Gavin Hammond

New to ONSA, Gavin is a revelation. He has a quality melancholy sound not dissimilar to the likes of Damien Rice. Included ‘Beautiful Day’ (not the U2 song!!), ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ and ‘All Means Nothing Without You’ in his set.

Gill Holdsworth

Gill is a bit special. She delivers virtuoso instrumental solo guitar with wit and verve. Hugely enjoyable – especially ‘Muriel's Jig’ and ‘With or Without You’ (Yes, the U2 song!)

Jo Collins

Now with extra confidence and great presence as always she just gets better and better. Highlights tonight – ‘All I Know’ and the awesome ‘Bed of Roses’. 

Finch

Completing an impressive trio of quality female acts, Finch did her very best to lift the gloom from the so-called ‘summer’ weather with ‘Summer Breeze’, ‘Talking To An Angel’ and ‘Summertime Colours’.

David Walters and Simon

This duo trotted out a jaunty and melodic set enjoyed by all! ‘Looking Back’, ‘Forever Young’ and ‘Come Up and See Me’ (awesome) were on the menu tonight. Now Simon, all you need to do is get David to ‘roughen-up’ his image a bit – a few tattoos should do the trick!!! (Only kidding really – we look forward to seeing you again soon!)

Rhapsadasical

Once again a spellbinding performance. They conjure up a cool jazzy groove with consummate ease. With some stirring guitar and percussion work going on behind Debbie’s sensational vocals this lot create a really happening vibe. Pay money to see these!!

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The Dirty Royals

So we get a phone to ask if its ‘OK to bring a TV film crew’ along. How cool is that! So we said yes (!) and they didn’t disappoint either. These guys pack a considerable punch. Great songs (3 vocals work together really well) a gritty indie-rock sound delivered with style swagger and quite  a bit of edge. Originals were great, cover of ‘Lola’ great too. Thanks. Act of The Night – for bringing a film crew AND being brilliant!

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Mark Brooks and Friends

We’re used to Mark trotting out some pretty good stuff and then f*** where did that singer come from? A truly awesome superb vocal on all 3 songs. Ably assisted by Mark and Shaun on guitar this was quite special. Valerie was spectactular!

Vic Cracknell

Vic is a sterling troubadour and great promoter and supporter of live music throughout the area. He’s a fine musician. Tonight ‘Do It Today’ was good but his boogie-woogie 3^rd song showed him at his best…which is very good indeed!

Nick Tann

Following his ONSA debut last week Nick entertained us tonight with amongst others ‘Crazy Things You Do’. He has a relaxed charm and he drives a great 12-string guitar style complementing his gentle but powerful vocals.

Concept

Now incorporating Chris on Bass guitar. Welcome! 3 great songs tonight from Simon’s full band. ‘Hero of My Song’ brilliant as ever. Note-Shu sounded on top form tonight particularly on the last song (‘Falling’ I think!)

Hamish Meaney and Raw Linx

The driving groove and strident vocals sometimes masks just how good a guitarist Hamish is – which is very good indeed! After we introduced him as looking like Stuart Adamson (of Big Country fame) he recovered very well to perform a blistering set culminating in a truly brilliant version of ‘Arrested For Swearing’ with Sanjay and Raw Linx doing the rappin biz-niz (!) Next stop the world!