5 Things – This Week in Staines

1.

Live and Fresh Rock & Metal – in Staines

Kamizake Test Pilots Staines

Kamikaze
Test Pilots
Mar 12 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines


With ABSTRACT GENIUS

KamikazeTest Pilots mostly come from a country called Zimbabwe which is why they have the funny accents, although they have been living in the UK for near on a decade, so the accents are funnier still.

Ryan (aka Beans) plucked up the courage to ask his grandfather, a 6 foot plus ex-cop, if he could have a set of ancient jazz drums to fulfill a dream thought up during the long and hot african summers. His request granted, he set off forming a band with his younger brother Wes. It was soon obvious that Wes had a natural gift for the drums, so Ryan picked up the guitar, learned a few chords and slowly progressed to writing songs. They took their “band” to the boarding school they went to and it was then they met Martin.

Martin started on 6 strings, learning the very few licks and chords that Beans knew and with a revolving door of bassists, a band was born. However, turmoil created within Zimbabwe forced all matters of music to be put aside and for us to take stock of what options were available to us. We decided that it was time to spread our wings.

Kamikaze Test Pilots was eventually formed in 2005 by Beans and Wes. There were a number of member changes, with Martin joining the band as bassist in January 2006. The last of the changes happened in January 2008 when the band were joined by Jim Davies (ex-Loki) on guitar. To date we have enjoyed local radio and internet radio airplay, have self released a six track EP (“Into The Sun”-BUY IT NOW!) and are constantly gigging some bar somewhere. . .

Link:

www.myspace.com/thekamikazetestpilots

Buckle Up Staines

http://www.buckleuppromotions.com

2.

See these Local Punks Reborn…  Live at Egham

No Lip Compasses Egham

No Lip
Mar 13 2009
Compasses
Egham


“OLD SCHOOL PUNK FOR OLD SCHOOL PUNKS.”

After a long time of thinking of a new name (better) No Lip was born out of Sux Pastilles. With more shows upcoming No Lip are looking for fans to come to shows and go back 30 years to when punk was great. Doing covers from Ramones to The Damned and more obscure ones like the Wasps and Wire with a healthy smattering of Clash,Pistols and Ruts

Playing with our very own local STAINES faves : New Assassins

www.myspace.com/nolipband

If you don’t catch ‘em at The Compasses this week (shame on you) try to see these punksters at:

Apr 17 2009      8:00P   The Phoenix             Staines
May 2 2009       8:00P   Dog and Partridge     Staines


3.

Melodramatic Art-Pop Band – Live in Staines

A Genuine Freakshow at Staines


A Genuine
Freakshow
Mar 15 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines

With oompah sounds, creaking violins,  rumbling cellos,  screachy guitars, burbling bass and scatty drums this lot are a genuine freakshow…lots of fun and experimentation. Cool as ice and twice as nice… see ‘em now for a truly freaky experience…

With ACACIA SNOW

If you miss the HOB Freak Show (and please DON’T)  then I suppose you can catch ‘em here:

Apr 11 2009      8:00P  The Peel supp/ Cats and Cats and Cats    Kingston
Apr 12 2009      8:00P  The Oakford Social Club supp/ Vessels     Reading
Apr 24 2009      8:00P  Reading University     Reading


Links:

http://www.myspace.com/agenuinefreakshow

Buckle Up Staines


http://www.buckleuppromotions.com

4.

Three Piece Power Trio- Live Windsor

The Indie Killers at Windsor

The Indie
Killers
Mar 14 2009
Old Ticket Hall
Windsor

The Indie Killers are a 3 piece power trio, covering songs from the best Indie and Rock bands in the world today. With 5 record deals between the 3 members as well as extensive world tours and several charting records, these guys know how to make any party take off from the very 1st minute! The Indie Killers recently performed at The Killers latest album launch party where they were joined by members of Snow Patrol live on stage for a rendition of ’Mr Brightside’! + DJ PLAYING 80’s & 90’s HITS – BAR OPEN TILL 2AM

If you LIKE the KILLERS you are gonna LURVE these boys !

03-14-2009 21:00 at The Indie Killers
THE OLD TICKET HALL, WINDSOR, SL4
Cost: £3

Link:

www.myspace.com/indiekillers




5.

Soul Funk Disco Party -  Live at Ascot

Citizen Soul at Ascot

Citizen Soul
Mar 14 2009
Jagz
Ascot

Citizen Soul is the ultimate soul, funk, disco and motown covers band for your party, wedding or corporate event. The fantastic vocalists and rhythm section are complemented by a 6,piece horn section, guaranteeing a sound like you have never heard before!

The band comprises some of the very best young musicians on the London music scene. All of the members of the band have studied at London’s most prestigious music colleges, such as the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music.

The band’s repertoire has something for everyone, from classics by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Earth Wind & Fire and Michael Jackson to contemporary hits by Joss Stone, Jill Scott and Jamiroquai. Whether you want the newest tunes or the cheesiest anthems, Citizen Soul can meet your needs.

Saturday, 14th March JAGZ ASCOT
Show will start at 8.45
Ticket cost: £8.00
Doors open from 7.30pm. £26 for 2 courses and entrance (£30 for 3 courses). Entrance for the bands is £8 but is strictly limited and on a first come first served basis. Entrance for dining or just the band INCLUDES free entrance to the nightclub

Links:

http://www.jagz.co.uk

-Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts-

5 Things – This Week in Staines

1.

‘Doc Jazz’ A Visionary in Musician – Ascot

Geoff Eales Trio

Geoff Eales Trio
Sunday, 4th January Jagz Ascot
Show will start at doors 12.30pm and music 1pm to 3.30pm
Ticket cost: £6.00
Special – entrance and roast lunch £12

A truly remarkable man, there are few musicians in the world who have been master of so many styles and who possess the breadth of vision as this most creative of Welshmen. Throughout his long and distinguished career he has worked with pop stars, country singers, opera divas, variety artists, funk legends, played on countless sound tracks, TV shows and jingles, been a featured soloist with symphony orchestras and has composed chamber works, symphonies and concertos. He is also something of a musical pedagogue.

A Doctor of Music, he could have quite easily pursued a brilliant career as an academic. As if this isn’t enough, he just happens to be one of the UK’s most gifted jazz improvisers. The trio includes Paul Morgan on bass and Mark Fletcher on drums.

2.

OLD SCHOOL PARTY!!!!! WITH 2 DJ’S- in Ascot

Club One Party


Wednesday, December 31st NEW YEAR’S EVE CLUB ONE- ASCOT

70’S &80’S SOUL, R&B, JAZZ FUNK, MOTOWN, DISCO
SPECIAL GUEST DJ GREG EDWARDS
Doors open at 9pm
TICKETS £15  please call:

01344 875123/874500
Links:

http://www.cluboneascot.com/


3.

A Spot of Dickens- at Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre

A Christmas Carol at The Rose Kingston

2 December – 3 January A Christmas Carol  Rose Theatre – Kingston  High Street


Box office: 0871 230 1552

Tickets around £26:00 with booking fee

4.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER- in Windsor

Odette Michell [Birds of a Feather] Windsor Old Ticket Hall

4th JAN 2009 20:00 at SUPER SUNDAYS PRESENTS ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’
THE OLD TICKET HALL, WINDSOR  FREE !!

Old ticket hall – Windsor
01753 854554

Super Sundays Presents ‘Birds of a Feather’ our Resident Acoustic Duo. They say that birds of a feather fly together – well this phrase couldn’t be more true for this dynamic singing duo from Windsor, Berkshire. Gloria Garcia and Odette Michell have been performing high quality live cover versions for over 4 years collectively – choosing superb songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s – right through to the present day. Their acoustic take on these songs is uniquely identifiable by their remarkable two-part vocal harmonies. This is live music at its sweetest and best – pure live acoustic entertainment with more than a splash of sophistication.

About Odette

After exchanging the piano for the guitar, at the age of fifteen, Odette began writing and recording her own songs when she was just sixteen years old. Continuing her study of music at the Nottingham Trent University, Odette went on to receive her B.A Hons in Contemporary Music. A matter of days after graduation, and spurred on by a healthy wanderlust, Odette took off for the beautiful West coast of Canada with little more than a small backpack and a spirit of adventure. With her last remaining $30 she purchased a guitar and a (childs) bicycle, and made a new home for herself in Vancouver, where she spent many happy months delving into the local music scene.

In the years since she has played solo as well as with various bands up and down the UK, including the Internationally acclaimed Cambridge Folk Festival Club stage, where she has performed for three years consecutively and been fortunate enough to share the stage with musical legends Joan Baez, Eddi Reader and Kathryn Williams.Originally from Cambridge, UK, Odette recently relocated to Windsor; and is currently in the process of securing a number of choice festival dates for this coming summer.

About Gloria

Gloria Garcia was born in the beautiful wine region of Rioja in Northern Spain. She began singing at the tender age of five, greatly influenced by her grandmother, who was an opera singer. She started to get involved in a church choir and took guitar lessons but it was not until she graduated in 2000 that she decided to take a
challenge and travel to the UK looking to further her music opportunities.Gloria’s stunning vocal talent started to get attention while performing on her own or accompanied by various bands in the Berkshire and London area. Her style blends from pop and soul to latin and jazz, performing in English and Spanish.

Besides this, Gloria was selected in the last 75 in Pop Idol Series 3 in 2003, amongst 23000 contestants, getting really good reviews from judges Simon Cowell and Pete Watermann. She was also getting some media attention when she made it to the 10 final contestants in the VH1 Divas London Auditions.Gloria has an extensive session singing experience under her belt, having worked with very renowned producers such as In Demand (Cindy Lauper, Steve Brookstein’s production team), Master Stepz (Choice FM DJ) and Amit Kamboj (Metalhead records Goldies label). She has also fronted various bands such as Nu Future, Freedom Republic and the acoustic duo Garcia, performing extensively in well known festivals and venues such as Jagz in Ascot, The Cellar Bar in Bracknell and West One Four in London.

Gloria also manages community music projects and is a freelance singing teacher for Youth Music, The Arts Council, Thames Valley University and various other schools.

Gloria currently accompanies herself on guitar and piano. She usually plays at pubs and acoustic venues around Windsor and London.

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/gloriagarcia

http://www.myspace.com/odettemichell


5.

Ultra Alt Rock at Kingston

Tobys Iceberg

Jan 4 2009      7:30P
Fighting Cocks – (With W.M.D. & Adams to the Max)     KINGSTON


Formed in 2007 Toby’s Iceberg are a band of contrasts…Max is the smallest member of the band while Beard is the tallest. Max preferes the O.C. Beard likes Dawsons Creek and in contrast Theo like One Tree Hill. Davis plays Drums while Theo plays Guitar

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/tobysiceberg

http://www.myspace.com/wmd4

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-Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts-

Afterspark

STAINES  HOBGOBLIN
Thursday 9th October 2008

A Spark or a little glow?

‘Out of Here’ with its stripped down to the pine atmosphere and chinkle-chinkle of acoustic rhyhtm guitar along with a light dusting of snare and cymbal, like a pre-electric White Stripes (but only with Joni Mitchell singing) is like being on a date with a supermodel who hasn’t yet had her supper. Full of promise and beauty but driving you up-the-wall because of the painful misery of being so peachy and perfect…

‘View from the Ground’ is lighter and a little lovelier with sweeter vocal arrangements that remind the listner of Christine McVie. Na-Na-Na-Na-Na… it is like a bittersweet tongue-in-cheek lovers revenge tiff. A song of such sparse accompaniment that I am surprised it didn’t come with a glass of water and some crispbread. Stronger though is ‘Still Green’ recorded with strings and keyboards on the album ‘Sometimes We Forget’ -but when played live it is cut down and hacked back like a shrub in the yard -only to sprout and fizz out in the end with a surprising and unexpected vigour.

I don’t know if you have seen the musical ‘Forbidden Planet’ (stay with me) but one of the most exciting and atmospheric things about that show is the way that the musicians ‘move around’ from instrument to instrument at the start of each scene. So the drummer plays the trombone then he plays the guitar then he plays the sax and only then does he go back to the drums. You get the idea?  It is amazing to witness. Well, Afterspark do a nice little run of instrumental gymnastics in much the same way. Afterspark actually only comprises of Cate Ferris and Adam Staff but they seem to employ some significant others who “move around” from instrument to instrument. I think Adam plays just about everything they’ve got from percussion thru keyboards to guitars. I think he even plays two, or maybe even three, instruments at once. What a guy!

Cate’s voice doesn’t have the same sherry-wine fruitiness and quivering roundness of someone like Martha Tilston – Cate’s vocals at times tend to stretch the acceptable limits of your hackle feathers and mine, certainly, felt a bit ruffled at times … I won’t say her sounds screech the blackboard… but you know what I mean. Her voice could do with a dab of cherry polish and a heavy dose of 15 year old whiskey to be as acceptable as some of her contemporaries. But she does have bags of charm and a certain cheekiness in her voice and the lyric that seems more tender and more innocent (and less potently destructive) than someone like Martha.

Cate and Adam like to experiment with their jazz sounds and so the stripped down feel of the band goes a long way to supporting these ambitions. Mixed up with a bit of fast-fusion acoustic thrashed rhythm a la Tierra Acida’s Rodrigo y Gabriela, some of the songs have an ambience and a quality comparable with the Nitin Sawhney- style of light ‘world’ of jazz fusion with its acoustic/jazz/experimental vibe.

When I spoke to Cate after the Staines gig I remarked upon how versatile the band could be- vis-a-vis being able to play any size venue. ( I was thinking wine bars and the like.) She told me that the noise the band makes means that they have to rule out some of the more sophisticated spaces. Well, actually she said, “We like to be noisy”. And I know what she means. The drums and pulses that are the backbone of the sounds are at times tempestuous and are almost always breezy and chunky. This may be a folk jazz band but they live in the loud and naughty noughties so they like to make a racket like the rest of us.

If you are expecting something soft and sweetly meditative along with a period of navel contemplation then Afterspark may not be what you are looking for. The sound is more acidic and spiky than warm and friendly- it is a sound more akin to Kate Nash than to Joni Mitchell. But if you like your folk music to be witty, gritty and dry then  this may do you fine.


© Neil_Mach
Oct 2008

See them next at:

2 Nov 2008      20:00 The Durrell Arms Fulham
15 Nov 2008     20:00 The Larrik Fulham

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/afterspark

Keep checking AdPontes-Staines for news, reviews, articles and gig-guide


Ad Pontes Staines- music arts & going out IN STAINES

————–

  1. Thanks for the write-up, dood. It’s a pleasure to ‘be noisy’ for you guys, any time.

    You rock

5 Things – This Week in Staines

1.

See Big Truck at Staines

Big Truck at Staines

Oct 12 2008      8:00P Staines Hobgoblin £3 entry

BIG TRUCK

BIG TRUCK are a young West London-based rock band. They have been established for just over a year now, having played almost 50 shows in and around the London area. In this time BIG TRUCK have not only recorded their debut album ‘One Long Saturday Night’ but also played a sold-out show at Camden’s Purple Turtle to celebrate its first press. Since then BIG TRUCK have been well received on many independant radio stations in the UK including Total Rock, Inferno and Brit FM to name a few. This was followed by a recent brief tour of Canada and airplay on UPV Radio 102.5 FM in Spain, proving that BIG TRUCK have both UK and international appeal.

BIG TRUCK are a four-piece line up with soaring guitars, driving bass, solid drums and choruses that have you singing along before you even know the words. They hail their influences from a variety of contemporary and classic bands – Foo Fighters, The Who, Muse and Jimi Hendrix to name but a few. The debut album ‘One Long Saturday Night’ is available for sale, along with some very stylish merchandise, through their website as well as at live shows. When asked for a quote about the band, producer and Nick Olivieri’s Mondo Generator guitarist Simon ‘Spud’ Beggs simply stated “BIG TRUCK rock!” No words have ever been more truly spoken. BIG TRUCK are now back in London promoting their album.

Their debut album OUT NOW! (www.bigtruckmusic.co.uk)

Vaughan Pryce-Jenkins // Vocals, Guitar
Jimmy “Fingers” Dockerill // Guitars, Vocals
Mark Kozlowski // Bass
James “Hands” Betchley // Drums


http://www.myspace.com/bigtruckmusic

2.

Catch some New  Acoustic Folk – Staines

AfterSpark at Staines photo by Ben Gray


Oct 9 2008      8:00P The Hobgoblin (Staines) Entry £3

Afterspark’s members Cate, Adam, Ed and Jude accidentally wrote some songs together at the start of 2006 and since then have played on radio shows and at gigs and festivals across the country.

The band plays a dynamic mixture of soaring vocals, foot stomping rhythms and subtle textures that range from the tiny sublime to the beautifully unflinching. They have an album ‘Sometimes We Forget’, self-recorded and self-funded, which you
can hear on the left, and they also have an EP ‘A Simple Life’, both of which are available from afterspark.co.uk

http://www.myspace.com/afterspark


3.

Great Works of Bach on Cello  at Walton

Paul Marleyn Cello at Walton on Thames

Wednesday 8th October 12.15pm Lunch, 1.10pm Concert  Riverhouse Barn

Suites Nos 1 and 4 for solo Cello, J.S. BACH

A welcome return to Canadian Paul Marleyn on a visit from Ottawa where he is professor of cello at the University. This concert is an opportunity to hear two of the greatest works for cello played by a fine musician.

-  full price £13.00
-  without lunch £9.00

riverhouse boxoffice
Manor Road
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey KT12 2PF

01932 253354 (24 hrs)

4.

Rock with Enjoy Destroy – at Windsor Firestation

Enjoy Destroy

Oct 9 2008      7:00P ENJOY DESTROY w/ CANTERBURY     Firestation Windsor

Basingstoke/Guildford Rock/Alt band

If you like Biffy Clyro or Foo Fighters you will love this up and coming local band. See them this week at Windsor’s new Arts Venue, The Firestation

Link:

http://www.myspace.com/enjoydestroy



5.

Rock and Punk at Windsor Old Ticket Hall

Scars and Sirens at Old Ticket Hall Windsor

Oct 8 2008      9:00P supports ALASKA & at Old Ticket Hall     WINDSOR

Scars & Sirens

Comprised of four talented musicians from Reading/Windsor, Joseph Spencer – Vocals/Rhythm Guitar; Lloyd Henning – Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals Matthew T.D. Rees – Bass/Backing Vocals ; Charlie Brown – Drums the hard-dedicated Sirens are
compelled to make their mark on the rock scene.

Once known as ‘The Otherside‘, the string-slingers prepare to take on their much anticipated challenge of producing the most powerful Rock tracks of the era. It’s here show how passionate we really are about our music…

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/scarsandsirens

http://www.myspace.com/theoldtickethall

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Get Your Tickets for Beck Theatre, Hayes



The Beck Theatre
Grange Road
Hayes
Middlesex
UB3 2UE

-Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts-