Snowdon Rocks

Big day tomorrow. Weather is looking foul. Knee is a bit sore, but raring to go !!!!!! If you would like to donate we would appreciate any amount ..........https://www.justgiving.com/Alan-Rowlands2/

LOVE, HOPE and STRENGTH

Love Hope Strength Foundation is a charity that promotes innovative, music related, outreach and awareness programmes for leukemia and cancer sufferers, survivors and their families.

Status Quo at CPOP 2014

Rick Rifftastic - Status Quo at CPOP 2014

To complete an almost perfect day the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power organisers laid on the mighty rifftastic Status Quo to end the day supported by the RPJ Band and Toseland. Our party was slightly slow to join the crowd as we were distracted by a barbecue and the odd libation. But with the weather holding off, we wandered across to a sell out, but not packed out, arena to grab a spot.

We opted to stand rather than take a chair which many had, to take advantage of the natural slope of the arena area. We arrived just as RPJ finished and they seemed to go down well. They sounded alright during rehearsals earlier on. Toseland, led by former World Superbike Champion James Toseland, were pretty dire though. 

Quo however were as ever fantastic. Mr Rossi moaning about the cold, Mr Parfitt grinning from ear to ear and the band as a whole determined to have a good time. 

This attitude coupled with some top songs makes for a great time which the crowd were happy to join in with. Sales of blow up guitars and atrocious long wigs were going down a storm, just like the band. 

They played a fairly mixed bag of songs from throughout their career including some recent stuff as well. Obviously a high spot for certain pie eaters was hearing the Chicken Song in all it's glory, otherwise known as "Whatever You Want". Listen to the intro and you'll understand !! It did rain a little bit towards the end but made back to the Beefmeister Wagon before it rained full on.

Elvis Fontenot & The Sugar Bees: Swamp and Sweat

Cajun/Zydeco excellence from the Bayous of Staffordshire

Another intense night of pleasure and delight as Elvis Fontenot & The Sugar Bees rip through two sets at the Old Brown Jug as part of the Newcastle-Under-Lyme Jazz and Blues Festival. The evening doesn't start well with the previous band overrunning and delaying the set up for the band. They rip through a sound check quickly with the venue filling rapidly and the temperature rising. The sound is excellent and well worth the wait though.

As ever the band appear to be on tip top form and the night is lively but cramped! The venue's decision to leave a huge dining table and chairs right in front of the band was odd to say the least. With the crowd even busier than the last time we saw them here and dancing/viewing room at a premium, it was a shame.

The band went through some familiar tunes of their own, some covers and some new songs giving a nice mix, cranking the audience up to a lather. The second set saw them into their stride. The songs, sound and performance by all the band is infectious with the Fontenot effect kicking in all over the pub. Even from those who couldn't see, with jigging/singing/tapping/shaking/dancing breaking out all over.

Particularly taken tonight with Caroline and the appropriate, given the atmosphere, Hot Tamale Baby.

I cannot recommend going to see them more highly, prepare to be stung. If they don't put a smile on your face and a spring in your step,  then seek medical advice !

Elvis Fontenot & Sugar Bees. The Old Brown Jug. Newcastle Under Lyme

Dave Sharp - Troubadour

Dave Sharp, Troubadour. The Venue. Lymm.

Tonight was one of those nights when my enthusiasm for live music, if in any way depleted, is restored to a high robust healthy level. All it takes is passion, craftsmanship, generosity of spirit and an obvious enjoyment by the performer of what they are doing. No going through the motions, but good honest endeavour that can entertain and inspire in equal measure.

As with Neil Finn, Mr Sharp meandered through his solo catalogue and provided personal interpretations/reworkings of classics by Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon...... I found it mesmerising watching him play as his fingers danced over the frets with an ease than will shame others and mystify me. Watching a craftsman at work like this is such a pleasure. There were songs I did not know the name of or understood all the words to , but I got lost in the music anyway. 

His passion and chat was just right to keep the momentum going through the evening. The audience at the Venue, Lymm though not large was appreciative and Mr Sharp was generous in his effort.

I knew not too expect any Alarm tunes and was not concerned by that I was here to listen to Mr Sharp. But I am delightful when it happens, as with One Step Closer To Home which is quite removed from the Alarm recorded version. 

But a great song is great song however it is played. When it is played by the person who wrote it it always takes on some magic of it's own. I have been privileged to have enjoyed Mr Sharp gigs before and this was excellent in so many ways.

I was lucky to sit and chat with him before the gig which was stimulating and rewarding in itself. Can't wait for another opportunity even if it involves some Hard Travellin.

Neil Finn:Dizzy Heights

Neil Finn, Birmingham Symphony Hall

Big thanks to Mrs Dragonslayer for providing tickets to see Mr Neil Mullane Finn on his current Dizzy Heights tour. It's few years since we have had the pleasure of catching up with Mr Finn and we were not too be disappointed.

The gig was at the magnificent Birmingham Symphony Hall, which is a great venue. Sonically pretty good but I struggled to hear his voice a bit at times especially during the louder newer songs. 

However he was on his normal good form meandering his way through his current and past back catalogue even dipping into the Split Enz back catalogue much to our and the crowds delight. He played a good two hours including encores to cram in a good 28/29 songs. If you weren't happy tonight you never will be at a gig.

Particularly with the older songs Mr Finn pursued a policy of playing the songs in a different way by instrumentation, arrangement or tempo which mixed things up nicely and probably helps retains his interest in songs that are over 30 years old or more.

Personally I liked all of it but hearing those Split Enz songs was special especially I Got You, One Step Ahead (brilliant), Message to My Girl and History Never Repeats. He did reluctantly play Six Months In A Leaky Boat but only because he was badgered by an audience member which perhaps is not the best inspiration for a performance but he did it nonetheless. We like Neil Finn very much.

Edit this setlist | More Neil Finn setlists

Mike Peters, Live Rooms - Chester

Eyes of the Hurricane, The Mighty Mike Peters, Live Rooms Chester

Our second visit to see the mighty Mike Peters in as many weeks on the Declaration tour. This time it was our first visit to the newly revamped and named Live Rooms. Which meant we could go to the gig, have a drink and walk home, a rare pleasure.

Our experience tonight was great. For watching bands the venue will be pretty good. Liked the upstairs balcony area for respite and a different view. Didn't like the bar prices and the quality of the liquid served. It was a tad overpriced and pretty poor quality even by plastic glass gig standards. However it is something they can improve upon and all others aspects of the revitalised venue was great. Look forward to going again soon and have bought tickets to do just that.

As it was the same tour the format and the set list were going to be pretty much the same but straight from the get go Mr Peters mixed it up a bit and by way of introduction encouraged people to shout out requests. Which they duly did and he duly responded straight away. 

This first set was different to Islington and one of the highlights for me was the version of "Deeside" which given the location was obviously well received. The lines "A little bit of love, a little bit of hope, a little bit of strength, some fuel for the fire" was particular poignant and apt tonight, for the two of us attending. 

Other songs which stood out were "Walk Forever" and "Blaze of Glory" which made us ponder on the past, the present and look forward to the future with our "Heads held up High". A great night all in all and for a variety of reasons one of the best gigs we've ever been to!!! A big thanks to MP, The MPO, Live Rooms and Jules who we chatted to at the end.

Georgio and Jules, Live Rooms Chester

The Fontenot Effect

The Fontenot Effect takes hold ........Lets Swamp and Roll

Recently had the great pleasure to combine attending the Lymestone Brewery 20/20 festival in Stone and celebrate a friends birthday. Quite apart from the vast array of interesting and delicious brews on offer we got to listen, dance, strut, boogie, stomp, holler and make merry to the best Cajun Zydeco sounds east or west of the Trent.

Musical entertainment for the night was provided by the wonderful Elvis Fontenot and the Sugar Bees. It is our second, welcome, opportunity to enjoy the energy and enthusiasm that they infect the audience with.

They basically set up on a stage amidst the huge metal vats of brewing nectar and played two sets. The first set was a great start and even saw the birthday boy trip the light fandango with a solo performance.

However the second set saw them get into their stride and seduce the audience away from the beer to work it off on the dance floor. It is difficult not to want to get up and start jigging about like a demented electrified marionette when the Fontenots get into their stride.

I didn't keep track of their set list because I was too busy enjoying the night but can vaguely recall Sweet Zydeco Music, Hot Tamale Baby, Dirty Old Dog, Dance Dance Dnace, All day Long, Whiskey or God, Bosso....amongst many others. Check out their album "Three", released April 1st last year and well worth a purchase.

Here we go one last time 

Must give special mention to Lilleys Crazy Goat cider which, after a nice Plum Porter to start the evening with, I didn't stray from. I was having such a good time I forgot to try out the PIES that were on offer.....disaster. Special mention to Lymestone Brewery staff who were excellent (before and during the event) and the friendly Fontenots, who gave a special mention to our birthday boy, when playing their superb version of the Tom Wait song " I don't wanna grow up" which was the icing on the cake. 

Declaration 2014

In celebration of a special birthday, a gathering of cestrians was convened in sunny London to attend the Mike Peters, "Declaration" 2014 tour. The venue was the 02 Academy Islington and the tour is supporting the just released Declaration album, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of the original release by revisiting it with new versions and ideas.

The evening consisted of two sets, with the first being a meander through the extensive back catalogue of the Alarm and Mike Peters. This is a blistering start to what promises to be a great evening. For one of the hardest working men in rock and roll, Mr Peters voice is a little ropey to start off with but quickly gets up to speed with some help from the audience. Each of the songs is punctuated with chat which is interesting, funny and not too long.  of this section my personal favourites were hearing Breathe and Across The Border.

After a short break for 10 mins the second set starts and is devoted to playing the original Declaration album track list in it's entirety.  However there is a noticeable departure in the style, arrangements and lyrics of how these songs are played. Some are as good as and some are even better than the original. I suppose that will be down to individual choice but my absolutely favourite of the new interpretations is Shout To the Devil  the backing riff  of which had been banging around in my head since I heard the new album.

The whole of evening was enhanced by the use of three mics for the vocals,  a drum, mandolin, a variety of harmonicas, loops, samples sounds (?) and ONE excellent guitar. It gave the performance a little breadth and power without having a full band. The crowd were fairly lively and it was great to see Eddie Macdonald/Gaz Top enjoying the gig as well from the side.

I have had the pleasure and good fortune to hear Mr Peters live in various disguises for nearly 30 years as the Alarm, MP & Poets, DMW, Coloursound, with BIG C, and on his own in all sorts of settings. Of his solo performances this was a stand out one. After finishing with a rousing version of Blaze Of Glory  he went off before returning to finish with some cracking encores as you can see from the set list below.

The venue was sold out but not uncomfortable and Mr Peters was in tip top form marching on to a level most could only aspire to. Thanks to Mr P and all the MPO team for an absolutely cracking night.

Edit this setlist | More Mike Peters setlists

Crims in the Cathedral

First gig of the year saw the Pieman and Georgio stepping out to Manchester Cathedral, for some groovin with the fantastic Fun Lovin Criminals. An unusual venue for a rock style concert but excellent nonetheless.

The sound on the night was not brilliant, which may have be acoustics or first night of the tour gremlins. At first this was hardly noticed but eventually there was some downtime to sort out Hueys guitar/amp/lead issue before proceeding on without interuption. 

However during this difficulty Huey & the Crims were relaxed and cool about it all. The innate ebullient nature of Mr Morgan seemed to infest the crowd with general good humour and a determination to enjoy themselves which they duly did. With some excellent tunes, raps, playing ...... underpinned by the pistol crack drive of the drums from the big presence of Mr Frank Benbini it was easy to get sucked in to having a good time!!

 

Sweeping through funk, soul, rap, hip hop, jazzy, punk, rock you certainly don't get bored with the Fun Lovin Criminals.

Bear Hug, King of New York, Southside, All for self, Back on the Block, Loco, Up on the Hill, Swashbucklin' in Brooklyn, Scooby Snacks, Where the Bums Go,10th street, I Can't Get With That, Come Find Yourself, Classic Fantastic, Big Night Out, Will I Be Ready Encore: Bombin' the L Love Unlimited,  Live, Have, Love, The Fun Lovin' Criminal

Set aside for the journey home a Phil Salt Butchers, pork pie to eradicate the late night munchies. On this occasion a little heavy on the jelly but excellent meat/pastry combination as ever.

Mr Persuader

 

Mr Persuader, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Saturday night at Wrexham Central Station and I am persuaded that Mr Johnny Marr is brilliant. A sold out Central Station saw Mr Marr take to the stage preceded by the Persuaders Theme (Top Tune). 

A great gig, even with a slightly dodgy sound. Which may have been due to where we were standing, left of stage and close to speakers. However it didn't matter, he was great and can't recommend him highly enough. He played a lot of his latest album release, "The Messenger" with plenty enough to like about it and chucked in 5/6 Smiths tunes, an electronic song and a rousing version of the Crickets " I Fought the Law".

"How Soon Is Now" was a highlight of the night for me. Low point was when the Photo Fascists (Security) stopped me taking piccies although prior permission had been sought and given from the venue !!!!

Jon Anderson, Yes and Pie

Along with Mrs Pieman and Georgio Dragonslayer we went last night to Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester for a solo acoustic concert by Jon Anderson, best known as a singer with "Yes" and "Jon & Vangelis". 

The venue was a first for for us and it was excellent, a self contained theatre within a building? The theatre is in the round style with 3 levels and sits within the main domed concourse of the former exchange building quite beautiful, large but intimate, we like it. Staff are helpful, facilities good, seats slightly awkward to get into (? raised with foot rests and a bar to rest on) but very comfortable and all with a good view.

For this performance the light show is on or off, which is no bad thing as all is concentrated on the music and words coming from the talented Mr Anderson. He is an interesting and an unassuming joy to listen to. He is quite comfortable with the audience and the venue setting. It makes for a relaxed and very enjoyable ramble through his extensive back catalogue interspersed with some interesting background stories. 

He swaps easily between guitar, dulcimer, ukelele and keyboards throughout the evening with stripped down versions of many well known tracks.His voice is good, strong and consistent throughout. 

He played a wide variety of tracks and sometimes snippets but included we think with possible omissions Yours is no Disgrace, Sweet dreams, America (Simon & Garfunkel), Time and a Word,  One Love (Marley), Under heavens door, Flight of the Moorglade,  I'll Find my way Home,  Going For the One (See Mrs Pie), Starship Trooper, Give Love Each Day, Long Distance Runaround; Owner of the Lonely Heart, Close to the Edge; Heart of the Sunrise, Marry Me Again, and The Revealing Science of God,You Got the Light, And You and I, Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soliel), Tony and Me, Give Peace a Chance (Lennon), I’ve Seen All Good People, Roundabout, A Day in the Life (Beatles), Sun is Calling, State of Independence, Wonderous Stories and Soon. 

The covers are interesting and with the obvious admiration/enthusiasm of the player they work well. It also seemed appropriate that someone from Accrington should sing a song (and playing a ukelele) about "four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire".

The only downside of the night was the mini Ginsters Pork & Pickle Pie (2/10) consumed on the way home which was a mistake. A turgid brick of an offering with pickle. I should have read the wrapping better as I have yet to really appreciate a pork pie with pickle within it, rather than with it which is different altogether.

Elvis Fontenot and The Sugar Bees

Elvis Fontenot & The Sugar Bees @ Old Brown Jug, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Many thanks to good friend Mark Shed for the invite to go to the Newcastle Under Lyme Blues & Jazz festival. It takes place at various venues (Pubs) around the town over the May bank holiday weekend. Most of the venues are free and some charge a small amount as they get packed into the evening.

We arrived mid afternoon and got to see various bands throughout the afternoon/evening of various styles and of various abilities whilst sampling some local beverages. The absolute stand out of our visit though for me was the mighty fine Elvis Fontenot and The Sugar Bees - "Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp 'n' Roll from the bayous of Staffordshire" — at the Old Brown Jug.

They were quite simply brilliant with a well practised set which was captivating, foot tapping and with an energising intensity which you don't find often. Vocal and instrumental duties were split and swapped between all members of the band so there is plenty of variety to keep you interested. 

After a break which was longer than expected, as the drummer couldn't be found, the second half saw the temperature rise and the dancing/jigging/foot tappin catch on throughout the crowded venue.It ended with everyone wanting more which is a testament to their appeal.

Subsequently bought their Cd "Three" from their website and I have been playing it an awful lot. As with the live show it combines originals and their interpretations of standards. I've never been a fan of Tom Waits but their version of "I don't Wanna grow up" is excellent. It doesn't quite catch the intensity of the live show but it will more than suffice until I can get to see them again.

Africa OYE

Osibisa: Blowing It, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

The weekend saw us head to the African OYE festival 2013 in Sefton Park, Liverpool. Our first time visit and it was great fun. Essentially one main stage with a variety of food, craft, clothing, info, drink, craft stalls all round the perimeter.

Add to this a small fair, drum/dance workshops,some great music it was very entertaining and interesting. The weather was not brilliant but it didn't seem to dampen the crowds enthusiasm much.

Not all the Pie tribe were keen to stay through the downpour that hit as Saturday nights headliner, the excellent Osibisa, came on stage which was a shame as they were very good. We also liked the cuban band on before them called Son Yambu who got everybody up to boogie. 

Unfortunately I forgot to go back to the Jamaican Pattie stall and try out their delicious looking wares. I was distracted by a dish of peanut butter stew on a Gambian food stall which was fabulous.

Well worth a visit again and it was Free !!!

Funny How They Shoot You Down.......

He gave the audience that came to watch him in the o2 Academy a night they shall never forget”. LiverpoolSound and Vision

Another pre-christmas gig was a Georgio and the Pieman visit to see the solo Mike Peters tour in Liverpool at the 02 Academy. Arrived a little bit early we still missed the first support but caught singer songwriter Joe Silva before Mr Peters arrived on stage armed with a guitar, voice and harmonica.

This tour had as its theme a celebration of thirty years of the Alarm/Mike Peters since the Red Poppy logo was introduced on the Marching On single artwork. Subsequent to the gig I came across a gig review which gave it 5* stars. I mention this, as it is quite normal for MP/Alarm to receive fairly dismissive reviews which sometimes make me wonder if I was actually at the same event.

Mr Peters was at his standard committed, passionate and enthusiastic best with a trawl through his back catalogue including many well known tunes and some not so well known (Pavilion Steps got a rare airing) to satisfy all.

The interaction with the audience was excellent and my only criticism would be the detour into Big Country tunes which I adore, but one would have been enough. 3 or 4 meant less Alarm/MP tunes from which there are enough to pick from. Despite that, it was an excellent evening from Mr Peters and we left looking forward to his return with the full band on the Vinyl Tour.

Born Innocent

Listening to Simon Mayos show just, featuring the Proclaimers playing live and promoting their new 36 track best of has prompted me to complete an entry remembering their pre-christmas gig at the mighty Tivoli in Buckley.

What an excellent gig was had, in the company of the swampies and Hazel not Dean. They were tight, professional with energetic exceptional songs that got your foot tapping and your mind thinking.

A good balance of old favourites and new tunes from new album " Like Comedy", the night is rocking with an appreciative crowd apart from some ladies who's surpassed themselves having a good night falling down in their finery and spoiling for an argument with all and sundry.

They have strange chemistry on stage these twin brothers with little or no chat between them. The sound was ok but the vocals struggled at times. But no matter they were very very good and I would have no hesitation in going to see them again if the opportunity presented itself.

If you get the chance to see them live go their well worth the entry fee and if not spend a few pennies on the Best Of you won't be disappointed.  

Unknown Pleasures: Peter Hook

As part of the Chester literature festival we headed to the Laugh Inn to listen to Peter Hook (Warsaw, Joy Division, New Order, Monaco ........) talking about his new book Unknown Pleasures which concentrates on the period of his career with Joy Division specifically.

The evening is fairly informal and relaxed in approach taking the form of an interview on stage with a couple of large rescued prints (from the Anton Corbijn produced Atmosphere video) as a backdrop.

The prints which overlook the stage are both of Ian Curtis and it is a frank Peter Hook who, in hindsight, blames himself and fellow band mates for the untimely demise of the singer. As an interview it meanders all over the place and this is no bad thing as one question sets off a flow of chatter that is open, interesting and it would seem refreshingly honest.

He is quite self-deprecating about his career, no subject seems taboo and the failure of the Hacienda Club is repeatedly cited as an example of their individual/collective ignorance of organisation and abysmal business acumen. The evening finishes with a question and answer session from an appreciative audience.

Hot Club of Cowtown

A welcome start to the week end was a first time visit to The Blue Lounge at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. The first concert of the annual International Guitar festival was here with Austin, Texas based trio, Hot Club of Cowtown kicking off proceedings.

Kick it they did with a foot stomping trawl through their current and back catalogue with their own originals and their interpretations of various standards getting an airing. Add to this selection, dollops of swing, jazz, blues, gypsy, folk, country and western, with three musicians clearly very talented and most importantly enjoying themselves. 

Their committed, energetic and eclectic approach produces a captivating performance which is absorbing and a disappointment when it finishes as you just want more which is the essence of good gigging, leave them wanting more!

Liked the venue, loved the band and would recommend, Ye Ha !!

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

One of the musical highlights of the year has to be the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Walking into a gig with the band members is a little different and so the tone of the whole event is set. Serious and gifted musicians all these performers approach it with fun and enthusiasm in abundance.

Their take on rock, punk, pop classics is captivating and invigorating. Their version of Lady Gagas "Born This Way" was just absolutely brilliant. Coupled with their versions of Born To Be Wild , Anarchy in The UK (with all the wrinklies joining in the chorus !!!), Smells Like a teenager, Good The Bad and The Ugly...... it made for a fanatstic evening. We look forward to the opportunity of seeing them again in the future.

King Of Twang

What a delight for the Pieman and Mark Shed who went to Manchester the day City won the Premiership. We were there to see the King of Twang Mr Duane Eddy and he did not disappoint. He ambled on stage without much fanfare and proceeded to rip through a brilliant set of songs across the whole spectrum of his career including the recent album produced with Richard Hawley and his band, who are backing the King of Twang on his current tour.

Songs included Detour, Movin and Groovin, Yep!, The Lonely One, Shazam!, Bleaklow Air, Twango, Play Me Like you Play your Guitar, Three 30 Blues, 40 Miles of Bad Road, Platypuss, because they're Young, Roadtrip, Curveball, Rebel Rouser, Peter Gunn, Mexborough and Hard Times

At 74 I doubt he needs to tour and must do it because he enjoys it which we certainly did. His chat was interesting, informative and funny. He was supported by the very talented Nell Bryden who was excellent just on her own with a guitar and a powerful voice. She was funny although I'm not sure United fans might think so! Check out her video for her latest single

The venue was the Royal Northern College of Music and we can strongly recommend it to you with its excellent facilities. Pie was consumed by Mark Shed, but so quickly that no informative review can be provided except that it was very large and eaten on the hoof.

Oz Pie

To celebrate Mark Sheds birthday tickets were purchased to see the Australian Pink Floyd Show . En route to the Assembly rooms time was made to sample local beverages and Pie. Selected hostelry the Dolphin proved to be an excellent choice. As well as being the oldest pub in Derby, it had some fine beers and some excellent Pie which the birthday boy, shed junior and the Pieman indulged in. Excellent it was too 8.5/10.

The Aussie Floyd were excellent, playing to a packed audience with little chit chat they waded through a comprehensive tour of the Floyd back catalogue utilising a seven piece band and three backing vocalists.

The light show, inflatables, sound, images etc were excellent leading to a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Not having been overly keen on seeing "tribute bands/acts this was an eye opener and fantastic. We liked the Assembly Rooms as well with a reasonable size, good facilities, sound ok and venue staff good.