Larry Carlton Trio - Tuesday, 31st March, Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead
Tickets £25 - Box office 0151 666 0000 or book online at www.pacificroad.co.uk
Tag Archive for 'birkenhead'
Another Shertila upload.
Shertila was at the recent Hamsters gig in Birkenhead and he has posted some pictures to his Flickr site.
ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW & THE LOW RIDERS
Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead: 15.11.08
This was another splendid gig as part of the 20th International Guitar Festival of Great Britain, attracting a packed house to Pacific Road to see one of British rock music’s most enduring and in-demand musicians, the Cardiff-born Andy Fairweather Low, and his top calibre band, comprising Dave Bronze (bass and vocals), Richard Dunn (Hammond organ) and Paul Beavis (drums).
A marvellous two hour, two set show comprised songs from Fairweather Low’s pop star days in the 1960s’ up to his more recent work, with all bases covered - from blues to country, to gospel and rock - all highlighting his tremendous guitar playing and distinctive voice.
It’s easy to see how he has always been in demand - 11 years in Eric Clapton’s band, regularly touring with Roger Waters and Bill Wyman, and a prominent role in the George Harrison memorial concert - as he is a great guitar player in many styles, with seemingly a different guitar for each one as well!
First set treats were topped with a rip-roaring romp through Junior Parker’s Sun Records classic, “Mystery Train” - complete with afore-mentioned guitar work; the lovely “Hymn For My Soul”, recently recorded by Joe Cocker; and the big hit, “La Booga Rooga”. The set ending timeless gospel tune, “I Shall Not Be Moved”, saw another switch to a most unusual shaped guitar, but producing a great, dirty tone - top stuff indeed!
A couple of nice acoustic blues opened the second set, including “Rolling And Tumbling, before a dip back into gospel for “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?”, before a nice, laid back take on some Jimmy Reed blues, “Peeping And Hiding”. He then twanged it up on a Lightning Hopkins instrumental, “Lightning Boogie”, donning a rather large and oversized stetson for some reason?
A major chunk of the last half hour of the show centred on his golden days with Amen Corner - from “Natural Sinner” to a great version of the band’s first single, “Gin House Blues” - featuring some tremendous playing from fellow Welshman Richard Dunn, whose keyboard work was stunning all evening - he is another with a most impressive CV, including work with Van Morrison.
His biggest solo hit “Wide Eyed And Legless” brought a great show to an end, before returning for a brace of encores - the two big hits, “Bend Me, Shape Me” and “(If Paradise Is) Half As Nice” - still sounding great 40 years on, just like Mr. Fairweather Low himself!
A special mention must go to his great band - the experienced rhythm section of Dave Bronze - great vocals as well - and Paul Beavis were on the button all night - with, as mentioned, Richard Dunn’s Hammond playing superb!
GRAHAME RHODES
Note from Ken - I could not find a picture of Andy Fairweather Low from this tour so I relied on a regular source for bluesinthenorthwest.com pictures. So many thanks to Paul Webster for the picture.
Here’s Charlie Musselwhite from earlier this week at Pacific Road, Birkenhead.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sYwf7lCcdac
One of three from the excellent collections of Groundhog56.
CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE & DAVE PEABODY
Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead: 11.11.08
It may have seemed strange as part of the 20th International Guitar Festival of Great Britain to feature a gig by one of the greatest blues harmonica players of all time, but maybe here a brief history lesson is needed. Charlie Musselwhite was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, but moved to Memphis as a youngster and learnt guitar from the likes of Will Shade (who was actually a harmonica player!) and Furry Lewis, and the instrument has featured ever since in his long career.
He then moved on to Chicago where he honed his harmonica skills, eventually sitting in with such legends as Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters and Little Walter, before relocating again to San Francisco, working in the city’s rock boom - eventually becoming a top draw live act again in the Eighties and Nineties - and releasing a string of fine albums on many labels such as Alligator, Blind Pig and Pointblank.
Accompanying Musselwhite, was British blues stalwart, Dave Peabody, on a second visit to Pacific Road this year, after playing with David ‘Honeyboy’ Edwards, and he started the show with a most entertaining 40-minute set, featuring his fine acoustic guitar work and strong voice. Highlights were the lovely opening traditional tune “Crow Jane”; Junior Wells “Early In The Morning”; and some audience participation on little known bluesman Oscar ‘Buddy’ Woods “Don’t Sell It, Don’t Give It Away”.
After a short break Charlie Musselwhite took to the stage alone, starting on electric guitar for some stripped-down blues with a distinctly Delta feel, including the ‘road’ song “Town To Town”, and with Memphis being a ‘river town’ the fine “Blues Up The River”. Introducing a rack harmonica holder he featured a couple of his best known songs, the brooding “In The Darkest Hour and “Stingaree”, and the great “My Road Lies In Darkness”.
We were also treated to a mini-harmonica masterclass as Musselwhite discussed different keys on various harmonicas with a brief demonstration with a cracking little instrumental piece thrown in for good measure.
Dave Peabody then returned and accompanied Musselwhite, with the rest of the show featuring his trademark amplified harmonica, which to be honest is why everybody was there - a very unique and instantly recognisable style and tone, from a friend of mine who knows these things! As a duo they kicked off with a rollicking “Blues Overtook Me”, followed by “Wild, Wild Woman” and a nice “As The Crow Flies”, with some top guitar work from Peabody, and Musselwhite’s vocals, that still contain a ‘Southern’ edge, despite all those years away.
A smashing hour ended with a much-demanded encore - blues legend Eddie Taylor’s “Bad Boy” - a great tune that has been often covered over the years, rounding off a most enjoyable evening in the company of two master musicians and all-round nice guys - yet another great gig at a top festival.
GRAHAME RHODES
A couple other pics at http://flickr.com/photos/kenpeace/sets/1574382/
I recently posted about the forthcoming Tom Doughty gig at Fort Perch, New Brighton. The full Tom Doughty gig list follows.
7 Nov : supporting Michael Roach, Southport Arts Centre
9 Nov : 1pm - 4pm Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton
15 Nov : Wirral Guitar Festival, with Woody Mann, Birkenhead Town Hall 8pm
All promoting the new CD “Have a taste of this”
Tom is also promoting a gig for Peter Price.
22 Nov : Peter Price at Harlequins Theatre, Northwich. Tickets £7.00 from 01606 891988
Press Release
20th International Guitar Festival of Great Britain
4th to 28th November 2008
Alongside a line-up of world class guitarists of all genres and styles, such as 60s pop hero Andy Fareweather Low, local legend Gary Murphy and James Burton, guitarist to the king of rock ‘n’ roll himself - Elvis Presley, this year we have recruited honorary ambassadors from all 5 continents, proving that 20 years on, the festival has truly become an international event.
The ambassadors are:
John Williams Classical, Australia
John Etheridge Jazz, UK & Europe
Woody Mann Blues, USA
Galina Vale Classical, Eastern Europe
Lucky Ranku Jazz/World Music, South Africa
And the timing for such a world-class event couldn’t be better - this years International Guitar Festival will be one of the last major events under the Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008 banner, providing a fitting close to what’s been a brilliant year for arts and music in Liverpool.
Keep up to date on the latest festival news, events, and even audience-member reviews at www.bestguitarfest.com. We look forward to seeing you there.
THE 20TH INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL OF GREAT BRITAIN appears at various venues in Wirral from 4th - 28th November 2008. For tickets contact Box Office 0151 647 0752. Book on-line at www.pacificroad.co.uk.
Nope! Not together! Just a selection of the artists in the region tonight.
Angela Brown and the Mighty 45s at The Met, Bury
Wilko Johnson at Pacific Road, Birkenhead
Also playing tonight but not featured
Little Toby Walker - Grand, Blackpool
INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL OF GREAT BRITAIN PRESENTS…
WILKO JOHNSON + SUPPORT
05 SEPTEMBER 2008
To say Wilko Johnson (Dr. Feelgood/The Blockheads) has the energy of a man half his age would be unfair, as most couldn’t get near his level of manic unstoppabilty!
Johnson’s career began in the 1970s as a staple of the ‘pub rock’ movement as guitarist and founding member of Dr Feelgood. He soon developed his own choppy, percussive guitar style, inspired by Johnny Kidd & the Pirates. The use of his fingers instead of using a pick allows him to play rhythm and lead at the same time, and allows him the freedom of being able to move around on stage in his jerky, almost unhinged style.
After leaving Dr Feelgood, Wilko went on to form the Solid Senders and play with Ian Dury’s Blockheads before forming his own trio - The Wilko Johnson Band - with Blockheads bassist Norman Watt-Roy and drummer Steve Monti (Curve/The Jesus and Mary Chain). Wilko remains one of the most exciting and individual guitarists on the circuit, catch his electrifying show at Pacific Road Arts Centre this September.
WILKO JOHNSON appears at Pacific Road Arts Centre on FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER at 8pm. For tickets contact Box Office 0151 647 0752. Book on-line at www.pacificroad.co.uk
Sunday 17th August - Crosscut Saw
Free 5-7pm - Fletcher Christian Tavern, 55 Main Street, Cockermouth CA13 9JS
Tel. 01900 825856
Award winning blues band; get along to hear something special
Crosscut Saw are an established, three piece, award winning blues band from Leeds.
In addition to their own authentically crafted material, Crosscut Saw pay tribute to such greats as Muddy Waters, RL Burnside and Buddy Guy. Touring Europe and promoting their album, this prominent Leeds band has worked with numerous top names and most recently supported Dr Feelgood, Aynsley Lister and toured with Eddie Blue & The Ravens (US) and Jake Walker (US).
Crosscut Saw have played all over Britain and Europe, including blues festivals such as Colne Great Rhythm and Blues Festival, Burnley Blues Festival and Bishopstock Blues Festival.
Consisting of front man Alex Eden (Blues Musician of the Year 2003) on vocals, electric guitar and harmonica with Richards: Ferdinando on Drums and Green on bass.
Crosscut Saw know how to put on a great show. Get along to a gig and you’ll see something very special.
www.myspace.com/crosscutsaw
www.crosscutsaw.co.uk
Other northwest gigs include..
- Hotel California, Birkenhead - 23 Aug
- Barrow Blues Club - 31 Oct
- Bounty, Maryport - 01 Nov
- Liverpool - 06 Nov
- Blackpool - 28 Nov
Shertila has posted a couple of nice Honeyboy pictures on Flickr. They are from the recent gig in Birkenhead.
David “Honeyboy” Edwards in Birkenhead
Originally uploaded by shertila.
DAVID HONEYBOY EDWARDS
WITH DAVE PEABODY & MICHAEL FRANK
Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead: 02.06.08
More of an historical event than a regular gig, one of the oldest working bluesmen on the planet, David Honeyboy Edwards, stopped off at Pacific Road on his farewell UK tour, accompanied by his manager, promoter, harmonica player and record label owner, Michael Frank; and stalwart of the British acoustic blues, the affable Dave Peabody.
A couple weeks shy of his 93rd birthday, this grand old gentleman of the blues was born in Sunflower County, Mississippi on 28th June, 1915, spending his early years as a musician travelling from town to town, playing on the street, where eventually he was discovered by Alan Lomax in 1942 and recorded for the Library of Congress, and the rest, they say, is history!
Opening the show, Dave Peabody delivered a most enjoyable 40-minute set, starting with the standard “Crow Jane”, followed by his own tongue-in-cheek, “It’s Hard To Write A Blues When You’re Happy”, both highlighting his lovely guitar picking. Joined by Michael Frank on harmonica, other delights were RL Burnside’s “Jumper On The Line”, and some nice slide on Robert Johnson’s “Rambling On My Mind” - he thought he do a Johnson tune as Honeyboy, he informed the packed house, doesn’t and is loathe to talk about the legend that he both knew and played with.
After a short break, the two musicians returned accompanied by Honeyboy Edwards, who belied his age with a spirited hour, mainly forsaking his recent “Roamin’ And Ramblin’ ” release for a set of blues standards, with a brace of well-known classics up first - “Catfish Blues” and “Sweet Home Chicago” - with his now raspy voice and fluent guitar rolling back the years.
I thought we may be treated to some tales of the old days, but Honeyboy was content just to offer a polite ‘thank you’ between songs, saving his energy for playing and singing - with Peabody’s acoustic rhythm work and Frank’s harmonica giving the music some added muscle - the sound surprisingly good, for an acoustic gig in such a large room, hats-off to the soundman!
Other highlights were Robert Lockwood Junior’s “Little Boy Blue”; the great “Shake ‘Em On Down” and Lightining Slim’s “The Things That I Used To Do” - all played with an energy belying his grand old age and lapped up by a standing-room only seated crowd - lovely to see, especially on a Monday night! Curiously, the opening track from “Roamin And Ramblin’ “, “Apron Strings”, featured in the set twice!
A large queue of well-wishers after the gig were rewarded by Honeyboy Edwards signing autographs and posing for pictures - some half-hour after the show he was still at it! A flight home on the Tuesday was to be followed by a Wednesday gig in Chicago - some schedule, even for a younger man, but I guess once a bluesman . . . !
GRAHAME RHODES
DAVID ‘HONEYBOY’ EDWARDS
PACIFIC ROAD ARTS CENTRE, BIRKENHEAD
MON 02 JUNE 2008
It may sound cliché, but this June Pacific Road Arts Centre will become host to a true living legend. Born in 1915, the son of a sharecropper in Sunflower County, Mississippi, Honeyboy Edwards is the last surviving link to the mythological past of pre-war country blues - the last remaining original Delta blues musician.
The original Delta bluesmen travelled the southern American states during the 1930’s as hobos, roaming together from town to town. It was these musicians’ who shaped the blues from early folk music and later became one of the main influences on rock ‘n’ roll. Edwards left home at the age of 17, and knocked around the South for years as an itinerant musician and gambler, honing his unique style of Delta blues music. In 1956, Honeyboy moved to Chicago and soon gained his reputation as an outstanding slide guitarist.
“Mr. Edwards is among the last authentic performers in the blues… everything he does is infused with the rocking drive and hypnotic modal flavour of depression-era blues at its most intense.” - New York Times
“Despite his advanced age, Edwards can still attain an almost frightening intensity, delivering lyrics in a dark, throaty shout and ripping single-note phrases from his fretboard as if he were tearing them out of the Delta soil itself.” - Chicago Reader
DAVID ‘HONEYBOY’ EDWARDS appears at Pacific Road Arts Centre on MONDAY 2nd JUNE at 8pm. For tickets contact Box Office 0151 647 0752. Book on-line at www.pacificroad.co.uk
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