Intimate gigs

Is Glastonbury festival now just a joke?

2009-05-25T16:20:00.002+01:00

Glastobury used to be the flagship of alternative culture. A melting pot of fresh invigorating music. Sadly it is now a shadow of its former self. Having succumb to the big money dominance of Live Nation, the festival has lost its integrity.

Live Nation is an organisation that has introduced James Blunt, Jay Z, Status Quo and the like to the mix and reduced its appeal to the loyal in order to pander to the masses (and their pockets). Live Nation are an investment company. They have no real interest in investing in the future of music. They just exist to generate huge profits. Now, making a profit is not a bad thing, but controlling an industry that is already ruled by money is only going to have a detrimental effect for the future. Live Nation own stakes in The Academys, Wireless Festival, Download Festival, Reading Festival, Leeds Festival, Latitude Festival and our very own T in the Park (They bought a controlling stake in Dance Factory, or DF Concerts if you prefer who run T in the Park and also own King Tuts in Glasgow).

You can now look forward to festival line ups starting to look the same as Live Nation fill the bills with acts they promote, whether they are suitable for the festival or not. Just look at Jay Z playing Glastonbury last year all because LN own touring rights for both him and control the festival.

Don't get me wrong, there are still some great acts on festival bills, but the festivals ability to discover a gem that the mainstream music industry overlooks seems to be over. Shame really.

Henry Priestman @The Listening Room - 27/02/09

2009-03-08T21:01:00.005Z

It is hard not to like Henry. He is such an affable guy, completely untouched by the considerable success he has achieved. Something which comes through in his live performance.

Opening for Henry was songwriter and guitarist Pete Riley (who also plays guitar for Henry), who stepped in when Lotte Mullan had to pull out due to a viral problem. Pete possesses a mighty voice. Soulful and sweet in equal measure. Pete has been living in America and plays guitar for platinum selling artist Edwin McCain. We have asked Pete to come back and play a set for us later in the year as we're so impressed by him.

You get the feeling that Henry does not take himself to seriously, but his songs from his debut album Chronicles Of Modern Life capture the trials and tribulations of growing old, loving and losing, raising kids and just getting through the day, in glowing technicolour. It was interesting watching people give a knowing nod of the head with the tales that accompanied each song.

Grey's The New Blonde is the song that has been getting all the airplay and the one that most people would know, but he has in his arsenal some killer songs. It's Called A Heart, Old and Don't You Love Me No More have instant classic written all over them.

We were also treated to some Christians classics (Henry was the songwriter for the multi millions selling band.... Didn't we mention it?), including Hooverville, Ideal Word, When The Finger Points and more.

An impromptu phone call mid set to Lotte (see above) to see how she was and tell her she was missing a great gig had people laughing out loud, mainly because Henry forgot to hang up and at the end of the song all that could be heard was lotte shouting down the phone and clapping. Henry commented 'That just cost me a fiver....'.

By the end of the night everyone was on their feet and the encores ensued. Henry and Pete left the stage to crys of more, but a queue had already formed for the CD counter.

If you get the chance to see Henry live, please do, as he is a complete entertainer and an accomplished showman.

Nick Harper @ The Listening Room - 23/01/09

2009-01-25T21:06:00.003Z

This was one of the best gigs I have ever been to....

Kicking things off was the extremely talented Gavin Moore. Gavin has played here on several occasions and I never get board of listening to him. He has an ear for a great tune and his vocal complement the music perfectly. He is about to release his second album, so I'm sure we will welcome him back here a few times more.

For those of you have not seen Nick Harper before, I can't really do justice in words what a Nick show entails. Showmanship, guitar playing of the highest order, a soaring voice and a witty line in banter are about as good I'm going to get here... Ohhh... did I mention that he is a bloody genius.

Taking the stage in Willy Wonka style (you had to be there... honest), the tone was set for what was one of the most unforgettable experiences we have had at The Listening Room. Nick was clearly enjoying himself as much as the audience. The on-stage banter was reciprocated by the audience, lending an almost house concert feel to the night.

Quite happily taking requests, favorites like Radio Silence, Blue Sky Thinking, Imaginary Friend, By My Rocket Comes Fire, The Field of the Cloth of Gold and Karmageddon were all duly dispatched when asked for.

We were also entertained by stories of his recent work with the Love, Hope, Strength foundation, which involved playing gigs in the mountains of Nepal and Peru and meeting some of the nicest people he had came across despite the situations they found themselves in.

All told Nick played for over 3 highly entertaining hours without a break and no need to say that his standing ovation was richly deserved. The man deserves to be a far bigger star than he is, but for now I'm just glad he comes and plays gigs like this for us.

Please check out the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation website and make a donation to this wonderful charity.

Martin & James @ The Listening Room (03/01/09)

2009-01-04T17:12:00.000Z

It was a triumphant home coming for the local lads who have been wowing audiences across Europe with their tight vocal harmonies and flawless songs. The guys returned home after spending 6 month recording their debut album in Germany which also saw them sign a deal with Universal Records in Germany.

Their biggest audience so far turned out to welcome them home. Opening for the lads was local singer songwriter Gary Miller who has shown in the past that he has a knack for writing a classic pop song. Keep an eye out for Gary. He really is a great entertainer.

Martin & James were joined by their piano player Stuart and played a set that show exactly why they were snapped up by Universal. Songs like Bloom, Broken Sword, Crashing Into Love, I was Blind and All Over The News have instant classic written all over them. The interaction between the guys is perfectly in tune and shows an understanding that sets them apart from anything else out there. A standing ovation saw the guys leave the stage leaving everyone wanting more. Quite simply a stunning set by a band that will be on many peoples lips in 2009.

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

2008-12-16T23:00:00.008Z

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

2008-11-30T20:24:00.004Z

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

2008-11-05T00:23:00.005Z

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

2008-11-05T00:03:00.003Z

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.