The good, the bad and the lyre (Open Mic #7)

When nothing goes to plan, though everything turns out right, you know the night has gone as it should.  Terry from Hemel Hempstead, now living in Huddersfield, knows the score; he arrived for this special duo and bands night with an experimental outfit he called The Good, The Bad and the Bastard.  I wasn’t sure which one of them was the bastard, but having acquired the drummer from My Mate Dave (Russell) they knocked out some Left! Right! Left! Right! and finished with an improvised set on lyre and bass guitar.

The lyre is a six string instrument stretching back to Greek classical antiquity and was often used to accompany story telling.  Fast forward to the present and it was being fed through high end reverb and hit with small sticks to create an ambient tone.  This was another first for my night and the whole point of these gatherings – expect the unexpected.

The featured act this month being The Chokes (above), a recently formed duo of local lads Dan Gallo and Tom Swales.  They play loud, uncompromising and passionate punk rock in a down to earth style.  Lad’s Army fills the bar with the stop-start-stop-start of lead guitar and drums as Dan sweats and rocks with an outstanding performance more fitting of a festival main stage than our humble proceedings in humble town.  Half way through the set the hot summer night gets too much and Tom throws off his shirt as Dan is dripping with sweat at a pace and volume which may have lost a few people who don’t like their music this loud, but gained plenty of new fans in the process.  Let me tell you now, here is the new punk rock and music has a future.   

This night was also graced by the return of the band My Mate Dave from Leeds, playing a mix of their own songs and covers.  Amy the lead singer has a powerful voice and presence and the drummer is second to none.  If any of you pub owners are reading this blog I thoroughly recommend these guys.

My mate Greg also came down to perform with his mate Lance, performing as Wing and Prayer, a name I rather like.  And we also got a wonderful introduction to the night from local choir Singing for Fun, organised by Louise from the newly opened Holmfirth music shop Hot Banana, as well as some superb punk folk tinged tunes from her partner in crime Steven Whiplash (pictured left).

It was also good to put real faces to the names of hardworking Wakefield duo Peculiar Blue as I’d heard so many good things about this pair from my travels around the Northern open mic scene.  They didn’t disappoint and played some wonderful original songs including We All Go Down Together and How Could You Leave.

There was poetry from Jim, Petra and Victoria leading us nicely into a random finish and a bit of a jam that combined kaossilator, lyre and spoken word – a collision of ancient and modern technologies that probably didn't sound as good as we thought it might at the time, but that’s what it’s all about after all and if you don’t try these things you’ll never know.  On this theme the next open mic will be on 29 August 2013 and will be an all acoustic affair downstairs at Cellar 88 – music without the aid of a PA. So please bring instruments and performances to suit.

A kaoss end to a chaotic night:

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The pride and vinyl of Holmfirth (Open Mic #6)

These are complicated nights with many and varied goings on.  You bring together a random collection of people from all walks of life and provide a space in which they express themselves - there are bound to be differences of opinion and massive contrasts, a light and beautifully sung ballad contrasts with an insightful account of growing up with drugs, a comedy piece about a man from Essex contrasts with dark repetitive electronica, or a piece of classical music played over an iPod backing track.  

Don’t expect to like or agree with everything you hear - this is not a gig, where you have paid for something you know you’re going to get.  And neither is this the sanitized  televised meanderings of Britain’s Got Talent, it is much more real than that.  On these nights you don’t know what to expect and you might be happily surprised or deeply upset, or even disappointed.

My aim is to create an event that none of us will forget in a hurry, that will come back to you in years from now and bite you in the bum and say ‘hey, remember that guy you saw playing harmonica and shaking his eggs he was brilliant’ or ‘what about that awful rendition of Ferry Cross the Mersey that went on for half an hour’ but you remember those things, you remember the contrasts.  And if you really, really don’t like something it doesn't matter, because it only lasts a fleeting moment, all of us get fifteen minutes of anti-fame.

Holmfirth is a competitive place and since starting this night two other open mics have been launched in the town.  This is good news for musicians and performers because it means there are more places to play and they are all very different nights.  I started my night because I wanted to create an anything goes kind of place, something different from the mainly folk and acoustic nights that had become the norm.  I wanted to create a space where all kinds of music and performance would be welcome from hip hop through to rock, from country through to beat boxing, from bands through to solo artists.  Half way through this experiment and I think I have largely succeeded in this aim but there is more work to be done.  There are gaping holes in the spectrum of music that has been provided and an over representation of other forms, and I'm coming to understand better the pride and prejudice of this town (that’s where the story really lies).

On my sixth open mic we had classical music, blues, comedy, spoken word, folk, electronica and pop music.  All of this was flavored with the blue remembered songs and the forgotten melodies of another random collection of vinyl.  We finished the open mic slots at quarter to twelve and even the late finish didn't mean everyone got to play.  So big thanks to the brilliant Scott Wainwright, Greg Paul, Heather, James Munroe, Terry, Linda and Andy, the poets Stuart Clark, Petra, Victoria and multi-talented Tim Taylor, Jamie Philokyprou and Iona. Also thanks to Ben Thomas (aka L'Étranger)  for assisting with the vinyl play, the lovely audience and all the staff at Cellar 88 for putting up with the mayhem.

The next Open Mic is 25 July at Cellar 88.

Drunk Poets Society (Open Mic #5)

This was a night when spoken word arrived at my open mic, interspersed with lashings of live music and random vinyl.  The poetry was brought to us by Petra and Victoria (pictured) from The Nook Writers Group, as well as Tim from the Holmfirth Writers Group.  All of this happened in the same week as George the Poet appeared on Later with Jools Holland – so to coin a phrase from the film Zoolander, poetry is “so hot right now!”

It all started with a vinyl record party including San Quentin (Live) by Johnny Cash, Pocket Money by U Roy, Hell and Sorrow by I Roy, Kool Thing by Sonic Youth and People are Strange by The Doors.  The big idea had been for people to get their old records out the loft and bring them along to play between acts.  As it happened, I was the only person to take part, and for this reason the music was mostly old school reggae, punk and country – I don’t know how others felt about that, but I was in spiral scratch heaven.

Tim began the spoken word with a well crafted piece about the floods of Holmfirth seen from the perspective of Digley Reservoir. 

Stranger, as you walk my shore

and think my home a tranquil place

look closer, do you see a frown

within the ripples of my face?

A gentle and thoughtful reminder of the power of water through a valley and in great contrast to Petra’s first piece, which was all about ex boyfriends and relationships that went sour - with every expletive under the sun arranged in a diatribe about falling out of love.  In a polite town like Holmfirth you wouldn’t expect this to be everyone’s ‘cup of tea’, but my night’s promote freedom of expression and I stood by Petra for her right to let it all out!

Victoria’s poetry was also in a punk vein, and she read her poetry with a perfect balance of rant and humour.  Not so much as to be ‘in your face’, but just enough to make everyone sit up and listen.  Spoken word has to be like that, containing performance as well as words, this is where the term ‘performance poet’ comes from and Victoria fell into that category.  There was also something of John Cooper Clarke here, rhythmic beats of a poetry heart running out across a landscape of sound.  Some poetry should be read, other poetry should be performed.

Terry, from Hemel Hempstead, with one of the loudest singing voices I’ve ever come across growled his way through an Ian Dury song, strumming along on a neat banjolele.  My Mate Dave from Leeds (right) brought us a strong set of covers, including Gold Lion by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Road Rage by Catatonia.  Matthew played a cool set of original songs including one about his favourite road, the A19, which runs from York to North Shields.  And a young singer called Lucy ‘Lou’ Robinson played her own well crafted songs, the last of which was cleverly called ‘Heads I win tails you lose’.

Leo Brazil and his Twitch (below) rocked the place with three different guitars on each different song.  Dave, the bass player with The Twitch, is a force to be reckoned with, kicking his leg in the air sporadically throughout the set.  And Petra and Victoria, who had by this time consumed large quantities of alcohol (in the spirit of true beat poets), were dancing happily to the music, and making the open mic into something of a party.

Dave and James played us out with a few more ballads and then we flipped some more vinyl - and drunk in charge of a turntable, my seamless changes were no longer seamless (truth is they never had been) with Prince-Far-I, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Motorhead, a scratched Happy Mondays and some Stone Roses.

The next open mic is Thursday 27 June 2013 at Cellar 88 in Holmfirth.  Bring instruments, songs and more vinyl!

But is it folk?

Late in the night a man was balancing a pint on his head and then spinning on his back on the floor.  I was stood on a chair so I could see over the top of the party animals who were having an almighty good time dancing to the tunes of the fantastic Three Sheets T’ Wind, followed by Ottersgear (above).  Jake Manning, the talented young song writer who had helped get the night going was stood on a chair next to me, and next to him was the equally talented singer song writer Kathryn Luxford – all of us bouncing up and down to the good times.  The atmosphere was vibrant, fun and one of those moments when everything comes together to create beautiful mayhem.  A pint got kicked over the fold backs, someone fell drunkenly against the speaker stands, and all of a sudden Mikey of Ottersgear started singing ‘Let’s Go Fucking Mental, Let’s Go Fucking Mental La La La’ – the people drank Cellar 88 dry and danced late into the night.

This event was not the kind where you sit and listen attentively to diddly dee music in hushed silence, this was a let’s get shit faced and enjoy ourselves kind of event.  I loved this celebration of life and being alive, I loved the joyous sounds of the accordion, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and drums that weaved a tight musical euphoria in our ears.  And I loved the drummer of Three Sheets with his Mohican haircut and friendly manner, he helped us out big time by loaning his kit to Ottersgear.

Earlier in the night a man had said to me - it's not folk is it?  I'd answered by saying it was music, and great music at that, and this was all that mattered.  He'd shrugged and left a little while later in search of a quieter spot.

Scott Wainright and Chris Martin began the evening’s celebrations with stories of allotments and life in Barnsley.  And I’ve seen these guys playing many a time as solo artists but I’ve never seen them playing with each other!  They went down a storm with dobro guitar, stomp box and some blues harp thrown in for good measure.  A unique and highly entertaining force.

Dariush Kanani (left) started his set with ‘Everyone’s talking about me’, and you’ll know it as the theme from Midnight Cowboy a haunting melody.  Dariush is an up and coming force to be reckoned with on the acoustic circuit.  His songs such as Ease Your Worried Mind and May You Never wash over you in a way that leaves you feeling good about everything, and if that sounds a little 60’s, it’s because there is a hint of something 60’s going on his song writing.

Nig Richards and the Primates turned up fashionably late and blew us away with his Aldi broom stick blues and a guitar made from a toilet seat – by this time, a little worse for wear, I’m trying to get in on the action and provide backing vocals for songs that I didn’t know.  And all of this following another storming impromptu set from local hero Dan Gallo, helping me out because the Primates were running late.

I don’t really know what folk music is and I’m not an expert on such matters or even a follower of the scene.  All I know is that the music that hits you in the heart and soul, music that can get the whole place up and dancing, music that has something to say and gets into your bones, making you move about is what makes for a bloody good time!

Pie + Peas + Song (Open Mic #4)

Fast forward to the end of the night and the good people of the valley (above) are spell bound by another storming set from local musician Dan Gallo.  By this time there is live venue sweat pouring from the walls after a very busy night of music, the best of the best – so busy I didn't get my second pint until around 9.30, when everyone else was tucking into their free pie and peas.

We had banjos, fiddles, Cajon, mandolin, guitars, keyboards, a drum kit, saxophone, acoustic and electric bass, with the music stretching from acoustic rock, through to folk music, country, jazz and Holmfirth hillbilly.  It was a mini festival of talent with a super attentive audience from start to finish; a contrast to the previous month’s rowdy start to the Bank Holiday.

Ian Evans began the night with his own songs.  Sometimes the early shift is tough one because it comes at a point when everyone is arriving, greeting friends and finding a place to settle for the evening.  But tonight was different, Ian got a good hearing and one particularly catchy tune was stuck in my head the whole night www dot I’m lonely - a piece about internet dating. 

Jacob Fullalove made a welcome return, this time with a young fiddle player by the name of Jamie.  After an Adele cover :( they played some awesome gypsy influenced pieces that got everyone in the mood for an upbeat night of local talent.

I was also thrilled that Sophie (pictured left) and Liz brought some of their songs to the party.  I’ve been nagging them for some time to come and play, but Sophie had complained that the quality was too high!  The fact was Sophie and Liz were extremely good and but anyway; these nights are not about how good you are, they are about having fun and developing your music and performance.  Sophie and Liz have come on leaps and bounds since I last saw them play a year or so ago, and their guitar picking and harmonies were a treat.

Heidi & family threw some more country music our way, this time towards the rocky end of the spectrum, with a dash of hillbilly banjo thrown in for good measure.  Heidi has a lovely voice and the whole band had a very watchable stage presence – I’d like to hear more of what they have to offer.

Iona, who is only thirteen years old, had a shaky start on keyboard, but was encouraged by the friendly audience to play more of her songs.  And we shouldn't forget that it’s a nerve wracking thing getting up and playing in front of a crowd of strangers for the first time.  But everyone in the room helped her through those nerves with friendly support, and the reward was the last of her songs, which was one of her own, and an impressive piece of piece.

More young players followed Iona as Folkus took to the stage, a group made up of players from Penistone and Barnsley.  I first saw them play at The Farmers Arms up the road and I loved their confident and fun approach.  They also play their own songs - a big plus for me, one of which advocates the concept of a tube station in Penistone.  A random idea but the more I listened, the more it made me think, why just Penistone, why not a Yorkshire underground – that would be so dammed handy.

Robert Sharp brought some excellent songs also accompanied by Tom on drums and Tom on acoustic bass.  I have to say I really appreciate bands and groups of musicians turning up and playing because it adds so much to the night.  Technically it stretches the sound control to the limit, and also eats into setting up time, but it's well worth it for the variation it brings.  Robert’s songs never disappoint, with a darkness to the tone and a sense of foreboding which I love in music.

RPM (right) took us in completely another direction, with some jazz influenced song writing from Simon on guitar, joined by James on bass and Nick on saxophone.  These were cheerful tunes complimented by skilled playing.  I’m not sure how long these guys have been together but they are a welcome addition to the local music scene.

The variety on this night had been superb and the range of different musical styles kept things interesting and constantly changing.  Irene didn’t disappoint, with songs that brought the night to a logical end.  Except it wasn’t the end, because Dan Gallo was in the house and some of my pals had clocked this and kept asking me when he was playing.  Dan wasn’t on the original list, but the list never goes according to plan and there was space at the end of the night for more, so he played us out with a storming good set of original material and covers.

This night had been a celebration of local music making, and I almost forgot to mention the free pie and peas for everyone, plus free drinks for the performers.  So I’m going to end this review with a big thanks to the staff at Cellar 88 for helping to make this happen.  It's a fact that nowhere else in town provides such a generous welcome to music lovers and players.   

Open Mic Announcements:

Sunday 12 May - Folk Festival Open Mic at Cellar 88 from 1.00pm

Thursday 30 May  - Open Mic at Cellar 88 in aid of Oxfam from 8.00pm

Holmfirth Festival of Folk @ Cellar 88

Open Mic #3

The third open mic was in aid of the Holmfirth Festival of Folk.  I’ve had so many good times courtesy of the folk festival that I felt it was time to, as they say: "give something back!".  Not a lot of people realise how much hard work goes into making the festival happen, and that it’s all done voluntarily and on the back of donations from local businesses.

The night began with the Ribble Beck Band (pictured left) playing a few traditional tunes and I can’t think of a more suitable start to the evening given the folk festival context.  These guys can often be found at The Nook on a Sunday evening playing next to a roaring fire.  This is serious folk music and on this night the instrumentation included a fiddle, concertina, flute, guitar and boran.  Folking brill.

Mikey Kenny offered up a song by way of introducing the audience to the wonderful world of Ottersgear (see later), and then Dylan Brierley (pictured above) wowed the audience with his skilful playing and vocal looping looping looping.  Dylan is becoming well known as a performer around Yorkshire and further afield and has also won prizes for his song writing.  He's also a Morley Lad!

Alex Bywaters provided some information on the folk festival itself and some of this year’s acts.  The festival will be held from 10 to 12 May 2013 and includes artists such as Lau, Hex, Bella Gaffney, Fyrish, Jaywalkers and String Theory to name but a few.  There will also be a good number of ceilidhs and dance events to enjoy.

Kathryn Luxford came over from Bingley to join us on the night and she played some lovely ballads including one of my favourites “Fall with the Rain” which you can listen to below.  Kathryn will also be playing at Cellar 88 on Saturday afternoon as part of the folk festival.  The Saturday afternoon and evening sessions at Cellar 88 are shaping up to be a wonderful programme of live music from Yorkshire and further afield – check the website for details.

By the time Greg Paul played us some blues the place was getting pretty rowdy.  I’d always wanted this night to be as much about people enjoying themselves and having a bit of banter as well as being treated to some live music - but there is a balance, and on this Thursday night before the Easter Bank Holiday it was getting decidedly noisy.  The last thing I was going to do was ‘hush’ the audience because I'm not in favour of that approach; it leaves everyone feeling uncomfortable, including the musicians. Fortunately Greg has a strong voice and powered through the conversation with ease, and the room became quieter when a group of the loudest Easter revellers left the building.

We also had some powerful song writing from Paul Tunnicliffe and Andrea Stevenson (pictured right).  Paul runs a night called Beatitude at the legendary Puzzle Hall Inn over in Sowerby Bridge, so it was an honour to have him play my night.  He does a lot of good work for local music and I think he shares a similar vision to mine of combining good times with quality music.  Another female and male duo also graced our night in the shape of Stephanie Stephenson and Matthew Bentley with two excellent new songs - a real pleasure.

The night ended with an outstanding performance by Ottersgear, one of my all time favourite acts - you can read me waxing lyrical about them in my last blog.  It’s been too long since Ottersgear came to the Holme Valley and I wasn’t the only one to have thought so – the group had pulled in a good few fans to the night, people who shared my appreciation for Mikey’s vocal acrobatics and inspired music.  I was so glad they were able to come over from Liverpool and also pleased to announce that they will be back to Cellar 88 for the folk festival itself.

The Holmfirth Festival of Folk is a special event full of surprises and good times.  I’ve always enjoyed the vibe and feel of what goes on – even though I’m not a folky.  You can find out more about the Holmfirth Festival of Folk on the website below and make sure you come along to Cellar 88 on the Saturday where there will be live music from 1.00pm till late, a veritable festival within a festival with an open mic for one and all on the Sunday afternoon.

www.holmfirthfestivaloffolk.co.uk

Listen here to Kathryn Luxford: