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FESTIVAL NEWS: Becky Langan plays Rochdale Feel Good Festival

By
Frank
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0

Bringing an all new definition to ‘plucky young artist’, let us introduce you to the sensational guitar talents of… Becky Langan.

Born in Manchester, Becky Langan is a percussive fingerstyle guitarist who employs a combination of extended techniques that explore the outermost reaches of the acoustic guitar.

With over 13 years playing experience, Becky unleashes her creativity by performing incredibly complex instrumental acoustic guitar compositions at concerts around the UK. Having attended numerous master classes from her main inspirations, Becky employs the use of unique alternative tunings, two-handed tapping, percussive tempos and natural harmonic melodies drawn from her inspirations Andy McKee, Jon Gomm, Maneli Jamal and Thomas Leeb.

To this day, Becky has approximately 5000 online YouTube subscribers, and her channel has rapidly grown an appreciative audience from all over the world.

Becky is currently a semi-finalist in Guitar Star 2016 (Series 2) which is aired on Sky Arts. Throughout this competition, she has received mentor sessions from many iconic musicians, including; Tony Iommi, George Benson and Wilko Johnson”.

So good we’ve booked her twice… Becky will perform two sets on the Main Stage across the Festival weekend at the following times:

Friday 19th August @ 12.15pm & Saturday 20th August @ 11.30am

LIVE REVIEW: Soul Jazz Orchestra, Band on the Wall Manchester, 19th July

By
Brigid Callaghan
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Soul jazz Orchestra - Photo from Facebook

When the preview warned: ‘prepare to sweat’ little did we know just how much we would, watching the Soul Jazz Orchestra on one of the hottest evenings of the year. Hailing from Canada though, the band are used to hotter climes than we are and certainly retained their cool throughout their sets despite the heat. They played a very early 7-8pm slot, so I only saw the second set, but what a treat I was in for, playing in one of Manchester’s finest venues – Band on the Wall.

SJO were a friendly bunch who had great rapport and banter with the gathered sweaty, but still very up for it, crowd. The band, as my friend described, were a scaled back quintet rather than full orchestra….. not sure why. This meant the pianist played the bass parts on keyboard. The band entertained us, playing a variety of splendid brass instruments and an array of unusual looking percussion instruments. SJO took us on a tour of Africa with tunes that were Ethopian, Kenyan, Sudanese and Congolese in construction.. which honestly I didn’t have a clue about, but my friend, Bob, is an aficionado on these matters. SJO revelled in audience participation, inviting us to try our our Swahili with the tune ‘ Ware WA’ and asking us to repeat various shout outs on other tunes. ‘Mista President’ was a seriously funky one and the dance floor rocked. ‘People, People’ seemed to be about the power of people and was in line with the fact that many of SJOs songs are concerned with social and political commentary as well as messages of hope. SJO were a highly energetic brass dominated collective who had the crowd dancing enthusiastically from beginning to end with their funky beats. Definitely a collective I’d seek out again- hopefully on a cooler night.

GIG & ALBUM NEWS: Natalie McCool – New album and UK tour

By
Frank
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0

 

McCool’s breed of slick alternative pop has won acclaim from tastemakers including The Sunday Times, Wonderland, Q, Clash, Line of Best Fit and the 405, as well as Huw Stephens and Alice Levine, while BBC Introducing described the edgy artist as “one of the finest emerging songwriters around”.

The singer-songwriter’s brilliant debut was built on a foundation of deliciously dark, gloomy indie-pop, but ‘The Great Unknown’ is an awakening – emerging from the shadows and rising victoriously with a number of prickly pop tunes like Huw Stephens favourite ‘Pins’ and rousing epic numbers like ‘Fortress’ sandwiching subtly emotive songs such as Radio One playlisted ‘Cardiac Arrest’.

Tour:

13 Sep – Gallimaufry, Bristol
13 Sep – The Moon Club, Cardiff
15 Sep – Bodega Social Club, Nottingham
17 Sep – The Rocking Chair, Sheffield
18 Sep – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
19 Sep – Think Tank, Newcastle
21 Sep – Electric Circus, Edinburgh
22 Sep – The Hug and Pint, Glasgow
23 Sep – Fallow Cafe, Manchester
24 Sep – Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
26 Sep – Portland Arms, Cambridge
27 Sep – The Cookie, Leicester
29 Sep – Green Store Door, Brighton
1 Oct – Buyers Club, Liverpool

FESTIVAL NEWS: York’s Little Festival of Live Music – Little Festival with Big Appeal

By
Frank
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King Courgette
King Courgette

This year’s festival has had just under 800 acts apply to perform, and is currently in the running for Yorkshire’s Outstanding Festival Award at the Yorkshire Gig Guide in October.

Ellen Cole, who runs the festival, says: “I am chuffed to bits with how much the festival has grown and I am really grateful to the York Food and Drink Festival team, who gave me the opportunity to set up York’s Little Festival of Live Music. The aim of the festival is to offer musicians the opportunity to showcase their work in front of a live audience who may or may not have experienced live music before. We have audience members who come to our festival year after year who have been inspired to attend more live music shows because of our festival. My first music gig experience was in 2012 where I was ‘dragged’ by a couple of friends of mine to see a band performing at the Black Swan Inn, that night changed my attitude towards live music and I have been hooked on it ever since.”

Gracie Falls
Gracie Falls

This year’s line-up sees bands and musicians from all over the country take to the stage including: Leeds College of Music student Ingrid Schwarts, Newcastle acoustic-folk performer Savannah Betts, Manchester’s own Dave Gorman, West Yorkshire’s orchestral folk-pop band Dear Friends, Yorkshire Coast sensation Gracie Falls and five-piece folk extravaganza Ramble Gamble from North Lincolnshire. Other acts who will be performing include acoustic-folk musician David Ward Maclean, Dan Webster, Duncan Macfarlane Band, popular York group The Blueprints, Americana folk combo King Courgette, country duo Mulholland, Leather’o, eight-piece theatrical band Vesper Walk, Everlate, These & the Other Guy, Flora Greysteel, The Bronze, Kitty VR, Jess Gardham, Laura Kindelan, Ava Rose and Charlie Daykin from Barcode Zebra, The YORKshire Puddingz, Kymberley Kennedy, York renowned performer Boss Caine and the veterans of the festival the Surf Sluts who are returning yet again due to popular demand.

Dan Webster
Dan Webster
www.andrewvincentphotography.com
Dave Gorman – www.andrewvincentphotography.com
dear friends
Dear Friends
Ingrid Schwartz
Ingrid Schwartz
the bronze
The Bronze
Ramble Gamble
Ramble Gamble
surf sluts
surf sluts
the blueprints
The Blueprints

Each year, the festival aims to raise money for a local cause and this year the festival will be once again working with York Mind. Ellen says: “We worked with York Mind last year and the money that was raised for them really helped contribute to supporting local people with mental ill-health. We are keen to work with them again this year to help them continue doing their great work in the York community”.

The festival will take place in the Music Marquee on Parliament Street from Friday 23 September – Saturday 1 October and admission into the event is free. The music starts each day at 5pm and will end approximately at 9pm. For more information on the festival visit: www.facebook.com/YorksLittleFestivalOfLiveMusic follow: @Live_Music_Fest on Twitter or email the team at yorkslivemusicfestival@gmail.com.

LIVE REVIEW: A Sizzling Summer Concert, Central Methodist Church, Todmorden 16th July

By
Diana Forrest
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0

This event was to raise money for playgrounds and creative activities for children in Uganda. Children there have to work hard at home as well as at school and need a chance to play.
It featured the Three Valleys Gospel Choir, the no-audition choir that does not sound like a no-audition choir, as well as smaller groups Corista and Sailah.

Corista’s songs were often less familiar ones, some with a nature theme. There was also a vibrant performance of a new song, ‘Maker’s Mark’, celebrating a worker’s victory over the bosses.

Sailah’s songs were more traditional, including a beautiful performance of a favourite song of this reviewer’s, ‘The Parting Glass’.

The Three Valleys Gospel Choir concentrated on gospel, including old favourites like ‘Oh, Happy Day’, ‘Down in the river to pray’, and ‘Amazing Grace’, performed with artistry and feeling. There were also powerful renderings of more modern songs like ‘Love’s in need of love today’ and ‘Stop in the Name of Love”. The concert concluded with a song of blessing: ‘May you see diamonds’.

ALBUM NEWS: King Harvest & The Weight release debut album ‘Maps’ in-store and online

By
Frank
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0

06.KH&TWAlbumCoverHi-ResGreeted with universal praise from publications and peers throughout the industry, the album’s 14-tracks have been hailed for their infectious blend of pop sensibility, garage-rock intent and AOR sophistication – bolstered by a recent whistle-stop tour of the UK and Ireland.

Described as “the greatest lost mixtape – a dashboard discovery for a hot summer’s day”, Maps comes hot on the heels of frenetic lead single Unstuck, and the introspective follow-up Bloodsport, which – alongside a video from up-and-coming filmmaker Jordan Greenwood – explores the effects of depression on relationships.

Opening with ‘Howl’ – a spoken-word intro from Stooges/Minutemen bassist Mike Watt – Maps features contributions from a diverse host of musical luminaries, including Peter Gabriel vocalist Rosie Doonan, and Ren Harvieu keys-man Andy Bruce. Frontman, bassist and main songsmith Ben Adey is joined by Justin Edley (drums) and Olly Smith (guitar/vocals) to complete the band’s core lineup.

KH19
Ben Adey Credit: Frank Roper Photography
KH38
Justin Edley Credit: Frank Roper Photography
KH20
Olly Smith Credit: Frank Roper Photography

King Harvest & The Weight will next perform in Howth, Dublin on Sunday August 21st for the birthday celebrations of late Thin Lizzy legend Phil Lynott, at the personal request of his mother, Philomena. A third single release and video for When it Stops will accompany the album launch.

Track listing:

1. Howl (read by Mike Watt)
2. When it Stops
3. Dream
4. This Town
5. Roads
6. Morning Light
7. Unstuck
8. Diana
9. Bloodsport
10. Hurricanes
11. The Night
12. New York is Dangerous
13. While I’m High
14. Constant Reminder

Praise for Maps

“… musicians playing as a band… feeding off one another to provide those qualities which distinguish music which rises to the top of the bottle, emotion and passion. Loud and intense… KH&TW look like they have the potential to be worthy of the ‘ones to watch’ label.” Louder Than War

“… a slice of rockin’ harmony … like The Posies and Steely Dan and all sorts of other people who worship at the glistening shrine of grace and melody…” Classic Rock

“In today’s saturated music landscape, this trio are a breath of fresh air… ambition and serious creative endeavor.” Big Issue

“… racing riffs and youthful energy…” Gigslutz

“… livewire guitars, catchy pop hooks and a little bit of experimentation here and there to keep things varied.” Pure Rawk

“… mighty fine 70s style rock.” Scottish Express

“… a band making rapid strides… Retro, certainly, but rousing nonetheless.” Belfast Telegraph

“Grown up music for people who refuse to grow up.” Boo Hewerdine

“Killer tunes.” Danny Dolan (The Virginmarys)

Details:
Artist: King Harvest & The Weight
Title: Maps
Release date: 22nd July 2016
Label: Harbour Song (www.harboursong.co.uk)
Formats: CD / DL
Cat Number: HSR 016

www.kingharvestandtheweight.co.uk
www.facebook.com/kingharvestandtheweight
https://twitter.com/KHATWMusic

ALBUM NEWS: King Harvest & The Weight release debut album ‘Maps’ in-store and online

By
Frank
-
0

06.KH&TWAlbumCoverHi-ResGreeted with universal praise from publications and peers throughout the industry, the album’s 14-tracks have been hailed for their infectious blend of pop sensibility, garage-rock intent and AOR sophistication – bolstered by a recent whistle-stop tour of the UK and Ireland.

Described as “the greatest lost mixtape – a dashboard discovery for a hot summer’s day”, Maps comes hot on the heels of frenetic lead single Unstuck, and the introspective follow-up Bloodsport, which – alongside a video from up-and-coming filmmaker Jordan Greenwood – explores the effects of depression on relationships.

Opening with ‘Howl’ – a spoken-word intro from Stooges/Minutemen bassist Mike Watt – Maps features contributions from a diverse host of musical luminaries, including Peter Gabriel vocalist Rosie Doonan, and Ren Harvieu keys-man Andy Bruce. Frontman, bassist and main songsmith Ben Adey is joined by Justin Edley (drums) and Olly Smith (guitar/vocals) to complete the band’s core lineup.

KH19
Ben Adey Credit: Frank Roper Photography
KH38
Justin Edley Credit: Frank Roper Photography
KH20
Olly Smith Credit: Frank Roper Photography

King Harvest & The Weight will next perform in Howth, Dublin on Sunday August 21st for the birthday celebrations of late Thin Lizzy legend Phil Lynott, at the personal request of his mother, Philomena. A third single release and video for When it Stops will accompany the album launch.

Track listing:

1. Howl (read by Mike Watt)
2. When it Stops
3. Dream
4. This Town
5. Roads
6. Morning Light
7. Unstuck
8. Diana
9. Bloodsport
10. Hurricanes
11. The Night
12. New York is Dangerous
13. While I’m High
14. Constant Reminder

Praise for Maps

“… musicians playing as a band… feeding off one another to provide those qualities which distinguish music which rises to the top of the bottle, emotion and passion. Loud and intense… KH&TW look like they have the potential to be worthy of the ‘ones to watch’ label.” Louder Than War

“… a slice of rockin’ harmony … like The Posies and Steely Dan and all sorts of other people who worship at the glistening shrine of grace and melody…” Classic Rock

“In today’s saturated music landscape, this trio are a breath of fresh air… ambition and serious creative endeavor.” Big Issue

“… racing riffs and youthful energy…” Gigslutz

“… livewire guitars, catchy pop hooks and a little bit of experimentation here and there to keep things varied.” Pure Rawk

“… mighty fine 70s style rock.” Scottish Express

“… a band making rapid strides… Retro, certainly, but rousing nonetheless.” Belfast Telegraph

“Grown up music for people who refuse to grow up.” Boo Hewerdine

“Killer tunes.” Danny Dolan (The Virginmarys)

Details:
Artist: King Harvest & The Weight
Title: Maps
Release date: 22nd July 2016
Label: Harbour Song (www.harboursong.co.uk)
Formats: CD / DL
Cat Number: HSR 016

www.kingharvestandtheweight.co.uk
www.facebook.com/kingharvestandtheweight
https://twitter.com/KHATWMusic

NEWS: TRASH release ‘Give Up’ as free download

By
Frank
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0

To celebrate their summer festival appearances, TRASH have decided to give away ‘Give Up’, a bright indie pop track & recent live staple. The track is available as a free download to anyone who signs up to the TRASH mailing list at https://www.musicglue.com/trash

Everyone signed up to the mailing list will receive the track on August 12th, one week ahead of the official release.

‘Give Up’ fuses euphoric guitar and gushing lyrics straight from the playbook of adolescent love. However, there’s an underlying maturity top the theme & content, with a realisation of love and where it lies. Often jangly and sharp, yet dotted with waves of lo-fi brilliance, the band yet again display their knack for a darker depth underlying a bright indie-pop tune.

Following rave reviews for their ‘Urban Glow’ EP as well as their sets at Y Not Festival & Tramlines in 2015, TRASH toured in March with several of the dates selling out well in advance. The band have appeared at Live At Leeds, Truck Festival, 2Q Festival so far this year with Y Not and Tramlines still to come. They have received coverage from The Line Of Best Fit, Radio 1, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio & have recently featured on the latest series of Made In Chelsea.

‘Give Up’ was recorded by Alex Greaves (Forever Cult).

LIVE DATES
23rd July – ???, Tramlines, Sheffield [Secret Show]
24th July – The Harley, Tramlines, Sheffield
29th July – Main Stage, Y Not Festival
20th August – The Water Rats, London
22nd September – The Venue, Derby w/ INHEAVEN
8th October – Twisterella Festival, Middlesbrough
15th October – ‘Indie Banquet’, Duke Street Studios, Leeds
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: https://www.musicglue.com/trash/tickets/

SINGLE REVIEW: John Reed – ‘Dry The Life’

By
Frank
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0

This is a song about a big and important subject. The risk with songs about big and important subjects is that they can sound preachy, John’s song isn’t.

https://youtu.be/QG10EHBG24E

If you’ve heard any of John’s album ‘Moorscape’ (read our review of the album here) prepare yourself for something quite quite different. This is no folk-punk protest song.

Lyrically this is a beautiful subtle song that addresses this issue in what is very much a human centred way. So while the subject of the song may be political, the way it’s approached really helps you understand the issue from the point of view of somebody experiencing the problems caused by water shortage.

The music – which features an African instrument called an N’Goni (this is featured in the video) – follows through in the subtle vibe set by the words. It’s beautifully simple.

The combination of the lyrics and music results in a song which I personally found to be very moving.

The single can be purchased from Bandcamp

The Souljazz Orchestra + DJ SNO play Band on the Wall Manchester on Tuesday 19th July

By
LSF Staff Writers
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0

The Souljazz Orchestra describe themselves as an explosive clash of Soul, Jazz, Afro, Latin and Caribbean styles, unleashed by blaring majestic horns, dusty vintage keyboards, and an arsenal of earthquaking percussion. For the past 14 years this Ottawa based outfit have been touring the world, including a recent show in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, their first in Africa.

0005509664_10Drawing on the Anglo and francophone West African Jazz infused dance music of the 1960’s and 70’s, mixing in the spiritual roots sounds of American masters, Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders and Gary Bartz, this dynamic band effortlessly blends Latin and French Caribbean rhythms to create a contemporary, progressive, but essentially analogue vibe which reaches the brain, the soul and the feet. And they’re playing for us lucky lot next Tuesday night – July 19th at Band On The Wall

Be prepared to sweat.

Tickets: http://bandonthewall.org/events/5107/

Preview by: Rob Birley

souljazz_online 2

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