Welcome to the Liverpool Acoustic news and reviews blog. Here you'll find news about acoustic events in and around Liverpool, and reviews of gigs and CDs. If you've got something to add use the 'Contact us' page on the main site.
Under The Influence is the brainchild of local singer/songwriter, and event host, Kaya, who came up with the idea when her weekly Metroacoustic night bit the dust after the venue decided to close during the week.
The premise for Under The Influence is simple. So simple, in fact, it's surprising that nobody was already doing it!
Take an artist or musical sound that has inspired other musicians to write songs and sing their hearts out. Then invite specially-selected, top quality musicians down to Studio 2 at Parr Street Studios to present their interpretations of the artists songs, plus their own songs which have been inspired along the way.
Volume 1 was dedicated to the master himself, Bob Dylan - Volume 2 to the Seattle Sound.
Volume 3 takes place on Saturday 28th March. It's dedicated to the music of David Bowie and features originals and covers from artists who have been influenced by him.
Dean Elliot; fresh from touring as Buddy Holly in the show Ian McNabb; the well-known Liverpool Mersey Beast Letters in Red; Sweet, but not twee tones from this quartet Paul Donelly (from Strawhouses) is always a pleasure Reid Anderson (Revenge Tragedies) more icing on the cake and it's all hosted by Kaya :o)
Eclectic DJ sets in between from the irrepressible CantMixWontMixShdntMixDontMix
The event starts at 9pm start and is free to get in.
For more information you can join the Facebook page or email acoustic@aurora-borealis.info
Parr Street Studio 2, 33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool, L1 4JN
Time was when Sunday was that day of the week when nothing much happened, gig-wise.
Apart from the open mic at The Pilgrim, and Folk At The Manor, there's been nothing much else to entertain us on our day of rest.
But that's changing, and the Liverpool Acoustic scene is all the better for it. So we thought it would be useful if we ran down the list of what's on offer.
NEW EVENT - Sunday 29th March
Neil Campbell's 'Sunday Afternoon' is a chilled acoustic live music session from Liverpool's finest and most talented acoustic artists. Taking place in the atmospheric downstairs bar of The Slaughterhouse Pub in the city's business district on the last Sunday afternoon of each month.
A changing line-up of 4-5 top local singer-songwriters and musicians will play each month along with a regular slot by classical guitarist Neil Campbell. A surprise un-named act may pop in each month too.
The Slaughterhouse Pub (downstairs bar), Fenwick Street, Liverpool
2pm to 6pm - Admission £5
First gig will feature sets from:
Neil Campbell and Nicole Collarbone Jeff Jepson Stuart Todd Virginia Haze Michael Ryder Paul Kappa
NEW EVENT - The Jazz & Live Acoustic Music Jam Those followers of the Liverpool Acoustic News and Reviews blog will possibly remember that this event used to take place weekly in Liverpool city centre until very recently. We're please to see that it's setting up in a new home at The Waterloo Hotel, High Street, Runcorn.
It's going to take place every Sunday until 5th April, starting at 8.00pm
All-comers are welcome, and they'd really appreciate more Saxaphone, Guitar, Trumpet, Keyboard, Bass, Violin, Drums, Trombone & Flute.
Bass, Keyboard & Drums will be provided by their House Band "Jazz Papillon"
To book a slot please email or phone Julian on 07808003372
Entrance is free, so please come along if you like live Jazz.
The Waterloo Hotel, High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1JH
Every Sunday - Acoustic Night @ Tabac
Starting at 8pm, there are booked performers, open mic slots, and the resident band 15 Storeys.
The Old Manor Social Club - Doors open at 8, starting at 8.30pm 1st, 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month Singers Nights
All singers and instrumentalists welcome. A host of musical talent from the local area and beyond. Artists free entry - others £1.
3rd Sunday of the month Guest Night A special guest invited to entertain for the whole evening. We do not aim to make an overall profit and so price tickets accordingly - usually £4-£5.
5th Sunday of the month (about 5 a year) Resident's Night One of our residents will entertain the club for the evening. Just £1 entry!
First of what should be a series of Liverpool gigs for the Mojave Collective.
Featuring Naomi Mather, Michael Ryder, Ronan Boyle, and Xander and the Peace Pirates.
17:30 - 00:00 - £3 Entry
Contact ronan.boyle[at]hotmail.com for more info
The Zanzibar Club, 43 Seel St Liverpool, L1 4AZ
Check out the Liverpool Acoustic Diary for details about
Walton Music Club
Open mic @ The Pilgrim
The Sunday Sessions @ Jack Rabbit Slims
Karl Lund's residency at Hannah's Bar
And if all this wasn't enough, there's news of a new night starting on Sundays at The Magnet on Hardman Street - more details to follow once they've been confirmed.
This is your friendly reminder that the next Liverpool Acoustic Live gig is taking place on this coming Friday 20th March 2009 at the View Two Gallery on Mathew Street.
The doors open at 8.00pm and the music starts at 8.30pm.
Entrance is £4 on the door, but don't forget you can get in for only £3 in advance by emailing contact[at]liverpoolacoustic.co.uk
Liverpool Acoustic can confirm that the Working Class Music Festival which was launched so successfully last year will be taking place again this year.
The venue will be The New Picket, and it will feature a number of gigs over three days from 11th to 13th September 2009.
Liverpool Acoustic has been contacted by someone who's looking for an acoustic soul, funk or afrobeat band for a paid gig in April.
If that's you and your band, or if you know a band that fits the bill, please contact Ithalia on 0773 49 11677 and tell her that Liverpool Acoustic sent you.
Here at Liverpool Acoustic we love passing on to you great offers when they come our way - and here's one such offer.
If you're in an acoustic band and would like to be recorded for free, yes FREE, then this is your lucky day!
We've had an email from JD who's studying at SAE Liverpool. The next assignment is on acoustic production and JD is looking for an acoustic band who'd be willing to be recorded cost free.
There are a few conditions on this offer, namely the setup can't include a full drum kit, the band must have a vocalist, and you must provide your own amps and guitars! Not difficult, is it?
The deadline is 9th April. If you're interested (and who wouldn't be?) contact JD by email on jugine@gmx.de
SAE Studio 1
One final condition... if the recording gets picked up by a record company person who ends up signing your band and offering you a huge record deal, remember where you heard about the original offer! Liverpool Acoustic accepts cheques, postal orders, PayPal, and cold, hard cash - or failing that, a mention in the sleeve notes will do!
The monthly Blues On The Rock event takes place today, Sunday 8th March, and this one is a real acoustic blues event.
Joining the hosts Blue C this month is their very special guest, Jim James.
Jim is a wonderful singer, blues songwriter and guitar player. He has lived in the USA for many years, but he and Raphael from Blue C used to have a blues duo in the 60s. As Jim James and Raphael Callaghan they recorded two of Jim's songs for a British blues anthology LP (remember LPs?) called Gasoline, on the Liberty label, in 1969. Also on the album were Jo Ann Kelly, Tony McPhee, Andy Fernbach, Brett Marving and the Thunderbolts.
Jim has flown back to the UK for three gigs with Raphael to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Gasoline recordings.
Those gigs are:-
Blues On The Rock, Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton, Wirral Sunday 8th March Music from 1pm-4pm, admission £4. As usual with Blues On The Rock you'll need to get there early to claim a seat.
Everyman Folk Club, Everyman Bistro, Hope Street, Liverpool Tuesday 10th March, 8.15pm. Special guests, Jim James & Raphael Callaghan.
Park Golf Club, Park Road West, Southport
Thursday 12th March, 8pm. Jim James & Raphael Callaghan in concert, with support from Blue C. Admission £5.
Copies of the original vinyl version of the Gasoline LP are impossible to come by nowadays and the LP is valued at £80 in collectors' circles, but Jim and Raphael say they will have copies of the CD re-issue for sale at their gigs at a much more modest price!
Elbow Jane - (l-r) Richard Woods, Chris Chesters, Steve Finnegan, Joe Topping, & Kev Byrne
Elbow Jane are emerging as one of the UKs premiere acoustic live acts, with their unique blend of bazouki, mandolin, guitar, keyboards and percussion being complemented by expressive vocals and wistful harmonies.
They have played main stages at festivals and clubs countrywide winning a loyal following and national acclaim from fellow artists, directors and radio stations. 2008 saw them personally invited to play at Chris While & Julie Matthews ‘Party on the Lawn’.
Last year also saw them sign to Fellside Records for the recording of their new CD album, 3 Side Island.
2009 is set to be another groundbreaking year with the recent release of the new CD, and gigs the length and breadth of the country.
One of those gigs is right here in Merseyside tonight, Saturday 7th March, at the Pacific Road Arts Centre. The gig starts at 8pm, and tickets are £10 from Pacific Road. The album will also be available to buy on the night.
You can find out more information about the band from their website www.elbowjane.com
If you prefer your acoustic music tonight to be on the Liverpool and/or free side of things then why not check out Kaya's second Under The Influence event?
'Under The Influence VOL 2' is a celebration of all things grungy (only acoustic, so we guess slightly more grown up...) featuring originals and covers from five artists who has been influenced by this era: Ogo, Jo Bywater, Dave Masson, Dan Riley and Kaya. DJ set from the fabulous X-Ray Cat and special guest Richie Vegas playing an eclectic mix until everyone's all partied out.
The second in a series of gigs celebrating the songs and writers that influenced the next generation. In the perfect setting of the famous Parr Street Studio 2; where Coldplay, Bjork, Kings of Convenience and Echo & The Bunnymen, Gomez and many more recorded. (Not the same entrance as 3345 Bar)
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 songs from the grunge era. All completely FREE! Future volumes will include other legends. Join the Facebook group or email acoustic@aurora-borealis.info for more information.
3. Virginia Haze - You Can't Always Get Your Own Way
4. Lorelei Loveridge - Oh, India
Download the show for free (right-click to download)
Or listen online below (not available for email subscribers)
The next Liverpool Acoustic Live gig is taking place on Friday 20th March 2009 at the View Two Gallery on Mathew Street. The doors open at 8.00pm and the music starts at 8.30pm.
Entrance is £4 on the door, or £3 in advance from contact[at]liverpoolacoustic.co.uk
We've got four great acts for you to enjoy on the night.
The Good Intentions are Peter, Francesco and Gabrielle. Together they play country-tinged Americana with a distinctive style. 'Miles of Music' (USA) said the music 'sounds relaxed, alive, vulnerable and spontaneous. A laid-back vibe that grows richer with every listen'. Their CD Poor Boy was reviewed by Americana UK magazine, and was republished by Liverpool Acoustic with permission here.
In Michael Ryder's own words, he's an OK musician with an OK voice. How modest! What he fails to mention is that he was invited to record in Parr Street Studios aged only 17, he's got a song featured on the Liverpool Music Today CD, and he won a competition in the Barfly to play the prestigious 'Fly' in Camden, London. We think that's more than OK, don't you?
Virginia Haze started singing at the age of 7 and formed her own girl band - Infinity - by the time she was 13! Over the years she has experimented with different styles and concepts, and writes many of her songs with her brother Kevin Murphy. Virginia's album Genuine is available to buy from her website.
A firm favourite on the Liverpool Acoustic scene, Virginia is sure to captivate us with her voice which has been described as bluesy, rock with soul, dark and Chocolate flavoured!
Canadian artist Lorelei Loveridge is a songwriter, performer, world-traveller, teacher, arts manager, coach, consultant, writer, photographer, director of theatre, marketer, and jill-of-all-trades in the wonderful world of independent music. She lived for 11 years in Saudi Arabia, pre and post 9/11, and experienced religious zealots, compound invasions, a terrorist chase, earthquake, tsunami, war in Lebanon, crazy drivers, nutty expats and more, and survived to tell the tales in story and song.
Lorelei currently lives and works in Manchester and is just about to start a tour taking in the UK and Canada. Her album Bakhoor is available to buy from her website.
U.S. songwriter and guitar legend Dick Wagner says this of Loveridge and Bakhoor: "Her vocals are hauntingly emotive, her songs are beautifully structured folk/pop creations and her musicians are world-class interpreters of her musical vision…The brilliant 'Oh, India' sets the tone and atmosphere for this musical journey…a journey you won't forget. I personally love Lorelei's music and recommend it to all seekers of sophisticated yet accessible music."
Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight #11
If you get the chance, please support your local artists by emailing them, joining their mailing lists, leaving them comments, going to their gigs, and buying their music direct from them where possible.
Thank you to everyone who turned out to support the first Liverpool Acoustic Live event last month. Originally it was going to be just a one-off gig, but so many people asked us when the next one would be it would have been rude to disappoint! So, the next one is on Friday 20th March at the View Two Gallery. On the bill will be The Good Intentions, Virginia Haze, Michael Ryder, and Lorelei Loveridge. There's already a gig flyer on the Liverpool Acoustic home page and we'll have full details on the gig and the artists in the next blog post.
SPOTLIGHT
The Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight is changing. From March we're going to be doing two shows each month. The first show will be a showcase for the artists who have been booked for the Liverpool Acoustic Live gig. This show will alternate with the regular Spotlight looking at the music of just one artist. As always, there's a link to the most recent Spotlight on the Liverpool Acoustic front page.
DIARY
Although there's not enough space to mention everything that's in the Liverpool Acoustic diary, it's worth sharing with you some of the highlights we've been informed about already for March 2009
Sunday 1st - The Family Folk-up long day of folk and roots @ Mello Mello (as mentioned in the previous News and Reviews blog post)
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 from Virginia Haze, Rae Clark, Tom George, Stuart Todd and others.
Thursday 5th - Kaya is back hosting her monthly Acoustica event at 3345 Parr Street.
Friday 6th - Mellowtone are at the View Two, with live music from: The B of the Bang, Johnny Sands, Towanda, and more tbc
Saturday 7th - The Family Folk-Up presents... The Travelling Band,Rachel & The Red Socks,The Random Family, and Naomi Mather @ the regular St Bride's venue.
Saturday 7th - Elbow Jane album launch @ The Pacific Road Arts Centre
Saturday 7th - Under The Influence VOL 2 - Smells Like Seattle @ Parr Street Studio 2, featuring Ogo, Jo Bywater, Dave Masson and Kaya
Friday 20th - Liverpool Acoustic Live @ the View Two
Friday 20th - Thomas J Speight @ The Barfly Theatre, with Jonas Alaska, Ragz, Ben Singleton, and Alyssa Bonagura.
Sunday 22nd - Tunng with Tinariwen (trio) @ The Phil
Saturday 28th - Acoustic Dream - Upstairs at the Zanzibar
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
It was good to see the Good Intention's album review re-published here last week. If you're an acoustic performer or band and you have a review you'd like to share with the rest of the world then let us know. You can contact us using the Contact Us form (doh!) on the Liverpool Acoustic website.
