WENLOCK HILL: A review of Merrymouth's performance at the Tolbooth!

Below is our review of Merrymouth's performance at the Tolbooth in Stirling on May 10th! Support on the night came from the fantastic Pete MacLeod! Enjoy and share!



Merrymouth concluded the Scottish leg of their tour in support of their brand new studio album "Wenlock Hill" at Stirling's Tollbooth.  The night kicked off with an exceptional performance from Pete MacLeod, a signee of Alan McGee's 359 Music.  The blend of Pete's acoustic guitar and the electric guitar of lead guitarist Andy created a unique atmosphere and the extra reverb and echo all enhanced the mystical nature of Pete's songs as well.  He played a short set which consisted mostly of songs from his album, "Rolling Stone".  Their was also a little verse or two of "Wonderwall" thrown in amongst brand new song "Away".

 

The main act of Merrymouth followed and they did certainly not disappoint.  Their well-honed stagecraft comes to the fore in this more intimate folk-orientated setting than it has previously at the more rock and roll affair that is Ocean Colour Scene gigs.  The humour and between-song conversation (including a tale involving a man with an axe in Glenrothes) was humorous and well received from the audience.  The set included almost exclusively Merrymouth songs; the "Wenlock Hill" album was performed in full.  One OCS track did make the cut however in the form of Jimmy Miller tribute, "Jimmy Wonder", which made a fine addition to the set. Other highlights included "In The Midst Of Summertime", "Shadow Knows" (as inspired by Liam Gallagher), "Over My Head", the 'misguided buffoonery' of "Salt Breeze", a 'folked up' re-interpretation of Strangles classic "Duchess" and of course the tale of 'misery, death and dispair' (as Dan put it) that was "Mr. Marshall", which brought the set to a nice conclusion.

 

The band (Simon Fowler, Dan Sealey, Adam Barry and outstanding folk musician John McCusker) were more than willing to hang around at the end to chat to fans and sign albums as well.  Overall, a top night, a top venue and top acts - highly recommended!



Pete MacLeod Setlist: 'Re:Ality' / 'Away' / 'Rolling Stone' / 'Give A Little Love' / 'Let It Shine' / 'God Speed' / 'Today I Went Swimming'

Merrymouth Setlist: 'Wenlock Hill' / 'Salt Breeze' / 'Sweetest Words' / 'Blink Of An Eye' / 'Without You' / 'Last Train But One' / 'That Man' / 'In The Midst Of Summetime' / 'He Was A Friend Of Mine' / 'Shadow Knows' / 'Teashop Serenade' / 'Over My Head' / 'Jimmy Wonder' / 'Duchess' / 'I Am The Resurrection' / 'If You Follow' / 'The Ragged Spiral' / 'Mr Marshall'



Hope you enjoyed this feature on Merrymouth and Pete MacLeod!

Be sure to check out our previous feature on The Front!

Check out Merrymouth here - http://www.merrymouth.net/

Check out Pete MacLeod here - http://www.petemacleod.net/

You can also like our facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews and reviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

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IRISH WALTZ: A review of a fine live performance from two of the UK's finest unsigned singer-songwriters, John Hinshelwood and Edwina Hayes!

 

Our regulars will remember our review of Edwina Hayes' live performance supporting folk royalty Fairport Convention earlier this year! Well she was so good that we had to go and check her out again - this time at the Edinburgh Folk Club with support from the superb John Hinshelwood! Check out our review below!

 

The Edinburgh Folk Club hosted a night of music from Edwina Hayes and John Hinshelwood on the 9^th April. Glasgow-born Hinshelwood was up first and performed two three songs sets accompanied by a lead guitarist and a bassist. The songs were mainly taken from his three albums to date – ‘Lowering the Tone’, ‘Shattered Pleasures’ and ‘Holler ‘Til Dawn’ – however the guys also treated the crowd to a cover of a country classic which Hinshelwood revealed to be his favourite song title of all time – ‘My Wife Thinks You’re Dead’. The highlight of Hinshelwood’s sets were original numbers, ‘Radio Angel’ and 'A Few Shallow Moments'.

Hayes played two longer sets and, in true folk tradition, played a mixture of originals and covers. She was chatty as ever between songs and provided some amusing tales as to how the original tracks came to be. Hayes opened with the two opening tracks from her debut album, but in reverse order – ‘Leave a Light on for you’ and then ‘Run’. These were followed by Richard Thompson’s rare Elvis song, ‘From Galway to Graceland’. Also included in the first set was an astonishing rendition of Kate Rusby’s ‘Who Will Sing Me Lullabies’, various Hayes originals such as ‘Tell Me So’ and ‘Bend in the Road’, and the sing-a-long finale of Joe South’s ‘Games People Play’.

The second set saw Hayes continue her fine form opening with Leonard Cohen’s ‘Famous Blue Raincoat’ – as requested by an audience member. She also showcased a brand new original entitled ‘Crying over you’ and one of the finest versions of Bob Dylan’s ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’ ever! The set concluded with the final track from her debut album – ‘Irish Waltz’. For those lucky enough to have heard the studio version, the live version is taken to a whole new level as the heartbreak-drenched lyrics are brought to life with Hayes’ incredible voice. Shortly after leaving the stage she was invited back to perform the classic Randy Newman number ‘Feels Like Home’ (as featured in My Sister’s Keeper).

All in all, a top night of live music which demonstrated the fine pool of talent that is still in the folk world to this day.

 

THE SETLISTS

 

John Hinshelwood Set 1

Dangerous Journey

Radio Angel

Your Move

 

Edwina Hayes Set 1

Leave A Light On For You

Run

From Galway To Graceland

Bend In The Road

Stay

It's A Hard Life Wherever You Go

Who Will Sing Me Lullabies

Want You To Stay

Tell Me So

From Galway To Graceland

 

John Hinshelwood Set 2

Look Back In Anger

A Few Shallow Moments

My Wife Thinks You're Dead

 

Edwina Hayes Set 2

Famous Blue Raincoat

Open The Show For You

It Ain't Me Babe

Nobody's Coming Around

Pour Me A Drink

Season Of Love

Crying Over You

Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness

To Ramona

Irish Waltz

 

Encore

Feels Like Home

 

 

Hope you enjoyed our review of Edwina Hayes and John Hinshelwood!

 

Be sure to check out our previous feature on The Last Of The Troubadours!

Check out Edwina Hayes here - http://www.edwinahayes.com/

Check out John Hinshelwood here - www.littleroots.com

You can also like our facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews and reviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

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MEET ON THE LEDGE: A review of Fairport Convention's gig at The Queen's Hall in Edinburgh! Support came from Edwina Hayes, check it out!

 

 

Below is our review of Fairport Convention's gig at the Queen's Hall in Edinburgh! Support came from the talented Edwina Hayes! Check it out!

 

To stay up to date with future interviews like our facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

 

 

PART 1 - THE REVIEW

 

You may remember our last live review of Glasvegas and The Strange Blue Dreams at the Old Fruit Market in Glasgow. If you're expecting more of the same old rock 'n' roll then we suggest that you turn away here as tonight's review is based on a night of world-class folk music.

 

Fairport Convention brought their 'Wintour' to Edinburgh's Queen's Hall last night and played a strong set including the classic tracks 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes?', 'Matty Groves' and 'Meet On The Ledge. However, first was the support act - Edwina Hayes. Edwina was given a fine introduction from the injured Fairport bass player Mr Dave Pegg and a warm welcome from the Edinburgh crowd. She went on to perform four self-penned songs will a beautifully unique voice, highlights were definitely 'Tell Me So' and the Boo Hewerdine co-write 'Bend In The Road'. Between each tune, she chatted and joked with the crowd and told stories of cake makers from Aberdeen, her knack of writing depressing (but lovely) songs and Eddi Reader getting lost on her way to a stage! Edwina then went on to perform a Richard Thompson number, 'Waltzing's For Dreamers', which was unsurprisingly received well and played to rival Thompson's version, showcasing her unique voice once again. Following this, she invited some special guests up for her last song - the members of Fairport Convention. Taking up their posts on the stage they performed a brilliant rendition of Nanci Griffith's 'Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness', before Edwina departed."

 

The Fairport set that followed was superb and kicked off with a storming performance of the title track from their 1995 album, 'Jewel In The Crown'. Following this was the slightly 'gothic' (as Chris Leslie put it!) folk song 'Doctor Of Physick' and then 'I'm Already There'. 'Home', 'Theodore's Song' and 'Cell Song' provided moments of discovery and each will be downloaded in the following days! However, the highlight of the first half of the set came with the ferocious 'Dirty Linen' which was performed at a furiously fast pace. So much so that stand in bass player Matt Pegg had to go and 'lie down' afterwards. Set one was concluded with 'Mercy Bay' and an explanation of Dave Pegg's absence from the bass - he had had an accident involving a washing machine... typical! He was still able to venture on to stage every now and then with his natural wit and to sing some harmonies."

 

After a twenty-minute interval Fairport returned to the stage for their second set. This included the revised version of 'Farewell, Farewell' and a brand new song entitled 'Myths & Heroes'. Edwina then returned to the stage for a fantastic performance of 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' which was followed by a Ric Sanders stand-up comedy routine preluding 'Danny Jacks'. The main set was then concluded with traditional folk song/Fairport classic 'Matty Groves'. And despite the fact that Simon Nicol promised that this would be their last song they couldn't resist the cheers, clapping and stamping of the crowd that lured them back out to perform the amazing, iconic 'Meet On The Ledge'. Again this featured both Edwina, Dave Pegg and the biggest sing along of the night.

 

Overall, a superb showcase of the folk world which can be caught again, as Simon Nicol kept reminding us, during August for their annual Cropedy festival in which fine weather and sunshine is ensured. Finally, it is no surprise that this band are still drawing crowds after being together for forty years and it was inspiring to see how willing they were to chat to fans beforehand, during the interval and after the show. Definitely worth checking out before its too late!



PART 2 - THE SETLISTS

Edwina Hayes

Run
Leave A Light On For You
Tell Me So
Bend In The Road
Waltzing's For Dreamers
Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness (with Fairport Convention)

Fairport Convention

Jewel In The Crown
Doctor Of Physick
I'm Already There
Home
Theodore's Song
Dirty Linen
Cell Song
Mercy Bay
(Interval)
Festival Bell
Wassail Song
Farewell Farewell
The Happy Man
Myths & Heroes
Too Close To The Wind
Grace & Favour
Who Knows Where The Time Goes? (with Edwina Hayes)
Danny Jacks
Matty Groves
(Encore)
Meet On The Ledge (with Edwina Hayes)



Hope you enjoyed this feature on Fairport Convention and Edwina Hayes! Check out our previous feature on Two-Bit Sister!
 

Check out Fairport Convention here - http://www.fairportconvention.com/

 

Check out Edwina Hayes here - http://www.edwinahayes.com/

  

You can also like our Facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

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PLEASE COME BACK HOME: Glasvegas return home for a Christmas gig at the Old Fruitmarket! Support comes from The Strange Blue Dreams!

 

PART 1 - THE REVIEW

 

Glasvegas returned home to their native Glasgow on Sunday for their Christmas homecoming show after having toured latest album, 'Later...When The TV Turns To Static', extensively over the last few months. The setting for the night was The Old Fruitmarket which has kept all its period charm from back when it was actually a market back in the Victorian era. It was an apt setting for a Glasvegas gig and the lads demonstrated this well as they roared through a strong sixteen song set which spanned all three of their albums and of course, their Christmas EP.

 

 

The night got off to a good start when we met Paul Donoghue, the bassist, in the smoking area round the back of the venue (we originally approached him for directions before the penny dropped)! Anyway, after photos had been taken we were back on our way and arrived at the venue for 6:30 when we were told the doors were meant to open. However, the first (and only) snag of the night hit when we were told the doors were not to open for another hour! Anyway, we eventually got in and were immediately impressed by the venue.

 

 

Half an hour later, the support took to the stage in the form of The Strange Blue Dreams. This five-piece, also from Glasgow, take their influence from the fifties and play a mix of rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and country. They looked the part as well, as if they'd just come out a time machine from the fifties, and the double bass and mandolin were nice touches as well! They played a short half hour set in which they impressed the majority of the crowd. They had good stage presence, interacted with the crowd well and had a selection of catchy tunes which, after all, is exactly what you want from a support act. Hopefully these lads will go on to big things.

 

 

Next up, was the main attraction of the night, Glasvegas. They came on stage to the backdrop of their recording of 'Silent Night / Noapte de Vis' and with a four beat count-in from Jonna Lofgren, the drummer, they were away with the eponymous opening track from their latest album. The song provided the crowd with a driving beat and a great opportunity for a sing-a-long early on in the night. This was followed up by the rocking number that is 'Youngblood' and then by 'It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry'. This, the third song, was perhaps when the crowd really got behind the band as James Allan's lyrics were echoed back at him from all corners of the room. Next, the band performed 'Euphoria, Take My Hand' which demonstrated Rab Allan's immense skill as a lead guitar player as he picked his way through perhaps one of the catchiest riffs of recent years. Following this, a more sombre note came when the band played a haunting version of 'I Feel Wrong (Homosexuality Pt. 1)' in which James puts himself in the shoes of a homosexual warning the world that 'once a day I think about killing myself'. The song itself shows James' ability to relate to people in all sorts of situations through his songwriting, which is another rarity in bands and songwriters of today. The set continued to flow with single 'If'. Perhaps one of the best songs Glasvegas have ever put on record and with a really upbeat marching band rhythm throughout the verses it provides another opportunity for the crowd to get going. The lyrics again are a strong point for the band during this song and musically it is strong as well. 'If' was followed by a peculiar choice in the form of 'Secret Truth', especially considering that 'Flowers & Football Tops' was not played during the night. However, despite the fact it is not the band's strongest track, the performance was sound. The band got back on track with 'The World Is Yours' and 'Dream Dream Dreaming', crowd favourites in which the lyrics were again echoed back at the band. Then the band fell silence for a brief period of time before James introduced the next song in his strong Glaswegian accent: "this is Geraldine". The venue erupted as Rab once again demonstrated his fine guitar playing with another exceptional riff and by the time the drums came in, with the bass driving away in the background, the crowd were in full force. For the next three or so minutes, the crowd screamed the words of 'Geraldine' back to James in near perfect unison before the song came to its natural end. Meaningful lyrics followed again during 'Ice Cream Van' and the main set was concluded with a boisterous rendition of 'Go Square Go' - another point at which the venue erupted as a chorus of 'here we f****** go' brought the set to a grand finale. The band now departed the stage as the crowd continued with the chant.

 

 

James eventually reappeared clutching his guitar. He stepped up to the mic and explained that his sister had asked him to play a song of their Christmas EP for the occasion. This left the crowd guessing - 'Cruel Moon'? 'Please Come Back Home'? 'F*** You, It's Over'? However, James soon launched into a solo version of the brilliant 'Please Come Back Home'. This moment seemed even more poignant when you remember that a fan suggested they play this song tonight in the memory of all who died in the tragedy at the Clutha Bar and one cannot help think of this as James repeats the line, 'so please come back home', as if he is in deep emotional pain and he has actually lost someone in the tragedy. After this the full band return to the stage to perform the menacing lead single from their latest album. 'I'd Rather Be Dead (Than Be With You)' is a true break up song with hate and disgust coming through the vocals at every moment. The gig was concluded with the ultimate Glasvegas finale with their biggest hit 'Daddy's Gone', followed by 'Lots Sometimes'. The former providing as good a sing a long as ever with Paul's driving bass playing coming to the fore and the latter having just the same effect. However, I could've sworn that James got some of the words to 'Lots Sometimes' in the wrong order!

 

 

Overall, Glasvegas played a fine set and it provided a perfect homecoming show. However, it is in fact more than that, as in recent times Glasvegas have released, in terms of critical and commercial acclaim, a disappointing second album; been dropped from their record label and had disappointing sales for their latest album. So, Glasvegas definitely have a point to prove and they are certainly doing that in their live show. Away from the stage though they are still matching their contemporaries in both musicianship and songwriting and one can only hope that Glasvegas do one day get back the recognition that they have earned and that they had at the point of their ground-breaking debut record. An exceptional gig.

 

 

PART 2 - THE SETLISTS

 

The Strange Blue Dreams

 

In My Nature

Reverberatin' Love

Fallin'

Electricity

Pretending Everything

Warm Place

Twilight Zone

Anyway

 

 

Glasvegas

 

Later...When The TV Turns To Static

Youngblood

It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry

Euphoria, Take My Hand

I Feel Wrong (Homosexuality Pt. 1)

If

Secret Truth

The World Is Yours

Dream Dream Dreaming

Geraldine

Ice Cream Van

Go Square Go

(Encore)

Please Come Back Home

I'd Rather Be Dead (Than Be With You)

Daddy's Gone

Lots Sometimes

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Glasvegas and The Strange Blue Dreams! Check out our previous feature on The Capers!
 

Check out Glasvegas here - http://glasvegas.net/

 

Check out The Strange Blue Dreams here - https://www.facebook.com/theshiverinsheiks

  

You can also like our Facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

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LIVE FROM THE HEART: We review Little Liam's debut release from 2012, 'Live From The Heart'!

 

"THE REVIEW"

 

Little Liam's debut release, 'Live From The Heart', is a stunning snapshot of the OCS apprentice, Liam Garland, as he was almost two years ago. It presents each of his songs in their most primitive forms - just a voice, a guitar and occasionally a piano (Liam being accompanied just by his guitarist - Jimmy Pyatt). From the groovy riff of 'Last Dragz' to the magical yet simple piano of 'I Know Now', this is certainty one of the finest debut releases from any act in recent years. Not to mention the stunning finger work on 'Our Time Will Come', which has since been reworked on piano as the closing track to Little Liam's debut EP, 'The Beginning'. Other highlights include 'It Gets Better', 'Round The Coast' and 'You Don't Know'. All together a fine live set that deserves a listen from any true music lover. And things can only get better for Liam and his band from here as they have just completed some support slots with the legendary Mister Steve Cradock and have also just released their superb debut full band EP, 'If I Wasn't Me'. Little Liam are definitely a group to watch out for in the future.

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Little Liam! Check out our previous feature on Dogstar Rose and Futurejack!

 

Check out Little Liam here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Liam/76997510217

  

You can also like our Facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

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