tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19190916304423759372024-03-05T10:56:58.030+00:00You've Been GiggedYou've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-61807433609512957582010-11-16T21:05:00.001+00:002010-11-16T21:05:31.941+00:0028 October 2010 - Elton John, Roundhouse<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14191880@N05/5175253225/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5175253225_6cb74583b7.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14191880@N05/5175253225/">Elton John</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/14191880@N05/">mlamx2</a>.</span></div><p>xxx</p>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-23187765915691483472010-10-15T21:05:00.000+01:002010-10-15T21:05:55.217+01:0022 September 2010 - Bright Light Bright Light, The Lexington<object height="298" width="512"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EyOVveftiqw?fs=1&hl=en_GB&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EyOVveftiqw?fs=1&hl=en_GB&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="512" height="298"></embed></object><br />
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Ellie Goulding fans are in for a real treat when they pitch up to her autumn tour gigs. Absolutely do not miss the first opener, Bright Light Bright Light - totally amazing!<br />
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At The Lexington once more, this time to celebrate the release of his first single 'Love Part II' on the Pop Justice/Virgin label. No expense spared for this special evening - with a full cast of backing singers, guy dancers, James Yuill on keys and heaps of glam and glitz, Bright Light Bright Light dazzled the sold-out gig with a set of fabulous gotta-dance to tunes. This guy has talent oozing from every pore and is a dab hand at lyrics that set you thinking a bit (no cliches here). Have a listen to 'These Things' above - every word about dead-beat partners is spot on. Our man Rod next heads out a nationwide tour with Ellie Goulding (see <a href="http://www.brightlightx2.com/">http://www.brightlightx2.com/</a>). You lucky people.You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-36138181701581634302010-09-22T17:50:00.001+01:002010-09-22T17:50:22.158+01:0021/22 August 2010 - Alison Goldfrapp, V Festival<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14191880@N05/4927865946/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4927865946_7599ae3aba.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14191880@N05/4927865946/">Alison Goldfrapp</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/14191880@N05/">mlamx2</a>.</span></div><p>xxxxx</p>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-26058381208659933892010-09-22T17:48:00.001+01:002010-09-22T17:48:28.374+01:0027 June 2010 - Paul McCartney, Hard Rock Calling, London<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14191880@N05/4746575335/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4746575335_7c10c80386.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14191880@N05/4746575335/">13a</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/14191880@N05/">mlamx2</a>.</span></div><p>xxxxx</p>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-61047261882302140662010-09-22T17:45:00.002+01:002010-09-22T18:42:09.420+01:0016 June 2010 - Teddy Thompson, Meltdown Festival, RFH<div style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14191880@N05/4736345766/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4736345766_3114590833.jpg" style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid; border-left: #000000 2px solid; border-right: #000000 2px solid; border-top: #000000 2px solid;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14191880@N05/4736345766/">Teddy Thompson</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/14191880@N05/">mlamx2</a>.</span></div><br />
I'm guessing TT would prefer an informal venue, but when his very close relative (Dad Richard) offered him a Meltdown Festival slot at the RFH he couldn't really turn it down. Teddy's compositions are very country-and-western-meets-rockabilly and this showcase for his next album shows him reverting to 1960s territory. Cue string section, supported as always by The Grey Race. Set list: new - The One I Can't Have; Delilah; Only For A Second; Take Care of Yourself; Take Me Back Again; Over and Over; Looking For A Girl; The Next One; Home; Tell Me What You Want; Gotta Have Someone: old - Can't Sing Straight; What Will I Do (Jenni Muldar?); Babyshambles (with Linda and Kami); Down Low (Kami); Don't Know; One Of These Days; What's This: In My Arms.<br />
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We're now told the album 'Bella' won't be released until February 2011 - so I guess I'll have to be patient. My favourite was 'Home' but there are plenty of videos on Youtube to choose from. If he ever runs out of inspiration, though, a covers album would be very welcome - all those gems he has sung recently, such as Persuasion, Genesis Hall, Saratoga Summer Song, the Nick Drakes, Neil Youngs etc - heck, why not?You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-73567718572911057482010-06-14T22:04:00.002+01:002010-06-15T21:30:24.804+01:0012 June 2010 - A Celebration of Kate McGarrigle, Royal Festival Hall<div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Rb0gNbLXc4-NLNRUif6woM5rpkLR4NJsC26CMpJLP3hDXpRQ9rwwaNa8O_z2IXaDaa_27EmRldWvWi81ZBgkUX4mTpQW38NRqg1Kv9Jrzv585s0cyNbyfvITw6kpSUQym0gEHc5sR5I/s1600/P1000351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Rb0gNbLXc4-NLNRUif6woM5rpkLR4NJsC26CMpJLP3hDXpRQ9rwwaNa8O_z2IXaDaa_27EmRldWvWi81ZBgkUX4mTpQW38NRqg1Kv9Jrzv585s0cyNbyfvITw6kpSUQym0gEHc5sR5I/s400/P1000351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">McGarrigle/Wainwright/Thompson gang and friends</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Good start to the day when I bumped into 'Bright Light Bright Light' in Covent Garden on my way to the Festival Hall - yay for village London!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Opening Richard Thompson's Meltdown Festival at the Royal Festival Hall, this was definitely a very special and moving occasion - fan-folk had come to see their favourites and of course to remember Kate McGarrigle, who died of cancer in January. Some had seen the McGarrigle sisters perform BITD, and even Richard and Linda Thompson on their 'Bright Lights' tour - and of course many were there to see Rufus, Martha and Teddy. The third McGarrigle sister, Jane, was there too. Richard and Linda Thompson made history being on stage alone together for the first time in about 35 years for 'Go Leave'. The Thompson/Wainwright/McGarrigle bedrock was interspersed with guest slots from Nick Cave, Neil Tenant, and the surprising Krystle Warren - among many others: Teddy Thompson shone for 'Saratoga Summer Song'. However, the real treat was to hear Rufus sing his mother's songs such as 'I Eat Dinner' (with Emmylou Harris) and 'The Walking Song'. Sister Martha was absolutely amazing throughout and she and Rufus really teared up during 'Proserpina', one of the last songs Kate wrote.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Anna McGarrigle nailed it when she said "The really great thing about children is that they're there to sing with you when your sister's not. It's different, but it's also wonderful". Quite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-41353146476668293902010-06-09T20:47:00.006+01:002010-06-09T21:08:11.224+01:003 June 2010, Bright Light Bright Light - Bush Hall (opening for The Hooziers)<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3YA-xv-xnXU&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3YA-xv-xnXU&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="336" height="204"></embed></object><br /><br />Here's a clip from the rather wonderful 'Disco Moment' - there's more to come very soon from this amazing talent, a brilliant single in August 'Love Part II', we're told, and then THE ALBUM. Bush Hall was packed to the rafters for The Hooziers, who had the bright idea of opening with a New Orleans-style jazz band entering the room from the back - such style.You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-57216352555365314392010-06-03T17:44:00.000+01:002010-06-03T17:45:40.277+01:0019 May 2010 - Randy Newman, Royal Festival HallA rare opportunity to see this American legend and virtual soundtrack of every Pixar movie you have seen (and a few more besides). Delightfully warm and witty, he warmed to his theme as the evening progressed and cast a few spells of magic. I enjoyed his Buzz Lightyear schtick about the musician's craft being drowned out "by some bulldog on the screen" - that's Hollywood for you. The joke about old rock stars never retiring was given a twist of irony when he got the audience to belt out the "you're dead" chorus to one of the songs. Well worth stepping out for, I'd say.You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-53511033739204899662010-06-02T13:34:00.001+01:002010-06-02T13:35:46.741+01:0029 April 2010, Rufus Wainwright - Regent Theatre, IpswichAn artist indulged. The first half of the show was given over to a run-through of 'Days are nights: songs for Lulu' - a sombre collection, mostly chanelling Rufus' grief at the impending/actual passing of his mother Kate McGarrigle [she died of cancer in January]. He entered silently and slowly crossed the stage to the piano, dragging a 17-foot feathered train behind him - specially designed by his friend Zaldy. Fair enough, and I'm all for artists exploring the further reaches of their creativity. Several songs will no doubt make their way into the regular set-list - 'Who are you New York', 'Martha' and 'Zebulon' perhaps. But what did it for me was the visuals - a background projection of an eye (R's) heavily made up with black greasepaint, slowly opening and closing like a lizard's eye. There were even tears. We'd been warned/politely asked not to interrupt during this section, but it all got too much for the Glaswegian (?) heckler. I quote: "C'mon Rufie, play us yer f*****g songs!" Twice. Quite.<br /><br />The second half was very much a requests/best-of show, ranging from 'Poses', 'Cigarettes and chocolate milk', 'Art teacher' to 'Going to a town' - which last one seemed seriously under-rehearsed. It's been one hell of a year (literally) for our man, yet he's touring relentlessly and has Kate's tribute concert at Meltdown in June to work up to. Thankfully, there were hints of the old Rufie, telling us of some of the old stuff "bubbling under", to erupt any time now. So, c'mon Rufie, we're waiting for ye.You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-33534475156008180352010-04-16T21:55:00.005+01:002010-04-16T22:09:05.389+01:0012 April 2010 - Bright Light Bright Light, The Lexington<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6EFnIe9Hg3Q&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6EFnIe9Hg3Q&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br />BrightLightx2 treated us to an awesome run-through of (pleeease) soon-to-be-released album, 'Let Me Believe In Hope'. See for yourselves - it's a real treat. </p>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-71525666040943967992009-11-01T18:36:00.003+00:002009-11-01T18:51:15.872+00:0027 October 2009 - Bright Light Bright Light, Shepherd's Bush<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT4KuAtntZiPo5HaEkboB2wfN6j1lJ4htaQ6CjEwv5izchyphenhyphen2PxFwFYoMhqOEnjqQLWUJRBbCzd5dS4S5v5-tgmzF5Xb2qveXhWVRC_yxMhN0PF5z9Ib9iK1RXjp12mvfCO8SiCIpCDBk/s1600-h/BrightLightBlog.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399206256403718418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT4KuAtntZiPo5HaEkboB2wfN6j1lJ4htaQ6CjEwv5izchyphenhyphen2PxFwFYoMhqOEnjqQLWUJRBbCzd5dS4S5v5-tgmzF5Xb2qveXhWVRC_yxMhN0PF5z9Ib9iK1RXjp12mvfCO8SiCIpCDBk/s400/BrightLightBlog.jpg" /></a> Bright Light Bright Light shines at the Bush</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">I've been banging on for ages on this blog about Bright Light Bright Light (aka Rod Thomas) and was lucky enough to get to see him supporting The Noisettes at Shepherd's Bush. OMG - the new set is absolute dynamite - full to bursting of upbeat, multi-layered, shimmering pop hits with vocals to die for. Some old favourites such as 'Blueprint' and 'Good Times' and a stunning new one 'I'm in love'. He won some new fans that night and with an album in the offing surely Bright Light Bright Light is about to make the break he truly deserves. Catch up with him on <a href="http://www.myspace.com/brightlightx2">myspace.com/brightx2</a>.<br /></div><div align="center"></div>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-68954821672177404042009-09-11T13:10:00.003+01:002009-09-20T18:28:49.663+01:0018 July 2009 - Fairport Convention Reunion, Barbican HallEnglish folk-to-rock pioneers Fairport Convention re-convened at the Barbican Hall to celebrate 40 years of music making. The early numbers were a bit ho-hum as the evening didn't really kick off until they reached the 1970s 'Liege and Lief' era, where the virtuoso fiddle playing of Dave Swarbrick gave the folk music the punch it needed. Trouble was, Mr S didn't show up ("artistic differences" - come on, grow up!) so it was left to Chris Leslie to do the honours. Not to diss the guy - and he was brilliant - but the whole point of a Fairport reunion was to see the original players (family illnesses excused). The glory 'Liege and Lief' tracks were brilliant - silver-haired folkies doing their own headbanging/nodding like mad.<br /><br />It being a while since the 70s, there were a fair number of "children of the band" taking part, such as Chris While's daughter and of course 'Father of the House' Richard Thompson managing to field a daughter Kami, son Teddy and ex-wife Linda. (No sign of grandson Zac Hobbs, though.) Kami and Teddy duetted delightfully for 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes' and Teddy's 'Genesis Hall' can be seen<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4NCNYha_w4"> </a><em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4NCNYha_w4">here</a> </em>on good old Youtube.<br /><br />It must have been hard to keep a bunch of talented individuals together back in the day, and easy to see why RT and others decided to branch out on their own.You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-3526637337563320082009-06-29T22:47:00.007+01:002009-09-11T13:36:53.494+01:0027 June 2009 - Neil Young, Hard Rock Calling, Hyde Park<p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14191880@N05/3671764340/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3671764340_38b1605f2c.jpg" /></a></p><p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">My Oh My .. </p><p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">That's it - that was officially my best festival set ever ... Neil Young rocking out 'Day in the Life' with bonus added <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Macca</span>!</p><p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">I love Hyde Park - turn up, get soaked in a storm and then a great gig (see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aerosmith</span>). Neil Young was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">headling</span> this time, fresh from his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">assault</span> on Glastonbury - day two of the UK 2009 Springsteen v Young Festival <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Smackdown</span>. Same stage set as at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Glasto</span> (same clothes even) - mind you it was exactly the same as at the Hop Farm last year, down to the "dove from above" (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">wtf</span>?), the red telephone and the "art guy" dashing off canvasses of each song.</p><p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">Odd assortment of supporting acts - got there too late for The Pretenders (who deserved to be higher up the bill), puzzled by Nick Harper (who he?) and not entirely wowed by the Fleet Foxes, who seemed a bit foxed by the whole English festival thing. Not that it mattered, there was no doubt the crowd were there to see Neil Young alone - from the kids to the very proper gentlemen. Our man kicked off with 'Hey, Hey, My My' and never let up for a second. No strutting or posing here - it was all about the music, and rocking good it was too. He was on top form and clearly enjoying every minute. Prayers were answered as he ripped through favourites such as 'Heart of Gold', and for my money 'Get Behind the Wheel' (why not 'Just Singing a Song' too?) but the biggie was ' Rocking in theFree World'. If you saw the BBC coverage from Glastonbury, you'll have some idea of what it was like to have the grunge-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">meister</span> enchant the whole crowd and goad it with endless joyful choruses of "rock, rock rocking in the free world" while he waved his guitar aloft and from side to side like some screaming light-sabre. (At least that's how it seemed to me and you'll have to excuse me if the detail is wonky but by that point I was very possibly under the influence of (ahem) a bit of passive smoking..) </p><p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">Well, we pretty much knew that the encore would be 'A Day in the Life', but what a blast it was. Before it began, Neil went off to stage right to greet someone at the side - a pal or industry insider, we thought. When he got to the chorus - yes, on came Paul McCartney and the crowd went wild. I can't do justice to the atmosphere, or describe it properly - so you'll have to see the amazing video for yourselves - <a href="http://www.thrasherswheat.org/2009/06/hyde-park-london-england-hard-rock.html">http://www.thrasherswheat.org/2009/06/hyde-park-london-england-hard-rock.html</a> </p><p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">Totally everyone came away happy and slightly dazed - strangers talking about it on the Tube on the way home, for heavens sake. Yup, it was sublime - thank you Neil, thank you Paul and thank you Festival Gods.</p><p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">Footnote: the next night at Hyde Park The Boss was supposed to have his own special guest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Bon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Jovi</span>, but the show overran (very strict about Sunday night curfews in the UK). So I guess that makes it Neil Young 2 - 1 Bruce Springsteen.</p><p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">Set List: Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black) / Mansion On The Hill / Are You Ready For The Country? / Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere / Spirit Road / Words / Cinnamon Girl / F*!#in' Up / Mother Earth / The Needle And The Damage Done / Comes A Time / Unknown Legend / Heart Of Gold / Old Man / Down By The River / Get Behind The Wheel / Rockin' In The Free World // A Day In The Life</p><br /><p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"><br /></p>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-85820742171164103492009-06-28T22:14:00.004+01:002009-12-19T16:00:48.282+00:005 June 2009 - Ralph McTell, Cadogan HallStill with the 70s, I finally get to re-visit Ralph McTell. What a classy joint the Cadogan Hall is - built as a Christian Scientist church, it has been re-fitted as a very high-quality, all seated concert hall - much like Birmingham Symphony Hall but on a more intimate scale. Superb for solo-ing folkies (Thompsons & Wainwrights please take note), Ralph liked it so much he talked of doing a show there every year.<br /><br />Families and early influences was a thread running through the choice of songs. We didn't get 'Nana's Song' (dedicated to his wife) but instead the charming 'Growing Old with Naomi' about the long-lasting love between his grandparents. For the musical influences Ralph credited a long list of Blind Willys and Blind Jimmys etc and he put on some very intricate blue-grass finger-picking to prove it. His Dylan homage 'Zimmerman Blues' - "Oh Lord I got the Zimmerman blues!" was hugely enjoyable for me. You see, Ralph's voice is still strong and he interacts with his audience in a good-humoured way - unlike his Bobness. I have the utmost respect for Dylan the poet, but I should tell you that I saw Dylan at the O2 in April this year and was so disappointed in the show I couldn't bring myself to post about it. Until now.<br /><br />Even "that song" got an airing. As he said, 'Streets of London' had made so many things possible in his life, so couldn't really begrudge playing it. 'Oh England' was green and lovely, 'Long way from Clare to here' was poetic - but no 'Ferryman'? Oh well, maybe next time.You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-31698810262758559032009-05-31T22:57:00.008+01:002009-06-21T22:19:08.635+01:0028 May 2009 - Cat Stevens, Shepherds Bush<blockquote><p align="center"> </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmFYlae4Q_fRZjD1MpjQFOmXXYT-UE1VvoMpoN2CiOaL9qcmWnMe03cPT1LAnV4fOX-U_3psPUI9F0SPD6AhfowZphrXmGfYPJJDaQ7dAbdvmOW3baejKbSxy6bokGjfHhXAiDByraRk/s1600-h/CatStevens28May2009+001a.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmFYlae4Q_fRZjD1MpjQFOmXXYT-UE1VvoMpoN2CiOaL9qcmWnMe03cPT1LAnV4fOX-U_3psPUI9F0SPD6AhfowZphrXmGfYPJJDaQ7dAbdvmOW3baejKbSxy6bokGjfHhXAiDByraRk/s1600-h/CatStevens28May2009+001a.jpg"></blockquote><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 378px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342111848193168178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmFYlae4Q_fRZjD1MpjQFOmXXYT-UE1VvoMpoN2CiOaL9qcmWnMe03cPT1LAnV4fOX-U_3psPUI9F0SPD6AhfowZphrXmGfYPJJDaQ7dAbdvmOW3baejKbSxy6bokGjfHhXAiDByraRk/s400/CatStevens28May2009+001a.jpg" /></p><p align="center"></a> Cat's still cool</p><p align="left"><br />Baaba Maal nearly stole the show, Bono tried to steal it, but the modest man himself came shining through - part of Island Record's 50th birthday events. </p><p align="left">Fronting the opening act (Noxshi) was a tall, leggy young fella, face hidden behind a curtain of dark wavy hair - reminded me of a typical 70s singer - you idiot, YGB, that's the main man's son, Yoriyos. Nice touch, a sort of Father and Son reunion. Then like I said, the next act, Senegalese Baaba Maal, played a fantastic French-African set, more Graceland than Paul Simon's and loads of infectious (African) drums - these guys really let rip and BM's voice is something else.</p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">And yet - the audience had been waiting a long time (in some cases, ahem, a very long time) to see Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens. Maybe not quite the Second Coming (ref. Led Zep) but his songs have been humming along in most people's subconscious for ever. Remember that sone you sang in school assembly/church - 'Morning Has Broken'? - yup, that's one of his. Anyway, once Bono had finished his "surprise" guest appearance/encore with Baaba Maal, the show finally got down to business. It was much like seeing Leonard Cohen at the O2 last year - the audience and artist equally delighted to be there and Cat/Yusuf had much the same gentle graciousness at Mr C. Not that it was a "soft" set - we got a couple of 'Yusuf' songs from his latest album "Roadsinger" and a hefty chunk of 'Cat' back catalogue. At one point he paused to tell the story of his recent deportation from the USA when a gung-ho Department of Homeland Security mistook him for a terrorist suspect (similar name, different spelling). He held up a Wanted poster of Cat Stevens, saying "I am not that man .. I am a man of peace". 'Peace Train' rounded off a very special evening - make sure you catch the clips of the show on Youtube. </p><p align="left">Setlist:</p><ul><li><div align="left">Welcome Home</div></li><li><div align="left">Lilywhite</div></li><li><div align="left">Don't Be Shy</div></li><li><div align="left">Where Do The Children Play?</div></li><li><div align="left">Thinking 'Bout You</div></li><li><div align="left">The Rain</div></li><li><div align="left">Just Another Night</div></li><li><div align="left">Miles From Nowhere</div></li><li><div align="left">To Be What You Must</div></li><li><div align="left">The Wind</div></li><li><div align="left">Wild World (dedicated to his granddaughters)</div></li><li><div align="left">Boots and Sand</div></li><li><div align="left">Ruins</div></li><li><div align="left">Roadsinger</div></li><li><div align="left">Father and Son</div></li><li><div align="left">Peace Train<br /></div></li></ul><div align="left"></div>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-63947060985107631602009-03-11T21:53:00.005+00:002009-03-12T13:53:35.977+00:0010 March 2009 - Rod Thomas with Band, Hoxton Bar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5oN6hz1YVmAZmU7Ptm-KJDJBZP_mW0PG-R2eLIR-fZT8NiVeO83qvg4ETitIdQVAXLkA_ynq5X7Wcuv46OA1X-5Cm4Bl9C1CAmBC8p58l1QSAEmreY51i7FkQXD7mBTgroYah-S8fB8/s1600-h/Rod+at+Hoxton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312052060310513138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5oN6hz1YVmAZmU7Ptm-KJDJBZP_mW0PG-R2eLIR-fZT8NiVeO83qvg4ETitIdQVAXLkA_ynq5X7Wcuv46OA1X-5Cm4Bl9C1CAmBC8p58l1QSAEmreY51i7FkQXD7mBTgroYah-S8fB8/s400/Rod+at+Hoxton.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div align="center">'Until Something Fits' tour</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Rod again making the very most of having his band in tow, belted out an up-beat set of older favourites - 'Your Love is a Tease', 'You Get Goodbyes', 'Good Coat' etc - while showcasing some of his very latest tunes. 'Blueprint' is a stormer, as before, but the focus was on the new tracks written with Boom Bip - 'Disco Moment' passing my "three plays and it's stuck in my head" test. The crowd lapped it all up and stomped the floor for more - an acoustic version of 'Until Something Fits', sung down among the folks. Check out his Myspace page - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/rodthomasmusic">www.myspace.com/rodthomasmusic</a> - for the latest offerings.</div><div align="left">Next stop New York and then SXSW in Texas - best of luck, Rod!</div><div align="left">
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<br />You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-46983823436179165602009-02-27T08:29:00.004+00:002009-02-27T08:44:17.339+00:00Rod Thomas off to the USA!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBllp8tXpZvCN77pOu-i2WNVE_zXDZP_lOr-8nPVAjM19D1-6AbyKwzod3n0NdP7URo4RkuYcHU_4VhN97HwEwBVeWS8b1jUIchvpTn9LwiidLzk8FNlHafcjVAOJ_ZHWXw1pB9ZqZdbg/s1600-h/Coming+to+America+tour.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307391653624149330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBllp8tXpZvCN77pOu-i2WNVE_zXDZP_lOr-8nPVAjM19D1-6AbyKwzod3n0NdP7URo4RkuYcHU_4VhN97HwEwBVeWS8b1jUIchvpTn9LwiidLzk8FNlHafcjVAOJ_ZHWXw1pB9ZqZdbg/s400/Coming+to+America+tour.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />From Liverpool Street Underground to New York and SXSW in Texas - wow, what a progression! I shamelessly missed the recent fundraiser gig at the Wilmington, but it's great to see that Rod is on his way to the USA. Busking again any time soon? - I think not, he's far too busy. Anyways, see if you can catch his pre-USA gig at Hoxton on 10 March (and elsewhere). Go see the noise <a href="http://www.rodthomasmusic.com/">here</a>. Way to go, Rod!<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-34035157398818728662009-02-05T21:38:00.003+00:002009-02-05T22:12:23.240+00:002 February 2009 - Richard Thompson's 1000 Years of Popular Music, Barbican Hall<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSsIL731KZTtf-ZR6aSGohK7BoL97zdVr7yni6n0H7Lm8741w_zlFXLjXclXt7OEh2UmNiiIOJcpGs85fec1VXPbSEOXIYiuWESdm2ZJlzSjI7poRRhJQ2QsB1glKGpVdycGiEta9qnE/s1600-h/3255892983_2633f8e67c_o.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299431228270381186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 344px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSsIL731KZTtf-ZR6aSGohK7BoL97zdVr7yni6n0H7Lm8741w_zlFXLjXclXt7OEh2UmNiiIOJcpGs85fec1VXPbSEOXIYiuWESdm2ZJlzSjI7poRRhJQ2QsB1glKGpVdycGiEta9qnE/s400/3255892983_2633f8e67c_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left"><span ></span> </div><div align="left"><span >Another Thompson gig, I know, but what the heck - just glad that January's gig-drought is over. This show was a light-hearted - but expertly delivered - "steamroller ride" over 1000 years of popular music: as the man pointed out, the nobs' music was written down, but the peasants' songs were passed down by word of mouth and had to be darned good to survive. So RT began in the 800s, playing a hurdy-gurdy if you please, going by way of protest songs, such as 'Blackleg Miner', via Cole Porter and Abba, finishing up with those 20th Century favourites The Beatles; not a psychedelic medley a la Neil Young, but some kicking early stuff such as 'I wanna hold your hand' to remind us what a breath of fresh air they were in 1960-something.</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Mind you, you have to pay close attention to the chat at a Thompson gig, those witty/caustic asides coming thick and fast, and he whisked us through Latin, French, Middle English and Renaissance Italian "<em>colloquial </em>Renaissance Italian", mind you. Bet you didn't know that Richard I was the John Denver of his day. And yay for James Warren's hit with the Korgis, 'Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime', even if RT doubted that Bath was too nice a place for such creativity - "all those teashops".</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Am I fixated on Thompsons? Well, you'd think so if you scrolled down this blog, they're a very talented clan. I think Linda's next on my wish list.</div>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-16828371950696178592008-12-21T21:26:00.006+00:002008-12-21T22:13:36.111+00:0017 December 2008 - Thompson Family Christmas, Queen Elizabeth Hall<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W1b2UkI5mQPEio7r6XZazTemOuomogbZmqfVwMzFgJ3pckiTOxBqaognH3N2eVIlDm5djFbV0KbQb-QFxX3LQYmDsek3ynN2TncLq2qTWCtOa9ByaKAZnawR_hLkI8lvePKHxS5yLbE/s1600-h/Thompson+Familya.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282359929326006274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W1b2UkI5mQPEio7r6XZazTemOuomogbZmqfVwMzFgJ3pckiTOxBqaognH3N2eVIlDm5djFbV0KbQb-QFxX3LQYmDsek3ynN2TncLq2qTWCtOa9ByaKAZnawR_hLkI8lvePKHxS5yLbE/s400/Thompson+Familya.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><strong> Loads of Thompsons - Teddy, Richard, Zak, Linda, Kamila</strong></span></div><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Rejoice, people, for I bring you tidings of great joy - for this night another (Thompson) star was born - grandson Zak Hobbs. Teddy Thompson mc'd a Thompson Family Christmas get-together at the QEH in aid of Amnesty International, and a very special occasion it was - not least because Richard and Linda Thompson were reunited on stage after, oh, far too long. Joining the family were an eclectic set of friends, from the likes of Bert Jansch and Bob Davenport to Justin Bond and Shlomo. The full set list below is courtesy of the nice people at the Southbank Centre.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Teddy and Kathryn Williams opened the show with a beautiful duet of 'Silent Night', setting the very high standard of the evening to follow. It was a treat to see such respected folk artists as Bert Jansch and Bob Davenport, whose voice got stronger and stronger as he sang, on the same bill as the fab-u-lous Justin Bond and Jenni Muldaur. Rachel Unthank and the Winterset, the Northumbrian lassies, charmed us with 'Tar Barrel in Dale' about the New Year's Eve Baal burning ceremony in Allendale, while Shlomo beat-boxed his way through a couple of Christmas numbers. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">On to the Thompsons. Kami gave a very sassy 'Purple Christmas' and oh wow! see Zak go on 'Run, Run Rudolph' - keep an eye out for this one - good on guitar and vocals. Richard's party piece was the specially composed 'Wrong Presents' - a wickedly funny song about a boy who has to hide from his friends at Christmas because his doting mother has bought him girls' presents. Teddy reggaed-up the show with his Christmas single - 'Christmas' - (of course) - out on download to raise funds for Amnesty. The really special moment for me was when Linda sang 'Shay Fanyan' offstage; a choked-up Teddy dragged her to the front of the stage to take a well-deserved bow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Verdict - warm cosy glows all round. More, please, next year and do bring all your folks again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Set List</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">SILENT NIGHT - Kathryn Williams & Teddy Thompson</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">PURPLE SNOWFLAKES - Kami Thompson with BAND, backing vocals - Kami Thompson, Linda Thompson and Zak Thompson</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">FAT AS A FIDDLE - Chris Difford with BAND</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">BLEAK MID WINTER/ ANGIE - Bert Jansch</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE - Ed Harcourt with BAND</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">FAREWELL REGALITY - Rahcel Unthank and The Winterset</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">WHITE CHRISTMAS - Jenni Muldaur & Teddy with BAND</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">CHRISTMAS MEDLEY - Shlomo</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">THE WRONG PRESENTS - Richard Thompson solo</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">NEW DEPRESSION - Justin Bond with BAND</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">ALBERT’S ASHES - Brendan Campbell solo</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">RUN RUN RUDOLPH - Zak Hobbs with BAND</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">THE HOLY AND THE IVY - Teddy Thompson, Richard Thompson, Linda Thompson and Bob Davenport</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">CHRISTMAS - Teddy Thompson with BAND with backing vocals - Kami Thompson, Linda Thompson and Zak Thompson</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">SHAY FANYAN - Linda Thompson</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">GOOD KING WENCESLAS - Brendan Campbell solo</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">BRIGHT MORNING STARS - Kathryn Williams, Neil MacColl and Kate St John/Roger Eno</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">LAST CHRISTMAS - Kamila Thompson with BAND</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">WHEN THE BALIFFS CAME - Bob Davenport solo</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">T</span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">HE LITTLE BOY THAT SANTA CLAUS FORGOT - Bob Davenport</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">HOLY THURSDAY / JERUSLUM - Bob Davenport</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">BOYCOTTING CHRISTMAS - Teddy Thompson with BAND</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">LET’S NOT FIGHT THIS XMAS - Chris Difford with BAND</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">CUTTY WREN - Richard Thompson with BAND</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">TAR BARREL IN DALE - Unthanks with BVs</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">HAVE YOURSELFA VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS - Justin Bond with BAND</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">MOONSHINE - Bert Jansch</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">CHRISTMAS WILL BE JUST… - Jenni Muldaur with BAND, backing vocals Kami Thompson, Linda Thompson and Zak Thompson</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">BACK DOOR SANTA - Ed Harcourt & Shlomo</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">BLUE CHRISTMAS – Thompsons with BANDWINTER WONDERLAND – BAND with all</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div></strong></span><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUxF_uTjnW7DylFvEYoiEOgppUPhKDp-foIopZWnaE4v1B9-IpcVlgvzaCaGD4ZZNJDTgeYkszk30bDLgAVSyWez6vg0LvgbZ36utg51WkBi2AYCKkJazmG7gerLn-tLXSnSMAsXWTpc/s1600-h/Thompson+Family.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-52649716362427857732008-12-03T22:06:00.004+00:002008-12-03T22:25:39.629+00:002 December 2008 - Tim and Sam's Tim and the Sam Band with Tim and Sam - Pure Groove Records<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNw_23-JlRum0fk60-sr5CBSrdXiXkCffZmECPJ_a3X-4gxV249pZC9yvhRcDLc8SYednmkufgurgEEDT1vututVMinuoZ00EoHtTxaVT-E-v-1n_f86AgOoUbG-nGujVS3h1Xcf0udk/s1600-h/Tim+and+Sam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275690241057985442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 284px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNw_23-JlRum0fk60-sr5CBSrdXiXkCffZmECPJ_a3X-4gxV249pZC9yvhRcDLc8SYednmkufgurgEEDT1vututVMinuoZ00EoHtTxaVT-E-v-1n_f86AgOoUbG-nGujVS3h1Xcf0udk/s400/Tim+and+Sam.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left">We London workers are lucky to have a new something to do at lunchtimes - the Pure Groove Records in-store sessions in Smithfield. Today was the turn of tongue-twisters 'Tim and Sam's Tim and the Sam Band with Tim and Sam'. This likeable bunch weave a watery dreamscape of gorgeous melodies (no lyrics - yet) - the oboe and clarinet fitting in seamlessly with the acoustic and bass guitar. Others have picked up on this lot as ones to watch out for (check their <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=40310952">Myspace</a>) and they've been remixed by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=196517187">Rod Thomas</a> too, so go check them out. Now. </div>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-67351549164328597212008-11-07T17:03:00.002+00:002008-11-07T17:20:11.497+00:006 November 2008 - Seth Lakeman, Shepherd's Bush<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuv0XmquFYz-ei3oVKeBOnjKewr5BH1isTbaPLgGJUxJ5x_TwbKkYVAV_H6f1prCY7SRwW7lfX6cQcFftn6lAwNY8U2DXR8BXN1N0D33_HqTCKtQ9Al_oMKNf3kaP0_3-G_iZu2eG1Bg/s1600-h/Seth_b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265962947494526242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuv0XmquFYz-ei3oVKeBOnjKewr5BH1isTbaPLgGJUxJ5x_TwbKkYVAV_H6f1prCY7SRwW7lfX6cQcFftn6lAwNY8U2DXR8BXN1N0D33_HqTCKtQ9Al_oMKNf3kaP0_3-G_iZu2eG1Bg/s400/Seth_b.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> Fiddling Fantastic</span></div><div align="left"><br />Went for a look-see - wondering whether London is too cool for Seth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lakeman</span>, or can a Shepherd's Bush crowd hoe-down with the rest (of course it can). Gig not sold out, but those in the know crowded downstairs. Three wild Swedish ladies of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bluegrassy</span> folk - Bakery(?) - belted out a sassy set, reminding me of the Dixie Chicks here a while back. Seth audience - a wide range, but mostly 'Folk'. Things didn't really kick off until the fiddle numbers - 'Kitty Jay' was mesmerising and the crowd urged him on. Note to management - get Seth a couple more fiddle players and then he can really let rip for an extended set. Powerful stuff, mind you. </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="center"></div>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-55596063964167149042008-10-09T12:56:00.005+01:002008-10-09T13:18:34.829+01:002 October 2008 - Teddy Thompson, Scala - King's Cross<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_7_VnnXUXUx33KyG8EYU15Tf5z3M5CJWddWiBcAcfrNulRUh7ojvHmIjkh-lq6qcKNDrjfQLE0Rq6ga6yd6zsh0VqJH5z14iTI9NopUQEtIhE4nfUMSjPNUfxPA0P6wYPJiJiAC_Ojw/s1600-h/Teddy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255122004440121874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_7_VnnXUXUx33KyG8EYU15Tf5z3M5CJWddWiBcAcfrNulRUh7ojvHmIjkh-lq6qcKNDrjfQLE0Rq6ga6yd6zsh0VqJH5z14iTI9NopUQEtIhE4nfUMSjPNUfxPA0P6wYPJiJiAC_Ojw/s400/Teddy.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> "What's This?!! .. Oh Shit! .. I'm feeling happy .."</span></div><p><span style="font-family:georgia;">First of all, hats off to the venue - the re-vamped Scala in Kings Cross is a very decent 1000-person auditorium set on several terraces, so good views all round. The VIP room up in the balcony makes it a good choice for showcase gigs too, I guess.<br /><br />Second, titfers doffed to Jeff Hill and his fellow Grey Race, who played their own set and went on to play as backing for the rest of the bill. Rufus Wainwright fans will recognise Jeff from the Release The Stars tour (among others).<br /><br />Bravo to the main man, Teddy Thompson, and you really shouldn't need me to tell you that his most famous parents are Richard and Linda Thompson. Thompson/Wainwright gigs often have some family connection - tonight Teddy mentioned that his mother was in the audience, which prompted shout-outs for Linda from the gentlemen who had come along to see "son of Richard". Teddy has also inherited/absorbed his father's dry wit into his act - his mother had brought him "loads of clean underwear" he joked (well, it's what mothers do).<br /><br />Relaxed and confident, Teddy played an accomplished, rocking set, drawn mostly from his latest album A Piece of What You Need. He used the Motown trick of playing the same song, the brillian 'In My Arms', first and last - and no-one was complaining. Singing with Grey Race as backing, or solo, each song was fantastic - those fans of James Blunt (the first and last time he appears in this blog - ever) are in for a real treat. There's another tour in early 2009 - why not catch him at Shepherd's Bush Empire in February?</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></p><div align="center"><br /></div>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-12504076361412248862008-10-01T13:34:00.003+01:002009-03-12T13:47:40.827+00:0029 September 2008 - Rod Thomas with a Band, Brixton Windmill<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMTwyp1OJ7tBSyzO00ZbwAD67odK2RaUrMkOxiIH1GV9zV_GqulhbQDNTeGeY-iOdMnUQqAyIphEA9o6KQOuVo0-Lpth-5JPdOPUX_vh44VLzZkYDnR4XebtpR7OLWyl0DWUWzd9CSjg/s1600-h/Rod_b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252606077227242434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMTwyp1OJ7tBSyzO00ZbwAD67odK2RaUrMkOxiIH1GV9zV_GqulhbQDNTeGeY-iOdMnUQqAyIphEA9o6KQOuVo0-Lpth-5JPdOPUX_vh44VLzZkYDnR4XebtpR7OLWyl0DWUWzd9CSjg/s400/Rod_b.jpg" border="0" /></a> Rod Thomas with band<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><div align="left">The It Hugs Back/Rod Thomas Tour. Having a backing band in tow for a change, Rod Thomas put together a gloriously up-tempo set, making the most of live beats and bass lines together with his trademark pedals synths and echoing loops. He took some of his recent favourites - 'You Get Goodbyes' and 'Your Love Is A Tease' among them - shook them up and turned out something new. The infectious new single 'Same Old Lines' put up its bid for more airplay but the real surprise was the rousing finale of 'Blueprint'. Formerly a wistful demo on lastfm, Rob grabbed it by the throat, wrestled it to the ground and then booted it into orbit with a kick-ass new treatment. Awesome. Off you go to his <a href="http://www.myspace.com/rodthomasmusic">Myspace page</a> and see if you can catch a gig.</div><div align="left"><br />"prompting commuters to ..... come down to gigs and blog about his music" - noizemakesenemies</div><em></em></div>You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-62208365913221767732008-09-02T20:55:00.003+01:002008-09-02T21:10:09.122+01:00Autumn 2008 Schedule - Folkey-DokeyCongratulation to the following acts who have made it onto our Autumn gig schedule:<br /><br />Folk/Rock/Pop - <strong>Teddy Thompson</strong>, Scala London, 2 October<br /><br />Folk/Disco - <strong>Rod Thomas</strong>, The Borderline London, 22 October<br /><br />Folk/Folk Rock/Acoustic - <strong>Seth Lakeman</strong>, Shepherd's Bush Empire, 6 November<br /><br />Better look lively lads, I feel a set of contorted comparisons coming on ....You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1919091630442375937.post-62464231878803817392008-07-24T13:28:00.002+01:002008-07-24T13:42:02.122+01:0017 July 2008 - Leonard Cohen, O2For much of the audience, this was an "at long last" event and one we had hardly dare dream of. Despite his age, some 74 years young, Mr Cohen nailed it from the very first song - and kept up the good humour and high standards right through. '<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hallelujah</span>' brought the audience to its feet, in every sense reclaiming the song as his own. Having seen Rufus Wainwright perform this at the Hop Farm earlier, there seems to be a special magic attaching to this number - sing it with conviction, whoever you are, and it will win the day. 'A Thousand Kisses Deep' - recited to a silent, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rivetted</span> house - was entirely moving. All in all the audience were as delighted to be there as Leonard was - and his graceful good humour and humility was an example to all.You've Been Giggedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17706489128181985615noreply@blogger.com0