Albert Lee
Mr Kyps Poole
Thursday 18th December

This guitar legend needs no introduction; he has worked with anyone who is anyone from The Crickets to Rodney Crowell. People want him on their album even for just one song. His reputation is great.
Two fifty minute sets flew by as hits old and new were played by Albert and his superb band Hogan’s Heroes. The band consisting of Pete Wingfield, Brian Hodsgon, Gerry Hogan, and Peter Baron - all legends in their own right.
We heard a selection from his last CD with the band "Tear it Up" but more of his current CD "Heartbreak Hill" was expected having not long been released.
It is not just great guitar playing you need to make it, a good stage
persona and hit material are also required. Albert, although quiet and modest shows his love of what he does. As someone once said: "He’ll play anywhere for a fiver, he loves it!"
Mainly a country man, he played homage to Buddy Holly, Floyd Cramer and Rodney Crowell in his own unique fast-paced way.
Very busy touring, having just completed dates in Holland and Sweden; he has a special gig Sunday 21st in London for his 60th birthday with guest artistes including Joe Brown and Marty Wilde. Surprisingly although all his dates recently have been a sell out, this gig was lacking in his supporters who usually turn up. Maybe it’s because Christmas is coming? Or maybe people are waiting for the special sell out on Sunday? Whatever the reason, you missed out but there is always an opportunity to see this man.
The only factor spoiling the evening were a couple who thought me being
considerably younger than them would not know anything about this era of music to review it. Shame the rock and roll generation does not appreciate new interest in the music they love, but think I should be a Westlife fan. Well, I know what is good music and I’m sure you do too!
 (Guest review by Ellen Holbrook)

Yardbirds
The Brook 19th December

Back to the roots of rock with the Yardbirds. Anyone thinking that 60's music is all poncy old fashioned should go and see this band. Their bluesy progressive 60's rock music still sounds as fresh as it ever was. A great addition to the band is Billy Boy Miskillen? who plays harmonica adding that little something, as a 60's band with all original members is rarely seen, but he fits in well. Lead singer (John Idan) is far from original, he is young and American! However, his strong vocals and 60's looks is a fantastic asset to the band keeping the Yardbirds founder members Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty happy!
It was a good 2hr set comprising their loved hits such as "For Your Love" and "Heart full of Soul" all with their good lengthy music solos. Gypie Mayo played the lead guitar like he'd been born playing; he made it look easy without trying!
The small house was disappointing for the band, but half the venue was closed off making the crowd seem like double! A little more talking form the band in-between songs would have been good, especially from the original members as it always seems to be them that leave it up to the newcomers and shrink into the background.
Let's hope to see them continue touring and recording. Earlier this year they released "Birdland" a new live CD; this just goes to show these bands are still in demand. (Guest review by Ellen Holbrook)

Horse Stories
The Railway Inn, Winchester.

AN enjoyable gig, despite the fact that singer Toby’s voice was rather
drowned out by the instruments.  But the overall effect was pleasing - mellow, melancholy songs in alt country style, embellished by some splendid work by Jeff on guitar and lap-steel guitar, empathetic drumming from Clinton, plus keyboards, accordion and violin from red-haired Beth who the band presumably picked up on their travels.
  Most of the songs were from the latest Horse Stories album “One Hundred Waves” and though there was nothing strikingly memorable here, songs like”Push My Button” and “Bottled Town” were atmospheric and relaxing to listen to.  
Performed by people who obviously believe in what they’re doing, this
Aussie/American mix, plus young Beth from Northern Ireland, produced an engaging set.  
Certainly preferable to another night of formulaic pap that passes for
entertainment on TV these days.   Thank heaven for live music! (© Peter Ashton 2003)

Looking a bit like Carol Decker on steroids, lead singer Nikki and her band were everything I had been expecting, following good reports from Mr Kyps in Poole where they have built up quite a following.  With a voice to match the late Janis Joplin’s and a commanding stage presence, Nikki was quite mesmerising from the moment she launched into the opening “Two Into One Won’t Go.”  And the band weren’t bad either, in fact they were excellent, drums, bass, keyboards and lead guitar provided a tight backing to Nikki’s powerful vocals.
  Their own songs like “I Do It For You” stood up well against the covers in their set including “Whole Lotta Love” and “Mercedes Benz.”  Spot-on sound as usual from Big Ed ensured that Nikki’s astonishing voice was heard to full effect.   Great keyboards, drums and guitar work were also nicely balanced.  
Never The Bride are a band heading for greater heights - totally professional, whilst retaining a  fresh, raw sound, visually impressive, and with a good rapport with the audience.  Book ‘em back in Bryn - this crew were great! (© Peter Ashton 2003)

Martyn Joseph.
The Brook, Southampton.

A SELL-OUT crowd for a man who has not sold out to commercial pressure.
Passion and sincerity are the qualities which have made Martyn one of the most relevant and respected singer-songwriters on the live music scene. War, religion and politics are running themes in Martyn’s evocative and lyrical songs, and a devoted audience lapped up every minute of a two-hour set.
“The Good In Me Is Dead,” a song “for the refugees” was an early reminder that in war, in this case Kosovo, everyone is a victim. Another highlight was “The Rain is a Strange Kind of Friend” with the audience providing atmospheric sound effects, directed by Martyn.
The intensity of Martyn’s songs was lightened by some humorous rugby
banter as the Welshman completed an enthralling set, which included the
impassioned “What if God Was One of Us?” and “All This Time.” A truly memorable gig. (© Peter Ashton 2003)

Midge Ure.
The Brook, Southampton.

A typically intense and committed performance by an honest and unpretentious singer. Unlike his last appearance here, Midge didn’t have to tell anyone in the audience to shut up, and obviously enjoyed the respect and attentiveness he received during a 90-minute set which included the expected Ultravox hits, his own more recent songs, and some unexpected covers.
A dramatic version of The Walker Brothers’ “No Regrets” and an original take on The Small Faces’ “In My Mind’s Eye” were amongst the covers, before Midge employed his trademark falsetto to full effect on his own compostion, “Breathe.” Throughout, Midge took the opportunity to take a swipe at the current
cynicism of the music industry, and boy bands in particular, in between songs.
Ultravox hits “Vienna” and “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes” were saved until last with the latter song getting a spirited reprise when the audience demanded an encore. (© Peter Ashton 2003)

Ben Weaver
The Railway Inn, Winchester.

GRUFF-VOICED Ben Weaver, is a man from Minnesota, USA, who appears to vent his frustrations through his songs. Clearly tired towards the end of an apparently fraught European tour, he nevertheless produced a compelling one-hour set.
Playing a battered black guitar he was backed by slide guitarist Mark and drummer Michael on a dozen rough-hewn songs, mostly from his latest CD “Hollerin’ At A Woodpecker.”
The style was contemporary country with a strong dash of blues on songs like “Blood,” “More Than I Miss You” and “Don’t Wanna Go Nowhere.” Familiar country themes of love, loss, travel and betrayal were covered in highly descriptive style with Ben’s perceptive, poetic lyrics painting graphic pictures.
Closing with “Nelson Mississippi” which hurtled along like an express train, Ben was drenched with sweat by the end of a gig. A totally committed performer who deserves a wider audience. (© Peter Ashton 2003)

NOT a huge crowd, but a big talent on stage in the form of the man formerly known as Black during the mid-1980s. Percussionist Rob Peters accompanied the velvet-voiced Colin who played acoustic guitar and sang his gentle and plaintive songs, punctuating them with the occasional burst of harmonica.
The crowd were particularly quiet early on, prompting Colin to ask,
humorously, “Are you being respectful, or are you just completely indifferent?”
Respectful, it must have been, as Colin soon struck up a good rapport with the audience who applauded songs like “Better Letting Go” and “Cool” with enthusiasm. The more upbeat country-style “Leaving Song” closed the first half with songs like “The Way She Was Before” and “Famous” following after the interval. But the biggest cheers, predictably, were for “Sweetest Smile” and the No 1 hit “Wonderful Life.” A warm, intimate session with a very talented singer and composer. (© Peter Ashton 2003)

Gordon Haskell.
Waterside Theatre, Holbury.

THE Waterside Theatre became “Harry’s Bar” for the evening as this warm and gifted musician demonstrated what real music is all about. The gig saw him in jazzy mode with ace saxophonist Paul Yeung proving the perfect counterfoil to Gordon’s highly individual vocal and guitar skills.
“Rainy Night In Georgia” was an apt early choice as the rain poured down outside. Followed by Gordon’s observant “Go Tell Sarah,” a song about “secondhand people,” a superb version of Michael Franks’ “Hourglass,” and the folky “Freeway To Her Dreams,” Gordon was in top form.
The rest of the gig was an enticing foretaste of Gordon’s move towards a
jazzier persona with Paul’s subtle and mellifluous sax weaving inspired
patterns around Gordon’s diverse songs. “How Wonderful You Are” got the expected ovation, with the funky “Feeling Loose” a perfect closer to an absorbing and memorable gig. (© Peter Ashton 2003)

 
The Dylan Project Tower Arts Centre, Winchester Wednesday Dec 10

Horse Stories Railway Inn, Winchester Wednesday Dec 17

The Spikedrivers Platform Tavern, Southampton Tuesday Dec 16

Peter Rowan
Hyde Memorial Hall, Fordingbridge Saturday Dec 6

Roger Chapman
The Brook, Southampton Saturday Dec 13

Arthur Brown
The Joiners, Southampton Thursday Dec 18