Acoustic Club

acoustic club listings archive
previous years: 2009 2008 2007 2006

2010
Thursday 7th January	Student Open Mic Night In celebration of this, our first Acoustic Club of the year will be held on 7th January and will be Open Mic all evening and to make it more interesting you can’t book in advance. It will be strictly “first come, first served”, 2 song slot (please try to keep to the 10 minutes so that everyone can have a turn), As players you get to choose your slot, so the earlier you get there, the better slot you get! We will be running slots from 8.30 to 11.0. If we don’t get enough players to fill all the slots, we’ll give out extra songs! AND TO ENCOURAGE OUR YOUNGER PLAYERS AND AUDIENCE EVERYBODY PAYS £2.00. STUDENTS PARTICULARLY WELCOME! Doors Open 8.0 p.m. Couple of reminders though, under 18’s are allowed in the Function Room, but not in the bar. Please use the courtyard door. We’d also like to reiterate that the idea of the evening is for local musicians to meet, network and appreciate each other’s music and to create a mutually supportive atmosphere. Therefore, we hope all the performers will be staying for the whole evening and not just for their own slots!
Thursday 14th January	Showcase – JAMIE FALLON Jamie has performed a few open mic slots and taken the club by storm. She also appeared at the 2009 Cazfest to great acclaim. A highly talented, very popular local lass – an evening not to be missed!
Thursday 21st January	Showcase – ELOISE PEDERSON Eloise was one of the grand finalists in the Music Mix writing competition for youngsters held at the Rhodes Centre in 2009, as part of the Inspirational Arts Project. She was runner up in the competition and as part of her prize was awarded a showcase at the Acoustic Club.
Thursday 28th January	Showcase – KAREN JOHNSON AND FRIENDS Karen needs very little introduction. She is one of our local stars – a wonderful singer/songwriter with a very gentle style. She will be joined by her mystery guests!
Thursday 4th February	Showcase – SARAH McQUAID A very special treat in store this week; Sarah will be performing as part of her tour Born in Madrid, Spain, raised in Chicago and holding dual Irish and American citizenship, singer/guitarist and songwriter Sarah McQuaid lived in Ireland from 1994 to 2007. She has since moved with her husband and two children to the home formerly occupied by her parents near Penzance, Cornwall. I Won’t Go Home ’Til Morning, the long-awaited follow-up to her acclaimed debut album When Two Lovers Meet, marked a distinct change of focus for the musician whose rich voice has been likened to “matured cognac”. Whereas her first album was a feast of Irish music, this is an enchanting celebration of old-time Appalachian folk, with Sarah’s arrangements punctuated by her own fine compositions and a cover of Bobbie Gentry’s classic ‘Ode to Billie Joe’. www.sarahmcquaid.com
Thursday 11th February	Showcase – BRUISE Bruise are Isobel Morris (vocals and guitar) and Jim Kimberley (drums, vocals and samples). They have performed Open Mic slots at the club to great acclaim and we’re delighted to welcome them back as a showcase. www.bruisemusic.co.uk www.myspace.com/bruiseuk
Thursday 18th February	Showcase- BELLA CHIPPERFIELD AND ABI Bella and Abi are prime examples of the excellence of local talent that the club recognises, develops and provides a platform for. Having completed their studies at St Mary’s Catholic School (Bella was Head Girl there), we are delighted that they’ve found the time to come along to showcase at the club while continuing their studies. Please join us in wishing them every success for the future.
Thursday 25th February	Showcase – THE RAINY DAY WOMEN Rainy Day Women will be performing a stripped down acoustic set this evening. “Rainy Day Women was formed in 2006 by Tony Winn to perform the songs of Bob Dylan from the 1960s through to the 00s in our own way and have fun in the process. Our first gig was at the Kelvedon Free Music Festival in Essex and it seemed to work so we're going to carry on expanding the repertoire so long as Tony can remember all the words. Although treating the songs with the care and respect that they deserve, we don't stick slavishly to the arrangements and sounds of the original versions, preferring to develop ways of playing the tunes that work well for us and sound fresh. This is pretty much what Bob has always done with his various live bands. We also play a few tunes by The Band. “ www.myspace.com/tonywinnsongs
Thursday 4th March	Showcase- MICHAEL DAWES AND AMY TURK – a very welcome return to the club! 'At only 19 years of age Mike Dawes has already made quite an impact in and around the National music circuit. An experimental solo acoustic guitarist, Mike has already performed with acts such as 'The Martin Harley Band' and received glowing reviews from acts such as Newton Faulkner and David Goo as well as Hollywood A lister Jamie Bell. Mike performs technically virtuosic compositions and arrangements with a style that silences rooms and drops jaws. Not only does he produce sounds and effects from his guitars that seem limitless, he performs a variety of pieces with the guitar on his lap, much like a multi-layered piano. It must be seen to be believed. Definitely one to watch.' He will also be performing with a classical harp player, Amy Turk. You can find out about his music at www.myspace.com/mikedawesmusic and www.youtube.com/mikedawesofficial
Thursday 11th March	Showcase – The Floe (formerly AloneMe) BAND Sarah Springett – lead vocals. David Booth – guitar & vocals. Simon Edgoose – drums & programming. Liz Townsend – keys & vocals. The Floe will be returning in their new guise. You may remember them as AloneMe – they stun audiences with their performances; they have showcased at the club on many occasions, as well as headlining at Stortford Music Festival. Check them out! www.thefloe.com www.myspace.com/thefloe www.youtube.com/thefloemusic
Thursday 18th March	Showcase – Papaphone Papaphone met whilst at Music College and were soon enjoying local success winning battle of the bands at the Horn Reborn in St Albans, Hertfordshire. They beat off competition from 92 bands over the space of a year to win on audience voting. The prize was 5 days in a recording studio where they recorded 5 songs and made the "Stoney Rhythms" EP which includes a live recording of the final. After receiving great reviews and feedback from “Stoney Rhythms” they quickly built up a fan base packing out venues in and around the London area To find out more visit www.myspace.com/papaphone
Thursday 25th March	Showcase – ANDI NEATE Another firm favourite – this will be her third showcase at the club and follows the release of her FIFTH album, “Crows Rooks and Ravens”. Andi just goes from strength to strength.... www.andineate.co.uk www.myspace.com/andineate
Thursday 1st April	Showcase – Stephanie Lambring A return performance by this award winning Nashville singer/songwriter, who will be touring the UK and visiting Acoustic Club as part of that tour! Lovers of the modern geniuses of American songwriting such as Patty Griffin and Gretchen Peters will find plenty to like about Stephanie Lambring. It's a pleasure to hear such great songs being nurtured and caressed by such a superb voice without descending into the shrieking histrionics of an X-Factor winner. You won't have seen this much class in a 22-year old very often. www.myspace.com/stephanielambring
Thursday 8th April	SHOWCASE – CC SMUGGLERS – We just had to invite them back; they came highly recommended and lived up to our expectations. A very entertaining set - Rag n' Bone country n Blues from the shires... They have a well rehearsed acoustic set in which they slow down just a little and their drummer puts down his sticks and picks up his washboard and tin can! Have a listen on www.myspace.com/ccsmugglers
Thursday 15th April	Showcase – Susanna Cork A welcome return for this highly talented local girl. "I was signed to 24/7 Management – just before studying A levels in Cambridge and, two years later, finished college and began work on the debut album. Through 2008 I travelled and wrote and developed the tracks for the album and, after he returned from Monaco producing Julian Lennon’s latest release, am now recording at Tim Ellis’ studio in sunny old Brighton as we speak! I’ll put up some free downloads for you on my myspace page –– and I’d love to hear your comments. It’s coming together and all sounding pretty exciting!” www.myspace.com/susannacork
Thursday 22nd April	SHOWCASE – NAVACROSS – We invited these guys back they were such FUN! “We are a 5 piece (singer, 2x guitars, Drums and Congas) who play all original material in a sort of Soulful, Hillbilly, Folky-Rock sort of genre, lots of acoustic slide guitar , harmonicas etc its difficult to imagine but you can see some live footage here.”
Thursday 29th April	SHOWCASE – MATT WOOSEY - A second showcase – he wowed the audience last time – they just wanted more and more!!!! “I started my musical adventures as a 15 year old drummer in a Thin Lizzy tribute band called Black Rose, during which time I was surrounded by very much older and very talented people. I learnt so much about performing and playing during that time and considered myself lucky to be given a musical education of such a high calibre. The Experience of playing with other people and the pressure to play as well as you can whenever and wherever you are is something that has shaped me as a person has truly given me the music bug for life! I dropped the drums about 5 years ago and have concentrated on the guitar ever since. Another band I am extremely proud to say I was a part of is Taxi. James and I played along side our very good friend Rob O’Neil on Bass and Vocals. In spite of having interest from industry types and a hell of a lot of really great gigs too, we all felt that our musical tastes we’re colliding and causing clashes within the music. As a result, I have bundled all my energy into writing new songs and gigging as a solo artist which I have enjoyed very much. I have now got 2 albums worth of material and I look forward to adding dimensions to my sound with James on the sticks! “ www.mattwoosey.co.uk
Thursday 6th May	Showcase – MINNIE BIRCH Minnie Birch are Emily Jacques (vocals/guitar) and Clare Cahill (vocals/bass guitar) ; a two piece acoustic band from London and you can hear them at www.myspace.com/minniebirch Emily and Clare have been in bands together and apart for sometime. Their last band, Nessarose, went seperate ways in 2008, in an attempt to put another band together Emily and Clare started jamming and playing open mics. They haven't really put another band together but they are still jamming and playing open mics....Minnie Birch is the result of that...
Thursday 13th May	UKE FEST!!!!!!! An evening dedicated to the ukulele – watch this space! www.bsus.co.uk
Thursday 20th May	Showcase – EDDIE JOHNS With a trademark textured, fingerstyle theme on guitar, Eddy Johns tells tales of epic visions, blending fantasy and surrealism with impressions of the ways of the world. Lyrical odysseys supported by drifting melodies will take you on a journey aboard the wildest winds, through the mists of a millions moons and back again. With a string of festivals and a debut album release last summer, exciting times lie down the road for the young folkster. Industry reviewers have likened Eddy to a contemporary, alternative shuffle of sounds from the 60s folk revival, describing him as "A heady mix of Simon and Garfunkel craft laced with the edge of an early Dylan", with songwriting that lends us "Beautifully poetic imagery with Drake-like sensibility". www.myspace.com/eddiejohnsmusic
Thursday 27th May	Showcase – THE STRANGERHOOD Yes – The Strangerhood (local heroes) will be performing an Acoustic Set at the Half Moon! "Bishop's Stortford four-piece The Strangerhood, who categorise their highly original quasi-electronic style as "dirtyacousticsynthnoiserock", are one of the most popular acts on the local music scene. At the core of their sound are the powerful and emotional compositions of frontman Dean Austin, who wields his acoustic guitar like a weapon as he belts out the lyrics with an almost intimidating intensity. The cherry on top of the musical cake comes from his comrades, who lay down some hypnotic, insistent dance-style beats and grooves layered with echoing, distorted cries of electronic noise that sound like some crazed disco from another planet. Experimental but highly listenable, The Strangerhood are a real one-off." Herts & Essex Observer www.myspace.com/strangerhoodmusic
Thursday 3rd June	Showcase – Jon Gomm Yes, Jon will be performing another showcase – we’re consider ourselves to be really privileged! Come along early tonight if you want a seat! “I'm a guitarist/singer/songwriter from England. I hope you like the music - it's just me playing - all the noises are made with one acoustic guitar (no looping, overdubbing or percussion) and my mouth. All the music on this page is from my brand new album DON'T PANIC, released on December 7th 2009. Here's some reviews of it to whet your appetite:” "Great, great album... leaves me open-mouthed and in awe of this man’s talents." (The Music Guru) "Once you get over the jaw dropping manoeuvres and technique, you will rewarded by some spectacularly beautiful songs." (Blues & Soul) www.jongomm.com
Thursday 10th June	Showcase – Ian Goodsman (part of his UK tour) New Zealand Acoustic Blues"...an excellent guitarist in the old style...I was seriously impressed with your playing." Bruce Iglauer, CEO, Alligator Records, USA. "...Kiwi slide guitarist extraodinaire" Radio Hauraki, New Zealand. "The real deal" Terry Iredale, HotFM, Australia "One of the best country blues guitarists we've heard in years" GoodTime Blues Review, Argentina www.iangoodsman.com www.youtube.com/iangoodsman
Thursday 17th June	Showcase – Sam Smith He’s performed two song slots at the club and he’s left everyone agog at his voice, which is as pure as driven snow. This local teenager is on his way and he knows how to play an audience! To find out more visit www.myspace.com/iamsamsmith
Thursday 24th June	Showcase – The Pat Crilly Band Pat Crilly’s band includes Greg Camburn on Sax / Whistles, Cormac O'Prey on bass , Keef Jackman on Baritone Uke. Superb passionate songs in Pat’s strong Caledonian voice reflecting his travels from Norway to Nova Scotia – Cork to the Congo. A very talented band with wonderful whistle & sax from Greg and DADGAD from Pat. www.myspace.com/patcrilly www.patcrilly.com
Thursday 1st July	Showcase – Paul Liddell He stunned everyone with his last showcase and performed a fantastic set at StortFest and he’s back! Paul Liddell is already somewhat a veteran of the acoustic music world, having released two solo albums and an EP, and an EP with his band ‘Delphians’. His second album ‘A Lighthouse Keeper’s Diary’ was released on his own label ‘Regulus Music’ and was distributed in stores around the UK by Universal/Absolute. Paul is an experienced live performer too. His raw and unpretentious delivery combined with the use of live sampling, guitar percussion and layered vocal harmonies provide a great platform for his wonderful songs to shine. As well as touring UK venues in ’06, ’07 and ’08, Paul also performs between tours, averaging about 15 shows a month. Paul has also toured in America, whipping up a storm in several little coffee houses across California. While he was there he performed on a TV show filmed in Time Warner studios in Hollywood, and got his song ‘Brighter Lights’ placed on a nationally distributed and TV advertised folk compilation CD. Other live highlights include a show-stopping performance at the Beverley Folk Festival, and a memorable show at the Piperine Free Festival in Milan (where Paul decided to let Sting take the headline spot!). Other artists Paul has shared billing with include Beth Rowley, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Karine Polwart, Polly Paulusma, Kathryn Tickell, Nick Harper, Amy Wadge, Nerina Pallot, Billy Bragg and Florence And The Machine. Paul’s songwriting and performance have been recognised throughout the industry, claiming awards for ‘Best Male Artist’ at the International Acoustic Music Awards, a finalists place at the Independent Music Awards, and a winning place in the International Songwriting Competition ’07. 2008 saw Paul working with acclaimed film director Tony Kaye on some music for his upcoming film project ‘Black Water Transit’. The film is currently in post-production. As well as working on a couple of film projects in the UK, Paul also has contacts in America looking to place his songs in movies and television. Early 2009 saw Paul make it through to the final 10 in Q magazine’s Glastonbury competition, gaining him some huge exposure along the way. Paul recently signed a recording contract with London based label 360 degree music “A very good album from a highly talented singer/songwriter/musician” – Maverick Magazine “Glittering nuggets of irresistible folk-pop gold” – The Crack Magazine “hard to compare to other musicians…………… Paul Liddell does it so well that you overlook the rest” – East Magazine www.paulliddell.com www.myspace.com/paulliddellmusic
Thursday 8th July	Showcase – Strangeworld "Strangeworld are gaining a big reputation for taking the folk/roots genre and giving it a real makeover. Played exquisitely on traditional instrumentation including cello, oboe, mandolin and accordion (amongst many others), the band use influences from the musical spectrum to create a sound that has been described as ‘mesmerizing’ . With two albums to their name and a third in the making, they are fast becoming one of the most respected acts on the scene today". www.strangeworldmusic.com
Thursday 15th July	Showcase – tbc
Thursday 22nd July	Showcase – Harpeth Rising Harpeth Rising is something new. Their sound, comprised of violin, banjo, cello and drums is both recognizable and undefinable. Jordana Greenberg (violin, vocals,) and Rebecca Reed-Lunn (banjo, vocals,) started the band as just a duo under the name Sisters Grimm, busking their way across the United States in the summer of 2007. They then spent a year on Maui, performing, writing songs and developing their sound. Within their short stay in Hawaii, they were featured in Maui Times, Maui News, Maui Weekly, and made numerous live recordings for Mana’o Radio. They returned to the Mainland in 2008, moving to Nashville, TN. It was their great fortune that two of their friends and fellow musicians from Indiana University moved to Memphis around the same time. Ruth Valente Burgess (cello) and Christopher Burgess (hand drums) became permanent members of the band, creating the group that would become Harpeth Rising. The quartet performs regularly throughout the United States, drawing audiences in with music that is somehow timeless and still utterly unique. Their debut album, Harpeth Rising, is a collection of passionate, intricately arranged original songs. They are crying for change, questioning the past, and tracking down the revolution, via delicate harmonies and blazing instrumentals. www.harpethrising.com
Thursday 29th July	Showcase – Ashley Johnston Ashley’s home from uni for the holidays and will be performing a showcase under the name of “Queen of Hearts”. Ashley is well known to regulars at the club and has performed Open Mic slots for several years now. It will be great to see a local lass perform a well deserved showcase.
Thursday 5th Aug & 12th Aug	Student Open Mic Nights As it’s the start of Uni/School holidays we’d like to celebrate this and hold a couple of “Specials”. These will be Open Mic all evening and to make it more interesting you can’t book in advance. It will be strictly “first come, first served”, 2 song slot (please try to keep to the 10 minutes so that everyone can have a turn), As players you get to choose your slot, so the earlier you get there, the better slot you get! We will be running slots from 8.30 to 11.0. If we don’t get enough players to fill all the slots, we’ll give out extra songs! AND TO ENCOURAGE OUR YOUNGER PLAYERS AND AUDIENCE EVERYBODY PAYS £2.00. STUDENTS PARTICULARLY WELCOME! Doors Open 8.0 p.m. Couple of reminders though, under 18’s are allowed in the Function Room, but not in the bar. Please use the courtyard door. We’d also like to reiterate that the idea of the evening is for local musicians to meet, network and appreciate each other’s music and to create a mutually supportive atmosphere. Therefore, we hope all the performers will be staying for the whole evening and not just for their own slots!
Thursday 19th Aug	Showcase – Rodney Branigan from Texas, USA A REAL TREAT THIS WEEK. Rodney’s just in the middle of running a master class tour across the UK playing venues like Guitar X, British Academy, He is also representing the Re-Play Music Project and the ATM at Glastonbury Festival this year in the Green Fields and running kids educational workshops in KIDZ Field again for the 4th year in a row... as well as playing at the festival. http://www.re-playmusic.org Rodney's website addresses are: http://www.myspace.com/rodneybranigan http://www.brokenguitars.com http://www.sonicbids.com/rodneybranigan several youtube videos which have over 1/2 million hits...some samples below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5Pm-1KbsrI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta4yofBNK6E&feature=related "Of Course, no interview with Rodney Branigan would be complete without the explanation of his show-stopping simultaneous two guitar playing - the origin of which is as simple as his talent is complex" Andy Hughes, Acoustic Magazine May 1st 2010
Thursday 26th Aug	Showcase – Lava They’ll be touring the East of England and we’ll be delighted to welcome these guys for the first time. www.lavamusic.co.uk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRCg2jOI0ec