Plug & Play, Penrith. 6th January 2008
admin January 10th, 2008
2008 kicked off in fine style at the Plug and Play gathering in Penrith on Sunday. Billed as a singers night, with Alston based Rory Connor as the highlight of the evening, the slightly smaller than usual crowd enjoyed a variety of songs and music from both Rory and the open mic’ers.
First up in the open slot was Ken Wilcock and his trusty Fylde guitar, fingerpicking his way through the slightly ragtime-ish “Buckdance”, followed by “Windy and warm” and finally “Rosalee”. All three tunes allowing Ken to show his artistry on the fingerboard. Phil Caton was next up, and in a change to the normal ukulele antics, decided to play keyboards and treat us to “Constant Alibi” a song co-written by Phil with Bill Turner and reminding me of a Hall & Oates style 80’s rock hit.
Chris Walker then joined him on guitar for, initially, a Roberta Flack number. However after Phil completely blanked and forgot the tune, much to the crowds amusement, they decided to cover The Rolling Stones’ “High-Heel Sneakers” (Higgenbotham) allowing Chris to improvise nicely whilst Phil held down the tune.
12 year old Ethan Thomas then took to the stage to give us a great version of “Little Wing”, followed by the Rolling Stones “Streets of Love”. Finishing his stint off with “Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday” was a nice touch, letting his warmed up voice power through the song.
Jonathan Trengrove (aka Dr Glam) then took to the keyboards with Chris Walker and Andy Johnson on guitar and bass respectively, treating us to three songs from Jonathans ever expanding portfolio. “Letting go” and “The feeling” showed some nice interaction between Jonathan and Chris, each allowing the other space to develop the tune. “Sunshine Blues” was an unashamedly foot-tapping 12 bar which allowed Chris and Jonathan to take solos with Andy underpinning the beat throughout. Jonathan then finished off the open mic slot with a solo piece “All we love”, again the warmed up voice adding to the passionate keyboard phrasing.
Dr. Glam, Chris and Andy perform ‘The Feeling’.
Jonathan Trengrove (A.K.A. Dr. Glam) performing “All we love”
Jonathan Trengrove (A.K.A. Dr. Glam), a passionate vocalist
Rory Connor has been writing and performing for 9 years throughout Northern England and having just recorded his debut EP, was an eagerly anticipated attraction at tonight’s show. With a great melodic voice that, for me sounds like an English Ronan Keating he launched into his set with “Won’t stay for long” closely followed by “Ozzie” about the delights of Australian wine. The underlying Calypso feel to “Waiting” showed his talents as a song-writer and versatility as a guitarist off excellently and the powerful “Butterfly” about changes and discovery, with its haunting “Tell me what you found!” refrain at the end was for me one of the highlights of the evening.
Chatting to the audience throughout, Rory lapped up the appreciation of the PnP crowd, who were applauding and cheering the songs, all of which were played with feeling and enjoyment. “For the last time” and “She looks good in yellow” had the crowd in silent appreciation and the beautifully played “Don’t think twice” by Bob Dylan received an especially enthusiastic round of applause. Finishing off the set with “Half full glass” from his new CD he was called back to the stage amidst cheers and clapping for an encore.
Rory Connor playing Australian Wine
Initially playing “Falling from trees”, he succumbed to the curse of that nights PnP and completely forgot the song, again much to the crowds amusement. Not wanting to disappoint, he jumped onto the piano and showed off his keyboard skills and another side to his musical abilities with “Jolene” – his own composition and not the Dolly Parton song! Look out for Rory and go and see him, either as a solo performer, or with his band…you won’t be disappointed!
Rory Connor performing “Won’t Stay”
Due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e. Christmas!), Decembers PnP review of Dr Glam missed the press. Sorry about that! For all of you who played, or wish to read what happened, this can be viewed at http://www.plug-play.co.uk/reviews/
Don’t forget, the open mic set is for you! Want to play? Come along! All styles, instruments, abilities are welcome. Plug and Play is about live music…YOUR live music!
See you all on the 3rd February when the fantastic Chris James will be taking to the stage.
Happy New Year!! “Open Mike”