Acoustic Club

acoustic club listings archive
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2009
Thursday 15th January	Showcase – Jenny Hall The wonderful and fast becoming iconic, Jenny Hall, will be showcasing. Superb songs, beautifully delivered by this class act... to find out more visit http://www.myspace.com/thejennyhall
Thursday 22nd January	Showcase – Ed Hope More treats in store this week....we have the local hero, Ed Hope returning to Stortford (he now lives in Cambridge!) for our showcase... for those of you who don’t know Ed, please please visit his myspace and find out more. You’ll love him! We do! www.myspace.com/lastoftheromantics
Thursday 29nd January	Showcase – Alex Ward, Dan Russell & Johnny Payne Well January has seen some stunning acts at the Club and it’s been a great start to a cold and dreary New Year....huge thanks to everyone who participates and continues to support us. This week we have a packed playlist, which includes Ric and Toby, Richard Butcher, Dave Mautterer, Gavin and Joe, Jerry Nineacres, Rob Clydesdale plus Richard Pearse and Becky...some local favourites, a couple of acts from Ware and some new talent! ....And, Keef of course. Our showcase will feature a trio from Leeds College of Music: A very welcome return by Alex Ward (he performed a showcase last year with Abbie when he was at St Mary’s) plus Dan Russell and Johnny Payne. So come along and beat those winter blues and have some fun! cheers, Annie and Keef
Thursday 5th February	Showcase – Stuart Mason Enjoying the snow? Let’s hope it thaws by Thursday! What a fab night last Thursday at the club!!! Thanks so much to everyone who came along and for all our performers – superb! Sorry to those of you who couldn’t get in! It was very busy and not even any room to stand! If you want a seat this week, please get there early! We’re already fully booked and the play list includes Will Dennard, Ric and Toby, Helen Penfold, Steve Ingrey, Freddie Stare(yes Stare!), Richard Dobney, Vince Edwards, Junk Store Angels, with Keef starting off the evening. Our showcase will feature the very very popular Stuart Mason....if you haven’t seen Stuart yet, visit www.myspace.com/stuartmasonmusic to find out more! We’ve just had a look at the St Mary’s Catholic School website and due to the adverse weather conditions the “Acoustic Evening” scheduled for Tuesday (tomorrow) has been postponed until further notice. See you Thursday Cheers, Keef and Annie
Thursday 12th February	Showcase – Happnin Boy & Mike Rasmussen Happnin Boy and Mike Rasmussen will be showcasing on Thursday and will be supported by Richard Dobney, Gumbo, Stevo and Keef. Should be a great blues evening. Look forward to seeing LOADS of you again. Cheers, Keef and Annie
Thursday 19th February	Showcase – Ryan Thwaits It was a first on Thursday and we had to postpone the Acoustic Blues Night. The snow storm prevented all our performers from getting along to the club....so a huge thank you to the few stalwarts who came along to what turned out to be a very pleasant evening! Hope you all got home OK! For all our disappointed punters, the Acoustic Blues night will be rescheduled for later on in the year! Thursday’s acoustic club promises to be a real treat....all slots are fully booked and the evening will feature Dean Austin, Joe Devine, Rik and Toby, Steve, Ben Cork, Guy Dunwiddy and will culminate with a showcase by the highly talented local hero, RYAN THWAITS! Keef and Annie
Thursday 26th February	Showcase – Cara Winter This week we have many treats in store! As well as our regulars, we have some other fantastic performers...JJ Zarbo, Apache John, Jonathan Roberts, Rob Clydesdale and Stuart Mason... and to round off the evening, we’re delighted to welcome Cara Winter back to the club with her band. To find out more about Cara Winter, please visit her website: www.greenslippers.com or www.myspace.com/carawinter Keef and Annie
Thursday 5th March	Showcase – Richard Judge and Mike Thackeray Firstly, what a great evening, yet again! Thanks to everyone who participated and HUGE thanks to the Cara Winter Band....a welcome return visit and fab to see Keith Winter too! This week (5th March) we have a full play list which will include some firm favourites (Rik and Toby, Steve Ingrey), some newcomers (Geoff Williams, Vince Edwards), some we haven’t seen for a while (Alex Ward and Abbie, Richard Morgan, Sarah Ross) and an exciting showcase: Richard Judge and Mike Thackeray unplugged A rare treat to see one of Britian's greatest unsigned bands, Sub Pop Sunday, stripped down for a small series of acoustic shows. Richard Judge’s amazing songs will have a rare outing in a relaxed atmosphere of an acoustic setting. Listen to these two great musicians sing songs of life, love and happiness. www.myspace.com/subpopsundaytheband We’re also fully booked for 12th March, but are now taking bookings for 19th March, so please let me know ASAP if you’d like a slot that week.....they go very quickly! We’re having a surprise showcase that Thursday which is being organised by Dean.... so watch this space!
Thursday 12th March	Showcase – A NASHVILLE DOUBLE-BILL WITH... MORGAN MYLES & STEPHANIE LAMBRING Lovers of the modern geniuses of American song-writing 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. http://www.myspace.com/stephanielambring We are delighted to welcome another huge voice from Nashville - Morgan Myles - instead. With great determination and an endless love of music, Morgan has found the perfect mix of southern rock and blues, with a touch of country. Her honest and poignant sound hooks the listener, channelling her powerful emotion to whoever will lend an ear. Combined with her passion and perseverance, all this has earned her a place in Nashville’s heart. http://www.myspace.com/morganmyles
Thursday 26th March	Showcase – JAMES AND DAVID DELARRE Brothers James and David are part of the band known as Mawkin, which has already built up a strong following of its own. Locally, Mawkin headlined at Stortford Music Festival in 2007 and also performed at Woodfest in Hatfield Forest. www.mawkin.co.uk www.myspace.com/mawkincausley
Thursday 2nd April	Showcase – JON GOMM He stunned us last year – a welcome return: “One of the world’s most successful, gifted and inspirational guitar players” Acoustic Magazine www.jongomm.com www.myspace.com/jongomm www.youtube.com/jongomm
Thursday 9th April	2 Showcase Special - ROBERT BROWN / ED HOPE & FRIENDS This week promises to be another really exciting one! There’ll be performances from Keef, Mike Johnson, Bella Chipperfield & Abi, Colin Taylor, Steve Ingrey and JJ Zarbo AND THEN......TWO SHOWCASES! ED HOPE & FRIENDS As you know the guys from Ed Hope’s band live all over the place and he’s managed to get them all together this week, so the first showcase will feature ED HOPE & FRIENDS as part of their “Spark Tour”.... if you don’t know Ed go along to www.myspace.com/lastoftheromantics ROBERT BROWN Folk/Experimental/Hardcore "... it is very pleasing to see a British alternative country rock act that is on a par (if not better) with the best that America can offer" MAVERICK MAGAZINE www.robert-brown.info www.myspace.com/robertbrownmusic1
Thursday 16th April	Showcase - ROSES KINGS CASTLES “Roses Kings Castles is the moniker under which Adam Ficek, drummer of Babyshambles, performs and records his own unique catalogue of quixotic, chiming, and blissfully astute acoustic pop ...” www.roseskingscastles.360degreeemusic.com www.myspace.com/roseskingscastles
Thursday 23rd April	Showcase – KISS THE MISTRESS The unique and exciting trio combine voice and 'cello, chromatic button accordion and bodhran to create a dynamic rhythmic interplay rarely found outside of a guitar driven band. www.kissthemistress.co.uk www.myspace.com/kissthemistressuk
Thursday 30th April	Showcase - ALONEME Once again, a very special treat indeed – we’re delighted to welcome back AloneMe “AloneMe is the finely tuned songwriting partnership of singer Sarah Springett and singer/guitarist David Booth, plus drummer/programmer Simon Edgoose and singer/multi instrumentalist Liz Townsend. The band has gigged constantly since their inception as a trio, with shows from London to Dublin, Brighton to Newcastle and all points in between. The move to a four piece came in 2007 and the AloneMe sound as we now know it was born. The hard work is paying off and their reputation as a must-see live band is growing rapidly.” www.aloneme.com
Thursday 7th May	Showcase – TERRY EMM Terry Emm is a young singer songwriter from a small village in Bedfordshire, England. Some reviews: 'Stunning...this is the best debut album from a singer songwriter that I have heard in a long time' - *** 5/5 - Maverick 'Outstanding debut...pastoral, romantic and lit musically by summer rays...this album is no routine singer- songwriter offering but some-thing totally engaging in melody and lyric...the cult starts here'- ** 4/5- MOJO 'Englands new pastoral-folk prince...an accomplished & mature writer, backed by the most gentle and thoughtful of settings...a charming debut in every sense'- Americana-UK.com 'Striking debut from teenage English troubadour...For a 19-year-old, Emm's songs boast a remarkable maturity and poise'- Uncut 'A record full of rural charm, pretty songs and sophisticated arrangements' -Rock 'N Reel 'Lovely voice and lovely songs...'Dove' is a killer!'- Eliza Carthy 'A distinctive voice and style which are very much his own...Emm's plaintive voice floats over the mix with a confidence extraordinary in one so young'- Properganda www.terryemm.co.uk www.myspace.com/emmmusic
Thursday 14th May	Showcase – ROB CLYDESDALE Rob’s first showcase with the club....by popular demand following his recent appearances which have left the audience gasping for more! Describes himself as “some bloke who writes songs a lot”!........ Visit these links and see for yourself! www.myspace.com/robclydesdale www.youtube.com/robclydesdale
Thursday 21st May	Showcase- THE LITTLE BIG BAND The Little Big Band - Jon Hare, spanish guitar, Tom Walker, trumpet & Simon Ritchie, melodeons; with other instrumental accompaniments. Original contemporary songs: Jazz Flamenco and everything else influenced.
Thursday 28th May	Showcase – GEOFF BAKER - as part of his UK tour "excellent lyrics...arresting images...Baker promises much and here delivers it" --Paul Kerr, Americana UK "great young US singer-songwriter" --Time Out (London) California-based singer/songwriter Geoff Baker was born in Los Angeles and raised all over the place. At the age of 14, he borrowed a guitar and never really gave it back. He learned to play along with the records he loved in high school: The Jesus and Mary Chain, the Pixies, Joy Division, Wire. When he later immersed himself in more traditional folk music by the likes of Mississippi John Hurt, Woody Guthrie, Nick Drake, and Bob Dylan, he began trying to blend his various loves: furious finger-picking, folk urgency, post-punk energy. He likes his dreams impossible, his drinks neat, his tunes a little bit catchy, and his lyrics a little bit poisonous. www.myspace.com/geoffbaker
Thursday 4th June	Showcase – DAVE SUTHERLAND “Cult South London Singer-Songwriter” A welcome return for this firm favourite of Acoustic Club. Dave headlined at last Dave month’s Stortford Music Festival and this is your chance to see him again! Dave Sutherland born in London. In the nine years since he started struggling his way through the few chords he knew down the London pubs, Sutherland’s learned to pick guitar like a wizard, paid his dues as support act to Glenn Tilbrook and Bert Jansch (who produced his debut), toured the US and recorded three albums. To listen, visit: www.davesutherland.co.uk www.myspace.com/blindboydavesutherland
Thursday 11th June	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 18th June	Showcase – EMILY MAGUIRE Emily Maguire is an independent singer-songwriter originally from London, now based on a farm in the Australian bush. Growing up without a TV at home, she developed a passion for books and music, learning to play classical cello, piano, flute and recorder. Then she discovered Bob Marley, taught herself to play his songs on the guitar, and when a chronic illness left her stuck at home for months on end, she started writing her own songs to pass the time. A few years later, back on her feet and fed up with grey skies and concrete, she decided to give up her flat in London for a shack made from recycled wood, tin and potato sacks on a goat farm up in the hills behind the Sunshine Coast, Australia. There she overcame her snake phobia and recorded her critically acclaimed debut album 'Stranger Place' followed 2 years later by 'Keep Walking', writing and performing all the string arrangements for both albums. She set up her own record label Shaktu Records with partner Christian Dunham, financing her albums by making and selling goats cheese on the farm. In March 2008, 'Keep Walking' was released through Universal in the UK and Ireland. The title track was playlisted on Radio 2 in the UK and on ABC Radio across Australia. From touring clubs and pubs in 2007, Emily was asked to support Don McLean on his UK tour, performing at all the major concert halls in the country including the Royal Albert Hall in London. In 2008 she played the acoustic stage at Glastonbury Festival and toured with Roddy Frame, Eric Bibb, The Blue Nile and Glenn Tilbrook. Best-known for her strong, thought-provoking lyrics and "the kind of vocals that will melt your stereo" (Scene Magazine), Emily’s songs have won her fans across the globe. She is currently in London recording her third album with producer Philip Tennant, drummer Geoff Dugmore, bassist Christian Dunham, violinist Jae Yoo and guitarist Luke Potashnick. 'Keep Walking' is available in HMV and all good music shops in the UK and both Emily’s albums are available on Amazon and iTunes. Her forthcoming third album will be out in spring 2009. www.emilymaguire.com
Thursday 25th June	Showcase – JONAS GRAILE Let me Introduce myself… I consider myself to be a travelling salesman, a teller of tall tales….a performer. You might say I’m a raconteur(from the days when then that didn’t mean standing on stage with half of the White Stripes). I draw on skiffle, soul, dark folk and vaudeville, amongst other things, but mostly it’s whatever story I’ve got to tell you that matters. I like to write about romantic things like the crossroads of Blues and martial arts, young lovers on the run, escapology and such. www.myspace.com/jonasgraile
Thursday 2nd July	Showcase – AL LINDSAY A very welcome return; Al is usually accompanied by the superb upright bass playing of Oli Arditi . Artist Details. With a playing style strongly reminiscent of Jon Martyns ‘Solid Air’ days and a writing style heavily influenced by the same, with generous helpings of Todd Rundgren, Joni Mitchell, World Party and Nick Drake, Al’s true calling has always been the live performance of his original blues and folk tinged set. Urged by the late great virtuoso guitarist Eric Roche to get out there and play, Al has gone on to gig intensively in recent years, playing support slots with artists including Martin Carthy, Tina Dico, as well as performances at Cambridge Folk Festival and Ely Folk Festival, where Al played the main stage to a packed house. . www.al-lindsay.co.uk/ www.myspace.com/allindsay
Thursday 9th July	Showcase- MICHAEL DAWES AND AMY '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 He has numerous high profile performances booked including performing alongside Pierre Bensusan and various summer festivals.
Thursday 16th July	Showcase – OKA VANGA Oka Vanga are a high octane guitar duo that combine the influences of instrumental Folk music, percussive Flamenco rhythms and heavy Thrash metal riffs to create music that is both rhythmically powerful and melodically rich. Currently receiving local radio play and spreading their wings on the London scene their music is borne from foot-stoppin across many continents, gigging in various bands, jammin with friends, jammin on trains, on hot beaches, on cold nights, making music, singing, and dancing! It's not acoustic hip-jiggery... just two guitar players making good music. www.myspace.com/okavanga09
Thursday 23rd July	Showcase – ROLAND CHADWICK By popular request, well demand actually! Roland’s back again! What a coup! You’ve seen him at the club many times and at Stortford Music Festival. Come along early to be sure of getting a seat. Since arriving in the UK in 1998, Roland Chadwick has been hailed as a guitarist’s guitarist by the likes of John Renbourn and Tommy Emmanuel. His recordings with Steve Vai, Barriemore Barlow (Jethro Tull) and the English Chamber Orchestra have been hailed as classics of their type. Other credits include: Mike Lindup - Level 42, Sir George Martin, Andy Sheppard, Alan Glen – The Yardbirds. Critics have been unanimous in their praise of his virtuosity, versatility and originality. Roland Chadwick's new album, Freedom Dreamer is a set of songs powerfully conceived, inspirationally driven and masterfully executed. Freedom Dreamer is a giant prod into the future-possibility of acoustic music. www.myspace.com/rolandchadwick
Thursday 30th July	Showcase – BEN CORK he has performed a couple of Open Mic slots and taken the club by storm! Young Musician of the Year at The Bishops Stortford High School Following two weeks of excellent music making in the annual Music Festival BEN CORK was crowned TBSHS Young Musician of the Year last night following the finale concert. The standard was again very high and the some excellent performances from the winners of the senior categories made for very stiff competition
Thursday 6th August	Showcase – SEAN TAYLOR the absolutely amazing Sean last performed at the club two years ago and we’re delighted that he’s able to return. This year he’s playing the Main Stage at Glastonbury – what an achievement! Sean’s influences: “I cannot abide trees that have been cut back and given arms that resemble the tarred stumps remaindered from the war between North and South, neither the manner which clouds fray, like soiled pennants, over and above everything. If I sound like anything it is the silence that deepens after the door to the soul has been closed”/ Acoustic/ambient/blues – find out more by visiting www.myspace.com/seantaylorsongs
Thursday 13th August	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 before going off to University. Please join us in wishing them every success for the future.
Thursday 20th August	Showcase – ASH MANDRAKE We’ve invited him back! His two song slot left everyone with their jaws dropped! My act is about entertainment. It is musically eclectic (sits best in folk/rock) and theatrical (I have been described as a "techno jester"). I use loop machines as a supplement and play a double neck custom guitar. My vocals have been compared to Sting having swallowed an opera singer, or Midge Ure crossed with velvet. I also make wicked hats, which are part of my act. http://www.myspace.com/ashmandrake
Thursday 27th August	SHOWCASE – Showcase – Happnin Boy & Mike Rasmussen GUARANTEED to get your face smiling and your foot tapping, Happnin Boy (the one man wailing and hollering machine) will be joined by the awesome talent of Harmonica Mike for what will be a storming set full of infectious tunes. http://www.happninboy.co.uk/
Thursday 3rd September	SHOWCASE – OUSE BROTHERS The Ouse Brothers consist of Rick Sanders vcl gtr and Jim Gosney lead gtr from Ely and St Ives (hence the Ouse) playing originals and whatever they can remember on the night - could be Bukka White or Patsy Kline, Warren Zevon or Herman's Hermits. 'The fabulous talents of Rick on guitar and vocals and Jim on lead guitar have been gracing stages around the region for more years than they would like to think about, but the quality always gives the game away!! Not to be missed!!!'
Thursday 10th September	SHOWCASE – NAVACROSS A “first” for these guys, who should be real good 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 17th September	SHOWCASE – CC SMUGGLERS Another “First” – they come highly recommended! 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: www.myspace.com/ccsmugglers
Thursday 24th September	SHOWCASE – SARAH BARTON AND CLIVE ROTHWELL Performing at this year’s WoodFest (September 12/13th), Sarah’s fantastic Violin playing is complemented by Clive’s guitar skills. These two musicians, known individually on the local scene for some years, have recently discovered a shared passion for plumbing the rich harmonic and melodic depths of traditional music from Britain and beyond, and are forging a distinctive style. Mainly on fiddle and guitar they weave their way through a stirring landscape of sound trailing strands of jigs, reels, polskas, bourrees and other melodic forms both ancient and new.
Thursday 1st October	SHOWCASE – MATT WOOSEY AND THE STRANGE RAIN Many artists have had their influence on the songwriting and playing of the Strange Rain, however a common love of the blues and alot of blues based rock music is the driving force behind this project. Improvisation and musical interplay within and around the structure of the music is very prevalent within the band providing live peformance audiences with a chance to be part of the moment, knowing it may not be same the next night. The recorded aspect of the music has brought a more traditional presentation of the songs. Now is the time for 'The Strange Rain' a blend of acoustic temperaments and rhythmic fusions to bring you a fresh look on the song form and live performance. www.myspace.com/mattwooseyandthestrangerain www.mattwoosey.co.uk
Thursday 8th October	SHOWCASE – THE JJ ZARBO EXPERIENCE! You’ve seen JJ at the club on many occasions, but this will be something else! JJ Zarbo. The Man, The Musician, The Lifestyle......or indeed, none of the above? Who knows? Half-man, half-beast, half-a-minute!! JJZ describes his music as Contemporary Urban Folk which doesn't give much away but does answer the question. His songs range from the highly topical 'Broadband Gigolo', to the somewhat sombre yet observant 'Sorry Derek'. And of course, there are many in between.......and indeed outside. You will see him playing unaccompanied or with one or other of his motley musical acquaintances. For example, the evocative 'Shipping Forecast' features Paul Hollingsworth on toy piano and bodhran. 'Inside Out' demonstrates the unique approach to mandolin playing offered by Mr Harvey J Hannant. Catch JJ Zarbo at a venue near you. You will not be disappointed* It's Never Too Late!! JJ xx (* You may be disappointed) www.myspace.com/jjzarbo
Thursday 15th October	SHOWCASE – THE MIGHTY BOSSCATS Following the success of their Open Mic Slots, Richard Townend and Terry Hiscock will be performing an acoustic set. They are part of The Mighty Bosscats and to find out more please visit: www.themightybosscats.com
Thursday 22nd October	SHOWCASE – JON LAWRENCE his first showcase with the club, following a great Open Mic slot. “an intelligently put together collection of adult oriented compositions that straddle pop, rock and world music genres.”Rock n Reel on Albatross Bay “A strong singer he slides effortlessly up the key changes with a voice reminiscent of Paul Carrack”Eastern Daily Press www.myspace.com/jonglawrence www.cliffcornermusic.wetpaint.com
Thursday 29th October	SHOWCASE – CRIS TANZI Listen closely for a hint of bittersweet melancholy a touch of hidden longing in the fragile folk pop of Italian singer-songwriter Cris Tanzi. Swapping her Mediterranean home for a London-based Music School (UK) a good ten years ago, Tanzi soon bumped into her future partner Alex Scaturro. A lasting, fruitful collaboration and relationship that culminated in the couple's loudest laptop/guitar project Trigger Baby. Cris Tanzi’s solo career, on the other hand, is relatively recent development: In 2005,the gifted singer finally plucked up the courage to take her voice and guitar to London's stages, where her moving songs soon gained her favourable comparison to pop's leading ladies, from Bjork to Tori Amos. www.myspace.com/cristanzi
Thursday 5th November	SHOWCASE – OUR VERY OWN FIREWORK NIGHT - THE EXPLOSIVE MIX OF ROB CLYDESDALE AND STUART MASON Watch this space! It will be a sparkling evening, with dynamite performances!
Thursday 12th November	SHOWCASE – PAUL LIDDELL www.paulliddell.com www.myspace.com/paulliddellmusic http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=V_1SSHy29lY AWARDS: Winner - International Songwriting Competition '07 Finalist - Best Male Artist International Acoustic Music Awards Semifinalist - International Songwriting Competition '06 Finalist - Independent Music Awards '07 LIVE: UK tours '05, '06, '08 UK/US tour '07 Milan Free Festival - '06 Radio 1 big day out, UK -'06 Beverley Folk Festival - '07/'08 SHARED BILLING WITH: Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Nerina Pallot, Karine Polwart, Polly Paulusma, Kathryn Tickell, Nick Harper, Amy Wadge, Ezio, Miles Hunt (The Wonder Stuff) and Sting (at the Milan Free Festival '06) RELEASES: Sketchy Little People - Album A Lighthouse Keepers Diary - Album Delphians - EP New Thing Coming – EP
Thursday 19th November	SHOWCASE – HANNAH SCOTT AND JOHN CARDEN “You can’t really say that they ‘sound like’ anyone you’ve ever heard before but somehow you feel like you’ve known these songs all your life.” Hannah Scott has been writing music and lyrics since her early teens but it was a year spent in Tuscany as part of her degree that inspired her to start writing and performing more seriously. Returning home, the strength and maturity of Hannah’s songwriting and her distinctive voice immediately caught the attention of BBC Radio Suffolk’s Stephen Foster who helped produce her debut album, “Till angels fall”, alongside well-known local musicians such as Mark Flanagan (Jools Holland). Released in 2007, the album has gained airplay on Radio 2 as well as becoming a regular choice on local BBC stations. A chance meeting through mutual friends brought Hannah and John Carden together in early 2008. Hannah had been performing regularly in London following the release of her album and John had just moved to the capital and was keen to get involved in its vibrant music scene. Combining their talents as singers, guitarists and pianists, they have been performing as a duo since October 2008. In March 2009 they released “Falling into spring”, a collection of new songs which is faithful to their live sound. Having attracted interest from EMI Publishing’s Head of A&R, Kenny McGoff, supported folk favourites Cara Dillon and Megson and headlined London venues such as The Hope & Anchor, the duo are rapidly increasing their fan base with their passionate live shows.
Thursday 26th November	SHOWCASE – JASMINE AVA Jazmine Ava's Blues/Soul/Country style has burst onto the music scene, with a raw and original sound that inspires the roots of 'real' music. She reaches out with powerful, deep and heartfelt lyrics and with a voice that has stunned audiences all over. Her critically acclaimed debut album 'Sunshine & Shadows' - only released last year - has received Juice Fm, Radio Reverb, Saint Fm and BBC Essex radio play and her songwriting has been described as "...pure lyrical brilliance" (Musiczine Magazine: Aug 2008). www.myspace.com/jasmineava
Thursday 3rd December	SHOWCASE – TOM CONWAY 3 CDs, gigs with the likes of Clive Gregson, Jez Lowe, Hank Wangford, The Arlenes, Kirsty McGee and Rory MacLeod, and years of songwriting recently added up to Maverick magazine declaring "He shares the same smart balance that gave Tom Waits, Randy Newman, John Prine and Harry Chapin their legendary status". I play live with accompaniment on bass from Joel Halcomb, however I also use a Boss loop pedal to create percussive rhythms and vocal and guitar harmonies. A large part of the fun in playing live is people's faces saying "That man's got four voices ! And he's playing three guitar parts at once !" All that plus "Humour and wry observation...idiosyncratic talent" (Songbook magazine), "Catchy talking blues, funky R&B and rare sensitivity.....I'd guess Mr Conway is a pretty good live performer if this album is anything to go by". (Maverick). www.myspace.com/tomconwaymusic
Thursday 10th December	SHOWCASE – FRAN KELLY AND AKHOS After several stunning Open Mic performances at the Club, as well as a set at WoodFest, these guys are “raring to go”!
Thursday 17th December	SHOWCASE – BRIANA LYN HARDYMAN A very very special treat - From Nashville Tennessee, part of her UK tour! “Hardyman is a very eclectic musician and writer. She favors Bonnie Raitt style vocals in some songs, and then sounds like a young Loretta Lynn in another.” Americana Gazette, 2008. “big hearted soul singer…slow burning, honest blues chops” Stereo Times, 2008. “country sounding voice, showing a bluesy side, which is unexpected” FATEA Magazine, 2008. Singer/songwriter Briana Hardyman has been compared to a diverse range of artists such as Stevie Nicks, Emmylou Harris, Jennifer Nettles, Bonnie Raitt, and Lucinda Williams. Hardyman delivers emotionally injected, rootsy songs and performances with hints of blues, soul, folk, and country. A calm, charismatic performer, Briana touches a breadth of listeners in a sensitive, yet powerful manner. “Hardyman has a beautiful deep, full of emotion delivery, and every tune that she leads is a spirited journey. Hardyman wears the emotional impact of each song on her sleeve, capturing the essence of each ballad or barnburner with a special ease and honesty.” Stereo Times. “Her stage presence is awe striking” Americana Gazette. Raised on a farm in rural Wisconsin, Hardyman lived in New York City before moving to Nashville, where she has been actively performing and writing since 2006. Following many performances throughout the Southern USA in 2007/2008, Hardyman spent the latter part of 2008 touring the UK. Hardyman is currently performing with a variety of artists in the United States and England, and just completed her second solo album “People Like Me”. www.myspace.com/brianalynnhardyman
Thursday 18th December	Bsus and Drum Circle Christmas Party ........bring your ukes, hand drums/percussion and come along for a real FUN evening!
Thursday 24th December	ACOUSTIC CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY MOZZY GREEN WILL BE SHOWCASING! WE WISH ALL OUR PERFORMERS AND SUPPORTERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!