tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12365214990077616772024-03-13T17:36:47.519-07:00Heart On My Sleeve Notes Music BlogGrace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-49711517224459551432016-06-27T09:02:00.000-07:002016-06-27T09:08:33.448-07:00Album Review- Young Runaway by Hattie Briggs<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Young Runaway by Hattie Briggs, Released 8<sup>th</sup>
July 2016 <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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The last two and half years have been a significant time for
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sussex</st1:place></st1:country-region>
born, but now Stroud based, singer-songwriter Hattie Briggs. Since January
2014, when she decided to quit her <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Oxford</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place> degree course,
she has been nominated for the Radio 2 Young Folk Award; played more than 200
gigs; and released relatively unknown, but critically acclaimed debut album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red & Gold</i>. Now, fifteen months on
from her debut, she is poised to release the follow up: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Young Runaway</i>. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTTuDrnXmAa0-gHGX1-akceHzIVZtK9UXY2kPnKJUXuCcz6ieHXMLoTA_or1XwoyeQyNVbtlqw1282d5hoDWkHwgytGqKIKXmf57lHXBDUHun4JNXHcQkG2caEMsmbUStz1WTBgDb6UhF/s1600/DSC00494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTTuDrnXmAa0-gHGX1-akceHzIVZtK9UXY2kPnKJUXuCcz6ieHXMLoTA_or1XwoyeQyNVbtlqw1282d5hoDWkHwgytGqKIKXmf57lHXBDUHun4JNXHcQkG2caEMsmbUStz1WTBgDb6UhF/s200/DSC00494.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hattie at the Young Runaway launch, March 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
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Once again the album is produced by Peter Waterman who at 28
and still a relative newcomer in the music industry; is proof that it is not
always age and experience but ideas and innovation which achieve the greatest
results. Whilst <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Young Runaway</i> is not
a drastic departure from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red & Gold</i>
there has been progression in both depth and breadth of content and
instrumentation.</div>
<br />
The title is a reference to the James Taylor song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My Travelling Star</i>; in a similar way
that the title of Hattie’s debut was taken from the Eva Cassidy song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Autumn Leaves</i>. Both singers are a clear
influence on this album. The title of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Young
Runaway</i> reflects the theme of the album: breaking free from the past and
making the most of life. <br />
<br />
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The opening song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Lake</i> is beautiful and atmospheric; gentle swaying cellos and flickering
ukulele strings are layered to perfection. They bring to life the feeling of
gliding on a placid lake, cleansing of the soul and awakening to a new
beginning. </div>
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The lyrics of her previous album focused on times of
uncertainty, soul searching and sadness. Now her glass is half full rather than
half empty. This is directly addressed in the words of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Here’s To Hoping</i>; “… kept up the struggle and now I have won…” The
instrumentation too matches the lyrics; guitar, piano and cellos remain but the
introduction of ukulele and pedal steel adds buoyancy to the songs. This is
most notable on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Summertime Man</i> which
the listener is transported to sun-kissed beaches, palm tree lined avenues and
cloudless skies. It is perfect for the album’s July release. </div>
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The theme of transition is relayed on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lift Me Up</i> representing the journey Hattie has been on, places she
has seen and moving on to the next phase of her life. The lyrics of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On Your
Way</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Only Live Once</i> focus
on putting worries aside and seizing the moment, “ … no regrets is a great
place to be…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and “… so make this life
your kind, I intend to live mine…” . <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Talk
To Me</i> feels like Hattie is reciting a letter to herself and the listener
“…start your healing here…” giving others hope that if everything worked out
for her then there is light at the end of the tunnel in dark times.</div>
<br />
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Those listening out for the mournful sentiment of Hattie’s
previous album will discover them in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Castle
On The Sand</i>, a tale of a friend’s repeated heartbreak. The sorrow takes its
toll on its subject, as her life crumbles away like a ruined sand castle,
“…watch as the grains fall softly through my hands…” The strength in Hattie’s
words feels like they can rebuild even the most fragmented soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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One of the strongest tracks is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Have We Met Before?</i> ; based on the notion that fate can intervene
in the strangest but best of ways. It is co-written and performed with recent Young
Folk Award nominee Jack Cookson. As stand alone singers they are impressive but
Jack’s spine-tingly voice and Hattie’s pure vocals harmonise perfectly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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Final track <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The River</i>
is similar to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lake </i>because it
creates the feeling of water, refreshing and renewing life. The sound of
waterfalls and birds at the end of the song were possibly inspired by
indie-folk band Stornoway; they use sounds of nature and wildlife in their
music and whom Hattie supported on tour at the end of last year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It draws to a cohesive conclusion to a more
concise collection of songs. </div>
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Although she is now a quarter of the way through her 20’s at
23 (22 at time of writing and recording) Hattie Briggs is far from a quarter
life crisis. She has been through struggle and emerged with a clearer direction
and sense of determination than ever before. Comparisons can even be drawn to
Adele’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">25</i>, not in vocal style; but
when listening to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Young Runaway</i> you
feel like you are sharing a defining period of Hattie’s life. Hattie could have
almost named the album “22”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Young Runaway</i> is accessible for all ages
but for young women in their twenties trying to find their way in life it is
both aspirational and inspirational. </div>
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For an album which begins with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lake</i> and ends with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
River</i> Hattie Briggs is no longer lost at sea; she is sailing on, to oceans
of opportunities.</div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: The Lake,
Here’s To Hoping, Have We Met Before?, You Only Live Once <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">8/10<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-25782969331090931852016-04-01T02:05:00.000-07:002016-04-07T20:46:26.678-07:00Live Review: Hattie Briggs, Young Runaway Tour & Album Launch with support from The Black Feathers<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hattie Briggs: Young Runaway
Tour & Album Launch Night, with support act The Black Feathers, Stroud
Subscription Rooms, Saturday 26<sup>th</sup> March 2016 <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Entering the
Subscription Rooms’ ballroom this evening you are greeted by the crowds
streaming in to find their seats. The stage is partially set up; a variety of
musical instruments are balanced in their stands; a large projector screen at
the back of the stage displays “Hattie Briggs Young Runaway Tour”; at the back
of the room the merchandise table has organised piles of CDs, vinyl and signed
photographs. The room is buzzing with excitement, anticipation and
conversation. The time reaches 8:00pm; it is time for tonight proceedings to
begin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Black Feathers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The support act this
evening is Cirencester based duo The Black Feathers. Sian Chandler and Ray
Hughes have been performing together for around four years. Deciding to open
with a song entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goodbye Tomorrow</i>,
a gentle song about putting worries aside, it sets the mood perfectly with
vocals harmonising and gentle guitar. Their next song is a cover of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spirit In The Sky</i>. Bouncy guitar chords,
a slower tempo and gorgeous haunting vocals separate this entirely from the
light-hearted version by Gareth Gates & The Kumars. The Black Feathers have
brought originality to the song whilst still maintaining familiarity. They
complete the song with finger clicking and a change in melody; an innovative
transition to The Addams Family theme tune: a clever, humourous twist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When they introduce
themselves as husband and wife, it comes as no surprise; there is an undeniable
chemistry between the pair which shows in their performance. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Homesick</i>, from their debut album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Soaked To The Bone</i>, is a beautiful song
about being far away from where you come from and longing to be with the person
you love. Life on the road as a band can be a lonely place and they clearly
count their blessings that they are able to do this together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<st1:place w:st="on"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sian</span></st1:place><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> describes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Down
By The River</i> as a “drinking song”. The tune is more up-tempo than their
previous songs, conjuring images of drinking your cares away but with an
underlying sense of helplessness. This song has more of a country feel, emphasising
the duo’s blend of Americana Folk-Rock. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">As they introduce <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All For You</i> they jokingly remark that
you only need to write a happy song once every thirty-five years and that
Disney films are shown on repeat for inspiration. The song itself is a story of
an undeniably strong relationship between two people; performed with genuine sincerity.
</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBjbletX_n5QGWeY6S_g_-hg26fPGBc1cN2UXqArcJELaZMdNWlUNpJI1nheBtmq18QVcnbxQMqmVKCa2yJb53xhKqJrV700s3Rbmxoqf_kPclfO0p9YtQ59oO-V4Sa7-boyOgt6ZgMyr/s1600/DSC00489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBjbletX_n5QGWeY6S_g_-hg26fPGBc1cN2UXqArcJELaZMdNWlUNpJI1nheBtmq18QVcnbxQMqmVKCa2yJb53xhKqJrV700s3Rbmxoqf_kPclfO0p9YtQ59oO-V4Sa7-boyOgt6ZgMyr/s200/DSC00489.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Feathers: Sian Chandler & Ray Hughes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">As they ironically
chose to start with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goodbye Tomorrow</i>
their closing song is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Open Book</i>, the
first song they wrote together. The song is from their EP <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Strangers We Meet</i> and further summarises the duo’s strength both
personally and professionally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Ray continues to tune
his guitar and <st1:place w:st="on">Sian</st1:place> remarks that “there will
not be tuning on the album”, the humour is greeted warmly by the crowd. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Black Feathers
leave the stage to well deserved applause. For both established fans and those
discovering their music for the first time, there is no doubt that they have
not only got the evening off to a fine start, but that future audience will
seek out the heartfelt, haunting harmonies of this intriguing, inseparable duo.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">7/10<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Set List<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Goodbye Tomorrow<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Spirit In The Sky (Cover)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Homesick<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Arclight<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Down By The River<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">All For You<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Open Book</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hattie Briggs & Band<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">During the interval
the large screen at the back of the stage comes to life; showing photographs
from Hattie’s recent recording sessions, promotional photo-shoots, stills from
her music videos and various recent gigs. A tall, cuddly giraffe, identical to
one in a photograph of a busking session at Stroud Framers’ Market has been
placed on the front left corner of the stage. It is an amusing and bemusing
addition, perhaps it is Hattie’s lucky mascot? A programme given out at the
start of the evening reveals details of Hattie’s achievements so far. Set out
on two pages of A5 sized paper, in just over two years, the list of
achievements is incredible. From airplay on local radio and BBC Radio 2; to
high-rated reviews in established music magazines Q and Maverick; to playing an
impressive 104 tour dates in 2015, Hattie has already laid a strong foundation
for her music career. When Hattie launched her debut EP in November 2013 she
had an audience of just twenty, tonight she has an audience of three hundred
and fifty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tonight she will be
performing with six other musicians, a sort of “Folk Club 7”, if you will. One
by one they file onto the stage, poised in place for a few seconds; then Hattie
enters to rapturous applause. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYJemN6usuDwwMex8kNt900O9L9w7dtGesC5aefyc7vPbvhyw-NAuALeBKfIKtbSDc4-qeVFpYEN54OiFSPkjT83_iRTwiYKisSBJYVapa0-p5F4xsuCKyQ7AubfRNijz_ukht8eVwqLW/s1600/DSC00494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYJemN6usuDwwMex8kNt900O9L9w7dtGesC5aefyc7vPbvhyw-NAuALeBKfIKtbSDc4-qeVFpYEN54OiFSPkjT83_iRTwiYKisSBJYVapa0-p5F4xsuCKyQ7AubfRNijz_ukht8eVwqLW/s200/DSC00494.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hattie Briggs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Opening with new song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Here’s To Hoping</i> Hattie plays a ukulele,
beautifully painted with a blue and white crashing wave design. It adds
lightness to the words; from what could have been a potentially sad song to one
of optimism about the future. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On Your Way</i>,
first previewed at last year’s Nailsworth Festival with cellists Barney
Morse-Brown and Asha McCarthy, is now performed with a full range of
instruments. Their musical underpinning remains but backing vocals by Henry
Fraser add richness to the song. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hattie introduces the
next song by talking about the importance of friendship; someone who has
supported her from the start, her best friend Tilly. Apparently, they did not
like each other when they first met aged six, until Hattie found they both
liked playing football. The two have been firm friends ever since, so as a
thank you Hattie composed and performed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tilly’s
Song</i> for her friend’s twenty-first Birthday party. Tilly is in the audience
this evening and glows with both embarrassment and pride; especially when other
members of the audience point out where she is. The song was first recorded on
Hattie’s debut EP <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My Shepherds Hut</i>,
but it was reworked last year to incorporate banjo and backing vocals by Henry
Fraser, and double bass by Jack Cookson. The song is better for it and is an
ultimate tribute to a long-lasting friendship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9i5OCY-dV2-OwCRMJ7WqqfDWygSWEB5zfAvhxA6iCDsmLz-cmtBOGxole9zui50D6_7C9rT1ssVvZktMY6mde-kid3N4bJ3WEttQ_ya8YWTN1pf4vMCCbseufa-Sq4fnyNcICCjyL4ej/s1600/DSC00495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9i5OCY-dV2-OwCRMJ7WqqfDWygSWEB5zfAvhxA6iCDsmLz-cmtBOGxole9zui50D6_7C9rT1ssVvZktMY6mde-kid3N4bJ3WEttQ_ya8YWTN1pf4vMCCbseufa-Sq4fnyNcICCjyL4ej/s200/DSC00495.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guitar: Henry Fraser; Ukulele: Hattie Briggs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The next song has a
bitter-sweet story. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Old Eyes</i> featured
on debut album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red & Gold</i> is
about Hattie’s dog Panda. In September he very sadly he passed away aged 16.
She had written the song a couple of years before to symbolise how much she
valued his company, and although he would not remember her she would always
remember him. The music video is Hattie’s most viewed on YouTube, with over
15,000 views. It shows Hattie taking Panda for a walk around Stroud based
locations including Selsley, Rodborough, and Painswick. As you listen to the
song you can really imagine the large, cuddly bear-like dog curled up at the
front of the stage; a heart-warming tribute to an unforgettable companion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">After performing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Only Live Once</i> Hattie says that she
recently performed the song at a care home. However the residents did not seem
that impressed; clearly failing to grasp the unintentional irony. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">For <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Castle On The Sand</i> Hattie walks to the
back of the stage and takes a seat at the grand piano. This song is about a
friend of hers who repeatedly had their heart broken and has reduced people who
have heard it to tears. Tonight is no exception. The grand piano and sweeping
cellos add to the melancholy heartbreak. </span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hattie introduces the
final two band members: Jon Green on percussion and Matt Park on pedal steel, a
multi-stringed electric steel guitar which lies horizontally on a stand in
front of him. The instrument is a brand new addition to this album. It left the
rest of the team opened mouthed during the pre-production stage. It really does
add an airy, light feel to the songs; including <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Share Your Heart</i>, the final song of the first half. Hattie remarks
that this is the first song she wrote that she was really proud of. As one of
the stand-out tracks from her first album, its lyrics seem more significant
than ever before; the Hattie who wrote this song has now truly been able to
share her heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMr0xKqFu86gzFJRrXt6SmyhgfQC3lPKuOJMW7sqv6AAgBjiUK0fxGU1rK6Y4jrKdHF5mhtyb3veRWQdRU637nyUFy_9iYfxmxQD4xRnWUKVkwm15123BoLX4GMHFMsRN5VTiui5lZZGT/s1600/DSC00490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMr0xKqFu86gzFJRrXt6SmyhgfQC3lPKuOJMW7sqv6AAgBjiUK0fxGU1rK6Y4jrKdHF5mhtyb3veRWQdRU637nyUFy_9iYfxmxQD4xRnWUKVkwm15123BoLX4GMHFMsRN5VTiui5lZZGT/s200/DSC00490.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Bass: Jack Cookson; Pedal Steel: Matt Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjRyLAapGirO9ktzpv8Epj9RvCoZmQFyXlIZrguY7WkTO7p5bHTvUCJKXoqPJ1UexX9YbRYtQC-5C4NpfXFwD7QVgEumhl2oesu3EPe67aKHOtA5v-vRWExFPWbZOro6ToatU642AIJJb/s1600/DSC00500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjRyLAapGirO9ktzpv8Epj9RvCoZmQFyXlIZrguY7WkTO7p5bHTvUCJKXoqPJ1UexX9YbRYtQC-5C4NpfXFwD7QVgEumhl2oesu3EPe67aKHOtA5v-vRWExFPWbZOro6ToatU642AIJJb/s200/DSC00500.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon Green on Percussion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The second half begins
and Hattie comes back to the stage wearing a stunning blue and white dress. The
colours fit well with the next song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Lake</i>, whose lyrics symbolise the freedom and movement of water. Travelling
is also the theme of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lift Me Up</i>;
filling a vintage suitcase with possessions and preparing for life on the road.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hattie wishes that the
next song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All About Love</i>, could
become part of a soundtrack to a Romantic Comedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She played it at a friends’ wedding last year
with both the bride and groom expecting her to perform but each had planned it
as a surprise for the other. The couple are in the audience (and still married)
so clearly everything worked out in the end. It is perhaps the most romantic of
all her songs; the cellos and grand piano are rightly prominent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A holiday in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region> last
summer provided invaluable inspiration as many of the songs have a summery
feel. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Summertime Man</i> has an
uplifting, sunshine vibe enhanced by ukulele, banjo and pedal steel. When
Hattie mentions audience participation for the next song there is a slight
groan from the audience but they have nothing to fear; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Digging To Australia</i> has an instantly likeable, bright sing-along chorus.
The gentle shaking, maraca-like sound is in fact a jar of coffee granules, an
unusual but rather ingenious way of creating the exact ambience they wanted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJJNge66_HnfrKF6EWQXvkVc4WR5QhQOCtRoygDqAzoHZORGNHZwswLfJj9EP9ZrO_uLn33BcS_Tu7kUsRZZGumCkt1uZFvSkRRCaj99h7JS42ypVLFM9b6bp3wen_i2blH-qPrT87QNQ/s1600/DSC00505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJJNge66_HnfrKF6EWQXvkVc4WR5QhQOCtRoygDqAzoHZORGNHZwswLfJj9EP9ZrO_uLn33BcS_Tu7kUsRZZGumCkt1uZFvSkRRCaj99h7JS42ypVLFM9b6bp3wen_i2blH-qPrT87QNQ/s200/DSC00505.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack Cookson & Hattie Briggs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Double bassist Jack
steps from the back of the stage to stand alongside Hattie to perform <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Have We Met Before?</i> Hattie wrote the
song as a thank you to all the people who have helped her get the point in her
career which she is today. Jack provides guitar, harmonica and vocals. He has a
rich, deep tone to his voice; it complements Hattie’s vocals perfectly.
Although cellist Barney and Asha remain on the stage, just for a moment you for
get they are there; all eyes and ears remain engaged on the two singers, who
are very much centre stage. Jack has just been nominated for the Radio 2 Young
Folk Award, just as Hattie was a mere two years ago. He is a definite talent to
look out for in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQl2AQDd1AITbnlAmo0_itAPEM8yCluHIfyXWrmZQZG24XsWvC6nt5g5VInyYCJ3Sa0btODTbVN2Kk1l1TgYmvpC9IFo-8Pbn8klLez9XQuEb7mG0qazhVaBHYvlfYxNtYwNizqf_rAxG/s1600/DSC00499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQl2AQDd1AITbnlAmo0_itAPEM8yCluHIfyXWrmZQZG24XsWvC6nt5g5VInyYCJ3Sa0btODTbVN2Kk1l1TgYmvpC9IFo-8Pbn8klLez9XQuEb7mG0qazhVaBHYvlfYxNtYwNizqf_rAxG/s200/DSC00499.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cellos: Barney Morse-Brown & Asha McCarthy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Still With Hope I See</span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">, with just grand piano and cellos is a
minimalist approach, but it is all the song needs; capitalising on the
acoustics of the ballroom. The audience is so silent you could hear a pin fall
to the ground. It is conceivably the strongest song from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red & Gold</i> and never fails to capture the hearts and souls of
audiences. It is mesmerising. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hattie comes to the
front of the stage and announces that the next song will be the last of the
evening, a cover of Sting’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fields Of
Gold</i>. A very important song in her life; she grew up listening to Eva
Cassidy’s version. It provided influence and inspiration for her desire to
write and perform songs. It was therefore a great honour when Eva’s brother Dan
played violin on the track for her first album. She admits that this is the
song she has performed the most yet, far from being tired and clichéd, she
sings like the words have woven themselves into her heart. As she strums the
last guitar string the audience erupts into thunderous applause. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The band line up and
after a few slightly awkward bows take position once more for the encore.
Hattie takes this opportunity to thank everyone for coming, for those involved
with the album and the organisers of tonight’s concert. She says thanks most of
all to her Mum, who throughout the evening worked tirelessly; showing people to
their seats and working on the merchandise stall. It is on this note that she
dedicates the final song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Godspeed</i>,
to all her supporters. To all the people who have helped her along the way,
from her parents, her friend Tilly, the couple from the wedding anecdote, music
industry experts, and fans she has inspired along the way. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Godspeed</i> was written about her brother leaving home and the sense
of nostalgia Hattie felt about the travels and adventures they would no longer
share together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tonight’s performance,
with the exception of a few minor technical issues, felt like a live recording
of the album, with all seven musicians utilised perfectly. The tracks from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red & Gold</i> are the strongest from
that album and Hattie performed them better than she ever has before. The
transition onto the next stage of her career is now clear. However, rather than
travelling alone, it is a case of “Godspeed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with</i>
you on the road”, with arrival of better things to come. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Here’s To Hoping</i> Hattie Briggs continues to be a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Young) Runaway</i> success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">8.5/10<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Set List<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Here’s To Hoping<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">On Your Way<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tilly’s Song<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Old Eyes<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">You Only Live Once<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The River<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Castle On The Sand<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Share Your Heart</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Interval</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span> </div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The <st1:place w:st="on">Lake</st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Lift Me Up<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">All About Love<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Summertime Man<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Digging To <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Have We Met Before?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Still With Hope I See<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Fields Of Gold</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Encore<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<ul>
<li>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Godspeed<o:p></o:p></span>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-41329636159511399912016-01-01T13:53:00.000-08:002016-01-01T13:54:01.930-08:00The Best 20 Albums Of The Year: 2015<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The Best 20 Albums of the Year: 2015<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Get To Heaven by Everything Everything, Released June
2015 <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
Everything Everything’s sound has always been on the
alternative side of indie; most notably their debut album, 2010’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Man Alive</i>, was a bizarre collection of
sounds and ideas. Their second album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Arc</i>
was a slightly more refined affair. Now on their third album they reinvent
themselves once more. There are ideas aplenty: guitar riffs, synths, chanting
choruses and Jonathon Higgs’ varying yet charismatic vocal style. The singer
became obsessed with news stories of violence and world troubles, channelling
his concerns into his songs. Lyrics depict regrets, mortality and death, and
ultimately society’s apocalyptic impending doom. Despite the dark undertones,
the album is a warm, joyous listen. Innovative and reaching stratospheric
proportions, Everything Everything are still bizarre but now utterly
brilliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: To The
Blade, Distant Past, Regret, Spring/Sun/Winter/Dread<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8.5/10 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Whispers II (Deluxe Edition) by Passenger, Released
April 2015</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mike Rosenberg, the <st1:place w:st="on">Brighton</st1:place>
based folk singer-songwriter who has recorded under the name Passenger since
2007, returns with his seventh album and the sequel to 2014’s stunning <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whispers I</i>. As with most sequels it does
not quite live up to its predecessor, but as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whispers I</i> was the best album of his career it was going to be hard
to follow. This album also has an added benefit; the profits will be donated to
UNICEF, helping to end malnutrition in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Liberia</st1:country-region></st1:place>. As with his previous album,
the deluxe edition features beautiful pop-up artwork and illustrations; the
attention to detail, thought and care is phenomenal. Whist it is not a great
departure from his other albums the musicality still remains strong; mainly
featuring just acoustic guitar, but also strings, piano, woodwind, brass, and
traditional folk instruments such as mandolin and bouzouki are all used to
maximum effect. The lyrics continue the theme of life, love, heartbreak and
mortality. His vocal are as fragile but as strong as they have been and he
sings each song as though he truly understands the story of the people behind
them. Like the best stories, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whispers II</i>
keeps you engaged, enthralled, and emotionally enchanted until the very last
page.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Catch In
The Dark, Travelling Alone, David, Settled (Deluxe only)<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8.5/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Froot by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Marina</st1:city></st1:place>
And The Diamonds, Released April 2015</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Marina Diamandis first came to the public’s attention in
2010 with her debut album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Family Jewels</i>,
a collection innovative, bubbly pop songs made even more special by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Marina</st1:city></st1:place>’s unique,
operatic-like vocals. However her second album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Electra Heart</i> felt constrained; as though she was being forced into
a musical corner. On her third album she returns to her best plus a bit more.
The songs even reference a change in personality; discovering the person she
really is. There are songs about broken hearts, jealousy, mortality, and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Marina</st1:city></st1:place>’s philosophy on the
current world situation. They are far from shallow; the lyrics are intelligent
and well thought out; as <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Marina</st1:city></st1:place>
proves she is as talented at writing songs as she at singing them. It is one of
the best, yet underrated pop albums of the year. At twenty-nine years old she
is able to stand up to what she believes in; creating an album which bears the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Froot</i> of its title.</div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Happy,
Forget, Savages, Immortal<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Wilder Minds by Mumford & Sons, Released May 2015</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
The saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is usually
sound advice but very often it’s a trap that musicians fall into. First
emerging in 2008, Mumford & Sons were hailed as pioneers and trailblazers
of the nu-folk genre. After two critically acclaimed albums, Grammy and Brit
Awards wins and a headline slot at Glastonbury 2013 the band went on an
indefinite hiatus to take stock of the previous six years. During that time
they took what was perhaps the biggest risk of their career; to bin the banjos
and replace them with electric guitar and drums. They realised that they were
not being entirely true to themselves and took the appropriate course of
action. However the songs are not entirely unrecognisable; the surging
choruses, thoughtful lyrics and Marcus Mumford’s trade mark vocals still
remain. This year’s most spectacular musical transformation has worked wonders.
Mumford & Sons will remain a love them or hate them band but with a fresh
outlook audiences will listen with open ears and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wilder Minds.</i><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Tomkins
Square Park, Believe, The Wolf, Ditmus <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city></st1:place> + The Machine, Released May 2015</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
For Florence Welch and her band 2015 will be remembered for
their spectacular <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Glastonbury</st1:city></st1:place>
performance after scheduled headliners, Foo Fighters, pulled out due to Dave
Grohl breaking his leg just two weeks before. Their third album, follow-up to
2011’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ceremonials</i>, sees them take
influence of their time spent in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">America</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>It does not quite reach the experimental glory of their previous
album; however orchestral strings and brass lift the songs, lyrically it is
more soulful and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city></st1:place>’s
vocals are as stunning as ever. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city></st1:place>
+ The Machine have once again produced and album which is Big, often Blue but
always Beautiful.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Ship To
Wreck, How Big How Blue How Beautiful, Queen Of Peace, Delilah. <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Positive Songs For Negative People by Frank Turner,
Released August 2015 <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
Frank Turner’s sixth album turned away from his previous
album of heartbreak to focus on living life to the full. Once again The
Sleeping Souls Band adds a rich musical underscore with piano, electric guitar
and percussion. Topics such as forgiveness, death, and personal courage are
sung with both sensitivity and conviction; his approach is just as relentless
and determined than ever before. Whist he has not touched on the social and
political areas which made his name, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Positive
Songs For Negative People</i> is one of 2015 most life affirming albums and
provides more than enough lyrical food for thought until his next dose of
intelligent punk-folk-rock.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: The Next
Storm, The Opening Act Of Spring, Demons, Song For Josh<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">25 by Adele, Released November 2015<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
It is estimated that approximately one in six households in
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place>
own Adele’s second album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">21</i> since its
release in 2011. In the four years since Adele has recorded a Bond Theme, won
eight Grammy Awards and started a family. It was hard to see if her return with<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> 25</i> would even come close to the success
of its predecessor, however in its first week it sold a staggering 800 000
copies; becoming the fastest selling album ever. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">25</i>, as with her previous albums, focuses on her experiences during
that age. Nostalgia, mortality, past relationships, learning, and
self-acceptance are all covered; they are felt by everyone in their mid to late
twenties as they move on into adulthood. This is the main strength of the
album; Adele’s down-to earth persona means that the listener can truly
emphasise and relate to its lyrics. The only downside is that although the
subject has more of a focus there is not much of a departure from her previous
work. The most incredible female vocalist to emerge this century, with a little
more diversity, she has the power to become one of the greatest artists ever.
At twenty-seven she has achieved so much, only time will tell which age will be
the title of Adele’s next album.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Hello,
Send My Love (To Your New Lover), When We Were Young, Million Years Ago<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Delirium by Ellie Goulding, Released November 2015</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Hereford</st1:city></st1:place>
born Ellie Goulding was twenty-three when she released her debut single Starry
Eyed and ever since she has continued to grow as a lyricist and vocalist.
Developing from the gentle, wide-eyed naivety of 2010’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lights</i> to the beautiful but bitter-sweet heartbreak of 2012’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Halcyon</i>. The mood took a slight upswing
when the album was reissued a year later as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Halcyon
Days</i> with eight additional much more upbeat songs; an indication Ellie had
started to move on from the sorrow and heartache. Previously Ellie’s soft,
fragile vocals have suited her more emotional, down-tempo lyrics. However she
finds her strength on these brilliant, buoyant pop songs. It is hard to believe
she has only been on the music scene for five years; at twenty-eight it feels
like she has completed the album she was destined to make all along.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: On My
Mind, Codes, Love Me Like You Do, Lost And Found<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">English Graffiti by The Vaccines, Released May 2015</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
The Vaccines returned with third album, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">English Graffiti</i>, the follow up to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Come Of Age</i>. After suffering from the “difficult second album
syndrome”; though far from a let-down, they struggled to live up to their fantastic
debut, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What Did You Expect From The
Vaccines</i>. Happily they seem to have regained their momentum and produced a
collection of energised indie with a twist. Once again it is Justin Young’s
charismatic approach which puts them ahead of their nearest rivals. Those who
were first to write them off must surely reconsider; The Vaccines give you the
injection of musical vitality you need. <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Handsome,
Dream Lover, 20/20, Give Me A Sign<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">On The Inside by Wildflowers, Released August 2015 <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
Bristol/Brighton based Wildflowers combine alternative
country-pop and indie-folk. This collection of songs focuses mainly on the
themes of family, friendship, travelling and belonging. The songs are cleverly
crafted with piano, mandolin, accordion, guitar and harmonica effectively used
to enhance Siddy Bennett’s gravelly vocals. Their new single <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chemistry</i> has just made the Radio 2
playlist; many more people will be listening to Wildflowers’ music. They may
have spent their lives moving around the country but right now they are in the
place they’re meant to be.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Take Me
Home, Another Million Miles, Friends, Let It Go<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7.5/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The Desired Effect by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Brandon</st1:city></st1:place> Flowers, Released May 2015 </span></u></b></div>
Brandon Flowers’ 2010 debut album, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Flamingo</i>, focused on the themes of religion, home and romantic
desires, but it seemed very much like an afterthought album for The Killers’
frontman. His second solo album draws influence from 1980’s electro-pop and has
bigger choruses, introspective lyrics and a bolder direction. The songs
reference climate change, forgotten dreams, and looking towards the future. It
is anything but a stop-gap between working with his main band; continuing to
establish himself as one of this century’s best lyrists and performers. Brandon
Flowers has produced an album of equal quality rather than sound to The
Killers; it most definitely achieves <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Desired Effect.</i><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Dreams
Come True, Can’t Deny My Love, Still Want You, Diggin’ Up The Heart<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7.5/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Bonxie by Stornoway, Released April 2015<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Oxford</st1:city></st1:place>
indie-folk four piece Stornoway released their third album in 2015. Their sound
is not quite Fleet Foxes and not quite British Sea Power; brass and strings add
layers to the electric guitars and percussion whilst teamed with soft, dreamy
vocals. What is most striking is the use of nature soundscapes; crashing waves,
howling winds, and bird song on every track. Lyrically there are also bird
metaphors in abundance; lead song-writer Brian Briggs is a trained
ornithologist. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bonxie</i> takes the band
soaring from the counties of middle <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region> to places far beyond their
namesake island.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Between
The Saltmarsh And The Sea, Man On Wire, The Road You Didn’t Take, Sing With Our
Senses<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7.5/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I Love You, Honeybear by Father John Misty, Released
February 2015 <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
A former drummer of American indie-folk group Fleet Foxes,
Josh Tillman released his second album under the name Father John Misty. The
album mostly focuses on his marriage and the songs play out like a series of
love letters to his wife. Lyrically honest; at some points his soul and life
are, quite literally, laid bare. Its musical underscore takes its cue very much
from Fleet Foxes’ orchestral folk but the songs channel many other influences.
The real strength of this album lies in its daring, wickedly inspired words. <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: I Love
You Honeybear, Chateau Lobby #4 (In C For Two Virgins), Bored In The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">USA</st1:country-region></st1:place> <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7.5/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">My Love Is Cool by Wolf Alice, Released June 2015</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Shortlisted for the BBC Sound Poll and a staple on this
year’s festival circuit; 2015 has been a fantastic year for Wolf Alice, the
four piece <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place>
guitar band. Originally conceived as a duo in 2010 and recruiting the final two
members in 2012, they spent the past three years touring, releasing EPs and
singles independently before finally being signed last year. Their sound
successfully combines indie, pop, rock, grunge and a smattering of folk across
songs of youth and self-discovery. Ellie Roswell’s vocals are just as diverse;
varying from chanting, to sweet and soft, to full on rock-chick. It is hard to
know which direction Wolf Alice will find themselves in the future but wherever
they end up they are one of the most innovative and electric bands of 2015.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Bros,
You’re A Germ, Silk, Giant Peach<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7.5/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blood by Lianne La Havas, Released July 2015 </span></u></b></div>
For her second album Lianne went back to her roots; basing
many of the songs around her Greek/Jamaican heritage and self-discovery.
Teaming up with Aqualung’s Matt Hales for a second time, with more purpose and
direction, she has produced a more consistent set of songs. An album of lyrical
reflection and proof that home is really where the heart is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Green
& Gold, What You Don’t Do, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Tokyo</st1:city></st1:place>,
Ghost<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7.5/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Marks To Prove It by The Maccabees, Released July 2015</span></u></b></div>
Four years since their third album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Given To The Wild</i>, The Maccabees fourth album has been a long time
in the making. The band experimented with different sounds, virtually scrapping
an entire albums worth of songs until they were happy. Sounds of strings, piano
and brass were introduced. Their determined efforts and attention to detail
meant that the group have produced their best record to date; reflected when
they went to the top of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place>
album chart in August. Recorded in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place>’s
Elephant & Castle district, The Maccabees are now also placed firmly on the
map. <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Marks To
Prove It, Spit It Out, Slow Sun, Something Like Happiness<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Red & Gold by Hattie Briggs, Released April 2015 <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
The decision to carry on with her <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Oxford</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>
degree or embark on a music career was the conundrum which Hattie Briggs faced
in early 2014. Almost two years later her risk paid off handsomely. A Radio 2
Young Folk Award Nomination and a national tour supporting Kathryn Roberts
& Sean Lakeman helped to propel this album to number one on the Amazon Folk
chart. While the album itself doesn’t break any musical boundaries it is
Hattie’s pure vocals, piano and cello underscore, and heartfelt lyrics which
make <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red & Gold</i> one of 2015’s
best debut albums by a female solo singer. <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Still
With Hope I See, A Beautiful Mind, Share Your Heart, Fields Of Gold<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Every Open Eye by Chvrches, Released September 2015<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
Scottish electro-pop trio Chvrches returned with the
follow-up to 2013’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bones Of What You
Believe</i>. While their style has not changed greatly the lyrics seem deeper
and Lauren Mayberry’s vocals have matured. This resulted in a strong collection
of synth-laden, power pop. <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Never
Ending Circles, Make Them Gold, Empty Threat, Downside Of Me.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7/10 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Communion by Years & Years, Released July 2015 <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
Years & Years started 2015 by winning the BBC Sound Of
Poll and were shortlisted for the Critics Choice award at this year’s Brits.
Their infectious sound of synth-pop teamed with Olly Alexander’s falsetto and
intelligent lyrics of lost love and desire made them one of the most sort-after
bands of 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Shine,
Take Shelter, King, Desire <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Unguarded by Rae Morris, Released January 2015 </span></u></b></div>
2015 started well for <st1:place w:st="on">Blackpool</st1:place>
born Rae Morris when she was shortlisted for the BBC Sound Of poll. However, she
was not a total novice; previously a guest vocalist on tracks by Bombay Bicycle
Club and Clean Bandit. Her debut album was released all the way back in
January, achieving a place in the top ten of the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> album charts. Nevertheless, with
the abundance of female solo singers releasing albums this year, she almost got
lost in the crowd. The album is a diary of compelling, coming of age electro
piano ballads enhanced by her towering vocals. Those who forgot about Rae
Morris should not have such an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unguarded </i>attitude.
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: Closer,
Love Again, This Time, Not Knowing<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7/10</b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-71767839505241439772015-12-24T14:36:00.001-08:002015-12-24T14:36:49.078-08:00Live Review: Stroud Folk Festival 2015<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Stroud Folk Festival, Stroud Subscription Rooms,
Saturday 19<sup>th</sup> September 2015<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The following is a review of the Saturday night concert
during the 2015 Stroud Folk Festival. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Hattie Briggs<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Opening proceedings this is evening is Stroud-based singer
Hattie Briggs. With only 40 minutes to perform, her set list is mostly derived
from her debut album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red & Gold</i>,
which was released in April. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Beautiful
Mind</i>, her tribute to folk singer Pete Seeger, is well received; undoubtedly
there would have been fans of his in the audience. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tilly’s Song,</i> originally from EP <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My Shepherd’s Hut</i>, is a story of friendship and childhood memories.
The song has recently been reworked (with added banjo, double bass and backing
vocals) and was available as a limited CD single after Hattie’s set. Just
before the performance an audience member notices them and is heard remarking
that her Granddaughter is named Tilly. When Hattie completes her performance
this lady is witnessed buying the CD, a first hand example of Hattie’s ability
to create lyrics of real meaning to others. A new song entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Only Live Once</i> speaks of living for
the moment and echoes Hattie’s decision to quit her <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Oxford</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>
degree in early 2014 to pursue her music career. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
For the next four songs Hattie puts down her guitar and
switches to the piano. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Share Your Heart</i>
contrasts with the previous song as it speaks of times where Hattie had a
bleaker outlook on life. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All About Love</i>
is sung either side of an anecdote about a friend’s wedding which Hattie had
played at earlier that day. She said both the bride and the groom had secretly
arranged her to play the song, causing slight confusion when she arrived
without the other realising. Lyrically it is the perfect choice for such a
romantic occasion. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Still With Hope I See</i>
remains one of her best songs with its emotionally crafted poignancy. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pull Me Down</i> is Hattie’s words of wisdom
to herself about not falling into the pitfalls of changing due to fame and
success. She has never performed the song with more determination and purpose
than tonight; as a result it is the strongest part of this set. Her final song
is a cover of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fields Of Gold</i>. It
draws heavily from Eva Cassidy’s version and is of an equally high standard. It
is even more fitting that Eva’s brother Dan performs violin on the album
version of this song. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Despite being on stage for the shortest time this evening
Hattie continues to deliver performances which stay in the audience’s hearts
and minds long after she leaves the stage.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10<u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u>Set List<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">A
Beautiful Mind<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Tilly’s
Song<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">You
Only Live Once<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Share
Your Heart<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">All
About Love<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Still
With Hope I See<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Pull
Me Down<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Fields
Of Gold<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lisbee Stainton<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place>
based singer-songwriter Lisbee Stainton has already released four albums and
toured with the likes of Seth Lakeman; at 27 years old still has many albums
and tours ahead of her. Her unique selling point is that she plays both eight
string and ten string guitars, a pleasant change from the omnipresent six
string.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Opening song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is
Whispering</i> has a gentle ambience, but backed by fellow musicians James and
Andy on guitar and drums, who throughout the evening give an extra layer to the
songs.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Eloise</i>, from Lisbee’s most
recent album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Word Games</i>, tells the
story of a person’s life falling apart but desperately trying to stay strong.
The album’s string laden version is sadly missing but lyrically it shines with
positivity. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Girl On An Unmade Bed</i>,
taken from the 2010 album of the same name, was written when Lisbee was still
in her final year at university; feeling confused and unsure about the future.
Anyone who has been in a similar situation will emphasise with the uncertainty
and expectation of this crossroads in life. Around six years have passed since
this song was written and Lisbee seems to have overcome these barriers as she
performs with ease and confidence. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
For her next song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Go</i>,
Lisbee attempts to split the audience into three so they can sing the chorus in
a sort of “round”. Whilst this does engage the audience to a certain extent it
doesn’t work as well as it should, mainly because the audience is not familiar with
the song and numbers wise the parts are slightly unbalanced.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red</i> invokes
memories of Lisbee’s time growing up in <st1:place w:st="on">Basingstoke</st1:place>
and spending time in her garden. This is one the best songs of the set and the
ten string guitar really adds to the gentleness of the lyrics. New song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leaving</i> is about her decision to move
from Hampshire to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>
to pursue her musical career. Its drums are heavy, perhaps indicating the
direction for the next album. In contrast, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sidekick</i>
is the only song she performs solo. The music video for the song, which she
advises the audience check out on You Tube, involves Lisbee dressing as a
superhero and looking for her “sidekick”. The song’s lyrics are about looking
for that person to share your life with. It is one of the best elements of her
set because without the other instruments her guitar and vocals shine through. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
On <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red Dog Running</i>
the audience joins in with part of the chorus, she finally achieves their
backing. The song is very melodic, memorable and gives and insight into
Lisbee’s view of “…the red dog leading the hounds”. It has a strong moral
lesson for those who choose to take part in such activities. The final song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Find Me Here</i>, is a lovely end to her
set; the audience clap along. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Overall Lisbee is a very competent and confident performer.
However throughout the set for both her and her musicians, the volume level is
set too high. It is a great shame that this tended to overshadow the sound of
the eight and ten string guitars. This should have been the most fundamental
element of her performance The ballroom at Stroud Subscription Rooms has a
beautiful raised ceiling and as a relatively small venue is perfectly equipped
to provide the natural acoustics required. Perhaps she is more used to noisy
pubs or festival stages where a higher level of audio is needed. Whilst her
style of contemporary folk- pop may not have been appreciated by the more
traditional musical tastes in the audience she is a very talented lyricist,
vocalist and musician and her songs do hold relevance for the younger listener.
Next time, an acoustic performance would allow the intricacy and delicacy of
her guitars to shine through. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Girl On An
Unmade Bed</i> may still have some mountains to climb but for Lisbee Stainton
may all her dreams continue to come true.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6.5/10 </b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u>Set List</u></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Is
Whispering</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Wrench</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Eloise</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Girl
On An Unmade Bed</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Go</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Navigating</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Red</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Leaving</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Sidekick</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">After
Every Try</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Red
Dog Running</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Wait
For Me</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Steve Tilston<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Born in <st1:place w:st="on">Liverpool</st1:place> but
raised in Leicestershire Steve Tilston released his first album, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An Acoustic Confusion</i>, in 1971. An
impressive career of forty five years includes over twenty critically acclaimed
albums, Radio 2 Folk Award nominations/wins and appearances on Later With Jools
Holland. He has become one of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s
most admired folk singer-songwriters. Having never heard his songs, but being a
fan of his daughter Martha Tilston, there was much expectation preceding his
performance. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
His opening song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Weeping
Willow Replanted</i>, is a rewrite of an older song. The bluesy guitar lifts
the song just like the wind lifting the tips of the tree’s branches as they
skim the surface of a river. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on">Yorkshire</st1:place>’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fisherlad Of Whitby</i> is a song which
Steve found in a book in his local library. Set in the Napoleonic Wars; it
tells the tale of a fair young maiden awaiting the return of her lover, a local
fisher boy. It is clearly familiar to the audience, because without prompting;
they join in with the chorus. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Way It Was</i> is
dedicated to former member of The Steve Tilston Trio, Stuart Gordon, who last
year lost his battle with cancer aged 63. Steve admits that a sign of getting
older is that sadly the number of departing friends is increasing. The song’s
poignant lyrics are a fitting tribute and those in the audience who knew Stuart
would have shed a tear or two. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve introduces <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jacaranda</i> as the token happy song.
Originally from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region>
it sings the praises of the blossom of the Jacaranda tree, and is made even
more uplifting by the jumping guitar chords.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Road When I Was
Young</i> is Steve’s journey through the past forty five years, from telling
his father he wanted to be a folk singer up to the present day. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grass Days</i>, taken from his current album
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truth To Tell</i>, is a thank you too all
the people who helped him move to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place>
to start his music career in 1970. For this song he uses a ten string guitar;
adding further dynamics to the song. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yo
Me Voy</i> (Spanish for “I Am Going) receives the biggest applause of the
evening. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Steve then recites an anecdote about his daughter Sophie’s
wedding. She had asked him to sing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jacaranda</i>
after the wedding speech, but that he had decided to sing something else;
launching into a version of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let’s Face
The Music And Dance</i>. The audience roar with delight. After the song he
remarks that she still hasn’t forgiven him. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Steve leaves the stage to rapturous applause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is invited back for an encore, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oil And Water</i>, which he has previously
performed on the Jools Holland programme. It consolidates his set and for his
many fans in the audience it has been an enjoyable evening. Although his music
may appeal most to the more traditional folk fan; his songs have kept a similar
style and sound throughout his career; there is much to admire about Steve
Tilston. The songs are lyrically reflective and his skilled guitar playing is
the testament to the longevity of his career. No matter what your opinion of
his music, forty five years after he perused his music dreams, Steve Tilston
will continue to entertain audiences for a long time to come.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u>Set List<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Weeping
Willow Replanted</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Fisherlad
Of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Whitby</st1:place></st1:city></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">That
Man Is Running Out Of Road</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">The
Way It Was</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Jacaranda</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">The
Road When I Was Young</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Grass
Days</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Yo
Me Voy</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Let’s
Face The Music And Dance</li>
</ul>
Encore<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> ·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Oil And Water<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">New Rope String Band<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Comedy folk trio New Rope String Band, previously Old Rope
String Band, are embarking on their farewell tour. Since 1988 they have gone
through various guises but after its founding member Joe Scurfield died 2005
they wanted to continue in his memory. The group now consists of: founding
member Pete Challoner, accordionist Tim Dalling and violinist Jock Tydeley. </div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
They enter the stage dressed as stage hands, moving scenery
and props into place before swiftly exiting. Once more they enter the stage
playing instruments: two violins and an accordion, stomping in time to the
music. The first act is “The West Coast Of Scotland”. The violin makes the
sound of rain and a long plastic tube is used to create a howling wind. Jock climbs
behind a large screen, his head appears above it. Then, unbeknown to the other
two he presses a large sea shell to his lips and blows through it. Similarly he
holds up a large bell; despite a certain level of expectation the audience
jumps with surprise as the sonorous tone breaks the tranquillity of the
hitherto calm underscore. They have only been on the stage a matter of minutes
yet the audience are already transfixed. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
A key to this type of performance is creating the perfect
deliberate mistake, for example when the rainstick’s ball-bearings cascade all
over the floor. Another element is the ability to push the boundaries between
shock value and comedy value. Scotsman Tim sheepishly raises his hand asking to
go to the toilet, like a six year old asking a teacher to be excused from a
lesson. Desperation ensues and he “relieves” himself into a pint glass
conveniently hidden under his kilt. He tells his fellow band-mates it is a new
ale named “Old Speckled Hen”, which is drank to gasps of disbelief and disgust.
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Their second act is based on the very English tradition of
Morris dancing, already the subject of many a jibe. The sketch begins with the
trio performing a traditional circle dance to a backing track. This starts as
expected with the gentle sound of violins and the trio dancing around in the circle;
however the audience should expect the unexpected. The pace of the music
increases; the dancing becomes more frantic; all before launching into Stayin’
Alive by the Bee Gees; then returns to the original tune as if nothing
extraordinary has taken place. New Rope String Band successfully brings new
laughs and a totally fresh take on a clichéd joke.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Technology is also used to innovative effect during their
show; they use a video camera and projector as for the next section. After a
few “failed” attempts of trying to get the camera to work (magnification, focus
in/out) is another example of the well planned deliberate mistakes. What
appears on the screen next is astounding. The trio appear in silhouette
standing on a music stave. The music playing is depicted by the musical notes
on the screen. As the music continues the bars of the stave divides, the time
signature changes to an increasingly more complicated tune. They each grab onto
a crochet note and ride it along the stave like a horses galloping to the end
of the music. The end of a quaver is lit, and like a fuse fizzes until it
reaches the black, circular “bomb”. It explodes scattering musical notes, bars
and rests cascading across the screen. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Following this the trio return to a seaside theme with a
rendition of “I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside”, whilst wearing sailor’s
hats. More inventive instrumentation is present when fish bones are transformed
into a wind chime; including a melody which sounds suspiciously like the Nokia
default ringtone. A Scottish jig entitled “Seagull From Scotland” has no
Bagpipes but the trio have another trick up their sleeves. The drainpipes are
used to create a complex melody, spectacularly exploding in colour and
confetti. By now the audience should expect the unexpected; when Peter emerges
from the back of the stage dressed as a mermaid; the audience once again fall
into hysterics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
They leave the stage to cheers and stomping feet of stampede
level. The encore is received with the same appreciation. The trio begin to
imagine life after the group has disbanded. Technology is brought to the
forefront once more; the projector screen shows a line of ZZZZZZs; Tim has
fallen asleep. He dreams of lying on an airbed, a flying airbed. He fly’s past
the Statue Of Liberty, finally landing in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Newcastle-Upon-Tyne</st1:city></st1:place>.
His new show “Time Live” is about to begin. The fictional audience are enjoying
it; but then is all goes wrong; they start to boo and jeer. The hilariously
inevitable cliché of wearing your underwear in public comes true and he runs
off stage with embarrassment. Back in the real world Tim wakes up; but is still
in his underwear. The audience laugh with a mixture of sympathy, awkwardness
and amusement. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
So with a tremendous of applause, enough to raise the roof
of its rafters, the trio level the stage for almost the final time. Their
farewell tour will conclude at the end of October and only time will tell in
what guise they will return, if any. The trio have produced an incredible and
unforgettable twenty seven years of intelligent and inspiring comedy. They have
explored the intricacies; often bizarre traditions of the folk world, whilst
never fearing to make fun of themselves. Their departure will leave a gaping
hole in the folk arts scene. There are few who are able to entwine the
theatrics, humour and consistency of The New Rope String Band.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">9/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-66712404099339123192015-09-14T08:27:00.000-07:002015-09-16T09:36:47.347-07:00Live Review: Stroud Fringe Festival- Saturday 29th August & Sunday 30th August 2015 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Live Review: Stroud
Fringe Festival- Saturday 29<sup>th</sup> August & Sunday 30<sup>th</sup>
August 2015 <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
For almost two decades the Cotswold town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Stroud</st1:place></st1:city> has held its annual Fringe Festival.
In 2009 it took on a new-look with a main stage in the town’s <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bank</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Gardens</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and a few years later moved to the Summer Bank Holiday weekend; the popularity
of the festival continued to grow year-on-year. After the festival in 2014 it
was announced that the current committee would be resigning and the search
began to find a new set of organisers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Thankfully, a new committee was found, bringing a host of
new ideas and experiences. The 2015 Stroud Fringe Festival promised a vastly
expanded line-up including: The Bank Garden Stage, The Cornhill Stage, The
Canal Stage, The Alternative Stage, The Electronic Stage, Block Party Stage,
Street Stage, and an Emerging Talent Stage. If this wasn’t enough there were:
Spoken Word, Comedy, and Theatre performances, Art Exhibitions, family
entertainment and a procession. The music line-up alone was extremely diverse
and with so much to choose from here are five performances from across the
established Cornhill Stage, and the brand new Canal Stage: situated alongside
the historically-significant, rejuvenated Stroud canal. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Honeyfire at
Stroud Fringe Festival, Canal Stage, Saturday 29<sup>th</sup> August 2015 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bristol</st1:place></st1:city>
female trio The Honeyfire formed in 2012 when drummer Anja Quinn teamed up with
sisters Natalie and Sally Joiner. Formally known as Wolfhound they changed
their name to The Honeyfire in 2014. At first look they seem reminiscent of
90’s/00’s girlbands Hepburn and The Faders but with haunting vocals and deeper
lyrics they are much more similar to indie-folk band Daughter and sister duo
The Unthanks. As their name suggests The HoneyFire’s sound has sweet vocals
under-pinned by heavier electric guitar, bass and drums. A closer listen to
their lyrics reveals deeply personal and really quite dark subject matter.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Their songs focus around the themes of fear, death,
self-doubt and relationships. Opening song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Delusions</i>,
mourns a dying relationship, whilst <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Parallel</i>’s
lyrics speak of another universe with the portal of light and hope diminishing.
</div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Waiting For Orpheus</i>
pays homage to the eponymous demi-God and vocally it is one of their strongest
songs. Closing song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dreams</i>, starts
with gentle guitars but contains some of their darkest lyrics, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…they blame you for the lies, Nobody can
hear you when you’re screaming…”</i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
They also performed their new single: double a-side <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What Is Left</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Come Undone</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The former has a
progressive chorus, it is performed with gritty determination and heavy guitar
riffs. The latter is much more chilled-out with apocalyptic lyrics, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…Who will save us from the monsters? While
we hide away we live in fear…” </i>Physical copies of the single were available
on a pre-release after the performance. Limited to fifty copies, signed and
with individual, beautifully hand-painted covers; an indication of how the band
is prepared to go the extra-mile for their fans. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Several times the band state how grateful they are to be
here, which you can sense from their performance but this isn’t always
reciprocated by the audience as much as it should be. In some incidences their
songs seem to transfer better on record than live, mainly because the
instruments overshadow the lyrics and vocals. These form the strength of their
sound and this is sadly a missed opportunity for those watching the band for
the first time. Perhaps a smaller venue would give their harmonies and
intricacy of their songs more prominence.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
I would definitely recommend seeing The Honeyfire again.
There are not many female indie-folk bands around at the moment so there is
definitely a gap in the market for them, although they will need to continue to
harvest their potential to find the success they are capable of. Drummer Anja
is leaving the band at the beginning of September, with sisters Sally and
Natalie carrying on as a duo. However their embers are far from extinguished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they continue to add fuel to their
harmonies, lyrics and instrumentation, The Honeyfire’s flame will burn brighter
than ever.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u>Set List<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Delusions<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Parallel<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">What
Is Left (new single)<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">The
Siren<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Wolves<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Waiting
For Orpheus<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Come
Undone (new single)<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Road
Signs<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Dreams</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sophronie at Stroud
Fringe Festival, Canal Stage, Sunday 30<sup>th</sup> August 2015 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
It’s Sunday morning, 11am, at the Canal Stage on the last
day of Stroud Fringe Festival. The sky is grey, the slow patter of drizzle
steadily increasing. The Big Red Bus Bar’s frontage is crowded; those who were
lucky enough to get there earlier have taken advantage of the bar’s tarpaulin,
providing some shelter at least from the dismal weather. An audience of around
twenty has battled the elements to watch the first artist of the day: Sophronie
Edwards. There is quite a delay to the start whilst the stage is set up and
sound checks take place, the audience waits patiently and after thirty-five
minutes Sophronie takes to the stage; thanking everyone for staying.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The first thing that strikes you is Sophronie’s age, the
sixteen-year-old finished studying for her GCSEs just a couple of months ago.
Originally from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>
she moved to Stroud three years ago. She has recently performed at Wychwood
Festival and provided support for local artists such as Emily Barker. She often
travels with her own band but today it is just her, her guitar and a violin
accompaniment. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Sophronie’s opening song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fire In The Heavens</i>, is the title track from her debut album. Lyrically
poignant and with deep personal meaning; looking into Sophronie’s past this
meaning is clear. In 2010 Sophronie’s father lost his two-year battle with
cancer. As a way of coping with the grief and loss she picked up his guitar,
taught herself to play, and began to write songs: songs which inspired her to
write an entire album. The themes of loss, life and family feature heavily
throughout. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eyes Wide</i> is about
looking into the darkness but searching for the life that still remains, while <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sofa</i> centres around her brothers and
missing their company when they’re not around. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">People
Pass</i> Sophronie sings about making the most of every day as she sets out on
a journey of loneliness. <st1:place w:st="on"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New World</i></st1:place>’s lyrics: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…I don’t know where I am, I don’t know who I am…”</i> highlights
trying to re-establish a sense of meaning and being after significant personal
loss. Her final song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lighthouse</i>, she
refers to her father as a lighthouse: like looking for the beam of hope: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…say you’re not lost you’re just searching”.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
At the end of the performance Sophronie reveals that she has
been unwell over the last few months and that this is the first occasion she
has been able to stand. This adds more emphasis to the point that Sophronie has
overcome many obstacles with tremendous courage. Vocally similar to Birdy, she
has a real talent for lyrically deep songs with genuine sadness. Her
performance does come across a little stilted; perhaps there are some emotional
barriers still remaining. The further development of stage presence and
performance dynamics can only come with age and experience; and because she is
still so young I am certain she can achieve this. Next time, with a larger
audience who will come with ears open, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eyes
Wide</i>, and very much like a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lighthouse</i>
herself: searching for this promising, inspirational, emerging talent. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6.5/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u>Set List<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></b></u></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Fire
In The Heavens<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Burning<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Eyes
Wide<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Sofa<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Strangers<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">People</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Pass</st1:placetype></st1:place><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><st1:place w:st="on">New World</st1:place><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Photographs<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Lighthouse</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Clutching At Straws
at Stroud Fringe Festival, Canal Stage, Sunday 30<sup>th</sup> August 2015<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Staffordshire alternative folk band Clutching At Straws
return to Stroud Fringe for a second time after last year’s triumphant
performance on the Bank Gardens Stage. It has been a turbulent year for the
band. In January, after over three years as a quartet, founding member James
Wheeler left the band. A multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist on many of the
songs, it left the remaining members having to deconstruct then reconstruct the
majority of their material. Then, in April, vocalist/guitarist/pianist Tom Simm
fell seriously ill with a deadly virus which almost proved fatal. The band was
forced to cancel a string of performances, including a Scottish tour, whilst
Tom began the slow road to recovery. Luckily he pulled through; in more ways
than one it is miraculous that Clutching At Straws are able to perform today.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Starting a little later than billed, through no fault of
their own but due to some unexpected site maintenance and previous artists on
the stage running late. However the rain stopped and the sun comes out just in time
for the start of the Straws’ set.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Their opening song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Through
Your Eyes</i>, from 2013’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Come What May</i>
EP, is the first example of a recent reworking. Originally the lead vocals were
sung by their departed member; now Tom has taken this on. The vocals are sung
with more clout than before, however the other new addition of cello, performed
by James Baskett, softens the sound. Perhaps the most noticeable difference is
the vocally is the absence of the three-part vocal blend; the contrast in tone
of Tom, James and James’s voices complimented each other perfectly. However,
the remaining two-part harmony still works well. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Percussionist Jake Mahal introduces the band and gives the
audience a warn welcome. The second song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This
Table Changes Everything</i>, is one of the first songs the band has written as
a trio. It is quite a powerful performance, the percussion and cello fit well
but vocally it needs reining in slightly. The song has quite a different sound
and structure to most of their other songs and will probably need a few more
listens for it to settle into their set.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ho Hey</i> by The
Lumineers follows next, with its sing-along anthemic chorus; it is a very good
version of the song but would have had more impact with a larger audience. Just
as the song finishes more and more people venture down to the Canal Stage area.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Another brand new song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Connection
Lost</i>, focuses on how exploitation; in particular pornography, is gradually
killing love, marriages and society. Tom takes on lead vocals and piano. The
pace is melodic and ear-catching, the lyrics relevant and topical, and vocally
it is pretty incredible. As they perform this song a group of young children
start to dance and tap their hands in time to the music. Although though they
may not understand the meaning behind the words, age holds no bounds for those
tuning into Clutching At Straws’ message. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Connection
Lost</i>: connections most definitely gained.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love Lost Sold</i>,
the stand-out track from their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Come What
May</i> EP follows next. This song was originally sung by Tom so doesn’t differ
too much from previous versions, other than the loss of James Wheeler’s violin.
The song starts gently, with slow rhythmic beats and sweeping cello simmering
under the surface. Then, unexpectedly, it unleashes into a fast-paced, well
executed, powerful protest about corruption and the circle of making money.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The audience continues to grow in numbers when, abruptly,
due to time constraints, the band are asked to make the next song their last.
Drummer Jake is very apologetic and the band are entirely with out blame; sadly
the decision is out of their and the audience’s hands.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Their concluding song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">War
Song</i> (also known as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Freedom</i>), is
about the band’s determination to put an end to exploitation, people
trafficking, and slavery which still effects 27 million people around the
world. Again, with the exception of the absence of violin, it does not differ
too much from the original. The vocals are performed by cellist/bassist James
Baskett, who hitherto has been under utilised vocally; perhaps there will be
more opportunities for him in the future as he has a lot to offer. He has a
richer, deeper, more gravelly tone to his voice. This is the song’s main
strength; it brings authenticity and is sung with passion and conviction. The
audience responds really well; the majority are engaged and focused on the
song’s message. With references to William Wilberforce and Martin Luther King
the lyrics exude intelligence and are an education for all. The children I
mentioned earlier are still smiling and clapping along to the rhythm.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
As the band leave the stage there is a sense of
disappointment; just as they got into their stride, their performance becoming
stronger with each step; they were prevented from continuing. They still had so
much more to give. During the sound-check they performed their version of
Mumford & Sons' <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little Lion Man</i>;
along with the other songs they had planned it is a great pity that the
audience didn’t get to hear it. Considering that, in the last eight months, as
a band they have been through more than other groups experience in a twenty
year career. Their standard of performance is still high and they remain the
epitome of perseverance and professionalism throughout. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Clutching At Straws have an incredibly devoted, dedicated
desire to transform and change the lives of others through their music. In an
open-minded, forward-thinking place like Stroud this should have been their
stage.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The Big Bad Wolf of circumstance may have dealt Clutching At
Straws another blow, but in the words of their song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Home</i> “…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">strong foundations
still hold fast…”</i> the House Of Straw will prove to be the strongest of all.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7.5/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u>Set List<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Through
Your Eyes</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">This
Table Changes Everything</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Ho
Hey (The Lumineers cover)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Connection
Lost</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Love
Lost Sold</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">War
Song/Freedom</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wildflowers at Stroud
Fringe Festival, Canal Stage, Sunday 30<sup>th</sup> August 2015 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
It’s early evening at Stroud Fringe’s Canal Stage; after a
day where rain very much delayed play, the sun is shining and the audience has
swelled in numbers: exactly how it should have been all day. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Formed in 2012, Bristol-Brighton quartet Wildflowers bridge
the gap between alternative country-pop and indie-folk. The band is made up by
vocalist Siddy Bennett, her sister Kit Bennett who plays piano and accordion,
guitarist/harmonica player Kendal Sant, and James Ashbury who performs guitar
and mandolin. The band has released two EPs: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where The Flowers Don’t Grow</i> in 2013 and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let It Go</i> in 2014. Just two days prior to this performance saw the
much anticipated release of debut album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On
The Inside</i>. This evening’s features songs from all three releases. Siddy
and Kit spent part of the childhoods in Stroud, so this evening’s performance
is very much a homecoming for them.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Opening with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Take Me
Home</i>, whose lyrics include: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…you're
the place where I belong… this is where I’m meant to be…”</i> The song’s bright
and breezy words certainly make the audience feel at home straightaway. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Edge Of The Road</i> features mandolin and
accordion which give the song and extra lightness, like butterflies fluttering
between the long grasses in a meadow. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Another
Million Miles</i> conjures images of a journey across <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> on a
road trip adventure with your friends and enjoying the enriching experiences.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Lead singer Siddy doesn’t use a mic stand during the set
which means she can move freely about the stage; on several occasions she interacts
with other band members and is she able to move closer to the audience. It
gives fluidity and accessibility to the performance rather than the classic
trap of just standing still, which many bands fall into. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where The Flowers
Don’t Grow</i> has an edgier, rockier feeling where Siddy’s soft yet gravelly
vocals come into their own. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Friends</i>
is inspired by sisters Kit and Siddy moving around a lot during childhood:
making friends and then having to lead them behind. The song has quite a sad
air to it but their experiences have lead Wildflowers’ songs to be even more
down-to earth. Many old friends have come to watch this performance and are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…raising their glass to this…”</i>
Wildflowers will have certainly gained a great many more friends this evening.
On <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tell Me I’m Your Woman</i> Siddy’s
vocals are more prominent, she is able to tell the story about persuading a guy
to ignore all the other women, and that she is the girl for him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nobody
Loves My Baby</i>’s gentle <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…whooh
whooh…”</i>, which the audience replicate and gently sway from side to side,
embracing the undeniable pull of charisma which Wildflowers have achieved
throughout the entire performance. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
When Siddy announces that the next song is called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let It Go</i>, there is the inevitable
feeling that it will be a cover of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i>
song from 2013 Disney film Frozen. She quickly adds that this song was written
a long time before the film was released. There is an inaudible sigh of relief
from the audience. The song is in fact about feeling like you are not being
loved but trying to put those feelings aside. Once again sad subject matter is
disguised with optimism: “…got used to living week-by-week…” /<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…everybody’s happy, everybody’s glass half
full…” </i>After hear this song the audience are most definitely <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">glass half full.</i> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Wildflowers’ last song is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Skyscrapers</i> is an uplifting, inspiring song about rebuilding yourself
from the ashes of despair. Indeed Wildflowers have delivered a sky high
performance. Those who attempted to purchase an EP afterwards, with the
exception of the lucky four who got to the front of the queue, would have been
left disappointed; on audience reception alone they would have sold a shed
full. However, it is an excuse to see the band again, the real new-music find
of this year’s festival.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
As the sun began to set on the penultimate day of Summer the
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">garden</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wildflowers</i></st1:placename></st1:place>
blooms with beauty and vibrancy. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u>Set List</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u></u> </div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Take
Me Home<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Edge
Of The Road<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Where
The Flowers Don’t Grow<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Another
Million Miles<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">100
Personalities<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Friends<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Tell
Them I’m Your Woman<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Nobody
Loves My Baby<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Let
It Go<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Skyscrapers
</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Emily Barker at
Stroud Fringe Festival, Cornhill Stage, Sunday 30<sup>th</sup> August 2015 </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Stroud’s Cornhill area, usually home to Stroud Farmers
Market with its local, high quality produce is always a popular destination;
this weekend has been home to The Cornhill Stage. Tonight is no exception as
the place is buzzing with people and conversation; there is barely a place to
sit or stand.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Originally from Western Australia but now based in Stroud,
Americana country-folk singer Emily Barker has received critical acclaim for
her albums; three of which she recorded with The Red Clay Halo band. She has
also written and recorded the theme songs to television programmes Wallander
and The Shadow Line.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Emily’s first song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little
Deaths</i>, from the album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Almanac</i>,
is stripped back from the original version and her vocals shine through. On <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nostalgia</i>, soundtrack to crime-drama
Wallander, Emily sings of a place far away. Listening to the lyrics you can
picture the sparse landscapes of <st1:place w:st="on">Scandinavia</st1:place>,
perfect for the television show it accompanied. For the next song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blackbird</i>, Emily is joined by The Red
Clay Halo’s Jo Silverston. The addition of cello on this song compliments
Emily’s vocals beautifully. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The lyrics of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord I
Want An Exit</i> are truly heartbreaking. In the song a terminally ill man begs
God for him to be reunited with his wife, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…is
there an angel in the hallway to take me to her side…”</i> The song
demonstrates Emily’s talent for poignant song writing. New song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stockholm Down Below</i> gives an indication
of what could be expected from her next album. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Anywhere Anyway</i> is
a new song which will form the soundtrack to new film Hec McAdam. The lyrics
are about escapism and wanting to be free. The song receives the biggest
applause of the evening. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Disappear</i>, Emily’s
final song tonight, Jo Silverston returns to play cello. Once again this adds
warmth and depth to the performance. The song’s lyrics, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“If a picture paints a thousand words, then a song paints a thousand
pictures…”</i> highlights perhaps the most profound element of Emily’s music:
her ability for her lyrics to conjure strong visual imagery. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
So it is a relatively short set from Emily Barker but by no
means a bad one at all. Many of her songs are quite similar to each other, her
voice is gentle but her main talent is using her voice to tell the story of her
beautiful, honest lyrics. It is regretful that her words couldn’t always be
heard over the noise of the crowd. Those wanting to hear more should invest in
Emily’s recent album, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Toerag Sessions</i>,
a record of live recordings. Listening to it feels like Emily is in the room
with you, and in the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Americana</st1:place></st1:city>
country-folk arena, she produces lyrical artistry like no other.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7/10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u>Set List<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Little
Deaths<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Nostalgia<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Blackbird
(with Jo Silverston)<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Lord
I Want An Exit<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Stockholm</st1:place></st1:city> Down Below<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Anywhere
Anyway<u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Disappear
(with Jo Silverston) <u><o:p></o:p></u></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Stroud Fringe
Festival 2015: A Summary<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
After a weekend of music, poetry, comedy and theatrics the 2015
Stroud Fringe Festival drew to a close. In many ways the festival has achieved
exactly what it set out to do: create an event which represents the diversity,
liveliness and uniqueness of the town. In some ways there was too much choice,
enough to fill a week rather than just three days.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
However, problems with the fundamental issues of timings and
technical difficulties disrupted some of the performances, particularly at The
Canal Stage; will need to be addressed for next year. Hopefully these will not
discourage the artists themselves or audience members from returning to the
festival in the future. </div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The organisers of this year’s Fringe have done an
exceptional job in what was only their first year in the role. The sheer joy,
colour and atmosphere; which many are calling this year’s festival, “the best
Fringe ever”, has never been experienced to this extent. By learning the
lessons of what went right and what went wrong, the greatest challenge will not
be to equal the success of this year’s Fringe, but to better it. A challenge
that could result in people exclaiming: “best ever Fringe Festival” for many
years to come. </div>
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-68872033757832051072015-08-13T07:32:00.000-07:002015-08-13T07:32:06.381-07:00Album Review: Positve Songs For Negative People by Frank Turner
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Album Review</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Positive Songs For
Negative People (Deluxe Edition) by Frank Turner – Released Friday 7<sup>th</sup>
August 2015 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Since releasing his first album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sleep Is For The Week</i> in 2007 Frank Turner has released five studio
and three Best Ofs albums. Frank’s mixture of punk, folk and rock on topics
including: politics, love, death, war, and social injustice has taken audiences
by storm worldwide. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
As the title of his sixth album suggests the songs take
negative influences and transform them into positive outlooks. Five of the
tracks clock in at three minutes or less; like life itself they rush by in a
blink of an eye. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Get Better</i> speaks
about still having time to fix past wrongs. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Next Storm</i> is an upbeat song about overcoming troubles; everyone goes
through bad times but that it is important to face them head-on. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Opening Act Of Spring</i> is an
irresistible ditty of asking for forgiveness after hurting someone you love,
surrounded by metaphors of nature and awakening. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mittens</i> laments unrequited love: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…we used it fit like mittens, but never like gloves.”</i> The
fast-paced and relentless <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Out Of Breath</i>
is about not knowing how much time you have left, making the most of your life;
it is the only one you’ll have. A similar theme is echoed in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demons</i>’ honest lyrics: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Doesn’t it just break your heart to know
that none of this will last?”</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…
it’s great to be alive”</i>; sadness juxtaposed with optimism. The tennis
metaphor laden <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love Forty Down</i>, about
fighting back against defeat and not letting life get you down, is deeper than
the first listen suggests. Final track, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Song
For Josh</i>, recalls the memories of a friend’s suicide; questioning why they
never asked for help. Tear-jerking and heartfelt, it strengthens the message of
the album: you never know when you or a loved-one will leave this world
forever.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The Sleeping Souls band brings extra breadth with a range if
instruments including: piano, electric guitar, organ, mandolin, and percussion.
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The deluxe edition has an extra disc with acoustic versions
for ten of the twelve songs. They show that, even with a different
accompaniment, Frank’s lyrics remain prolific, life affirming and true. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Frank has delivered another album of purpose, intelligence
and meaning. While many of the songs focus on death, it is an album very much
about life. They are not just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Positive
Songs For Negative People</i> but Positive Songs For <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All</i> People. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Key Tracks: The Next
Storm, The Opening Act Of Spring, Demons, Song For Josh<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/10 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-10196642392605056482015-08-04T08:56:00.000-07:002015-08-04T08:56:51.246-07:00Album Reviw: Blood by Lianne La Havas
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Album Review:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<strong>Blood by Lianne La Havas- Released Friday 31<sup>st</sup>
July 2015</strong> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Lianne La Havas released her debut album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is Your Love Big Enough? </i>in 2012. The
album went into the top five, received critical acclaim and was nominated for
the Mercury Prize later that year. The twenty-five year old has released her
second album, but will it stand up to the success of the first?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Legendary music superstar Prince is a big fan of her work,
clearly hearing something special about her voice and noticing her star
quality. They performed together for American television on Saturday Night Live
in 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Matt Hales who, under the name Aqualung, achieved top ten
success with Strange And Beautiful back in 2002, co-writes and produces many of
the tracks. He has also worked with established artists such as Leona Lewis and
Paloma Faith; he brings a wealth of experience. Lianne started her musical
career as a backing vocalist for Paloma; now life has come full circle. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The album’s main theme is one of personal identity and
discovering your true self.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
On <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Green & Gold </i>Lianne
explores taking a look at her life and how far she has come since childhood
with both refection and perception; an autobiographical coming of age song. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What You Don’t Do</i> has bouncy piano
chords, drum beats and lyrical optimism; it’s about appreciating a person for
who they are. The beautiful <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tokyo</i></st1:place></st1:city> has some
very poignant lyrics: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grew a thicker
skin but now it’s wearing thin. You can see right into me.” </i>The
(literally) haunting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ghost</i> laments
the circle of blame in a relationship and trying to find a way out. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Never Get Enough</i> has a much rockier,
electric feel; while it shows the diversity of her sound, it feels a little out
of place.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blood</i> is a very
cohesive and often consistent record; however it takes a few listens for the
songs to stay with you and for the lyrics to be fully appreciated. Lianne has
grown in strength vocally and the songs have more purpose and direction than
her previous album. Her honey-sweet yet well executed vocals make her one of
the best soul singers of her generation. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blood
</i>has honesty in its veins, giving it life and pumping it right to its heart.
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Key Tracks: Green & Gold, What You Don’t Do, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tokyo</st1:place></st1:city>, Ghost </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7.5/10 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-19592765441038105192015-07-15T12:28:00.000-07:002015-07-15T12:28:09.040-07:00Album Review: Communion (Deluxe Edition) by Years & Years
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Album Review</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<strong>Communion (Deluxe Edition) by Years & Years – Released
Friday 10<sup>th</sup> July 2015</strong> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Years & Years started off 2015 in a wave of publicity
when they were announced as the winners of the BBC’s Sound Of… poll in January.
Former winners of the accolade include: Keane, Adele, and Ellie Goulding who
have all gone on to enjoy successful careers and produce high quality albums.
The wave of publicity became one of tidal proportions in February when they
were nominated for the Critics Choice award at the Brits, narrowly missing out
to <st1:place w:st="on">James Bay</st1:place>. A number one single, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">King</i>, soon followed and earlier this
month they missed out on another when <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shine</i>
entered the chart at number two. Now the band has released their debut album to
a similar level of expectation. No pressure then. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The band is amongst the first to take advantage of the new
Friday global release date, the long term effect of this remains to be seen,
but it may be another talking point when considering the potential success of
the album.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The trio is fronted by former actor Olly Alexander, Emre
Turkmen provides synths and Australian Michael Goldsworthy adds bass, drums and
percussion to the band’s sound. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Opening track <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Foundation</i>
has a darker, more minimalist feel to most of the tracks on the album with the
musical score bubbling gently under the surface. The majority of the tracks are
up-tempo with only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eyes Shut</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Without </i>drifting into piano balladry. It
is not necessarily a bad thing; the lyrics are some of the most poignant on the
record, both songs show the versatility and range of the band’s sound without
diversifying to far from the path of the album. However the band is at their
strongest on the energy driven tracks such as the addictive <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">King</i> and their most recent single <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shine</i> is irresistible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Lyrically honest, although not taxingly complicated, the songs
are fairly well constructed with synths and beats offsetting yet complimenting
the vocals; Olly’s falsetto provides emotion to the songs by being gentle but
powerful. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The deluxe edition has four additional tracks including <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1977 </i>which is slow-burning and sensual,
and two acoustic songs bring the album to a slower but satisfying conclusion. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
It is a record which does not overly surprise the listener
but rarely fails to delight. The album is nothing more or nothing less than it
pretends to be: bright, uplifting electro-pop. However, it is unclear whether
the band will stick to the more hard hitting sounds or enter into a slower
paced vibe; for this they must be cautious; there is a fine line between
credible pop and clichéd boyband territory. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Years & Years have produced one of the most joyous
albums of 2015 so far. In a sea of overly serious singer-songwriters and R&B
blandness they are a breath of fresh air. Hopefully they can maintain this
momentum for Years & Years to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Key Tracks: Shine, Take Shelter, King, 1977<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7/10 </b></div>
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-53442124698350253502015-05-28T00:50:00.001-07:002015-05-28T00:50:50.966-07:00Live Review: Hattie Briggs' Trio at Nailsworth Festival 2015
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Live Review: Hattie Briggs’ Trio, Nailsworth Subscription
Rooms, 17<sup>th</sup> May 2015 </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Tonight’s concert forms part of the Nailsworth Festival: a
week of art, crafts and music events situated in and around the small
picturesque Gloucestershire town. On arrival there is already a small crowd
gathered around the entrance; Hattie and her band are still sound checking, the
emerging sounds indicating the audience are in for a treat. Soon the crowd pour
into the room, the gig appears to be a sell-out; festival staff put out more
chairs at the back of the hall. The chairs themselves are more familiar sight
in school classrooms; the audience are about to have a masterclass from a star
pupil.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hattie opens with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tilly’s
Song</i>, taken from 2013’s EP <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My
Shepherd’s Hut</i>, written for her friend’s twenty-first birthday. It is a
delightfully sweet song, the eponymous Tilly must be proud of her friend. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Beautiful Mind</i>, a tribute to late folk
singer Pete Seeger, is sung with meaning and sincerity. It is not hard to see
(and hear) why the song has received air play on Radio 2 and become album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red & Gold</i>’s lead single. The high
ceiling of the Subscription Rooms allow Hattie’s voice, though quiet in volume,
to have maximum impact and is acoustically stunning.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On Your Way</i>, the
first of four new songs performed during the evening, indicates a more positive
state of mind for the theme of the next album. The next song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Autumn Leaves</i>, previously covered by
artists such as Eva Cassidy and Edith Piaf, is mesmerising. As the song
finishes a member of the audience behind me sums up the feeling in the whole
room by exclaiming, “Oh wow”. Wow indeed. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hattie switches to the keyboard and a brief moment of panic
crosses her face when no audible sound emerges; thankfully it is sorted out
within seconds and Hattie maintains her composure with good humour. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Share Your Heart</i>, one of the stand-out
tracks from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red & Gold, </i>is next.
The song, about learning to love yourself in order to share your heart with
others, seems to tell the tale of a Hattie from long ago, still present but
gradually fading into the past. After it finishes Hattie ironically remarks,
“You can tell I was feeling really good when I wrote that one, I wonder what
changed”. A sharp contrast to new song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lift
Me Up</i>, a complete step change; a Hattie now looking towards the future.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Without A Smile</i>,
the first song Hattie wrote aged 17, shows that even at a young age there was
potential and talent waiting to be discovered. Hattie likens the song to an old
jacket, ready to be taken out and worn again. With just piano and voice on this
song the cellos which have hitherto been provided by Asha McCarthy and Barney
Morse-Brown, are notable in their absence; this is the Hattie Briggs’ Trio
after all. Hattie says that the motto when recording the album was if in doubt
add more cello; Asha and Barney certainly do this in spades. The songs
throughout the evening are enhanced from those of the album versions; further
deepening the richness and emotional core of the originals. This is no more
evident on the final song of the first half, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All About Love</i>, which Hattie dedicates to a couple celebrating
their second wedding anniversary. Considering the song’s optimism and
romanticism it is a seemingly appropriate gesture. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The second half continues to show Hattie, Asha and Barney’s
incredible talents. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sacred Heart</i>, a
Civil Wars cover, is sung entirely in French. Hattie admits to being the most
nervous about this song; her former French teacher is in the audience. However,
Hattie delivers an A* performance. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Despite the more positive vibe to her new material, the
lyrics to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Happy In Your Arms</i>, “…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">poison in your lips and in your fingertips…”</i>
show, that at times, dark undertones are ever present. Nevertheless, new song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Only Live Once</i> suggests living in
the moment seems to be Hattie’s goal. She says that she resisted calling the
song “YOLO”; it is easy to forget that she is only 22; lyrically, vocally and
in person she is already wise beyond her years.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fields Of Gold</i>
receives the biggest applause of the night, plus an extra well-deserved
appreciation for Asha and Barney’s cello playing. The spirit of Eva Cassidy is
surely looking down on Hattie with a smile. The version is a testament to the
significant influence which the late singer had on Hattie, so much so Eva’s
brother Dan produced and played violin on the track for the album.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hattie finishes with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pull
Me Down</i>, a slow-burning song about resisting the perils of the music
industry’s way of changing artists into something they are not. Hattie is true
to her words; her songs and performance speak nothing but honesty. Called back
for an encore the trio perform Leonard Cohen’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hallelujah</i>. The audience needs no encouragement to join in; they
openly rejoice at an evening of a 19-song spectacular. Indeed Hattie, Asha and
Barney’s performance must be credited with high praise. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The most wondrous element is Hattie herself. Both her
performance and persona seems a world away from that at the Stroud Fringe
Festival in August 2014. The transformation in a mere nine months is astounding.
Sharing anecdotes about her older brother, vintage suitcases, and her beloved
fifteen-year-old dog Panda, her confidence with audiences has expanded
ten-fold. She seems to be gradually unlocking the shackles of her past, her
heart set free from the uncertainty which, in her own words, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">…have haunted her for years…”</i> The
experience of her recent five week tour supporting duo Kathryn Roberts &
Sean Lakeman has paid off handsomely and has given the exposure her music
richly deserves. The new songs have set a president for greater things to come.
If this is what nine months can do, it is most certainly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Still With Hope I See</i> an ever brighter future for Hattie Briggs.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
8.5/10</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Set List<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Tilly’s
Song (from My Shepherd’s Hut EP)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">A
Beautiful Mind</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">On
Your Way (new song)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Autumn
Leaves (Jo Stafford/Eva Cassidy cover)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Godspeed</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Share
Your Heart</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Lift
Me Up (new song)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Without
A Smile</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">All
About Love</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Interval</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Old
Eyes</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Sacred
Heart (The Civil Wars cover)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Happy
In Your Arms</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Your
Song (Elton John cover)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">You
Only Live Once (new song)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Fields
Of Gold (Sting/Eva Cassidy cover)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Still
With Hope I See</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Castle
On The Sand (new song)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Pull
Me Down</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">
Encore</div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Hallelujah
(Leonard Cohen cover)</li>
</ul>
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-12531996321646359162015-05-03T09:39:00.000-07:002015-08-13T14:51:13.501-07:00Live Review: Coco And The Butterfields at Prema Arts Centre, Uley, Gloucestershire <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Live Review: <st1:place w:st="on">Coco</st1:place> And The
Butterfields at Prema Arts Centre, Uley, Gloucestershire 25<sup>th</sup> April
2015 </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Prema, an Arts Centre situated in rural Gloucestershire, is
the setting for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Canterbury</st1:city></st1:place>
five-piece Coco And The Butterfields’ second date of their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Say Hello Tour</i>. The venue, a formal Baptist Chapel, is currently
undergoing renovation. Despite the scaffolding on the outside encasing its
Cotswold Stone beauty, the inside has the right mix of quirkiness and warmth.
On the top floor wooden beams stretch over the high ceiling, artwork adorns the
walls, and the low hum of voices from the popular Prema Arts Café drifts up the
stairs.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The age range of tonight’s audience is as diverse as the
band's sound: an indicator that Coco And The Butterfields appeal to both the age-old
folkie and the younger listener wanting a more contemporary sound. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The band approach the stage from the back of the room to
moderate applause, perhaps the audience is not entirely sure what they are in
for. Singer and guitarist Tom Twyman immediately answers that question by
simply saying, “this is what we’re all about”, before launching into a cover of
Gym Class Heroes’ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cupid’s Chokehold. </i>It
is a rousing performance and certainly warms up the crowd. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the song Tom admits they have played
the whole song without the mic on the guitar being turned on; the band plays
the chorus once again, this time with the guitar. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
They go on to play a selection of covers and original songs
selected from four EPs, not bad for a group which have only been together since
2011. The first original song of the evening, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Walls,</i> begins by the band saying that “we aren’t really used to
seated venues, so for the next one we need to sway in your seats”. No
instruction was really needed because the song alone is enough to get the audience
moving to the irresistible beat. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
If the audience aren’t won over already, an incredible
version of Nina Simone’s <em>Feeling Good </em> which is
familiar to both old and young; showcases Dulcima Showan’s soulful, powerful
vocals and proving that any genre of music holds no bounds. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
An anecdote about the nursery rhyme Jack & Jill segways
into the closing performance of the first half, a mash-up of Flo Rida’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Low</i> and Jay Z’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Encore</i>, with band members shimmying down on stage as they play: a
band not afraid to really let go and let their fun-loving personalities come
through. However, as with all of the evening’s hip hop covers, older members of
the audience may not be familiar with the original songs and therefore not
fully appreciative of the re-working.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Two songs into the second half Tom makes the announcement
that Dulcima is recovering from bronchitis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this is how she is when she is ill it is astonishing to think what
she is like with full vocal power. The next song, a relatively new addition to the
set, is Britney Spears’ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Toxic</i>. Once
again vocally and instrumentally, particularly the violin’s glissando, not only
recreate but enhance the original version.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
New song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hello</i> is
a beam of sunshine: a loop pedal replicates Dulcima’s voice; it echoes around
the room, radiating in its beauty and creating an undeniably joyous reaction.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Three songs before the end the audience members who have
been dancing at the side of the room are invited to dance in front of the band.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Warriors</i> seems to be the most well known
song; the audience instantly joins in with its anthemic sing-along chorus. With
the dancing now at the front the atmosphere changes to reflect the vibrancy
which the band has been emitting all along: an indication of what the band
could be capable of at a larger, outdoor venue. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hip Hop Song</i> maintains this energy. The theme from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air </i>follows
before the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hip Hop Song</i> is reprised
to rapturous applause. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
As the band draw the night to a close each has a chance to
perform individually to show off what they can do. BeatBoxer Jamie showcases
his incredible talent with his voice-box-of-tricks, a highlight of this
section. The audience cries out for more and the band happily agree with House
of Pain’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jump Around</i>, encouraging
everyone to get to their feet for the last thirty seconds, most are happy to
oblige.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
All in all Coco And The Butterfields are a fascinating
spectacle. Their style, attitude and music was well matched to Prema but their
extrovertiveness is probably best suited to an outdoor or festival stage. Their
set is slightly reliant on covers; although innovatively inspired, it is their
original songs that are of an equally, if not better standard and should have
more pride of place in what they do. The diverse equation of Banjo and BeatBox
shouldn’t work, but it does: it is a winning formula. Future audiences will
want more than to just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Say Hello</i>;
they will greet Coco And The Butterfields with wide smiles and open arms, time
after time.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
8/10 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u>Set List<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Cupid’s
Chokehold (Gym Class Heroes Cover)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Walls</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Astronauts</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Feeling
Good (Nina Simone Cover)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Five
Bells</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Low/Encore
(Flo Rida/Jay Z Cover)</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<u>Interval<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Instrumental</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Shadows<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Toxic
(Britney Spears Cover)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Hello</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Hard
Knock Life (Jay Z Cover)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Mother</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Warriors</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Hip
Hop Song</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Fresh
Prince Of Bel Air (Will Smith Cover)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Hip
Hop Song Reprise</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<u>Encore<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Jump
Around (House of Pain Cover)</li>
</ul>
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-46692433144510267312015-04-10T07:48:00.000-07:002015-04-10T07:48:11.911-07:00Album Review: Red & Gold by Hattie Briggs<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Album Review:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Red & Gold by Hattie Briggs – Released 6<sup>th</sup>
April 2015 </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Having been fortunate to see Hattie perform live on a couple
of occasions and with her 2013 debut EP <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My
Shepherd’s Hut</i> earning her a nomination at last year’s Radio 2 Young Folk
Awards, great anticipation comes with release of the Stroud based singer’s
debut album.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Three tracks from her EP feature here: opening track <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pull Me Down</i> is about resisting life’s
pressures to change you; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Still With Hope
I See</i> relates to having the belief that despite a bleak outlook that there
is light at the end of the tunnel, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Share
Your Heart</i> is a beautiful, heartfelt ballad about wanting to fall in love
but being afraid to accept yourself. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Most recent single <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Beautiful Mind</i>, a tribute to folk singer Pete Seeger, suggests that Hattie
understands the value of words and honesty in song writing; a theme she carries
throughout the album. There is also a cover of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fields Of Gold</i>, echoing the late Eva Cassidy’s version; an obvious
influence on Hattie. All the tracks are multi-layered with piano, sweeping
strings and guitar adding to the emotional fragility of the lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
This is not an album which attempts to rewrite the music
rulebook and the untrained ear may think her too similar to other female
singer-songwriters. It is, however, Hattie’s voice which is as effortless as
breathing but as pure as water, that gives authenticity to her songs and sets
her apart from the rest. If she continues within this vein she is sure to
succeed. Thank you, Hattie, for sharing your heart with us. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Key tracks: Still With Hope I See, A Beautiful Mind, Share
Your Heart, Fields Of Gold</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7/10 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236521499007761677.post-83031074157045865242015-03-02T09:50:00.000-08:002015-03-02T09:50:24.430-08:00Blog Easy, Blog Often or Blog Off? How to write a music blog.
<u>Writing your first blog</u><br />
<br />
<br />
Welcome to my first ever blog! I am not a trained writer so if you are still
reading this thank you for sticking with me so far. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I have always been interesting in writing but never found a medium for which
I could put ideas from pen to paper, or in this case, from fingers to QWERTY
keyboard. I have many interests which I could write about but one of my biggest
loves is music. The idea of creating a music blog came to me some years ago but
never had the time to write one despite having been listening to, thinking
about and discussing various songs, artists and music news since I was a child.
So a few weeks ago, I spent an afternoon creating a new email address, Twitter
and Blogger accounts. <br />
<br />
There were three issues which arose from this new venture. Firstly I had to
come up with a name for my blog. I mind-mapped all the music related words
which I could think of. Staring down at the page of seemingly random ideas, the
words leapt off the page like the words of a song: “Heart”, “Sleeve” and “Notes”.
I have often turned to songs when I am going through a difficult time and I can
also pick up on the emotions of other people. I am also rather traditional in
my record purchasing habits; I buy physical copies of albums, and reading the
sleeve notes (more on this in a later blog) and, of course I enjoy writing.
Therefore, “Heart On My Sleeve Notes” seemed the perfect name. It was a
deliberately ambiguous reference to all of these: being able to be honest and
true about what I feel and think, whilst referring to album sleeves, and
musical and written notes. <br />
<br />
The second problem to consider was: what do I write about? I made a list of
music related issues, debates and talking points that had been in the media,
things I had discussed with friends or things that had just entered my mind.
There were many music related issues that I liked but also things that had
annoyed me, even angered me. I hope to include some of these topics in this
blog.<br />
<br />
Thirdly I had to consider: how often should I blog? If I do it too
frequently I run the risk of becoming preachy, annoying and, the ultimate sin,
an internet troll. Conversely, if I don’t blog enough people will lose interest
and go elsewhere. I lost several Twitter followers within the first week of
creating the account, probably due to waiting two weeks to post this first
blog. Not that I minded too much; I was happy that anyone had decided to follow
me at all. I just hope I can deliver what people want. For the record, I will
try to post a blog every two weeks. Please be patient; remember I am new to
this. <br />
<br />
So through this blog I will be posting opinions on various music topics,
reviewing albums and other music paraphernalia, and reviewing live gigs/
festivals that I go to. You may not agree with everything I say but that is
what is great about music; everyone has their own story to tell. Feel free to
comment on my posts, but be warned, offensive comments will be deleted. I don’t
promise that all the blog posts will be word-perfect, but I will always try to
be true to its name and to wear (and write) my heart on my sleeve notes.<br />
<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
Grace Notes, 2<sup>nd</sup> March 2015 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Grace Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04497663162103173871noreply@blogger.com0