Live review - Wilde Sundays 23rd May 2023

Wilde Sunday at South Hill Park 23/05/23

 The best way to spend an afternoon doesn’t get much better than being at a Wilde Sunday. As always, we were treated to three great acts, skilfully put together by Graham Steel.

 First on was duo STEM (STeve – guitar; EMma - vocals and guitar), playing a range of their own songs on topics such as sisterly love (Unsung Hero), and new single Concentrate. Emma’s beautiful voice delivered each song with crystal clear quality. STEM had also brought along their PR team in the form of Emma’s young daughter, who was ‘too cute to refuse’ when giving out business cards.

 Next was local favourite Michael Tuffery, who’s low dulcet tones were perfect for his mix of laid-back folk tunes. A variety of covers, as well as self-penned in response to being ‘pipped at the post’ at his local folk club’s themed nights. One memorable moment was hearing him sing ‘It’s In Your Laugh’ written for his wife. Any longer, and there wouldn’t have been a dry eye in the room.

 The closing act was Martin Wood with a blues and soft jazz set. Not one to be playing too many unhappy songs, Martin changed guitars to play us Van Morrison’s Moondance. Then it was a return to the blues and an impromptu performance of a song by Blind Willie Johnson on discovering a shared appreciation with an audience member. The set continued with songs from that ‘little known blues artist’ – himself! A genuine encore ensued, and that was a wrap for the afternoon.

 Everyone was so chilled out by the end and made no moves to go home. I’d say that’s a sign of a successful afternoon of music, and at less than £10 what’s not to enjoy. See you next on June 18th, same time (2.00 – 4.00pm), same place (South Hill Park, Bracknell), different bands.

Review By Juliet Hurwitt

Album Review - The Lost Trades 'Petrichor '

The dictionary definition of Petrichor the title of the new album from The Lost Trades is “a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather” and for this Wiltshire based trio they have been basking in glowing praise since the release of their debut Award Winning album ‘The Bird, The Book & The Barrell’ which received rave reviews  and spent 8 months in the Official UK Folk Albums Chart.and now finally the follow up album is due for release accompanied by a UK Tour.

Consisting of Tamsin Quin, Phil Cooper and Jamie R Hawkins all three were and still are established solo performers before they joined together as The Lost Trades and as good as their debut album is Petrichor feels like time has enabled them to develop their own sound even more, but still enabling their individual talents to shine through. With four of the twelve songs previously released as singles in the run up to the launch there was a fear that we may have heard the best songs already, but that is certainly not the case, make no mistake, this is a corker of an album.

The opening track Old Man of the Sea is an emotional and personal obituary written in memoriam for a late family member, reminiscent of Crosby, Stills Nash & Young and it does that wonderful thing where all voices are in unison and then one strips away to the emphasise a lyric that packs a punch which CSN&Y did so well. There is a wonderful video to accompany Keep My Feet Dry which tell’s the story of breaking away from personal relationships that don’t do you any good and standing your own ground and I love the guitar break in this song.

Atlas is the first track on the album that hasn’t been released as a single and therefore a good indication of how good this album truly is and it’s a great pop song which tells of taking the weight of the world on your shoulders, but strangely leaves the listener full of hope. Long Since Gone is a beautiful song in remembrance of those people dear to us who are no longer here, which is followed by Daffodils which tells of the importance of good friends in troubled times, which includes the line “ You are my Devil's Avocado” which is one of my favourite lyrics and the harmonies on this show the trio at their best.

Throughout Petrichor we are treated to three people who are at the top of their game vocally, musically (the musicianship throughout is excellent and comes across as effortless) and as songwriters who sound wonderful together but at the same time as individuals as is the case with Hornbeam, Fireflies and Best Step Forward.  Little Black Bird is another great song with a fabulous bass line running throughout and more fabulous harmonies asking the question “do you remember what you dream” to the little bird.

The title track to the album ‘Petrichor’ wouldn’t go a miss being sung in any Folk Club or Folk Festival and is a song of hope in these strange times that we currently live in. This Dark Forest has an almost cinematic feel to it as it takes the listener on a journey and you feel all three of The Lost Trades are with you every step of the way. The final track on this fine album Valhalla is currently my favourite of all tracks on offer (but the more I listen to the album the more I feel this will change as they are all so very good), with just a slow evocative drum and acapella vocals this is a stirring song with a message to turn off the TV and put down your newspaper and to take in all that is around you in nature and I can’t help but feel this song performed live will become a firm favourite with audiences.

Petrichor is a fine album and like the meaning of the word it awakens the senses, the lyrics are thought provoking and you come away with a sense of hope, just how good this album is only time will tell but based on the number of times I have already had it on repeat it is likely to be in the running for album of the year.

 To order the album :- https://shop.thelosttrades.com/album/petrichor

The Lost Trades UK Tour Dates :- http://thelosttrades.com/tour-dates/

Review – Jim Chorley – A Dawn Yet To Rise EP

Review – Jim Chorley – A Dawn Yet To Rise EP

The music of Jim Chorley fits into that great British Folk singer songwriter tradition of artists such as John Rebourne, Ralph McTell and Nick Drake but still manages to return his own distinctive style. This four track EP is a gentle collection of songs full of hope and a perfect listen as you unwind after a busy day with your drink of choice, beautifully produced and highly recommended.

A Dawn Yet To Rise EP is available now on Bandcamp :- https://jimchorley.bandcamp.com/album/a-dawn-yet-to-rise

Review - Paul Alexander Low – Sunshine after the Rain

Review -  Paul Alexander Low – Sunshine after the Rain

Sunshine after the Rain is Paul Alexander Lowe's debut album. Paul has produced an album of original songs full of great melodies and stories with a rich, smooth vocal that draws you in and holds your attention. The album puts me in the mood for the open road, windows down and music turned up. A great debut, showcasing a new songwriting talent.

The album is available here :- https://paulalexanderlow.hearnow.com/sunshine-after-the-rain

Review by Tara & Jaen

Review - Ajay Srivastav -The New Album - Powerless

Review - Ajay Srivastav -Powerless

Powerless is the second album from Ajay Srivastav. An inspirational journey through the COVID 19 Pandemic, from fear, frustration and anger to faith, hope and peace. The first song “The Line” is a foot-tapping question.  Challenging lyrics ask where you stand and what you believe? The title track “Powerless” kicks off with some truly emotive Indian Violin from Kartik Raghunathan.  The lyrics are a motivational call-to-hope, with a rousing chorus. “ The Powerless one day will rise”. “Golden” is an uplifting, joyful, life-affirming trip, with a catchy Stealer's Wheel feel. “The Path” is a meditative song about coming home, with the inspired addition of a string quartet, who also stay for the thought-provoking “Count Your Blessings”, reminding us to live in the present and be thankful for all that we have. Powerless is a wonderful blend of Delta Blues, Indian Folk and Protest songs wrapped in the sublime sounds of Ajay's Dobro with the gorgeous undercurrent of Vinod's Tabla.

“A true Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove”

Reviewed by Jaen Amber & Tara Egan

Powerless by Ajay Srivastav is available from https://www.ajayhq.com/

Review – The Lost Trades - New Album - The Bird, The Book & The Barrel

Review –  The Lost Trades ‘The Bird, The Book & The Barrel’  

The Bird, The Book & The Barrel is the love child and debut album from the Lost Trades who are Lost Trades are Wiltshire based friends, Jamie (R Hawkins), with his dark, country edge, Phil (Cooper) with his urban folk wit and Tamsin (Quin) with her engaging warmth and whimsy. Individually accomplished musicians in their own right, this trio blends together to produce a melting pot of symmetry and true musical talent.

Opening with "One Voice", a song about the power and strength of unity and joined forces : it could be interpreted as a Lost Trades anthem."Road Of Solid Gold" is a positive song about being content with your own company. An extra layer of violin, provided by Peter Knight (Steeleye Span), brings a rich, wholesome, upbeat feel to the melody. Whilst "Hope Cove" evokes feelings of loss, sadness and faith, "Wait For My Boat" jumps in with a rousing, joyful, singalong chorus.

In all the album is full of evocative harmonies and thought-provoking lyrics, bound together in a wonderful traditional-meets-modern folk genre.

Reviewed by Jaen Amber and Tara Egan

The Bird, The Book & The Barrel by The Lost Trades is available from https://shop.thelosttrades.com/album/the-bird-the-book-the-barrel

Review - Steve Bonham and the Long Road - New Album 'American Wilderness Odyssey’

Review – Steve Bonham and the Long Road ‘American Wilderness Odyssey’

New Album Out Now

American Wilderness Odyssey is available from https://www.thelongroadband.net/awo.html

The American Wilderness Odyssey is an extraordinary project from Steve Bonham and the Long Road which features fifteen songs released over a fifteen month period through a series of EP’s culminating in the release of the album and a companion book. ​The songs from the project have all been written by Steve Bonham, Chris Lydon and Kev Moore, and Steve and Chris. Their starting point is not first the songs of others but the deep well of individual experience.  They were inspired by the people, the landscape, the stories and the spirit of the Southern States of the USA. Steve trekked through the brooding old testament forests and mountains of Appalachia in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina. He took road trips from Ashville to Nashville and New Orleans and then, trekking and driving, circumnavigated New Mexico. Kev set off in a classic old sedan to visit the hometowns and heroes of his youth spending six weeks on the road through Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana.

The album opens with the ‘Ballad of Duane and Billy Marie’ a gentle song with intricate piano playing interweaved with guitar and harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash, like most of the songs on this album the inspiration for this comes from a chance encounter  or observation by Steve Bonham which is then expanded into a story. The more up tempo ‘Wrapped Up in You’ has a great rhythm and slick guitar playing and a catchy chorus and was a hit on independent radio globally and number 1 on UK Country Radio. ‘American Wilderness’ is an eight minute song which tells the strange story of Paula Angel, said to be the first woman to be hung in New Mexico. ‘Do You’ is a beautiful gentle song described by the band as a 'secular prayer' wishing someone an authentic and spiritual life despite all the madness that precedes. ‘Midnight Radio’ is cracking little song where all the component parts of The Long Road come to together with great lyrics, a gentle keyboard backing and excellent percussion.

The final track of the album ‘Western Requim’ is a fantastic end to this epic project conjuring images of the wide expanse of the American landscape with it’s almost cinematic soundscape with Hammond organ, piano, guitar & percussion. In a time when how we listen to music is changing almost on a daily basis The Long Road have come up with a creative and inventive solution by incorporating an album, book and videos making it accessible to everyone, big congratulations to all involved.

Graham Steel

Review - Mandy Woods - New Album 'Cabin Fever'

Review – Mandy Woods ‘Cabin Fever’

New Album Released Monday 22nd February 2021.

Bandcamp - https://mandywoodsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/cabin-fever

Glastonbury based singer and songwriter Mandy Woods releases her new album, aptly titled ‘Cabin Fever’ later this month, featuring fifteen songs recorded during Lockdown. A seasoned writer and performer in both Europe and America, Mandy Woods has spent most of her adult life giving in to wanderlust and crafting songs wherever she has happened to find herself on her unconventional journey, many of them telling stories - about the ups and downs of relationships, about her own and other people's struggles and quests, and about the myriad other twists of fate that have inspired her imagination.

The title track Cabin Fever opens the album telling the story of being confined inside with a loved one which is appropriate for a Lockdown which is followed by the gentle My Second Hand Heart with beautiful harmonica backing. This whole album has an Americana/ Folk feel to it with well crafted songs, wonderful musicianship and easy to listen to stories and you have to wonder why Mandy Woods isn’t more well known on the acoustic music scene. The up tempo One Trick Pony definitely takes on more of a Country Music sound and could easily be heard in any Bar or Honky Tonk in Nashville and even has a Yee Haa at the end to prove my point.

There are so many good songs on this album with Cactus Rose, Butterfly, Awesome Woman and Full Moon Over Vegas being particular highlights all telling what sound like personal real life experiences. Although all the songs feature vocals and guitar from Mandy there is some backing with the occasional steel guitar and in All That is Left to Cherish  beautiful violin accompaniment from Judith Hooper. Ain’t No G in Country is a great fun track with has more of a band feel than the other songs. The closing track Every Single Second is all about making the most of life whilst you can, which is a positive message as we all hopefully prepare to come out of Lockdown. This is a really enjoyable album that is perfect listening equally on a cold Winter’s night or on a Summer’s evening under the stars, highly recommended.

The album is available from Bandcamp 22nd February.

Graham Steel

Review - Hoopy Frood - New Album 'Affirmations'

Review - Hoopy Frood ‘Affirmations’

New Album Released Sunday 14th February 2021.

Bandcamp - https://hoopyfrood.bandcamp.com

At a time when how we listen to music seems to change on almost a weekly basis and the concept of LP’s and Singles (for all of us who remember them) seems obsolete ‘Affirmations’ by Berkshire based band Hoopy Frood comes as a breath of fresh air. This is without doubt an album in the finest and most glorious sense, clocking in at just over an hour this is not twelve songs packaged together in 3 -4-minute soundbites but a joyous celebration of music with each track running seamlessly into the other, what recording this way does is that it gives the music time to breath, the listener time to enjoy and the musicians involved time to express themselves fully. There are moments when it feels that the band are just jamming but you can also tell that a lot of thought has gone into this and the production and preplanning is superb.

Having established what Affirmations is, which is an Album, trying to describe what it sounds like is whole different kettle of fish, with deep dance grooves, African percussion, reggae rhythms, classic rock guitar solo’s exquisite soulful vocals, which put together makes it sound like it is incoherent and jumbled, it is not, as Hoopy Frood have their own distinct style which incorporates all these different sounds. From the opening track ‘Water’ which starts with an electronic soundscape overlaid with acoustic guitar fingerstyle and features a guitar solo reminiscent of Pink Floyd followed by the wonderful ‘Round Shaped Hole’, the chilled out ‘Atoms & Molecules’ the beautiful piano overlaid with Spanish guitar playing of ‘Harmonics’ the reggae groves and soul led vocals of Big Wide World and ‘Magic in Your Eyes’, listening to this album is like having a Festival in your Living Room.  The album does slow down with ‘The Woods’ which sounds like it was recorded outside, and you can hear bird song and almost feel a gentle Summer breeze with it’s beautiful acoustic guitar accompanied by a cello, before picking up it’s pace with ‘Whispers’ and they all finally let rip with the album finale ‘Lets Help one Another’. 

This is an excellent well produced album from musicians who clearly know what they are doing that has been ten years in waiting and a great antidote to this crazy mixed-up world with its uplifting music and positive lyrics if any ‘Affirmations’ were needed this is highly recommended.

You can pre order the album now from Bandcamp which is released on 14th February.

Review - Tony Cox - Live at GSMC Online Music Club

Review  - Tony Cox

GSMC Online Music Club – Monday 1st February 2021

 Tonight’s GSMC Online Music Club features guitarist Tony Cox who is a multiple award-winning singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist, is one of the most highly acclaimed musicians in South Africa today with a loyal fanbase throughout the country, Tony has recently moved to the UK.

 Starting with a beautiful instrumental piece called ‘Floating’ which was written in a Church and has a deeply spiritual feel to it. ‘Winter Song’ was dedicated to Tony’s friend musician and composer, Malawian, Wambali Mkandawire who sadly passed away the day before this performance and you could feel the emotion in this piece with it’s exquisite African rhythms.

‘Salty Towers’ was written at a time when Tony was living in Scotland and was followed by the first songs of the evening ‘Invisible’ and ‘House of Parliament Blues’ which is about the political situation in South Africa. The title track of his forthcoming new album ‘The World Went Quiet’ and is based on the current Covid 19 pandemic. The evening finished with a great version of ‘Baby Elephant Walk’ by Henri Mancini.

 This was a fabulous set from a world class musician and composer who introduces it each piece with interesting stories and has a great sense of humour who is now starting the next chapter of his extraordinary career here in the UK and we should be delighted to have him here.

 You can find out more about Tony Cox by visiting his website  

https://www.tonycox.co.za/

Review - Toxic Sofa - Live at GSMC Online Music Club

Review  - Toxic Sofa

GSMC Online Music Club – Sunday 31st January 2021

 Tonight’s GSMC Online Music Club features Toxic Sofa featuring Tim Bastock and Kim Halliday who were up to a year ago a Bracknell based duo who could be seen at Open Mic Nights across Berkshire on a regular basis and have now relocated to North Yorkshire.

 After a few technical problems tonight’s performance with the help of green screen technology see’s them performing at the end of Saltburn Pier which is local to them dressed in overcoats and Tim is wearing the almost obligatory flat cap. Their set consists mainly of cover versions with Tim on guitar and both of them singing, starting with Blondies ‘Sunday Girl followed a really good version of the Procol Harum classic ‘Knights in White Satin’ with a recorder solo from Kim which really fits the song, followed by Fred Wedlock’s ‘The Oldest Swinger in Town’.

 The green screen changes to a view from a Space Station looking down on the world for ‘Mad World’ THE Tears for Fears song before going into David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’. The green screen changes to the picturesque view from their studio for a lounge jazz version of ABC’s ‘Poison Arrow. The highlight for me is the one original number they did ‘Life on the Road’ which sums up what being in a band is like for so many people. All in all a good fun Sunday evening watching live music online.

 You can find out more about Toxic Sofa by visiting their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1438335743136189

Review - Jim Chorley - EP Keepsakes Vol 1

Review  - Jim Chorley

EP ‘Keepsakes Vol 1’

 Jim Chorley is an Acoustic/Folk singer-songwriter from Southampton who tells magical story-songs that encompass a life well lived and a life well loved. His latest release ‘Keepsakes Vol 1’ is a compilation EP of his last four single’s.

 The opening track ‘There's Nothing Like Your Love’ starts with gentle guitar intro and violin  which continue throughout and with Jim’s distinctive vocal sound and great song structure this is a great opener. ‘The Blueberry Moon’ is a compelling poetic love song. ‘After the Rain’ is a livelier tempo song which features electric guitar. The final track ‘Newly New’ has more of a folk/ blues feel to it.

Overall this is a fine collection of songs and a great introduction to a singer and songwriter who seems to have been on the acoustic music scene but is new to be and definitely an artist to watch out for in the future.

 You can find out more about Jim Chorley via his website

https://www.jimchorley.com

Review - Matt Hall - Live at GSMC Online Music Club

Review  - Matt Hall

GSMC Online Music Club – Wednesday 27th January 2021

Tonight’s GSMC Online Music Club performance features singer and songwriter Matt Hall from Bracknell. Matt writes his own songs with deep meaningful lyrics and plays a mixture of originals and covers and was newly crowned GSMC Showcase Artist of the Year last week at the Awards Night.

Whenever a performer changes their guitar strings you know they are taking their performance seriously and in Matt’s case this was the first time in six year’s so you tell he meant business. Starting with a Starsailor song ‘Coming Down’ followed by covers of Newton Faulkner, Radiohead ‘Black Star’ and George Michael’s ‘Faith’ which closed the set but as good as the covers were it was Matt’s original songs that shone through which he seemed to perform with more passion and emotion.

‘Angel’ was a song about emotional heartbreak, ‘The Village Came Alive’ is a great lively song about his Grandmother and Matt declared ‘Same Old Lies’ as his best song because it was brutely honest, but for me it was the heartfelt ‘Why Did You Have To Go Away’ which was about his Grand Farther with it’s very moving lyrics.

Although performing solo on an acoustic guitar Matt’s style veers towards an Indie Rock sound and you can imagine he would sound even better with a band, although on his own he sounded great. Matt is a performer who is gradually finding his voice and I look forward to hearing more.

 You can contact Matt Hall through his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013968431865

Review - Michael Tuffery - Live at GSMC Online Music Club

Review  - Michael Tuffery

GSMC Online Music Club – Saturday 16th January 2021

Tonight’s GSMC Online Music Club performance features Michael Tuffery who is a singer and song writer who is well known on the local music scene in Berkshire performing solo, is a member of two Folk bands RyeWolf and WolfNote as well as featuring in a number of projects.

 Dressed in a suit with a bow tie and a green screen backdrop of the Royal Albert Hall you can tell that Michael has put a lot of detail into this set which opens with the Christy Moore song ‘Continental Ceilidh’  and consists of mainly covers but not the sort of songs that you would normally hear such as Paul Carrick’s ‘Eyes of Blues’ , Dire Straits ‘ So Far Away’ and Glen Campbell’s ‘Wichita Lineman’ all of which suit Michael’s distinctive silky smooth vocals.

As good as these covers are it is Michael’s original songs that really stand out such as ‘Molly Again’ which was inspired by his time as an ambulance driver, ‘Closer to You’ was co-written by fellow folk musician Rik Knight. ‘It’s in Your Laugh’ is song dedicated to his wife who joined him for this alongside a video backdrop of roller coaster ride full of teddy bears, sometimes you can’t make these things up! My own personal favourite of his original songs is ‘Westward Winds’ with a great chorus and lyrics, many well known song writer would be proud to have written this.

The set finishes with Phil Collins ‘In the Air Tonight’ followed by an encore which consisted of ‘Cousin Jack’ by Show of Hands which he really makes his own. This was a great set by one of the most under rated performers around.

You can find out more about Michael Tuffery by visiting his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/miketufferymusic

Review - Jenny Colquitt - Live at GSMC Online Music Club

Review  - Jenny Colquitt

GSMC Online Music Club – Monday 11th January 2021

Tonight’s GSMC Online Music Club performance featured Jenny Colquitt who is a singer songwriter from Widnes in the North West of the UK . Jenny has been streaming live shows several times a week throughout Lockdown, I was really looking forward to this performance and wasn’t let down as we were treated to a great performance.

 Alternating between piano and guitar this hour and fifteen minute set consisted completely of original songs which is testament to Jenny’s talent. The first of the evening was ‘True to Me’ which was overlaid with some beautiful piano playing, which was followed by ‘Part of the Story’ and then ‘Tell Me Where the Light Is’, the first track from Jenny’s new EP ‘Dear Daughter’. Jenny has great charm and personality between songs and with a good number of people watching and commenting on the chat page, she makes time to answer all questions and acknowledge everyone as well as making new visitors welcome. ‘Captain Tom’ is the forthcoming  Charity Single due for release in a few weeks about the Lockdown hero and Dirty Town was probably my favourite of the evening, written just a week ago, it is about fighting of the negative energy when you visit some places, although all her songs are great, with a Folk / Blues feel and the occasional touch of Country Music.

With a rich soulful voice, brilliant musicianship and outstanding songs this was a stunning set from a performer who is definitely going places and one to watch for the future.

You can find out more about Jenny Colquitt by visiting her website https://jennycolquittmusic.com

Review - Paul Wilson - Live at GSMC Online Music Club

Review  - Paul Wilson

GSMC Online Music Club – Sunday 10th January 2021

 Paul Wilson comes from a family of great singers and has been performing regularly on the local music scene solo, with his duo Wilson & Cass in various bands and occasionally guests with his brother Damian Wilson who has a growing following both in the UK and Europe and whose sell out tour with Adam Wakeman was disrupted due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

 Tonight’s set mainly consisted of covers but Paul has such a powerful and distinctive voice that he makes them all sound like his own. Starting with the Lenny Kravitz song ‘Rosemary’ Paul plays such a diverse range of songs that there is something here for everyone which includes songs by Terence Trent Darby, The Cure, Radio Head, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and many more as well as a couple by his brother Damian including ‘The One I love’ which he wrote when he was just fifteen years old. Stand out songs for me because they suit Paul’s voice so much was the soulful Ray LaMontagne number ‘Trouble’ , Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Can’t Start a Fire’, Foo Fighters ‘Times Like these’ and ‘Purple Rain’ by Prince which gives you goose bumps the way Paul sings it.

This was a great set and although the big differences with online shows is obviously the lack of audience, there is the chat bar next to the video and tonight there were people commenting and posting emojis throughout the performance and this really does create an atmosphere and a sense that you are enjoying the performance with other people. It was a fabulous evening and I can’t wait to see Paul perform again.

Review - Carola Baer - Live at GSMC Online Music Club

Live Review  - Carola Baer

GSMC Online Music Club - Friday 8th January 2021

 Carola Baer currently performs in Ruby Dawn, a new international collaboration that formed in July 2020, but due to current Covid 19 Lockdown regulations tonight’s performance comprises of a solo set. Performing from her Living Room which was beautifully lit surrounded by pot plants, art work and candles and an angle poise desk lamp which gave everything a soft glow.

 Tonight’s set starts with ‘Stonewall’ an atmospheric piece with percussion backing track and keyboard orchestration with vocal reverb creating a phenomenal sound for one person performing in their own home. ‘Save the Day’ was written during Lockdown and starts with keyboard sound reminiscent of early Jean Michel Jarre, watching Carola perform is a spell binding experience although it is just her there seems to be a number of things going on at the same time. ‘Man Where’s Your Heart’ starts with a deep undertone going into a drum rhythm and vocals with a hypnotic sound overlaid with beautiful keyboards, before slowing down to go into Remind You and going into a wonderful melody which comes across as being improvised. Mirror of your Life features Carola’s hauntingly passionate vocals before she changes over to electric guitar for one number. Over all this is a fantastic performance which changes the energy on a cold January night.

Carola Baer creates her own sound and world which is wonderful to visit full of soundscapes that spark the imagination and poetry that sooths the soul with its stark honesty.

To find out more about Carola Baer please visit her website http://www.carolabaer.com

Review - Peter Crutchfield - Live at GSMC Online Music Club

Live Review  - Peter Crutchfield

GSMC Online Music Club - Thursday 7th January 2021

Peter Crutchfield is a Surrey based acoustic guitarist and songwriter who writes and performs both satirical/comedy/folk songs and relaxing guitar instrumentals and also co hosts the popular Music at the Potteries events in Farnham alongside fellow singer songwriter Jim Cozens.

Tonight’s set at the GSMC Online Music Club starts with the hilarious ‘Middle Class Ageing Hippy’ which speaks for itself and includes some wonderful lines such as “Joni Mitchell didn’t want us to pave over paradise, but if it means you can park outside Waitrose then it really is quite nice”. This was followed by ‘First World Problems’ which is in a similar vein highlighting how some of what we think our everyday issues aren’t really that bad when you look at it. ‘You Are Getting Older’ is reminiscent of Richard Digance songs as was ‘1970’s Really Weren’t that Bad’ which listed TV Shows, songs and food from that period. ‘Sorry We Screwed Things Up’ is a much more serious song dedicated to his daughter and is an apology for how much damage his generation has down to the environment and economy.

Halfway through the set Peter exchanges his Martin acoustic guitar for an Ibanez electric and takes on his other persona, that of an instrumental guitarist, his tunes have proved to be very popular on social media, with thousands of streams including the beautiful ‘Mystic Traveller’ followed by ‘Baystone Park’ which has a slightly jazzy Martin Taylor feel to it. ‘Too Much Money to Little Love’ is an observational song about people who seem to have everything and yet whose lives seem to be very empty. ‘Farnham’s got a Poundland is a very funny song about the outrage that happened in this Surrey Town when permission to open a Poundland was granted and the final song of the set ‘Driving Home to Farnham Town’ is a softer lighter song about his love for his hometown. This was a really enjoyable uplifting set from this talented songwriter and musician and a perfect antidote to a cold dark January night.

 You can find out more about Peter Crutchfield  you can go to his website at https://www.petecrutchfieldmusic.com

Review – Neil Wells ‘Live for Today’ - New Album

Album Review – Neil Wells ‘Live for Today’

‘Live for Today’ is the new album from Surrey based singer, musician and song writer Neil Wells who is a familiar figure on the local acoustic music scene. Neil joined his first band at the age of 15 and played in other local bands before starting a music production company as a joint venture with song writing/production partner Jonathan Brown for over 10 years, creating original songs and recordings. Neil has continued to write new songs, drawing inspiration from all sorts of avenues and experiences and in the last ten years performed these at open mic and showcase gigs.

The album which was recorded at Creative Control Studios in Berkshire kicks off with ‘Feel Like This’, Neil has a soulful voice and backed by a full band produces a light summery feel to his songs that makes you feel good. The catchy ‘Tiny Hands’ is a song about a baby being introduced to the world with backing vocals by Becky McVey which really brings the song to life. ‘Copenhagen’ was the first single to be released from the album last year and like all good songs is reminiscent of something but I can’t for the life of me think what. The more bluesy ‘Whisky Road’ features Paul Player who many people will know from the GSMC Acoustic Showcase nights performs some excellent electric slide guitar on this track. ‘In the Spirit of Nile’ pays homage to Nile Rodgers from Chic and you can feel his influence throughout this album.

All eleven tracks on this album are very good but for me the standout track is ‘That’s What We Believe’ as this is where everything comes together, with a great song, Neil’s vocals and backing band all in fine form with a Hammond organ sound adding the finishing touch. ‘Why Don’t We’ is a song for these crazy times we are currently living in with a simple message of why don’t we all just be good to each other, which you can’t really argue with. ‘Marvin’s Philosophy’ pays tribute to the Prince of Soul Marvin Gaye and the album finale ‘Words Will Stay Unsaid’ is a slow, fluid and thought provoking song, which features Glen Vaal on harmonica.

‘Live for Today’ is a really good album which with the help of an excellent backing band and production from Al Heslop brings Neil’s excellent songs to life and is highly recommended.

Neil Wells Website - https://neilwellsmusic.biz/bio

Review Kay Nixon Live at GSMC Online Music Club

Live Review - Kay Nixon

GSMC Online Music Club - Monday 4th January

One of the hazards of performing live online shows is that you do have to rely on technology and if you haven’t streamed performances that much in the past it can be tricky and that was the case with tonight’s performance featuring Surrey based singer Kay Nixon, with the first couple of songs being inaudible, but that did not phase  her and after swapping devices we were back on track.

Unlike most of the GSMC Online Music Club performances this evenings set was all cover versions but Kay has such an amazing soulful voice it was great to hear her renditions of classic songs such as ‘Wagon Wheel’ written by Bob Dylan & Ketch Secor, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Deep Blue, ‘Ain’t Nobdy’ by Rufus & Chaka Khan and the Cranberries ‘Zombie’. The highlights for me was the stunning version of Tennessee Whiskey which was most recently made famous by Chris Stapleton, ‘Handbags & Gladrags’ which morphed seamlessly into ‘Knocking on Heavens Door’ and the Ray Lamontagne song ‘Trouble’. Although the stand out song of the evening was the only original song and the final number Kay performed the country blues song ‘ Love at First Sight’ and I very much look forward to hearing more of her own songs.

It wasn’t the smoothest online performance I have come across online by far but what it lacked in coordination made up for in passion and the amazing vocal range. Kay is obviously a natural talent and with more focus on her original songs could go along way.

You can find out more about Kay Nixon by visiting her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kaynixonsinger