LAST WEEK IN LONDON : Barges, Bars and New Stars
- Posted on June 6, 2008 2:16 PM
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LAST WEEK IN LONDON : Barges, Bars and New Stars
By Peter Coulston
Hello and welcome, gig lovers; this weekend I feel as if I haven’t been away, as it is Sunday and am I at home carving a Sunday roast? Not a bit of it, I’m at the launch of the River Rat Pack Tour at Lock 17 in Camden. Just to clarify, this is the public launch party, as opposed to the industry launch party that I attended a couple of weeks ago. A big event like this deserves at least two parties, right; so, don’t knock it. It was the beginning of a great tour that will take in Henley, Reading, Goring, Abingdon and Oxford and showcase nine acts. The show began at 5.30 sharp with Naked & The Boys, which was a three piece minus the drums that do some nice acoustic stuff. They started and finished in early sixties style but the other songs were more in the latin jazz vein. Well performed set, the contents of which can be found on www.myspace.com/nakedandtheboys. Gwylym Gold was up next and he is the keyboard and vocals part of Golden Silvers, a band that I cannot comment on because the rest of them weren’t there. Mr Gold did some fine songs like the Leonard Cohenish “Here Comes The King” along with some tex mex and material with a bit of Dylan and Billy Joel influence. Good stuff that you can hear on www.myspace.com/thegoldensilvers. By contrast, to pretty well anyone else, in fact, was Derek Meins, an off the wall poet/acoustic folk artist from Scotland with a manic style of monologue covering incest, mental illness, jogging and other fun pastimes.
I last saw him when he opened for Josh Pyke at Dingwalls and I can thoroughly recommend the experience. Try www.myspace.com/derekmeins. Mumford & Sons are a four piece folk/bluegrass band, who were without their banjo player on this occasion, but, fortunately, not without their harmonies. Great three part in the Crosby, Stills and Nash tradition enhanced some good songs that would have been alright anyway. A really enjoyable set, that is also on www.myspace.com/mumfordandsons. One of my favourite snacks is Beans on Toast, and the singer of the same name is equally enjoyable with his humorous and melodic acoustic country repertoire. He sung about trendy people, the tabloids and cocaine and his website sums it all up; it is www.myspace.com/sexdrugspolitics. Josh Weller kept the party going with his 50’s Little Richard hair and a nice pair of socks as he played his keyboard and sang some good songs. That Russian/gypsy sound was there again on “Circus” while some of the material was rockier but none the worse for it. I hope to catch him again, but he is on www.myspace.com/joshweller in case I don’t. I enjoyed Jay Jay Pistolet at the earlier launch and was no less impressed this time around. He even played a little mandolin and the songs were well constructed and well received. He is invariably at www.myspace.com/jayjaypistolet. This was my second time hearing Nat Jenkins as well, but this time he had his band of bass and drums with him. He did a good selection of country rock a la early Elvis, Cash and Johnny Rivers and the tex mex “Pirates” was catchy. “While the Record Spins” was a bit “Hit the Road, Jack” and a nice closer. Check out www.myspace.com/natjenkins. Last, but not least came Six Nation State, a great all round pop band that know how to work an audience. “Everybody Wants To Be My Friend” had that east European sound again and there was some 50’s doowop along with the strong commercial material. The performance was obviously enhanced by the fact that, by their own admission, they had been in the bar since 1pm; in fact, I been there with them since 4.30pm, but in no way did we allow that to get in the way of the music. They live at www.myspace.com/sixnationstatetheband, and are worth hearing.
After such a music filled weekend, I rested up until Tuesday night, when I took up an invitation from Andy Lowe at the 12 Bar Club on Denmark Street to take in a great lineup of diverse singer/songwriters. Tony Bayliss was on stage when I arrived, but I did manage to catch a couple of songs from this cockney troubadour who has taken a lot of influence from his time in America. “Crystal” was a very well made song about a drunk girl involved in a car accident (a true story) and the rest of his set was good quality material. I have not been able to locate any websites, so keep an eye out for the name. Moving right along in the American genre, I was blown away by Kenny White, a New York City composer and piano player who has worked with everyone who is anyone across the pond. Starting out writing advertising jingles, he moved on to work with the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Gladys Knight, and Al Jarreau as well as producing music for movies, including four by John Sayles. His last album, “Symphony in 16 Bars” was released on Judy Collins’ independent label, Wildflower Records, and he is currently touring with that fine lady as her opening act. His set was a joy to experience; impeccable lyrics set to finely constructed melodies with a nod to any songwriter/composer that has ever been worth listening to. His piano style can range from basic to symphonic; in fact, think Roy Bittan on “Thunder Road” meets Billy Joel and you are not even halfway there. I cannot recommend this artist enough, just experience the magic on www.myspace.com/kennywhitemusic. I saw the next artist last February at the Water Rats in Kings Cross, and was happy to indulge in his musical offerings again on this occasion. Leon Jean-Marie is a London based acoustic singer/songwriter in the alternative side of things with a collection of good material. The dark but funky “Fair” was a good opener and he moved along with a mix of upbeat and ballad, all well performed. He closed with “Bed of Nails”, which is on Radio 2 quite a bit, and “Bent Out Of Shape”, both from his forthcoming album due out on 2 July. One to watch, who can be found on www.myspace.com/leonjeanmarie. To close, we enjoyed more laid back alternative material from UK based Heather McClell and her excellent backing band. Having spent some time in Brazil, her style is obviously influenced by the bossa nova and other latin rhythms of that region. The songs were good and her vocals effective and finely controlled, complimenting the well chosen musicians that back her. “Breathe Again” was the most commercial number in an overall enjoyable set. Hear it and others on www.myspace.com/heathermcclell.
My last gig of the week was to shake me out of my indie mode and into the world of soul and r&b that is Duffy, live from the Shepherds Bush Empire. This lady from Wales has taken the UK by storm in much the same way as Cerys Matthews did some years ago. Based on this performance, I think it highly unlikely that Duffy will end up on a desert island with an ex-Eastender, but this is a funny old business. This girl can certainly sing, and handles the material from her album, “Rockferry” like a professional. She opened with a little soul, accompanied only by her guitarist, before moving right into “Rockferry”. “Warwick Avenue” came pretty early and she included the ballad “Serious”, a Burt Bacharach song which I was not familiar with, and the jazzy, folky “Stepping Stone” before finishing her one hour set with “Mercy”. The inevitable encore was an acoustic number with the guitarist again, followed by the fifties style “Distant Dreamer”. Her band were as good as you would expect at this level, and Duffy’s vocals and stage presence earned her a lot of respect from the packed house. There is no doubt that she has a talent for this sort of material, but she risks being sidelined over time if she does not broaden her horizons. She has the talent, I just hope that those who guide and advise her have the vision. Just in case you didn’t know, she’s on www.myspace.com/duffymyspace. Well, it’s the end of the week again and it was certainly a good one. The weather’s brightened up and we have another week to look forward to, including a scoop which I hope to pull out of the hat next time around. So, stay safe and well and be sure to get out more.
I last saw him when he opened for Josh Pyke at Dingwalls and I can thoroughly recommend the experience. Try www.myspace.com/derekmeins. Mumford & Sons are a four piece folk/bluegrass band, who were without their banjo player on this occasion, but, fortunately, not without their harmonies. Great three part in the Crosby, Stills and Nash tradition enhanced some good songs that would have been alright anyway. A really enjoyable set, that is also on www.myspace.com/mumfordandsons. One of my favourite snacks is Beans on Toast, and the singer of the same name is equally enjoyable with his humorous and melodic acoustic country repertoire. He sung about trendy people, the tabloids and cocaine and his website sums it all up; it is www.myspace.com/sexdrugspolitics. Josh Weller kept the party going with his 50’s Little Richard hair and a nice pair of socks as he played his keyboard and sang some good songs. That Russian/gypsy sound was there again on “Circus” while some of the material was rockier but none the worse for it. I hope to catch him again, but he is on www.myspace.com/joshweller in case I don’t. I enjoyed Jay Jay Pistolet at the earlier launch and was no less impressed this time around. He even played a little mandolin and the songs were well constructed and well received. He is invariably at www.myspace.com/jayjaypistolet. This was my second time hearing Nat Jenkins as well, but this time he had his band of bass and drums with him. He did a good selection of country rock a la early Elvis, Cash and Johnny Rivers and the tex mex “Pirates” was catchy. “While the Record Spins” was a bit “Hit the Road, Jack” and a nice closer. Check out www.myspace.com/natjenkins. Last, but not least came Six Nation State, a great all round pop band that know how to work an audience. “Everybody Wants To Be My Friend” had that east European sound again and there was some 50’s doowop along with the strong commercial material. The performance was obviously enhanced by the fact that, by their own admission, they had been in the bar since 1pm; in fact, I been there with them since 4.30pm, but in no way did we allow that to get in the way of the music. They live at www.myspace.com/sixnationstatetheband, and are worth hearing.
After such a music filled weekend, I rested up until Tuesday night, when I took up an invitation from Andy Lowe at the 12 Bar Club on Denmark Street to take in a great lineup of diverse singer/songwriters. Tony Bayliss was on stage when I arrived, but I did manage to catch a couple of songs from this cockney troubadour who has taken a lot of influence from his time in America. “Crystal” was a very well made song about a drunk girl involved in a car accident (a true story) and the rest of his set was good quality material. I have not been able to locate any websites, so keep an eye out for the name. Moving right along in the American genre, I was blown away by Kenny White, a New York City composer and piano player who has worked with everyone who is anyone across the pond. Starting out writing advertising jingles, he moved on to work with the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Gladys Knight, and Al Jarreau as well as producing music for movies, including four by John Sayles. His last album, “Symphony in 16 Bars” was released on Judy Collins’ independent label, Wildflower Records, and he is currently touring with that fine lady as her opening act. His set was a joy to experience; impeccable lyrics set to finely constructed melodies with a nod to any songwriter/composer that has ever been worth listening to. His piano style can range from basic to symphonic; in fact, think Roy Bittan on “Thunder Road” meets Billy Joel and you are not even halfway there. I cannot recommend this artist enough, just experience the magic on www.myspace.com/kennywhitemusic. I saw the next artist last February at the Water Rats in Kings Cross, and was happy to indulge in his musical offerings again on this occasion. Leon Jean-Marie is a London based acoustic singer/songwriter in the alternative side of things with a collection of good material. The dark but funky “Fair” was a good opener and he moved along with a mix of upbeat and ballad, all well performed. He closed with “Bed of Nails”, which is on Radio 2 quite a bit, and “Bent Out Of Shape”, both from his forthcoming album due out on 2 July. One to watch, who can be found on www.myspace.com/leonjeanmarie. To close, we enjoyed more laid back alternative material from UK based Heather McClell and her excellent backing band. Having spent some time in Brazil, her style is obviously influenced by the bossa nova and other latin rhythms of that region. The songs were good and her vocals effective and finely controlled, complimenting the well chosen musicians that back her. “Breathe Again” was the most commercial number in an overall enjoyable set. Hear it and others on www.myspace.com/heathermcclell.
My last gig of the week was to shake me out of my indie mode and into the world of soul and r&b that is Duffy, live from the Shepherds Bush Empire. This lady from Wales has taken the UK by storm in much the same way as Cerys Matthews did some years ago. Based on this performance, I think it highly unlikely that Duffy will end up on a desert island with an ex-Eastender, but this is a funny old business. This girl can certainly sing, and handles the material from her album, “Rockferry” like a professional. She opened with a little soul, accompanied only by her guitarist, before moving right into “Rockferry”. “Warwick Avenue” came pretty early and she included the ballad “Serious”, a Burt Bacharach song which I was not familiar with, and the jazzy, folky “Stepping Stone” before finishing her one hour set with “Mercy”. The inevitable encore was an acoustic number with the guitarist again, followed by the fifties style “Distant Dreamer”. Her band were as good as you would expect at this level, and Duffy’s vocals and stage presence earned her a lot of respect from the packed house. There is no doubt that she has a talent for this sort of material, but she risks being sidelined over time if she does not broaden her horizons. She has the talent, I just hope that those who guide and advise her have the vision. Just in case you didn’t know, she’s on www.myspace.com/duffymyspace. Well, it’s the end of the week again and it was certainly a good one. The weather’s brightened up and we have another week to look forward to, including a scoop which I hope to pull out of the hat next time around. So, stay safe and well and be sure to get out more.
After such a music filled weekend, I rested up until Tuesday night, when I took up an invitation from Andy Lowe at the 12 Bar Club on Denmark Street to take in a great lineup of diverse singer/songwriters. Tony Bayliss was on stage when I arrived, but I did manage to catch a couple of songs from this cockney troubadour who has taken a lot of influence from his time in America. “Crystal” was a very well made song about a drunk girl involved in a car accident (a true story) and the rest of his set was good quality material. I have not been able to locate any websites, so keep an eye out for the name. Moving right along in the American genre, I was blown away by Kenny White, a New York City composer and piano player who has worked with everyone who is anyone across the pond. Starting out writing advertising jingles, he moved on to work with the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Gladys Knight, and Al Jarreau as well as producing music for movies, including four by John Sayles. His last album, “Symphony in 16 Bars” was released on Judy Collins’ independent label, Wildflower Records, and he is currently touring with that fine lady as her opening act. His set was a joy to experience; impeccable lyrics set to finely constructed melodies with a nod to any songwriter/composer that has ever been worth listening to. His piano style can range from basic to symphonic; in fact, think Roy Bittan on “Thunder Road” meets Billy Joel and you are not even halfway there. I cannot recommend this artist enough, just experience the magic on www.myspace.com/kennywhitemusic. I saw the next artist last February at the Water Rats in Kings Cross, and was happy to indulge in his musical offerings again on this occasion. Leon Jean-Marie is a London based acoustic singer/songwriter in the alternative side of things with a collection of good material. The dark but funky “Fair” was a good opener and he moved along with a mix of upbeat and ballad, all well performed. He closed with “Bed of Nails”, which is on Radio 2 quite a bit, and “Bent Out Of Shape”, both from his forthcoming album due out on 2 July. One to watch, who can be found on www.myspace.com/leonjeanmarie. To close, we enjoyed more laid back alternative material from UK based Heather McClell and her excellent backing band. Having spent some time in Brazil, her style is obviously influenced by the bossa nova and other latin rhythms of that region. The songs were good and her vocals effective and finely controlled, complimenting the well chosen musicians that back her. “Breathe Again” was the most commercial number in an overall enjoyable set. Hear it and others on www.myspace.com/heathermcclell.
My last gig of the week was to shake me out of my indie mode and into the world of soul and r&b that is Duffy, live from the Shepherds Bush Empire. This lady from Wales has taken the UK by storm in much the same way as Cerys Matthews did some years ago. Based on this performance, I think it highly unlikely that Duffy will end up on a desert island with an ex-Eastender, but this is a funny old business. This girl can certainly sing, and handles the material from her album, “Rockferry” like a professional. She opened with a little soul, accompanied only by her guitarist, before moving right into “Rockferry”. “Warwick Avenue” came pretty early and she included the ballad “Serious”, a Burt Bacharach song which I was not familiar with, and the jazzy, folky “Stepping Stone” before finishing her one hour set with “Mercy”. The inevitable encore was an acoustic number with the guitarist again, followed by the fifties style “Distant Dreamer”. Her band were as good as you would expect at this level, and Duffy’s vocals and stage presence earned her a lot of respect from the packed house. There is no doubt that she has a talent for this sort of material, but she risks being sidelined over time if she does not broaden her horizons. She has the talent, I just hope that those who guide and advise her have the vision. Just in case you didn’t know, she’s on www.myspace.com/duffymyspace. Well, it’s the end of the week again and it was certainly a good one. The weather’s brightened up and we have another week to look forward to, including a scoop which I hope to pull out of the hat next time around. So, stay safe and well and be sure to get out more.
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