The Strawbs Acoustic

The Earl Haig Club

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A long time before the world changed, in the days of social closeness, when we thought nothing of getting together, drinking, chatting, arguing and listening to music, there were people who wanted to change the world.

One whose music did so was Dave Cousins, who began by playing a small room above the White Bear pub in London with his folkie friends and any welcome fellow travellers. Like minds clustered, David Bowie famously stood in and the sessions engendered the first version of a band that was to permanently influence modern music- The Strawbs, or, as they were in those early days, The Strawberry Hill Boys.

Two generations on and less than a fortnight before shutdown 2020, Dave Cousins, and fellow Strawbs alumni, Dave Lambert and Chas Cronk, were pepping up and projecting their outstanding prog-folk back-catalogue for the privileged few on a 50th anniversary tour that took in the great Earl Haig Club in Whitchurch Cardiff (great venue- when this is all over, get there and support it). The troubadour trio effortlessly charmed, invigorated and distracted a vigilant group of medically vulnerable fans as they nodded, cheered and laughed while mentally wiping hands and surfaces and physically socially distancing from their cohorts.

Dave Cousins described the session as a “magical history tour”;  musically it went from his early work with the first band, including “Turn Me Round” from the White Bear Days and “The Man Who Called Himself Jesus” from The Strawbs (and my hallowed fifth form days) to the prog giants “Hangman and the Papist” (bizarrely the first-ever item as an “album slot” on Top of the Pops- it was followed by Middle of the Road’s “Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep”) “Bursting at the Seams”, “Autumn” (one from “Hero and Heroine” one of the top 50 Progressive Rock albums of all time according to Rolling Stone) and the glorious “Lay Down” which has probably been the tune that sticks with the band most.

Dave lightly delivered pre-number pep ups, injected with showbiz and personal anecdotes, and sang with soul and gusto all the songs in which he- and we- had so much investment. Alongside Dave’s acoustic and banjo playing, the relaxed and responsive Chas Cronk added a chiming twelve string and encouraged and cajoled a set of flowing bass lines into the main melody while stalwart Dave Lambert flipped personality, moving from self-effacing sideman to a fierce frontman, a grimacing and growling combatant as he pounded out his personal compositions.

Other great names have come and gone- Sandy Denny, Rick Wakeman, Wales’ Blue Weaver- but driven by Dave Cousins, Strawb music has never lost its identity or complete commitment and the band’s performances remain true to the enthusiasm, excitement and empathies of a radical and optimistic, if now distant age. 

In these troubled times, it doesn’t hurt to indulge and positively self-isolate for a few minutes and reconnect with the fifth former that’s there, somewhere, in all of us. As Dave Cousins and the Strawbs put it 50 years ago:

DC

“In case you find your tortoise shell Is getting rather tight You can wrap yourself in your magic cloak And disappear from sight And I will stand guard over you As through the door you creep Leave your pack at the side of the road I'll show you where to sleep.”

Photographs Courtesy of Ian Burgess

Wille and the Bandits: The Moon Club

There are films, albums, or songs that will never stop to give you goose bumps, and you discover something new about it each time you watch or listen to it.

The versatility of Wille and the Bandits makes them one of those genius bands. A mixture of genres range from rock to Latin and blues with bits of folk it's like a musical rollercoaster to the point, where watching the band live feels like being at 4 different gigs. 

Willie and the Bandits is a band of loud drums, lots and lots of guitar, and great vocals, the band combine vibes of Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam and Santana in an alternative and experimental way, they have their own recipe for a pretty unforgettable live show, And there’s even more guitar! 

Wille’s slide pushes the sound beyond the boundaries, adding bits of blues to it. this was something that the Cardiff music scene had never seen before. 

The only source of light during the gig was candlelight, which I found pretty cool and because of the Latin vibes, it felt like a hot summer night, somewhere far away from rainy UK.

The band mastered how to mix the genres and make their gigs as dynamic as possible. It’s blues rock, it’s Latin and it’s acid rock, it’s also folk, Wille and the Bandits will mix it all up within one performance.

Swinging across the genres, the band is taking live shows to another level.

A big WOW, they will blow you off your feet. 

Every minute of the gig was a musical rollercoaster, their versatile music makes your body move. The crowd absolutely loved it. 

When I stood at the front to take some photos, people were going wild, dancing and singing, and I was trying not to get knocked out. 

If you’re into blues rock with bits of folk, all wrapped up with Latin vibes- Wille and the Bandits is probably what you’ve been looking for, Or even if you’re into grime, techno, country, or whatever you like, go and see this band live for a musical katharsis. 

Kinga Balasz

Samantha Fish

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The Globe Cardiff 4/3/20

Undertaking a massive European and American tour Samantha Fish plays a sold out Globe and leaves everyone asking the question why is this Lady not a household name? I don’t think it will be long before that happens as she is a rare talent, a combination of great Guitar Playing, Superb singing, Image and songs.

Playing nearly all the songs from her latest album ‘Kill or be Kind’ Bulletproof and the title track set the atmosphere for the evening, playing her Stogie Box Blues Cigar Box sonically screaming, with her slide playing something to watch.

It’s Rock, but not as we know it, many blends of Genres are presented in each song performance.the laid back soulful ‘Love Letter’ Country rock Blues ‘Watch It Die’ the funky country groove of ‘Little Baby’ Rock Blues of ‘Bitch on the run’ and the beautiful ‘Fairweather’

Fish sings and plays with great emotion and is indead a brilliant guitarist, but what impressed me most was the songs and stunning performance by herself and a great band of Musicians. Special mention to Nicholas David a man with a great voice too as heard on the duet with Samantha ‘Say Goodbye’

Samantha Fish is a rising star, she has been around a while with over six albums of music to her name the ‘Monroe’ like blonde from Kansas City has the look and talent to go far, with her latest album she seems more complete and her songwritting and melodies have come to maturity.

I can truely say this is a Lady worth listening to and even more so going to see live,her shows sell out pretty quickly and on this superb performance it is easy to see why.

THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW

The Globe, Cardiff - 21/02/2020

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show was originated back in 2005 by Luke Bradshaw Guitarist,Producer and Creator of the band.

Since then there has been a major surge in popularity of Tribute bands, some good, some bad and some excellent. TUCRS fit into the excellent category.

We at Keep Cardiff Live believe there is room for all forms of live music,Original,Covers and tribute. In fact any type of live music that gets people off the sofa and out supporting live music is important.

Here is a special review of the band who stopped off at The Globe, Cardiff on their extensive tour of the UK, and played to a sold out audience.

Friday Night is always good for a gig night, work over for the weekend and time to let your hair down to the sounds of Classic rock.

And That is exactly what you get with The Ultimate Classic Rock Show. instantly propelled into the world you grew up in, the songs that meant so much, good times, sing along and happy memories.

It may seem obvious to some, but to create that 2 hour trip back to your past requires great skill and thought.

Yes the band are all outstanding musicians where attention to detail is mindbogglingly good, from Bohemian Rhapsody in all its complexities (something Queen actually shyed away from Live) to note perfect solos of ‘While my Guitar Gently Weeps and ‘Hotel California”to name a few.

What makes The evening so good though is the whole show,great sound,great lighting,images projected to remind you of the original artists, a professional set up throughout.

Looking around the sold out audience all you can see is happy faces, people singing, clapping and having a great night.

it’s all about entertainment and good times.no costumes,apart from T-shirts with Thin Lizzy and Pink Floyd to name a few..yes they are fans too which totally shows in their enthusiasm and performance.

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show are back in Cardiff at The New Theatre on The 10th of September, Tickets on sale 13th March.

Check out the bands website for more videos, Photos and News of their tour, you will not be disappointed they deliver and exceed your expectations.

Five Stars *****

TC

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show trailer 2020 www.ultimateclassicrockshow.com

Kano

Cardiff Students Union

Not so much a new name on the block, Kano's been performing his own brand of hip-hop and rap for a fair few years now since the East Londoner burst on the scene back in 2002 with his track "Boys Love Girls."

With his involvement with N.A.S.T.Y Crew a major stepping stone and a certain Dizzee Rascal very much part of his progression through to being a major player in UK Hip Hop scene it seems at the moment he can't do no wrong..

Promoting his album Hoodies All Summer, his first since 2016's Made In The Manor, the latest dates for February were added due to the huge demand for tickets following his a very successful tour last year.

Considered the Top Boy of UK Rap, East Ham's finest and sometime actor thrives in the highly-charged environment of the smaller, compact venues like Cardiff's Students Union, His confidence and almost cockiness a major feature that sets him aside from others, though there's nothing big-headed or brash but a passionate plea to correct the unrest and injustice he sees in everyday life.

Opening with the first track on his latest album Free Years Later it was a very different Kano this time supported by a five-piece gospel choir, supplying a wonderful backdrop to what was quite an occasion with a full band in situ rather than the normal DJ only set up that we've grown to expect.

With a crowd already buzzing from a Welsh rugby victory earlier in the day the party really took off to another level as Kano let rip with some of his fan favourites like the powerful This Is England and his break-through track P's and Q's, which had the entire audience jumping.

Ending the quite stunning set with a brass-infused 3 Wheels Up following a cheeky version of SYM, it was an impressive performance from one of the genre's most influential stars.

Jonathan Woolway

Immersed Festival

Tramshed, Cardiff - 30/01/2020

Richard Ashcroft performing at the Tramshed.

Organised in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, Immersed Festival took place at Tramshed last Thursday, on the 30th of January, USW and Music Managers Forum held an event, that brought together over 800 people, including students and local musicians. 

On Thursday, all the local music lovers and makers could gather together and empower each other, especially when local music venues are in the risk of being shut down. It was a reminder of the importance of the places where small bands can grow, and how significant music culture and local venues are in Cardiff. 

Tramshed provided three stages, Gwdihŵ stage in the waiting room, where you could grab a drink, have a taste of Welsh vibes, get cwtchy on a sofa, and enjoy the acoustic session with young artists such as Mari Mathias and Otto, surrounded by lots of fairy lights and warm colours. 

Upstairs room was created in imitation of actual Womanby Street and offered a bit more badass sounds provided by bands like Al Moses, Black Elvis, Bandicoot, French Alps Tiger, or Welsh singing Adwaith. Tiny stage with a big power, just like short Womanby Street with a long line of bars with live music. 

Main Room, headlined by Richard Ashcroft, Tom Grennan, Bad Sounds opened as the last and filled with people immediately. The main acts were supported by fantastic local bands of various genres range from grunge Clwb Fuzz to funky Year Of The Dog, who have been featured in the Netflix’s series Sex Education. Regardless of being in work that time (yes, you’re right, I multitask, so I can focus on a gig, and provide excellent customer service at the same time, as always) I had the greatest time bopping to “Zacharia” by Bad Sounds, which I think put everyone in a bouncy mood for Tom Grennan, who then performed “Found What I’ve Been Looking For”, what quite a big chunk of the crowd was so excited about.

That half an hour break before Richard Ashcroft jumped on stage were longest thirty minutes of my life. During the break I had a customer who was telling me that Richard has been his favourite artist for a very long time, and how happy he was to see him tonight, which was my highlight of the night. 

It’s 10 o’clock and I hear the crowd cheering and whistling, Ashcroft is on the stage and I’m thinking about that customer. God bless him, wherever you are mr customer, I really hope you managed to get to the front. 

Ashcroft, accompanied by a former bassist of Ocean Colour Scene Damon Minchella, begins his performance with a love song “Sonnet” wearing a scarf and a jacket. He’s singing “Break The Night With Colour”, now without his scarf. Before “The Drugs Don’t Work” he takes his jacket off and that’s how I know Richard is going to perform Bittersweet Symphony soon. 

I was not wrong. 

He then performed his last song from the setlist, Bittersweet Symphony, which is the cherry on top of the event, when everyone including organisers could sign with relief for those couple of minutes. There was no way someone could not be familiar with the song, so the whole crowd was singing along. 

Despite the rainy and windy weather, the atmosphere was amazing, positive and vibrant. Immersed 2020 was the place to go if you wanted to spend time in company of music lovers and makers, get to know more about local music, be a part of the music environment listening to hottest local bands, or even just hang around on a lazy Thursday afternoon. All dedicated to Teenage Cancer Trust, in aid of which the festival was organised, all in a good cause. 

With Bad Sounds, Tom Grennan and Richard Ashcroft headlining this year, I’m already buzzing to see next year’s headlines and the line-up for fresh local bands. Shout out to everyone who contributed to Immersed 2020 and highlighted the importance of local music venues and keeping music culture in Cardiff alive. Events like Immersed are well needed in times when venues are in risk of being shut down, being able to appreciate live music at the festival organised in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust is a brilliant way to balance having fun with help and support for others.  

Kinga Balasz

Genesis Visible Touch

The Globe, Cardiff - 16/1/2020

Tribute bands are now a part of Live Music particularily when the original bands or Artists are not touring themselves creating a market for fans to get to hear the songs they love played live.

The professionalism and accuracy can vary dramatically as it is so difficult to get all the factors right to please the arden fans.

Genesis Visible Touch are one of the best at what they do in all aspects, Lighting, Sound and Graphics are all first class along with fantastic musicianship and attention to detail. In fact the multi talented Chris O’Connell is so beleivable as Phil Collins vocally and his mannerisms you instantly feel comfortable and drawn in to the illusion of this really being Genesis, with o’connell taking to the drums to recreate the two drummer sound you realise how talented he is.

I should mention the other musicians, Martin Gordon (Mike Rutherford) combining Double neck guitar with Bass pedals providing the basis of The Genesis sound with Stuart Norman Perfectly complementing on guitar providing perfect tones and measured playing. Tony Turrell on Keyboards really performs an accurate version of the classic keyboard sound coupled with Russell Wilson driving the the songs with perfect drumming.

Songs are of course from the Collins era and include Behind The Lines, Dukes Travels and Turn it on again from Duke, Dance on a volcano and Ripples from Trick of The Tail, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight and Invisible Touch from the album of the same name to name a few of the excellent versions.

The Lady Lies from And Then There Were Three showed the real dynamics of the band and of course Follow You Follow Me had the capacity crowd singing along.

Sometimes Tribute acts get a percentage of the feel of the original acts music and performance and that probably works for most, but when you are playing such musically complex parts and beautifully crafted songs you require not only great musicianship, but true empathy and love of the work. Genesis Visible Touch have that in abundance, please check them out next time, fan or not you won’t be disappointed.