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PLAYING OUT LOUD!
REVIEWS
Gig Reviews -
CD Reviews
PURBECK MUSIC FESTIVAL, WORGRET MANOR
FARM, WAREHAM, DORSET - 14/8/04.
 Only
managed part of Saturday at this brand new festival which I hope will become an
annual fixture. A superb setting with a view across the river towards Wareham
and the Purbeck hills in the distance. A big top housed the music acts with a
big bar under canvas next door and plenty of food and craft franchises to give
it a typical festival atmosphere. Only problem was a lack of people early in the
day, but more people were turning up as I left.
One thing was obvious - everybody who was there were enjoying themselves.
 The
first two bands of the afternoon got respectful attention, but I suspect that
many of the audience had come to see Pronghorn, who never disappoint.
Lamma and company are a musically gifted act who laced their set with humour as
usual. Highly visual, varied and totally unique Pronghorn are certainly one of
my favourite bands and their set here was a delight. As usual they got the
audience involved, singing, dancing and in the case of one small chap, helping
out on drums. I can’t remember his name now but a very young lad had his very
own drum to play on stage for about half the set and kept time commendably!
 Caught The
Hightown Crows before having to dash off, their set was rootsy and bluesy with
some good harmonica work. Only two general comments: I couldn’t find a programme
anywhere and it might have helped to have a proper MC. I found my way there OK
but then I knew where I was going. Some posters on nearby roundabouts and
landmarks might have pulled in more people. But that’s just a minor quibble, I
think the festival has a great future. The site is big enough to hold thousands,
there’s plenty of room for camping, and the location is idyllic. The organisers
got the line-up about right with something for everybody and I will certainly be
back there next year, in fact I’m looking forward to it already!
Pukaar Curry Night, The Lick Afro-Caribbean Centre, Southampton
- 13/8/04.
 Southampton-based singer-songwriter Terry Eckersely provided eclectic support at
the latest gig organised by Romail Gulzar’s Pukaar Project. With the help of a
couple of Pukaar’s guitarist and his own acoustic guitar Terry entertained with
some old favourites including Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” and some of his
own songs including the wistful “I Loved You Too Much” before closing with a
storming version of “Wishing Well.”
Pukaar are an eight-piece band led by Romail who aim to unite people through a
fusion of traditional Asian and contemporary vibes. They certainly did that at
The Lick with plenty of people dancing and enjoying their sound with Romail MC-ing
and sharing vocal duties with another band member. I couldn’t understand any of
the lyrics but that was no real disadvantage as the sound was the thing -
booming Bhangra rhythms enhanced by the rhythmic percussion of young Ricky.
The Lick is a friendly venue with plenty of room to sit down and a big dance
floor. The atmospheric music of Pukaar got a mixed audience up and dancing
before enjoying an excellent curry midway through the evening. With the growing
popularity of world music crossover bands, the well-organised Pukaar are getting
plenty of bookings. Thanks to the talent and perseverance of Romail he has
brought together a quality multi-racial band. Their name means “called to call”
and Romail is dedicated to Pukaar’s music out to a wider audience and uniting
people through the music. Not just a band, but a project which does a lot for
the community and charities, Pukaar is Romail’s dream come to life.
You can see them at The Talking Heads in Portswood Road, Southampton on Saturday
September 18. No curry, but plenty of highly danceable Bhangra. Be there!
THE stiX, Garden Bar, Southampton
University - 6/8/04.
 Mark Hill’s latest project
The stiX are getting better all the time. A fantastic night, with a great vibe
in a good venue. After an intriguing support set from up-and-coming
singer/songwriter Ben, the ensemble got straight into it with Mark taking his
place on guitar among five other cracking musicians and a 2-girl-1-boy trio of
backing vocalists.
The stiX style is getting familiar now, the four vocalists Michelle, Corrine,
Katie and Lifford each performing three or four songs in turn
 and coming back to repeat
the process in the second half. The set is becoming more polished and all the
artists are growing and excelling in their performances. First vocalist to take
centre stage was Michelle who is currently writing for Tina Turner. Smooth,
soulful, with a strong voice and personality, Michelle and the band quickly
warmed up the crowd as they got in the groove.
Next up was the petite Corinne whose winsome personality and Norah Jones-style
voice charmed an appreciative audience. Katie has a more dynamic style and the
crowd response to one of the strongest songs in the set “Leave Her Alone” said
it all. The male vocalist in The stiX, Lifford, provided a neat contrast to the
female singers with his more physical style and his version of Bob Marley’s
“Redemption Song” was a stand-out.
A big crowd made for a happy atmosphere as the second half got more people
jigging about enthusiastically down at the front. Throughout, the musicians led
by Mark Hill, who also did a great job with his laid-back MC-ing,
 gave the evening class and
quality. They and the harmonious vocal backing trio gave the band real style -
good to look at and great to listen to. Having won over music lovers in
Southampton it looks like it’s only a matter of time before the whole country
gets to know The stiX. Mark and co are on their way and on this showing they’re
not going to stop until they reach the top!
Review by
Peter Ashton & Terry Eckersley.
EASTLEIGH SUMMER FESTIVAL 2004.
 The festival
may have suffered a bit by being moved out to a new location at Fleming Park.
Numbers were disappointing for some of the concerts, but in terms of
entertainment it must be counted a success. Friendly, well organised, something
for everybody as far as the music was concerned, and the sound was spot-on. I
caught several concerts myself and relied on my contacts for their opinion on
others.
Ten days of music kicked off with Bill Wyman & His Rhythm Kings, and I was
there. We (the crowd) knew exactly what to expect and we got it. Music performed
and sung very well but without much spark. Bill was as undemonstrative as ever -
a minimalist at the best of times - quite frankly he might as well have not been
there at all. But he has pulled together a talented set of musicians including
Andy Fairweather-Low formerly of Amen Corner, singer Beverley Skeete and
guitarist Albert Lee. But I must admit I left early for this one - maybe it
livened up after I left.
 Bev
Wakefield reported back to me on one of the most successful concerts featuring
Will Young which attracted a big crowd of around 7000. She was impressed by Will
and his band and the atmosphere they created, although she did comment that
Will’s rapport with the audience could have been better. Still, his fans weren’t
disappointed to hear all their favourites like “Evergreen” and “Leave Right Now”
performed live and he got rapturous applause at the end of his set.
I didn’t catch the Steve Harley concert either and I’m glad I didn’t.
Several people including the Southern Daily Echo reviewer took Steve to task for
slagging off other performers at the festival and for his generally pretentious
demeanour. He attracted little over a thousand punters which probably speaks
volumes. He may have had half a dozen hits and made one classic No 1, “Come Up
and See Me” but if he has done anything in the last 20 years that entitles him
to criticise Will Young or Dionne Warwick, I’d like to know.
 Dionne’s
concert was, in fact, one of the highlights of the festival. Her five musicians
managed to sound like a full orchestra by using three keyboards, and Dionne’s
voice was as distinctive as ever. The hits just flowed - “Walk On By”, “Alfie”,
“Do You Know The Way to San Jose?”, “Heartbreaker” and many more and the dreamy
looks on the faces of a swaying audience told the story. Her warm and genuine
personality translated itself to the audience with whom she communicated in
unpretentious style.
Shane McGowan’s appearance with The Popes was another thoroughly joyful
experience. I’m not too sure whether Shane was drunk - he appeared to be
drinking water - but he did fall over on the way on stage and his introductions
sounded slurred.
But he turned in a roaring performance which just got better and better
throughout the evening and his band were magic. And from what I could hear he
was word-perfect on the lyrics of songs like “Dirty Old Town” and “The Broad
Majestic Shannon”. A great gig.
 So too were
the last two events of the festival - The SAS Band on Saturday, which I saw and
Rolf Harris on Sunday which I didn’t. Highlights of The SAS Band concert were
the famous “rock intros” medley and the appearance of Midge Ure who produced
stunning versions of “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes”, Vienna and “The Boys Are
Back In Town” all without a proper rehearsal. Jeff de Soto, Judie Tzuke, Graham
Gouldman, Leo Sayer, Madeleine Bell and the musicians themselves led by Spike
Edney all played their part in a memorble concert.
As for Rolf Harris, my informant tells me that , well, he was just Rolf Harris.
Probably the best loved all round entertainer in the land, Rolf had the audience
in the palm of his hand with his usual set including “Sun Arise” and “Two Little
Boys.” This friendly, genuine guy is a national treasure and beyond criticism -
Steve Harley take note!
Photos copyright of Claire
Edwards.
TROWBRIDGE VILLAGE PUMP FESTIVAL 2004.
 Well,
just a taste of Trowbridge really, as I only managed to get down there for the
penultimate day. I just caught the end of the impressive Chris Smither’s act
before settling down in the sunshine for some African food.
The exciting Taiko Drummers featuring Joji Hirota were the first highlight of
the afternoon with the main tent overflowing to watch and listen to some
exceptional percussive music from Japan. Some fine flute
playing too, as this mixture of young and not-so-young
 musicians beat out some
atmospheric rhythms. The expressions on the faces in the audience said it all,
as they sat open-mouthed to experience a thrilling set. I think “awesome” is the
word I’m looking for here!
Caught up with a bit of the ever-listenable Strawbs and boogie-woogie master
Daniel Smith and his band on Stage 2, in between wandering amongst huge crowds around
the many craft stalls. In between these acts blues singer Kent DuChaine
mesmerised a packed tent, alternately stroking and bashing his
 faithful National
Steel guitar, Leadbessie. This American troubador is one of the best on the
circuit, mixing his own compositions with blues standards going back to the
early days like “St James Inifirmary” and “Trouble In Mind,” and playing his
guitar in very distinctive style with the use of fingerpicks. Plenty of wry
humour from Kent
too, particularly on the subject of marriage and women.
Talking of women, Waking The Witch, a comparatively new band comprising four
ladies from Leeds, played a diverting set, as did Liz Prendergast and her Bluehorses. The latter gig was
 a real stormer with Liz taking centre stage to
fiddle away and sing favourites like “Witch in Wedlock” with the two guitarists
belting it out alongside and Nic bashing away on the drums behind her. Nic must
be one of the best drummers on the circuit and Bluehorses one of the best bands
- just curious that they don’t do more gigs.
Definitely the best Trowbridge Festival I’ve been to - the weather held, unlike
the last two years, and if it was a bit congested here and there, particularly
going over the bridges, the atmosphere was friendly and upbeat.
In fact we made two new friends, Nicky & Martin from Romsey a few minutes after
arriving - hope you had a great weekend you two and keep looking at
www.playingoutloud.co.uk!
Were you there? Are you here?
Click on the crowd photo left to open a larger
version i n a new browser window.
The Larmer Tree Festival 2004.
 The
pre-festival gig featuring Nigel Kennedy on Saturday July 10 proved a
diverting experience. Nigel is a bit more rock and roll than most classical
musicians, and if his foul-mouth yob persona grates a bit,as soon as he starts
playing that violin you can just about forgive him his juvenile side. His “East
Meets East” concert was totally inspired as he and his European musicians played
everything from Hungarian folk songs to Jimi Hendrix.
A bonus of another pre-main festival event was the appearance of Georgie Fame as
support for the Jools Holland Rhythm N’Blues Orchestra on the
Wednesday evening.
Georgie caressed the keys of his battered Hammond as nonchalantly as ever,
singing in the style he borrowed from Mose Allison. A great one-hour set
beginning with “Get On The Right Track Baby” and inevitably taking in the hits
“Yeah Yeah” and “Getaway”
with plenty of spontaneous stuff on the closing “Green Onions” which segued into
“Help Me” and several other bluesy songs.
 Jools and his band, as ever, were
impeccable. Jools himself was full of energy and improvisation, very comfortable
with the crowd and as enthusiastic as ever. Fifteen musicians and singers
crammed the stage with Jools bashing out some boogie woogie and singing a
mixture of jazz and blues. Featured vocalists Sam Brown and Ruby Turner did
their thing too, with Sam’s “Valentine Moon” a highlight of the set.
The weekend entertainment got off to a good start on the main stage with Wob in
his usual jaunty form and The Broken Family Band’s mix of blues and Americana
going down well. I particularly liked the songs “Walking Back to Jesus” and
“Honest Man Blues.”
Jony Iliev and his band followed up with a rousing set of Bulgarian gypsy music.
I concentrated on the main stage & garden stage during the festival,
consequently missing several acts, including Hamell on Trial which I wanted to
see. But the reward was witnessing the continuing development of Polly Palusma
who was
 accompanied by a string quartet for her set on the garden stage. Very
atmospheric, with some great songs including “Dark Side”.
This was on Saturday afternoon, with attention switching to the main stage
afterwards when Americans Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez sparkled, combining
on vocals with Chip on guitar and Carrie on violin. Much of their set was from
their latest album “The
Trouble With Humans” and very good it was too, especially “Tequila Blues” and
“Memphis Texas.” Great reaction from the crowd, who were even more
 enthusiastic
about Eve Selis and her band later. Eve worked the crowd up into a frenzy by the
end of her all-singing all-dancing act, in front of an excellent band featuring
an inspired lead guitarist. Mostly her own songs including the thoughtful “Do
You Know Me?” and the rocking “Heart -Shaped Tattoo”
 before she encored
with the old gospel tune “I Saw The Light” which got the crowd up and dancing.
One of the hits of the festival.
Imbongi and Albert Nyathi with their spectacular costumes and
energetic dance routines and Misty in Roots kept the high standard going to
complete Saturday’s entertainment.
Hot Club of Cowtown were the ideal
Sunday afternooners - upright bass, guitar and violin with uplifting
harmony vocals as they played a mixture of jazz and swing. The traditional
carnival
 procession was as colourful as usual in the late afternoon, before Susheela Raman combined traditional Indian music with pop, jazz and
soul in an entrancing set. There was a great mood of anticipation for The Afro
Celts, and the crowd were not disappointed with their mesmerising music.
Too many other artists to mention, but we must make an exception for Pronghorn
who I saw briefly packing out the Acoustic Roots Cafe with their barnstorming
act. The traditional closing act of the festival, Pronghorn apparently blew
everybody
 away with their finale in the Big Top.
Another memorable festival, excellent music, plenty of entertainment and
workshops for the kids, even more food and craft stalls. All superbly organised
by Julia Safe and James Shepard.
Thank you Julia and James - we are now all
looking forward to Larmer Tree Festival 2005!
Were you there? Are you here? Click on the crowd photos above to open a larger
version in a new browser window.
Nigel Kennedy & Jools
Holland Photos copyright of Claire Edwards.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR
TROWBRIDGE FESTIVAL & EASTLEIGH SUMMER
FESTIVAL REVIEWS!
DONNY OSMOND, BROADLANDS, ROMSEY -
18/7/04.
 Donnymania hit the South again as cries of “Donny, Donny” echoed around the
grounds of Broadlands in Hampshire. The crowd were getting excited during the
interval after the performance of support singer Shonagh Daly, when without any
introduction on came Donny. He was greeted by fans with well-preserved scarves
and rosettes from the 70s as he opened with “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love?”
The total confidence and charm of this well preserved 46 year old controlled the
audience, and when he sang “someone, help me, help me please” during the
following “Puppy Love” there wasn’t a lady in the audience who would not have
gladly obliged.
Having built up an ongoing rapport with the audience, Donny got big applause
when he reappeared on stage dressed in “Joseph’s Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat”
as we were treated to video footage of his time in the musical and a live
performance of “I Close My Eyes” By this time Donny could do no wrong and after
a mixture of old and new songs he paid tribute to his mother who died two months
ago, and showed video footage of her as he sang a song written for his family
“Whenever You Are In Trouble” - a beautiful and emotional song which everyone
listened to intently.
The second half began with more video footage, this time of an endearing 5 year
old Donny and the Osmond Brothers singing “Go Away Little Girl.” Donny then
introduced his sons Don and Jeremy to the crowd and together they sang “Too
Young,” “Young Love” and “The Twelth of Never.” Singing solo again Donny
continued with “Love Me For a Reason” which had the crowd buzzing as did the
title track from his new album “What I Meant To Say.” After a fun version of
“Would I Lie To You” Donny and his band left the stage. They were called back
for the inevitable encore “Crazy Horses” which was what the crowd had been
waiting for, and they were not disappointed as the energetic Donny ended the
show amid some fantastic lighting effects.
A charming, witty and sometimes emotional Donny Osmond had entertained the crowd
with a variety show and touched our hearts. Everybody loved it - brilliant!
Guest
review by Bev Wakefield. Photo copyright of Claire Edwards.
CD Reviews
(top)
HANK WILLIAMS JR. I’M ONE OF YOU.
 CURB RECORDS . CURCD154.
Running
time: 42:01
A very likeable album of good-time country with Hank Jr and some of Nashville’s
best musicians. Hank’s beefy voice takes on mainly covers and other writers’
material - he’s only credited with 2 of the 11 tracks - but he definitely has a
style of his own. The album opens with a full-on version of Jerry Reed’s “Amos
Moses” and cracks along thereafter in very upbeat mode. The amusing “Liquor To
Like Her” is next and the standard of both songs and performance is high
throughout on tracks like “I’m One of You,” “What’s On The Bar” and a fine
interpretation of Joe South’s classic “Games People Play.” In fact it just
steams along until the closing “Devil In The Bottle.” The album leaves the
impression that all concerned had a ball recording the songs - I’m not a
particular fan of country music but this unpretentious CD left me chilled-out
and with a big smile on my face. Excellent.
THE LADY WANTS TO KNOW. GORDON HASKELL.
 RANDM RECORDS. Running
time: 49.01
A superb album of interpretations of the songs of Michael Franks by Gordon
Haskell and a hand picked team of great musicians including guitarists Jim
Mullen and Robbie McIntosh, sax player Paul Yeung and drummer Ralph Salmins.
Haskell fans will be familiar with several tracks like “Hourglass” and “When The
Cookie Jar Is Empty” which have been on his set list for a few years, but every
song on this nicely balanced album has its own charm. The title track sets the
mood perfectly, while the ultra-cool “Satisfaction Guaranteed” keeps the
laid-back vibe going. This is an album which I suppose you would file under jazz
rather than the dreaded “easy listening” but it’s certainly both.
Clever variation in pace and rhythm on each track with a bossa nova beat on
several
tracks. Standouts include the bouncy “Bwana He No Home,” “Hourglass”, surely one
of the finest love songs ever written, and “Monkey See Monkey Do.”
I’m not quite sure what “Live Nude Girl” is all about, but I’m sure Gordon will
enlighten me later. Eleven engrossing tracks on which Gordon’s voice has never
sounded better, masterful production by Hamish Stuart - I could eulogise for
hours about this one - just go out and buy it!
WOJ. AMY WADGE.
 MANHATON RECORDS.
HATMAN 2014. Running
time: 52.00
Amy, an accomplished pianist and guitarist in her own right, has the help of
some outstanding musicians on this one including the ubiquitous Robbie McIntosh
plus Dave Bronze and Janne Petersson who regularly work with Eric Bibb.
Amy’s voice sounds better than ever and the lyrics are well though out, so I’m a
little puzzled as to why I didn’t enjoy the album more. It’s very listenable but
maybe a bit samey on some tracks. The mood is mainly gentle and introverted with
a bit more beat on “Just In Time”, “Open “ and “Paris,” but there’s nothing that
screams out “hit.” Not that that is what Amy is all about - I’ve seen her live
act twice and enjoyed her singing, but her personality does not come across so
well on record. Nicely produced, well performed and
relaxing to listen to, but it really didn’t do a lot for me.
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