The Juice ‘Contemporary Media E-Zine’

Charles Paxton May 10th, 2008

• Artist interview , Event Review , Plug 'N' Play
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admin September 2nd, 2007

 Plug & Play 07/08 season at the Penrith Players theatre got off to a great start on Sunday with a good crowd and some great playing from both the headline act and the “Plug and Players”.The traditional open mic slot started the proceedings off with the compere, Andy Johnson playing a lovely melodic solo bass piece, inspired by J. S. Bach. His interweaving of the D minor Toccata with an atmospheric Celtic influenced tune was warmly applauded by the audience. Local guitarist Chris Walker, then joined him on stage for a run through of two instrumental pieces showing a  mastery of the fingerboard by Chris with a slow blues number, followed by a more upbeat jazz piece. Both tunes were appreciated by the Plug & Play audience.  Ken Wilcock then took to the stage with his Fylde guitar and treated us all with some great finger-picking tunes namely “Rosalee”, “Paddies Green Shamrock Shore” and “Planxty Fanny Powers”. For an encore Ken played a French, gavotte-style piece called “Schottische”. Next up was Andrew Davies who is becoming a more regular face at the PnP sessions. Andrew treated us to four of his own compositions which showed off his Guitar and Harmonica playing and complemented his soft, clear voice as it rode above the music. “The Friend”, “Back of my mind”, “Feel it” with its driving guitar rhythm and “You’ve got something to say” were all well received by the audience. The final act for the open slot was Rob Heron who, fresh from playing at Solfest, treated us all to some awesome playing and singing. “Wouldn’t he”, “Roseville Fair”, John Lennons’ “Cold Turkey” – completely reworked and with some great guitar playing – and “Introspection” all had the audience cheering and clapping. After a short break the stage was then given over to Christian Moss. Having played in Manchester, Newcastle and California, he will shortly be heading off back to America for a tour. Joined on stage by drummer Gavin Warrender, he immediately started interacting and joking with the audience which for me is always a big plus. Lots of “stars” nowadays think you only have to get up on stage, play and get off. Not so. Engaging your audience is a big factor in becoming popular. I just wish this was appreciated more by artistes. Anyway…The set began with “Brick Wall”, from his new album which was launched that evening. Immediately showing off his superbly strong voice and complimentary guitar playing, this song for me is the best on the album. Not all songs had Gavin accompanying on the drums, (well, snare, two cymbals and a tambourine used as a kick drum!) but when he did accompany Christian the playing was excellent.  It was just enough to alter the song, but not overpower it, the sign of a great drummer. “Control” “Headwound” and “The Odds” followed, with Christian merrily plugging the new album and laughing and joking with the audience throughout. “Circumvent” and “No Pianos” with its great interaction between guitar and drums followed as, song after song, Christian kept the audience enjoyment levels up. “No connection” the first song he wrote, way way back and “Killing my time” were played with feeling and intensity as was “The Flies”, played on slide Dobro to much applause. Unfortunately he broke his pick so could only give us one song on the Dobro. This was a shame as this gave a glimpse of another side to his compositional work. Finishing off with “Lungful”, again from his album and played without drums, Christian demonstrated that a good song stands by itself. He was called back for a well deserved encore. Clearly surprised to be asked for another song Christian and Gavin  deliberated for a few moments. Then with the words “This should be interesting….” they launched into a lively song  called “I need” which they performed brilliantly. A long applause followed showing how much the PnP crowd had enjoyed the session.See you all on the 7th October for Clive Carol (don’t miss this one!). Check out the Plug & Play website for details of upcoming gigs. www.plug-play.co.ukKeep it live!!    “Open Mike” 

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admin January 7th, 2007

The first Plug & Play of 2007 was a well attended event with everyone chilling out after the fun and festivities of the previous two weeks.

Ben Mattinson was first up with a smooth little number he wrote as a College project which we called “No Name”. Its good to see new faces at PnP, and Bens immediate two way interaction with the audience was nice to see. “Fade”, “Sunrise Town” and “Garden Path” were all got the reception you expect from the PnP crowd and his final song “Insecure” showed what a confident and talented musician his is. Paul and Sally got up next with a Vocal, Guitar and Flute set (continuing in the PnP tradition of all types of groupings), “Tramps and Hawkers”  was a wonderful piece showing off Paul’s guitar work nicely and also the close bonding between the voice and flute, giving a pleasing harmonic sound to the words of the song. Sally then gave us a blast of Danish Waltz music with Paul accompanying, finishing off with “John O’Breams”, a song based around one of Tchaikovsky’s  themes. The Lancashire-based duo Blackheart, consisting of Chrissy on vocals and Richard on guitar and vocals, then got up to finish off the open mic session, starting off with “I’ll see you there” and carrying on to give us powerful songs about Relatives, “94 years”, home towns, “Wonderland” and marriage, “Blue flowers for tomorrow”. Chrissy’s voice floated nicely above the intricate guitar work of Richard, who harmonized with feeling in both the choice of harmonic and  intensity of the note. Their CD “indigo” is available from their web site: www.theblackhearts.eu 

The main act was the eagerly awaited visit of Bob Fox. Famous for “Big River” (yes, as sung by Jimmy Nail) and “Sally Wheatley”, Bob is a songwriter of great feeling and passion for his native North-East. Sculpting songs from his thoughts and experiences throughout his life and interspersing traditional songs such as “When the boat comes in” about the herring fishermen of the North-East coast. Audience participation is an important part of Bobs set, and as usual the PnP crowd were up for the challenge.

“Jack Crawford”, “Celebrated working man” and “Life is not kind to the drinking man” kicked off his first set and immediately had the audience on his side. Bobs accent gave the songs authenticity, combine this with the passion in his voice and you get a singer who keeps you listening to the very last. “Ballad of the big ships” about life in the ship yards, “Tailors song” and “Child of mine” to finish off the first set were all applauded warmly by the crowd.

The second half continued in the same vein. Kicking off with “Bonnie Gateshead Lass” and passing through, amongst others, “Champion at keeping them rolling”, “Shoals of Herring”, “Galway Shawl” and “Sally Wheatley”. Called back for and encore, Bob first played “Waters of the Tyne” and then to much delight played “Big River”. When you listen to Jimmy Nail singing this song it’s a nice tune, when Bob sings it, it is a powerful song about the decline of the Tyne industries. One voice, one guitar and an audience that was listening silently to an excellent song sung by a wonderful singer…Bliss!!

By Andy Johnson 

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admin December 3rd, 2006

By Andy Johnson

The final P&P of 2006 (but not of the season!!!) promised to be a great showcase for ex local band Samsa, who now reside in the Leeds area. Even the sound check sounded good with Samsas’ own sound-man Ian allowing P&P’s resident sonic guru Tom to take it easy with a few beers for the latter half of the evening once the open session had ended.

First up on the open session was Chris and Andy from rock band “3 mile smile” giving a blues feel to the proceedings with an instrumental version of “Torn, Tired and Broken” from their soon to be released EP, followed up with a 12 bar jam showing off both Chris’s excellent guitar work and Andy’s unscripted bass soloing when Chris’s guitar lead fell out!! Their web page www.3milesmile.co.uk has details of CD availability and back catalogue items.  They were followed on stage by Rob Heron, playing songs off his album “Morning has come…”. “Answers”, “What do you want me to do?” by Mike Scott,  and the title track “Morning has come…” all given a rousing reception from the audience with a well deserved call for an encore of “Make myself” again, from his album!! Check out his myspace page at www.myspace.com/robheronmusic for album sales, etc. Watch this bloke..he’s going places. Sound man Tom Corda-Stanley was then joined on stage by Chris Walker to give a taster of his new jazz EP “An evening with Gatsby” playing  “Notes to a Gentleman on Leaving Through a Window” to an appreciative crowd. His myspace is www.myspace.com/lvhz where details his CD can be found. Just shows that the “Plug” bit in Plug & Play is just as relevant as the “Play” bit!!

After a short break the ever popular Lucy and Jamie Deakin took to the stage to give the audience a reminder of  their unique take on Cello/Guitar duets. Starting with “Burleaves” and continuing through “Gremlin”, “Stepping Stones” and “Sasperilla” (dedicated to Lucy’s parents Keith and Jackie). Finishing off with a combined tune of “Hannah’s Tune/Apple Scrumping” to much applause from the audience.

Samsa divided their set into two distinct sections. The first being an acoustic set from Ollie showing off not only his excellent voice but also his subtle guitar playing to good effect. “He who dares” and “Ground Control” were among the songs played in this set, occasionally joined by Lucy on Squeeze Box to add another dimension to the already eclectic evening.

Then came the big ending…Samsa took to the stage in all their glory to give the audience what they came for. Kicking off with “Wasting Time” they went through their set list with venom. Good interplay between Ollie and the audience kept the tempo moving between songs (something that can be lacking in other groups). “Red Sky”, “First the Lights”, “Silence” and “Another Night” were all played with the professionalism you expect from this outfit. The metrognomic Jamie on drums kept everything tight and with Harry on bass (with broken thumb!) the rhythm section never wavered. Called back onstage for an enthusiastic encore, the evening finished off in great style with “Animals” giving the audience a great end to the gig.

Next up in January is Bob Fox (Big River, Sally Wheatley, etc)…Don’t miss.

Keep supporting this great venture by the VOLUNTEERS of Plug & Play to keep music live in Penrith…

Merry Chrimbly and a Hiccy New Year.

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admin November 26th, 2006

By Andy Johnson

There are some people who, if you really want them at Plug & Play, you pull out all the stops to book. Such is the case with Bob Brozman, who appeared at a special show arranged by the P&P group.

It therefore came to pass, that on a cold windswept night next to “The Aggi”, a little bit of sunshine was provided by one of the best guitar strummers/fingerpickers/beaters around today. Immediately getting everyone who braved the elements participating with songs ranging from calypso, through reggae, blues, jazz and even heavy metal, all on various types of acoustic including a 22 string Indian style thing which looked particularly frightening.

I am normally quite methodical in noting down particular songs or parts of the show but, because of Bobs audience grabbing abilities, I completely forgot to write down anything but a few words… “Sack him!!” I hear you say, but wait! Anyone who was there would forgive me for this oversight as they would have been as impressed as I was…anyone who wasn’t there, doesn’t have the right to say such things. If you couldn’t be bothered to turn up and see one of the most entertaining people on the scene because of a little rain (skin’s waterproof you know!!), and at the same time support  a music scene ran entirely by volunteers then I suggest you stay at home and play with your x-boxes or whatever!

Right, rant over.

Songs covered all aspects of  life, taking snapshots of past and present from George “Dubbya” Bushes’ world crusade against evil, growing up, relationships and going home after a long tour. All were given the Brozman treatment with the skill and dexterity you would expect from such a seasoned performer. It still amazes me how he plays a bit, throws his guitar around, catches it and still manages to carry on playing without dropping a note (or the guitar)! Mind you, the front row looked worried from time to time.

Next time you see Bob advertised…SEE HIM!! Wherever he is. You won’t be disappointed by his show.

Next up at Plug & Play…Samsa with Jamie and Lucy Deakin in support.

Be there, or be a non-round object!!!

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admin October 1st, 2006

By Andy Johnson

Put a crowded bar, ten players and over thirty songs together and what do you get? A fantastic, if what frenetic, evening of entertainment, that’s what!!

Plug & Plays showcase of local songwriters is getting a regular feature of the season’s line-up and is proving as popular as ever with supporters of all the artists enjoying the night and giving well deserved applause to each of the acts.

Tony Carson was first on the stage with a Latin version of “Fame”. Not an original song, but a very original version. Finishing up with “Gena” and “Blues for Bessy”. John Brake was next up with four soulful numbers “Sky West and Crooked”, “Sweet 16” about a teenage suicide bomber (very topical!), “Beating Heart” and “Despair and Wonder”, all allowing his voice and harmonica playing to come through to good effect. Phil Caton without his trusty ukulele but with keyboards entertained us to “Coming Back”, “Never Learn” about the crisis in Darfor, the humorous “Dickie-Dow-Dow” and “Constant Alibi”.

With the crowd now well warmed up, Bruce aka “The Electronic Pimp” gave what must be the most unique style of bass player/singer combination ever. Full overdrive, drum machine and table-top dancing made “Woodpecker Soup”, “Second Thoughts” and “Some People” part of the evening that not many will forget in a hurry. Andy Halsey then brought us all nicely down to earth with “A Love Song”, “The Fugitive” and finishing off with “Give the Game Away”. All showing his fingerpicking technique off to great effect. The bluesy “Lonely Sober”, I Got You” and “Get Up” were the songs from Phil Saunders giving full rein to his blues harmonica and easy playing, which sort of led us into Banjo Bill giving the audience a completely alternate take on how to play a banjo and sing a song at the same time. His strong voice and laid-back style of playing had the crowd applauding strongly at the end of “To Be A Rover” the Turkish influenced “Obard” and “Moon On The Water” co-penned with Pat Simmons.

There was a strong contingent from Kendal in the players and they now took to the stage to show the home crowd how they do it down south!! Some beautiful drop tune playing from Dave M. with “Not Sweet 16” and “The Tall Tree” had the crowd loudly applauding. Kirk McIlhenney then took to the stage to give a tapping, hammer-on, double-stop style performance of “What Are We Fighting For”, “Eyes For You” and Black-Eyed Dog-Gimme Love”. Very reminiscent of John Gomm who, incidentally, is playing here next month. Check the Plug & Play web site!!

Last but not least was the very versatile Paul Harrison, making a welcome return to Plug & Play showing off his dexterous style of playing and knowledge of the fingerboard to fine effect. “Home”, “Driftin’” and “Hellhound” (with words by Robert Johnson), all had the audience wanting more. He duly obliged with the instrumental “The Traveller” finishing the night off in great style and leaving the audience with the feeling of having had a great night out.

Special mention should go to Tom Corda-Stanley who plugged in and out the various players throughout the evening and who got a well deserved round of applause at the end. Part of the great response to the evening was due to the web site www.mostlyaccousticcumbria.co.uk, which promotes interest in this type of event across the region. Check out their web site for details of more to come in the area.

Hasta la November. Baby!!   Keep it live!!

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admin September 3rd, 2006

By Andy Johnson

The long awaited Plug & Play season at the Penrith Players theatre got off to a cracking start with a good crowd and great playing.

The traditional “plug in and play” slot started the proceedings off with the highly talented and versatile Bill Turner taking to the stage. The warm tone from his 12-string guitar complementing his voice through his renditions of “Pretty in pink”, Mike Hardings wonderfully poignant “No Mans Land” about the England v Germany football match on the Somme and, finally, the Eagles “Take it easy”.

Next up was Ken Wilcock with two fine instrumental pieces on Dobro. “Working on the new railroad” and “Rosalie” showing his fingerpicking style off to great effect. He was then joined on stage by Jackie Knox, Andy Johnson on stick bass, Keith Knox on mandolin in their guise of “Mrs Knox and the Good Time Boys”, belting out three numbers in their jug band style. “Rich Girl”, “Don’t you ease me in” and “I’m gonna get it” all had the audience tapping their feet and applauding.

Finally, Phil Caton with his trusty ukulele, played a self penned blues number “Dead Cat Blues” giving ample scope to show his unique take on “Uke” playing to great effect.

After a short break, the man who people had come to see took to the stage and didn’t disappoint. Kieran Halpin has a fantastic ability of grabbing the audience as soon as he plays.

Most of the songs in the first half were from his latest album “Box of words and tunes”, of which the title song was warmly applauded. From the autobiographical “A bitter pill” to the powerful “Letter to America” about George W. Bush’s jaunt into world policing, all the songs were sung with tremendous feeling and his guitar playing, from light picking to full on in-your-face strumming was, as always, just right for the song. He finished the first set off with “Angel of Paradise” from the “Moving Air” album, a personal favourite of mine.

The second set continued in the same vein with songs from his back catalogue including “Raglan Road” from the Akoustik album and “Berlin Calling” and “Closing time in Paradise” from the “Moving Air” album. Kieran dedicated “Glory Days” to guitarist Chris Jones, who played with him for many years and appeared on the Moving Air album, who unfortunately died recently. Roared back on stage for an encore, Kieran left the audience with the feeling of having seen a great man play great songs.

See you in October.

Keep it live!!

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