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The Brook, Southampton. The best venue for big name musicians in the South!

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POL Reviews

Gordon Haskell.
Shadows On The Wall
Flying Sparks Records TDBCD068

Track listing:
1. Sunshine Days 2. Whole Wide World 3. Shadows On The Wall 4. Look Out 5. Roll Away 6. Long Lost Friends 7. If You Could Read My Mind 8. Country Gold 9. Walking In A Wilderness 10. The Other Side 11. California On His Mind 12. Shadows On The Wall (acoustic version) Playing time: 50 min. 21sec.
A MIX of new songs and old which follows the basic formula of the huge-selling “Harry’s Bar”, but is, if anything, more varied. Certainly, Gordon’s warm tones sound better than ever - more relaxed, more assured - is that what success does? A nice balance between the jazzy mood music of the title tune, the romantic as embodied in forthcoming single “Whole Wide World”, plus several upbeat songs, “Country Gold”, “Sunshine Days” and “California On His Mind” - you can almost see Gordon’s leg movements on the latter trio! Excellent musicianship by Robbie, Sam and co contribute to a fine album. (©Peter Ashton 2002)

Click here the POL EXCLUSIVE interview with Gordon Haskell.



Christine Collister.
Into The Light.
Topic Records TSCD1002

Track listing: 1. Ashlands 2. Hymn To Grace 3. Lost And Found 4. Act Of Kindness 5. A Kinder Heart 6. Brittle Man 7. Fallen Angel 8. Like Mercury 9. Endlessly 10. Little Bird 11. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For 12. Quiet. Playing time 47:28.
MANY people unfamiliar with the name Christine Collister will have heard her sing - about sixteen years ago she was heard singing “Warm Love Gone Cold” over the titles of the hit TV series “Life & Loves Of A She-Devil.” At that time she was a session singer and has since built a career as a solo artist with a powerful voice and a strong stage presence.
This CD typifies why Christine is not better known - six self-written songs and six covers all sung well with some class musicians backing up, including the intriguingly named guitarist Misha Nikolic. It’s all good stuff and makes for perfect light night, relaxing listening, but it all sounds a bit cool and clinical, and doesn’t impart the soulfulness of her live performances. Worth a listen though. (©Peter Ashton 2002)


Tony Joe White.
The Brook, Southampton.

“YOU make the miles worthwhile,” drawled Tony Joe at the end of a totally compelling performance. Louisiana’s king of swamp rock was the latest in a long line of quality American musicians to grace the Portswood venue, and he didn’t disappoint.
That smoky voice, bluesy guitar licks and haunting harmonica, plus some moody percussion from “Boom Boom” were the ingredients in a highly evocative musical gumbo. Highlights of a 90-minute set included all the old favourites written by Tony Joe - “Rainy Night In Georgia”, “Polk Salad Annie”, and “Steamy Windows” getting the biggest cheers.
Lesser known songs like the rousing and raunchy “Do You Wear A Garter Belt” also illustrated Tony Joe’s wry humour, while “Lake Placid Blues” and “Closer To The Truth” also demonstrated the introspective side of his songwriting. Encoring with the funky, upbeat “Organic Shuffle” from his new album, Tony Joe left an ecstatic crowd demanding more.
Brilliant stuff! -Peter Ashton.


Colin Blunstone/Rod Argent Band.
Waterside Theatre. Blackfield.

A TRIUMPH both for fan Linda Charles who organised the concert, and the musicians who were in top form. From the opening tale of holiday woes, "Andorra" Colin’s exquisite voice received perfect backing from Rod on keyboards, Jim on bass, Keith on lead guitar and Steve on drums.
Imaginative lighting effects made for a visual as well as aural spectacular. Zombies’ hits like "She’s Not There" and "Time of the Season" and Colin and Rod’s solo material went down equally well with a sell-out crowd. I personally prefer Colin singing slower songs like the spine-tingling "I Want To Fly", but Colin’s incredible vocal range enables him to rock with the best of them.
The rousing closer "God Gave Rock and Roll To You" proved the point, with the band encoring with a fine version of "Summertime". A superb and memorable evening. Thanks Linda! -Peter Ashton


The Electric Prunes.
The Brook. Southampton.

TIME has not withered the music of The Electric Prunes. A colourful, swirling psychedelic light show was the backdrop to the quirky quintet’s classic West Coast USA rock sound. The men from LA, including original vocalist James Lowe, played with consummate skill as they made their first appearance in the UK for 35 years.
It was a 60s time warp as the band played songs like "I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night" and "Ain’t It Hard", adding a touch of blues on "Got My Mojo Working." The Prunes may have been eclipsed by fellow LA rockers, The Doors back in the 60s, but their music has stood the test of time.
"We love playing in England - people actually listen to the music!" said singer James. A rapt Brook crowd confirmed his observation throughout a tremendous gig. -Peter Ashton.


The Tiger Lillies
Salisbury Arts Centre.

BLASPHEMOUS, perverse and fiendishly funny, The Tiger Lillies are an eccentric trio who take audiences into a world of murder, depravity and despair. Doesn’t sound like fun does it? - but it is, thanks in no small way to the Pierrot-faced front man Martyn Jacques and his swooping operatic falsetto voice.
Multi-instrumentalist Martin alternated between piano, guitar, ukelele and accordion, accompanied by a drummer and bassist as he conjured up a world of decrepit circuses, festering bordellos and unhinged losers. "Banging In The Nails" and "XYZ" were amongst the more strident ranting songs, but the Tigers were equally at home with poignant, melodic songs like "Palace of St James" and "Alone With The Moon".
Excellent musicianship from Adrian Stout on upright bass, who also played the musical saw, and from Adrian Huge on drums, also in charge of props including an inflatable sheep and a plastic pig’s head! And from Martyn himself whose sinister stage presence and remarkable voice are going to linger in the memories of an engrossed audience. -Peter Ashton.

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Looking for a different music review? Click here for our NEW archive
NOVEMBER Featured artists: The Hamsters @ The Brook Southampton Thursday 28th.
The Hamsters
@ The Brook
Southampton
Thursday 28th.

Lindisfarne @ Medina Theatre Newport IOW Tues 26th.
Lindisfarne
@ Medina Theatre
Newport IOW
Tues 26th.

Arnie Cottrell & Tim Payne @ Shoe Inn Plaitford Fri 22nd & Platform Tavern Thurs 28th.
Arnie Cottrell
& Tim Payne
@ Shoe Inn
Plaitford Fri 22nd
& Platform Tavern
Thurs 28th.

Foo Foo @ Bent Brief Southampton Sat 16th.
Foo Foo
@ Bent Brief
Southampton
Sat 16th.

Nick Harper @ Talking Heads Wed 13th.
Nick Harper
@ Talking Heads
Southampton
Wed 13th.

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