Brigg music review - June 2005

Lizi - 1 July 2005

Isis

Hello everyone, here I am again. Keeping you updated on the new and old musical talent in the Brigg area. This June has had several sensational acts geared up and prepared to blow away their audiences.

In ascending order we kicked off the month on Sunday the 5th at the Dog and Rat pub in Broughton with ISIS a duo consisting of female singer Angie, and male guitarist Gavin. Their song choice was very popular, mainly consisting of rock songs from artists such as Bryan Adams, Fleetwood Mac, and Bon Jovi.

They performed extremely well with excellent guitar riffs from Gavin, and Vocal Dynamics from Angie, who was also seen to have a talent for the acoustic guitar. Although this allowed them to do the rock classics justice, I felt they were more suited to a bigger venue, as they didn't build up the audience relationship well, which is vital when playing in venues such as a small local pub. Despite this I would recommend booking this duo when planning a big event in a big venue, were they would receive the response they deserve!

Next up on Sunday the 12th I went to see WICKER at the same venue. Wicker features Chris who sings and plays his electric guitar along to a backing track, which was mixed by himself, and often featured his daughters backing vocals; the talent clearly runs in the family.

This male solo act managed to connect with his audience, with his funny anecdotes, jokes and willingness to play requests, and built up audience participation levels to an all time high. The music featured in his act came from a variety or eras, making it enjoyable for all who attended!

The 19th June presented me with a shocking but pleasant surprise, I turned up to the dog and rat as usual, expecting to see rock band ADRENALINE, but due to unforeseen circumstances, involving a member falling ill, they had to pull out of the gig, leaving STRICTLY ELVIS to come to the pub's rescue!

Strictly Elvis

Having already seen Andy Shannon twice before, I was pretty confident I knew what to expect, however I was wrong, Andy was even livelier than last time, bursting with brand new energy and appears to have acquired quite a following. Even though his booking was last minute the same crowd, plus a few more had returned to see him, some even wearing fan t-shirts!

Like many great entertainers Andy had quickly figured out this audience's particular tastes in Elvis's work and managed to fulfil them. I'd just like to say, Andy there's no need to sing to me, you will get a great review every time. This guy is definitely worth seeing time and time again!

The last band on this month at the dog and rat was rock band MONROE. Seeing this band was a nice change to the usual lot who play with the accompaniment of a backing track, as this band was completely live.

Monroe is a local band, which managed to completely pack the venue, fuller than I've ever seen it before, full of fans new and old! The band consists of Bass guitarist, Trevor Honess, Drummer, Pete Watson, Mike Matthews (AKA Stan) on the keyboard, and Ian Thorpe on the Electric guitar and also doubling as the Lead singer. Their set was full of songs mainly aimed at a middle aged audience, but however was enjoyed by all, although they did play a few songs for the younger audience members.

I was exceptionally impressed when the two guitar players switched their instruments to do a 20 minute set on acoustic instruments, and drummer Pete Watson took over with the singing, along with his drumming, this really showed off their talents!

In my personal opinion keyboard player Mike really shone through in this band, as his playing was of an extremely high standard! In terms of vocal talents, the lead singer and backing vocals from the other band members were well harmonised. Ian's voice was very well suited to rock songs, as he sang with such power, and had great control over those long notes. This band was a pleasure to watch, and was clearly well rehearsed!

On Wednesday 29th June the Britannia pub in Brigg held its monthly Band Night. This is an opportunity for local bands, usual new young ones, to showcase their talents in front of a large audience. First up this month was band NEVER SED, containing four young lads, a singer/rhythm guitarist, drummer, bass player, and lead guitarist. This band despite having a very youthful line up, have been playing all around the place. They play very heavy rock music, with very strong vocals.

Second up that night was the MC styling's from Shaun Proudlove, with Yann Dantec on the decks. This was a welcome change from their usual rock set, and brought a great modern twist to the night. The Youth in the audience were pleased with this change of direction from the duo, and were seen to be very interested. Their set had the perfect mix of rhythms, and Shaun's MCing was very upbeat and lively. This was no stupid imitation and appear to me to be very well rehearsed. Barman Calvin commented on their performance, 'it was very unexpected, but I enjoyed it, I thought they were very good.'

The House band were next to play, THE MUSIC CLUB HOUSEBAND is very popular with all the locals, the band is currently formed up by James Truepenny - lead vocals and guitar, Ben - drums, Matthew - rhythm guitar, and Ben K - bass guitar. This band is not like other bands, it is a kind of band school. Basically several students etc tend to cycle through, as they learn the tricks of the trade and get the chance to improve their playing. This Band has been going for 8 years, and has had the current line up for 2 years.

They are mainly a country, punk, blues cover band. Each member of this current line up is also in their own band as well. James describes his band as a bit of fun, and anyone interested is welcome to join them: they should call him on 079 719 205 51. Tonight the band gave an excellent performance, they built up a good audience relationship with the locals, as James got everyone livened up. They had a good mix of slow and fast songs, which meant it was not so hard hitting on the audience. The guitar rhythms were what mostly stood out for me: this line up was clearly well educated!

Finally 33 HERTZ took to the stage to finish up the night. This was a two piece band with Tim providing the lead vocals and guitar, and Simon (Si) on the drums. The timings and rhythms were great and the vocals were very strong. All this summed up to be another great band night put on by the Brit. This is a very popular well attended evening, and a brilliant opportunity for new up and coming bands to get some experience. Any one interested in playing should pop in and speak to landlord Phil, I'm sure he would be happy to help!

Thanks for reading, I'll be back next month, Lizi.

If you have a band with an up and coming gig you would like me to review, or an event, or music style you feel I should mention, or any suggestions for these monthly reviews, feel free to contact me at sparksounds@hotmail.co.uk.

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This review was brought to you by Lizi Hempstock from spark sounds. Spark sounds provides discos for adults, teenager and children 6+, and comes with a children's Entertainer and an option of karaoke. For more information visit www.sparksounds.co.uk or call Lizi: 07746943930 or Paul: 07709819494.