STEVE HALLIDAY - ALIVE ANYWHERE

At present the music media is dominated by impressive female-singer songwriters, however one person who could be carrying the torch for male singer-songwriters is London-based Steve Halliday. With one of the purest voices heard for a long time, added to his powerful but controlled guitar playing, and this is an CD of fine quality. An album to chill-out to but also not to be perceived as a bland collection of tracks, while the tempo and style changes throughout, the quality never does.

For more details of this fine artist, please visit;
www.myspace.comstevehalliday

ALL RHODES LEAD TO THE OPERA HOUSE FOR FREE SPIRIT

After stunning performances on the Greek Island of Rhodes during the 2009 Rock Fest, arguably the countries finest Free and Bad Company tribute band, Free Spirit, return to their roots on Saturday 27th June when they will be supporting the legendary Aynt Skynyrd at the Grand Opera House, York. The gig starts at 7-30 with tickets being priced at £15, for a night which is sure to Rock, Rock, Rock.

www.myspace.com/freespirituk

FACTORY STREET STUDIOS - GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Field Trip

Factory St Studio went on a field trip to The Albert Hall to see Joe Bonamassa. Joe said (in between extreme guitar solos) that one of his favourite songs was by Eric Clapton and he invited him on stage to play which was a real treat, after an outstanding performance he called Paul Jones up to play harmonica. Factory Street were waiting for Amy to be called up but he must have run out of time!

Recording Studio

The studio is on track for being open in July. Ferdinando is doing a sterling job of angling the ceiling. The studio has been meticulously designed with no two surfaces opposite each other, separate floors for each booth, and with one of the largest live rooms in the area and quality gear the sound will be immense.

Performance and Vocal Techniques

Rev Chunky gave an inspirational session on the wider aspects of performance and vocal techniques. Around 20 people of all ages and backgrounds had a chance to talk, sing, laugh and share their experiences and Factory Street are all looking forward to seeing him again soon.

Blues Master Class

There was again a real mixture of people for this workshop with Alex Eden. People had a chance to play with different people, play lead guitar, bass and rhythm. There were blues tips, tricks, techniques discussed and everyone went away with new techniques to try.

Free Day in the Studio for Factory Street Customers

Refer 1 band and get a free 2 hour rehearsal
Refer 2 bands and get 4 hour rehearsal session
Refer 3 bands, 6 hours
Refer 4 bands, 8 hours
Refer 5 bands and get a free day in the studio

Terms and conditions apply: please see www.factorystreet.co.uk/legal/

Events:

Mississippi Sax, with Alex Eden.

Learn classic blues harp tricks, how to bend notes, scales and vibrato techniques. This Harmonica Special is a taster master class for beginners through to any advanced level of player.

Details at www.factorystreet.co.uk/musicevents.

Sunday 21st June, 1pm – 4pm
Book your place online call: 01274 682125

Blues You Can Use

A series of blues masterclasses coming up over the summer with James O'Hara and special guests.

LEATHERHEAD - LOSING FAITH

Listening to the debut album “Losing Faith”of Leeds band ‘Leatherhead’ and its very easy to confuse them with a well established rock band about to partake in a stadium tour. The excellent album allows all three members of the band, Steve Wilson (Vocals & Bass), Daniel Millikin (Lead Guitar) and Mike Thrussell on Drums, the opportunity to take centre-stage intentally or not. Although classed as a Hard Rock band, this is a band who would appeal to lovers of Rock, Industrial, Gothic and late 80’s-style Rock as their music has an all empowering appeal. The 12-track album is well recommended and more information can be found on the following websites;

www.myspace.com/leatherheaduk
www.leatherheaduk.com

PRAISE THE SUNDAY SERVICE

Although Danny Wilde was a last minute replacement he, if anything added extra class to the night’s entertainment. With an almost apologetic persona for being there, Danny enthralled the busy venue with a mixture of his own compositions and covers of Richard Thompson, Suzanne Vega and a dedicated favourite cover for the evenings headline act Mark Geary. After the fine start, local duo Pilla took the stage and showed why they are probably the finest male/female duo “gigging” today. Either singing singular or as a duo the class never dips, with some of the finest harmonic performances you could ever wish to listen to. The vocal range from Jennie and Dave was expressed from the subtle “Brian” through to the powerful ”Queen of the bar” and left the packed venue transfixed. With the standard so high it needed a very special artist to “top the bill,” please announce “Mark Geary is in the building” with a stage presence which makes the audience feel he’s a mate talking to you at the bar, and tales of his experiences in the US, including playing a supporting role for “Disney on Ice,” this is an intimate gig performed by a very professional performer. Mark is definitely a singer-songwriter who has to be at the top of your “must see” list, humorous, poignant and an exceptional talent. Attending 120+ gigs a year, I can honestly say that the Sunday Service is by far the most enjoyable event I attend. The glow of the lighting mirrors the warmth generated by an audience, who are only strangers for the first five minutes of your attendance, after that you feel you are amongst friends. The venue and bar staff add to the welcoming feel generated by promoter and compare Barnaby Aldrick. The Verve, Barnaby and The Sunday Service is a very special and unique night, which I would recommend to any discerning “live Music” lover. Praise the Sunday Service.

www.myspace.com/thesundayservice
www.myspace.com/markgeary
www.myspace.com/pillamusic
www.myspace.com/dannwilde