Showcase Event - 14 November
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Yet another great night on 14 November for the ONSA Showcase at Jagz.
Big thanks to Andrew Spiers for helping out with the sound. One of the biggest crowds we've ever had and a great line-up of quality acts.
ONSA continues to thrive, proving over and over again that it's the best, most vibrant and well supported acoustic night in the South.
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DAVID DODDINGTON For the second ONSA on the trot we kicked off with David, entertaining and impressive as ever. A couple of covers tonight (John Martyn and Kelly Jo Feltz) brilliantly executed.
A newcomer to ONSA. This thoroughly proficient guitarist creates an energetic intensity in his performance. ‘Sniper’ (I think) and particularly ‘Feel Like Going On’ were top notch. We’ll be keen to see him back.
MARK BROOKS & FRIENDS Three covers from Mark this evening : 'Time of Your Life' (Green Day), a Damien Rice number plus a C&W number to give good variety. The marvellous twin guitar combination provided a lush, full melodic sound and combined well with a quality vocal.
A solid reliable performer who delivers with aggression and style. Open-tuning was on the menu for a couple of quick original numbers tonight. Good stuff - highlight - ‘Feel’.
RIDER A great debut for Steve Grattan’s band. Excellent lead/rhythm guitar combination. Vocals delivered by the guitarist/singer had an engaging ‘rabbit-in-the-headlights’ intensity. Some great vocals by Steve in ‘Let You Go’ and some bass/vocal multi-tasking in ‘100mph’ that Mark King would be happy with.
She just gets better and better. Confidence and quality of the guitar performance has improved immeasurably. Her vocals are sublime. They take you in and flow beautifully round your head. The quality and performance of self-penned ‘If I Could’ was astonishing.
This hugely likeable pair were back for a second time. Jena has a disarming style that, combined with her musical partner Andrew, made for an enjoyable performance. We all enjoyed the cover of ‘Karma Chameleon’ too. See you again soon.
******************* ACT OF THE NIGHT ******************* A great vibe clearly exists amongst the members of this band and that really makes a difference. Stunning vocals delivered with style and verve. Great material – ‘Ruby’ (stunning vocal), ‘Interrupted’ and ‘Staying Alive’ (yes, that one, done in a ‘Bon Jovi Unplugged’ kinda way).
******************* ACT OF THE NIGHT *******************
A first time for this outfit as an acoustic act. Catchy tunes (which is important) thoughtfully arranged. Reasonable performance too – you deserve to feel more confident though. Was that a young Paul Merton on guitar?
Jim is one of a select group of brilliant virtuoso instrumental guitarists that grace our presence when we’re lucky. He is talented, accomplished and stylish. Ecstatically received. Great couple of original tunes plus an entertaining version of ‘Fever’.
The engaging gravelly-voiced troubadour impressed again tonight. ‘Human Dart’, ‘Old Man’ (a tribute to his late father) and ‘Let Them Breathe’ on the menu. You won’t find many singer-harmonica playing acts that do this better.
An extended set from our last act tonight. They’re a cheerful bunch, they look great, sound great and have some marvellous songs. They kept the crowd engaged and entertained to nigh on the witching hour. They even managed to execute ‘You’re Boring’ without upsetting the crowd.
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