GIG REVIEW: 12 Bar Club, Zarathustras Night
- Posted on February 5, 2007 11:00 AM
- 0 comments
Venue of the Week
By Peter Coulston
12 Bar Club, Zarathustras Night 1 February 2007
Alright guys, I know I covered the 12 Bar only a few weeks ago, but I always go to this venue on the first Thursday of every month, OK. That's because it's Zarathustra night. This event is promoted by Zaid Joseph, who also promotes events (which I shall be covering) at Babalou and MASS in Brixton. He has been running this gig at the 12 Bar for five years now and many of the acts that I slavishly follow started out here. In addition to an excellent lineup which goes on until at least 12:30pm, we are treated to Charlie Lancaster, a piano maestro who indulges us in rock 'n roll, blues, boogie woogie and some of his own material while the acts are setting up. It's worth going just to hear him, and he is at most of Zaid's other gigs also.
The evening kicked off with Belle; but I unfortunately missed most of her acoustic set. What I did hear sounded fine and I hope to catch her again. Jimmy Harrison followed with another acoustic set of good songs supported by sound flat picking on the guitar. He uses nice minor keys and jazzy influences which I personally enjoyed very much; however, some folks may have preferred the inclusion of at least one slow song. John and Jehn are a progressive punk duo with more equipment than the Grateful Dead, which threatened to spill off the tiny stage throughout the set; usually in the direction of Charlie's piano. Everything from Patti Smith/Velvets to more current influences here, with loads of creative energy that certainly held our attention. One to watch. They are on myspace.
Moody McArdle is a very accomplished singer songwriter with a fine voice and lyrics to match. He is playing the Troubadour next Wednesday so check him out. I will probably be there, but don't let that put you off. Again, he is on myspace and has a .com website. Millie Moonstone is hard to pin down. She plays a North Indian instrument called a Sarangi, which looks like a sitar but is played with a bow. It apparently sounds awesome if played in a studio through some heavy duty amps. She also plays penny whistle very well and performs really engaging material with her excellent bass and guitar backup. It's sort of celtic, but with indian and american indian roots thrown in. I thought I could hear some Jewish folk song in there, but I could be wrong. Anyway, Indian, Schmindian; what's the difference. It was excellent and innovative music, which is what it is all about. I intend to hear it again. Oliver Piggot is another acoustic talent from my second home, Canada, who gave us an intense set of well written songs with the help of his guitar playing friend, Nigel. The sheer energy and enthusiasm of this man would carry the set even if the songs weren't to brilliant; but they are. Go see him.
Transit are a very competent band of good young musicians who are trying not to be Guns 'n Roses. The singer sounds like Axel Rose but fortunately does not attempt to copy his appalling on stage wardrobe. This is potentially a good band, but the songs were too short and ended sloppily just as I was getting interested. Some bands are made up of good musicians that should never be together, but that is not the case with this band. So please tighten it up guys; you could be so good if you just put the work in. In contrast, Reckless Iraqi really need to get their act together. Their performance was sloppy with poor vocals and the bass player looking bored out of his tree. Come on guys, I heard enough good bits to know that you can do a lot better than that if you work at it.
So there we are, another great night at the 12 Bar with Zaid, Charlie and the rest. Charing Cross Road and Oxford Street at 12:30 at night were busier than Tesco on a Saturday, and it is great to be in London if you know where to go. The hard part is knowing when to go home.
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