The Mercurymen @ The Listening Room - 06/12/09

Now this was a gig that had been creating quite a buzz about town. This was the guys 3rd visit to us in 5 months and this one was already moved to the big room due to demand and was sold out in advance as expected. The Mercurymen are a band that you are either going to love or hate. Why? Well they don't really fit a category. Are they folk? Pop? Well they are what they are and for the packed audience tonight they are stars in the waiting, but more on the guys later.

First up on the bill tonight was pianist Rico Franchi. Rico has played for us before and left quite a few people with their jaws on the floor. His mix of jazz and pop has a foot tapping infectiousness that is hard to ignore. Check him out. He is one to keep an eye on.

Next up was a fav here at Intimate Gigs. Maeve O'Boyle is a star. Of that there is no doubt. In the 6 years she has been playing gigs for us, we have watched her bloom into one of the finest songwriters and performers in the country. The likes of Sandi Thom and Amy MacDonald could only wish to be as good as this lass. I swear there were grown men crying when she was singing Facing Home (sorry Glynn). The audience loved her and rightly so. She will be back doing a headline gig with us in June when her debut album is released.

Now back to The Mercurymen. 3 different personalities, different voices and different styles that all come together in a magical musical package that is more refreshing than a mountain spring. These guys are incredible. Really.... They are something very, very special. Songs like Keep Me In Your Heart and Scent had the sell out crowd singing along, something which the band clearly reveled in. We were treated to a masterclass in harmonies and perfect pop which earned the guys 2 standing ovations. Highlight of the night was a storming version of Rough Around The Edges, which had the whole room singing along, stamping their feet and clapping their hands.

Quite an evening. If any of these acts are playing near you... Get out of the house and go and see them. You won't be disappointed. Gigs at the Listening Room are going from strength to strength and selling out every show. No wonder when the shows are this good.

Tom Hingley @ The Listening Room - 29/11/08

Tom has been coming and playing gigs for us for quite a few years and is one of the most popular acts we put on, so it was no surprise the gig was sold out in advance.

Unfortunately Marcus Bonfanti, who was due to do the support, had to cancel all his Scottish dates due to picking up a nasty viral infection, but local singer/songwriter Gary Miller stepped in and played a great set. Gary really does know how to write a great song. He played a brilliant set. He really is worth checking out.

Tom is one of the hardest working musicians I have ever met. The guy played for nearly 3 hrs. He kicked off with a few songs from his forthcoming album, which sounded fantastic. One thing that strikes you about Tom is just what an amazing voice he has. The power and strength is equally matched by the sweetness and clarity. He really is one of the best singer I have heard.

At one point it seemed as if the whole room was bouncing when he treated us to a selection of Inspiral Carpet classics, sparking a mass sing along.

It was a great night from a guy who is not only a great musician, but also a hell of a nice fella. Cheers Tom.

Andy White @ The Listening Room - 01/11/08

The likable Irishman is one man who wears his political opinions on his sleeve. It is hard not to get caught up in his wit and keenly observed rhetoric. While he share much with the likes of Billy Bragg, he also has his own style which sets him apart from other singer/songwriter out there.

With a career now spanning 20 years and 12 albums, he has a large back catalogue to draw from and songs like Religious Persuasion and James Joyce's Grave never lose there appeal and sit happily alongside newer material like Message To You and Mean Motherf**ker. It is a pity that for an artist of Andy's quality there was not a bigger audience, but the 30 or so who attended were treated to one of the best gigs that we have had this year. We have already booked Andy again for the spring of 2009 and we are sure that on the back of this gig, that it will be a lot busier.

Jon Gomm @ The Listening Room - 26/10/08

Jon Gomm is a guitar genius and complete one off as he proved at this sell out show. While other players such as Andy McKee and Erik Mongrain have found fame amongst the Youtube generation, Jon seems to have passed under the radar, which is a real shame as he is a much better player than both the afore mentioned and is certainly a much more entertaining live package.

His playing style is a very visual thing, hitting the body of the guitar to create drum sounds while tapping and slapping the fretboard to make bass lines and melodies simultaneously. It really is an amazing thing to behold. Songs like Waterfall, Gloria and Afterglow show that he is also an accomplished songwriter.

Two encores followed a two hour set which saw Jon finish with an outrageous medley featuring ZZ Top, Fine Young Cannibals, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Hendrix, Led Zep, Guns & Roses and Survivor.

The guy is one of our greatest musical treasures. If you get the chance to catch him live, then don't miss him. You can thank us later.