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Sheila Hancock - In Conversation - Theatre Royal, Winchester - July 10, 2005
Actress and author Sheila Hancock returned to Hampshire to take the stage and talk about her career in film, theatre and television and to speak honestly and openly about her life with her late husband, John Thaw. She appeared on stage to rapturous applause from the sell-out audience, where she was greeted by her host John Miller who soon put Sheila at ease with his relaxed and graceful approach.
The evening opened with a question to Sheila about her first memories of training at RADA, to which the Isle of Wight-born actress replied that she did not fit in to the usual run of actors at the dramatic academy, which at the time was mainly used as a finishing school. Sheila admitted that she was then a very tall, thin woman with a large nose and a Cockney accent, who had been fed by the cast in her first acting role as she needed “fattening up.” She was told that she was never going to make it as an actress, and it was hard to believe that this beautiful, elegant woman, now in her 72nd year who has become one of Britain’s most loved and respected thespians was written off before she had even set foot on a professional stage.
Sheila recalled her first experiences in “theatreland,” meeting the late comedan Frankie Howerd, who taught her the skill of comic timing when they worked together. Sheila was gently led into describing her first meeting with her second husband, John Thaw. Their first meeting was not a good one; Sheila had acquired the reputation of being a “theatre diva” and on her introduction to John she lived up to her reputation. John apparently was not impressed with this tall lady swanning into the office in a very long fox fur and mini skirt, and he showed it. Much later in their married life Sheila found out that this was actually the moment he fell in love with her. But they were not meant to be together until much later, after the death of Sheila’s first husband, when John drifted back into her life.
Talking intimately about her relationship and marriage to John, Sheila admitted that the couple broke up many times, but their love for each other always brought them back together. For many years John suffered with alcoholism, and later, cancer, and in the meantime Sheila too had had to overcome her own personal battle with cancer. One week after John’s death an unnamed man had approached Sheila and told her that he was going to write a book about John. He did not know John, so Sheila put a rumour round that she was going to write the book herself. So many people asked when the book was going to print, that Sheila had to go ahead and write it.
After a period of intense research consulting with John’s family and referring to her own personal diaries, which Sheila later burnt as “she did not want the kids reading them when she died,” she began work on the book, titled “The Two Of Us.” The result is an honest and raw account of her career and family life with John. In my opinion it is a must for any reader, confirmed by its’ current place at the No 1 spot in the Best Book Seller’s List, and the fact that Sheila was voted Author of The Year at the Nibbie Awards.
At the end of an enthralling, intimate evening the audience warmly applauded a gracious and wonderful woman, who had charismatically evoked so many deep and personal memories of her life and career, and the man she so dearly loved. Applause too for John Miller who had hosted the occasion with such flair and charm. Review and photograph by Claire Edwards.

Gig Reviews (top)

Larmer Tree Festival, Tollard Royal, July 13 - 17.
I don’t believe in heaven, but if I’m wrong and there is one, I hope it’s just like the Larmer Tree. This was my 8th visit to this family-friendly festival, and this year’s was one of the best yet. The weather, like the setting, was just idyllic and the quality of the music was better than ever. No wonder there were so many smiling faces throughout this joyous occasion which began with two evenings with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. You know exactly what you are going to get with Jools and co - superb musicianship delivered with flair and enthusiasm. I caught the Wednesday night show which set the scene and the standard for the whole festival - sheer quality from every participant including vibrant vocalists Sam Brown and Ruby Turner and a bunch of hand-picked musicians whose love of playing transmitted itself to the thousands basking on the balmy lawns of the Larmer Tree gardens.
I didn’t make it to the festival for Friday’s feast of music, but caught as much as I could over the weekend. This involved dashing between the main stage and garden stage, the Big Top and the Acoustic Roots Cafe. An early treat on Saturday was a cracking set by Beltaine in the ARC. This excellent young folk band had filled in at short notice due to the late arrival of The Handsome Family who had been delayed by Hurricane Dennis. They were rewarded by an
ecstatic reception from a packed crowd. Dashing over to the main lawn I caught most of Tango Siempre’s dramatic and atmospheric set which preceded a very slick performance from Eugene Hideaway Bridges and his band. Eugene’s soulful Sam Cooke-type vocals went down well with the audience who danced like crazy during the latter part of his set. Then came Moishe’s Bagel whose jazz influenced Balkan music made for a stirring experience. The Handsome Family, slightly jet-lagged but still totally compelling made a big impression with their Gothic alt-country tales of suicide, murder, snakes and giant holes, the interplay between Brett and Rennie as amusing as usual. The ensuing Clayhill proved to be a very intense, original outfit who played just a little too loud for my taste, so it was another dash over to the ARC tent for the gentler sound of the charming Eleanor McEvoy.
Sunday was just as rewarding with a splendid set from the engaging Last Night’s Fun with the laconic Chris Sherburn in particularly good form with Balkan gypsy band Szapora following up with a well-received display. Hats off to clown Strawberry who entertained kids and adults alike with half an hour’s great entertainment before festival favourites Show Of Hands got a great reception for their stunning songs. I could go on and on - so many great acts were at their best including charismatic Irish band Lunasa, an intriguing hour or so with the witty and talented American, Jim White, and the Cirebonese Mask Dance and Gamelan, who wilted in the heat on the garden stage, but not before turning in a compelling set.
So it’s over for another year - great music, great food, the carnival atmosphere and the euphoric crowd who lapped up the sun and the entertainment. And all so superbly organised by James and Julia who can now take a well-earned
rest before planning next year’s event. Roll on July 2006!

Oasis, The Rose Bowl, Southampton.
A capacity crowd of 35,000 fans packed the scenic Hampshire cricket ground for the visit of Oasis. High security outside the venue, and a very edgy atmosphere inside. A pity the security was not as effective inside, as running punch-ups marred what was otherwise a highly successful event.

To their credit the Gallaghers suggested that the fighters might do better to go out and give their tickets to the many fans unable to get in. A number of people ended up in hospital and local residents were rightfully disgusted with the behaviour of hundreds of drunken fans in the neighbourhood around the ground.

But back to the concert which began with the arrival onstage of the band, Liam dressed in a long grey parka, dark glasses and black hat pulled low over his brow. I’ve never quite understood the popularity of Oasis - personally I find their music rather one dimensional and derivative. But they are definitely very rock and roll, with their own identity and a number of fans who are just as aggressive as they are. And the fans who weren’t fighting got just what they wanted - “Live Forever,” “Champagne Supernova,” recent No 1 “Layla” and all the hits performed with consummate swagger. The sheer scale of the concert was epic, the sound quality excellent, the lighting and effects impressive and the weather ideal.

The Gallagher brothers and co certainly know how to whip up a crowd, and did just that with anthems like “Live Forever,” “Rock and Roll Star” and the definitive Oasis hit “Don’t Look Back In Anger.” A really professional performance, with the band coming on stage bang on time and putting their all into a two-hour set which ended with a stupendous encore, The Who’s “My Generation.”

The applause that reverberated around the Rose Bowl at the end said it all. Oasis are certainly back on form, but count me out if Oasis do a return gig at the venue - I prefer to listen to my music in a less hostile environment, and when innocent members of the crowd get attacked it’s inexcusable.

Review by Peter Ashton - Photos copyright Claire Edwards

Blues On The Farm, Pumpbottom Farm near Chichester, June 25 - 28
Mark Ringwood gives his own personal view of the festival, focussing on local band Ticklin’ The Pickle:
British blues festivals tend to be like lambs - each follows the other in terms of artistic content - but not the Blues on the Farm festival near Chichester which celebrated it's 14th anniversary this year. This festival has grown from a one-day evening event to two evenings (Thursday & Friday) and two full-days (Saturday & Sunday) and has earned a reputation for being Britain's most friendly festival as well as for presenting a staggering range of music from the UK, Europe, and the USA.
If you'd been down there you'd have caught musicians from Essex, Nashville, Yorkshire, Vienna, Stockholm, New Orleans, and Stourbridge rubbing shoulders with more locally-based artists from Bognor Regis and Chichester. Music
genres from full-on guitar-based bands like The Hamsters, Hans Theessink, Jo Shaw-Taylor, Matt Schofield, The Hamsters, and Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges contrasted with the swing of the Big Town Playboys, and Knock-out Greg, and the piano-based blues of the Mike Sanchez Blues Revue, Steve 'Big Man' Hamilton, and Dino Baptiste & Ben Waters.
Yet amid all of this there was a funk-band ! Not any old funk band but one which was raised on the sidewalks of Chichester's south-side and gathered all it's dirty funky influences from the sprawling expanses of Chichester Harbour. Yes, this year, TTP (alias Ticklin' the Pickle) were laying down their impossibly tight horny sounds to a packed marquee of blues aficionados - and going down an absolute storm! This was an inspired piece of programming, the perfect band to fill the gap between the Queen of British Blues-Rock, Debbie Bonham, and the specially re-formed for the festival Nimmo Brothers. Blues festivals need TTP like Bill Clinton needed Monica Lewinski. You can't resist something as dirty and raw and exciting! Urged on by Tim Hudson on his raunchy Hammond organ and powered by Daniel Pearce on drums and sensual falsetto vocals, this 8-man orgy drove the crowd into a wild dancing frenzy and deservedly ranked them as one of the top 3 bands in the 22-band festival. One punter's face was a picture of incredulity when he asked where the band was from and was told 'Chichester' TTP - they come with a government health-warning of guaranteed enjoyment, but they're not for your average festival - they're too good for that! Thanks to Mark Ringwood, Roots Around The World.
www.rootsaroundtheworld.co.uk www.ticklinthepickle.co.uk

And a footnote from Peter Ashton:
I’ll back up Mark’s comment about what a friendly festival BOTF is - along with the Larmer Tree, it’s a great family affair with a brilliant atmosphere.
I only managed to get there for Saturday afternoon, so thanks to Mark for filling in on some of the other delights.
The Savoy Michot Cajun Band from the USA were playing as I entered the marquee - not an exceptional band, but a very good one, who created a perfect, laid-back atmosphere. A little Cajun goes a long way though, but the band did not outstay their welcome. The same could not be said for Joanne Shaw-Taylor who followed them though, but the huge crowd who packed the tent for her performance will probably disagree with me, as they seemed to love everything she did.
The blonde singer and guitarist (surely she’s not still 16!) can certainly play the guitar and sing with the best of them but personally, I quickly tired of her samey solos. But overall, what a great band she had playing with her, tight but spontaneous, and as I say the crowd loved it.
The Matt Schofield Trio were the last band I caught before dashing off for another gig, a new band to me, and one with a lot of promise. Their brand of guitar-led blues was original and funky with a fresh sound, played with obvious enthusiasm and love for the genre. But it sounds like I missed the best of the festival including favourites like Wilko Johnson and John Otway. Maybe next year....! Thanks to Julian for bringing the blues to Chichester.
Guest review by Mark Ringwood of Roots Around The World plus a footnote by Peter Ashton.

Taj Mahal Trio, The Brook, Southampton - 27/6/05.
The big, behatted Taj Mahal was in fine form for this intriguing gig. A man of few words between songs, the towering Taj let his singing voice and his guitar do the talking, with the help of sympathetic drummer Kester Smith and bass player Bill Rich. The trio got in the groove very quickly with an instrumental before launching into “Annie Mae” and “I Ain’t Down No More.” A running feature during the evening was Taj’s ability to sing in blues-roaring style a la Howlin’ Wolf on songs like “Rock Me Baby” then switching to a soulful, folky style as on the perennial “Freight Train.” Similarly his exquisite and under-stated guitar style was full of contrasts. The set list was rich and varied, with occasional short instrumentals interspersing songs like “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.” The sound quality was perfect and the volume just right for a master to demonstrate his skills, abetted by his highly talented drummer and bass player. The Brook crowd are used to seeing the best of every musical genre, and were totally absorbed throughout a great gig, which must have been one of the best blues nights ever at The Brook.

CD Reviews (top)

IAN PARKER. ...WHILST THE WIND.
RUF RECORDS - RUF1102. Running time: 75:33

A generous slice of live action from rising young bluesman Ian and his band recorded live on tour in Germany last year. The album gets off to a promising start with “Power of the Gospel” with its’ moody organ intro. “The Love I Have” and “Misfits and Fools” follow, two songs in funkier vein. A couple of introspective songs in the middle of the album show off Ian’s ability to sing smooth or rough according to the song, and generally speaking it’s Ian’s voice which makes the album listenable. But the album gets a little samey in parts despite the strength of Ian’s voice and his understated guitar skills.
It’s all a little too laid-back - you keep wanting him to let rip and really do some blues-howling. The album closes with a couple of cover versions - David Crosby’s “Almost Cut My Hair” and Peter Green’s “Green Manalishi” - which Ian imposes his own style upon, but overall I found the album just a little disappointing.

Alice Cooper. Dirty Diamonds..
Spitfire Records RO86. Running time: 46:51

Thirteen tracks starting out with the rather contrived “Woman Of Mass Distraction.” Tracks 2 & 3 are fairly routine rockers, before the album picks up with the title track which leaps from an exotic intro into a roaring rocker.
Then comes the highlight of the album for me, “Pretty Ballerina,” a cover of a little-known song by a 60s band, The Left Banke. And very 60s it is too - a psychedelic gem. One thing that every track has in common is some great guitar work, very riffy and sometimes reminiscent of Keith Richards. There is a good variety of styles with the country-style “Saga of Jesse Jane” and the bluesy “Six Hours.” I’m not a particular fan of Alice Cooper, but I should think that his fans will be more than pleased with this well-produced album.

Keren Ann. Nolita.
EMI Records. Running time: 46:13.

Keren Ann is apparently a French singer-songwriter who divides her time between Paris and New York. And the area of New York called Nolita, which stands for North of Little Italy, inspired this album. Inspired is the right word, because it is a delight throughout. Keren Ann Zeidel to give her her full name, has a whispery, ethereal voice and she writes intimate, evocative songs. Add lush orchestration and you have atmospheric music of the highest order. Six of the eleven tracks are sung in English, the rest in French and they are all captivating in their own way. Moody, melancholic, but very life-affirming this collection of songs is compelling listening. I particularly liked the opening track “Que N’Ai-Je” sung in French, which translates as “What Don’t I Have,” and the following “Greatest You Can Find” and the folk-tinged“ Chelsea Burns,” but every track produces a different mood. A dreamy album which ends with a remarkable song called “Song of Alice” narrated by actor/film director Sean Gullette about a disturbed resident of 23rd Street in Chelsea, New York. We don’t give star ratings here, but if we did it would be five out of five for a very rewarding album.

Wilko Johnson. Ret Hot Rocking Blues.
Jungle - Freud CD083. Running time: 60:53.

Wilko may not have the greatest voice in the world, but that’s superfluous when you can play guitar the way he does. The fifteen tracks on this excellent album all have a raw, spontaneous quality as if they have been recorded in one take without overdubs, and that ‘s a big compliment,as the ex-Dr Feelgood and Blockhead, is primarily a live act which has to be seen to be appreciated.
Rock, blues and country all find a place on this set, which incidentally includes one error - Track 2 is billed as “From A Buick Six,” a Dylan song - whereas it is actually another Bob opus, “Memphis Blues Again!” But, never mind, Wilko is on good form here with standouts incuding the old Sonny Boy Williamson song “Help Me” and a Cajun-like version of another great Dylan song, “To Ramona.” Great to hear some new material from Wilko - whether you’re a fan or not, just buy it!

The Magic Numbers.
Heavenly Recordings HVNLP53CDPS.Running time: 64:44

Don’t look for the cover illlustrated here if you buy this album, it’s the cover of the promo version. And if you’ve heard the band’s latest single “Love Me Like You” which is on the album, you probably will want to buy it. It’s full of chirpy, catchy melodic songs which stay in your head after only one listen, which is surely a good sign. From the particularly good opener “Mornings Eleven” it’s full of fresh and delightful harmonies with loads of energy.
The Magic Numbers have already hit the festival scene in the UK with appearances at the Isle of Wight Festival, Glastonbury and T In The Park, and I’ll bet that the combination of two brothers and two sisters are great live. The album is full of variety with the first half of the album light and catchy and later tracks with more depth and atmosphere. Good on all counts - vocally, instrumentally and lyrically - highly recommended.

CD SINGLES REVIEWS @ SOPHIE’S SINGLES BAR:

PURE REASON REVOLUTION - THE BRIGHT AMBASSADORS OF MORNING
This track takes you through a journey of experimentation with sound effects, vocals, volume and rhythm that changes from one second to the next. Each as unexpected as the other, it is almost like the changing of the day and as
unpredictable as the weather! Through quiet uplifting bird sound effects you can feel calm and relaxed, but as the bass line kicks in so does anger and you feel like jumping up and down. A variety of emotions can be felt by the listener,
the the crucial aspect is that you want to listen.

FEEDER - PUSHING THE SENSES
A great, fun, fast, action-packed single that won’t leave Feeder fans feeling disappointed. The band definitely pushed my senses through a strong riff and soft vocals that combine to make you move. A big hit at the festivals this year.

SHOUT OUT LOUD - VERY LOUD
A debut single that is a real tension reliever at the end of the day.
Uniquely encompassing happiness and sadness through the energetic uplifting beat and the strained anxious vocals that tell a story about a failed relationship. It almost sounds like a confession from the heart, so powerful you almost feel guilty for dancing. This is a great blend of folk and jangle indie rock, and more of this is to come in September when their debut album “Howl Howl Gaff Gaff” is released.

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Danni Leigh
Poole
between July 29 - 31


Old Crow
Medicine Show
Railway Inn, Winchester
Tues July 26


Frank Marino
The Brook, Southampton Thursday July 28


Zoot Money
Mr Kyps, Poole Wednesday July 20


Status Quo
Beaulieu
Friday July 22


Howard’s Alias
The Joiners, Southampton
Wed July 13
& Thurs July 14