OVER 2,000 people enjoyed the fine weather and twelve hours of non-stop sizzling music to raise money for the Coda Music Trust charity. A well-run and hugely enjoyable event showcased over a dozen acts all playing for free and producing much more than just blues.
Many had come to see the charismatic Eric Bibb, who produced a totally
inspirational one hour set with the help of guitarist Paul Waller, but from noon onwards there were many more musical styles to appreciate, whether seated in the big top or sprawled on the grass outside in the sun.
Rocking blues from The Moochers, a cracking set of original songs from
Skimmer, intriguing jazz vocals and bass from Karin and Rick Foot (pictured), soulful blues with Bob Pearce and his trio, rousing soul with human dynamo Eddie Goodall and Big Red, were amongst the delights lapped up by an appreciative crowd. And all for £5 - brilliant entertainment!
Peter Ashton (Review also appeared in Southern Daily Echo 23/6/2003)

GIG REVIEW
The Silver Beatles
The Brook, Southampton.
June 13, 2003

I am always doubtful when it comes to tribute bands as they are not the real thing, and I often think they should be making their own way in the music business instead of using a path already created. When The Silver Beatles came on though they managed to restore some faith in tribute bands for me.
A slow start to begin with, but by the time the band were due on, anyone wanting to exit would be unlucky. Tribute bands are known for their crowd pulling abilities as everyone knows what to expect and so can take a safe bet that they will enjoy the music.
On they came looking like The Beatles themselves, especially “John Lennon” and “Paul McCartney” which was great but creepy at the same time. With so many hits to choose from, you could only guess which ones they would play. Starting with “I Saw Her Standing There” was a great number to get the audience dancing. Other favourites followed such as: “She Loves You”, “Honey Don’t” and “Twist and Shout”.
What made this Beatles tribute band unique (as there are many) was the way they kept in character the whole time. They had the mannerisms perfected, and the songs mastered. Along with their Liverpool accents, mop tops, 60’s suits, and vintage amps you could have been forgiven for thinking you were back in time especially with all the screaming! Humour and chat made the guys come across well.
An interval provided time for a few years to roll by as out stepped ‘The Beatles’ in their hippy 70’s days. A change in song style obviously had to occur including: “We Can Work It Out”, and “Paperback Writer”.
Two encores and screams of “John!” and “Paul!” can’t be bad for a ‘Hard Day’s Night’! But who are these lads masquerading as The Beatles? Well, apparently they are John, Paul, George, and Ringo (not forgetting George Martin on keyboards looking more like Elton John!)
(Review by Ellen Holbrook)

GIG REVIEW
Colin Blunstone & Rod Argent Band
Waterside Theatre, Holbury
June 6, 2003

A standing ovation at the end of an engrossing concert testified to the
brilliance of Colin and Rod and their outstanding band. Highlights were the first live performance of “Beechwood Park” from the “Odessey & Oracle” Zombies album, the thrilling “I Want To Fly’ from a forthcoming album, and several segments augmented by a string quartet.
There has never been any doubt in my mind that Colin Blunstone is the most gifted pop vocalist the UK has ever produced. The remarkable thing is that Colin’s voice just seems to get better and better. Colin’s gift is the ability to go from the breathy, ethereal style which made his name on songs like “A Rose For Emily” to belting out rockers like Rod Argent’s “Hold Your Head Up” with perfect pitch.
But the highlights of the evening for me were the songs featuring the
string quartet. Lead violinist Pete Hanson, John Metcalfe, Louisa Fuller and cellist Sophie Harris played with verve and sensitivity, following the original arrangements while Colin sang “Say You Don’t Mind,” “Misty Roses” and other timeless classics. The musicianship of Colin and Rod’s band was superb throughout the evening, with Rod in particular in fine form. The enthusiasm and professionalism of all players made for a memorable concert which ended with rapturous applause for “God Gave Rock & Roll To You” and “Summertime.”
To Linda Charles who organised the concert a big thank you for bringing
such great musical entertainment to the New Forest. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

GIG REVIEW
Glenn Tilbrook
The Brook, Southampton

AN acoustic set with the Squeeze star is always a memorable experience, but this one was a bit special. Following a barrage of Squeeze hits including “Slap & Tickle” and “Some Fantastic Place” plus a brilliant cover of “Voodoo Child,” Glenn became a ‘Pied Piper.’
At 10.30pm Glenn led us out of The Brook to continue the concert on a side road where he serenaded us with “Goodbye Girl,” finishing the song on top of his luxury motor home parked nearby. We all sang along to “Pulling Mussels From A Shell,” before happily trooping back into The Brook.
Half an hour later after more crowd favourites including “Up The Junction” and “Hourglass” the gig ended with a roar of approval for good-humoured Glenn whose blinding guitar skills and earnest vocals contributed to an exhilerating evening. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

GIG REVIEW
Mike Berry
Breezers, Eastleigh
May 30th

Breezers continued their dedication to the 60’s with another evening jam packed with music to make you wish those days would return (well most of the music anyway).
Four acts on one bill, which was definitely too much, especially when two are unknown local yokels with an Elvis/Orbison guy looking like your granddad in a white boiler suit.
Thirdly, Wee Willie Harris who has enough self-confidence to spare some for the timid! No band, just a tape player playing while he coughs and splutters in between songs. Afterwards I’d thought he’d locked the doors before marching round the room acting like a man making his living at the market, trying to sell CDs which no one wanted. Wee Willie even managed to interfere with the main band of the evening (the reason why we all went), Mike Berry and The Outlaws.
Mike, putting the others to shame, was interrupted by Wee Willie asking him to move his car so he could go home! So off Mike had to go while The Outlaws’ lead guitarist Mark Lewis sang a Johnny Kidd song preventing the show coming to a standstill. The audience were stunned, but all resumed to normal when Mike returned to have ‘em rockin’ on the floor with rock ‘n’ roll classics such as “Summertime Blues”, “It’s Late”, and “More Than I Can Say.” We were even treated to Mike’s hits including “Tribute To Buddy Holly.” Mike proved what a good stage persona can do - to keep the audience happy and entertained.
In future, less or none of the exhausted out Wee Willie, and more of talented Mike Berry who shows rock ‘n’ roll is not just for the more mature of us but those who were unfortunate to hear it the first time round (with Mike’s youthful appearance you doubt he was even there!)
(Review by Ellen Holbrook)