WATERLAND

The duo Waterland, who bring Rock/Pop and Folk together for a distinctive style, have announced some forthcoming gigs. Jon Palmer, winner of ‘Songwriter of the year’ with Sony and ‘Grolsch, Songwriter of the year’, has now teamed up with Sam Barrett, famous for gigging nationally with his acoustic Bass for a number of years. The West Yorkshire duo are also planning to announce details of their album release in the near future.

Thursday 5th October – The Cricketers Arms, Keighley
Wednesday 15th November – The Blues Bar, Harrogate
Tuesday 21st November – The Junction, Otley
Friday 13th January – The Swan, Addingham
Tuesday 13th March – Skipton Folk Club

www.waterlanders.co.uk

VICTORIA VAULTS - BETTER BY MILES

The warm and friendly ambiance of the Victoria Vaults in York, welcomed the “Blueflies” for a memorable Sunday afternoon gig. Freddie Mercury had his audience spellbound owing to his voice, Miles achieves the same through his guitar playing. With the incredible dexterity of his fingers, Miles becomes a magician of the fretboard. If Miles ever produced an “average” performance, it would still be Hendrix-esque to anyone else. With stand-in Bass guitairist Paul Baxter showing what a talented musician he is, and the legendary Drummer “Fatha”, like the good wine he drinks, getting better with age, this was a musical treat to saviour. With a mixture of covers and some of their own classics, the appreciative audience enjoyed favourites, such as ‘Sex Machine’, ‘Trecherous Kicks’ and ‘Sinner Man’. Coupled with the wonderful venue, this was a gig which passed as quick as an EP, when you wanted to listen to a Box Set. If you’re a budding guitarist and you want to see a genius in action, catch Miles the next time he plays.

YORKSHIRE'S FINEST

One thing that Yorkshire can feel mighty proud of musically, is the abundance of quality of female singer-songwriters. All four points of the compass can bring someone special to the music scene. Below in no particular order, are nine who are well worth checking out either by catching them live or via their web site.

South Yorkshire

Charlie Barker…..Critics and fans alike have handed plaudits out by the truck load, for Charlie’s impressive 10 track CD ‘Sleeping At The Station’. Included is an excellent rendition of ‘Fields of Gold’ which compliments her own material.

Kate Green…..Listening to Kate’s tracks ‘New Ruebens Train’ and ‘Lazarus’ it soon becomes apparent what a distinctive voice and sound Kate has. Her songs range from the foot-tapping to the reflective, either form brings a unique and enjoyable experience.

East Yorkshire

Edwina Hayes…..Dividing her time between the UK and America, Edwina’s fan base grows on both sides of the Atlantic ocean through her wonderful writing and her clear unclipped voice, especially memorable on the track ‘I Can’t Believe’.

Claire J Smith…..Claire’s popularity continues to gather pace. Her song ‘Cherrytree’ has recently been played every 8 minutes in Victoria Square, Hull, as part of the “One Hull” promotion.

West Yorkshire

Frankie Roe…..Starting to make people sit up and take notice of her talents, Frankie is already producing quality lyrics and arrangements, which will surely be enjoyed from much further than her Leeds base.

Fran Rodgers…..Fran sings every word with a delicate, yet powerful pureness rarely heard. The perfect antidote for a day of stress would be to dim the lights, have a glass of wine and play a Fran Rodgers CD over and over and over…

ODi.....Originally from Co Wexford in Ireland, singer-songwriter ODi is sure to become a firm favourite on the “Live” music scene. ODi has the aura and poise, to become a very special performer who provides a musical glow, to every member of the audience.

North Yorkshire

Gina Dootson…..The incredible voice coming from such a petite frame takes the audience by surprise, as each song is sung with power and vigour, yet without any trace of a strained or tortured note.

Jess Gardham…..With her engaging personality and pure song-writing, her five track CD “Patience” has received rave reviews with the song “Ocean Eyes” being a particular favourite of audiences and critics alike.

THE STORYS SO FAR

When Sir Elton John asks a band to support his latest 13 gig tour, the band has to be a little bit special. The Storys appearance at the New Roscoe, showed exactly why they were approached to tour, this was a polished performance from first to last note. Close your eyes and you could be listening to a chart-topping boyband, however this is where the comparison ends, as the Storys are highly talented musicians, as well as being one of the most harmonised bands around. Their single ‘I Believe In Love’ would surely have been number one in the charts, had an established band recorded it, and had the power of one of the major record companies promoting it, hopefully their next single ‘Journeys End’ will receive a wider audience following their association with Sir Elton. Throughout their set they enjoy themselves as much as their fans, which made a change from the miserable looking chart-toppers we are so used to seeing. The Storys are like a breath of fresh air blowing through the music scene and are surely destined for major success, these talented and genuine set of musician’s deserve it. Their 11 track CD ‘The Storys’ should be in everyone’s collection of relaxing and chilled out albums, buy it and you will definitely not be disappointed, catch them “live” and you will see why Sir Elton made that call.

A mention must be given to Brian Houston, who opened the evening’s entertainment, with an awesome set of his own work. Belfast born Brian is a very talented singer-songwriter who is entertaining and humorous at the same time. While his songs ‘These Days’ and ‘Practical Reminder’ were memorable, his song ‘Red Badge Of Courage’ moved everyone in the audience, his lyrics touching every nerve.

DIFFERENT CULTURES SAME BRILLIANCE

The Duck and Drake regulars witnessed two very special performers on Sunday. The incredible guitarist Jed Thomas and his band, had the D & D rocking from track one. Jed, with more pedals than the bicycle department at Halfords, just gets better and better, it would be difficult to argue against Jed being acknowledged as the best lead guitarist on the local and not so local scene. Playing a mixture of covers and his own material, this was a master class of guitarmanship. A special guest was Morrocan musician Hassan Erragi, who received an incredible ovation, probably not seen before at the venue, when he came back for a second set. Playing a Qud, an Arabian 11 string traditional guitar, this was a delight to listen to and again showed how music is a universal language. Plaudits to promoter Nigel Morris, who plans to bring Hassan back, possibly in October to give another spellbinding performance.