VENUE OF THE WEEK: Ginglik
- Posted on March 29, 2007 6:12 PM
- 1 comment
Ginglik at Shepherds Bush Green 28 March 2007
By Peter Coulston
It was with eager anticipation that I revisited Ginglik in Shepherds Bush last night, having thoroughly enjoyed my previous experience at this establishment last autumn. Ginglik is an entertainment outlet operating Monday to Sunday and offering a wide choice of music, comedy, dance and film, depending on which night you are there. Wednesday is given over to The Big Secret, a showcase for singer songwriters and live bands, which is hosted by Amity Fletcher, who started the event in 2004. It must be the worst kept secret in town, as both times that I have been there it has been packed with enthusiastic punters who know about keeping quiet when the singers are performing. What more could you ask.
The club itself is a most welcoming establishment consisting of three rooms that offer comfort and style along with assorted entertainment. The bar shows movies on the big screen while the lounge offers board games and chess (at £5 a go) to be played while sinking into a large leather sofa or armchair. The music room is furnished in an equally luxurious fashion and has the added attraction of Galen, the resident artist who sketches throughout the evening on a pad which is projected to a screen at the side of the room. This can be a little distracting after a while, since Galen is rather fond of drawing semi-naked women regardless of who is on stage or what the song is about. Good pictures which I personally found to be very engrossing. It is my duty to make you aware of the fact that the premises were once the public toilets for Shepherds Bush Green. My first concern was that the contractor responsible for the refurbishment might be one with a reputation for cutting corners. My fears were unfounded. Located across the road from Shepherds Bush Central Line Tube, the Big Secret is £5 to get in, the drinks are reasonable and they do food.
As far as the music was concerned it was something old, something new, and the odd bit of blues. I had seen and reviewed two of the six performers before, but was by no means disappointed with the new faces. We began with Julia Harris from Cardiff, who gave us some well performed rocky numbers that she obviously enjoyed as much as we did. She included one excellent ballad and “These Days” was nice and minor. Check her out if you’re in Cardiff. Lauren Waterworth has a brilliant voice with control that you would not expect from an 18 year old. She used backing tracks, which is never easy, to perform a jazzy blues, “My Secret Love” from Calamity Jane (the film, not the band; assuming there is one), and an original. A real talent, who deserves a band and some songs that she can call her own. I have reviewed Miranda Barber many times before and, as always, she was a star. She opened with a new song which I loved and which is; well, so Miranda. “My Roof’s Got a Hole In It” and “Blues Day” were as good as ever while she gave us a slightly different interpretation of “Paprika Haze”. She has a new album out on Friday, which I shall be reviewing as soon as I receive it. I can’t wait.
Ellie Lawson is just back from New York, and it showed. She has brilliantly blended americana with UK urban influences to produce a very unique sound. With her able guitarist, she rapped and rocked with the best. Al Lewis was the only guy on the bill last night, but he didn’t let it get to him. He gave his usual polished performance which included “Waiting For You” from his album and a brilliant, dark, up tempo number called “Las Vegas”. To find out more about Al, read my review of his album on this website. If you want to hear him, buy it. The evening sadly came to a close with Katey Brooks from Bristol, another fine singer/songwriter with a solid guitar style. “True Speaker” reminded me a bit of Graceland (Paul Simon, not Elvis!) and her unaccompanied “Hear Me Now” was a grand end to the evening.
This was one of the best nights out that I have had for a long time, and I have quite a few (nights out, that is). Great performers, great venue; I’ll be back. So should you.
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Comments (1)
Tammi
Thanks for a great review.
Just thought I'd point out that the £5 for the games is only a deposit to ensure they don't go walkies! You do get it back.
Come back soon. x
Posted on April 2, 2007 9:27 PM
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