HISTORY AND REVIEWS.
Friday March 22nd
Dave is Bowie
Friday April 20th
The New Rope String Band
April 14th
The Spikedrivers
Saturday March 15th
Wilko Johnson & The Martyn Barker Band
Saturday March 1st
Snake Davis and the Suspicions.
Friday February 28th
Led Zep Too
Saturday 15th February
The Steve Gibbons Band.
Saturday February 3rd 2007
Bottle Of Smoke.
Thursday February 1st
Howden Comedy...Rob Deering...Killian Monsoon...Ian Smith...
Saturday 27th January
Laura Zakian. support: The David Barton Trio.
Saturday January 20th
The Doghouse Skiffle Group.
Friday January 19th.
Local Band Night...Tractor Factory...59 Violets...AKP...
Saturday December 22nd
Wynedebagges Winter Warmer Show.
Friday December 15th
Local Band Night: ..Tractor Factory..59 Violets..Quintissential..
Friday 8th December 2006
Martin Turners Wishbone Ash.
Saturday December 2nd.
Roseanna Vitro and her trio.
The accompanying group of Robin Aspland, piano, Simon Woolf, bass and Martin Drew, drums gave wonderful support to this New York-based diva. But the accolade must go to Roseanna Vitro herself, an artist of the very highest order. The warmth and quality of her performance was immediately obvious. Her unique style and vibrant energy quickly captured the hearts and minds of an appreciative and knowledgeable audience.
An evening which offered everything, from sophisticated scat to earthy, down-home blues. May Ms Vitro soon return.
Saturday November 25th.
Last Nights Fun & John McGrory.
Saturday November 11th 2006.
Stony & Dave Stubbs.
Saturday 4th November.
Danny Moss & Roy Williams with The Graham Hearn Trio.
From the start it was obvious that this was going to be a very special night. Danny Moss, although looking frail from his illness, quickly showed that he was in exuberent form. Tearing into his first solo of the evening he left the audience in no doubt as to his intentions. Roy Williams and the trio immediately picked up on his vibe and stayed with it throughout a thoroughly satisfying concert. Graham Hearn, piano, Zolton Dekaney, bass and Ronny Bottomley, drums, gave the two frontline perfectionists the support they deserved. One of the most exciting jazz events of the year.
Friday November 3rd.
'Doo Cot' presents 'Fold Your Own'
Saturday October 28th.
BILLY MITCHELL & BOB FOX.
A mysteriously low turn out was treated to a wonderful evening from two talented musicians with pedigrees longer than both your arms.
Humour permeated throughout (it needed to with the technical gremlins!) mostly with Billy n' Bob singing together and the odd solo slot, a night of memorable northern song was indeed produced!
Saturday October 21st.
OEDIPUS. . . . .ACTORS OF DIONYSUS. .
This classic story translated and adapted to modern language was masterfully delivered with support from the physical movement of the production which bordered beautifully on choreography. Sophocles' skill of play-writing and Tamsin Sasha's modern directing carried the audience along with the actors towards the inevitable and tragic discovery that Oedipus has fulfilled his prophecy and un-wittingly killed his father and married his mother! The actors managed to keep the pace fast and spirits up, even managing to elicit a few moments of laughter from the audience amid the horror! Dripping with dramatic irony and subtly hinting at the connections with the self-certainty of certain modern day politicians this performance didn't disappoint those who ventured out to witness it.
We should take this opportunity to thank the students from Wyke college who performed three pre-production monologues in the bar.We are interested in reaching out in new areas and it was great to see that this interesting collaboration was well received by the audience.
Saturday 14th October.
Adrian Byron Burns, Martyn Barker.
Friday 13th October.
Local Band night with: The Tractor Factory, 59 Violets & Quintessential.
A conflicting gig in Goole affected the potential turnout for the evening but those present had a fine old time. First up Quintessential, you wouldn't have thought it was the drummers first gig with the band, they funked it up in an almighty way, it wasn't difficult to find Vinnie anywhere, you just had to follow the underwear trail. Next up 59 Violets, tremendous stuff! they even pulled people out of the bar, a reflection on their driving, energetic, original material.
Then The Tractor Factory, an excellent set with Mike Redford being all enigmatic at the centre of it all. We hope to look at a similar lineup for earlyish in the new year that doesn't clash with another event, watch this space!
Sunday October 8th.
Them With Tails
October 7th
The Esther Miller Quintet
Esther delighted her audience with a well chosen mixture of popular
standards and jazz tunes. She sang with great confidence and stage
presence. Her well knit quintet playing fine arrangments by pianist Gerry Spencer featured a strong team of musicians. Karen Sharpe on tenor sax and Bryan Corbett on trumpet were particularly inspirational and last minute dep' Steve Berry was especially effective on bass.
(No concert snap unfortunately. . .operator error!)
SEPTEMBER 30th
SLACK ALICE.
First up were The Element, their progress between gigs at the Shire Hall continues apace, assured, confident, talented and chuffed to bits.
Then the main turn of the night, all of the rumours about Slack Alice are true,a band who play R&B of the sort when R&B meant rythm n' blues. A storming, rocking set born of years of experience, talent and an ongoing enthusiasm for the music, makes you wonder why they never quite made it, perhaps they still could?
(odd lack of regulars in the crowd, were you all on your hols?)
SEPTEMBER 29TH.
CARA DILLON
The evening kicked off with Cara Dillon and Sam Lakeman and a set of emotive, athmospheric songs, followed by John Smith with some very original stuff, a singer with a voice reminicent of the vocalist from Gomez. The first half was then finished off by the charming and talented Lori Watson.
The second half saw all four musicians performing together to great effect, at times you could hear a pin drop so enthralling their combined talents. Yet another Nu-Routes success!
JULY 7TH.
HEART OF GLASS.
This second presentation in association with Howden Infant and junior schools was a sell out success. All of the rumours about how good this band are were all true!
Two and a half hours of wall to wall Blondie hits, it says something for a back catalogue when you know every song and did Heart Of Glass do the business? Yes indeedy they did!
Roll on next year for their already confirmed return.
MIDGE URE June 3rd 2006.
The seventh Cookridge fundraiser saw the arrival of a man who is no stranger to a bit of money raising himself. Following tremendous support slots from Martyn Barker and Gina Dootson, Midge Ure took to the stage. An enthusiastic audience lapped up all his solo hits and wonderful, emotive covers like Man Of The World, all of that and nearly four grand for the appeal too!
May 18th
Chris Farlowe and The Norman Beaker Band.
Not much to say about this really, a band so sharp they could cut butter and a singing legend in the form of Chris Farlowe, superb stuff!
May 6th.
Liane Carroll.
Dynamic, delightful, a joy to see. Liane Carroll earned rave reviews at
Howden on Saturday, May 6. She kept the audience enthralled throughout her
two sets. Her seemingly effortless vocalising and keyboard skills, aptly
accompanied by bass guitar and drums, proved to be a tour-de-force
performance. From the moment she tore into her first number the audience
was aware that they were in for a rare treat. Ousing personality Liane
communicated with her audience immediately. If anyone didn't know Liane
before the concert, they certainly do now. We look forward with
anticipation to her next visit.
May 5th.
God Only Knows Ten. feat. The Gina Dootson Band with Al Suggitt and his mystery pals.
29th April 2006.
Waterson:Carthy.
A blockbuster sequence of events continued apace tonight with the arrival of a group of musicians so at ease in their respective musical skins that they could be related! Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson, Tim Van Eyken and Elisa Carthy, together and in various combinations, proceeded to demonstrate all that is vibrant, engaging and inspiring with folk music today. Pitch perfect harmonies and instrumental skills to die for, kitten juggling with the feet appeared to be an option at one point, a shortage of kittens did exclude that one though. One fantastic evening as evidenced by complimentary comment after complimentary comment from the audience as they were leaving, brilliant stuff!.
26th April.
Dave Kelly and Paul Jones.
Well! No set list, superlative singing, superlative guitar playing, superlative harp, anecdotes on everything from playing with blues legends to the iniquities of UK copyright.
A thoroughly entertaining evening in the company of two musicians who must rank amongst this countries very best practitioners of the blues.
April 22nd 2006.
Old Times: Harold Pinter.
15th April 2006.
STEVE ARVEY + BLUES MOVE.
What a blinding gig that was! The sore hands syndrome from clapping and a standing ovation at the end just summed proceedings up to a tee. Starting off with a short acoustic set Steve Arvey and Roger Innes, on a six string acoustic bass, set the ball rolling with self penned songs, tales of whiskey, women, the Misssissipi and,errrrm, chickens. They set the stage for the arrival of of the rest of Blues Move, Jools Grudgings on keyboards and Mike Hellier on drums.
What followed was a real tour de force of Chicago blues with a good measure of funk and a smattering of jazz, one fascinating highlight was Roger and Jools having a bass v. keyboard dual. Steve Arveys Howling Wolf growl was a delight to behold, a true masterclass of musicianship as evidenced by the audience response throughout.
April 1st 2006.
Andy Panayi and Mark Nightingale.
The Panayi Quartet played superbly, each member giving a master class in technique and swing. Andy himself on baritone, tenor and flute demonstrating why he is in such demand as a studio musician. Mark Nightingale played remarkably fluent trombone at sound barrier speed. Mike Smith on drums and Arnie Somagyi, bass, deputising for Steve Brown and Simon Woolf, were quite amazing. Smith's timekeeping never wavered and Somogyi's bass work was excellent. This ranks amongst the very best of jazz concerts ever heard at Howden
March 31st. God Only Knows XI. feat. The Element + Theech.
The first ever sell out GOK night saw young local heroes The Element prove that committment and practise really do pay off, you wouldn't recognise this band from the nervous teenagers who last appeared here a relatively brief seven months ago. A confident set of covers by the likes of The Jam, Green Day and the Who supplemented by self penned numbers just goes to show what a little encouragement can do.
South Yorkshire four piece Theech then played a well recieved set of their own material and covers utilising the audiences enthusiasm to great effect.
The Element will be returning in a support slot for Slack Alice on September 30th, if their confidence and abilty increase proportionately in that time we should be in for something really good!
Wilco Johnson + The Martyn Barker Band. 25.3.06.
The specially formed, just for this event, Martyn Barker Band set proceedings off at a great pace with self penned numbers and covers like Ryan Adams Firecracker, tremendous stuff!
Then the main event, the much anticipated arrival of a man who can only be described as a legend, with a rythm section to die for. Norman Watt-Roy proceeded to give a master class in bass playing, ditto on drums former Blockhead Monti. What can you say about Wilco Johnson? superlatives abound, dynamic, powerful, exciting, the trademark stare and stage moves eliciting cheers and applause throughout the set, classic songs like She Does It Right, Back In The Night and Sneakin' Suspicion. The measure of a good gig tends to be if you have sore hands from clapping at the end, an indication of how good this one was was sore hands three songs into the set, brilliant!
Marlene VerPlanck. 18.3.06
Marlene Ver Planck, vocal, Jim Osborne, piano, Jim Richardson, bass, Bobby Worth, drums.
Marlene delighted her fans, many of them having travelled a great distance to see their favourite singing star. Singing a selection of mostly modern songbook material she displayed a quality of style and technique that many young singers must envy. Her choice of songs was excellent and at least one member of the audience was heard to happily say how pleased he was to hear so many great songs that he had never heard before. A superb performance with a fine accompanying group.
ANITA WARDELL. 4.3.06.
The concert was entitled, 'Inspired Improvisation' and so it proved to be. Anita Wardell gave an inspirational performance. Many singers were in the audience, some having travelled long distances. They all went home inspired by Anita's brilliance. Whether singing scat, vocalise or a simple ballad she excelled in each genre. Her rapport with the fine accompanying musicians was excellent. A superb concert.
THE IAN McMILLAN BIG FAMILY SHOW. 2.3.06.
A woefully small audience were treated to an evening of hilarity, starting off with Mike Smiths rythmic observations on modern life and moving on to the hilarious Ian McMillan, anecdotal humour based on real life experiences (he said) and relevant poetic interludes, one seemed to consist of just the word 'Fish'.
The finale, with significant audience participation, saw the creation of 'The legend of the Howden saucer' which can now be seen in the Shire Hall bar.
It really is such a shame that more people didn't take advantage of this tremendous entertainment, the reason unclear, was it the 'poetry word'? Don't know.
THE TWO TIMERS. 18.2.06.
A return visit for this tremendous duo, close your eyes and there was a four piece band up there, Gordon's combination of electric and acoustic guitar along with the faithful old brown suitcase as a bass combined wonderfully with Sarah's powerful, dynamic vocals and imaginative and varied percussion, excellent stuff!
Alan Barnes. 11.2.06.
Alan Barnes, alto sax, Steve Waterman, trumpet, John Donaldson, piano, Dave
Green, bass, Steve Brown, drums.
With a lineup such as this you expect excellence and on Saturday evening
excellence was what we got. A quintet playing as a unit giving their
interpretation of some of Horace Silver's finest compositions. Alan Barnes
is without doubt one of the finest musicians in the world today. An
enthusiastic audience appreciated completely that they were hearing a great
jazz musician playing at his best, supported as he was with a superb group
that was totally absorbed in the joy of performance. An evening worth
savouring.
Ed Tudor-Pole plays God Only Knows with Al + Vinnie. 10.2.06
A new departure for a GOK night, a wonderully entertaining set from the icon/legend that is Ed Tudor-Pole. He is truly bonkers! Continuing our policy of promoting local talent he was ably supported by Al Suggitt and his mate Vinnie.
THE DOGHOUSE SKIFFLE GROUP. 28.1.06
For the fourth year in a row and to a sell out crowd, these skiffle meisters from Hull once more delivered the goods. You can tell they've got you when you can't laugh any more and you are just taking heaving breaths with tears rolling down your cheeks, not just once , but several times. Roll on next year for their fifth visit.
JULIE EDWARDS. 21.1.06.
Quotes from happy punters on the night:
"Joyous.Unique.Lovely.Incredible.Emotional.Magic!
"Thoroughly enjoyable evening, worth the trip from Wakefield."
"We came to be entertained and thats exactly what happened, a great performance by all."
"Very warm atmosphere, sound/acoustics excellent, the performance superb!"
THE CADILLAC KINGS. 23.12.05.
Howden Live concluded 2005 with the Shire Hall crammed to catch the return, after two years, of the Cadillac Kings.
However, first on the bill, were The Cyclones, a four-piece outfit determined to cram everything and more into their 30-minute slot.The suits, shirts and ties, screamed professionalism..Any Chuck Berry number is a guaranteed success for a wedding reception or company knees-up, but the non-Berry bonus was I Fought the Law, although I’m sure that my treasured 45 by The Crickets, where the above-mentioned title, unfairly relegated to a B-side, wasn’t quite that fast.
The Cadillac Kings is a six-piece band whose attire resembles half a dozen school teachers setting off on a jolly boys’ outing in the days when there was a railway line to Withernsea. The music was a heady mixture of rhythm and blues, blues plus Cajun every now and again, although the band’s kick-start of inspiration appears to be the Louis Jordan small groups of the 40s.Vocalist Mike Thomas works hard and is a witty MC, although sadly under employing the slide guitar leaving those responsibilities to newcomer Del Van Dee who had understatement down to a real fine art.Gary Potts is a top-notch harmonica player and relief vocalist, while the subtle drumming of Roy Webber steered rather than drove.
Orlando Shearer never put a finger wrong on double bass and occasional vocal refrains, whilst pianist Mike Adcock added to the exotic feel with a couple of outings on accordion.
If Howden Live’s budget ever ran to hiring brass and reeds, in the Louis Jordan tradition, for the Cadillac Kings, the Shire Hall would have to launch a new roof appeal.
AJG.
THE WORM THAT SQUIRMED. 16.12.05.
Childrens theatre is always a delight. The rythm of audience reactions as
parents and children get hold of different parts of the tale is always an
experience. In particular it was refreshing to watch children show their
parents how to deal with some of the grimmer moments of traditional story
telling from this Indosian puppet theatre. A colourful and magical evening.
CHUMBAWAMBA. 10.12.05
This really was good stuff, pitch perfect harmonies, a stage presence born of a group of musicians who know each other very well indeed, songs taken mainly from their latest album A Sing Song and A Scrap like Bankrobber and You Can, the story of the mass trespass on Kinder Scout in 1932, an interpretation of Bella Ciao and others that perfectly demonstrate this bands continuing committment to illustrate social justice past, present and future, simply stunning!
A mysteriously small audience though, where were you folks?
MARTIN SIMPSON. 26.11.05.
Its easy to see why Martin Simpson has been described as one of the best acoustic guitarists in the world if tonights performance was anything to go by. Songs and styles from English folk to blues and bluegrass, all played in a very individual style and played oh so very well!
One facinating highlight was an instumental break involving a blue box with flashing lights being applied to the strings and producing one of those goose bumps on the arms moments. In a year full of highlights this evening must have been one of the best!
MIKE SMITH 17.11.05
An evening of performance poetry inspired by a working visit to Nigeria. Mike cleverly evoked the whole feel of a short time spent in Lagos, from desperate searches for a football match on the hotel TV, to innovative bartering techniques and the responsibility? large corporations should have to impoverished countries like Nigeria. A tremendous evening of imaginative, innovative tales which give a whole new perspective to the 'poetry word'
THE BLUE BISHOPS. 12.11.05
"Just wanted to say we travelled over 100 miles each way last night to see The Blue Bishops for the first time. They were inspirational! What a great venue the Shire Hall at Howden is, such a brilliant friendly atmosphere! We loved it and will be looking to go again.
It was great to have such an intimate atmosphere at a gig, a nice contrast to the big venues where it's all so impersonal.
Keep up the good work!"
LIGHTS OUT BY NINE. 15.10.05
You can keep your Commitments and your Blues Brothers tribute bands, sure they are entertaining, but Lights Out By Nine are the real deal. If you were not there you missed a real treat, make sure you catch them when they are passing by your town . . . and do not forget your dancing shoes!! G.B.
Syd and Fannys Christmas Turkey. Nov. '04.
Initial perceptions of what was in store with Syd and Fanny proved reasonably accurate, ironic, surreal and an element of traditional entertainment , all rolled into one. From the lyrics of well known standards adapted to reflect a slightly embittered opinion of Paul Daniels, alleged thief of Syd and Fannys act back in 1964, to a tiny Aled Jones, to "close your eyes while Fanny levitates to the ceiling" and "bugger me, it's Debbie McGee." this evening's, sorry afternoons, entertainment was an original and hilarious homeage to all things 'magicomedy' with just a smidgin of inspiration from Tommy Cooper. If you get the opportunity to see this show, don't miss it.
ALAN BARNES and BRUCE ADAMS. 'NOV. '04.
A near capacity audience was thoroughly entertained by the dynamic duo. Both Alan and Bruce were in 'happy mode' and the resulting music perfectly illustrated that fact. It was exciting, exhilerating and good fun. They enjoyed themselves and consequently so did the audience. The rythm section of John Donaldson, piano, Arnie Somagyi, bass and Matt Home, drums, drove them along splendidly, fully joining in the general mood of the evening.
The Marcus Malone Band. Oct. '04.
The forecast that this would be the best blues gig yet at the Shire Hall proved to be an accurate one. A slightly slow start in the first set saw Marcus Malone take the audience by storm in the second, to say this guy knows how to work a crowd would be the understatement of the century.(a crowd may be something of an understatement of it's own, just over sixty souls had a priveleged evening, where are you folks?)
A set full of self-penned numbers was hard to fault with a band described by one audience member as "Just about the tightest blues band I have ever seen."
Marcus dedicated 'Blue Radio' to the memory of John Peel, may I presume to dedicate the entire evening to someone who Nick Cave described as "one of the good one's" ?
(For a more comprehensive review please check out www.movinmusic.co.uk )
DANNY MOSS & JEANNI LAMBE OCTOBER '04.
Commencing the evening entertainment was the Neumes, a local family group who surprised and delighted the audience with the skill and fluency of their playing.
Danny Moss played with his usual panache, whether backing Jeanni Lambe's vocals or fronting the local rythm section his stature as an international star tenor player was immediately obvious.
Jeanni Lambe's vivacious personality blended well with Danny's full bodied tenor sound. Moss, a popular performer with the Howden jazz audience, quickly developed a rapport with the crowd and his playing at all tempos was immaculate.
KING ROLLO/Martyn Barker. OCTOBER 2004.
An excellent evening of acoustic blues was opened up by Gooles very own Martyn Barker. Is it an age thing or is his playing and singing getting better?
Hard on Martyns heels came King Rollo, all-round talented musician and good egg. He took the audience on a journey of self penned songs and standards by the likes of Robert Johnson and Big Bill Broonzy, rounding things off nicely with a medley, or two? of songs like 'I Hear You Knocking' and 'Mustang Sally'.
All in all yet another wonderful illustration of that diverse thing known as: 'The Blues'
FLOOK. SEPTEMBER '04.
Brian Finnigan on flute, Sarah Allen,flute and accordion, Ed Boyd, guitar,bouzouki and John Joe Kelly, bodhran, provided the audience on the first night of the autumn season with an almost telepathic interaction based on a very, very high level of musicianship and people who have met each other once or twice before.
Their personal rapport with the audience. a gentle sense of humour, as well as a wonderful combination of the traditional and the innovative left few feet un-tapping and not many people without a smile on their face.
GEGG WRIGHT. May '04.
"Howden Live was the proud presenter of this amazing California based guitarist on his first visit to the Shire Hall. Gregg regularly does mini UK tours and will be back here next year.
Like many of the acts coming to play as part of H.L's blues seasons, there were lots of the audience requesting a re-booking." A.E.S
THE BLUE BISHOPS.
"So welcome back to the old stalwarts, Geoff, Justin, Martin and Simon and greetings to Ben.It would be terrific to see the next few performances of this terrific band to check progress and, as last time, the Shire Hall was treated to a stack of blues standards played so well and with so much feeling." A.E.S
LINDISFARNE ACOUSTIC. APRIL '04.
The fifth Cookridge Cancer Centre fundraiser saw the much anticipated, sold out, arrival of Rod Clements, Billy Mitchell and Dave Denholme-Hull at the Shire Hall.
Two sets of wonderfully presented, lesser known, songs, building to a climax, pre-encore, with Meet Me On The Corner. Perhaps there was an expectation that the encore would incorporate a couple more well known ditties, it didn't but nontheless a fantastic evening and £2,500 for the appeal to boot.
An enormous pleasure to have had part of a national musical institution spend part of their 'final fling' in Howden.
STAN WEBBS CHICKEN SHACK. March '04.
A superlative performance from 'Stan the man'.
The only gripe being the volume level, apparantly Stans amp had been specially 'tweaked' by Marshall, which may have brought on one or two cases of tinnitus.
A small price to pay to be in the presence of genius though.
THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF MR BENN. MARCH '04.
Let us take you back to your childhood...childhood.. well, Nuffield Southampton Theatre First managed to do just that.
A thouroughly entertaining representation of Mr Benn which was a delight for children and adults alike.
THE CADILLAC KINGS. FEBRUARY '04.
Jump-jive, swing, rock 'n' roll, these guys are wonderful exponants of that and more. A high octane set of wonderful self penned stuff, mainly from the brilliant album 'Lou Ann' saw a significant proportion of the audience up and dancing and having the time of their lives. The band responded in kind and a great night was had by all.
THE DOGHOUSE SKIFFLE GROUP. FEB.'04.
Whatever your preconceptions are about skiffle please suspend them. These guys provide a rip-roarin', funny, footappin' night out which would be hard to rival anywhere, by anyone.
When they come to see us again, why don't you come too?
WATERSON:CARTHY. JUNE '03
The fourth Cookridge fundraiser saw these folk icons from two generations provide sublime renditions of what they do best. Wonderful harmonies,instrumantal dexterity and the sort of charm and gentle humour that comes from just being lovely.
Something which may not have been apparant to the audience, the slighty late start apart, was that a mis-reading of the tech. spec. meant that at one point we were several cables short of a full PA, some may say that is true of me most of the time anyway but it all came together nicely in the end.
The Bonnitts. November '04.
It can only be a matter of time before "Hulls best unsigned band" becomes one of the city's best signed ones. A high energy performance of self-penned songs provided ample evidence that there are are young talented musicians around who can cut the mustard. If a few more people turned out to see bands like the Bonnitts instead of patronising dross like Pop Idol, the world would indeed be a better place.
Pre and post performance a spot on presentation of all things eclectic by the God Only Knows boys managed to get the majority of the audience, and some of the bar staff, tripping the light fantastic on the dancefloor for the last hour or so of the evening.
This was a new departure for Howden Live and was so enthusiastically received that it is only a matter of time before this format becomes a regular feature, promoting new, local talent, watch this space ! !
November '04.
MEMO GONZALEZ AND THE BLUESCASTERS.
Well! what a night that was, from the moment Memo Gonzalez took to the stage it was apparent the audience had a treat in store. The variety of musical styles on display had to be heard to be believed, from country blues to swing via rock 'n' roll and most points in between. Kai Strauss's guitar pyrotechnics drew frequent rounds of applause mid song. Erkan Ozdemir on bass and Klaus Schnirring on drums provided a powerhouse of a rythm section, referred to by Memo as "the heartbeat of the band" definately no resuscitation needed here!
And then, the man himself! Memo Gonzalez's tremendous stage presence built the evening up a treat, dedicating various songs to "those lovely ladies out there" and demonstrating harp playing skills to die for. It wasn't too long into the second set before a fair proportion of the audience were on their feet and shaking their booties to some of the most danceable tunes heard in the Shire Hall for while. Something of a feat in itself given previous reluctance for Howden audiences to get vertical in the face of danceable ditties.
All in all a memorable night, roll on a re-booking!
Last Nights Fun. Dec. '04.
One of the best audiences of the year turned out for these three wonderful performers, who provided a foot tapping, emotive and hilarious evening.There was even a surprise dancer on near the end. Ably supported by Rachel and Becky Unthank, this was evidence enough of a thriving, vibrant folk scene.
The Spikedrivers. December '04.
A second visit to the hall for this delightful trio. Despite time off the road rehearsing for a new album this live outing proved, if proof were needed, that this band have it all. Self penned songs emotive of the delta and trains,even computers, brilliant covers like Gallows Pole, all delivered with skill and passion. What more could we ask for?
THE DOGHOUSE SKIFFLE GROUP. 'Jan '05.
What can we say about this lot? Their third visit to the Shire Hall and yet another evening of rip-roaring skiffle type fun. Never stale, always spontaneous and original, good sized audience, always room for more.
"They were really funny, they sang a song for me." Sam. Age 6.
Paul Jones and Dave Kelly. Jan. '05.
"Working loosely from a starting set list, Dave Kelly took his lead from the mood of the night to give us a tailor made blues event, playing exceptional guitar and leading vocals on some songs, whilst Paul Jones took lead vocals on others and played a fantastic solo effort accompanying himself which had us roaring for more.
The Shire Hall has become THE local place for us to see some of the wide variety of current blues, jazz and folk artistes." AES
February 11th, 2005.
Well! we had hoped for a few extra bodies for the second God Only Knows outing and a very pleasing 90+ folk turned out for what promises to be an event which will run and run
SLEEPING DOGZ. feat. WILD WILLY BARRAT. 12.2.05.
A healthy turnout was treated to an eclectic evening, starting off with Gooles own Martyn Barker, overheard comment from Willy Barratt "He's got a lot better." Praise indeed.
Then to the main event, an innovative introduction saw the band being serenaded to the stage from the back of the hall by Howden Live's own Joe Besch with his bagpipes.
There then followed a set which would be mighty hard to define, was it folk? was it contemporary?
Willy Barratt himself described the proceedings as 'punk folk'That will have to suffice.
As large an array of interesting insruments as you are likely to come across anywhere, harmonium, fiddle, guitar, cello, uillian pipes, banjo, balalaika, djembe, flute, whistles and vocals, were all utilsed to present an innovative batch of songs. From The hilarious 'Train Had Gone' with possibly the shortest audience response ever utilised (oy!), to the wry humour of Please don't throw Me To The Christians and the wonderfully emotive Gypsies Too. More than ably supported by Mary Holland and John Devine this stuff was a musical delight if your tastes are that bit left of centre, we were even treated to the joy of a guitar being sawn up in time to a ragtime number, the bane of Willys life apparantly.
All in all a gig to remember.
Please check out the Sleeping Dogz website for a further flavour of this lovely lot. www.sleepingdogz.co.uk
STEVE ARVEY AND BLUESMOVE. 26.2.05.
Steve Arvey has 'star' written all over him, the performance tonight was on the button, from the acoustic intro, to the gradual introduction of the rest of the band, Roger Innes on bass, Jools Grudgings, keyboards and Mike Hellier on drums. You really couldn't have imagined a better performance from the whole band. One entertaining highlight was when Steve ambled off through the audience, still playing, out of the back doors, down to the bar, back on stage , drink in hand to delighted cheers, and it just went on, come back soon!
GREGG WRIGHT. 18.3.05.
A welcome return for for the mighty guitar talent that is Gregg Wright. Its easy to see why he got the gig with Michael Jackson on the 'Thriller' tour. We were treated to an evening of wonderful self penned stuff and driving, inspired covers which left everyone feeling they had been in the presence of greatness.
THE MATT WAITES SEXTET. 19.3.05.
FAMILY STYLE 26.3.05.
Three bands and an i-pod.
THE HOT BAND 2.4.05
A woefully small audience were treated to a tremendous evening from these wonderful exponants of country rock, slide guitar, accordian, guitar, bass and drums all contributed to an evening that deserved a much bigger crowd than it got, if you get a chance to see this band, do, they might even come back to Howden.
ESTHER MILLER. 9.4.05.
God Only Knows, feat. The Nuetralites, The Influence and Superscape. 29.4.05.
GENO WASHINGTON AND THE RAM JAM BAND.
A second set of soul classics scheduled for an hour turned into a celebration incorporating Everybody Needs Somebody, Spell On You, I Feel
Good and many others that lasted an enthralling hour and forty minutes.
What floor space there was, was constantly occupied, the raked seating has rarely, if ever, had so many people up on their feet on it for so long.
The crowd response to Washingtons exhortations were vocal and more than enthusiastic, needless to say the encore elicted the chant of 'Geno'. .
..'Geno' more and more people on their feet and then it was all over, what a
show!
SHEENA DAVIS. 14.5.05
Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri. 21.5.05
A fantastic treat this, its dead easy to see why Kiki Dee was the first British artist ever signed to Motown. Her voice in its power and representation of emotion has lost nothing over the years. An evening of well known stuff, the slowed down solo version of 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' was given a totally different meaning, the odd cover and newer material was perfectly complemented by Carmello Luggeri's skilful touch with the guitar.
JIM DIAMOND AND SNAKE DAVIS + SOUNDSPHERE. 4th JUNE 2005.
This, Wishful Thinkings sixth fundraiser for the Cookridge Cancer Centre Appeal, was one hell of a night yet again! Starting off with Soundsphere's wonderful a cappella set (their fourth year on the trot!) and moving on to Jim and Snakes tremendous interpretations of soul classics and Jims very own well known ditties. All that and £2,600 for the appeal, cant be bad!
BLACK UMFOLOZI 5. 1st July 2005.
After a morning and afternoon spent doing workshops at the Junior and Infant schools respectively, its a shame we couldn't have sold tickets to that, the childrens response was heart warming and uplifting, the band presented a tremendous show at the Shire Hall in the evening. Inspired a cappella songs from Zimbabwe delivered with passion and enthusiasm, exiting choreography, the adults left the hall knowing exactly how the the children must have felt earlier in the day, inspirational might be one description!
WAKING THE WITCH. 3rd September 2005.
Memo Gonzalez and the Bluescasters. 24.9.05
THE TIM RICHARDS TRIO. 1.10.05
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