Congleton Unplugged 2014 - 1st March 2014
Saturday
First stop on Saturday was Fellowship House to check out what Vince Cutcliffe and Phil Maddocks were up to. They had organised some songwriting and music workshops for youngsters, followed by an Open Mic session. I thought I'd go along and check it out.
I was surprised by the number of people there, first of all. I was even more surprised by how good these youngsters were. I was expecting to have to stuff cheese in my ears and smile politely (not something that comes naturally, you understand!) as I stood and watched but, I didn't have to. These whippersnappers were pretty good and, although the range of talent and abilities was varied, they all gave it their all and showed a lot of character. One young lad even did a bass solo on a normal electric guitar. Not seen that before!
Big ups to Vince and Phil for taking time out to do this and respect to all those who took part in the events. Well done!
First stop on Saturday was Fellowship House to check out what Vince Cutcliffe and Phil Maddocks were up to. They had organised some songwriting and music workshops for youngsters, followed by an Open Mic session. I thought I'd go along and check it out.
I was surprised by the number of people there, first of all. I was even more surprised by how good these youngsters were. I was expecting to have to stuff cheese in my ears and smile politely (not something that comes naturally, you understand!) as I stood and watched but, I didn't have to. These whippersnappers were pretty good and, although the range of talent and abilities was varied, they all gave it their all and showed a lot of character. One young lad even did a bass solo on a normal electric guitar. Not seen that before!
Big ups to Vince and Phil for taking time out to do this and respect to all those who took part in the events. Well done!
The Jake Leg Jug Band (Illucini's)
I first saw TJLJB at last year's Jazz and Blues Festival, at The White Lion. You can read that review here. I was very eager to catch them again at Illucini's so, I hot-footed it down there and staked out my place early. Good thing I did as quite a few other people had the same idea.
Now, to understand this band you need to appreciate that they play old school stuff - we are talking Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Gospel, and popular songs from the 1920s and '30s. The thing is, they do it really well. They are as authentic as it gets. The sound, the look, the choice of songs is staggeringly good and I just can't get enough of them. They are incredible. Watching them, you really do drift off to another time and place and become totally engrossed in their performance. I cannot rate The Jake Leg Jug Band highly enough.
You can hear my radio show interview with Duncan Wilcox, singer and double bass player of The Jake Leg Jug Band here.
Elephant Parts (EPH)
50% of Sweet Winn Dixie are Elephant Parts. Take that statement however you will.
If you were expecting Ollie and Kieran to NOT sound like SWD, well, you ain't from around here, are you, boy? Personally, I think that this was just an opportunity for these talented, good-looking, vital, thrusting, young chaps to show how good they are by trying to outdo Phil Collins. He may be able to play in London and Philadelphia on the same day (I use the term 'play' loosely and, remember, that he is the AntiChrist) but, Ollie and Kieran can play The EPH and The Beartown Cock in the same evening. No contest.
I suppose Elephant Parts should really have been playing at The Cock...
Go and have a look at my SWD review here and copy and paste that in above :-)