Everyone really pulled out the stops at Loudhailer Acoustic last Thursday, such a top night, maybe it was something to do with the super full moon, but we loved the vibes! Thanks to a great audience and everyone who came to play, Martin Peirson, Dez and Cathy Allenby, John Gowans, Stuart Dainty, Jim Orwin, Catherine Scott, Sam Hollis, Zachary Theodorou, Brian Williams, Strawberry Moon and Paul Sutton.
I took my mini bass along, and Rich & I opened the show with Sing-Sing then, feeling inspired by Kenny Brown’s fantastic album Stingray I played a version of an RL Burnside classic Miss Maybelle. Big high five to Brian for joining me on harmonica despite the whole song being only one chord, except for the rogue C we threw in when Miss Maybelle started to Shake em on Down.
Martin’s first song was a fitting ode to the moon, and then his song about his Uncle Harry who emigrated to Canada and literally walked across it. It was ace. Dez started with something quite extraordinary, a Kalimba solo song No Sticky Fingers, with only a few words but again, a song with a great story. It went down a treat and then Cathy joined him for Gipsy Girl, Ramble Away, one of the first of his songs we heard, lovely to hear it again. John’s tribute to Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid sounded great on his cool steel guitar, and then we joined in singing One After 909, lots of fun.
Really pleased to welcome Jim to Loudhailer Acoustic again with two fab songs, another almost one chord song Lost which was gorgeous, hints of Scott Walker and a perfect arrangement make it such a classic. Fabulous poet Catherine put a grin on everyone’s face with her poem about Maureen. Poor Maureen, but the good news is that she seized the day after all, and similarly Unrequited Love has a wicked end to the story, a terrific set. We very much enjoy Stuart’s original songs, this time Watch the River Run. The first half of the evening was topped off with Zach’s fabulous percussion ensemble. His team of budding volunteer percussionists all chose an instrument, Zach gave us a super fast lesson and away we went. Zach is a great teacher. He led the band with his marimba, kick drum and timbales and we made a fab groovy sound! Marimba Jive Party is such a catchy tune.
Zach’s Marimba Jive Percussion Party Slideshow. Marimba Jive Percussion Party was marvellous!
Strawberry Moon opened up after the break with a cool as a cucumber version of It’s Just My Mind Playing Tricks On Me, and a marvellously mysterious Witchcraft, followed by Sam with two originals celebrating fatherhood and university days. Up next Brian was on top whoopin’ & hollerin’ form with his harmonica grooves.
Paul the Prof Sutton closed the show with a pair of favorites wonderfully performed with a big smile, possibly the thought of the most gorgeous candy apple red Telecaster (with Bigsby) waiting for him in the back room.
So, a lovely night all round, highlighted by the moon over Cottingham, thanks again to everyone who came along. Click on Rich’s photos in the galleries to see the full pictures.
Loudhailer Acoustic info, first Thursday of the month at The Back Room Cottingham. Keep an eye on the website and Facebook page etc. for details. It’s always great to welcome new people – come along and listen to a fabulous range of acoustic music, quality songwriting and some familiar classics from a host of different performers. Thanks to Paul at The Back Room, a lovely venue with craft beers and plenty of parking nearby.
Loudhailer Acoustic at The Back Room 175a Hallgate, Cottingham HU16 4BB. 7.30 pm £2 entry. If you would like to come and play a couple of songs please contact us to let us know.
Click here for reviews and photos of past Loudhailer Acoustic nights and to find out more.
Click here for a map of how to get to The Back Room
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter @LoudhailerUK for the latest news and reviews.
Look forward to seeing you!
Rich and Lou Duffy-Howard – Visit our Home Page