Tag Archives: adpontes

Redfest 2012 – Review – Day Three

. Uncategorized . , ,

For those still able to think rationally after a night of dubious groping, mysterious smooching and comprehensively debauched indulgence, Sunday morning was a laid-back affair of gentle musings and fondly remembered after-glows.

Polite Bristol based alt-rock quartet ‘The Bronze Medal’ provided the kind of slow-burn music that warms the cockles of your day, and allows you to slip gently into a state of consciousness.

And then ‘The General’ played a pleasing set of Sunday morning songs on the Introducing Stage. These were exquisitely produced and highly refined ‘Gypsy folk’ numbers – decorated with a kind of sentimental zithering ‘Cossack’ sound.

After that, most of the crowd headed over to the main stage to enjoy the quality, style and hankering good looks of those ‘Brothers & Bones’ lads. Quite clearly, all the females in the crowd were wilting under the band’s potently masculine charms – but the guys were not just beautiful to look at. They also played some terrific songs and they demonstrated a whole lotta impressive musicianship. They clomped and bounced around the stage at such a huge speed, it was difficult not to get giddy just watching. Good grief, it was a memorable show. Amazing fun. It brought to mind a heavy version of Mumford & Sons.

Tree House Fire, down in the Introducing Tent are a great Pop/Reggae band. Full of energy and spirit. This entertaining bunch of musical geniuses played their socks off. I highly recommend this band to you. Their album is out soon!

Crowds started to descend from the campsite on the hill in formidable numbers for the ‘Don Broco’ slot. This band have really taken over in the last few months. Their album is already tipped for major chart success, and they have been working their way around the UK, bringing their stylized strut filled geezer-rock anthems to almost everyone’s doorsteps. We love ‘em. They are exuberant, loud, rude and arrogant. But their incredible show is full of fun – and we loved to sing along to their merry lager-drinking tunes.

‘The Skints‘ are on everyone’s list of favourite ska bands. Marcia is quite simply one of the most outrageously talented people in the UK. With a heavenly sweet voice, she sublimely undercuts the more brashly defiant vocals from Josh. And she plays keys, sax, flute and melodica. Outstanding.

It seemed that the afternoon was turning into a ska / reggae party when those naughty boys from Essex, the real working class crusaders ‘Missing Andy’ came to the main stage with another helping of ska-based sounds and mod-style British rock.

Missing Andy played a lively and entertaining set. But unfortunately, by now, many of the campers had started to fade in the hot sun and due to the lack of any meaningful sleep. This is a great shame because this band is all about crowd participation. They demand that you dance and be happy. Anyway, the boys still played an enjoyable set to a drooping audience- most of which were now flopped on the grass in heaps.

Just as the sun started to go down, and people started feeling a little more lively and vibrant, then those perky grime and dubstep pranksters from the Foreign Beggars took to the stage with their mischievous typhoon-speed high-jinks. They swept the crowds to their feet, got everyone bouncing again, and started to really shake up the festival. Playing some old tracks, they also played material from their latest releases and even did an impromptu RedFest song to get the audience really moving and grinding. Frisky business!

Best memory: DJ Nonames from Foreign Beggars putting on a ‘wasp’ costume from the fancy dress box… “Where does this actually go?” He asks bandmate MC Orifice Vulgatron – pointing to the yellow and black ‘sting’ – which now protrudes from THE FRONT of his trousers…

– © Neil_Mach July 2012 –

Link:

http://www.facebook.com/RedfestUK

Note : This is Part 3 of 3 – from the REDFEST Report
Click here for Part One [Fridy] and here for Part Two [Saturday]

Foreign Beggars On Stage at Redfest 2012 – Note the ‘sting’

Redfest 2012 – Review – Day Two

. Uncategorized . , ,

Wow – what a night!

After a small amount of confusion in the dance tent – Friday night soon got off to a promising start with some monster sounds outrageously produced by the eminent RedFest DJ’s.

Revellers danced to the fun-packed electro clubland grimy dubstep grooves from 10 o’clock until way into the wee-wee hours … and the crowd were even entertained by a Modestep DJ set. It was a legendary party! If you weren’t there, shame on you.

And on Saturday morning, after sleeping 2 hours (on average) things seemed even more exotically brilliant. Why? Because the sun had come out to play!

Suicide Si and Taygon Paxton lit up the Acoustic Tent in the morning with their generous and motivational sets. And punk stars ‘Loose Lips’ provided some much needed summer madness over in the Introducing Tent. They were followed by the young hip-hop combo ‘Critical State’ getting all hot ‘n’ sexy afterwards.

Up on the main stage, meanwhile, Clement Marfo and the Frontline gloried in the huge crowd anticipation. Grabbing many new converts for their funky blend of hip-hop and rock, this band’s idiosyncratic fusion of dance sounds created the ultimate party atmosphere in the afternoon. An enthusiastic crowd basked in the glorious afternoon sunshine – and lapped up Clement’s hugely entertaining set.

Next on stage were the inimitable Manchester based Rock / Reggae Hip-Hop slicksters Sonic Boom Six. When Laila K shouted to the crowd to get up onto each other’s shoulders – and sway – all followed. This was sexy. It was sleazy. And it was shimmering sensational fun. SB6 are a real stand-out act.

For a more subdued, but nonetheless magical, experience – many of us went over to the Acoustic Tent for some delectable goodness – courtesy of those luscious sounds from the soothing voice of Kadija Kamara. Her amazingly beautiful vocal range reminded us of Aretha Franklin. She was followed by the equally impressive and totally captivating pop-soul ‘diva in waiting’ Kal Lavelle, who performed an enjoyable and cheekily humour filled set to a delighted audience.

Kings Lynn heavy rockers Deaf Havana played a gig so loud and so ear-bashingly invasive that it, quite literally, hurt. I have the bruises to prove it. How can anything compare with that extraordinary power and unbridled energy?

Well, Fei Comodo certainly gave it their all – with a mighty set. Their impressively awesome energy nearly brought the Gozibe Introducing tent down around our ears. But, alas this was to be their first date in a swan song tour … so if you missed them at RedFest, I’m afraid to tell you that time is running out to see them live for one last time!

The headline act on Saturday night were the South Wales rock legends and showpiece sonic supremos ‘Kids In Glass Houses’. This band plays rock ‘n’ roll in it’s finest form. Full on, dynamic and spirited music played at the highest possible volume- like the mighty zeal of a cataclysmic storm. How anyone could sleep after that? I don’t know. And as far as I’m aware, no one did!

With dance tents full to capacity and some legendary DJ’s stacked up – the parties literally went on from dusk till dawn! And the sky stayed cloudless! OHMYGOD !

Best memory: Vocalist Laila K ( Sonic Boom Six)hastily writing ” I LOVE LAILA … FROM SONIC BOOM SIX’ onto the back of a totally unaware punter in the crowd !

– © Neil_Mach July 2012 –

Link:

http://www.facebook.com/RedfestUK

TBC: Check back soon for Part Three of my RedFest Report

Redfest 2012 – Review – Day One

. Uncategorized . , ,

Arriving at the beautiful site of Redfest at Robins Cook Farm things looked a bit gloopy. Dark clouds swirled and threatened overhead and we decided to quickly get our tents up over our heads, in nervous anticipation of a very imminent downpour.

Kicking the festival off in style were locally based rockers ‘The Blue Pursuit’ (who managed to sticka the whole site within a few hours – every toilet seat was stickered–so most bum cheeks were impressed by the band.) And then we were treated to the tasty post prog-metal anthems of XenicibiS adding texture and celebration – to go with our much needed ‘first drink of the day’.

Over at the Acoustic tent stunning ‘Alice Dale’ performed an intrinsically radiant set that warmed up the delighted crowd, and she was followed by the profound musical talent of ‘Lewis Mokler‘ pursued – as usual – by his gaggle of female devotees -his ‘Hot Moklates’.

Bringing some glamour and sophistication to the Gozibe Music Introducing Stage was the talented and majestic Hertfordshire 5 piece ‘Burn So Bright’ fronted by the delectably attractive Millie. Then, after a sizzling set from the Borderline:Fire, the plentiful crowd in the Gozibe tent were treated to the effervescent magnificence of those haughty rockers ‘New Ivory’.

This undeniably controversial and reliably theatrical rock act is causing quite a buzz on the live music circuit. And festival goers could see for themselves how the band have managed to garnish their reputation. New Ivory tactics/antics included their drummer Nite succumbing to a hysterically childish yet divertingly comical hissy fit because his stool was too low – he threatened to walk off stage before the band had even started to play a single note. Later on, front man Mickey started climbing onto one of the main speaker stacks (the ten foot high one) – much to the alarm and trepidation of the security – to play a lead-guitar solo. He later huskily waltzed off stage in an indignant huff – but not before he had executed an enigmatic stage dive and returned to the stage crawling on all fours. Who needs humility? This is rock and roll…

WeCaughtTheCastle put on a grandstanding show- the radiant smile of golden-haired singer Hollie Elizabeth helping to offset the dark & gloomy clouds threatening to form overhead. WeCaughtTheCastle had already suffered the humiliation of having their tour van securely locked in sticky mud in the track that leads onto the backstage area – but the security staff has helped pull the van out of the mire – and get the timings back on track.

As usual ‘Attention Thieves‘ staged an excellent and enjoyable show. They are now scheduled to play Reading and Leeds (BBC Introducing Stage) so if you missed them in the intimate environment at RedFest, then you will have missed out on seeing this amazing band at close-hand. These boys are sky-rocketing up to the very top. Mark my words!

Over on the Main Stage the first of the really big hitters of RedFest 2012 unfurled their array of furious, but complicated, metal extravaganzas to the amazed and adoring crowd. Playing an enormously enjoyable and deliciously frenetic set, Mallory Knox set the tone for the rest of the evening … magic, mayhem and munificently mighty metal.

Next up were the sublime dub-metal doom-punk magicians (everyone is now talking about them) Subsource. Still doing their best to destroy every soundsystem in the land, they played numbers so exotically deafening that it is some small wonder that the band didn’t set off some kind of a quake alert! And, man, can these fella’s play? What an incredible treat!

Over on the Gozibe stage ‘Honour Is Dead’ were playing to a jam packed house – their Metal/Hardcore sounds causing muddy confusion in the jammy mosh pits. And then the magnificent ‘Shadows Chasing Ghosts’ screamed onto stage with their death or glory anthems bursting out to the frantically baying crowd.

When High Wycombe’s ‘Young Guns’ rose up onto the main stage to confront the rabbling masses – the party really began to sizzle. As the animated crowd lurched, lunged and reeled as one, the band played a masterful and truly electrifying show. This band is one this country’s most bravely ambitious bands, and they are already looking to dominate the sound-waves with their ‘Bones’ release. They have justifiably earned their title as the UK’s greatest ‘must have’ band at any live music event. Lucky RedFest revellers could see why this band has managed to garner themselves such a righteous reputation. Their musicanship, songwriting and showmanship is truly out-and-out brilliant. This performance marked them out as one of the highlights of the entire RedFest weekend.

But the icing on the RedFest cake was yet to come – because the remarkable ‘Modestep’ was headlining on the main stage. This band’s unique blends of dubstep, rock and electro sounds nearly caused a mini-riot – especially as Josh Modestep demanded that revellers “Get up and get moving…” Motivated by their womp-womp spirit and irresistible energy, the whole crowd jumped – AS ONE- for joy. Joy of life. And joy for music. What a day!

Best memory: Rapper ‘Twivey’ (from hip-hop band Critical State) setting fire – he claims ‘accidentally’ – to huffy New Ivory lead singer Mickey’s preciously combed quiff …

– © Neil_Mach July 2012 –

Link:

http://www.facebook.com/RedfestUK

TBC: Check back soon for Part Two of my RedFest Report

Nick Modestep REDFEST 2012

Sun Shines For Laughing Stock

. Uncategorized . , , , , , , , , ,

The rain stayed behind the threatening clouds right until the end of the show at  this weekends successful  ‘Laughing Stock‘  Festival held in Shepperton. Hosted by Linda & Jon Jagger, at their riverside home.  ‘Laughing Stock’ is an exceptional afternoon of exciting live music, provided by 8 live bands, including local heroes like Lee Aaron, Prezence and of course – !Daft!

The proceeds from this enjoyable family day out went to the  EAGLE RADIO TRUST – this is supporting local causes.

Festival goers were welcomed by an arc of gazebos encircling the tented stage  – looking almost like a defensive circle of wagons just before an imminent Apache attack. But these precautions were necessary to overcome the nasty and discouraging weather that we are all becoming rather bored with during this soggy summer.

But the ‘pioneers’ were soon able to leave the safety of their tents and spread themselves out in a neighbourly fashion – along the  tidy riverside lawns – to enjoy the simply superb live music on offer.

Delights included classic rockers Prezence (the self-proclaimed rock gods of the south.) The extraordinary drummer Lee Aaron with his talented band. And the great voice of ‘Mercy’ with ‘The Hog’.

In the early evening we were all chilled out beautifully and reliably intoxicated. And happy to see the top of-the-bill band – !Daft! – doing their thing. This group is the UK’s top Rock and Pop cover band – they are exceptional musicians and masterful entertainers. But as the band started to play the REEF anthem “Place Your Hands”  and the swaying crowd waved happily to the lyrics ‘Put Your Hands On…’ the first fat spatters of rain started to be felt.

Lee Aaron Band – Laughing Stock 2012

The !Daft!  guys suggested cutting their set short – and some festival goers even started packing their picnic baskets and putting on cagoules and wellies – but for the majority of the crowd it was an easy decision … let’s dance in the rain!

A memorable event of  love, peace and music.

© Neil_Mach July 2012

Links:

http://www.964eagle.co.uk/trust/

http://www.daftonline.co.uk/

Rietta Austin – Live in Staines

. Live Music Review, live music staines . , , , , , , , , , , , ,

You might expect a cynical or even a jaded offering from an accomplished pub singer and hard-working funk-rock / soul performer like Rietta Austin. But what greeted the music lovers at Staines Riverside Club on May 26 was a show of exquisite charm and unprecedented freshness.  Rietta was as bold and as sweet as any flush faced  teen performer you may see on telly. Yet  more polished and professional than any them!  A most unlikely “prima donna” indeed.

Flying into an amazing tear-away set – opening with a sweeping version of ‘Knock On Wood’ the ‘Bright Lights, Big City’ singer gave us a glossy, yet youthful, show at the Riverside Club.  Full of totally vivacious energy and warm heartfelt joy , the curvy singer seemed to be literally bursting with a lusciously infectious spirit.

Rietta is credited with being the first artist to open the O2 Arena in London headlining their Community Event June 20, 2007. [ http://youtu.be/D26whvywMG0]
Coming from New Zealand, and continuing to have many professional and personal ties with her home continent of Australasia, her voice has been described as “Truly a voice that must be heard.” – Kirk Pengilly, INXS

After telling the Staines audience that she would play a few of her own works, sprinkled with some choice covers, she sang the deliciously melancholy Stevens/Ross number ‘Wildflower’  followed by a virtuous cover of fellow kiwi Sharon O’Neill’s 1983 hit  “Maxine”.

By the Jon Bovi number “Livin’ on a Prayer”  (produced with great gusto and fire), we had already witnessed  her magnificent and legendary four octave vocal range. And an exciting wardrobe malfunction during a lively session of tambourine, was narrowly avoided when Rietta, looking down,  realized that she was about to be undone.

This was during one of a pair of numbers when the singer allowed the impeccably funky band some time to ‘go their own way’. Another such piece was the eloquently arranged Hendrix number ‘Little Wing’ where Tom Walker (Guitar) played out a solo of such amazing quality that he managed to gain his own warm ovation.

But it was Rietta’s sweetly booming voice that the punters had come for. From so low that you thought the earth beneath you would crack open, to higher than the highest conceivable highs – like a tiny songbird – her range is undefinable and utterly magnificent.  Each thrilling song was gloriously realized by a vocalist who is renowned, quite rightfully,  for her sensuality and her highly charged stamina. Sensational.

© Neil_Mach May 2012

Links:

http://www.riettaaustin.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rietta/109666580268

Stirring Stories of Highway’s Hobos and Heroes Win Tribal Chieftain’s Praise

. Album Review . , , , , , , , , , ,

Keith Beasley – Highways Hobos and Heroes

The 14 songs on this country-blues album have been written, recorded and compiled by Keith Beasley over a period of 15 years (1995 – 2010) and have been chosen by him from an extensive song-book … as the songs that mean the most personally. He admits to being heavily influenced by the nostalgia of a highly stylized American culture. Keith is an accomplished blues, folk and rock ‘n’ roll musician.  He has played many gigs in and around Staines with his ONE FOR THE ROAD band.  This is an eagerly anticipated album of his collected inspirations and influences.

Songs such as ‘Wounded Knee’  have almost Dylanesque chord structures growing within them, and in this tune the chords seem to echo out across the Mesa. The words in the song tumble down gracefully – like the tears on Red Cloud morning . Harmonicas flare occasionally, as those old heart aching embers are rekindled. This gently stirring  country song ambles along in the midday sun with a suitable lope and a knowing glint in a saddened eye.

Since this album is a journey through the hobo States, it is no surprise that there are a lot of train references. ‘Mystery Train’ is one such reference- a chugging steamer of a song, pounding its way up the tracks with an agreeable thud.

‘Ghost Train’ is a bit more ashen faced. Lazy-necked and slippery bottled strings are peeled from Keith’s guitar like the skins from a tacked up side-winder. The out-and-out  blues rhythms clutter along. A harmonica frolics with whiskey soaked guitars, as manful rhythms stride purposefully down a dusty line.

‘Looking for The Country’ is a traditional rock and blues merrymaking roister-doister of a piece. You’ll need to polish the tips on your bolo-tie and watch your boot-straps don’t snag on her hems – because I guarantee that you’ll not stop dancing to this one!

‘57 Chevrolet’ has a buzzing riff and feels like a real man-sized road-song- it’s chock full of smoke and dust. ‘Heat of The Night’ opens with organ sounds, and it really feels like a night under stars south of the “Big River”. The song retains it’s big hot city swagger, amidst the grime and stench of a dirty Maquiladora. And a burst of juicy sax retells the magnificence that could even be possible here in this squalid heat.

Another train song is ‘The Southbound Train’ a hardy blues outing with those familiar globular, throaty vocals from Keith, powdered with silica-dust rhythms.

The album finishes with ‘The Saddest Song’  a tune that perfectly suits Keith’s guttural, gurgled voice. A lamenting story, decorated by bowls of mournful bass-notes. This is bleak and blameless yet perks up when the whines and cries of swirling guitars rise against the smoky fogs of despair. Things brighten up as the song unfolds into perfect harmony and heaven sent clemency.

This album has already been given the great seal of approval from Radio Kili, (the Lakota Sioux Radio Station in South Dakota, out on the Pine Ridge Reservation.) Keith has received messages of support and “Woplia” (Great Thanks) from Morris Bull Bear who is the living descendant of Chief Bull Bear – killed by Red Cloud in a tribal dispute. Apparently Morris Bull Bear’s family love the ‘Wounded Knee’ song.

© Neil_Mach May 2012
Grab The Album Here on Amazon

See Keith LIVE at:
The Red Lion, 92-94 Linkfield Road, Isleworth, next Saturday – 2nd June

Papa George and Micky Moody – Live at The Riverside Club, Staines

. blues, live music, Live Music Review, live music staines . , , , , , , , , ,

You couldn’t get two more talented bluesmen together than this. Rock guitar wizard Micky Moody (Whitesnake) along with classic ‘Blues With a Feeling’ guitarist Papa George at The Riverside Club Staines. Micky Moody seated slightly loftily on the glittering stage of the Staines Club, vaunting his Les Paul, and Papa George, slightly lower, embracing his custom steel guitar.

“Well, are you ready for this?” George asked the crowd, the excitement already building. A warm round of applause followed. “Right, then, lets move on …” And we went straight on a trip … starting with the warmth and glowing hypnotic genius of “You Can Love Yourself.” ( contemporary Delta blues artist Keb’ Mo’)

Clearly, both artists are masters of the guitar – but the voices are also impeccable. As we approach “Jesus on the Mainline”  (trad: but normally associated with slider Ry Cooder,)  Papa George’s voice is darker, more whisky and dry whilst Micky’s vocals are finer, they seem stretched-  they are harder.Together, these elements create a magical potion. Crowd participation was encouraged gently, without becoming uncomfortable. As I looked around the club I could see almost everyone was happily singing along to the chorus.

The atmosphere was relaxed and unpressured.  And you felt that you were witnessing two of your favourite artists jamming away in your own lounge. Such is their easy-going style and their friendly light-hearted manner, it is as if you are enjoying an evening with friends. And that’s how it should be.

Included in the set were at least a couple of Papa George’s own compositions, including one of my own favourites “Broken Mirror”. It is at these points that you realize how skilled these musicians really are. Their improvisations are amazing. Both guitarists consistently demonstrated a mastery not only of the blues guitar, but also classical and flamenco guitar. The finger tapping percussive style of Micky Moody was particularly fascinating.

Songs like “Sailin’ Shoes”  (written by Little Feat guitarist Lowell George) allow the partnership to flourish. Here the intricate patterns created by the splendid finger-picking from George, surround the sweeter notes soared up by Micky.This song allows the duo to explore new undiscovered territories – all the while branching out with fresh sounds – whilst the audience happily goes along for the ride.

Papa George is a first-class vocalist with a creamy dark chocolate voice that smothers you in those deep molasses.  Micky Moody is a snake-charming smooth handed guitar player and a talented vocalist. Together they played a concert that was uplifting – almost spiritual …. what a night!

© Neil_Mach April 2012

Links:

http://www.papageorge.co.uk/

http://www.mickymoody.co.uk