Live Archives - Page 16 of 24

The Red Dirt Skinners: Blue Lamp, Aberdeen 27.11.14

Dec 052014

By David Innes.

Rob and Sarah Skinner have taken Scotland to their hearts following their triumph at the 2013 Orkney Blues Festival and their Summer 2014 Scottish tour. They always declare that they don’t want to return to the Sussex after touring here, and audiences are reluctant to let them go. One day, they will return for good to help lay the foundations for Our Big Community Arts Thing.

Nearing the end of their second tour of the country in 2014, the Skinners again held court at The Blue Lamp, where their Live In Aberdeen CD was recorded in July.

Whilst their genre-defying set and ability to add fire and spice to any musical gathering would have seen them at home at the Jazz Club in the big bar downstairs, the intimate setting of the upstairs bar was ideal.

Those familiar with their set, from a previous show or the Live In Aberdeen recording, were in for few surprises. Confusing the genre purists, for whom a sax in a country band is the work of Satan or for whom a drum kit draws a moustache on folk music’s Mona Lisa, is almost a hobby for the Skinners.

Blues, both Brown’s Ferry and Idabel see those bases covered, takes on John Prine and Ryan Adams see the country and folk appetites sated and the Skinners’ original songs telling of monochrome dreams, over-indulgence in loopy juice and hangovers, admirably unclassifiable, are warmly appreciated. Thankfully, there was no reprise of The Portsoy Tom Jones Moment of the evening before, where garments were thrown onstage. They’re a rum lot in Banffshire. I blame the rum.

The Lampie atmosphere was much more akin to that of a house concert, home ground for Rob and Sarah, with constant cheery badinage between Skinners and audience, but the music was still serious and the duo’s performance as focussed as if they were on the Cropredy bill. Their versatility is admirable, wholly professional and heart-warming. Engaging with audiences whilst taking obvious enjoyment in their art is a skill not always easily-learned.

Martin Raitt of Almost Blue Promotions has already re-booked the duo to play at Lampie in August next year and new friends they made in Gallowgate are already talking about house concerts and other promotions around that date.

The Skinners’ creative switches are never set to ‘off’ and new material is coming together, inspired by the events, troubles, joys and bizarre happenings that itinerant musicians bear and enjoy.

It’s good that they share the good times with us.

Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmg-j95KWwo
http://www.reddirtskinners.com/red-dirt-skinners-shop.html
http://www.almostbluepromotions.com

Deacon Blue – Music Hall, Aberdeen 30.11.14

Aberdeen City, Articles, Featured No Responses »

Dec 022014

By Vicky Mitchell. Photos courtesy of Chris Boland.

Deacon Blue returned to the Music Hall with their ‘New House’ tour on St. Andrews night. The last time I saw them live was 1990 at the AECC, 24 years on they still sound fantastic.
The set kicked off with ‘Bethlehem Begins’ and ‘Wild’ from Their latest album, ‘A New House’.

These were well received by the audience.

Lead singer, Ricky Ross thanked the crowd for their polite reaction and promised some older songs were on the way.

As the opening chords to ‘Twist and Shout’ blared out the crowd got to their feet and started to enjoy themselves.

A good mix of older and more recent tunes came next, with classics like ‘Fergus’, ‘When Will You’ and ‘Real Gone Kid’ being especially well received. The set finished with ‘That’s What We Can Do’ from their ‘The Hipsters’ album. The crowd were on their feet and chants of “encore” were resonating around the building.

The band re-emerged from the darkness and Ross sang Orphans. His rendition was amazing proving, if proof was needed, that his voice has not diminished with age, the band then did a rock and roll medley and the evening finished with ‘Chocolate Girl’, ‘Dignity’ and ‘Wages Day’. A fabulous two hours of music.

There were some complaints about the venue being all seater and the bar closing at 8:30pm, but despite these minor grumbles the atmosphere was fantastic and the music top quality.

Whiteford Invites Young Musical Talent To ‘Rock The House’

Aberdeenshire, Articles No Responses »

Dec 022014

With thanks to Paul Robertson.

Young bands and solo artists could win the chance to perform in London.
Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has urged local bands and solo artists to participate in the House of Commons’ annual ‘Rock The House’ competition.

The competition is open to young bands and solo artists across the UK and offers them the opportunity to perform on the Terrace of the House of Commons.

Entries are being sought from across the UK for 5 categories including bands, solo artists and live music venues. Entrants submit a track to their MP, who then selects a local act to nominate to the competition.

Dr Whiteford urged local talent to put themselves forward for the competition, commenting:

“The Rock The House competition has grown massively in the last years and attracted a lot of attention. It is a great way for Parliament to connect with younger people and to recognise their achievements. I know there are some very good young bands and musicians in Banff & Buchan so I encourage them to put themselves forward and show the country just how talented this corner of Scotland is.”

The finals of the competition will be held in London in March 2015 and category winners will be rewarded with top of the range music equipment, slots at music festivals including the Download festival, and the opportunity to perform on the Terrace of the House of Commons. The competition has received the endorsement of high profile musicians including legendary guitarist Brian May and shock rocker Alice Cooper.

Applications are invited until 31st December 2015 and can be filled out online at www.rockthehousehoc.com/apply

Steve Cropper, The Animals, Friends And Fans

Articles, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 282014

Music lovers of every age converged on The Lemon Tree on 21st November, with good reason: Steve Cropper, and Animals & Friends had come to town. Suzanne Kelly and Julie Thompson joined them.

The Animals’ music filled the heads of children of the 60s and subsequent generations; it was part of a pure, strong, British Invasion which certainly inspired musicians in the USA and UK alike.

Over at Stax Records, the legendary home of some epic, timeless classics, house guitarist Steve Cropper was writing equally powerful music.

The riffs, beats and lyrics of the musicians involved have aged very well – everyone can relate to the sentiments of ‘We Gotta Get Out Of This Place’. When the musicians involved got together for this tour, nights of guaranteed feel good, sing along music was promised and delivered.

The first set saw some classic Animals & Friends songs – ‘We Gotta Get Out Of This Place’ had everyone singing along.

People in their 20’s sang along with people in their 50’s; everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. ‘The House Of The Rising Sun’, a Dylan track made a worldwide hit by The Animals back in the day closed that set. The lineup was John Steel & Mick Gallagher (The Blockheads, The Clash, Paul McCartney) – plus Danny Handley (performed with Spencer Davis, Bobby Elliott, Ric Lee (Ten Years After) & Scott Whitley.

Seeing music performed by the people who created it is always amazing, but to see Steel and Gallagher in particular will stick with me for some time. The keyboards were thrilling live, and of course all was note perfect throughout.

After the interval Steve Cropper joined the group.

Steve Cropper – Credit: Alan White Photos

Cropper was the veritable guitar king of Stax Records, home of many 1960s epic songs.

His Peavey tortoiseshell guitar would have some tales to tell if it could. Cropper’s playing did the talking; Eric Clapton may have earned the nickname ‘slowhand’ for his playing, but Cropper deserves this title as much if not more so.

Cropper’s stories of how songs were written were funny and down to earth. Being interrupted while about to have a bath, a girl’s phone number – the most mundane of circumstances led to songs, which will be long enjoyed.

‘(Sittin’) On The Dock Of The Bay’ had everyone – security, bar staff – singing and whistling with the band. It’s hard to remember a more upbeat, happy evening on the live music scene in Aberdeen than this one.

As the promoters advised:

“2007 marked founder member John Steel’s 50th year as performing musician. Back in 1957 he and The Animals co-founder Eric Burdon began plying their trade in and around their native Tyneside with not the slightest inking that they would – in a very few years – find themselves part of a group that would be forever bracketed with the very best of British music – The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds – and respected all over the world.

“The Animals were also be the second British band after The Beatles to top the American charts with their multi-million selling anthem, ‘House of The Rising Sun’.”

It is hard to think that music that is still so fresh is half a century old. Everyone who works hard, who has to struggle related and always will relate to ‘We Gotta Get Out Of This Place’ for instance.

Long after today’s disposable gimmicky pop hits are forgotten, people will still be enjoying Cropper’s writing and musicianship, along with an almost peerless Animals songbook such as we enjoyed tonight. Go see these people if the chance arises; you won’t regret it.

Paul Rodgers, Deborah Bonham. Royal Albert Hall Show for Willows

Articles, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 212014

Paul Rodgers. Deborah Bonham. The Royal Albert Hall. Add in a Scottish animal shelter and the result was an unforgettable night of music, all to raise funds and awareness for Willows Animal Sanctuary. Suzanne Kelly caught the show and caught up with the generous people who made it happen.

Paul Rodgers and his wife Cynthia Kereluk Rodgers visited Willows a few years back, and became generous, hands-on patrons, who got to know the staff and the animals. Their hard work over the years has helped to make Willows’ future more secure. A horse-mad animal lover, rock and blues singer Deborah Bonham has also joined the Willows cause.

Her husband Peter Bullick, their band and their families likewise have come to Willows’ aid these past few years.

The artists involved are serious life-long animal lovers, directly involved in rescuing animals.

Paul Rodgers said:

“Such a unique charity that combines helping vulnerable people, with their Assisted Therapy Program, plus Willows employs four such people as well as provides a sanctuary before heaven for unwanted, abused, old and handicapped animals. Aiding people and animals is a win, win situation.

“As Patrons both Cynthia and myself are keen to support Willows to help them continue the amazing work they do in the community for mankind and animal kind.”

The generosity of all concerned reached a remarkable climax at the Royal Albert Hall on the 3rd of November: Paul and Cynthia organised a concert to benefit Willows. All profits are going to Willows; everyone who was at this show had a night of music which will not soon be forgotten.

Deborah Bonham commented:

“It was such an honour to be asked by Paul Rodgers and his beautiful wife Cynthia Kereluc Rodgers to appear at the Royal Albert Hall to help raise funds for Willows Animal Sanctuary and Assisted Animal Therapy. It was such an incredible night and one that I won’t forget. Willows is a charity close to my heart and to know that we have raised the much needed funds for them to survive the winter is fantastic. The work they do with animals and vulnerable people is inspirational, I’m so pleased I was able to help and be a part of it all.”

Deborah opened the show accompanied by keyboard artist Gerard Lewis. This was a new arrangement for the band, which normally features Peter Bullick on (blistering) guitars and mandolin; keyboard player Gerard Louis; on bass Ian Rowley; and the awesome Frank Benbini of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals, filling in for regular drummer Rich Newman.

It would have been nice to hear the full line up at the RAH, but as it was, the arrangement of Deborah with Gerard showcased her voice in a way that really filled the hall to great effect. Her powerful lyrics and vocals reach some astonishing emotional highs and lows and were superb on the night.

Long-time follower Lorraine Adams Robertson attended with husband Michael. She said:

“Deborah was brilliant! … and G too her keyboard player… her singing gives me goose bumps as always, and her voice makes me cry with emotion.”

The strangers I sat next to volunteered how much they enjoyed her. I explained that she usually performs with a band: they are determined to go and see her, and pick up Spirit, the latest album.

Deborah’s set included a wide variety of her songs spanning several albums – Love You So, What We Got, Hold On, Grace, Duchess (sassy), I Need Love (haunting, passionate) and Stay With Me Baby. Her voice is what the Royal Albert Hall is designed for. [Note – Deborah is currently recovering from an illness; best wishes for a speedy, complete recovery].

More information on albums and tours for the Deborah Bonham Band here http://www.deborahbonham.com/ .

Paul Rodgers has a career like no one else’s. His iconic work with Free, Bad Company and The Firm are not the full extent of his interests and talents.

The new Royal Sessions work showcases Rodgers’ powerful voice in traditional blues classics which he sings, accompanied by some of the world’s greatest blues musicians. He has gone back to the music that inspired him from the beginning, and paid it a stunning tribute. On his Facebook Page Paul wrote:

“I forget how good these guys and gals are until I play with them again. Rehearsals were fantabulous, even if there isn’t such a word. We are all here in London and are ready to rock and soul.”

The crowds were going wild for it. A favourite with fans, ‘Walk in My Shadow’ was astonishing with such a backing band behind it, and it was a pleasure to be there to hear it live.

Blues staple ‘The Hunter’ was powerful; an interesting arrangement of ‘Walk On By’ was thrilling, and ‘Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love’ had us all in the aisles singing along. ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’ was another standout: Rodgers was to record that for Jools Holland a day or so later. The track can be found here http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/records/nzq2fj.

More on the landmark Royal Sessions album can be found here http://paulrodgers.com/release/the-royal-sessions/ .

Willows supporters and staff are hugely grateful to the artists and producer (and MC and guitarist) Perry Margouleff who helped to make this show a reality.

Jenny Gray of Willows said

“Willows would like to send enormous thanks to our amazing Patrons Paul Rodgers and his wife Cynthia Kereluk Rodgers for their amazing support and generosity. Huge thanks to Deborah Bonham and Peter Bullick for helping make it a truly amazing night. These people have done so much to help Willows through a challenging time, they are genuine animal lovers and truly care about Willows. Thanks to all friends and family that helped on the night too. This fundraiser will really help the winter feed appeal.”

The funds raised from this night of wonderful music will certainly help Willows, but the charity needs to be able to rely on steady donations large and small in order to budget adequately. Times are tough for everyone; they are very tough for animals. Pets are being abandoned at an alarming rate; horses and ponies too are being neglected and left without food and water.

Without charities like Willows, North East Scotland’s largest animal charity and a centre for animal-assisted therapy which helps many people, young and old (six of Willows employees are vulnerable people), the outlook is bleak.

If you missed the concert, but want a chance at winning some great prizes, here is your chance

Sign up to become ‘A Friend of Willows’ Help make a difference now!

If you sign on to become a ‘Friend of Willows’, at just £1 (2 US dollars) per week, by November 30, 2014 you are eligible to win:

Autographed Bad Company Guitar

Paul Rodgers Autographed Set List from The Royal Albert Hall Concert

Deborah Bonham Autographed Set List (from the Concert)

Paul Rodgers Autographed Royal Sessions LP or Cash Prizes

After careful thought, and with the help of all our supporters (and it will only work with your help) we hope we have found a way to get Willows a regular income. What we are hoping is that every ‘Friend’ who signs up for a minimum donation of £1 (2 US dollars) a week asks two other people to sign up too. It would quickly make a chain of regular donors, with each ‘Friend of Willows’ donating only a very small amount each month, the cost of a magazine or a coffee.

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City Date For Scots/US Jazz Duo

Articles, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 172014

By Rob Adams.

Scottish Saxophonist Laura Macdonald and New York pianist David Berkman mark the release of their new Duets album with a EFG London Jazz Festival launch and a series of Scottish gigs including the Blue Lamp in Aberdeen on Thursday, November 20.

The two musicians, who have worked together in various line-ups since appearing in a band Macdonald formed for an Edinburgh Jazz Festival concert a few years ago, first played as a duo when they were asked to fill an hour’s slot in the festival’s programme at five minutes’ notice.

They had more preparation this time and exchanged emails with ideas and suggestions until they settled on a selection of romantic standards, including It Could Happen to You and My Romance.

The album was recorded, with trumpeter Ryan Quigley producing, at Gorbals Sound in Glasgow, where the studio engineers, who are used to rock musicians working at a more leisurely pace, were surprised that Macdonald and Berkman could record an album in one day.

“We spent some time sorting out microphone positions,” says Macdonald.

“Once we started playing, though, it was like we were playing to an audience. The guys in the studio were amazed. But that was definitely the way to work for us because things happened spontaneously in the music – the sort of things that normally happen on a gig and disappear into the ether – and we were able to capture them. We had a break between tunes but they were all recorded in one take.”

Macdonald has previously released two albums of her own and one with the group she co-leads with Swedish drummer Martina Almgren as well as working extensively with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, saxophonist Donny McAslin and drummer Tom Bancroft.

She hopes that the new album will lead to further performances with Berkman, possibly involving a trip to the U.S. to play on his home territory.

“I always enjoy working with David,” she says.

“He has this great sense of jazz history in his playing, having worked with so many people including Sonny Stitt and Tom Harrell, and like me, he likes to know what a song is about before he plays it. The standards on the album have all been played so many times before but working with someone like David you hear new ways of playing them every time.”

Looking For Linda At The Lemon Tree

Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 142014

Hue and Cry returned to Aberdeen to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of their second album, ‘Remote’. Credit: Julie Thompson

By Julie Thompson.

On an autumnal but mild Tuesday evening, Hue and Cry – in full 9-piece band format – returned to Aberdeen to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of their second album, ‘Remote’.
Passing one of the longest queues for The Lemon Tree I’ve seen, I was pleased it looked like a good turn-out for a midweek night, especially with a gig also on at the Music Hall (the Kooks) as competition.

As Pat Kane explained, the plan for the evening was to “play the entire album from top to bottom and then let you bathe us in applause. We don’t do that encore nonsense so then we’ll play some more.”

Some of the songs seemed more melancholic than I remembered (so much so that I’m on Youtube comparing to the originals as I write), but maybe that is explained by their re-release of the album with the moniker ‘Remote: Major to Minor’.

Using an old jazz trick, changing the key from major to minor and vice versa, they managed to alter the emotional tone of a tune – changing a happy upbeat song to a sad one. This seemed especially obvious in ‘Looking for Linda’.

The jazz influence was very obvious with these re-arranged songs, with sax, trumpet, bass and keys (played by brother, Greg Kane) heading off into jamming sessions at times. Some numbers seemed more swing-based in nature – no bad thing. A guitar solo was performed with tight control by possibly the most static guitarist I’ve seen in a long time – and it lost nothing because of it. The band and production was slick and obviously well practised.

Vocally, Pat still has it – his voice as smooth and rich as it ever was – so suited for this type of music.

Inter-song banter between the brothers was amusing and I was taken back in time with his introduction to ‘Sweet Invisibility’

“…dancing on the piano in the video – imagine that at the moment (points to Greg’s fragile looking keyboard). We had hair then, all stood up straight. It was the most exciting time of our lives.”

Reaching the end of the album, we were treated to five more songs, including ‘Heading for a Fall’ (about the financial crisis) and ending on a bouncy high with ‘Labour of Love’ – “they’ll not open the gates to let us leave unless we play this one…”

The audience of over 400 folk were packed in like bouncing sardines and having a great time and, despite being told they didn’t do ‘that encore nonsense’, there was obvious disappointment when it was all over.

A special mention to supporting songstress, Cara Mitchell.

She’s come a long way even in the year or so I’ve been doing this, showing much more passion in her performance, especially with the song called (if she settles on it as a name) ‘The Angry Song’.

Quite a few new songs played tonight too – including one which was maybe just a week old.

She has a new EP coming out very soon, so for Cara fans, watch out for that.

Penner And Wood At The Barn And The Lampie

Articles, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 142014

With thanks to Loudon Temple and Martin Raitt

Cam Penner is touring Scotland this month with his collaborator Jon Wood. This includes shows at Woodend Barn, Crathes on Friday 14 November and The Blue Lamp, Aberdeen the following evening.

This promises to be among the live events of the year.

Since the release of To Build A Fire, this tour has been keenly anticipated. Brookfield Knights, representing Cam and Jon in the UK, reveal all.

Cam Penner has carved his own path. He’s done it the hard way. Now, those who know are saying his time has come.

He has that rare quality – a well-grounded human spirit. In another life he might have been a Shaman. The music he plays – and the energy he generates – has won him many friends, fans and admirers.

Cam’s stunning 2013 album, To Build a Fire, is a rallying call that reaches out boldly and courageously into present-day existence. The symphony of sound and lyricism showcase the inevitable evolution of a growing artist; this album is a new start. It’s folk. It’s rock ‘n’ roll. It’s Cam Penner…breathing fire into every note and lyric. It’s full of everything we should be looking for, not only musically, but in life.

The mesmerising live show is bigger – and brighter – than before, spontaneously grand and fragile at the same time. Percussive elements and layered guitar techniques have added rich texture.

Cam hails from a Mennonite community in Southern Manitoba, where his parents, town rebels, ran an illegal roadhouse and his grandfather, a bootlegger, was a much-loved character in the rural community. Growing up against that background, he found an appreciation for common people’s stories.

Since stepping out aged 18, he has experienced more raw humanity than most would encounter in a lifetime. He spent thirteen years dedicated to helping the homeless and destitute in Chicago’s soup kitchens and shelters and when each shift was over, would spend endless hours writing and playing his guitar while exorcising his emotions through music.

His last album, Gypsy Summer debuted at number 16 on the Folk Billboard Charts and established him as a major force.

At Toronto’s Folk Alliance International event early in 2013, he and his constant and spellbinding musical companion, Jon Wood, blew everyone away with the sheer power – and beauty – of the new material, delivering quite breathtaking performances.

We are very proud to be working with them. Those shamen also dance around sometimes.

Dates:

Friday Nov 14 – Woodend Barn
8:00pm — 8:30pm
£11.00, £10.00 conc. £5.50 U16 in advance £13.50, £11.00 conc. £6.50 U16 on the door

Saturday Nov 15 – Blue Lamp, 121 Gallowgate, Aberdeen
Doors open: 7:30pm (Starts 8.00pm)
£11.00 (£10.00)

Ticket details:

http://www.woodendbarn.com/whats-on/
http://www.seetickets.com/event/cam-penner-jon-wood/the-blue-lamp/812977/
http://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/events/cam-penner-jon-wood
http://www.almostbluepromotions.com/#!buy-tickets/cq91 (without booking fee)

Shane Filan At Aberdeen Music Hall 29.10.14

Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 072014

Words by Rock Chick pics by Dod Morrison.

On a cold Wednesday night in October, Shane Filan came to Aberdeen Music Hall and played to a venue full of excited females.

Shane first came to the attention of his loyal fans back in 1998 when the Irish band Westlife appeared on the scene.

They continued to have hit after hit for many years, including 26 top ten singles – 14 of these were number ones before disbanding and going their own ways in 2012.

Shane has since gone solo and is touring his current album, You and Me. He played a mixture of his new songs, interspersed with all the old Westlife hits ,including What makes a man (2000), Uptown Girl (2001), which had the whole crowd singing along, and the all-time favourite Flying Without Wings (1999), much to the delight of the crowd.

In between songs a girl shouts,

“Shane it’s my birthday.”

He starts to sing happy birthday to her , she moves nearer the stage and he bends down and pecks her on the cheek. When it finishes someone shouts from the balcony:

“I got my pension today.”

He says,

“Really?”

She says,

“No, it was 2 years ago.”

He laughs,

“this is why I love coming to Scotland it’s always a bit madder than anywhere else….”

Whether you like this kind of music or not , you have to admire the man, the crowd are on their feet from the moment he came on stage and continue to stand throughout. And that’s what entertainment is about, pleasing all the fans that come to see you.

Anti Nowhere League At The Moorings

Articles, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 042014

By Dod Morrison.

The League has been going for an impressive 34 years now, but despite this they have never played Aberdeen.

It was a sold out show at the Moorings, the best place for punk music in Aberdeen.

The band came on stage and Animal screamed “We are the League!” but nothing happened… Tommy’s guitar was not working!

A couple of minutes later we start again, and the lyrics of this song sums it up:

“You criticise us, you say we’re shit
But we’re up here and we’re doing it
So don’t you criticise the things we do
No fucker pays to go and see you”

and a couple of hundred people had indeed paid to see them.

It was like a sauna in there with people jumping all about from the off. We got 9 songs from the “We Are the League” album, which is in my all-time top ten albums. The band did things differently from other groups, and played the big hitters early, instead of leaving them until the end.

“So what”, their most controversial song back in the day and now covered by the likes of Metallica, was their fourth song in, and “Woman” which all the women love too, was a couple of songs later. They both had the crowd going berserk.

Animal commanded the stage in his usual leathers, complete with menacing look, scowling at the crowd, dropping to his knees and thumping the ground: the crowd loved it. These guys haven’t lost any of their energy over the years. Shady and Tom came to the front during some of the songs, playing guitar and bass like rock stars, meanwhile Nato on drums was banging away like a man possessed.

They were a tight outfit and a great live act. Catch them if you can.

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