For the love of acoustic music

The last day of the shortest month is here, and it's packed full of great events for those of you looking to wave goodbye to February with a flourish, and hello to March.

For The Love Of... is a new event taking place at The Zanzibar today, Saturday 28th February. It starts at 1pm and goes on to 1am the next day. Its aim is to raise much needed funds for CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably. Entry is only a pound (donation), and will grant you access to live music, art, fashion, raffles with fab prizes, and much more.

Providing music will be Peter and the Wolf, Eugene McGuinness, The Lost Brothers, Whiskey Headshot, Dead Cities (formerly Alterkicks), Lisa Dalton, John Mullin and Slopes.

myspace.com/fortheloveofliverpool

In addition to the For The Love Of event there's a choice of four other acoustic gigs on the evening of 28th Feb, starting with...

Robin Nolan with Nouveau Django @ Mocha Lounge

When - Sat, 28 February, 20:00 – 23:30

Where - The Mocha Lounge, 20 Sir Thomas Street, Liverpool, L1 6BW (map)

The amazing Robin Nolan returns to his spiritual home of Liverpool for a one off UK appearance.Fresh from an invited appearance with Bill Wyman in Holland and just before he jets off to Iceland then California you get the chance to catch him with Liverpool's own Nouveau Django. Trust me this one is not to be missed!

Saturday, 28 Feb 2009, 20:00

MySpace events

www.themochalounge.co.uk

The Mocha Lounge, 20 Sir Thomas Street, Liverpool, L1 6BW

0151 236 7737

Thomas-Joseph & Murphy with band @ View Two

When - Sat, 28 February, 20:00 – 23:59

Where - View Two Gallery, 23 Mathew St, Liverpool, L2 6RE (map)

Thomas-Joseph & Murphy with band @ View Two

This will be T-J & M's first appearence with their new backing band, playing songs from their debut album Weary nights plus some news songs.

Also playing are Robert Brown and Jessica Staverley-Taylor.

£4 on door - 8pm start

myspace.com/thomasjosephandmurphy

View Two Gallery, 23 Mathew St, Liverpool, L2 6RE

viewtwogallery.co.uk

Jimmy Rae and the Firewalkers @ Hilbre Court

When - Sat, 28 February, 21:00 – 23:00

Where - Hilbre Court Hotel , Banks Road, West Kirby (map)

Saturday 28 February - Hilbre Court (pub), Banks Road, West Kirby.

Jimmy Rae and the Firewalkers play a new pub! Woohoo! Come down if you can.

As ever we're on about 9pm and admission is FREE.

Hilbre Court Hotel , Banks Road, West Kirby

Laney Murphy plus 15 Storeys @ Studio 2 Parr Street

When - Sat, 28 February, 21:00 – 23:30

Where - 33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool, L1 4JN (map)

Saturday 28th February we have another night of stripped down but upbeat live music with the 15 STOREYS and LANEY MURPHY & THE HYBRIDS...

Free of charge and very good indeed. 9pm start.

parrstreet.co.uk/STUDIO2/Home.htm

Studio 2, Parr Street Studios

33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool, L1 4JN

And if Saturday's all-dayer at The Zanzi wasn't enough for you, then you can spend Sunday afternoon and evening at Mello Mello with a fantastic line-up of musicians.

The Family Folk-Up long day of folk and roots @ Mello Mello

When - Sun, 1 March, 16:00 – 23:30

Where - Mello Mello, 40 - 42 Slater Street, Liverpool, L1 4BX (map)

The Family Folk-Up is proud to present a long day of folk and roots music featuring the foot stomping sounds of...

Tramp Attack, Sparkwood & 21, Arthur Shelton Jones & Friends, The Random Family, Louis Romegoux, Jeff Jepson, Luke & The Explosive, SlowMotionStranger, Stuart Todd, Freewheelin' Joe Keelan

Sunday 1st March @ MELLO MELLO, Slater Street, Liverpool

Tickets £5 from Probe Records, Slater Street, Liverpool

Doors 4pm - Fully licensed bar - Food and hot drinks available all day

For more info please visit: myspace.com/therandomfamily1

Mello Mello, 40 - 42 Slater Street, Liverpool, L1 4BX

The Good Intentions: album review

ALBUM REVIEW

CD: Poor Boy (Boronda Records 2008)

Artists: The Good Intentions

Website: thegoodintentions.co.uk

MySpace: myspace.com/thegoodintentionsmyspace

Liverpool’s Sweethearts of the Rodeo

The Good Intentions consist of R.Peter Davies (lead vocals and guitar), Gabrielle Monk (vocals) and Frank Roskell (electric guitar and vocals), and whilst based in the UK this record oozes the influences of the Byrds, The Long Ryders and Neil Young (Harvest era).

It’s a quiet record with mandolin and pedal steel, combining with the trio's understated vocals and guitar plucking taking front stage. On songs such as ‘You Love Jimmy Rodgers’, ‘You Can’t Call It Country’ and ‘She’s In A George Jones Mood’ the band lay down their country template.

On the final track ‘From Liverpool To Nashville’ the band are looking back at their influences and looking forward to that trip to the home of country music, and on this evidence The Good Intentions will be welcomed with open arms there.

The Good Intentions are from Liverpool and this is their debut CD, mainly recorded in Sack The Cat Studios in Liverpool. The songs were then sent over to California where Charlie McGovern from Boronda Records added further contributions from various studio musicians such as Mike Stinson, Rick Shea and Rob Douglas.

This record needs to be discovered by the likes Bob Harris (Country) to get more airplay that this stellar CD richly deserves. In a similar vein to the Rockingbirds who failed to make any real impact let’s wish The Good Intentions better luck.

Review source: Americana UK

Andy Riggs © 17/01/2009 (republished with permission)

Reviewer's Rating: 7/10

Buy the CD Poor Boy below with CD Baby or PayPal

PayPal

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STOP PRESS - The Good Intentions will be playing the next Liverpool Acoustic Live event on Friday 20th March. More details to come very soon.

Half price PA hire offer

Liverpool Acoustic has teamed up with Mad Bouncy Dogs to bring you a very special offer.

Nigel Paice, Prime Pooch over at madbouncydogs.com, needs to get out of the house more (his words, not ours!).

He's offering to hire his 2.5Kw PA system in and around Liverpool for £80 a day - that's a credit crunch-busting HALF PRICE!

To qualify for this rather amazing offer all you have to do is mention that Liverpool Acoustic sent you. (Please note, this deal is only open to those who haven't used Nigel's services before, although those who have used him will already know how good the service is!)

Nigel tells us that the PA is good for acoustic artists and smaller bands in venues up to about 350 people. As an added incentive, he’ll record the show audio and give the hirer a CD after the show.

If you're interested then drop Nigel and email at
nigel[at]madbouncydogs.com (anti-spam - remove the [at] and replace it with @)

or feel free to give him a call to chat about your requirements
07890 456 258

skype: madbouncydogs

Liverpool Acoustic Live this Friday

Liverpool Acoustic Live

Friday 20th February 2009
8.30pm (8.00 doors) - £4 entry

Stephen Langstaff
Lizzie Nunnery
Ali Ingle
MelloFolk
Luke Jackson

More info from liverpoolacoustic.co.uk & facebook

The very first Liverpool Acoustic Live gig is now only five days away, and as a taster we've put together a special Liverpool Acoustic Update audio show. This show is brought to you in conjunction with our friends over at Art in Liverpool FM and Defnet Media.

Download the audio file for free
(right-click to download)

Or listen online below

And if you can't make it to the show on Friday 20th February, then listen to Claire Hamilton's drive time programme on BBC Radio Merseyside on Friday.

Claire will be interviewing Graham Holland and Stuart Todd, along with Luke Jackson who'll be playing live in the studio (probably around 6.30ish).

You can listen live by clicking the 'listen live' link on BBC website here.

Love is in the air!

Love is in the air. A love of acoustic music, that is!

And there's certainly a lot of it about this Valentine weekend if you fancy treating your loved one to a night out, or even a whole day out.

Folkport - Southport Arts Centre Day of Folk

If you're up Southport way, or you fancy traveling for a day of music, then why not check out Folkport, the Southport Arts Centre Day of Folk, featuring Mawkin Causley, Bothy Folk Club, Scold’s Bridle, Uiscedwr, and Roger Wilson.

There's lots going on throughout the day, with the Anna Massie Band playing at 1.45pm and the Ruth Notman and Show of Hands gig starting at 7.15pm. There's also an 'after hours extra' starting at 10pm and featuring Wheeler Street.

Full details from seftonarts.co.uk/viewevent.php?id=654

Southport Arts Centre, 112 Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB

seftonarts.co.uk

The Family Folk-Up Love Day Special

"you'll feel it in your fingers... you'll feel it in your toes..." Yes, it's the Family Folk-up doing Valentine's Day in style with the launch of The Random Family's new EP 'Caught in a Lullaby'. Also on the bill are Steve & The Pilgrims, Dead Cities, and Me & John.

Saturday 14th Feb at St Brides Church, Percy Street, Liverpool

Doors open at 7.00pm
First act on stage 8:00pm for an 11.00pm finish
Bring your own drinks....

Tickets £5 from Probe Records, Slater Street, Liverpool

More information from www.myspace.com/therandomfamily1

St Brides Church, Catharine Street, Liverpool
Entrance in Percy Street

Celtic Bazaar presents A Night Of Acoustic Music

Saturday 14 February 2009 featuring :-
The River Niger Orchestra (Liverpool based Nigerian roots band)
Forty 4 (Liverpool based blues band playing an acoustic set)
Red Cow Junction (Liverpool based roots duo)
plus some Special Guests.

The venue is The Old Police Station, Lark Lane, Liverpool L17 8UU
It runs from 7.30pm 'til not too late(!) and admission is £5 (£4 concs.)

Bring own drinks - light refreshments available. Fully accessible.

More info from 0151 733 7253
celticbazaar@btinternet.com

80 Lark Lane, Liverpool, L17 8UU

Thomas-Joseph & Murphy residency @ Studio 2 - Parr Street

Saturday 14th February - starts at 9.00pm, and admission is free

myspace.com/thomasjosephandmurphy

parrstreet.co.uk/STUDIO2/Home.htm

(The next one is on Saturday 21st March)

Studio 2, Parr Street Studios
33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool, L1 4JN

Return of Acoustic Slice this Monday

Go on, admit it. You've missed it, haven't you? Monday nights haven't really been the same since Alun Parry announced the end of his weekly Monday night Acoustic Slice night in April last year.

So it's with great pleasure that Liverpool Acoustic can announce the return of Acoustic Slice at the 3345 Parr Street venue.

The re-launch is on Monday 9th February 2009. It starts at 8pm and is totally free.

Music for Monday 9th will be provided by Rosie Jones, Karen Cleary, and Stuart Todd.

Already lined up for the next three weeks are...

Monday 16th February
Tricia Mc Teague, The Good Intentions, Peter Aldridge

Monday 23rd February
Mr & Mrs, The 53s, Jimmy Rae

Monday 3rd March
Rae Clark, Barry Briercliffe, Zoe Nicol

For more information visit acousticslice.co.uk and myspace.com/acousticslice

33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool, L1 4JN

Busy weekend ahead

There's lot's happening this weekend, so a summary wouldn't go amiss.

Under the Influence VOL 1 - Bob Dylan

Saturday 7th February @ Studio 2, Parr Street

This is the first in a series of gigs celebrating the songs and writers that influenced the next generation. Come and treat your ears to some of the best singer/songwriters in town doing a mix of their own tunes and their interpretation of Bob Dylan songs. All completely FREE! Future volumes will include other legends. Join our Facebook group or email acoustic@aurora-borealis.info for more information.

07 February 2009 at 21:00

Kaya
Ronan Boyle
Emily Barden
Rob Clarke
Ashley Theberge
James Munro

+ DJ X-Ray Cat

parrstreet.co.uk/STUDIO2/Home.htm

Studio 2, Parr Street Studios

33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool, L1 4JN

Blues on the Rock @ Fort Perch Rock

Sunday 8th February - 1pm to 4pm.

Monthly second-Sunday-of-the-month afternoon blues gig hosted by Liverpool blues duo Blue C, Raphael Callaghan (vocal, slide gtr, harmonica) and Christine Purnell (bass guitar).

myspace.com/bluecblues

Blue C will open and close the afternoon, and in between will introduce their special guest blues band Down At Antone's. Gritty guitar and vocals and big-toned amplified harmonica - unmissable! There will be CDs to be won, a blues disco and Talkin' Blues, where the guest will be quizzed about their own slice of blues history by Raphael Callaghan. There is a cafe and bottle bar.

Admission is £3.

All enquiries to Raphael on 0151 709 5484.

Fort Perch Rock, Wallasey, Wirral CH45

LIVEJAM ACOUSTIC @ Hannah's Bar

Sunday 8th February - from 2 - 8pm

Mellowtone are offering a helping hand at OXJAM

with acoustic sets from
Kaya,
Stephen Langstaff,
James T Abrams,
Lizzie Nurnery,
Johnny Sands,
Ben Bose,
The Trestles,
& Alan Wright

entry - please donate to Oxfam

www.liverpool-livejam.co.uk

Hannah's Bar, 2 Leece Street, Liverpool, L1 2TR

Martin Carthy - An evening of Folk
with support from Tony Kehoe

Sefton Park Palm House

Sunday 8th February

Doors Open 7.00pm - 7.30pm start

The Palm House plays host for the first time to the very best of folk and traditional music as we present an evening with Martin Carthy, one of the most influential figures on the scene.

To book your place please call 0151 726 9304

Tickets £10 Advance only. There will be NO door sales on the night, nor can we deal with unpaid reserving for collection.

Table seating (unreserved) Licenced bar to 7 – 11 (not open during MC performance)

More info

palmhouse.org.uk

Sefton Park Palm House, Sefton Park Liverpool, L17 1AP

Mumford and Sons @ Korova

with support from Ragz myspace.com/ragzmusic

and Sean Bulter & the Stunards myspace.com/smokinseanbutler1979

Sunday 8th February - 8pm

Tickets £5 - ticketweb

myspace.com/mumfordandsons

Korova, 39-41 Fleet Street Liverpool, L1 4AR

Liverpool Acoustic Live - Feb 20th

Well, we suppose it was bound to happen at some point - and this is it. Liverpool Acoustic is putting on a show, and you're all invited!

We've got an exciting line-up for you, with five acts in one night.

Stephen Langstaff was described by Glasswerk.co.uk as having ‘The voice of an angel with the power of a Tsunami'. Of late Stephen has played to sell-out crowds at the Liverpool Carling Academy 2, and is the first non-signed artist to headline the Carling Academy 1. The Liverpool Acoustic Live gig is a rare chance to see Stephen performing in the intimate View Two Gallery - a gig not to be missed! www.stephenlangstaff.co.uk

Lizzie Nunnery is an award-winning playwright, and a highly accomplished singer and songwriter. Liverpool.com reviewed her current EP by saying 'Clever songs, beautifully recorded, perfectly delivered. Who says you can’t have it all?' Come along and experience nu-folk at its best. www.lizzienunnery.co.uk

Ali Ingle says "Life's not so beautiful without a soundtrack" so he writes his own! Hailing from Widnes, Ali is active on the local acoustic scene and has been know to arrange his own open mic nights too. As a performer he impresses wherever he plays. www.myspace.com/aliingle

Luke Jackson is a genuine star in the making. No - scratch that - he's a star now! His powerful, distinct voice, his confident guitar playing, and his mature songwriting all belie the fact that he's only 14! Up in the northwest from his native Canterbury for two gigs in Manchester on Saturday we couldn't resist offering him a place on the bill for the very first Liverpool Acoustic Live show. Listen to his songs on his MySpace and youTube sites then come along and experience it for real. www.myspace.com/lukepauljackson

MelloFolk is a new collective bringing together some of Liverpool's best musicians and performers, featuring Stuart Todd and Stan Ambrose.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up on the facebook event page then tell all your friends about it. And remember, once the tickets are gone, they're gone!

Martin Carthy at the Palm House

Martin Carthy - An evening of Folk

On Sunday 8th February Sefton Park Palm House plays host for the first time to the very best of folk and traditional music as they present an evening with Martin Carthy, one of the most influential figures on the scene.

From the mid sixties folk revival to the present day resurgence, Martin Carthy has remained a leading light both as a solo artist, collaborator and member of acts such as Steeleye Span, Waterson/Carthy, Blue Murder and, most recently, The Imagined Village.

31 solo albums and another 33 as “participant” are testimony to a career outstanding in its own right as well as inspiring such luminaries as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon in former years and continuing as a “godfather” to the new young revivalists of today.

BBC Folk Singer of the Year in 2002 and 2005, Martin Carthy was awarded an MBE in 1998 for his services to English music.

Support on the night is provided by local musician Tony Kehoe.

Sunday 8th February

Doors Open 7.00pm - 7.30pm start

To book your place please call 0151 726 9304

Tickets £10 in advance only, and are selling fast (no surprise there!).
Note, there will be no door sales on the night.

Table seating (unreserved) - Licenced bar to 7 to 11 (not open during MC performance)

More info

palmhouse.org.uk

Sefton Park Palm House, Sefton Park Liverpool, L17 1AP

Liverpool Acoustic Newsletter - February 2009

The big news this month (and we mean big!) is the launch of the very first Liverpool Acoustic Live event on Friday 20th February. It's being run by Graham Holland and Stuart Todd and is taking place at the The View Two Gallery on Friday 20th February. There's an exciting bill featuring Stephen Langstaff, Lizzie Nunnery, MelloFolk, Ali Ingle, and 14 year old musical sensation Luke Jackson. More details will be posted on the news page in the next few days.

SPOTLIGHT

In the Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight for February 2009 is Dan Elson. The self-professed beard monster is well known for his exciting mix of acoustic, rock and, er..., brass instruments. You can listen to the show on the Liverpool Acoustic homepage, but if you want to read the shownotes, and catch up on previous shows, then you should visit the Spotlight page.

DIARY

Even with the end of Metroacoustic last month, there are still more regular acoustic events in Liverpool than ever before.

The February 2009 highlights are:-

Tuesday 3rd - and every Tuesday - is Acoustic Mafia at Chameleon Bar behind FACT. This night is an exciting mix of local and national acoustic performers, and is hosted by Dave O'Grady

Tuesday 3rd - and every Tuesday - is the Tuesday Night Music Club at the new Monochrome venue on Sir Thomas Street. It's hosted by Dave Lloyd from The Suns.

Wednesday 4th - 4Play at Chameleon is a new monthly acoustic event showcasing some of the best live acoustic music in the city. The evening, hosted by songwriter and musician Stuart Todd, runs on the first Wednesday of every month. This month features music by Richard Batty, Sparkwood & 21, Rachael Dunn and MelloFolk

Thursday 8th - Kaya is back hosting her monthly Acoustica event at 3345 Parr Street.

Friday 6th - Mellowtone are at the View Two, with guests Charnock & Russell, Familiar Looking Strangers, Letters in Red, and Dave Owen

Sunday 8th - Livejam (Acoustic) is taking place all afternoon at Hannah's Bar. A packed lineup with Kaya, Stephen Langstaff, James T Abrams, Lizzie Nunnery, Johnny Sands, Ben Bose, The Trestles, & Alan Wright, and lots of money raised for charity. Don't miss it!

Monday 9th - The return of Acoustic Slice. Alun Parry returns to 3345 Parr Street with his popular acoustic night. Booked acts and open mic spots combine for a great evening. This first night features music from Rosie Jones, Karen Cleary, and Stuart Todd. And we're sure Alun will give us a couple of songs too!

Thursday 12th - Haunted House Acoustic can be found at Hannah's Bar. Hosted by Jessicas Ghost.

Saturday 14th - Folkport - Southport Arts Centre Day of Folk. Local and national acts at different venues throughout the day.

Saturday 14th - Thomas-Joseph & Murphy's monthly residency at Studio 2 Parr Street continues.

Saturday 14th - Family Folk-up Love Day Special, features the launch of the Random Family's new album.

Friday 20th - Liverpool Acoustic Live takes place at the View Two. See the start of the newsletter for more info. www.liverpoolacoustic.co.uk

Saturday 21st - Kevin Critchley Outfit at The Zanzibar.

Wednesday 25th - Catacoustic's new monthly (every last Wednesday) open mic at the Ring O' Bells in Widnes.

Saturday 28th - Robin Nolan with Nouveau Django at the Mocha Lounge.

You can find out more information about any of the above by clicking on the name of the event in the Liverpool Acoustic Diary

NEWS AND REVIEWS

We've had two new CDs submitted for review. If any other musicians would like their music reviewing all they have to do is ask. You can email contact[at]liverpoolacoustic.co.uk or use the Contact Us page.

Enjoy the shortest month of the year, and I hope to see you at Liverpool Acoustic Live on Friday 20th.

Graham (on behalf of the Liverpool Acoustic team)