Gig listings
Compiled by Andy LoweAdvance prices shown, door prices may vary slightly - All doors 7:30pm except Sundays, when doors open 7pm.
TO BOOK TICKETS call our booking line on 020 7240 2622 out of office hours the phone is on answer-phone in which case leave your credit card details including - your name, the artist you want to see, the date of the show, your daytime contact number, your address (if you wish for the tickets to be posted to you), the type of credit card, it's number and expiry date. If the card is Switch along with the expiry date please leave the issue number or start date.
NEW OFFICE NUMBER 020 7240 2120
NEW ADVANCED BOOKING NUMBER 020 7240 2622
E-MAIL: 12barclub@btconnect.com
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Saturday 17th May CONGREGATION + DEXTER BENTLEY + PAUL HAWKINS & THEE AWKWARD SILENCES + HANS BLIX & THE INSPECTORS + MADRENOTTE + TOM MAYNE (from David Cronenberg’s Wife) + SNEEZY Ts + HELLO BABIES + DANA IMMANUEL £6 UK AntiFolk Spring Festival
Sunday 18th May DEBASERS + UNIVERSAL STRAIGHT CIRCLE + THE GINGERS + THE MOUTHS + THE HUMAN BEING £3 Enterprise Rehearsal Studios present - To book a slot, telephone 020 7379 1166 or call in at Enterprise Studios 1-6, Denmark Place, WC2 (directly behind the 12 Bar Club). Otherwise arrive at the 12 Bar Club at 5:30pm to book on the day. More info
Monday 19th May TOM BROSSEAU + special guests SAM AMIDON + SPECK MOUNTAIN £8 The Local presents advance tickets from:
www.wegottickets.com/event/29422
Tom Brosseau www.myspace.com/tombrosseau
“There are some singers, a rare few, whom it’s hard to believe are really from this time, such is the otherworldly pull of their voice.” Time Out
“When Tom Brosseau opens his mouth to sing, it becomes immediately clear that this man is playing for keeps. His music is gentle - and kind of spooky, in a pretty way.” Philly Inquirer
“Tom Brosseau draws on old-time roots traditions that pre-date both, his delicate voice ranging over gospel, blues and fol staples on subtle, supple story-songs. Deceptively simple fluency is his calling card: these are rich songs, lightly dealt.” The Independent
“Tom Brosseau’s sixth album sounds like it turned up in a suitcase covered in dust in someone’s attic, marked “folk music - open after my death”. In fact, he’s an LA resident who recorded it in Bristol (with PJ Harvey producer John Parish), and is loved by Bono.” The Guardian
Sam Amidon www.myspace.com/samamidon
Sam Amidon was raised in Brattleboro, Vermont by folk-musician parents Peter and Mary Alice Amidon. He sings, plays fiddle, banjo, guitar, and can count in binary code on his hands really fast. “All Is Well,” a collection of reworked folksongs produced by Valgeir Sigurðsson and featuring chamber-orchestral arrangements by Nico Muhly and contributions from Eyvind Kang, Aaron Siegel, Ben Frost, and Stefan Amidon, is his first album for Bedroom Community.
His previous album of songs, a duo with Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman) under the name Samamidon and called “But This Chicken Proved Falsehearted,” was labeled “the most interesting folk album of 2007” by Stylus magazine. Sam lives in New York City. He plays in the lamprockbands Doveman and Stars Like Fleas, and has also played with Tall Firs, The Swell Season, and Stares. In March, he premiered the Nico Muhly composition “The Only Tune” at Carnegie Hall. His new album All is Well is released on 4th Feb through Bedroom Community.
Speck Mountain www.myspace.com/speckmountain
It’s been a big year for Speck Mountain, their debut, Summer Above, has been a bit of a sleeper, stateside, while reaching the 5 spot in Piccadilly Records influential Year-End Best List (even before being officially released in England!), and subsequently being picked up by Peace Frog for the U.K. and rest of the world. East and West coast U.S. tours, substantial gigging in their newly adopted hometown of Chicago, and a CMJ showcase have allowed them to find a new, loose sound based on the two distinct guitar styles of song-writers Karl Briedrick and Marie-Claire Balabanian, Marie-Claire’s startlingly mature vocal presence, and the plangent drones of Kate Walsh’s vintage organ and piano.
Tuesday 20th May EVEN + PAT CRILLY & ONE MAN DOWN + BEX MARSHALL £6 release of Bex Marshall’s new album “Kitchen Table”
Songwriter Bex Marshall is an explosion of acoustic/rock/blues with a hot poker twist of Country, possessing guitar skills that have been likened to Stevie Ray Vaughn. She exudes excitement and charisma as she performs solo or with her band on stages across the globe. Her clever and imaginative lyrics invite you in to her world and her mellow tones capture the imagination and captivate her audience. Her songs, whilst contemporary, are destined to become timeless classics. A gregarious character, Bex commands the stage. Her cheeky rapport and obvious sex appeal couple with her brilliant talent to create an artist with presence.
One Man Down is a new line up for Pat Crilly with percussion, bass and lead saxophone which gives a new feel to Pat’s songs. The songs are still acoustic rooted but with saxophone a bluesier, jazzier feel is apparent, coupled with a great rhythm section.
Pat's songs reflect his experiences and travels from the Congo to Cork, and Norway to Nova Scotia. His album "Deep Water" has had airplay in UK, Netherlands and Australia and he recently performed live for a Glasgow Radio station. Pat has supported US Alt. Country acts at the Borderline and performed at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2006. Get Rhythm Magazines's Live Review stated "A great live act.
Singer Patrick Crilly reminds me of Roger Chapman and Feargal Sharkey mixed up in a cement mixer with Peter Gabriel. Songs in that vein too, quirky, bluesy and as deep as loch water".
Even are the only independent Australian band who have had releases in England, France, Germany, Brazil and the USA.
Their unique brand of supercool infectious power pop continues to garner significant label interest across Europe and the Americas. They have been personally invited to play at the prestigious All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival in the UK in May 2008. Band friend and fan The Dandy Warhol’s Peter Holstrom plays on their new record. The Posies have invited Even to play on its up-coming Tribute record. Musicians and music lovers alike the world over hold the band in an elevated position of respect and adulation. Their new record took two years to make. It’s the best thing they’ve ever done. Will their home town and country embrace this record and them just as the rest of the world is?
Even are the ’in’ thing for music lovers! Intelligent, inspired, inspirational and into classic rock. And their forthcoming self-titled LP (released through Rubber Records/EMI) is putting the ‘in’into’credible’.
This new record has been over two years in the making for good reason. It’s a little beauty! And is something the band might be so bold as to describe as “something we’re extremely proud of”, “our best record ever” and “an Australian masterwork destined to free minds, inspire musicians and pull roots.”It is the album all music lovers have been waiting for.
Even are the Melbourne trio revered for their musicianship and colon kickin’ live show. Your next favourite band? Share the sounds. Share the love.
Wednesday 21st May THE SATURDAY & GREY + WILL VARLEY + THE SPOTLIGHT KID + BUKI FATONA £6
The Saturday & Grey are a new Shoreditch Japanese singing ringing trio of melodic minimalism.
Will Varley writes organic, human, and fiery folk songs and plays them either solo or with his band throughout the London and Dublin acoustic scenes. Varley's power lies in his piercing lyrics, which can silence the rowdiest of bars to a universal hush. Don't expect flowers and butterflies however, for Varley will take you to the darkest realms of the songwriting genre, touching on suicide bombers, starvation and heart break. The occasional bursts of light punctuate his sets beautifully and leave you wondering if it's all in fact a very, very dark form of humour.
Based in Kent, born in London, The Spotlight Kid is the moniker used by solo artist, composer and songwriter Eric Mtungwazi. Self taught pianist and guitarist, his passion as a songwriter developed whilst being frontman for his former band ‘Tendai’, during which highlights included performing at City Showcase Festival 2005 as part of Xfm Radio Indie & Alternative Rock night. In 2006 Eric left the band for new creative challenges and to start developing his career as a solo artist. To date this has led to performances and tours in the UK, Holland (2006) and Mauritius (2007).
Eric’s songwriting is a hybrid of lyrical inspirations from folk artists such as Nick Drake fused with indie elements of contemporary songwriters such as Gomez and Radiohead.
This spring saw The Spotlight Kid open for The Guillemots at Q Magazine’s Music Club at The Hospital, confirming his growing reputation as a newcomer to watch out for in 2008, while last year he featured as part of Chepstow’s Two Rivers Folk Festival. He was also selected by The Hospital Club (London) in 2007 to be mentored via their award scheme to support emerging talent in the UK creative industries.
Recent media coverage includes: London Tonight (TV), BBC London (TV), ITV Local, Pulse Rated Radio, Overplay, Radio Peckham and South London Press.
Studio recordings are also currently available to listen to and download on his website. The Spotlight Kid can be seen performing live throughout the year in the UK.
Buki Fatona is a singer/songwriter living & gigging in London. After a couple of years' break, she is back on the live music scene and in the process of putting an album together. Her music straddles soul, folk, soft rock and pop, with influences and inspirations including Tracy Chapman, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba.
Buki performs with a cellist, Rachel McGaw, and a pianist, Carli Pereira, as well as singing acapella with a sprinkling of percussion. Sometimes she collaborates with her brother, Ade, a talented singer, songwriter & guitarist.
Thursday 22nd May CHRIS MILLS + QUIET LONER + CASE HARDIN + JD SMITH £7adv
Chris Mills’ “Living in the Aftermath” is the latest collection from one of America's most wandering-est of wandering troubadours. After almost a decade of rave reviews and countless shows in stadiums and shoeboxes (the past 2 years alone have seen him alongside Ben Folds, Bishop Allen, Lucero, Limbeck, and many more), Mills, once again, threatens to break free from seemingly perpetual obscurity, by providing some of the most unaffected, and yet emotionally affecting work of his career.
Harvesting music and lyrics from headlines, horror movies, four-color ash-can adventures, and the black and white reflections of late night re-runs, Mills returns from the recent orchestral majesty of his critically lauded “The Wall to Wall Sessions” with a raw and ready collection of true rock n' roll numbers, each one peppered with knowing asides, and unencumbered poignancy.
Songs like “Untitled No.1” and “Calling All Comrades” spin epic tales of lovers on the run from aliens, a-bombs, and vampire insects, while more personal moments unfold in the dream-like imagery and subtlety of “Such a Beautiful Thing”,
“Blackbirds”, and the "Twilight Zone" inspired “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet”.
But its not just the songs that make this Mills' strongest record to date, it's the art and immediacy of their execution. Recorded and mixed in eight days, “Aftermath” benefits from the visceral performances of Mills and a crack cabal of New York City co-conspirators: bassist Drew Glackin (The Silos, Willard Grant Conspiracy, Graham Parker, The Hold Steady), drummer Konrad Meissner (Teddy Thompson, The Silos, Matt Nathanson), keyboardist/arranger David Nagler (Nova Social, Camphor, Chris Lee), and engineer/co-producer Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants).
Additional players include trumpeter Dave Max Crawford (Sea and Cake, Poi Dog Pondering), violinist Jean Cook (Jon Langford's Ship and Pilot, Beauty Pill, Ida), and steel guitar/banjo virtuoso Jon Rauhouse (Neko Case, Calexico, Giant Sand).
Company aside, it is the ever-impressive evolution of his craft that firmly places Chris Mills alongside peers like Okkervil River's Will Sheff and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy as one of the foremost authors of the 21st Century American songbook.
www.chris-mills.com
Friday 23rd May THE BLANKHEADS + THE GHOST NOTES + NEAR THE KNUCKLE + THE DISSOCIATES £6 London Callin’
Saturday 24th May CLIVE PALMER & BAND + WIZZ JONES + special guest PETE BERRYMAN + a late show by NIALL KELLY & FRIENDS £10
“Clive Palmer is the Willie Dixon of British folk music.’ Devendra Banhart
‘Clive is the re-incarnation of Edwardian banjo.’ Robin Williamson
‘I liked the tales of Clive’s trip to Afghanistan and India – very enjoyable.’ Joe Boyd.
‘Clive is unquestionably the best banjo player I ever heard. He was, and still is, my banjo hero.’ Billy Connolly
Clive Palmer is a beatnik banjo player who began playing skiffle, jazz and folk in 1950s London, honed his skills by busking in Paris and then moved to Scotland (influencing the young Billy Connolly, among many others) to co-found the legendary Incredible String Band. Leaving them after in 1966 to hitchhike to Afghanistan, he had many adventures and the occasional brush with the law. In the thriving Cornish folk scene of the Seventies he produced his best work, including two albums with Clive’s Original Band (C.O.B.) which have influenced a whole new generation of musicians, notably Devendra Banhart. Clive is still playing and releasing albums to this day, a bona-fide musical treasure.
There are few artists with more claim to being a 'musician's musician' than Wizz Jones. Inspired by Big Bill Broonzy, Rambling Jack Elliot, Alexis Korner and Ewan MacColl, learning his craft from the likes of Davy Graham and Long John Baldry in the coffee bars of London's Soho during the late fifties, busking through Europe with Rod Stewart and cited by John Renbourn and Eric Clapton as an important early influence. With his unique acoustic guitar style, an eclectic repertoire and a 'right hand worthy of Broonzy' Wizz continues to tour on the acoustic folk and blues circuit - usually solo but sometimes together with son Simeon on sax, flute and harmonica.
Pete Berryman arrived on the acoustic music scene in the 60's with the Famous Jug Band which also featured Clive Palmer of the Incredible String Band. At this time he also recorded with Ralph McTell, Wizz Jones and Al Stewart and in 1971 his influential LP with John James , Sky In My Pie,was released. Since then he has collaborated with many notable musicians, worked in theatre and film, and played as far afield as Hokitika and Abidjan.
Sunday 25th May ZERO-STAR + THE LAST DETAIL + MONDAY MORNING + THIS NEW ROOT + SILENCE THE WOLVES + INITIATED £3 Enterprise Rehearsal Studios present - To book a slot, telephone 020 7379 1166 or call in at Enterprise Studios 1-6, Denmark Place, WC2 (directly behind the 12 Bar Club). Otherwise arrive at the 12 Bar Club at 5:30pm to book on the day. More info
Tuesday 27th May VANILLA SWINGERS + special guests BAND OF HOLY JOY £6 Album launch party
"With their debut release and first live performance both happening next month now might be the time to start dropping their name in front of impressionable friends. Believe me by the end of the summer you’ll be feted for your uncanny ability to spot the next big things." - MP3 Hugger
"to my mind the most exciting band of the year, bar none" - andbeforethefirstkiss.blogspot.com
"I'm quite excited about hearing the full album. In the end, somehow Vanilla Swingers still make me believe in love. Even after they've dissected the myth and torn down what it means to be human, I feel more human than ever listening" - condemnedtorocknroll.blogspot.com
First ever live show for London-based prog/pop duo, Anne Gilpin and Miles Jackson, previewing songs from their self-titled debut album. The album follows the story of two people who meet, run away to London, go back in time to 1985, then meet again in 2015. Recorded with Ian Catt (St Etienne) and Kramer (Galaxie 500, Low), the album also features a cameo from Johny Brown of the Band Of Holy Joy. Vanilla Swingers' songs vary in style from a synth-pop song, 'Danger In The Past', recalling Pet Shop Boys and Black Box Recorder to an 8 minute prog-structured track, 'The Hive', both of which are included in their live set. Stephen Blackmore (bass) and Paul Jeffrey (guitar/synth) complete the Vanilla Swingers live lineup.
One of the many classic indiepop bands conceived in the Eighties, Band Of Holy Joy have been described as 'pop deviants inside the urban wasteland', with good reason. Their gloriously romantic blend of indie, folk and the blood red poetry of singer Johny Brown drew comparisons to Bertolt Brecht and Jacques Brel, while their 1989 Rough Trade album, 'Manic Magic Majestic', remains a landmark recording for fans of outsider art you can dance to.
www.myspace.com/bandofholyjoy
Wednesday 28th May ANAIS MITCHELL + RACHAEL SAGE £8
At a time when the music industry is playing the role of the slickest of defense attorneys, using flash and dazzle campaigns to distract us from the fact that their clients are terrible, Mitchell is an artist who grew up on a sheep farm. She makes small-sounding, big-thinking folk albums that play like a front-porch serenade. If she feels in a bit of a time warp, you can’t blame her.
Listening to this 25-year-old singer/songwriter perform her meticulously written songs, fervently singing them in a distinctive, almost childlike voice, you’d think it was her life mission to rouse the hearts and minds of her listeners with an acoustic guitar. But Mitchell wasn’t always committed to the idea. “I used to tell people I wanted to be a journalist. There is a lonely egotism and self-composure to journalists. Not unlike artists, they’re always traveling, always writing, loving their loneliness, feeling somehow that they have their finger on the pulse – worshipping the truth and trying to render it legible.”
Despite her journalistic leanings, Mitchell started writing songs at age 17 and eventually started performing them live during her school days, which were punctuated by a remarkable amount of traveling. In a short period of time, Anaïs made several trips to the Middle East, and also spent time in Europe and Latin America, studying languages and world politics. This stunning, troubadour-like experience seeped into her music, and she became adept at fusing her passion for literature and journalism in her lyrics.
With a clutch of quiet, ambitious songs in her arsenal, Mitchell recorded her now out-of-print debut, The Song They Sang When Rome Fell (2002), in a single afternoon in Austin, Texas. It was in Texas that Anais discovered the Kerrville Folk Festival, which honored her with the prestigious New Folk award in 2003. Soon thereafter, with the help of Michael Chorney and Chicago-based Waterbug Records, Anaïs released her second album, Hymns For The Exiled, in 2004. The stirring collection of guitar and voice cemented Mitchell’s status as a folksinger to watch, and the record eventually reached the ears of Ani DiFranco, a songwriter whose fusion of personal and political themes was a formative influence on a teenaged Mitchell. After seeing a few of Anaïs’ captivating concerts, DiFranco signed the artist to her label, Righteous Babe Records.
During the recording process of The Brightness, Mitchell’s Righteous Babe debut, which hits stores February 13, 2007, Anaïs lived above the studio, which was built into an old Vermont gristmill. She could wake up, shake the sleep out of her eyes and record tracks in her pajamas, resulting in a decidedly intimate listening experience. Spilling over with worldly metaphors, intense emotions and unshakeable reverence to the art of song, The Brightness shimmers with creative spark.
New York City songstress Rachael Sage is readying her new release Chandelier (available on iTunes May 6 and in-stores June 10) on MPress Records. Her eighth solo disc is a musically eclectic affair that covers a myriad of emotions, but always comes back to one central theme: fragility.
Sage, who attended Manhattan's prestigious School of American Ballet and is a self-taught pianist, creates music Judy Collins calls "a great gift of incredible beauty”, while legendary rock producer Tony Visconti has described her as “ incredibly talented…”
From the expansive title track “Chandelier” to the frenetic “Vertigo”, the dancer-turned-songwriter is adept at illuminating dark subject matter, including codependency, depression and adultery. On the more optimistic “My Word,” Sage enlightens us with her thespian past (she received a degree in Drama from Stanford and studied at The Actors Studio).
With a catalogue of eight solo albums and an ever-expanding loyal fanbase, what new terrain does Rachael Sage hope to explore with her latest collection of alt-pop gems? "Well for one thing," she laughs, "I've been completely obsessed with chandeliers since I titled this album. So I'd definitely like to visit the last few states I still haven't toured and prove that everyone across America appreciates elegant lighting, in some form or another. I can't help but wonder what kind of chandeliers they have in Alaska..."
"Chandelier" was recorded by John Shyloski, mixed by Grammy winner Kevin Killen (Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel), and contains plenty of Sage's signature baroque piano figures, lush string arrangements and wah-guitar licks, along with a heavy dose of improvisation by her regular touring outfit, The Sequins: Russ Johnson on trumpet (Elvis Costello), Dean Sharp on Drums (Moby), and Dave Eggar on cello (Evanescence). The are also a slew of special guests, including guitarists Jack Petruzelli (Rufus Wainwright), Shane Fontayne (Marc Cohn) and Adam Levy (Norah Jones), as well as drummer Doug Yowell (Suzanne Vega) and bassist Todd Sickafoose (Ani DiFranco). Rachael's DIY peers Gregory Douglass, Rachael Davis and Noe Venable also appear on several cuts.
www.rachaelsage.com
Thursday 29th May KUAI ZI + THE KEITH JOHN ADAMS + BLAIR JOLLANDS + BILLY PAGE + BLAIR JOLLANDS + OMRI £6 Hieronymous Bisch Bosch presents
Friday 30th May MELODY NELSON + MORGAN BLACKBEARD £6
Saturday 31st May LAY OUT THE TRAPS + THE OPTIC NERVES + 6 IS 9 + THE SCREAMING VIOLETS £6 London Callin’
Sunday 1st June SWEAR + THE LONG RUN + MELLOR + IRAQ + EVIL EYE £3 Enterprise Rehearsal Studios present - To book a slot, telephone 020 7379 1166 or call in at Enterprise Studios 1-6, Denmark Place, WC2 (directly behind the 12 Bar Club). Otherwise arrive at the 12 Bar Club at 5:30pm to book on the day. More info
Monday 2nd June THE GENERAL STORE £6
Tuesday 3rd June HEATHER McCLELL + LEON JEAN-MARIE + KENNY WHITE £6
After causing a stir in Sao Paulo with her rich and distinct voice Heather returns to her home shores in the UK to showcase material from her debut album, recorded in collaboration with some of Brazil's leading musicians.
Since a young age Heather has been dedicated to music and performance. The daughter of musicians, she grew up in a passionately artistic and multicultural environment. Through the many musical explorations that Heather has been involved in, what has always been apparent is her strong song writing abilities and her pure-toned, intimate and captivating voice. She paints her individuality with vocal tenderness, and lyrical honesty. After completing a degree in performance at the prestigious Dartington college of arts, Heather decided to expand her horizons outside of Europe, choosing Brazil because of its diversity and vibrant musical tradition. She settled for two and a half years in the cosmopolitan Sao Paulo, recording her first self-penned album and performing shows with her band of Brazilian internationally respected musicians.
Leon Jean-Marie shouldn’t be here. He should be stuck in a windowless studio someplace, producing another artist’s record. He should be wrapped round a tree in Epping Forest in his AC Cobra kit car… Harmonising with a five-piece R&B group… Advising tourists on holiday hotspots for the coming season… Wasted in a doorway… Sitting in church… Dropping out in St Lucia…
There were a lot of things that should have, could have, got in the way of Leon’s emergence as one of the brightest musical talents right now. Handily, he bested them all. Luck, talent, some vibey connections and a brainload of brilliant music saw to that. Little wonder, maybe, that his first release is two slabs of urgent future-funk, motoring beats, twanging riffs and vocals that Prince would swap his high heels for. We’re gonna party like it’s 2099.
Hear Leon Jean-Marie's limited edition seven-inch ‘Scratch’/’Make It Right’ and you’ll hear a 24-year-old from far East London who mixes up Beck, Bill Withers, Nirvana and many more besides. A vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist who, having dreamt up his tunes in his home studio, is now working with some of the smartest producer-collaborators in the world.
‘All the great hook-ups I’ve had, including my record deal, have been on a vibe,’ says Leon. That is, little money changed hands, only mutual respect. In the two years before he signed his record deal, Leon had rare talents flocking to work with him. ‘This person’s heard it, and he’s signed to… Now this person’s heard it, and he’s worked with… And now this person’s passed it to this person…’
And on it rolled. Leon Jean-Marie has that a rare combination of ambition and ability that marks him out from the crowd and draws collaborators to him like moths to a flame. A lesser talent would be overwhelmed, and musically obscured, by working with names such as in demand New Yorker Mark Ronson, Gorillaz producers The Rural and Swedish hitmaker Bloodshy, but the enigmatic quality of Leon's songwriting and vocals keep the spotlight firmly on this young Londoner.
Displaced native New Yorker Kenny White moves to Boston. Gets gigs with Livingston Taylor and later Jonathan Edwards. Realizes Boston, while nice and clean, is not offering same chances as New York City. Rolls up Red Sox banner and Larry Bird shirt and moves back to New York.
Soon finds he is fast becoming a fixture in the arena of T.V. & radio commercials. Writes and produces literally hundreds of commercials in the following years, having his music, anonymous as it was, heard by millions. In this capacity, works with Linda Ronstadt, Dwight Yoakam, Gladys Knight, Aaron Neville, Ricky Skaggs, Al Jarreau, Kim Carnes, and many others while leaving an indelible mark on the ad business.
During this time meets up & coming New York based Marc Cohn & Shawn Colvin. Helps out on their records and produces I Don’t Know Why from Shawn's 'Fat City' that earns her Best Pop Vocal Grammy nomination. Soon meets Peter Wolf and forms immediate musical bond. Goes on to produce critically acclaimed Fools Parade & Sleepless, getting to work with Keith Richards on the latter. Rolling Stone.
Magazine names Sleepless “An instant classic!” Finds time to add his piano to many films including Message in a Bottle, Ed TV, A Walk on the Moon, Forces of Nature, Where the Heart Is, Edie & Pen, and not least of all, four John Sayles films. Gets noticed as one of the most dazzling piano players on the pop music circuit, that notion seconded by many reviewers and journalists around the U.S.
Wakes up one morning, scratches head, realizes that real passion may have eluded him so far. Finds himself with a collection of well crafted, insightful & very musical compositions. Assembles A-List players to help create 2002 independent release Uninvited Guest and hits the road with pals he's worked with and informs them of change of lifestyle & now wants to get on tour as much as possible. Cheryl Wheeler, Jonathan Edwards, Shawn Colvin, Peter Wolf, Richard Shindell say “Excellent, you can do some shows with me.” “Awesome”, Kenny says and packs Red Sox banner, Larry Bird shirt and razor and hits the road.
Finds reviews of Uninvited Guest glowing, even earning an “Album of the Week” spotlight on George Graham's “Mixed Bag” radio show, attracting the attention of many respected DJ's and radio programmers including Meg Griffin of Sirius Satellite Radio & Mountain Stage. Voted one of WUMB's Top 100 Audience favorites in 2002 and 2003.
After two years supporting his Debut release, Uninvited Guest, Kenny White has once again gathered a remarkable ensemble of talent to help him record his new LP, Symphony in 16 Bars, featuring guest appearances by Al Anderson (NRBQ, guitar), Marc Cohn (bkgr. vox), Amy Helm (Ollabelle - vocals), Merrie Amsterburg (vocals) as well as the superb musicianship of Jay Bellerose (Paule Cole, Joe Henry - drums), Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan - guitars), Shawn Pelton (SNL, Sheryl Crow - drums), Dan Rieser (Marcy's Playground, Norah Jones - drums), Larry Saltzman (Simon & Garfunkel - guitars). Mainly produced by Kenny, he called in Paul Bryan (Aimee Mann - bass, ac. guitar) and David Barratt to also produce a few tracks.
Symphony in 16 Bars picks up thematically where Uninvited Guest left off. Like a Woody Allen film, a main character set in New York City explores the paths the heart and soul travel while trying to find his way through the complexities of love and a changing landscape. An early copy of Symphony in 16 Bars lands in the hands of folk legend Judy Collins who released Symphony on her independent label, Wildflower Records in February 2005.
Wednesday 4th June NORTON MONEY + WILL VARLEY + MIKE BRIGHTLEY £6
Norton Money’s songwriters Dan and Jeremy come from California but now reside in London. Despite growing up about 20 miles from each other, they actually never met until one night at the 12 Bar a couple of years ago. Soon they jammed on some songs and formed Norton Money. Their style is a mix of alt.bluegrass, west-coast western and a sort of Northern California folkish country. Jeremy writes about half of the songs and Dan writes the other half. They harmonize a lot and with the help of Grace, they carry off some nice three-part harmonies. Over the course of a gig, Oscar switches around on various instruments strewn about the stage. Sweet harmonies and guitar licks like theirs aren't often heard on these shores.To hear some songs, check out
www.myspace.com/nortonmoney
Will Varley writes organic, human, and fiery folk songs and plays them either solo or with his band throughout the London and Dublin acoustic scenes. Varley's power lies in his piercing lyrics, which can silence the rowdiest of bars to a universal hush. Don't expect flowers and butterflies however, for Varley will take you to the darkest realms of the songwriting genre, touching on suicide bombers, starvation and heart break. The occasional bursts of light punctuate his sets beautifully and leave you wondering if it's all in fact a very, very dark form of humour.
Guitarist-singer-songwriter Mike B plays a form of edgy acoustic rock, drawing comparisons to Neil Young, Damien Rice and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
A gateway between the dimensions of music and physical space: one man and his guitar.
Having played his first gig aged 14, Mike has cultivated an intense, energetic stage presence and is truly in his element when performing live. With bands (Alien Breed and Mono Effecto) Mike has supported groups such as Feeder, played at Bristol Community Festival (then the biggest free festival in Europe), appeared at some of London’s finest venues and travelled as far afield as South America.
Influences include John Frusciante, Josh Homme, Mike McCready and Jimi Hendrix.
Mike started playing guitar when he was 8, started writing songs aged 12, and has played hundreds of shows, in bands and as a solo artist, over the past 12 years.
Mike’s solo material is a riff-based, bluesy kind of acoustic rock with an understated, paranoid intensity and philosophical/political/lovelorn lyrics.
Thursday 5th June TOM REID + MALCOLM MAGARON + resident pianist CHARLIE LANKESTER £6 in advance www.Myspace.com/Zarathustras presents
Friday 6th June LR ROCKETS + THE CAVALIERS + JACK MAGGS + DEPOT + GUARDIANS OF THE ANCIENT WISDOM £6 Jezebels Lust presents
Saturday 7th June artists tbc £6 Rucktion Records presents followed by The Johnny Clash Club
Sunday 8th June THE SECOND LINE + THE KEN KOBAYASHI BAND + HARRY LOCO + REILLY PEACOCK + SCOTT McEWAN £3 Enterprise Rehearsal Studios present - To book a slot, telephone 020 7379 1166 or call in at Enterprise Studios 1-6, Denmark Place, WC2 (directly behind the 12 Bar Club). Otherwise arrive at the 12 Bar Club at 5:30pm to book on the day. More info
Monday 9th June THE SLEEPING YEARS + SAM KILLS TWO + CATRIONA IRVING £6 This show is to celebrate the release of the debut album by The Sleeping Years on Rocketgirl.
The Sleeping Years is the new project for singer-songwriter Dale Grundle.
Born in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, Dale started his first band Catchers while at school. Their first single ‘Cotton Dress’ came out on Setanta Records and became single of the week in Melody Maker. Their debut album ‘Mute’ was recorded with Mike Hedges in France. Dale went on to tour with Pulp, Edwyn Collins, The Divine Comedy, Dr. John and Oasis. Catchers recorded their second album ‘Stooping to Fit’ with Nick Drake’s arranger Robert Kirby writing string and brass section parts for some of the songs.
The Sleeping Years’ music has so far been featured on Huw Stephens’ BBC Radio 1 podcast, in the Guardian writers’ playlist and on a cd sampler with Rolling Stone magazine. Dale has also been heavily played on Gideon Coe's BBC 6music show and on French radio – with each EP being championed by France’s answer to John Peel, Bernard Lenoir.
The Sleeping Years have released three EPs so far, ‘You and Me Against The World’, 'Setting fire to sleepy towns’ and 'Clocks and clones'. The debut album 'We're becoming islands one by one' has just been released on Talitres Records in France.
The album will be released by Rocketgirl in the UK and Ireland on the 2nd June.
‘We’re becoming islands one by one” is poised to become an instant, yet timeless classic. Dale performs all vocals and guitars, not to mention bass, Hammond organ, Rhodes piano and e-bow parts and was joined by cellist Michelle So and Tom Page from Rothko on drums.
Produced by Dale, ‘We’re becoming islands…’ features songs influenced by the language and culture of his home in Ireland. Dale sings of people trying to stay connected in a world seemingly designed to keep them apart. The album even features a Dictaphone recording of his father speaking by the lockkeeper’s cottage where he grew up.
Press:
'his voice breaks exquisitely between hope and despair in songs that the acoustic guitar was invented for' - The Guardian
'a one-man show that owes his lilting metaphysical lyricism to the likes of Nick Drake, Elliot Smith and John Martyn. It's good to know that there are people like him out there' - Dazed and Confused
'Just as Sufjan Stevens has been moved to celebrate the quirks and character of the United States, so Dale Grundle is devising his own charts, full of wonder, dread and reverie. Can't wait to see where he takes us next.' - Stuart Bailie (BBC Radio)
‘A very beautiful mini-album’ - Rolling Stone
’Engagingly mournful, melodic songcraft' - Time Out
Its hard to put a finger on what Sam Kills Two are listening to on their stereo on rainy days but Swedish lead singer and songwriter Fred Bjorkvall self-admittedly takes influence from artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Nick Drake and Elliott Smith and a manifestation of this is often heard in the sound of this London based three-piece. As a collective the influences are far more diverse and that is what creates the rich and interesting dynamic that signifies Sam Kills Two.
Fred and Manchester born guitarist G have gone through a few transformations with the band since meeting through a mutual friend, and deciding, at a Dodgy aftershow party in the staircase between 3rd and 4th floor of Fortress Studios in London, that it would be fun to try out some ideas on their guitars. With a guitarist friend of theirs, as a three piece band, they rehearsed some of Freds early songs in a basement in Homerton, and also made a few modest public appearances before deciding they weren't quite getting the sound they wanted. With things evolving and changing around them, Fred and G have continuously been writing and rehearsing.
In March 2006, after a long search for a much wanted drummer, they found the right man for the job in Matt Bell. Matt fitted into the vibe perfectly and lifted the band to new levels. As the new three-piece they took the name Sam Kills Two and a recording of the first demo-EP was soon underway.
Catriona Irving is a 25 year old singer/songwriter based in London. She's half Scottish/half French, tiny and blonde. She kept a low profile with her music until she bought a guitar she couldn't afford; declaring it, not to customs, but as an incentive to try harder. And by jove she did. Her debut release was 'Running on Empathy', a limited 7inch release on the artist-owned and run label she co-founded: Neednowater Records. She followed that with the Stitch EP in June 2007 which enjoyed excellent reviews (“DIY music at it’s best”, said FACT) and a generous smattering of radio play. She's currently working on an EP of new material with cohort Pip, in a project they call "Catpip", which is due for a late summer release. In the meantime she’s building quite a reputation for her live show, playing at venues such as 93 feet east and the Borderline and has supported the Espers and Emilie Simon.
When pressed to do so, Catriona describes her music as Lo-fi folk. Her love for anti-folk and traditional folk are both apparent, but she's found herself an acoustic styled, angel-voiced sound somewhere in between the two. She’s been described as having "a voice of such delicacy and sweetness, like a meringue not yet set, or thin sheets of sugar glass" (inthecompanyofus.com) and been declared “a young artist worth watching” in the London Metro. Imagine if Elliot Smith was a girl and wasn't so depressed. Imagine Joanna Newsom kicked her harp out the window and grabbed an Emmylou Harris Hummingbird. Imagine, if you will, Catriona Irving.
Tuesday 10th June NICKY FORBES aka ROCKY RHYTHM and an all star line up of rascals sing and play to celebrate the launch of “The Rhythm Method” £6
“The Rhythm Method” should be required reading for every nascent pop star or armchair music fan. You don’t even have to be familiar with the Rezillos/Revillos to enjoy mainlining this outstanding, un-put-downable memoir, which is peppered with the spicy minutiae of rock.
Nicky Forbes, a.k.a. Revillos drummer Rocky Rhythm, draws on his musical escapades in the 1970s punk scene and beyond into the 1980s, recalling memorable anecdotes that are part travelogue, part rites-of-passage, but absolutely all rock’n’roll.
Amongst others, Nicky has worked with Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols, Keith Levine of PIL, David Vanian’s Phantom Chords, Tenpole Tudor, the Pork Dukes, and with singers as diverse as pop princess Sinitta, to the Clash’s Joe Strummer.
Due to be published as a limited edition by Suffolk and Watt books, and with a cover designed by renowned lowbrow fetish artist Vince Ray, “The Rhythm Method” is destined to become a cult classic.
Wednesday 11th June acts tbc £5 Blang www.blang.co.uk
Thursday 12th June HOMESPUN + ELEANOR McEVOY £8 in advance
Homespun www.homespunrecordings.com
“Short Stories From East Yorkshire”, released February 2008, is the first post-Beautiful South album to be released from their songwriter/guitarist, Dave Rotheray. The single 'Short Story' featuring Sam Brown on vocals, is at radio now.
Releasing under the moniker 'Homespun', the album is a collection of acoustic, guitar-based country/folk tracks and features guest vocals from Sam Brown, Eleanor McEvoy and Mary Coughlan. Having begun as a collective whereby artists were welcomed to share song writing ideas along with performances, Homespun initially functioned as an outlet for Dave's writing during an in-between album lull in the latter days of The Beautiful South. The Beautiful South called it a day in February 2007, having sold in the region of ten million albums in their nineteen year lifespan
The first gathering of the Homespun collective resulted in the first eponymous album in 2003, and the second, 'Effortless Cool', in 2005- both featuring vocals from Sam Brown. The albums received widespread acclaim from media with The Times calling the latter release "clever, country-tinged tunes that have their heart in Texas and their soul in a bed-sit in Hull"
“Short Stories From East Yorkshire” reflects Dave's long-time obsession with country music.This album is a translation of this grass roots tradition to a northern England setting.
The musicians Dave has worked with have remained constant over the three Homespun albums. These are:- Melvin Duffy on pedal steel guitar; Gary Hammond on percussion; Tony Robinson on keyboards; Clare Mactaggart on violin; and lastly Alan Jones on bass.
As well as being one of Britain's most successful songwriters, Dave has a collection of hotel 'Do Not Disturb' signs numbering in the thousands, was briefly addicted to lottery scratchcards, is a Hull City season ticket holder, a Grateful Dead fan, a vegetarian hunt supporter and an amateur biscuit inventor
"a folksy, unassuming record that punches far above it's weight.....on the evidence of this collection, Hull must really be the emotional epicentre of the country after all" – MOJO
"recalls Morrissey at his most self-effacing...an unassuming and unpolished gem that shines ever brighter with every play" - RECORD COLLECTOR
"reminds you that Hull was also spiritual home to Philip Larkin" - UNCUT
"a curious gem...a smouldering, off-the-wall, country-meets-rural pop delight" - MAVERICK
"exquisite genius" - BELFAST TELEGRAPH
"real-life tableaux and wry observations" - THE INDEPENDENT
"beautifully portrays the melancholy vibe of Yorkshire..fans of his old band will love this one" - ACOUSTIC MAGAZINE
"acute, anguished observation...gentler than a grandmother's sigh" - YORK PRESS
"an album all about songs....soaked in the kind of country and folk that give those traditions a good name" - ROCK 'N REEL
"simple, yet hard-hitting...a gem" - CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE
Friday 13th June PENNY BLACK REMEDY + EDDIE TENPOLE + SURPRISE SPECIAL GUEST + THE SKUNKS + THE BLEACH BOYS £6 London Callin’
Saturday 14th June SHOES + MOON + STASH + GOODTIMES GOODTIMES + more tba (1 year anniversary) £6 Bonnie & Clyde’s Renegade Rendezvous
Sunday 15th June TEN MINUTE CLOUD + MINDSET + YOUNG BREATHERS £3 Enterprise Rehearsal Studios present - To book a slot, telephone 020 7379 1166 or call in at Enterprise Studios 1-6, Denmark Place, WC2 (directly behind the 12 Bar Club). Otherwise arrive at the 12 Bar Club at 5:30pm to book on the day. More info
Monday 16th June BLACKOUT £6
Tuesday 17th June GRACE SOLERO £6
Wednesday 18th June artists tbc £6 Silverscope Music showcase
Thursday 19th June MICK HART + DAVE GANDER £6
Australian Singer/songwriter Mick Hart has toured the globe for the past decade playing numerous Festivals and supporting the likes of Bob Dylan, Coldplay, Sting, Paul Weller, Van Morrison, Taj Mahal and John Butler Trio.
ARIA nominated for Best Blues and Roots album in 2002, Mick has continued on with his superb journey releasing his 4th studio album "Finding Home" late 2007.
"Sweet solitary songs of loss and redemption. Angelic acoustica" BEAT MAG, AUS
"A Beautiful collection of folk pop gems. Soothing, soulful and poetic" A FINE LINE, AUS
"Insightful and searingly honest lyrics combined with clean and simple guitar, “Finding Home” is the perfect addition to Mick's catalogue. Divinely constructed" TSUNAMI MAG, AUS
Currently on a huge 3 month tour through Europe to further showcase the new album, Mick is playing Beach Break Live and Gold Coast Ocean Festival in the UK as well as major Fests in France, Belgium and Austria.
Mick will play his only London show on Thursday 19 June at the 12 Bar Club with special guest David Gander.
Book early to avoid disappointment and catch one of Australia's most highly acclaimed troubadours.
The new album "Finding Home" is out now in the UK through Cargo records.
www.mickhart.com.au
www.myspace.com/mickhartmusic
Friday 20th June AMPHIBIC + SIMEON ROSS £6
Canadian songwriter Simeon Ross is singer for Toronto band Infighter. He walked across Canada in 2004 to support a solo cd and to raise money for charity, and plans to walk across the country a 2nd time in 2011. Releasing new cd “Sound At Sea Level” in May 2008, and recently finished his first feature screenplay “The Halocline”. As well as his music, he is involved in acting and independent film making.
Saturday 21st June MORGAN BLACKBEARD £6
Thursday 26th June TANKUS THE HENGE + SKYHOOK £6 Hieronymous Bisch Bosch presents
Friday 27th June THE VOODOO QUALITIES + KIRK RADDON £6 ChogTown & London Callin present
Saturday 28th June LUCIFER STAR MACHINE + HOLLYWOOD DINER + THE SPIVS £6 London Callin’
Sunday 29th June DUSTY MUZZLE + THE HI & LO £3 Enterprise Rehearsal Studios present - To book a slot, telephone 020 7379 1166 or call in at Enterprise Studios 1-6, Denmark Place, WC2 (directly behind the 12 Bar Club). Otherwise arrive at the 12 Bar Club at 5:30pm to book on the day. More info
Monday 30th June TENEBROUS LIAR + LAYMAR £6 Tenor Vossa Records presents
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