BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo Ten Gallon Drought Cheltenham Jazz Fringe Preview
Little Monkey Studios Record Store Day 2014
Glitches Gig guide, reviews & opinion
Issue #7 May 2014
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE Now that we’ve all calmed down from the Banksy in Issue #7 Cheltenham saga and used a phone booth for the first May time since 1998, May’s issue of Behind The Scene Gloucestershire is upon us. April’s was the most read 2014 issue yet. Huge thanks go to everyone that shared Gaz the magazine on Facebook and Twitter last month, Brookfield and all of the people that have taken out adverts and cover photo sent in gigs for the gig guide this month. Without by Ned you, the magazine would be just a few pages of Gibbons. ranting and raving from me with the odd blurry photo https://www.facebook.com/ of a gig I’ve been to taken on my phone’s camera. NedGibbonsPhotography
Contact via e-mail: behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk Follow on twitter: @behindsceneglos Facebook: facebook.com/behindthesceneglos Website: http://behindthesceneglos.webs.com
Gaz Brookfield, Chris Webb
Prince Albert, Stroud 3rd April 2014
Photograph by Ned Gibbons
Never judge a book by it’s cover, but always judge a solo musician by his or her ability to silence a busy pub with the power of their song-writing alone. Ok, maybe that’s not the most concise idiom ever, but Gaz Brookfield is able to do that. And did. Tonight. At The Prince Albert in Stroud. You see, support act and fellow Bristolian Chris Webb had some nice modern day folk songs and intricate guitar work in his armoury, but it wasn’t until Gaz Brookfield took to the stage (since when did the Prince Albert have a stage? Or has it always been there?) that conversations were halted mid song as everyone was drawn into his instantly likeable tales of everyday life. In an hour and a half he covered depression (‘Black Dog Days’), bullying (‘Be The Bigger Man’) and buying a house (a new song, but I feel the need to use brackets to give a sense of symmetry to this sentence).
I’ve called Gaz an ‘everyman’ character before, but it was a table of women in the corner who laughed, smiled and gave knowing nods through every song that was told. Sweat dripped off his long hair as he bashed out songs from his three albums like it was his first, last and Live Aid Wembley Stadium 1985 gig all rolled into one. There were no half measures here (nor at the bar, no doubt). On the drive back home, my girlfriend said to me, “Do you think he will ever make it big?” I’m not quite sure what she means. Big like Frank Turner? Big like U2? Big like Rik Waller? In many ways, Gaz should be bigger. He still releases his own records, still sells them for a fiver and still plays at Café Rene in Gloucester. Go see him play at Café Rene in Gloucester. But to answer her question – well, I just don’t know. For now, I’m happy to keep watching him on Thursday nights in Stroud.
RECORD STORE DAY 2014 IN CHELTENHAM I shall always remember this year’s Record Store Day for the fact that I had a cold – a really, really bad cold. But I soldiered on regardless and saw some good bands. I didn’t buy any records (I don’t have a record player, so there’s not really any point). I’m hanging on for 25 years time when we celebrate ‘CD Store Day’ and I can ironically buy all of the CD’s I own at the moment for three times the price (but with new artwork and a ‘limited edition’ sticker slapped on them). Anyhow, at least it meant that I had time to have a lie-in, toast some bagels for breakfast and put a lasagne in the slow cooker for dinner (yeah, you heard me right, a slow cooker). Here’s what I saw…
AUSTEROS bashing away on the pavement outside Badlands with some jinglejangle punk rock. Reminiscent of the vastly underrated (and largely unknown) Gordon Gano’s Army, they had that Gainsville/FEST sound going on. Good for a summer’s day (although in truth today was a bit overcast).
http://austeros.bandcamp.com/
http://www.kingsolomonband.com/
KING SOLOMON, a ragtag reggae collective, playing some sweet offbeat sounds. It’s a long time since I’ve seen a drummer perform with a fag hanging out of his mouth (since the smoking ban came into effect, in fact). Well done that man.
http://www.edddonovan.co.uk/
EDD DONOVAN & THE WANDERING MOLES fully amplified in Rise Records. The band looked like they were really enjoying themselves and reminded me of The Tennessee Three (except there were five of them). Johnny Cash meets Bob Dylan via the Yorkshire Dales. There were plenty of shoppers carrying the band’s new album, ‘Something To Take The Edge Off’ through the day.
@mentionthebear To prove how bad my cold was, I bought a pint of blackcurrant squash in the pub and debated with my mate whether it actually contained any blackcurrant at all as I couldn’t taste a thing. For all I know, the barman could have dropped red food colouring into a pint of water when my back was turned and charged me 50p for the privilege. Happy Record Store Day 2014…
RICHARD ABBERLINE, someone who certainly doesn’t need any amplification to be heard. As he stood on the pavement before his set, I overheard a bloke tell his wife, “He’s that shouty man.” What a strange reputation to have. I always enjoy watching him – he gives you blood, sweat and tears every time he plays.
EMILY BARKER & THE RED CLAY HALO
Go on, close your eyes for a second and imagine. If you could live anywhere in the world at this very moment, where would it be? The hustle and bustle of New York City? The white, sandy beaches of Hawaii? The market town of Stroud? Of course, without any hesitation, you’d choose Stroud – after all, Emily Barker, originally from Australia, did. “I moved to Stroud three years ago after falling in love with the area due to our violinist, Anna Jenkins, who was living in Nailsworth at the time. I was looking to escape London, and Stroud seemed like the ideal location with it's proximity to both the M5 and M4 (making touring easy) and the short train journey to London teemed with the beautiful undulating topography, artistic community, farmer's markets and great ale pubs. It had everything I was looking for and I love it still.”
So much so that on her latest record, ‘Dear River,’ she explores the idea of home through the song, 'In The Winter I Returned' which is dedicated to the woods near where she lives called The Heavens. Not that Emily has been in Stroud much recently anyway, having just returned from touring Europe. “It was wonderful. I've just released the first of my records there so I'm going to be spending more time touring on the mainland. All bands love touring in Germany in particular because the catering is always exceptional. There's such a healthy music scene there too. It's also just great to see new places and experiences different cultures and people. Being Australian, it still blows my mind that you can drive across a border into another country where the people speak another language and cultural differences are apparent. I like to go running whilst on tour, it's a
great way to see where you are in the world.” Emily and her band have been on the road with musicians such as Frank Turner, Austin Lucas and Chuck Ragan. Has their D.I.Y. ethic rubbed off on her? “Yeah it's funny how I seem to have been embraced by the punk world. It's great and I've learnt a lot for my involvement with the scene. It's interesting discovering what alliances exist between that and the folk world. I've found there's been a lot of cross over with ethics and ideals and certainly the D.I.Y grassroots approach of creating your own luck through hard work and connecting with people at gigs in a genuine way. It's also opened me up to a music genre I hadn't previously been exposed to. I'm really enjoying it and it is slowly creeping into my writing, but in a subtle way...for now” Having released ‘Dear River’ in 2013, does she have plans for a follow up album any time soon?
“I do indeed. In fact, I'm writing from Nashville, Tennessee where I'm currently doing a bunch of co-writes with various songwriters and putting together songs for the next record. I can't say much more about it at this stage but will let you know when I can!” Nashville? Germany? Stroud? I hope she’s adding up her air-miles. "I'm touring much more than I ever was before and I also love this about my current life. I've now got an awesome team behind me. Not only musicians that I work with, but also my industry team. They're so hardworking and passionate and just great human beings. So I feel very blessed." And when her feet are planted in Gloucestershire soil for more than a few days, where does she go to get her music fix? “The Prince Albert in Rodborough is my favourite music venue and my favourite local band is Hot Feet and Truffle Shack.” Who needs Australia when you’ve got the Prince Albert?
“I moved to Stroud three years ago after falling in love with the area…”
http://www.emilybarker.com
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CHELTENHAM JAZZ FRINGE FESTIVAL GUIDE From May 1st bands will be playing in Montpellier Gardens in Cheltenham for FREE as part of the Jazz Festival Fringe. You have a choice: Pay £100 for two tickets to see Jamie Cullum tinker away aimlessly on a piano for a couple of hours. Or, take your camping chair, a hipflask, and a Cornish pasty to the park and listen to an endless stream of acts that aren’t quite jazz. For free! I know what I’ll be doing. Therefore, I asked the acts, “What can jazz fringe fans expect from your set?” Now, where’s my Ginsters?
THURSDAY 1 MAY Hattie Briggs Free Stage 5.30pm Gordon Wood Band Free Stage 6.45pm James Carr & The Comrades Free Stage 8pm
“WHAT CAN JAZZ FRINGE FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR SET?”
An exciting mix of Rhythm & Blues, roots music and Americana - my own original songs plus material by the likes of Big Joe Turner, Billy Holiday, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. GORDON WOOD www.gordonwood.eu
“WHAT CAN JAZZ FRINGE FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR SET?”
FRIDAY 2 MAY Soular Free Stage 12.45pm Jake Watson Free Stage 5.30pm Thrill Collins Free Stage 6.45pm Fringe DJ Free Stage 8pm SATURDAY 3 MAY
The audience at Cheltenham Jazz can expect a healthy mix of cool funk/disco grooves ala Chic, Stevie Wonder along with some more laid back soulful tunes from the likes of Marvin Gaye and Sly and The Family Stone perfect for lunch time of a spring day - all we need now is some beautiful sunshine! SOULAR www.soularfunk.co.uk
Jazz It Up: Schools Free Stage 10.45am Ghent Youth Jazz Orchestra Free Stage 1.30pm Young Pilgrims Free Stage 2.45pm Swing Café Free Stage 4pm Melanie De Biasio Free Stage 5.30pm Endsleigh’s Battle of the Bands Winner Free Stage 6.30pm
This is our fourth year at Cheltenham Jazz Festival and we're becoming a bit more suspicious every time they invite us back. We've tried playing Backstreet Boys, Rage Against The Machine, even Peter Andre in an attempt to get dropped – yet here we are! We'll be bringing Britney out this year and if that doesn't get us banned we don't know what will. THRILL COLLINS http://www.thrillcollins.co.uk
Dan Owen Free Stage 7.45pm Fringe DJ Free Stage 9pm
“WHAT CAN JAZZ FRINGE FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR SET?� We are going to take the audience on a journey, telling tales of burnt coffee mornings, life inside a plastic umbrella and nights of swirling through Tanqueray bottles. Our set will feature vocals from Gail and Tom as well as songwriter Phoebe, which will add a dimension of intricate harmony, building on rhythmic piano, bass, cajon, kit & violin in a folk meets jazz meets cabaret connection. Looking forward to our adventure in Cheltenham. PENNILESS COVE www.pennilesscove.bandcamp.com
SUNDAY 4 MAY Jazz It Up: Schools Free Stage 10.45am Roberta De Francia & Band Free Stage 1.30pm Little Mullu Free Stage 2.45pm Penniless Cove Free Stage 4pm Melissa James Free Stage 5.15pm The Initiative Free Stage 6.30pm
My music is rootsy; it's soulful bluesfolk with hints of country, gospel and jazz. I'll be performing songs taken from my debut album, Day Dawns, as well as some of my more recently written songs - all within a strippedback and acoustic setting. Just my guitarist and me. MELISSA JAMES http://melissa-james.com
A witty, ironic and uniquely entertaining act. A cool Blues/Jazz & Soul style with contemporary lyrics coupled with a powerfully precise band and soul stirring vocals! KAT & CO. www.katandco.co.uk
Kat & Co. Free Stage 7.45pm Fringe DJ Free Stage 9pm
CHELTENHAM JAZZ FRINGE FESTIVAL
“WHAT CAN JAZZ FRINGE FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR SET?” MONDAY 5 MAY Jazz It Up: Gloucestershire Jazz Live Free Stage 10.45am The Chris Whiter Quintet Free Stage 1.45pm As a flautist and saxophonist, my newly formed quintet features new and exciting original works, and some of the best young musicians on the London jazz scene. We were listed as 'One To Look Out For' by Jazzwise. THE CHRIS WHITER QUINTET http://www.chriswhitermusic.co.uk/quintet/
ULV Free Stage 3pm The Outlanders Free Stage 4.15pm Tom Gee Band Free Stage 5.30pm Normanton Street Free Stage 6.45pm
Laid back Hip Hop, soul and Jazz sounds. NORMANTON STREET http://www.normantonstreet.com
…IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE WITH KINGSLEY SALMON FAVOURITE BAND/MUSICIAN… I'm a big fan of Subduction, a Stroud/Cheltenham, reggae-esque band with a unique sound. It's not often that you come across a really great original band. All the songs are killers! If you’re familiar with Dream Poets then you'll love them. BEST GIG YOU’VE EVER BEEN TO… They are all the best in their own way, but the first live gig I went to was local - Wilko Johnson at the Guildhall in Gloucester. I was about thirteen and I don't think I was old enough to be in there. The impact it had on me was immense.
BEST KEPT SECRET… Peppers Cafe in Gloucester have some spectacular, intimate shows on. One of the most relaxing places to listen or play and a regular crowd that really do listen to you. If you like your blues, you should check it out. It's a little gem.
LAST GIG YOU WENT TO…
FAVOURITE VENUE/PUB... You can most likely see me sat in Grumpy Whiskers in Cheltenham. It’s new but it's perfect. Live music, coffee and waffles.
I went to see Graveyard Johnnys at the Frog and Fiddle last week. I'm not normally one to go to punk and rockabilly gigs but I saw them last year at Boomtown Festival and thought they were cool. Red Light Rebels supported them along with Radio Nasties. Two great bands too! BEST THING ABOUT MUSIC… The huge community and its diversity. You can find all sorts here. I work with musicians in reggae, blues, r’n’b, metal, rap, jazz....It's all here, at good quality too. You have to know where to look.
ONE THING YOU ABOUT MUSIC…
WOULD
More outdoors gigs. permitting, of course.
CHANGE Weather
GIVE YOURSELF A PLUG… I am Kingsley Salmon, guitarist and singer in King Solomon. I love reggae and blues and I play a guitar that I call 'Tele-Rasta'. I have been ducking and diving in and around the Gloucestershire music scene for about 7 years and recently started performing with my new project, King Solomon, an eight piece reggae band. We are lucky enough to be playing a slot at One Love Festival, the UK’s number 1 Reggae and Dub Festival. Locally you can also catch us at Concrete Jungle Reggae Festival at the Guildhall on August 24th and at Cafe Rene's Rene:Gade Festival on May 3rd. www.facebook.com/kingsolomonband http://www.kingsolomonband.com
GLITCHES at Wychwood Festival, Cheltenham Friday 30th May
Just look at them. Glitches are cool. They are from London and they wear scarves and dapper jackets. They have sweeping haircuts. When will scarves, dapper jackets and sweeping haircuts reach Gloucester? The band live above a nightclub and play dreamy electro-indie, which they’ll be showing off at Wychwood Festival on Friday 30th May in the Big Top Tent. I caught up with them to talk SXSW, house shows and being creative types. The band met at university through some mutual friends and started playing together as soon as they realised that they all shared a passion for music. "James turned up to play for the first time with a pair of wooden spoons since he had no sticks! Once we moved to London we had a few years 'playing' at being in a band, which was essentially our apprenticeship. But it wasn't until the last 18 months that we finally got ourselves sorted out and organised. From then on we've been able to hone our sound and our ethos.” From playing the spoons to playing SXSW in 18 months is some achievement. “It was a very interesting experience. On one hand some parts of the festival were just like a big version of Camden Lock market (not a good thing), but then there were really vibrant and engaging parts to it where you could see and meet great new acts. It's a cliché, but SXSW is what you make of it.” The band have played gigs in bunkers, had an orchestra as their backing band and have released brilliantly shot videos. Glitches are incredibly creative and more than just a band playing gigs around the country. Is this a conscious aim and how much of this is being inspired by living in London? “We try to be the best we can be, and we all feel that this extends well beyond just playing standard shows. Being 'standard' just isn't interesting or enjoyable for us, we love the challenge and the thrill of pulling off something that you wouldn't expect from a band in our position. Being in London makes doing these things easier since it is where there are so many other creative and ambitious people. However, if we operated out of Manchester or Oxford we're sure that we would still have this creative impulse.”
http://www.glitchesmusic.co.uk
And the house shows? Ten years ago The Libertines were charging a tenner a time to watch them play in their flat for money to buy naughty things (and I don’t mean fireworks from under the counter of the Corner Shop). The atmosphere at a Glitches house show is far different. “[A house show] allows the band to control all aspects of the show, so in one sense it gives the band far more creative freedom over the gig. It also means that the whole atmosphere is relaxed and that in turn provides a great platform for people to engage with the band. It's more rewarding for the band as well since in those environs it's far easier to build a rapport with the audience, especially since that division between band and audience is much less obvious.” So are the band looking forward to playing at Wychwood, and what are their plans for the summer and beyond? “We're really looking forward to playing the festival since it'll be a brand new experience for us. There’s lots in the pipeline for the summer which we can't announce just yet, but we'll also be busy making a start on recording our first album.”
https://www.facebook.com/glitchesmusic GIG PREVIEW Lauren Faith, Emi McDade, Taet Sound Music Venue, Cheltenham – Saturday May 17th. London based songstress LAUREN FAITH performs at Cheltenham’s Sound Music Venue on Saturday May 17th. Lauren’s music is a sultry and soulful brand of electronica. I like Sound Music Venue because they’ve got these really long benches that you can sit on instead of standing up through the whole gig. She is supported by EMI MCDADE and TAET. Gloucestershire’s Emi McDade will be armed with her keyboard and a voice more powerful than any sixteen year old you’ve heard before. You may have seen her at gigs and open mics around the county in the last couple of years. If not, then this would be as good a place as any to catch her. Entry is FREE! For more information visit: www.soundmusicvenue.co.uk
TEN GALLON DROUGHT Playing a mix of blues, country and Americana, TEN GALLON DROUGHT is a new band from Gloucestershire who are getting excited about hitting the road. The band is based around a duo of guitarists, Dino .T. and ‘Mav’ Phillips. Dino previously fronted rock band Murdoc (who were voted best unsigned band by Kerrang! Radio) before moving onto Gloucester punk rock outfit Nukchorris.
Duane ‘Mav’ Phillips originated from blues rock band Status Line who covered songs from bands and artists such as Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, and JJ Cale. He grew up with music and developed into a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, piano, keyboards and even pipe organ. “I’ve always had a love of music and writing. Ten Gallon Drought has given me the opportunity to embrace that and embark on a new musical journey. Me and Dino have a great musical chemistry which is resulting in some awesome tracks.”
"I've been playing punk rock style music since 1996 and despite Nukchorris still being in full flight I really fancied pushing out of my comfort zone and Ten Gallon Drought are currently hard getting Ten Gallon Drought off the at work on material with a view to ground. I’ve been getting heavily into gigging both as a duo and also as a full acts such as Jace Everett, Willie and band depending on the venue. “We are the Bandits, Kid Rock and John Alex working with a drummer and harp player Mason and really fancied having an to start bringing these little songs to outlet for stuff I’m writing in this life. It’s an exciting time for us.” vein.” Dino has already been fortunate enough to work closely with local blues legend Mark Cole (of Sons of the Delta) who recently guested on harp live on stage with Nukchorris. The band will be in the studio very soon to record their first EP and will be looking to bring the project live later this year.
www.tengallondrought.com www.facebook.com/tengallondrought
I will list ANY gig as long as it is in Gloucestershire… It really is as simple as that. If you’re a bunch of fifteen year olds performing Nirvana covers in the local village hall then I’ll list your gig or if you play the spoons down at your local in the Forest of Dean then I’ll list your gig too. It makes no odds to me what you play (as long as it’s not Take That covers – I draw the line there). People might want to see you, but to see you, they’ve got to know that you are playing.
I’ve seen these two posts on my Facebook feed today (I’ve omitted the venue/band etc): 1) It was a nice gig last night, but whereas it is normally packed to the rafters, there weren't as many people there as normal. Thanks to so many of the usual friendly faces that turned up, but where was everybody else? I hope that you music lovers get out in large numbers to give it the support it needs to be able to continue having live music. KEEP MUSIC LIVE. 2) The band were awesome last night. Should've been more people out for this one. Turn off X-Factor and come and support live music.
I’m not saying it’s the venue, band or promoter’s fault that a gig is badly attended, but people can only ‘keep music live’ if they know about it! I’m connected to about a hundred billion Facebook and Twitter profiles (give or take a dozen) of every venue north of Bristol and south of Worcestershire, yet I get notifications of gigs springing up only a couple of hours before they start. Bruce Springsteen might be appearing at The Table & Tarpaulin pub (I just made that name up by thinking of two inanimate objects – do you like it?) 10 minutes from my house but if I don’t know about it then I’m not going to go. We all lead busy lives – we need a bit of notice. Therefore, I ask all of you bands, venues and promoters to send me your gigs every month in advance so that I don’t get any missed out. Seriously, giving people a bit of notice really works. If I see that Joe Summers is playing in The Exmouth, I’ll invite a bunch of friends down and spend £20 at the bar. It’s as easy as that. Which is why I’ve put together a Issue Deadline for Online on… handy timetable so that you know submissions when your gig listings need to be in. June May 27th May 29th I know that not every gig is booked a month in advance, but if you have July June 26th June 28th the information then send it August July 27th July 29th through! I have an idealised vision of every music fan in Gloucestershire September August 28th August 30th checking this gig guide every month th to see what’s on…it could happen. October September 26 September 28th November December
October 27th November
26th
October 29th November 28th
Send your gigs to me behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk reap the rewards!
at and
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR MAY When?
Who?
Where?
Where?
1st
Open Mic with Kingsley Salmon
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
1st
Steve Ferbrache
Golden Fleece
Stroud
1st
The Clown Gift
Cheltenham
1st
Leon Daye
Meantime Project Space Seventeen Black
1st
George Breakfast
Prince Albert
Stroud
1st
Montpellier Gardens
Cheltenham
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
2nd
Cheltenham Jazz Fringe: Hattie Briggs, Gordon Wood Band, James Carr Delicate Holly, Dump The Funk, Jay Mansfield Lar Hughes
White Hart Inn
Cinderford
2nd
Which One’s Gerry?
The Woodlands
Cinderford
2nd
Cotswold Inn
Cheltenham
Montpellier Gardens
Cheltenham
2nd
King Solomon meets DJ Fungus featuring Mista Melody Cheltenham Jazz Fringe: Soular, Jake Watson, Thrill Collins, Fringe DJ Steve Ferbrache, Ru Fry
Prince Albert
Stroud
2nd
Blackheart
Sound Music Venue
Cheltenham
2nd
Dub Pistols
Subtone
Cheltenham
2nd
Captain Accident & The Disasters
Café Rene
Gloucester
2nd
Ben’s Birthday Beer Festival
Fountain Inn
Gloucester
2nd
Bell Inn
Cheltenham
Funhouse, GL54 5BJ
Winchcombe
2nd
Gig with a guest – Jay Arthur Hartley Merry Hell, Erica, Beasts, Standing To Fall, Kirkland The Harrisons
Bell Inn
Redbrook
2nd
GPS
Globe
Stonehouse
2nd
2nd
2nd
Cirencester
BTSG recommends: Hattie Briggs at Jazz Fringe, Cheltenham 1st May
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR MAY When?
Who?
Where?
Where?
2nd
Andrew Ferris & The Fallen Men
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
2nd
Jagged Hands
Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
3rd
Stig Of The Dump, Motion Enterprise, Chequelectic, Methodical Concept The Last Exit
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
Kingshill
Dursley
Cheltenham Jazz Fringe: Jazz It Up Schools, Ghent Youth Jazz Orchestra, Young Pilgrims, Swing Café, Melanie De Biasio, Endsleigh’s Battle of the Bands Winner, Dan Owen, Fringe DJ Last Exit Saints, Landslide, Jack Moore, The Watts Franky & The Jacks
Montpellier Gardens
Cheltenham
Vaults
Cirencester
Prince Albert
Stroud
Rene:gade Festival feat: Aranka's Cackle, Funke and the Two Tone Baby, Prime Position & Blatantlee, KSH and the Going Goods, King Solomon Band, First Degree Burns Colourflow, Holy Casper
Café Rene
Gloucester
Sound Music Venue
Cheltenham
Brunel Goods Shed
Stroud
3rd
Filthy Boy, Sheena, Courtly Love, Dollhouse, Drawl, Max Heart Hats Off To Led Zeppelin
Hillview Music Centre
Cheltenham
3rd
Katie
Globe
Stonehouse
3rd
Open Mic
Fairview
Cheltenham
3rd
Cinderford Music Fest feat: Andrew Ferris & The Fallen Men, Devon Cassells, Freefall, Vevolution, Tripwire & more. Both Sides Of The Bridge
Cinderford Town Football Club
Cinderford
White Hart Inn
Cinderford
Delicate Holly, Percy, Maelor Hughes, Bad Cardigans
Croft Farm Waterpark
Tewkesbury
3rd 3rd
3rd 3rd
3rd
3rd 3rd
3rd 4th
BTSG recommends: Aranka’s Cackle ,Café Rene, Gloucester 3rd May
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR MAY When?
Who?
Where?
Where?
4th
Neck
Prince Albert
Stroud
4th
Northern Soul with Rog & Bodge (3pm) Which One’s Gerry?
Golden Fleece
Stroud
The Woolpack
Stonehouse
Cheltenham Jazz Fringe: Roberta De Francia & Band, Little Mullu, Penniless Cove, Melissa James, The Initiative, Kat & Co., Fringe DJ Emi McDade
Montpellier Gardens
Cheltenham
Bells Hotel (2.00pm)
Coleford
Jazz with Short & Sweet (2.30pm) Chilled’nham Poetry Slam
Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
Emi McDade @ Cotswold Inn Open Mic Pure Love, Polary Bear
Cotswold Inn
Cheltenham
Guildhall
Gloucester
Cinderford Town Football Club
Cinderford
5th
Cinderford Music Fest feat: King Solomon Band, Nukchorris, Scott James & The Revolution, The Drawing Of The Three and more! Ducking Punches, Good Knives
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
5th
Dave Ayre & Friends (2pm)
Prince Albert
Stroud
5th
Montpellier Gardens
Cheltenham
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
6th
Cheltenham Jazz Fringe: Gloucestershire Jazz Live, The Chris Whiter Quintet, ULV, The Outlanders, Tom Gee Band, Normanton Street Murderburgers, Austeros, The Amistad Juffage
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
7th
Bob Smith
Café Rene
Gloucester
8th
The Rutles
Subscription Rooms
Stroud
8th
I Am Horse
Prince Albert
Stroud
4th 4th
4th 4th 4th 4th 4th 4th
6th
BTSG recommends: Neck at Prince Albert, Stroud 4th May
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR MAY When?
Who?
Where?
Where?
9th
Bell Inn
Cheltenham
9th
Gig with a guest – Fred Roberts Family Arthur Ebeling
Prince Albert
Stroud
9th
Andrew Ferris & The Fallen Men
Francis Close Hall
Cheltenham
9th
James Hollingsworth
White Hart Inn
Cinderford
9th
Mizizi
Frog & Fiddle
Cheltenham
9th
Young’uns
Subscription Rooms
Stroud
9th
Ska’d, Chequered Souls
United Services Club
Cheltenham
9th
Which One’s Gerry?
Royal Oak
Hucclecote
9th
Black Russian
Café Rene
Gloucester
9th
Stop Stop!
Brunswick
Gloucester
10th
Open Mic
Fairview
Cheltenham
10th
Empire, Heartless Hero, In Dynamics
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
10th
Frog & Fiddle
Cheltenham
10th
Bangers, Oui Legionnairres, I The Lion, Red Light Rebels, Hey You Guys, The Me Me Me’s! White Crosses Radio Clash (Clash tribute)
Sound Music Venue
Cheltenham
10th
Son Yambu
Subscription Rooms
Stroud
10th
Prince Albert
Stroud
Brunswick
Gloucester
10th
The Pictish Trail, Tuff Love, Monoganon Skreamer, Avenge The Heartache, We Define A Martyr, To Catch A Killer, Goodnight Harvey, Dissolute Michigan Avenue
St Paul’s Tavern
Cheltenham
10th
Good God No
King’s Hall
Dursley
10th
Solid Gone
Miners Arms
Whitecroft
10th
Which One’s Gerry?
Churchdown
11th
Which One’s Gerry? (11am)
Churchdown Community Centre Dragon Boats Race Day, Gloucester Docks
10th
Gloucester
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR MAY When?
Who?
Where?
Where?
11th
Dave Ayre & Friends (2pm)
Prince Albert
Stroud
12th
Baroque Night
Prince Albert
Stroud
14th
Paul Sharpe
Café Rene
Gloucester
14th
Bayshill
Cheltenham
15th
Drawing Of The Three, Damon T, John Madden Open Mic with Kingsley Salmon
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
15th
Open Mic
Prince Albert
Stroud
16th
Which One’s Gerry?
Hearts Of Oak
Drybrook
16th
Steelyard Blues
Café Rene
Gloucester
16th
Leon Daye
Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
16th
Johnny Haskell
White Hart Inn
Cinderford
16th
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
16th
Carcer City, Red Seas Fire, Griever, Avenge The Heartache, Rise Of Athena, We May Be Strangers Redlands Palamino Company
Prince Albert
Stroud
16th
Wizards Of Oz
Brunswick
Gloucester
16th
Gig with a guest – Tom & Ellie
Bell Inn
Cheltenham
16th
UB40 Experience
Sound Music Venue
Cheltenham
17th
Dead Shed Jokers, Heavy Flames, Hired Guns Open Mic
Brunswick
Gloucester
Fairview
Cheltenham
Frog & Fiddle
Cheltenham
17th
Imperial Leisure, Sundown, Mad Apple Circus, KSH & The Going Goods Swamp Candy
Café Rene
Gloucester
17th
Check Da Cone (TBC)
St Paul’s Tavern
Cheltenham
17th
Lauren Faith, Emi McDade, Taet
Sound Music Venue
Cheltenham
17th 17th
BTSG recommends: Open Mic at Fairview, Cheltenham 17th May – An open mic on a Saturday night – who would have thought?
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR MAY When?
Who?
Where?
Where?
17th
Mary Spender Band
Prince Albert
Stroud
18th
Harry Bird & The Rubber Wellies
Prince Albert
Stroud
20th
The Hard Ground
Prince Albert
Stroud
20th
Folk Night
White Hart
Winchcombe
21st
Slim Loris
Café Rene
Gloucester
21st
The Young Folk
Frog & Fiddle
Cheltenham
21st
Ben Waters
Vonnie’s Blues Club
21st
Bluegrass Band Night
White Hart
Charlton Kings Winchcombe
22nd
Brunswick
Gloucester
22nd
Ascaris, Dead Label, We Define A Martyr The Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Subscription Rooms
Stroud
22nd
Brooke Sharkey
Prince Albert
Stroud
23rd
Which One’s Gerry?
Brown Jug
Cheltenham
23rd
Hip Route
Café Rene
Gloucester
23rd
King Solomon Band
Willow Fayre Party
23rd
Grumpy Whiskers 2 Pigs
Cheltenham
23rd
Freefall, Borrowed Time, Heartless Hero Broken Jaw, Lightfire, Theia, Resin, Twisted Species Ukeholics
Forest Of Dean Cheltenham
Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
23rd
Sebastian Hawley
White Hart Inn
Cinderford
23rd
Brunswick
Gloucester
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
24th
Black Tamanous, Spiral Drive, Feral Sun Standing To Fall, Rich Howie, Kintsugi King Solomon Band
Hillview Music Venue
Cheltenham
24th
Eddy Allen
Prince Albert
Stroud
23rd
24th
BTSG recommends: Kintsugi at 2 Pigs, Cheltenham, 24th May
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR MAY When?
Who?
Where?
Where?
24th
Open Mic
Fairview
Cheltenham
24th
Miners Arms
Whitecroft
The Plaisterer’s Arms
Winchcombe
24th
Rachel Austin, Blackberries, Damon Thomas & Phil Philbrick, Crystal Balloon, Big Jim & American Eric, Moonlight Drive, The Beat Harlows, Toadstool, The Beat Goes On Campus City Dixieland Jazz Band (1pm) Emi McDade (12.00pm)
Whitstock Festival
Whitminster
25th
Tir Na Nog, Nicola Clark
The Stirrup Cup
Bisley
25th
Stroud & Gloucester Vinyl Connection The Fairview Convention
Prince Albert
Stroud
The Kemble Brewery Inn Dymock Cricket Club
Cheltenham
White Hart Inn
Cinderford
24th
25th 25th
Dymock
25th
Dymock Music Festival feat: The Beat, Nice ‘n’ Sleazy, Gentlemen of Few, Japer In The Company Of Others, Jeaga Open Mic (3pm)
25th
Which One’s Gerry?
Saintbridge Rugby Club
Gloucester
25th
Miners Arms
Whitecroft
25th
Club Django, Bexley Tyrell, Shadow, The Godseys, Earl, Dave Reilley, Tripwire, Dirk Spangle Five King Solomon Band
Frog & Fiddle
Cheltenham
25th
Ethemia, Bob Porter (2-4pm)
Black Books Café
Stroud
25th
Flight Of K
Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
26th
Which One’s Gerry?
Gloucester
26th
Jagged Ostrich
Podsmead Community Centre Prince Albert
26th
Jazz In The Gardens (11.30am)
Abbey Gardens
Winchcombe
Stroud
IF YOUR GIG ISN’T LISTED IT’S BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T SEND IT TO ME. YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT MONTH…
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR MAY When?
Who?
Where?
Where?
28th
Liz Green (1pm)
Rise Records
Cheltenham
28th
Live @ Glos Acoustic Showcase
Café Rene
Gloucester
29th
Johnny Barlow
Seventeen Black
Cirencester
29th
Rodney Branigan, Tim Snider
Prince Albert
Stroud
29th
Open Mic with Kingsley Salmon
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
30th
Which One’s Gerry?
Brockworth
30th
Hellfire Orchestra
Brockworth British Legion Café Rene
30th
Electric River
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
30th
Klaxons
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
30th
Open Mic
Miners Arms
Whitecroft
30th
Brunswick
Gloucester
30th
Enraged (Rage Against The Machine Tribute) Mark Venus and Friends
White Hart Inn
Cinderford
31st
Open Mic
Fairview
Cheltenham
31st
Scene Of My Demise
Grumpy Whiskers
Cheltenham
31st
Paul Carpenter (Sinatra The Voice)
Belfrey Hotel
Littledean
31st
Which One’s Gerry?
Gloucester Old Spot
Cheltenham
31st
Sound Music Venue
Cheltenham
31st
James Carr & The Comrades, Indigo Kings Kieran Goss
Subscription Rooms
Stroud
31st
TBC
Globe
Stonehouse
31st
Cocos Lovers
Prince Albert
Stroud
Gloucester
IF YOUR GIG ISN’T LISTED IT’S BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T SEND IT TO ME. YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT MONTH… Send me your June gigs by Thursday 29 th May for inclusion in June’s gig guide! behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk
OXYGEN THIEF – Grumpy Whiskers, Cheltenham 16.04.14 You know that old music hall song ‘Daisy Bell’ that talks about a ‘bicycle made for two?’ Well, it’s safe to say that at Grumpy Whiskers, Cheltenham’s new late night café, the stage is made for one – it’s that small. And tonight, the one it’s made for is Oxygen Thief, also know as Barry from Bristol. But we’ll call him Oxygen Thief – that sounds much more enigmatic. Going to a gig in a café is good. You can get a cup of tea all the way up to 11 o’clock and the place is generally filled with quiettypes who are having quiet conversations or typing quietly on their laptops. There are a few fellas who are far more intoxicated than is normal for a Wednesday night (could I sound any more middle class?) but they are harmless and occasionally try to dance for a bit before wandering outside to have a fag and prop themselves up on the railing. This kind of thing never happened in the Central Perk café in Friends.
Barry…sorry, Mr Thief, starts his set and during a the really quiet bit in opening song ‘Modesty Is Dead,’ you can hear the waitress asking a table, “Do you want some forks with your chips?” Don’t you hate it when that happens? Tonight Oxygen Thief is relaxed and conversational – he’s honed his stage craft through endless bouts of touring. He explains each song before he blasts our ears off with them through the PA system which has clearly been turned up to 11. There’s the one about Robot Wars, the one about his old Maths teacher, the one about Aberystwyth…and his new EP played in full (in order). Musically, it’s Reuben gone acoustic. Fast, aggressive and disjointed. We leave and collect the car from a new car park we’ve discovered. I’m not telling you where it is – it’s a secret. We deliberately take a detour past the new Banksy artwork and admire it as we circle around the roundabout. We were on holiday when it was done and are glad that it’s not been vandalised or sold for profit…yet. (Depending on when you read this).
http://oxygenthief.bandcamp.com/
LITTLE MONKEY RECORDING STUDIOS Little Monkey studios is based within Lansdown Studios (a well established rehearsal complex) in Cheltenham. If you are looking to record your music in a creative and non-sterile environment, then producer/engineer Dave Saunders could well be your man. "I work in other studios, but this is my baby! My basic mission is usually just to make the most rock-and-roll-sounding recordings that I can, in the limited time I have with musicians. It's art, not science, in my view. Basic impressions are what count to me: it isn't a megabucks operation (it's 90 percent what you do with it that counts), but here you'll find a producer/engineer who cares about sonic impact."
Dave uses an analogue/digital hybrid setup - an old, large-format desk, and some outboard preamps and suchlike. Although he uses computers as a storage medium and to often do programming, he mainly uses them like a tape machine, focussing on traditional, organic methods of production, rather than
'digital perfection'.
"The digital revolution and the move to non-physical formats has changed the industry, reduced the flow of funds, and democratised recording to the point where it's massively a buyer’s market, so all I'm selling is a sound: that's a pretty abstract and difficult thing to sell, but I hope my work is distinctive enough to warrant interest. Rock and roll music needs a certain amount of dirt and sex in the dynamics and tones; that's what I go for, depending on the client, obviously. A lot of artists are in control of their own recordings now, and doing it well. But not everybody is the best custodian of their own music: sometimes people need another pair of ears. Mine are pretty good." Mine are pretty bad. I blame that King Prawn gig at the Guildhall fifteen years ago when I stood in front of the speakers all night. I spent the next day in history class with my ears rattling whilst trying to take make notes on the finer details of the Schlieffen Plan. What does Little Monkey Studios pride themselves on? "Drum sounds. A greatsounding live room. Ambience. Drum sounds. And a really nice carpet. It's a quirky place with a strongly bohemian identity, though that is of course a doubleedged sword."
Gloucestershire has a whole load of bands who want to make a recording and get the best sound for them. What can both experienced and fairly inexperienced bands get from recording at the studio?
"Experienced bands and artists can expect a professional and up-front sound; but, they'll produce a great sound from the off, so my work is just to flatter that as much as I can in accordance with my brief. A new band can expect the same, but we have to push a little harder for longer! I always encourage a solid live performance at the heart of everything, as opposed to tracking drums, bass, etc., in stages. We then go to overdubs as icing on the cake." Dave sees himself as a hands-on producer, not a heavily technical engineer as his background is partly in academia, writing, and pop-culture analysis.
"The performers have to come up with most of the goods. A band that can't play will still be just that. Edits are for saving a vibey take, not for copying your heroes. I think that's an unhealthy attitude and leading to a blandified, emulated 'radio rock' homogenisation whereby every band sounds like every other over-produced band. It's getting fatiguing. Find your own identity. My role is in part to help in that process, and push as hard as I can without people walking out. The basic audio-quality bar has risen in the last 20 years, even rough demos now sound great compared to the old cassette 4-track days. Recordings really have to have something special to stand out. The misconception is that people who are expert software operators are the key; it helps, but it isn't always enough." Finally, which local bands have been doing just this at the studios? "The Feddens. I just wish they would play and record some more - I don't care where they go, I just want to hear it!"
littlemonkeystudios@hotmail.com http://www.littlemonkeystudio.co.uk THE DEAD SHED JOKERS arrive at The Brunswick in Gloucester on Saturday May 17th as part of their UK tour. Entry is FREE! To stream their album ‘Peyote Smile,’ just visit their Bandcamp page. Play it, learn the words, sing along and make them feel welcome. http://deadshedjokers.bandcamp.com/ album/peyote-smile Headliners on the night are Gloucester’s HIRED GUNS. https://www.facebook.com/hiredgunsband
The Mystery Train Radio show on Severn FM Every Sunday from 10.00pm-12.00am, THE MYSTERY TRAIN RADIO SHOW plays host to the best local and national songwriters, old and new. If you miss the show then you can catch up by visiting Severn FM’s ‘Listen Again’ facility. http://www.severnfm.com/ http://www.themysterytrainradioshow.com
GLOUCESTERSHIRE ACTS PLAYED ON THE MYSTERY TRAIN RADIO SHOW IN APRIL… 6th April 2014 Emily Barker & The Red Clay http://www.emily-barker.com/
Halo,
Ghost
Narrative
(Dear
River)
Edd Donovan And The Wandering Moles, Woke Up This Morning (Something To Take The Edge Off ) http://www.edddonovan.co.uk/ Hattie Briggs, Pull Me http://www.hattiebriggs.co.uk/
Down
(Pull
Me
Down
Single)
13th April 2014 Edd Donovan And The Wandering Moles, The Social Worker (Something To Take The Edge Off) http://www.edddonovan.co.uk/ Dan Hartland, Maryland (Young Man's Game) http://www.danhartland.com/ 20th April 2014 Edd Donovan & The Wondering Moles, We Are The Wandering Moles (Something To Take The Edge Off) http://www.edddonovan.co.uk/ Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo , Tougher Than The Rest (Songs Beneath The River) http://www.emily-barker.com/ 27th April 2014 Seamilk, Undertow (Exclusive track) No website yet Dan Hartland, Young Man's Game (Young Man's Game) http://www.danhartland.com/ Men Diamler, May (Bring On The Empty Horses) https://www.facebook.com/RichardAbberlineMusic
CINDERFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014 Cinderford Music Festival is now in it's 6th year and is again held at Cinderford Town Football Club on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th May. Music starts at 12 noon both days and entry is FREE. Pop along and listen to some amazing local talent. And whilst you are at it, take a football and pretend you are Cinderford Football Club superstars George Lloyd and Greg Lewis (ok, so I had to Google them) by dribbling on the hallowed turf of The Causeway Ground. James Stevens, festival organiser, has secured the services of an incredible 58 bands, solo artists and duos who will perform over the two days. “All the bands play for free and the majority come from Gloucestershire. We tried having bigger names in 2012 and it didn’t seem to make a difference to the audience, if anything 2013 was better because all 50 bands that played were local. Gloucestershire has a thriving music scene.” The Saturday night headliner is Andrew Ferris and The Fallen Men, who has flown all the way from Austria (although he grew up locally in Bream). Andrew says: "I'm very excited about bringing my music back to the Forest of Dean and I can't think of a more fitting event than the Cinderford Music Festival" For more information, visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/557634987641258 In an unusual step, bands have been listed in alphabetical order. Navigate your way through them below! 182 (Sat 6.30pm) AMATEUR DRIVE BY (Sat 1.25pm) ANDREW FERRIS (Sat 10.30pm) ANDY BERRY (Sun 2.30pm) BOB SMITH (Sat 2.30pm) CALLUM OLIAS (Sun 4.20pm) CLINT MANN (Sat 12.30pm) DEVON CASSELLS (Sat 1.30pm) DRAWING OF THE THREE (Sun 8.40pm) ERIC UNSEEN (Sat 7.55pm) FREEFALL (Sat 1.05pm) GHOST OF A DOG (Sat 4.30pm) GORDON WOOD BAND (Sat 7.30pm) HARPER'S FERRY (Sun 1.25pm) HELLBOUND (Sun 12pm) INNOVENCE (Sun 2.30pm) JANE THOMASON (Sat 3.30pm) JAYL & THE BAND OF LIFE (Sun 7.35pm)
KING SOLOMON BAND (Sun 4.40pm) LES COVENEY (Sun 12.30pm) MAHARAJA BLUES (Sat 9.30pm) MARK VENUS & FRIENDS (Sun 5.30pm) MEDIK (Sat 5.25pm) MY NAME IS EARL (Sat 5.45pm) NUKCHORRIS (Sun 2.10pm) O.C.D (Sun 5.45pm) PAINT THE SILENCE (Sat 5.30pm) PLATFORM 1 (Sat 12.20pm) RACHEL AUSTIN (Sat 8.30pm) RED SHOES (Sat 3.35pm) REVENANT (Sun 5.25pm) RODNEY BRANIGAN (Sun 6.30pm) SCOTT JAMES & THE REVOLUTION (Sun 7.55pm) SOCIETY (Sat 12pm)
There’s more! STUNTED GROWTH (Sun 1.05pm) TAFFY WAS A THIEF (Sat 4.40pm) TELLING TALES (Sun 4.30pm) TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD (Sun 8.30pm) THE ANTIDOTE (Sun 6.30pm) THE ANTI-PODES (Sun 7.30pm) THE BEAT GOES ON (Sun 10.30pm) THE BOOGALOOS (Sat 6.50pm) THE KILLER ACES (Sun 3.35pm) THE OLD WASHOE (Sat 2.30pm)
THE STAND (Sun 3.30pm) THOUSAND FINGERS (Sat 7.35pm) TOADSTOOL (Sun 9pm) TOP CAT & THE LOW DOWN DOGS (Sun 12.20pm) TRIPWIRE (Sat 9pm) UKE HUNTERS (Sun 1.30pm) ULTIMATE FLOYD (Sun 6.50pm) VEVOLUTION (Sat 8.40pm) WILD WELSH WOMEN (Sat 6.30pm) ZOLTAR SPEAKS (Sat 4.20pm)
DAN HARTLAND – YOUNG MAN’S GAME Album Review Close your eyes whilst listening to Dan Hartland’s debut album ‘Young Man’s Game’ and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you are listening to some slick Americana artist on Radio KKBM whilst driving through the barren heartlands (get it?) of Nebraska (and I’ve driven through Nebraska - there is literally nothing there to shout about despite Bruce Springsteen making a name for it). Vocally, Dan Hartland is strong – very strong, similar to Ryan Adams. I keep thinking, ‘Is that voice really from Birmingham?’ Apparently so (although he now resides in Cheltenham). ‘The Heisenberg Principle’ is a bluesy example of this album’s multiinstrumentalism whilst ‘Tie & Shoe’ and title track ‘Young Man’s Game’ are little nuggets of fingerpicked folk. With harmonica, cello and accordion liberally scattered across the album, alongside Hartland’s effortless vocal performance, there’s enough in these 11 tracks to satisfy anyone with a slight leaning towards roots music.
www.danhartland.com
OLD GIG PHOTOS STAMPIN’ GROUND @ Gloucester Guildhall, 22nd July 2000
In 2000 Stampin’ Ground were at the forefront of the UKHC movement (United Kingdom Hardcore). That year they released the album ‘Carved From Empty Words’ which was big on riffs, big on beatdowns and featured some of the best and fastest drumming you’re likely to hear on any record…ever.
Although based mostly in Gloucestershire, Stampin’ Ground never seemed to play around locally all that much. In fact, other UKHC bands at the time from the area such as Underule, Medulla Nocte and Primate never regularly played the local venues either and had a far more considerable following elsewhere (such as in London and mainland Europe). But I did manage to catch Stampin’ Ground at the Guildhall a couple of times in 2000 when they were at their peak (in my opinion). These photos are from a gig in July and nicely sum up the intensity of the band’s performance. They were essentially five blokes making an unholy racket (without a pair of skinny jeans in sight). And although my ears have been softened far too much to listen to a Stampin’ Ground CD nowadays, I’ve still got the bruises to show that I was there.
GIG PREVIEWS YOUNG ‘UNS at The Subscription Rooms, Stroud Friday 9th May The Young'uns describe their gigs as ‘absolute chaos’. The Sex Pistols in 1977 they aren’t, but the band go on stage with no set-list, relying on instinct and their rapport with audiences to deliver their show.
Tickets cost £10 (£8 concessions) from Stroud Tourist Information Centre 01453 760900 Online www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, Glos. GL5 1AE
Their fast-growing reputation in the folk world is based on acappella harmonies, irrepressible humour and gripping storylines born in the NorthEast of England. If this is what the folk world call 'absolute chaos', then grab me a chair, a tin whistle and a cup of tea because I'm in. www.theyounguns.co.uk
LONGSTONE at The Bristol Fringe Café Bar, Bristol Wednesday 21st May Cheltenham electronica outfit LONGSTONE play in Bristol on Wednesday May 21st. Based around Mike Cross and Mike Ward (who, since forming the band in 1996, have never had a cross-ward – ahem), the band are backed live by Chris Cundy, Kev Fox and Stuart Wilding. Therefore, you can expect plenty of experimental sounds and live percussion. Robin Foster (synth based improvisation) will open the show, Longstone will play in the middle and DSC (an 8 piece playing improvised electronic music) headline. The Fringe Café Bar is located at: 32 Princess Victoria Street, Bs8 4BZ Bristol, United Kingdom More information on Longstone is available here: http://www.wavetable.co.uk/ http://www.longstoned.com/
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE ISSUE #7 MAY 2014
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