Showcase Event - 25 March 2008
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Just one showcase event this month…but a high quality and enjoyable one – as always! Many congrats to our photographer Andrew Spiers - 6 weeks ago he become a proud father for the first time. So, no pictures this time! Hopefully he’ll be back for our next events in May.
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A new combination of former members of the highly reputable band that was ‘Ecoute’. They provided a great start to tonight’s proceedings. They have a measured, cool approach to writing and performing. Alongside a cover of Nick Drake’s ‘Northern Sky’ they gave us a couple of their compositions – ‘Remember Me’ and ‘Self-Pity’.
Assured, talented and confident David went down really well. Pick of the numbers ‘I Adore Your Touch’ and ‘Me and My Guitar’…which reminds me, he’s a mighty fine guitarist too.
As it was a bit chilly and miserable outside Philippa decided to brighten things up with some tunes from her summer selection. ‘Blue Sky’, ‘Standing in the Sun’ and ‘Wonderwall’. She has an enchanting pure quality to her vocals and was very well received. The Oasis song took on a magical new sound when given the Joni Mitchell / Eva Cassidy treatment by Philippa.
Creating an ambience with just you and a guitar can sometimes be a tricky thing to achieve…Dan does it with his first chord. The attractively titled ‘Big Fish’ was followed by a cover of ‘Hurt’. Dan has really developed his performance so that he provides a genuinely entertaining spectacle.
John Rollinson and Chris First time at ONSA for this duo. We thought it went well. ‘Chrome Wheels’ and ‘The Boy Who Won the Pools’ demonstrated a great dual-guitar sound. An Oasis cover finished things off well. Somewhat Neil Young-ish we reckon…no bad thing.
*********** ACTS OF THE NIGHT *********** Obviously I’m biased as I play in a band with guitarist/singer Ben, however, this was a real class act. This was intelligently arranged acoustic pop at its best. The prevalence of good vocal harmonies gave them a touch of ‘The Sawdoctors’, I thought. However, they very much have their own sound – a really tricky thing to achieve. Pick of the songs - ‘Natasha’.
It’s always a pleasure to experience the instrumental brilliance of Michael. ‘Far’ and ‘Bells’ (I think it was a ‘short title’ night for him!) demonstrated his amazing talents with the fret-board. Incredibly he added a cover of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (no, really!) which brought the house down. Great stuff as ever.
*********** ACTS OF THE NIGHT ***********
Rob Collis Rob creates a great mood and atmosphere with his music. He is another somewhere in the ‘Neil Young’ mould perhaps? Unfortunately I missed his song titles but this was another great set. Also credit where its due, Rob has set his guitar up brilliantly, the sound it gives albeit in the hands of a good player was unquestionably the richest and deepest of the night.
Savour The Flavour This duo features Reading FC enthusiast Hugh Spalding (he writes songs for them and everything.). One of Hugh’s songs ‘The Optimist’ commenced proceedings. This duo have an idiosyncratic sound which is effective. The highlight was ‘Mary’.
Cat O’Connor Cat is a real free spirit. Her infectious enthusiasm brings her music to life and you can’t help but enjoy the process of being drawn into her world. Tonight we had ‘Standing On Ocean Floors’, ‘Holier Than Thou’ and a great cover version of ‘Umbrella’. We haven’t had a set from Escape at the last few ONSAs and this was good. A stirring rendition of a Snow Patrol song plus ‘The Mystery’ being the highlights. We couldn’t help thinking this was a newly invigorated and more confident performance from the guys. Thanks for doing the difficult ‘last’ slot too. No trouble keeping the remaining crowd interested though.
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