Showcase Event - 18 September
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Mark Davenport
I decided to fill in while we
waited for a couple of late arrivals. So I played
one of my 'personal crisis' songs plus an REM number
('The One I Love' ...no, that's the name of
the song). Rob (mixing desk) said I sounded angry!
Will Buchanan
Will is half of the excellent
duo 'Bikini Black Special'. Tonight solo he sounded
great too. He has a nice guitar sound accompanied by
a warm welcoming vocal...sort of Van Morrisson-ey.
Highlight was 'Coming Home To You'.
Steve Grattan
'By My Side',
'Better Deal' (Steve's personal crisis song)
plus his 'sad' song as a finale was on show tonight.
Steve has become an accomplished 12-string player
and his efforts were well received.
Finch
She writes great songs ('Freedom'
and 'Thorn in My Side' this evening), she has
a slick style-ish jazz vocal ability and tonight
performed better than ever. Good re-working of a
Pretenders song too. Excellent.
Sophie Henderson
Sophie is soulful and
engaging. She was well appreciated by the crowd too.
On the menu were 'Cry', 'Linger'
(Cranberries) and 'Walk-Away'...Sophie's
relationship crisis song!
Cat O'Connor
Cat is individual and has a
refreshing approach. She is lyrically interesting
and her performance has a sense of drama...she makes
you smile - which is good. She is melodically
adventurous but has the ability to make it work.
Highlight was 'For Me'. Very good indeed.
James Fayers
Like Cat, James played ONSA
for the first time at the previous week's Workshop
event. Once again, he showed great ability with an
evocative vocal delivery and some good songs,
particularly 'I Can See You Again'.
Nathan Ball
They don't come much better
than Nathan. He has played ONSA as part of a band
and half of a duo but arguably he is at his best
solo, where his thought-provoking lyrics and gently
lilting guitar get the space to breath warmth and
compassion into his finely crafted songs. Buy his
CD. His songs should get the credit they truly
deserve from the rest of the world.
Concept
Always tricky following Nathan
but Simon and the boys did well. Once they got into
their stride 'The Friend I Knew' and 'Hero
of My Song' were both good and well received. We
enjoyed Simon's thoughts about death and heroes.
Jack Robert Hardman
Well! Although I think they
would admit themselves that some more thought may be
required to the logistics of their performance, Jack
(plus John on Bass) did well. They certainly sound
unique...sort of 'They Might Be Giants' meet
'Madness'. Jack has a weird but curiously
interesting breathy falsetto vocal style. Although
they verge towards a comedy act at times they do
retain a commendable sense of fun...which is fine.
(especially with songs such as 'Noel Edmonds').
Come back again soon!
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