The Second Period of Gig-Going
Live in Leicester - Local Artists
Leicester I rich in touring bands playing here, but there is also an incredible and varied local scene packed with countless high quality bands, musicians, singers, writers, performers… and you can catch a live set most days somewhere around town
The quality these acts serve up is colossal, sure, you will enjoy some more than others.. thats down to personal taste… but the quality is outstanding
Inevitably I have seen a good many of these people a number of times, so it isn’t always east to pick out a specific gig, but it is easy to look at the artists and the contribution they make.
You get to know, and befriend, many of these people, which helps make the scene so warm and friendly as well as hearing some damn fine music. I have selected to look at the people I think I have enjoyed and admired the most… I am sure there others, and I am seeing new, to me at least, people most weeks, so if I have missed anyone out I should have included I’m sorry… I can always add to this!!
AL SANSOME
Al is a hugely accomplished guitar player and has been one of the key figures in the local blues/rock scene, I first came across him some years ago playing with Mojohand… a fine band concentrating on blues/rock covers and always whipping the audience up with their music.
Since then All is likely to pop up anywhere, leading a band or accompanying another musician.
He leads a great band, featuring himself, along with a core of musicians, brilliant guitar player Mike Pruden, the irrepressible Charlie Lewin on bass/vocals and drummer extraordinaire Clive Williams on drums… they play a weekly free slot at the Knighton Club, after their long run at the Donkey sadly ended due to the demise as a viable venue of the site.
The sets are a real foot-tapping danceable couple of hours of classic material, often augmented by plates like Dawson Smith, Andy Wales and harpists Mark Theobald and Sean Clutterham.
He also pops up playing acoustic sessions, in Ann Duggan’s band, and accompanying Kenny Wilson in a Dylan show.
AMY DX
I first saw Amy opening what was a fairly undistinguished night at the Donkey, but she and her band really lit the room… Although to be honest Amy looked a bit frail, her keyboard playing was top notch and her voice was superb… very much in the power ballad area, her voice soared over the band, and was strong and pure and she delivered a set of high class original songs plus a Fleetwood Mac cover (the FM of Stevie Nicks et al) and I found myself recommending to anyone who was listening to go see the band when they could.
A few weeks later I saw her at Firebug and again, she delivered a great set, the frailty I thought earlier gone. Since then I have been lucky enough to see Amy on numerous occasions at various locations… after these first two gigs she was playing solo.. just Amy, a keyboard, and that wonderful voice.. From here confidence and assurance grew enormously and the performances grew further in stature and quality, The new songs coming in were equally strong and the voice reaching new heights.
In recent time Amy has reverted to playing with a band, and has gathered some top notch musicians around her to make a really strong and tight outfit.. obviously still built around Amy’s voice and quality songs, but with fully empathic accompaniment… the last gig I saw she dispensed with the keyboard half way through and simply stood and sang
Whenever you see Amy she gives 100%… fabulous voice, high class songs which often appear personal and she delivers them with power, and total passion and commitment… an artist who has developed into a really top class artist.
Not only do I love her singing and songs, but when so many musicians bewail low audience turn out and wonder why people dont turn out, Amy is often seen n the audience listening to the artists at gigs when she isn’t playing…
ANDREA KENNY
First time I saw Andrea she Wass leading her band “Token Boy” and to be honest I didnt much like it. Not long after this first gig I saw her playing solo, a support slot for there band Morganway and she totally blew me away… she had seemed a bit sullen first time, but this gig she was fully alive.. .performing with Toal passion and assurance and clearly enjoying herself. The songs were strong and incredibly good and the performance full of passion and fun.. absolutely irresistible.
After her set Andrea stood in the audience and when the band played “Jolene” she was also belting it out until the band invited her on stage to sing lead.. .which she did superbly.
I’d gone from a doubter to a real fan in one gig. I next saw her at the OMC for the launch of her album “Passage of Time” where she was joined by a quite exceptional band and delivered a truly awesome performance featuring the tracks from the album and one or two other familiar pieces… the album tracks were outstanding and the album itself a must have…
I have seen Andrea a fair few times since, always solo, and always been blown away by her power, energy and outstanding performances. She writes powerful songs, always with a real punch and delivers them with total conviction and assurance… her voice at times rasping but always totally honest and powerful, Andrea is a real force of nature… she hits the stage and transforms into a high energy powerhouse of song and voice, and her guitar playing always strong and punchy a perfect match for her voice and songs.
An absolutely inspired and inspiring writer and performer… and I particularly relish the night at Duffy’s when the audience appeared to be just Andy, Mike and Myself, when after a chat with us she held the door opening til she had set up a table and three chairs for us old guys to sit at… not only a great performer but a caring one…
Not only is Andrea a superb solo performer, but she leads the superb bunch of reprobates, the Brandy Thieves. Aside from Andrea on guitar and vocals they feature drums, bass, banjo and trumpet… and sound like no other band.. gypsy folk punk, mariachi, reggae… a melting pot of genres all delivered with an outrageous amount of energy and power, rocking from the start, they power through their set with joy and great musicality… one for the best and most exciting bands around…
ANDY GRIFFITHS
Andy is a singer and songwriter blessed with great talent… having seen him a number of times I know how consistently excellent his performances are.
He has a rich warm voice and sings his own songs with conviction and assurances, accompanying himself with some fine guitar work.
He writes excellent songs, whether songs of love, the human condition or powerful narratives. Lamentably I dont actually know the name of his songs, but a couple I have heard him perform a time or two really stand out… the first is a narrative, I believe a true story, about the loss of fishermen from a Scottish fishing town, the other one of there need to appreciate what we have while we have it… two outstanding songs produced by a quality artist
Andy is also an accomplished photographer often popping up to photograph gigs
ANDY WALES
Andy must be the best rock/blues guitarist around… his band, featuring himself on guitar and vocals with Christian Dezelu on bass and Nick Murphy on drums are an incredibly tight rocking band, whether playing Andy’s own songs, blues classics or, to me, unlikely covers such as “ Tainted Love” and “Natural Woman” they remain tight, rocking/bluesy and very high quality.
They have a great direct rapport with an audience and carry the crowd along with them every time and are never again, whether playing originals or covers, they are always recognisably the Andy Wales Band, putting their own interpretation and style on all of the material
Andy is so much more than a brilliant guitarist and band leader… he crops up in al sorts of places, jamming with Al Sansomes band on his Friday afternoon sessions, playing guitar in David Wyatt’s band and on one occasion performing solo/acoustic at Duffy’s where he played the only cover I think I’ve ever heard of “God Only Knows”… a brave choice and he made a great job off it
Memorably, when playing with Al’s band one Friday afternoon he brought his young daughter along to sing with him… and the quality of her performance for such a youngster, and the look of joy and pride on Andy’s face I think lit up the room and moved everyone.
Not only a great guitar player/singer and band leader.. .but also a hell of a lovely bloke!
ANN DUGGAN
Ann is a real legend… a stalwart of the scene… Musically hard to define, maybe towards the poppy end of country, with a great deal of blues, jazz and rock in there.. I fact Ann is accomplished in virtually every genre.
Her voice is sweet and clear, but she can rasp and growl when the song demands it and delivers quality whatever she sings, whether originals, familiar covers or more obscure pieces, each Gert the full Annie treatment and as she makes them her own…
Anni usually works with her partner, Rob Hinds, an unbelievably superb guitar player who can be both soft and delicate, or make his acoustic seem more like an orchestra, together their performances can leave you gasping…
At times the band is expanded, adding at times Al Shotter (harp) Al Sansome (guitar) or a full band including bass and drums.. whichever format you see you can guarantee you will get a great show-off varied and wonderful music more on-stage chatter from Ann than you can imagine!… and a full value long set…
Annie and Rob tour extensively and play a fair few festivals but never forget their home-town audience, playing their share of gigs locally.
I guess I first got to know Annie’s work through the Juke Joint , co-hosted with Shotter, Hough and Dayfield, in the Charles Booth Centre in Thringstone… always a hugely enjoyable Sunday afternoon
AUTUMN DAWN LEADER
First time I saw Autumn I displayed my ignorance… I didnt know the name and thought I was going to be seeing a band… and sadly I was not impressed…
However, second time I saw her she simply blew me away… her voice is trained in a classical way and is not only beautiful but full of power and character… and can really make the hair on the back of your neck tingle…and is perfect vehicle for delivering her superb songs.
The songs are unique, angst ridden, powerful and hugely thought provoking, yet often stunningly beautiful as well. Autumn is never afraid to tell it like it is, and the robust language of some of the songs will minimise there exposure on the BBC!… having said that the language fits perfectly in the context of the songs and with her passionate full-on performance the power of the song is heightened.
Having seen Autumn countless times since these first gigs, I have grown to love her work more and more… she has never delivered a sub-par performance… you know when you go to see her you will get a fully committed brilliant performance… great songs and a magnificent voice, accompanying herself just on keyboard.. a superb and riveting performer.
Autumn can be intimidating on stage… mainly because of the usually dark clothes, and power of her performance, but she is always riveting and delivers a hugely enjoyable performance every time.
Usually performing solo, Autumn has also teamed up with Paddy McCullough as the Grinning Scarecrows, where Paddy plays guitar and Autumn abandons the keyboard and simply sings… and without the keyboard Autumn isa free to act out the songs as she sings, and somehow her voice and singing become even better…
Strangely, even before the first gig when I thought she was a band, I had seen Autumn working with Chris Chambers as Secret Magpie… I remember the gig, and simply remember the female singer had a stunning voice… only recently realised it was Autumn!
A hugely talented artist… stunning voice… superb songs and outstanding performer… can always be relied on to deliver an outstanding performance
AYNSLEY LISTER
Aynslet is a hugely talented blues/rock guitar player fronting a fine band… I’ve seen them a few times and her always gives 100% and provides a quality show… a fine performer who knows his craft and gets the audience on side almost immediately and keeps them throughout the show… which is always beautifully paced to build to a real climax.
I’ve also seen Aynsley jamming with other musicians, and he always does a top class job, showing his versatility and often stretching himself and also blending with the band… a very talented guitar player and performer…
Having said that however, this brand of blues/rock guitar playing isn’t really a favourite genre for me, but you can’t disguise the quality of the man and his performance
Be Cky
I’ve only recently discovered the considerable talents of Be Cry… always a very engaging performer seeming full of fun and upbeat. Primarily performing her own songs which are excellent and she delivers then with a lovely light voice, and a smile, which perfectly fits the feel of the songs. She also plays good guitar forming a perfect backdrop to her voice and songs.
A talented and hugely entertaining perfromer
Most recently supported by her partner adding percussion, it seems to give her a lift and playing with added assurance.
I recently saw Be Cry at Duffy’s, only 48 hours after learning that she may never be able to play guitar again… yet she played her set, as a singer, with her partner playing her guitar part and played two songs on piano, which I believe was her instrument before she played guitar. It shows the quality of the lady… talented, strong and very brave… respect!!
Always worth seeing and listening to
The Bo’weevill Brothers
This band is simply exceptional… a blend of three supreme talents, Al Shotter on harp, vocals, and bass; Nick Hough on guitars and occasional vocal and Little Jimmy Bo’weevil on drums, guitar, harp and vocals…
I have been seeing Al around for quite a while, usually stepping in to play with other artists or as part of Annie Duggan;s band and one third of Dyfield, Hough and Shotter, along with Nick Hough, an acoustic blues trio who were resident at Annie & Al’s juke joint.
Al and Nick then joined forces with Little Jimmy, who’s talents appear to know no bounds to form the Bo’Weevil Brothers. The band are also acoustic and blues based but a far cry from the previous band, playing powerhouse authentic blues, with more than a touch of rock’n’roil.
The music is loud, powerful and totally infectious with Al’s rough edged vocals standing out, along with Little Joimmy’s more country edged vocals… Nick also contributes vocals in the live shows.
To see this band live is a real joy… infectious music that grabs you from the off and gets the feet going and pulse racing… three incredibly talented musicians who clearly love what they do and love playing together.. .the togetherness and joy within the band is as infectious as the wonderful music…
One of those bands where to see them is to love them… a band I could never tire of seeing
Brendan O’Brien
Included in this as a total antidote… heaven knows how this guy ever got a gig… never worked out if he was meant to be a comedian, or eccentric musician… but whichever it was it was simply dire… happily it is now quite a while ago and I haven’t seen him, or any reference to him, since
Chris Conway
Possibly the most genuinely talented and most lovely guy on the local scene…Chris is a fine singer, guitar, keyboard, pipes, whistles and kalimba player, and a supreme entertainer..
Chris’ background is in jazz piano and is a superb player, but he also plays folky style music on guitar, tunes and airs on assorted pipes and whistles and accompanies himself with just kalimba at other times.
His solo work is always a delight… gentle, entertaining and always fun, Chris exuding charm and good vibes delivers a tour of his unique talents… playing jazzy tinged numbers on piano, more folky pieces on guitar and whistles, as well as the kalimba.
Chris’s song are also a complete variety of comic, poignant and philosophical pieces, and you can usually expect to hear the great audience participation number, “Jazz Potato” which reflects to a large extent to his varied career.
He chats easily through the set, giving the background to a song, or an aspect of his career and does it all with such a genuine warmth and joy.
Chris is not only an outstanding solo performer but plays in a duo with the outstanding Dan Brittan and with the superb ceilidh band Govannen… in whichever format he appears you are guaranteed a great evenings entertainment.. I just love the man’s work
Also, so many artists in these days where people don;’t seem to want to go out would love more support for live music, Chris is one of the few artists who is often seen sitting in the audience when not playing… all credit to him
Chris Ilett
Chris is a fine singer and songwriter, and a totally impassioned performer. His songs tend to be dramatic powerful pieces full of emotion and he delivers them in a powerful but slightly worn sounding voice, which is the perfect vehicle for the lyrics.
You need to listen to Chris performing, he is not “aural wallpaper” for sure…the commitment is more than worth it as the songs are real quality and his powerful performances always hit the nail on the head.
Not only is Chris a high quality singer songwriter, but is a strong champion for the local scene, his monthly “Up the Duffy’s” sessions bring out talented local artists of all kinds, mainly solo acoustic, but also now supporting the wonderful “Riotous Collective” bands. Whoever Chris puts on, the sessions are always so relaxed, friendly and hugely enjoyable, and are a chance to hear artists you may not otherwise get a chance to see… and so many of them you will want to get to see again
Dan Brittan
Dan is another highly talented performer, a song writer of huge quality, in particular his magnificent song about the fate of the herring fishers in Clovelly, his family home.
Dan has a great strong voice and is a fine singer, primarily folky singer/songwriter style, accompanying himself on guitar.
There is much more to Dan, however, than the excellent singer /songwriter… he also appears regularly in in Duo with Chris Conway, each delivering their own songs, with superb accompaniement by the other.
He is probably best known however for his work with Ceilidh band Govannen… which also includes Chris Conway and Roger Wilson as well as Adele McMahon and Neil Rabjohn
Dan is a forceful presence in the band, singing out positively an a host of upbeat traditional songs as well as some of his own excellent pieces, playing variously guitar and bodhran, generating huge energy throughout
As a contrast, Dan is instrumental in promoting benefit gigs for Neal Segrott who so tragically sustained brain damage after a fall… on these gigs Dan may play in a duo with Chris but normally ends the shows as leader of rock’n’Roll band, The Dead Rock Stars… very much an occasional band who rock mightily, on a host of familiar songs…
A man of many parts, and a master of them all… superb musician and performer
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Dawson Smith
Hard to know where to start with Dawson… the man is a real legend and stalwart of the scene… a fine singer, guitarist and songwriter and quality performer.
Maybe his main outlet has been Dawson Smith and the Dissenters… which he says he’s seen described as the best local band on the planet… Always a great bluesy/americana style band, in latter days the inclusion of Howard Smith playing superb lead guitar along with the rhythm section of Steve and Joe Burton on bass and drums respectively gave the band a real lift and raised them to a magnificent band… real top of the tree stuff
Dawson’s gigs are always quality, but one gig really stands out for me… Dawson and the band were regular performers at the Donkey, and it came down to the Dissenters to play the last night at the Donkey as we all loved it… on arrival in the room there was a great atmosphere, a real mix of joy to be there among so many friends and sorrow that this is the last night here… a night when I knew everyone there to some extent and everybody was milling around talking to everyone else… eventually showtime and Dawson Smith and the Dissenters hit the stage and played the set of their lives… a short break mid set to talk to more folk and refill the glasses and the band were back for the last set at the Donkey… and it was wonderful… after the penultimate song Dawson said something to the effect that he was going to play one more song, and after that it was over… there will be no more… and they rocked into the Stones’ classic “The Last Time” which was played with massive passion which was felt by the whole room… at the end Dawson and the band left the stage and there was nothing left but a lot oof hugs, farewells and \’see you somewhere down the roads”… I was especially touched talking to Nick afterwards who wanted a selfie with me, and all the other Donkey legends!!
Aside from the Dissenters, Dawson appears in various other guises, including the Dawson Brothers, a country/americana covers outfit, playing with Al Sansomes band and playing solo acoustic shows
Whichever format, Dawson delivers quality… always worth going to see
Della Grants
The Della Grants are a rock/band with heavy country/americana overtones. Centre front of the band is guitarist/singer Max Manning who plays great guitar and has a rich strong voice and sings well… the rhythm section of Andy Boulton (bass) and Tom Walker. (Drums) are also fine musicians and hold the band with their fine playing. Most recent recruit to the band is Tom Best, who added a new dimension with his guitar and harp playing, as well as his backing vocals.
The band feature mainly original material, all with a British blues/rock basis and with hints of americana in there. They also include some well chosen covers in their shows which blend in perfectly with their own strong material
There is always a real warmth on stage between the musicians, which always communicates with the audience to the extent that when they play the band feel like old friends, and indeed to many of the audience they are just that!!
The Della Grants will never let you down… great musicians blending together into s really top class band, delivering great music and good vibes wherever they play. If they have a fault maybe they need to play more gigs to take them to the next level… but I feel they play for the love of it and wouldn’t necessarily want that!
Aside from the band Max often appears solo, performing his own songs as well as some covers, and brings the same quality and good vibes as with the band… a very assured and quality performer
Dust’n’Debris
Dust’n’Debris are a hugely entertaining country/americana band, visiting a range of different areas of country music in an always enjoyable show.
The core of the band is their founder, Les Eastham, who sings and plays guitar/harp as well as writing some of the songs, along with the superb fiddle player Elaine and beautiful voiced singer Jade (Jay-Dee), who also smiles her way through every show… Jade’s husband George plays high quality lead electric guitar as well as adding mandolin and banjo and vocals… four high class musicians who all clearly revel in every moment of every show… totally infectious. The band is completed by rock steady drums and bass, though personnel here does tend to change and revolve, though always maintaining the standard
The set covers a whole range of material… often starting with “Rocky Mountain Belle” and “Wagon Wheel” which set the standard for a high class good-times gig, and will normally include a couple of Les’s songs, some Mississippi two steps, cajun, and many others… they also include a couple of jazzy/bluesy showcases for Jade’s terrific voice and usually a Beatles and a Stones cover in there…
Always a great show with this band… entertaining and great fun…you will go a long way to find a more genuinely enjoyable band than these guys!!
Edgar Broughton
A rock legend of the early ’70’s fronting the fabulous Edgar Broughton Band, one go the most hardworking outfits of the era, frequently seen on free concerts and outdoor events, they also played regularly on the university and club circuits, delighting crowds wherever they played, frequently being unfollowable after ending with the exorcism of “Out Demons Out” which always had the audience clapping along and chanting “Out Demons Out”
Seeing Edger live now, around half a century from when I last saw him I had no idea what to expect… what I dont think I expected was a man fully at home on stage, playing beautiful acoustic guitar with an almost flamenco feel to much of it… singing strongly and assuredly in a rich voice delivering a raft of first class new songs.
Not only was Edgar musically o
utstanding but he proved a wonderful storyteller and delivered a superb set of songs and stories, mainly reminiscences, which kept the audience rapt throughout…
An absolutely consummate performer and artist, changed Fromm the band days but every bit as engaging and great as the band were
Goavennen
Where to start with Govannen?.. .Five gifted musicians each with outstanding careers as soloists or with other bands coming together to form a truly outstanding Celtic band…
The band, as they line up on stage are Chris Conway (keyboard, kalimba, pipes, whistles, vocals) , Neil Rabjohn (percussion) Roger Wilson (fiddle, vocals) Adele McMahon (fiddle) & Dan Brittan (guitar, mandolin, bodhran, vocals)… each one bringing their own magic to the event and blending into an outstanding band.
The repertoire is varied… Chris will sing some songs, mostly originals, often including an audience participation “Hot Jazz Potato” which shows his roots in jazz music, Roger will sing and play a few traditional songs and tunes, Adele will play beautiful airs o fiddle, and if you are lucky she will beautifully sing an Irish ballad and Dan will add someorigibnal songs, including his epic tale of the Closely herring fishers as well as a host of rousing up beat rock traditional and familiar pieces.
The overall effect is the while staying within the Celtic roots the soloists are all so different in style that the show is like a pack of revels… everyone a gem, but you just dont know whats coming…
Absolutely outstanding band, every gig a true joy and totally uplifting…
Heartland Roots Band
The Heartlands have always been a high class country rock band, when I first saw them led by Adie Causer (guitar/vocals) with his wife Anna (Keyboards) Callum Bishop (lead guitar) Nick Plews (Bass) Paul Harkins (Drums) and Sam Hobson (vocals).
The band rocked beautifully… big anthem country rock songs with irresistable hooks and a terrace beat… as well as some quieter more reflective pieces reflecting more the country side of country rock…
As with many bands, times wrought changes among the membership and continued to evolve through the changes… in came Lee Allen on guitar and Steve Ward on bass… and a short term singer in Hannah Adams while Sam was away.
Whatever the changes the band maintain their powerful stage presence and are a superb live attraction, winning awards and now being a national band playing home town gigs maybe annually… quite rightly gaining success and plaudits wherever they go.
As the years have passed and the line-up changes settled, the band have gone more to the rock end of the country rock genre… and are doing it brilliantly
HELEN BUTTERFIELD
Helen is probably best known as fiddle player with the Hartlands Country Band, but tends to pop up in all sorts of other combinations, where her massive talent is heard at it’s best…
Most recent regular combination I have seen is with John Bertangle keeping the songs of the late Bert Jansch alive and well. John plays guitar and sings while Helen adds exemplary fiddle accompaniment adding an extra dimension tot he music, which works perfectly.
In this due Helen gets the chance to sing the odd song, and given what I’ve heard so far she should sing far more!!
Another occasional due is with Paddy McCullough, performing predominantly Paddy’s songs, with Helen again adding some beautiful and empathetic fiddle playing…
A less expected combination was adding some glorious fiddle alongside Nick and the Drugstore Cowboys.
Whatever combination Helen appears in, her fiddle playing is absolutely flawless and totally right with the music being played… beyond doubt, a superb musician
JERSEY BUDD & THE SILVERBALL BAND
Jersey is a long established acoustic singer/songwriter playing his own high class songs with assurance and great quality. For many he is perhaps best know for his soulful version of “When You’re Smiling” which has long been adopted by the Leicester City Football Club…
As a solo performer Jersey always delivered a really good set, playing really good guitar and singing well, but maybe his strength was the quality of his songs, which were often quite personal, and in this format the quality of the lyrics was easy to see…
In recent times, however, Jersey has been working with a full band, the Silverball Band… a bunch of class musicians delivering some really great punchy music, hard to categorise, but shades of pop and indie in there, though with the quality of the band playing with Jersey, the emphasis, is on think, has swung more to the music and however well Jersey sings, and he does sing well, for me the quality of the lyrics tends to get a bit lost in the overall band sound.. however, still damn good band and always worth seeing and hearing
JJ LOVEGROVE
JJ is a unique and magical performer, also one of the few performers to use pre-recorded backing tracks the that I always love to see and hear…
JJ stands behind her keyboard and as she starts the ethereal beautiful backing tracks swell around the room as she plays, creating a beautiful almost other worldly sound that draws you in and wraps itself around you..
She then starts to sing and her voice is airy, at times breathy, and always beautiful as she delivers her superb songs… The whole performance is totally enthralling as she weaves her spell throughout the totally engaging performance…
Such a warm and engaging performer, unlike anyone else on the
scene, totally unique and an absolute delight.
If there could be a slight negative, occasionally she lets the music swell over her voice… but the who effect is so mesmerising it just doesn’t matter
KAREN MacLEOD
ok, I know Karen isn’t a Leicester Musician, she she is relatively local and plays a lot in the city and county!!
Karen is an acoustic finger picking guitar player, specialising in old time southern blues… and I’m never sure that realises just how good she is!
Her sets are always entertaining, beautifully played and well sung.. a fair few songs in her repertoire are familiar, but often not in her versions, and others a very deep cuts by old time blues players that are virtually unknown, to me at least.
It is a delight to hear her playing finger style blues, a style not heard as often as it should be, and even rarer as well as Karen plays it. Her overall style is relaxed and very friendly and you cant help but warm to her, and her performances… always a delight to see her name on a bill, and she never lets you down.. quality performer of some great music
KARYN A
I first heard Karyn playing in a Riotous Collective band, but when she stepped forward as a solo singer/songwriter she was an absolute revelation…
She has a soft but beautiful voice and is a really class singer, as well as excellent guitar player.. .concentrating on her own songs, most of which are rather personal and she somehow makes each performance feel like an intimate performance, whether in the International Music Venue or Duffy’s… or indeed anywhere else.
Having not played much, if any, solo work before, there were nerves in the early performances, but each performance she has grown in assurance and confidence a radiates a warm personality and style, making her performances increasingly high quality and enjoyable.
A quality performer now, with the potential to become even greater
KENNY WILSON
Kenny is known by everyone on the local scene, an all round accomplished musician and singer, playing guitar, accordion and oboe who can be seen playing solo sessions all around town as well as playing sessions jamming with other bands as well as fronting his own bands.
Probably best known for his regular sessions playing mainly covers from the great writers of the 60’s and early 70’s, including the likes of Dylan, Cohen Stones, Beatles and many more. Kenny has a vast repertoire of songs accumulated of his years of playing and performing and handles them all well.
Kenny will also often appear with Al Sansoms band at the Clarendon Park club on a Friday afternoon among others
Other projects were fronting the excellent Parisienne Swing Band, arranging and playing at shows commemorating the old Chameleon Coffee Bar, featuring many of the individuals who were regulars there, and more recently celebrating the 60th anniversary of the ground breaking Highway 61 Revisited album by playing the whole thing, accompanied by Al Sansome on lead guitar, at the International Music Venue
Always an affable character, Kenny plays his music anywhere, always delivers a hugely enjoyable performance, and continually surprises with an unlikely cover!
KEVIN HEWICK
Kevin is a living legend.. a veteran of the Music scene who has played with many of the musicians on the Manchester/Hacienda scene as well as recording many albums of his own
Kevin has, rightly, a tremendous reputation and legacy, is one of the mainstays of the local scene, always delivering quality sets, though punctuated by many a rambling, but entraining tale, Usually playing acoustic guitar and singing solo, he also played lead electric guitar in Multimorph.
He plays great guitar and has a deceptively powerful and expressive voice delivering his quality song with huge assurance and quality, always delivering a fascinating and enjoyable set, whether dominated by the rambling tales or his quality music.
Beyond his own musical prowess Kevin is a huge supporter and promoter of young and local talent, hosting a monthly session, “Botheration” at Duffy’s showcasing local talent, especially connected with the Riotous Collective project… many of the acts are unknown but due to Kevin’s care and efforts they get the exposure and experience they need to move forward.
LOOMA
Looma are a local band of very diverse talents, combining together to make a terrific band. The various talents are Liz Logie, a traditional orkney accordionist. Mark Theobald, a blues musician playing guitar harp and vocals. Bob Gilmor-Evans, a prolific singer songwriter after the style of Woody Guthrie playing guitar and singing, and Tim Garland, a more contemporary styled sing songwriter playing guitar and cittern
The music they play is very diverse, ensuring sets are always varied and hugely entertaining including traditional airs and dance tunes led by Liz, blues and jazzy pieces featuring Mark, fine original songs and American folk ballad by Bob and some fine original songs and British folky covers from Tim
Four accomplished musicians combining their talents to make a great whole. The various members also frequently appear in various combinations on bills around the city and county. The band clearly love playing and that transmits easily to the audience so you can always be sure of enjoying them.
MATT KENESEN
Matt is a country musician, playing either solo or with his excellent band. A fine guitar player and singer who always delivers his set with assurance and style, and appears equally comfortable in a more intimate setting sitting in a small venue playing solo or leading his band in a bigger venue
The performance I remember with most affection was a in the Donkey garden, supporting Dawson before the football final.. a gig where everything came together, sunshine, a great audience and Matt and the band playing absolutely at the top of their game delivering a truly superb set
Contrasting styles saw Matt playing solo acoustic outside Cafe D’Orso and again delivering an outstanding performance.
A real quality performer whether solo or leading the band
MICK PINI
A local legend, but now based in Germany and I dont think has toured here since pre-lockdown, and sadly it is not economical for him to tour a band here now… which is a huge shame. In his earlier days Mick had a reputation that could have matched him among the likes of Beck, Green Clapton et al… but it didnt happen… and Mick continued to delight audiences with his rocking blues.
I’d seen Mick way back playing in local bands around the city, always was a class musician… he was also for a period resident musician at the Priory Folk Club, hosted by Terry and Annie, where he played a short set each week… I got to know him there… I knew he was Mick, but didnt realise for about 12 months it was actually Mick Pini
Mick has always been a great guitar player and singer, and the band he was leading when I last saw him was really hot… that last time was at the Musician, where someone asked one of the band “is he doing two 45 minute sets?”…. the answer… “Who knows… it’s blues”… I dont recall what he did play, but remember it was damn good
MULTIMORPH
Multimorph are the collective of musicians around Maureen Anderson’s poetry and saxopnone/glute playing… a free flowing undefinable band combining some rock, jazz and poetry.
At the front, Maureen, often performing in a full gold en outfit with full sun mask, sings or recites her poetry and plays either flute of saxophone… .she is joined by a varying range of musicians including Kevin Hewick on electric guitar, Jim Tetlow on percussion, Harley on Sax, Helena on vocals along with bass, synthesiser and a follower dressing in a flamboyant fish head dancing at the foot of the stage.
On first hearing the music can seem confusing and formless, but listen properly…the instruments blend into a sonic landscape which swirls around and can really rock.
Maureen’s poems or songs are mainly around environment, myth and conservation, and all make their points, sometimes delicately, at other times most forcefully… and are always worth hearing.
A band that took me a couple of times to appreciate, but once you chime with the vibes the band create they are mesmerising psychedelic and rocking.
A very different band, and an exceedingly good one.
MYSTERY ACTION
One of the most dynamic bands around, Mystery Action described themselves as voodoo punk rock’n’roll.. throw in elements of rockabilly and psychedelia and thats as good a description as I can think of!…
Their swampy rock’n’roll was a feature of the beloved Donkey where I first saw them… but since then they have had some line up changes and now line up with Steve on Drums, Blink and Will on guitars, Bad Guy Action….. on bass and Aislynn and Betty Bam on vocals
The band concentrate on original material which is swampy and rocky and drive along like crazy, as well as a cover or two… notably Aislynn’s interpretation of “White Rabbit” and “Fever”. “White Rabbit “rocks beautifully and “Fever” rocks with a sultry fire and passion…
The band members are a mix of styles, ranging from punk rock-a-billy and burlesque, but put them on a stage together and they rock… the music drives and you can be assured they will always deliver a high class, high energy original and exciting set
NEW AGE GRACE
New Age Grace are a terrific rock band, with shades of blues, very much of the old school and all the better for that.
They are built upon the pounding drums and understated bass of Chris Swirles and Tomas Csabi respectively and led by the rocking guitar playing of Kenny Cassells and powerful vocals of Amy Louise. For a reference point, think maybe Stone the Crows from the 70’s.
The band rock away with powerful riffs and great musicianship and vocals . The overall sound is rocking and punchy with hard hitting melodies and packed with bluesy solos and some quality harmonies. The band concentrate on their own material, which is consistently high quality and always worth a listen.
A very high power, high energy outfit who always deliver a no-nonsense show packed with interest, and never fail to excite an audience,
In recent days Amy and Ken have been playing as an acoustic duo,, playing stripped back versions of the bands repertoire, which allows Amy’s voice to really shine.
PADDY McCULLOUGH
Paddy is a singer/songwriter of real quality singing predominantly his own songs and playing guitar. A warm voice and fine guitar style Paddy always delivers a hugely enjoyable set, and his gregarious personality means he always connects with his audience.
H e is usually seen playing and singing solo, but is always likely to appear along with other musicians, most notably with Autumn Dawn Leader as the Grinning Scarecrows where his guitar work totally chimes with Autumns singing and releases her from keyboard duty to concentrate on her vocals. He also plays accompanied by fiddle virtuoso Helen Butterfield as the Jam Tarts where Helen great playing adds another dimension to his performance.
Paddy is also a champion of local talent often promoting events for a range of musicians, both well known and unknown…including a delightful recent series of Sunday afternoon shows on the terrace of a city cafe
Paddy is a unique character, fine guitarist and accompanist as well as a singer and writer
PETE MORTON
Pete is beyond doubt one of the best singer/songwriters we have… I first saw him as a floor singer at the Priory Club in the early 1980’s, always a powerful and intense performer and his songs were outstanding… he was always destined to rise to the top.
Pete has a strong clear voice and sings brilliantly, and is a fine guitar player…His performances, over the years, have mellowed to some extent, although he still writes a lot of powerful hard hitting songs which he delivers with power and commitment often including a very pointed and powerful rant about a negative aspect of life but there are also a number of more light hearted songs in the shows and a fair bit of comedy in his banter.
Pete also does some well chosen covers and traditional songs which often have choruses… he also has a couple of anthems, often closing with “When we all sing together” which always has the audience singing along, and usually sees Pete taking his guitar off and placing it on the stand and slowly walking off stage still
singing until he is virtually out of the room… his voice is strong and clear and he does this with no fuss or drama
In recent times Pete has given birth to Sailor Swift, the ghost of a mariner shipwrecked centuries ago and who resides in a pub where he meets an assortment of characters through history, bursting into choruses of songs appropriate to the age, or to the subject being discussed… the whole show is done as a non-stop talking blues style and always has the audience engaged and singing along from the first moments… possibly the most engaging, hilarious and simply glorious show on the road these days
ROGER WILSON
Roger is a traditional musician of there highest order, playing fiddle and singing.
I primarily new Roger as a solo artist, playing traditional fiddle tunes and singing mainly traditional material, often with his own embellishments to the text. The fiddle playing is top quality, and the voice has some rough edges which suit the style and material perfectly
Roger is also a member of the local celtic/Ceilidh band Govannen where his playing and songs are a vital ingredient, his fiddle blending perfectly with Adeles playing. He also plays in a duo with Chris Parkinson on Piano accordion providing a beautiful rich folky vibe.
Always full of goos cheer on stage Roger is always with seeing whatever format/combination he is with
RUTH MILLER
To be honest I have never seen Ruth Miller, or heard her play, for me her fame and greatness is in the creation and development of the Unglamorous Project, where ladies of “an age” are encouraged to learn a musical instrument and for themselves into playing bands. Most of the participants have never touched an instrument before being involved in the project yet after a few moths they are on stage playing in creditable bands and performing their own original material.
The whole project, rebranded as the Riotous Collective after Ruths tragic (much too) early death and more bands are emerging a regular basis. The the project has revitalised the local scene and encouraged other performers to get out and be seen and heard.
Some of the bands coming out of the project have developed into really fine bands, others, have fallen by the wayside.. though some of the musicians involved keep appearing in a number of different outfits
It is great to see the total support between the musicians from different bands, regularly attending the gigs to support and encourage
The link between all the bands is their punk attitudes and irreverent song writing, though the bands cover a wide range of genres.
For me, however, the strengths of the project are starting to show signs of being weaknesses, as some of the bands are progressing to higher things, while some are not showing this kind of development.
Obviously we can only speak f our own tastes and experience hearing the artists… but bands from the project are starting to dominate bills and frankly, some of the bands that appear are, to my personal taste, not particularly good!
However that said.. huge plaudits to Ruth for her brainchild and pioneering approach to create a new wave of music
** I never saw Ruth… this [picture is taken from the Internet
SALLY BARKER
Sally is a local singer/songwriter/song interpreter with the voice of an angel and wonderful style.
She is a major performer on the local and indeed wider stage, and first came to my notice in the ’80’s as part of the folk supergroup the Poozies.
Sally is most known perhaps as a solo artist, but has a great track record, apart from the Poozies she has sung with Fairport Convention and is a central part of the Sandy Denny Project as well as playing in duos with the likes of Vicky Genfan, Anna Ryder, Keith Richard Buck and Martin Ansell, as well as as performing her “Songs of Sandy Denny” and “Songs of Joni Mitchell” shows…
Whichever setting Sally appears in you can be sure you will here a high quality performance. She goes about her work in an unflambouyant relaxed way always performing with great assurance and quality always captivating the audience.
SALLY HOSSACK
Sally is a singer songwriter of great quality, performing solo or with her Dream Band featuring Hoard Smith on acoustic guitar and a singer/pianist.
The music is always relaxed, often very delicate and always hugely enjoyable.creating a quiet relaxed ambience. Her set is virtually al her own original material, and the songs are al high quality and often personal in nature and sung with a warmth and delicacy.
A hugely accomplished artist who doesn’t in my view, seem t play often enough!
SHEILA MOSLEY
Another distinguished figure on the local folk scene, Sheila is a solo artist of high quality, performing her own excellent songs as well as traditional material and well chosen covers.
Sheila is a folk singer very much in the mould of Joan Baez, a fine singer with a social conscience as shown in her choice of material and her own songs and very much a breath of fresh clear air on the scene… performing beautifully with no flash or pretension.. always a quality performance delivered fro the heart
In recent times Sheila supported Kenny Wilson’s Bob Dylan show by performing a set of material Joan was playing at that time, and did a superb job of it
Sheila is an experienced and hugely assured performer delivering consistently high quality sets, always a joy to see
Beyond this, Sheila is involved in various Leicester folk movements and pops up as part of the Shanty Crew
SOUTHERN. FRONTIER COUNTRY BAND
As a new band, I got to see three of the first four gigs they played… and they made an instant impression.
As the name suggests they are a country band, playing covers of mainly familiar pieces… mind you, any band that kicks off with “Pancho and Lefty” is likely to get my vote!!
They line up with two guitars, bass and drums and feature the great voice o0f Emma at the front, and they are developing and maturing as a band, despite a few line up changes
Lead guitarist Philip Koeberle has matured into a top class player, also playing with Dawson Smith’s Band, Les Eastham and in a duo with Emma…
Hopefully the various projects away from the band wont have a negative effect, and t0o date there have been no signs of that… a fine band who could develop further and reach new heights
STEVE CARTWRIGHT
Steve is a singer/songwriter with a wealth of experience and a whole repertoire of great songs which he sings with great aplomb
Steve’s voice tends to have a touch of huskiness 9in it, and even when playing impassioned passages has an air of relaxed calmness. Initially renowned playing purely acoustic guitar both solo and with the Last Days, he has now switched mainly t0o playing electric which has s0omewhat changed the overall feel of his music, though the essential ingredients of myth, legend and assured relaxed delivery are still in place.
The Last Days currently consists of Steve playing guitar and singing accompanied by Jim Tetlow on canon adding neat rhythms and beats with the music
Steve is a larger than life charsacxter with interests in various forms of art and music, and can at times be seen playing fiddle avccompanyiing other soloists.
An all round fine performer and great character, always with seeing
STEVIE JONES
Stevie isnt really a part of the Leicester Music Scene, being more associated with Peterborough, Oundle and Northampton, but plays here frequently and has great connections with the local scene
Stevie is currently on a break from his regular band, the Wildfires and is playing solo, or more often with Dean Sheldrick on guitar, formats that allow the quality of his songs to shine through more easily.
Stevie is right up among the very finest writers and performers, writing a host of really top class songs, singing and playing with a calm warmth and charm of his own
One of the very best live performers around, always delivering a quality set whatever the setting he is playing in, and songs, always class, shine in the paired down setting.
Stevie always delivers a first class show, great songs, heart music, and delivered by one of the nicest guys on the scene
THE FAZED
The Fazed are a 90’s type Indie Rock band who have been around for quite a while, and I have been fortunate enough to see quite a lot of them and have seen them grow from a good band into a mighty unit.
The Fazed have a powerful rhythm section of Ritchie Whitehead on drums and Foxy on bass who power the unit along brilliantly, Adam is a superb lead guitar player and up front Dave Sherratt is a formidable singer and guitar player leading the band with energy and real stye
The band rock fo course, but their music is also beautifully crafted, and highly rhythmic and melodic. They may be a 90’s style indie band, but they remain fresh and creative producing great original music. The energy of a Fazed gig doesn’t fall, they hit the stage running and maintain a high energy rocking show throughout…
THE LEVY CIRCUS
Of course there are many great artists playing on the local, and national grass roots circuits, many of whom would outshine most of the “premier league” outfits who cost hundreds of pounds to see in stadia… and there is wide range of talent, and genres , on the circuit… and of course some bands/artists are pretty nondescript veering to awful!!
If you dont believe this, see the Levy Circus… a band devoid of any musical interest, stage presence or real passion… utterly uninspiring and drab… Stick t the medical careers guys.. hopefully you are better at that
WILD DAISY AND THE BLACKHEARTS
I am sure most people know I have a soft spot for Hannah (aka Wild Daisy) and I love this band. I first heard, and met, Hannah while she was depping for Sam in the Heartland Roots Band and it was clear she is a hell of a vocalist… I saw that band many times and Hannah was always outstanding up front as a singer
When she left the band her aim was to set up and front a southern rock band, which she has done with real style, featuring her partner, Dan, on lead guitar.
Another band I have seen many times and they just get better and better with every outing… The dual guitars of Dan and Joe shine throughout, both delivering powerful riffs and outstanding solos, and when Joe switches to lap steel for a few numbers it adds a real extra dimension to the music. At the root f the band are Ian and Jon playing bass and drums respectively… in the face two outstanding guitar players and top class leader/vocalist it is easy to overlook the brilliance of their work setting up the powerful high energy rhythms.
The band play covers of great southern rock material from the likes of aLuke Combs, the Damn Truth among others
I was with Hannah at the Musician to see the Canadian band, the Damn Truth, who remain one of the bands inspirations, and have been touched that she has often dedicated the Damn Truth song “Only Love” to me at gigs…
THe band are high energy, powerful, delivering powerful riffs and brilliant solo work, while Hannah is a truly superb vocalist and focal point for a really great band.
If there is one fault, it is probably that Hannah still doesnt understand how damn good she is!!
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