a hard move for them to be a bit more rocky and
deliver some fantastic powerpop sounds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We heard a blistering set of feet
tapping, head nodding pop tunes. Mikka, the drummer and the main spokesman for
the band mentioned that they have played together for 20 years now, so they are
seasoned pros – they were slick, obviously knew their songs inside out and delivered
a fantastic set. The sound was great too, with the balance such that you could
hear the vocals over the guitars and drums (something a lot of the younger and
less seasoned IPO bands fail to do). We totally recommend them.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0dZk3GIFppM/WTVBek4nOHI/AAAAAAAADps/CIH-uwAw71ICUvrQlQw-rj5c2CbafdO1gCEw/s1600/IMG_5140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0dZk3GIFppM/WTVBek4nOHI/AAAAAAAADps/CIH-uwAw71ICUvrQlQw-rj5c2CbafdO1gCEw/s640/IMG_5140.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ben's Diapers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyoTLELaX0w/WTVDd9mu5MI/AAAAAAAADqM/y5KhjKDrLqEea6CGUinVvxEuTE8X2XizACLcB/s1600/IMG_5874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyoTLELaX0w/WTVDd9mu5MI/AAAAAAAADqM/y5KhjKDrLqEea6CGUinVvxEuTE8X2XizACLcB/s320/IMG_5874.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Col Lewis with The Beeb on Harp</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We had a change of plan in
our itinerary due to the fact that <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Col Lewis</b></span>, who has previously played with Lincoln
band, Postcards From Places That Don’t Exist, who were a firm favourite of ours
a few years ago at the IPO, asked The Beeb if he could play some harmonica. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Those who know The Beeb well, know that he is not one to turn down any opportunity
for a stage bomb, so the answer was, of course “yes”, even though he had no idea
what this invite would entail!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">To be honest we have only caught one previous
solo set from Col (and that’s Col as in Colin, not Colnel!!) on his first
appearance as a solo artist at the IPO. He has come a long way since then, when
it was just him and a guitar to battle against the noise of the transient
Cavern mob. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Col played bass and with a full band he did a really good
set. His wife is part of the band, adding vocal harmony and playing keyboards,
and he had a drummer and guitarist too. The Beeb got up in the second half of
the set to add Harmonica on one of Col’s own songs. Col also did a nice cover
of “Stand By Me”.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6gCfhHA7Uz4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6gCfhHA7Uz4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b94AG85P4UA/WTVBejOojdI/AAAAAAAADpw/eYQ471tiE64BuppsHFLs8-yZ_-s3kteTwCEw/s1600/IMG_5145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b94AG85P4UA/WTVBejOojdI/AAAAAAAADpw/eYQ471tiE64BuppsHFLs8-yZ_-s3kteTwCEw/s400/IMG_5145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Shudders</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">In order to catch the
Col Lewis set, we missed a lot of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Shudders</span></b> on the front stage but caught
their last two songs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Last year we saw this band as an acoustic 3 piece, due to
the drummer not making their first slot and we liked what we heard. Today was
the full electric band and they did rock and they sounded good. The lead singer has a Paul Weller look about him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Their last song
was however, a little laboured as they seemed to eek out as much as they could
with a guitar solo at the end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">On the front stage were
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Bad Losers</span></b>. Wow, what a terrific band. This is freakbeat from Bristol,
complete with great harmonica parts. They nailed that freakbeat sound, sounded so authentic and were totally at home on the front stage. Their songs
had great hooks and choruses that you could sing along to, and The Beeb was singing along (well in his head anyhow). The Cavern was packed and everyone really enjoyed
this band. We bought their vinyl. The packaging was superb with a double gatefold sleeve and the actual album is cream vinyl. Lovely.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDeXHJNzWlU/WTVBe6IeuEI/AAAAAAAADp0/ZJPc-0Q_g6IPBJKZ-upQ69zOSVYd6XmjACEw/s1600/IMG_5152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDeXHJNzWlU/WTVBe6IeuEI/AAAAAAAADp0/ZJPc-0Q_g6IPBJKZ-upQ69zOSVYd6XmjACEw/s640/IMG_5152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Bad Losers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDten4RqzB0/WTVFVd-i_UI/AAAAAAAADqQ/fDc1MsvkpN47b3fjFS-pnoS37RnXpFpnwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDten4RqzB0/WTVFVd-i_UI/AAAAAAAADqQ/fDc1MsvkpN47b3fjFS-pnoS37RnXpFpnwCLcB/s400/IMG_5166.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thee Wylde Fuzz Show before their second show</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Next up were </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Thee Wylde
Fuzz Show</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">. We’ve seen this band every time they’ve played the IPO and each time
we have enjoyed their set immensely. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This year they seemed to take things up a notch
and both of their sets, one on the front stage and the second, later in the Cavern
Pub surpassed their previous fantastic performances – it was the best we’ve
ever seen them play. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Paisley shirts have also been replaced with a new look of tailored suits and ties – very smart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsbNBobOteA/WTVBfG8166I/AAAAAAAADp4/68D2mr5fGvk6WVfKrDcunnq2iGXvY_DcwCEw/s1600/IMG_5156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsbNBobOteA/WTVBfG8166I/AAAAAAAADp4/68D2mr5fGvk6WVfKrDcunnq2iGXvY_DcwCEw/s400/IMG_5156.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jonny from Thee Wylde Fuzz Show</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It is always worth seeing both
slots from Thee Wylde Fuzz Show as they are different. We think their second
set was supposed to be a little less energetic than their first, but that idea
was thrown out of the window! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">What do you get from this band? The easiest way to
describe them is that they have stepped straight out of a Nuggets Box Set. They
have the two most worked Rickenbackers of the IPO, showing no mercy as they
thrash out that wylde psychedelic pop with an energy that no other band in the
IPO matches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There are a couple of covers in their set, a rather nice version
of The Small Faces “Ooh Ah” and a superb rendition of Link Wray’s “Rumble”
which gives the chance for the band to catch their breath mid-set. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This is
definitely a team effort, with a frenetic drum beat, solid bass and the Jonny
and Jase sharing the vocal leads. Loved it all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f6AZcFOgBJw/WTVBfb0mlKI/AAAAAAAADqA/vNnzscaoQaIEM8GpMckEFyoVY48Wt-1MwCEw/s1600/IMG_5192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f6AZcFOgBJw/WTVBfb0mlKI/AAAAAAAADqA/vNnzscaoQaIEM8GpMckEFyoVY48Wt-1MwCEw/s640/IMG_5192.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jonny and Jase rip it up</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gx6ZL_V7RXY/WTVBfewcK-I/AAAAAAAADp8/exmOZBPoDP4yG5q5pMtuRIigr5QL1qwrwCEw/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gx6ZL_V7RXY/WTVBfewcK-I/AAAAAAAADp8/exmOZBPoDP4yG5q5pMtuRIigr5QL1qwrwCEw/s320/IMG_5165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Gentle Scars</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Gentle Scars</span></b> are a
five piece, four of whom are old punks rekindling their youth, albeit at a slightly slower paced tempo! This band was another example of experience coming through,
realising that you did not need to turn your guitars up to 11 and drown
perfectly good vocals out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Although the bass player was obviously not happy with
the sound from the monitors, the sound we heard in the audience sounded
perfectly fine. Overall, this was a good solid performance and we enjoyed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The second last band we saw
tonight was the Montanas’ spin off <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Spontanas</span></b>. From this Dutch band, you get
some great powerpop, with good vocals which really brought us back to the roots of powerpop. We really liked The Montanas, and we like the Spontanas too!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkBAJNKM4uw/WTVBfuHtFuI/AAAAAAAADqE/iN1Gmuly2dkoc5cBze0nC_sMDTy1uVF8QCEw/s1600/IMG_5197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkBAJNKM4uw/WTVBfuHtFuI/AAAAAAAADqE/iN1Gmuly2dkoc5cBze0nC_sMDTy1uVF8QCEw/s640/IMG_5197.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Spontanas</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kw70XmlqiYg/WTVBf9_MioI/AAAAAAAADqI/bdputse1XVE9XtPGO2q9OdETaSvqXeT2QCEw/s1600/IMG_5206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kw70XmlqiYg/WTVBf9_MioI/AAAAAAAADqI/bdputse1XVE9XtPGO2q9OdETaSvqXeT2QCEw/s320/IMG_5206.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Oxides</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We caught the last band of the night <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Oxides</span></b>, purely because we were still in the pub catching up with Jonny from Thee Wylde Fuzz Show. They were a young band from Inverness who will be deaf before they mature and realise that you do not have turn everything up to 11. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">It was not worth the singer singing because you could hear nothing from him over the fuzz of guitars. After the first song the lead singer asked "How are you feeling?" - we said "Deaf"!!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We have heard loud bands at the IPO, but this was excruciatingly LOUD!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The Powerpop Master of Ceremonies, David Bash was sporting a lovely new shirt today - here modelled alongside the lovely Anne-Marie</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzFN7qW9qWE/WTVFVUd-KGI/AAAAAAAADqU/_DawlqNvYVQewqz1sX2bmolJCr5hVw1xQCEw/s1600/IMG_5141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzFN7qW9qWE/WTVFVUd-KGI/AAAAAAAADqU/_DawlqNvYVQewqz1sX2bmolJCr5hVw1xQCEw/s640/IMG_5141.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>David Bash and "Hey Anne-Marie"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-67216049123588894622017-05-17T23:30:00.000+01:002017-06-30T23:54:30.354+01:00INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Cavern Pub and Club.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mathew Street, Liverpool<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Wednesday 18th May 2017</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>Bands seen today: 8<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>Alice & The Lovers,
Huxley Rittman & the Rusty Hitmen, The Armoires (2nd gig), Spygenius,
The Cherry Bluestorms (2nd gig), Plastic Soul (2nd gig), Brave New World,
Modigliani</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">The International Pop
Overthrow is in its 15th year in Liverpool, with around 140 bands playing
throughout the 8 days. We see as many bands as we can, some we like, some we
love........ others not so much. This is a personal review of each day and even
though some bands may not have been our cup of tea (we can’t like them all!),
they are still worth checking out for yourself. Have fun, that’s what music is
all about.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTwePFe4qSU/WR24K17D-5I/AAAAAAAADo0/sx-Ro-rnTvQnKNZuZxDzIy7O1EkSoDwCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTwePFe4qSU/WR24K17D-5I/AAAAAAAADo0/sx-Ro-rnTvQnKNZuZxDzIy7O1EkSoDwCgCLcB/s400/IMG_5063.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Alice & The Lovers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Bluesy jazz was on the
menu as <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Alice & The Lovers</span></b> performed in the Cavern Pub. The name is maybe a
bit misleading as this is a duo with guitar and bass. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The pub was unusually
busy and even more unusual was the respectful audience, who were quite quiet
during this performance. Alice has a very strong and rich voice, with a good
vocal range without being squawky like Adele or Alanis Morrisette. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">With
supplementary vocals from the guitarist, this duo were really very good. They
went down really well with the Pub audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The place rocked a bit
when <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Huxley Rittman & The Rusty Hitmen</b></span> took to the stage. A little bit of Green Day influence, with
melody and a good balance of guitar / vocal, this foursome from Boston USA are part
of the Big Stir tour and we had already seen three members of the band on stage
supporting the other US bands. Their set of original material was interrupted
with one cover – a pretty good take on “Funky Town” which went down very well.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGHcx_4hp5s/WR24dKZ8L7I/AAAAAAAADo4/YN95UcfX8UUv_bKP329U-Wy2TyZtRpdfwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGHcx_4hp5s/WR24dKZ8L7I/AAAAAAAADo4/YN95UcfX8UUv_bKP329U-Wy2TyZtRpdfwCLcB/s640/IMG_5066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Huxley Rittman & The Rusty Hitmen</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Armoires</b></span> were
performing their second gig on the Back Stage tonight so it was another chance
to see this West Coast band. If you close your eyes, you are not in the Cavern
Club, but by the coast, with the sun beating down on your back and the coastal breeze
ruffling your hair as the jingle jangle of the Rickenbacker, tinkling of the keyboard and the sweet voices
of Christina and Rex swim over you. The more we see this band the more we love
them, and they seem to be right at home in the Cavern this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvB56YCBh7M/WR24sQ0JNII/AAAAAAAADo8/ED-w93p53wkT6iGiL66_b0AfrW3UpzykwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvB56YCBh7M/WR24sQ0JNII/AAAAAAAADo8/ED-w93p53wkT6iGiL66_b0AfrW3UpzykwCLcB/s640/IMG_5079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Armoires</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFiHv6rF4yM/WR25C6Q1MbI/AAAAAAAADpA/q1no7ud-_LcGA-OhcMkbi9nX7W38e7ecACLcB/s1600/IMG_5096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFiHv6rF4yM/WR25C6Q1MbI/AAAAAAAADpA/q1no7ud-_LcGA-OhcMkbi9nX7W38e7ecACLcB/s400/IMG_5096.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pete from Spygenius</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Spygenius</span></b> are firm
favourites at the IPO, having seen them play for a number of years. As always,
the set is varied, with songs from way back when, to more recent times. Tonight the set included a couple of songs from their first album, and the two tracks included on the "Big Stir" compilation CD. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">This is outstanding guitar and keyboard based pop with harmonies and clever wordplay (as excellently described in the programme). The guitar sound is from a rather nice Italia's which really give that striking psychedelia buzz, and the vocal harmony really came through the mix tonight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZu--SlCQNY/WR25o2YxjxI/AAAAAAAADpE/FSqBLNUV5IYiMPVuvG32CWeL_m0aZzVagCEw/s1600/IMG_5088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZu--SlCQNY/WR25o2YxjxI/AAAAAAAADpE/FSqBLNUV5IYiMPVuvG32CWeL_m0aZzVagCEw/s320/IMG_5088.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Satchmo</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
Accompanying Spygenius was Satchmo the Panda, and his creator, Joseph Champniss who is a terrific artist and responsible for the cartoonish artwork on the Big Stir Compilation CD and much Spygenius artwork.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was also the second gig of the IPO for the LA band </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>The Cherry Bluestorms</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">. Deborah gracefully did some psychedelic dancing whilst playing her large tambourine during what for us was a really strong performance. The sound was spot on, with cleaner vocals coming through and less guitar fuzz than we heard the night before. Tonight the Rickenbacker got more airplay, and this really did bump up the jingle jangle synonymous with Psychedelic powerpop. You can tell from their performances that this is a tight band, they know their songs, they are polished performers and take themselves seriously. They really suited the Back Stage.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPBaJqvSXeU/WR25qU-SzqI/AAAAAAAADpI/ngC8skoTqygHDnU7QZTmjHTa5-pLdl1oQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPBaJqvSXeU/WR25qU-SzqI/AAAAAAAADpI/ngC8skoTqygHDnU7QZTmjHTa5-pLdl1oQCLcB/s400/IMG_5103.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deborah from the Cherry Bluestorms</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ePkFTigzE8/WR25qUYAllI/AAAAAAAADpM/UM4MQOZy1uUa4mwaT53tc0id2Tb6AA5KACEw/s1600/IMG_5116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ePkFTigzE8/WR25qUYAllI/AAAAAAAADpM/UM4MQOZy1uUa4mwaT53tc0id2Tb6AA5KACEw/s400/IMG_5116.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Steve Wilson in full flow - Plastic Soul</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Today was the day for lapping up the American talent as we also saw the second gig from <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Plastic Soul</span></b>. This time, Steve Wilson was in charge of the Front Stage, with the low ceiling and arch always associated with the stage The Beatles played on. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Plastic Soul really do epitomise the US powerpop sound with short, sharp songs, plenty of guitar and a great beat. Those who are going along to any Big Stir gigs on the UK and Ireland Tour are in for a treat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7uKEzp_AlY/WR266FcNsSI/AAAAAAAADpU/Q7wIHnAQXlEgl_LZIHeQo-7EyD74sFO-ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7uKEzp_AlY/WR266FcNsSI/AAAAAAAADpU/Q7wIHnAQXlEgl_LZIHeQo-7EyD74sFO-ACLcB/s200/IMG_5125.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brave New World</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We stayed with the Front Stage purely to retain the stools we have managed to commandeer, and caught a set from <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brave New World</span></b>. They started the set quite poorly, with what sounded like an out of tune guitar. After a couple of numbers that guitar was replaced and they seemed to improve. It is hard to say what sound they have as it was quite varied, but they did end their set with a song that can be best described (thanks to Kerri) as real psychedelic and very trippy.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Our last band for the night was worth waiting for. We had a feeling during our IPO research that this would be one of the nuggets and we were right. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Modigliani, </span></b>from Italy had a fair number of friends in the audience to support them. Not that they needed to bring home-grown support - the crowd in the Front Stage were right with them all the way through. The stand out song for us was "Paul McCartney", which had such a full sound with lots of harmony and backing vocals and had the crowd singing along to the chorus. It was also the only song we had heard before the IPO, so we had not expected the band to have a female as the prominent lead singer. She was really good. We would describe Modigliani as "infectious pop". Their set included two Beatles covers, and the girl lead singer really shone out with these. Nice one guys. Loved it.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjtAWKDcnSc/WR265YAadlI/AAAAAAAADpQ/SsSvDd9UpUkrH3l7y1tWUbOYXxoDKajDACLcB/s1600/IMG_5129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjtAWKDcnSc/WR265YAadlI/AAAAAAAADpQ/SsSvDd9UpUkrH3l7y1tWUbOYXxoDKajDACLcB/s640/IMG_5129.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Modigliani</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vznp-FGmzAk/WR266T8EWsI/AAAAAAAADpY/Owf4KafIgHcMmjj_R1JS-B8LemcuMesvgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vznp-FGmzAk/WR266T8EWsI/AAAAAAAADpY/Owf4KafIgHcMmjj_R1JS-B8LemcuMesvgCLcB/s640/IMG_5133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb meets two from Modigliani</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">One thing we love about the IPO is the friendships that get formed and how years of absence mean nothing. Tonight, Ben's Diapers were in the house (they play tomorrow) and it was great to see Mikka, the drummer (and the main spokesman for the band) after what must be six or seven years. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JE6YEkIJwWA/WR23wjbaUKI/AAAAAAAADow/5uTo49XhWjE4p5My7eJsPw1hQ-2kmJ7vwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JE6YEkIJwWA/WR23wjbaUKI/AAAAAAAADow/5uTo49XhWjE4p5My7eJsPw1hQ-2kmJ7vwCLcB/s640/IMG_5130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb with Mikka from Ben's Diapers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">So night number 2 has ended. Roll on no 3, we are ready for you!</span></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-6155216661612327612017-05-16T23:30:00.000+01:002017-05-25T11:13:22.472+01:00INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW DAY 1 - TUESDAY<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Cavern Pub and
Cavern Club<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mathew Street, Liverpool</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tuesday 16<sup>th</sup>
May 2017</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Bands Seen today: 10<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Plastic Soul, Micah
Gilbert (twice), The Armoires, The Newds, Toxic Melons, The Belmondos, The
Reflections, The Cherry Bluestorms, Alex & The Boss Jockeys, Nine Violets</b></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;">The International Pop Overthrow is in its 15th year in Liverpool, with around 140 bands playing throughout the 8 days. We see as many bands as we can, some we like, some we love........ others not so much. This is a personal review of each day and even though some bands may not have been our cup of tea (we can’t like them all!), they are still worth checking out for yourself. Have fun, that’s what music is all about.</span></i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Apologies for the poor quality of some of the photos taken in the Cavern Pub - there is a red hue due to the lighting being predominantly red!.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The IPO kicked off at
the Cavern Pub, with a band who had travelled all the way from California to
play at the iconic venue that is The Cavern. The cost and time away is quite prohibitive for the US bands to bring their full line up over, and we have seen many in the past who come and play solo or use local musicians to cover some of the instrumentation. This year the US bands have essentially clubbed together and where band members are missing, they are filling in for each other. Great team work</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, and a situation that gives us the chance to watch a few US bands we might never get to see. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Indeed, such is the commarardirie of the US bands, they have put together a "Big Stir International Travelling Roadshow", a tour which is kicking off immediately after they finish their IPO gigs, and takes in a lot of the UK and a gig in Dublin, and also </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">includes some of this year's IPO bands where the Americans are playing in a venue local to them. Check out below for the list of dates/venues......</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">So, back to the opening of the IPO and <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Plastic Soul</b></span> were on first and this was one of the "hybrid" US bands. Head honcho Steve
Wilson was backed by an Armoire and two of Huxley Rittman & The Rusty
Hitmen to deliver a thirty minute set of US Powerpop. He was polished,
confident and gave a great performance. This is what US Powerpop is all about - great songs, good guitars, fantastic beat. He is also a funny guy and had a bit of banter going in between songs.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLLrsr0JR8w/WRzj1s48uWI/AAAAAAAADmY/xIETNpBXL1IR1GOoXpBHoZa6Jf7pw4F6QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLLrsr0JR8w/WRzj1s48uWI/AAAAAAAADmY/xIETNpBXL1IR1GOoXpBHoZa6Jf7pw4F6QCLcB/s640/IMG_5008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Plastic Soul</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOxUkvFJV0w/WRziYCCAFUI/AAAAAAAADmQ/NwZhdNEu-qwG2xmCARO9xbIejREt0YrRwCEw/s1600/IMG_5013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOxUkvFJV0w/WRziYCCAFUI/AAAAAAAADmQ/NwZhdNEu-qwG2xmCARO9xbIejREt0YrRwCEw/s400/IMG_5013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Micah in The Pub</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next up, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Micah Gilbert</span></b> who has planted roots in The Isle of Skye. He moved from Georgia in the US to the Scottish Island a couple of years ago and this year the Celtic influence has shone through, performing an "unplugged" set accompanied by Grace and Alan from "Two Far Flung". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keyboard, a</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">coustic guitar, violin, some great vocals, a touch of flute and brilliant songs went into t</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he mix to give us a lovely thirty minutes of Micah's music. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He is a talented songwriter, that's for sure and he has a distinctive vocal well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He played two sets today, one in the pub where the sound can be hit or miss and the first part of the set had the violin quite low in the mix. It took a couple of songs for soundman Andy to get it right. But when he did it sounded fine. The second set was on the iconic front stage of the Cavern. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sound on the front stage is miles better than the Pub and as a result, the second set sounded far richer. Grace's backing vocals added a lot to the set. It can be tough doing an acoustic-style set, being up against a transient crowd who have not come to listen to the bands, but tonight Micah shone through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNKmrLtcj6Q/WRzn_uOYsQI/AAAAAAAADmk/LpiOS2ZyBJALF59rZei0ohLI2wpbvVITQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNKmrLtcj6Q/WRzn_uOYsQI/AAAAAAAADmk/LpiOS2ZyBJALF59rZei0ohLI2wpbvVITQCLcB/s400/IMG_5051.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Micah Gilbert on the Front Stage</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMSaT-eqm9E/WRzqYIwqeII/AAAAAAAADmw/vERQmcW5hfwLkN7z0vgpUG-N753_gmtugCLcB/s1600/IMG_5015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMSaT-eqm9E/WRzqYIwqeII/AAAAAAAADmw/vERQmcW5hfwLkN7z0vgpUG-N753_gmtugCLcB/s400/IMG_5015.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Armoires</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Armoires</span></b> are another of the hybrid US bands. Rex and Christina were supported by Plastic Soul's Steve Wilson on bass and the drummer from Huxley Rittman and the Rusty Hitmen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We got a confident performance and a set that had all the ingredients for the easy going West Coast sound from the summer of love era. The jingle jangle of the Rickenbakker, the tinkling keyboard, tambourine and some good vocals were a pleasure on our ears</span>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Newds</span></b> are a fairly large band (3 guitarists) who have a bit of a Graham Parker vibe about them. Their set was essentially a quite fast paced rock/pop one, with one song having a but more of a funk beat to it. It was quite foot tapping set - not bad at all. The appearance of the band was a bit at odds, with the lead vocalist in a full suit and tie, to jeans/t.shirt and the bass player who was dressed more like a roadie for an international rock group tour! They had brought their family along to this gig on the back stage, to the delight of two wee children who must have been dosed up on sugar! This band were quite polished and were obviously comfortable with their material. We enjoyed their set.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_PtY0eAf9k/WR2VAxYcrTI/AAAAAAAADnA/d8gG8nBCM30eGq9nTOWQ3ZGBKQQ--WEGACLcB/s1600/5021%2BThe%2BNewds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_PtY0eAf9k/WR2VAxYcrTI/AAAAAAAADnA/d8gG8nBCM30eGq9nTOWQ3ZGBKQQ--WEGACLcB/s640/5021%2BThe%2BNewds.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Newds</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGsZIPEQHVY/WR2XHRgI_uI/AAAAAAAADnM/z0UXeWPqA68GrIdif-fEwyGgHO-7hnjXgCLcB/s1600/5022%2BToxic%2BMelons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGsZIPEQHVY/WR2XHRgI_uI/AAAAAAAADnM/z0UXeWPqA68GrIdif-fEwyGgHO-7hnjXgCLcB/s320/5022%2BToxic%2BMelons.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Toxic Melons</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Toxic Melons</b></span> were introduced as very Jellyfish influenced, but we struggled to get the comparison with only one vocalist and no harmony in the band. The vocalist had the mannerisms of Russell Brand, and the drummer could have been Peter Kay! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Their set included a few power ballad type songs. Although the vocalist was not a bad singer, the power ballads were not really suited to his voice and we struggled to see what the fuss about this band was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">From Paris, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Belmondos</span></b> were a big hit with the audience, including us. The drummer was terrific, keeping a great beat all the way through (including a good use of the tom drum, much to Minty's delight), the bass player was solid and really enjoyed himself on stage and the two guitarists were very good. The lead singer had charisma and the set was energetic with catchy pop songs. Definitely a good find at the IPO. A group of girls sitting at the front of the Back Stage were delighted with this band and whooped and hollered after each song, and gave a standing ovation at the end! The Belmondos were certainly one of the highlights of the day. Had a listen to one of the albums too. Excellent stuff.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hvbWCOTUVA/WR2ZI0x7a8I/AAAAAAAADnY/h_QiAwACEbgxMw7y_cUgavT4FjkkxiNbQCLcB/s1600/5026%2BThe%2BBelmondos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hvbWCOTUVA/WR2ZI0x7a8I/AAAAAAAADnY/h_QiAwACEbgxMw7y_cUgavT4FjkkxiNbQCLcB/s640/5026%2BThe%2BBelmondos.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Belmondos</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dbl9yx3S84/WR2b5EpVvgI/AAAAAAAADnk/XpIKTL0Ti0MLfaJY1mCvrslk82WEcaYqgCLcB/s1600/5030%2BThe%2BReflections.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dbl9yx3S84/WR2b5EpVvgI/AAAAAAAADnk/XpIKTL0Ti0MLfaJY1mCvrslk82WEcaYqgCLcB/s400/5030%2BThe%2BReflections.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Reflections</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">A regular at the IPO, London band <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Reflections</b></span> turned more psychedelic a few years ago. The line up has been together for a long time and they know their set inside out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">They have a great 60's beat and vibe about them, and for some songs, has a hammond organ sound works a treat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> "The Girl From Nowhere" was a really strong song in tonight's set on the Back Stage, along with "Haunted House" and their finale, a cover of Gene Pitney's "Last Chance to Turn Around". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Never get tired of seeing these guys at the IPO.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Cherry Bluestorms</span></b> were back at the Liverpool IPO. This is an authentic psychedelic band from the US West Coast, who have a slick set. Glen played the 12 string Gretsch for the majority of the set, which did drown out the vocals on this Front stage set. That aside, their performance is professional and polished and resonates of that lates 60's West Coast Psych vibe, not just the sound but the look too. The club was really busy so they had a great audience to play to as well.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oy_S689kU0/WR2dRUwDB6I/AAAAAAAADnw/OhlwYJ9Nyq0ZHdhxo6ty7ZkCC23ah1MnACLcB/s1600/5038%2BThe%2BCherry%2BBluestorms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oy_S689kU0/WR2dRUwDB6I/AAAAAAAADnw/OhlwYJ9Nyq0ZHdhxo6ty7ZkCC23ah1MnACLcB/s640/5038%2BThe%2BCherry%2BBluestorms.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Cherry Bluestorms</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0UTOYUNh43Q/WR2e-jjBR-I/AAAAAAAADoA/ozu6RhWd-AQBlur98a7-bvX-N_zVIZ0aACLcB/s1600/5042%2BAlex%2B%2526%2BThe%2BBoss%2BJockeys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0UTOYUNh43Q/WR2e-jjBR-I/AAAAAAAADoA/ozu6RhWd-AQBlur98a7-bvX-N_zVIZ0aACLcB/s400/5042%2BAlex%2B%2526%2BThe%2BBoss%2BJockeys.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Alex & The Boss Jockeys</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Local Liverpool band, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Alex and The Boss Jockeys</span></b> delivered a brilliant set of 60's beat / Beatles influenced music. They had a fantastic sound and were very energetic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Backing vocals from the drummer and bass player were superb and really added to that 60's sound. In our research of the band prior to the IPO starting, we had this band earmarked as one to see and they were very bit as good as we had thought they would be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Whether she was a plant or not, there was a dancing granny who bopped and boogied throughout their set, and before long, more of the audience were up and bopping along. A great audience reaction we thought. Great performance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tAral5_AIM/WR2jpyz42KI/AAAAAAAADog/KFCw13vAiHgRfNFPR5CMdHls6UIkX1J5ACLcB/s1600/5057%2BNine%2BViolets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tAral5_AIM/WR2jpyz42KI/AAAAAAAADog/KFCw13vAiHgRfNFPR5CMdHls6UIkX1J5ACLcB/s400/5057%2BNine%2BViolets.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nine Violets</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Nine Violets</b></span> were the last band on the Front stage. From our pre-IPO research, we had these pegged as a Crowded House style band, but they played a much rockier set on the Front Stage and were surprisingly good with it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The crowd in the club had thinned out by this time, but those that were left were enthusiastic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So night number one complete. A day of mixing and mingling with loads of friends and the US contingent included. It was a bit of paisley style day too..... loads of paisley shirts were to be found.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnR64BomCY4/WR2hW9qo9eI/AAAAAAAADoU/ZpwwWgbN7BMSoKsIFp6PmWEIUOiztVZfgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnR64BomCY4/WR2hW9qo9eI/AAAAAAAADoU/ZpwwWgbN7BMSoKsIFp6PmWEIUOiztVZfgCLcB/s640/IMG_5028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Paisley Partners - The Beeb with Rex and Christina from The Armoires</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_wXcZ2h-2c/WR2hV1zQiPI/AAAAAAAADoM/jD-9JaYCvxgET0zh6Zf6P0A7cgwdezsTQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_wXcZ2h-2c/WR2hV1zQiPI/AAAAAAAADoM/jD-9JaYCvxgET0zh6Zf6P0A7cgwdezsTQCLcB/s640/IMG_5053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Messing around in The Cavern</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khBb37sh5nk/WR2hWpp7xYI/AAAAAAAADoQ/iQ-oo11ggvwLm_D_R-jynYgymSUbnK0ggCLcB/s1600/IMG_5061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khBb37sh5nk/WR2hWpp7xYI/AAAAAAAADoQ/iQ-oo11ggvwLm_D_R-jynYgymSUbnK0ggCLcB/s640/IMG_5061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Paisley Power!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b><u>Big Stir Tour - UK and Ireland</u></b></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
19 May: Manchester, UK<br />
The Dulcimer – with Dave Jaggs and Special US Guests</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
20 May: Newcastle, UK<br />
Bar Loco – with Toxic Melons and Artisam</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
23 May: Swindon, UK<br />
The Beehive – with Charms Against the Evil Eye</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
24 May: Birmingham, UK<br />
The Cuban Embassy – with Sunshine Bloom</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
25 May: Oxford, UK<br />
Jericho Tavern – with Charms Against the Evil Eye</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
26 May: Northampton, UK<br />
The Lab – with Charms Against the Evil Eye</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
27 May: London (Croydon), UK<br />
Oval Tavern – with Spygenius</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
28 May: Canterbury, UK<br />
The Cherry Tree – with Spygenius</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
31 May: Glasgow, Scotland<br />
Box – with The Fast Camels</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
2 June – Dublin, Ireland<br />
Mercantile O'Brien's - YouBloom Festival</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
3 June – Edinburgh, Scotland<br />
Greenmantle – mylittlebrother and The Armoires</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6 June – St. Helens, UK</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Tank – The Armoires with special guests</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-20098399649155942792017-04-27T15:37:00.003+01:002017-04-27T15:37:38.228+01:00FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">Bournemouth International Centre</b><br />
<b style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">Bournemouth</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Friday 21st April 2017</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3fa1fOyxa0/WP5QyWSUdTI/AAAAAAAADlc/h2hMt0XuB8kldaVBmuIJ-rkjvZVBI88oACLcB/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3fa1fOyxa0/WP5QyWSUdTI/AAAAAAAADlc/h2hMt0XuB8kldaVBmuIJ-rkjvZVBI88oACLcB/s400/IMG_4805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We missed out
on tickets when Frankie played The Royal Albert Hall last year, so we jumped at this opportunity to see him in
the Bournemouth International Centre, and made a full weekend of it on the
sunshine coast of England!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">This was
billed as a Greatest Hits tour, and you do forget just how many hits Frankie
Valli & The Four Seasons actually had. The show opened with a short video which
charted Frankie’s musical career, and as it came to an end, Frankie came onto the stage to rapturous
applause and immediately launched into “Who Loves You”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">His backing was from a
full band, including trumpet, trombone and saxophone, 2 keyboards, drums,
guitar, bass and four guys who sang wonderfully and did some co-ordinated dance
moves throughout the whole show. You had the feeling these guys had been part
of Jersey Boys at some stage, they looked and sounded the part!!! The Musical
Director, Robbie Robinson, has been a Four Season in the past and was introduced
as a “dear friend for the last 37 years”. Robbie was loving it all, and his
enthusiasm was quite infectious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We had heard
rumours Valli’s voice is augmented through a special microphone so he could
still hit those falsettos – it didn’t matter if that was the case. He did sound
great and you could tell he wanted to deliver the best show he could - if this
means a bit of technical support, that’s fine with us. There was not much time
for chit chat, and indeed, the set was so slick there was hardly any chance for
general banter between songs as he moved effortlessly through his back
catalogue, working with his band like a well-oiled machine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGGefV34ks0/WP5Q0_WfqoI/AAAAAAAADlw/3u2qCLHF--U4hdbmduTtG9yKEC7WKQ06QCEw/s1600/IMG_4809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGGefV34ks0/WP5Q0_WfqoI/AAAAAAAADlw/3u2qCLHF--U4hdbmduTtG9yKEC7WKQ06QCEw/s640/IMG_4809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">A few pairs
of knickers were thrown onto the stage during the second half, something we
reckon happens at all of his shows. During the band introductions, one of the
four backing singers, pocketed a rather flimsy g-string that had been thrown!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The show
lasted the best part of 2 hours without a break. That’s not bad going for a guy
who is about to reach his 83<sup>rd</sup> birthday in a matter of weeks!!! His
energy was similar to the Duracell Bunny, and even at the end of the show he
had the energy to walk along the front of the stage and shake hands with
everyone (and there were a lot) who had outstretched hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Highlights
for us were "Save It For Me", “Silence Is Golden”, “Rag Doll”, “Bye Bye Baby (Goodbye)” amongst
loads of other hits. “My Eyes Adored You” sounded brilliant, and “December 1963
(Oh What A Night) “ went down a storm and by the end up, the whole auditorium
were on their feet, dancing and singing along.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">A classic conversation took place with the family seated behind us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Young guy "Is Aunt Jean coming tonight?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Mum "No, she was asked but didn't want to come."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Young Guy "Why?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Mum "She said she'd been to see The Jersey Boys" and that will do her!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Oh what a night she missed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YV7ogwPKZg/WP5Q0Fnd09I/AAAAAAAADlw/R-eIbESiOtYBiSmxAYKoz8mT4iFx660bACEw/s1600/IMG_4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YV7ogwPKZg/WP5Q0Fnd09I/AAAAAAAADlw/R-eIbESiOtYBiSmxAYKoz8mT4iFx660bACEw/s640/IMG_4808.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gE5CF5uOrE8/WP5QyXYRIGI/AAAAAAAADlw/6GKmgOY-G9cjED4SKJyc_1frHTgZOJLzACEw/s1600/IMG_4806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gE5CF5uOrE8/WP5QyXYRIGI/AAAAAAAADlw/6GKmgOY-G9cjED4SKJyc_1frHTgZOJLzACEw/s640/IMG_4806.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-79Fy1s4BY/WP5Q0UTS4DI/AAAAAAAADlw/AZvrx7hJuu0eJryxOupB6YNvwm-iptFiwCEw/s1600/IMG_4807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-79Fy1s4BY/WP5Q0UTS4DI/AAAAAAAADlw/AZvrx7hJuu0eJryxOupB6YNvwm-iptFiwCEw/s640/IMG_4807.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-30211643893840843762017-03-25T19:25:00.000+00:002017-04-06T12:18:17.115+01:00ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW & THE LOW RIDERS<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Nell's Jazz & Blues</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Kensington, London</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Saturday 25th March 2017</b></span><br />
<br />
Although we were about 10th in the queue to get into this "unreserved admission" gig, we were a little disappointed, once we got inside, to see about half of the seats in the venue as "reserved"!!!<br />
Nonetheless, we managed to bag a table near the bar with a half decent view of the stage. It was clear that the majority of the audience found this "reserved" seating a tad frustrating and before long, began to take chairs stacked up at the side of the stage and put them out on the dance floor area in front of the stage.<br />
One "reserved" table with a great review of the stage remained maddeningly empty for the first half of the show... apparently reserved for Jools Holand who didn't bother turning up! By the second half, another frustrated member of the audience commandeered it!<br />
<br />
But on to the show.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlI9PeV6xfs/WNqqLeRQO2I/AAAAAAAADkk/QVkZXR3z95EwdgfYF4qfD4gdnBCcuyzPwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlI9PeV6xfs/WNqqLeRQO2I/AAAAAAAADkk/QVkZXR3z95EwdgfYF4qfD4gdnBCcuyzPwCLcB/s400/IMG_4689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Andy Fairweather Low, a member of 60's band Amen Corner and a chart success as a solo artist with "Wide Eyed & Legless" gave us a great show. In between songs, we realised that he is a very witty man and does not take himself too seriously. His banter made us all laugh out loud.<br />
<br />
Backed by the Low Riders playing keyboards, drums, bass, 2 saxophones and a trumpet, it was a full band set. The brass really gave that bluesy/big band feel and sounded great.<br />
<br />
<br />
Andy himself was on fine form both vocally and with plugging his CDs. We were quite pleased that the gig was not a "Best Of" and he kept the Amen Corner songs he is more associated with until towards the end of the gig, and focused more on his more recent work.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju0BGPaGa6A/WNqqLcl_srI/AAAAAAAADko/kneD52zY1-EVBlyf_8sldmu5nMVxyT6pQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju0BGPaGa6A/WNqqLcl_srI/AAAAAAAADko/kneD52zY1-EVBlyf_8sldmu5nMVxyT6pQCLcB/s640/IMG_4684.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
You don't get someone with Andy's wealth of experience put on anything less than a great performance. The lovely thing about this show was the wide range of styles the band played. We had everything from blues, jazz, skiffle, soul, and of course pop. All played brilliantly.<br />
<br />
Definitely a band we'll go back to see in the future.<br />
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-29109423953832636112017-02-25T20:00:00.000+00:002017-04-06T12:17:19.475+01:00ME FIRST & THE GIMMEE GIMMEES<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>O2 Shepherds Bush</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>London</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Saturday 25th February 2017</b></span><br />
<br />
There were 2 acts on the bill before Me First & The Gimmee Gimmees graced the stage. The first was a punk rock band where the guitarist/vocalist infuriated us by changing his guitar after EVERY song. Afterwards we were told it was due to the fact the guitar had to be tuned differently for every song. Funny that, we thought - each song sounded EXACTLY the same and by the way, the lead guitarist didn't have to detune his guitar!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7bTLMP4l1k/WOYjGmS8wII/AAAAAAAADk8/0PtQr0uU5vM52J5v6fEGOzp0yxik0fWPQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7bTLMP4l1k/WOYjGmS8wII/AAAAAAAADk8/0PtQr0uU5vM52J5v6fEGOzp0yxik0fWPQCLcB/s400/IMG_4608.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Masked Intruder</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up was a crowd pleasing band, Masked Intruder with a guy dressed as a camp US police officer, who constantly harangued the audience as part of his act, until finally ripping off his uniform to be left with not much more than a Borat swimsuit.<br />
<br />
Watching from the balcony, it made us appreciate not being down on the floor. It was absolute mayhem, and felt as if things could kick off at any second.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thankfully is was a bit different when Me First and the Gimme Gimmes came on. Opening with Gershwin's "Summertime", things went from strength to strength for the rest of the night. If you don't know the band, they do punked up versions of famous songs, making them all their own. A great fun band into the bargain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnAFjbgjyVw/WOYjIAUqryI/AAAAAAAADlA/7RtqZSXDPHIGEbIZDO0OXPlrgL7WGEjxwCEw/s1600/IMG_4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnAFjbgjyVw/WOYjIAUqryI/AAAAAAAADlA/7RtqZSXDPHIGEbIZDO0OXPlrgL7WGEjxwCEw/s640/IMG_4625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We had songs as diverse as "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard", "Sloop John B", "Mandy" and "Crazy For You". Endless fun all night. The set finished with a song you don't hear many people doing, Mike Nesmith's "Different Drum".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vB6GgfKZVc/WOYjIb_SbcI/AAAAAAAADlI/P8QLwHYVLsM2Pk-FpmImDsAO1kkpYPJZQCEw/s1600/IMG_4633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vB6GgfKZVc/WOYjIb_SbcI/AAAAAAAADlI/P8QLwHYVLsM2Pk-FpmImDsAO1kkpYPJZQCEw/s400/IMG_4633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For the encore we had a German version of Bowie's "Heroes", " a crowd singalong "All My Loving", "I Will Survive", "Jolene" and finally, one of their very best, a blistering version of Boyz II Men's "End Of The Road".<br />
<br />
These guys make for such a fantastic night out, not just for the music, but they really are very funny too. Not the sort of gig we would want to ever miss. Do catch them if you get the chance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUsWprGbFfs/WOYjIPHt6YI/AAAAAAAADlE/Xd7yaHTNK_QD4dQuyEN2eHFN2BnPdGMuwCEw/s1600/IMG_4615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUsWprGbFfs/WOYjIPHt6YI/AAAAAAAADlE/Xd7yaHTNK_QD4dQuyEN2eHFN2BnPdGMuwCEw/s640/IMG_4615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-42545307638088633772017-02-16T19:37:00.000+00:002017-04-06T12:09:14.421+01:00PETE MCLEOD<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Water Rats</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Greys Inn Road, London</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Thursday 16th February 2017</b></span><br />
<br />
This was a chance for The Beeb to catch up with a local Coatbridge accent. Pete has been ploughing his furrow for a few years now, both at home and in LA. With a couple of fine albums under his belt, this was an opportunity to catch him playing alongside Steve Craddock, guitarist for Paul Weller's band, and Ocean Colour Scene.<br />
<br />
This was our first visit to the Water Rats, and it certainly makes for a really nice, intimate venue. It is a pub with an excellent musical history by all accounts. Bob Dylan's first UK gig, and the first London gig for Oasis was here too.<br />
<br />
The support act, Kascarade, from Bradford were really impressive. All the songs seemed to be fit for stadium sing-a-longs. Having siblings in the band really helped when it came to harmonies. The whole band had personality too and their set was really good. It's been a while since we were so impressed with a support band, but these guys were just great.<br />
<br />
After a short break, Pete took to the stage with Steve Craddock. With two acoustic guitars, we got a well blended acoustic set which sounded great.<br />
<br />
Pete has two great albums out "Rolling Stone" and "Crestfallen". "Let It Shine" and the title track from "Rolling Stone" being particularly strong songs. This was an excellent set from two accomplished musicians, and we look forward to catching Pete again with a full band.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECxTaZhWtio/WMqpE9ZcX9I/AAAAAAAADkM/NOEscdlSF64obBExxPvPzH-yZqNscTVXQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECxTaZhWtio/WMqpE9ZcX9I/AAAAAAAADkM/NOEscdlSF64obBExxPvPzH-yZqNscTVXQCLcB/s640/IMG_4595.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pete McLeod (L) and Steve Craddock (R)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsBm5R_HPbk/WMqpFu9Z_MI/AAAAAAAADkQ/hQys-ml9vZQwxtfCMqW06L29H4D7va7xACEw/s1600/IMG_4599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsBm5R_HPbk/WMqpFu9Z_MI/AAAAAAAADkQ/hQys-ml9vZQwxtfCMqW06L29H4D7va7xACEw/s640/IMG_4599.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb and his Coatbridge pal, Pete Mcleod</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXeAq1zsTBU/WMqpFgHKaiI/AAAAAAAADkU/TwH7yd-7KHE3vVJmIPp4eObPa2K8vtcSwCEw/s1600/IMG_4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXeAq1zsTBU/WMqpFgHKaiI/AAAAAAAADkU/TwH7yd-7KHE3vVJmIPp4eObPa2K8vtcSwCEw/s640/IMG_4601.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb meets Steve Craddock</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-92123982446302521112017-01-23T19:24:00.000+00:002017-04-06T12:08:16.846+01:00THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Bush Hall,</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Shepherds Bush, London</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Monday 23rd January 2017</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thecactusblossoms.com/" target="_blank">Click here for their website</a><br />
<br />
We got to Bush Hall early enough to get a standing place second row from the front and got chatting to some characters from the same family who obviously knew The Cactus Blossoms and the whole hillbilly/rockabilly festival scene. One of the band had even come out to say hello and have a few pictures taken. Straight away we warmed to them - no airs and graces and they seemed to be really genuinely nice people.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rv-B9zpt3EA/WMfvk-cPKPI/AAAAAAAADj4/prpi_9XkiusM4hYPyEoxYzYJskTvh7HbACLcB/s1600/IMG_4453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rv-B9zpt3EA/WMfvk-cPKPI/AAAAAAAADj4/prpi_9XkiusM4hYPyEoxYzYJskTvh7HbACLcB/s400/IMG_4453.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Page Burkum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite having different family names, The Cactus Blossoms are two brothers, originally from Minneapolis who really show how keeping it in the family generates a special blend of vocals.<br />
<br />
Much as the boys would like us to compare them to artists other than The Everly Brothers, you cannot escape the fact that they do sound like Don & Phil - it is obviously a family thing.<br />
<br />
However, other influences such as Hank Williams and Woody Guthrie and that whole 1940's country sound really shone through their whole set.<br />
<br />
The Beeb was quite taken with the 1950's authentic wee guitar Jack was playing. A real piece of vintage beauty.<br />
<br />
They highlighted songs from their excellent album, "You're Dreaming", produced by JD McPherson. This album has so many great songs on it, the upbeat "Stoplight Kisses", the beautiful "Powder Blue", and maybe the best live performance of the night, "Adios Maria". this last song had the whole of Bush Hall singing along.<br />
<br />
For an encore they dedicated Chuck Berry's "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" to Barak Obama, managing to namecheck Michelle too. It was pretty clear what they thought of their new President!<br />
<br />
I think we have been lucky to catch them in such an intimate venue. The next time we see them its a certainty that will be bigger venues they play. Who knows....the Albert Hall?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecqGXC7nDRM/WMfvjlB2O8I/AAAAAAAADj0/8PAfKMfExIUj6-qNemVcs7ZppX1tSoodACLcB/s1600/IMG_4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecqGXC7nDRM/WMfvjlB2O8I/AAAAAAAADj0/8PAfKMfExIUj6-qNemVcs7ZppX1tSoodACLcB/s640/IMG_4448.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Page (L), Jack (R)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l59QP5zRu7Y/WMfvk4dPSKI/AAAAAAAADj8/oU0sweH9ZhcCeWuAAuMw-zRcLt8PSNkggCLcB/s1600/IMG_4452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l59QP5zRu7Y/WMfvk4dPSKI/AAAAAAAADj8/oU0sweH9ZhcCeWuAAuMw-zRcLt8PSNkggCLcB/s640/IMG_4452.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jack Torrey</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-49308800929725503892017-01-22T19:24:00.000+00:002017-04-06T12:07:15.039+01:00COLIN BLUNSTONE<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The 100 Club</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Oxford Street, London</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday 22nd January 2017</b></span><br />
<br />
Colin Blunstone is like a fine wine...... gets better with age!<br />
<br />
We have seen Colin perform many times, both in his solo shows and as part of that great 60's band, who have had a new lease of life since the turn of the Millennium, The Zombies, and we were really looking forward to seeing him on stage at one of the most iconic London music venues, the 100 Club.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyOGPyi5tjQ/WMGkWXeWS2I/AAAAAAAADjA/nJaQRpiD6fMSYfYgJGc2jHgJvh7geAr7wCLcB/s1600/IMG_4406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyOGPyi5tjQ/WMGkWXeWS2I/AAAAAAAADjA/nJaQRpiD6fMSYfYgJGc2jHgJvh7geAr7wCLcB/s400/IMG_4406.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Emma Stevens</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The support act was Emma Stevens, someone we had first come across when she played at the London IPO festival in 2013. At that time she was bubbly, energetic and had a clear passion for music and enjoyed every minute of her performance.<br />
<br />
Almost 4 years on, in which time she had some great exposure on Radio 2 and in particular from the late great Terry Wogan, she has not changed a bit. She is still bubbly and comes across as absolutely loving being a musician and very grounded as well.<br />
<br />
Tonight we had a set of her own songs, playing guitar and for a couple, ukele. There is something infectious about Emma - she always manages to keep a happy vibe throughout her songs, even when the underlying topic is tinged with sadness, such as the song she wrote to remember her Mum by.<br />
<br />
A great set and it went down very well with the audience too.<br />
<br />
Colin was backed tonight with the touring Zombies' drummer Steve Rodford, plus a bass player, keyboard player and an exceptionally expressive guitarist. Usually as you age, the ability to sing as well as you did when you were in your 20's fades quite rapidly. For some reason the opposite is true with Colin. His voice just seems stronger and stronger every time we see him.<br />
<br />
The venue was packed (and extremely hot!), and our "space" was just right of centre stage so we had a good view. A set of solo songs mixed with some Zombies songs, was perfectly balanced and sounded great.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQNMCDcXl1c/WMGrX5DRlyI/AAAAAAAADjk/ghKIDK2Hjng5aEAgoXAN9v8jpLF_vu7rACLcB/s1600/IMG_4408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQNMCDcXl1c/WMGrX5DRlyI/AAAAAAAADjk/ghKIDK2Hjng5aEAgoXAN9v8jpLF_vu7rACLcB/s640/IMG_4408.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colin, at home behind the microphone</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The gig was filled with lovely little anecdotes from Colin as well as that wonderful singing voice. Colin is never slow when it comes to praising the song-writing talent of his friend, Russ Ballard. "I Don't Believe In Miracles" is ALWAYS a highlight.<br />
<br />
Misty Roses is another bit of a show stopper every time.<br />
<br />
The set list is shown below, so you can understand what a great show this was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Sarzk9z48/WMGmOSHzFtI/AAAAAAAADjM/w4Eix6P-MRMnf__uiM4ubeLnwRXnlwW7ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Sarzk9z48/WMGmOSHzFtI/AAAAAAAADjM/w4Eix6P-MRMnf__uiM4ubeLnwRXnlwW7ACLcB/s640/IMG_4412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045895145972261868.post-5097470025351500252017-01-09T18:26:00.000+00:002017-04-06T12:06:05.790+01:00RUBINOOS & SURFIN' LUNGS<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>229 The Venue</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>229 Great Portland Street, London </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Monday 9th January 2017</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
It has been 37 years since powerpop giants The Rubinoos played in the UK and with support from our favourite UK pop punk band the Surfin' Lungs this was a much anticipated gig.<br />
<br />
Rain, a late change of venue <i><u>and</u></i> a rail and tube strike did not deter the audience who attended in abundance and there were a few familiar faces in the crowd too. The place was a sell out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z3zHB_Pi20/WMGdK8r962I/AAAAAAAADis/0FV1u9Pejag4---RGVH6kGzs4rIhM3bTACLcB/s1600/IMG_4328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z3zHB_Pi20/WMGdK8r962I/AAAAAAAADis/0FV1u9Pejag4---RGVH6kGzs4rIhM3bTACLcB/s400/IMG_4328.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Surfin' Lungs</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wearing their trademark white jeans, surf shirts and converse sneakers, the Surfin' Lungs did a fantastic job at warming the audience up.<br />
<br />
They powered through their set, giving us a mix of songs from their recent album and some core favourites from their extensive 30 year back catalogue.<br />
<br />
The sound was good, great vocals, twangy guitar, everything you come to expect from this great foursome. The crowd were dancing - just fabulous.<br />
<br />
<br />
Always a treat to see these guys play live and really pleased they got this gig.<br />
<br />
The Rubinoos were one of our early connections when MySpace was all the rage but in all fairness we were not overly familiar with their songs. The merch table put that right as we snapped up a few CDs.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZKB91wq21M/WMGdK_i1ByI/AAAAAAAADio/SgfanRkQsD4h8mF67kUAGE96wvQlxWwuACLcB/s1600/IMG_4355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZKB91wq21M/WMGdK_i1ByI/AAAAAAAADio/SgfanRkQsD4h8mF67kUAGE96wvQlxWwuACLcB/s320/IMG_4355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jon and Al from The Rubinoos</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They demonstrated their versatility, opening with all four members grouped together doing an acapella "Mr Sandman" before the powerpop was turned on.<br />
"I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" had some of the guys in the audience wishing they were teenagers again.<br />
They did slow things down a little when we were treated to another acapella song - this time a version of The Temptations "My Girl".<br />
As if THAT wasn't enough, a note perfect version of the old Flamingos classic "I Only Have Eyes For You" was just stunning to hear.<br />
"Run Mascara Run" and "Shake Some Action" really rocked too.<br />
<br />
Although we sensed a faux reluctance to do it, they did include their version of "I Think We're Alone Now" in their high octane, brilliant set. <br />
<br />
What a night to remember. This was the best gig of 2017, even though we are still only in the first couple of weeks of the year- we really don't think another one will top this, for the sheer reaction of the audience, pure pleasure and fun we had and the fact we met up with so many friends.<br />
<br />
Hope they come back for more gigs some time soon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgn54zONqTU/WMGdKdj-WTI/AAAAAAAADik/OPu_oqWb0SYifRFl27Mz49W8S6tGBSwSwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgn54zONqTU/WMGdKdj-WTI/AAAAAAAADik/OPu_oqWb0SYifRFl27Mz49W8S6tGBSwSwCLcB/s640/IMG_4377.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb meets the Rubinoos</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUNZCsA7dX0/WMGdLVh-jJI/AAAAAAAADiw/sOfT11GpRmYZOB-_0MrOPTd3a-cTX9RzQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUNZCsA7dX0/WMGdLVh-jJI/AAAAAAAADiw/sOfT11GpRmYZOB-_0MrOPTd3a-cTX9RzQCLcB/s640/IMG_4378.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beeb with Al</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0