Music review - May 2005

Hi, my name is Lizi Hempstock, and I am from a local disco called Spark Sounds. As from this moment I will be providing you, with monthly reviews about music events, and bands around the Brigg area, as well as keeping you up to date with the new releases from your favourite artists.

Outrageous

This month I have been attending several gigs around the Brigg area, starting with the dog and rat pub in Broughton. The dog and rat have a different band show casing each Sunday night. This month, on the 8th may they started with the band 'Outrageous.'

Outrageous is a band consisting of a female singer Catherine, and Male singer, and bass guitarist Glenn, who sing and play along to backing tracks. Their show was full of comedy, great vocal performances and harmonising from both Catherine and Glenn, and even the odd bit of cross dressing thrown in for good measure. They built up a great relationship with their audience, by cracking jokes, singing at them, and at one point brought out wooden guitars for the audience to rock along with. Their song choice was very popular with the audience, who were singing along and dancing throughout, and it also covered a wide range of eras. Over all, they provided a great performance, and a thoroughly enjoyable night.

The following Sunday, (15th) the dog and rat presented duo 'Gypsy,' consisting of a young female singer, and her male partner on electric guitar. Despite their set up restricting many peoples view, they performed well. The vocals could quite easily have been mistaken for Shania Twain, and were sometimes even better than Shania herself. The volume and bass were sometimes over powering at times, but I felt this was perhaps due to the size of the room. Overall it was an enjoyable performance.

Strictly Elvis

'Strictly Elvis' is this month's local talent, featuring in venues all around the Brigg area. I personally went to see him perform at the Dog and Rat in Broughton on Sunday 22nd and The Woolpack in Brigg Saturday 28th, and on both nights he was sensational. His dramatic entrance to Richard Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries kicked the show off with a bang. Singing into his old style mic the man behind the quiff Andy Shannon, really got into his role, shaking his hips in true Elvis fashion, and his voice sounded just like the king of rock and roll himself. The audience tapped their knees and sang along as he belted out some of Elvis's classics. Unlike most performers Shannon wasn't afraid to come out into his audience, and sing along side them, making the experience even more enjoyable, and worth seeing twice!

At the Britannia Pub in Brigg they hold a 'Band Night' on the last Wednesday of every month. However this month it was moved to Thursday, due to the big cup match that Wednesday, involving Liverpool's victory!!! Due to unforeseen circumstances I was not able to attend this month's band night. However I was told that it was its usual showcase of young and old talent. Be sure to check next months review for a more detailed analysis of this fantastic event. Feel free to go and check it out for yourself, as I am told it is back to its usual Wednesday time!

The last Band showcased at the dog and rat this month was 'The Slim line Pappars,' Who showcased Sunday 29th. Their music a mix of swing and Jazz was a refreshing change to the music usually playing in today's pubs. Their band consisted of a drummer, guitarist and a double bass player who also doubled as lead singer. The band displayed true talent, and received an excellent reception from all of the audience, the pubs landlord even referred to them as "the dogs b****cks."

The Slimline Pappers

The lively Double bass player looked like he was really 'feeling the music' as he twirled his instrument, and even mounted it whilst playing. He connected with his audience throughout, participating in playful banter, and at times gave out a little information about the singer behind each song before singing it. It was like being in a mini history lesson, except it was enjoyable! The Guitarist also doubled as a backing singer, and even produced the lead vocals to one song, and was equally as good as his fellow band mate. Not only a talented guitar player, he is also a great carpenter, as it was revealed that he handcrafts his own guitars! The drummer had good coordination, and varied rhythms and speed, and matched up to the talents of his band mates. In conclusion it was a fantastic night, which people raved about non-stop afterwards. This band is not to be missed!

If you have a band with an up and coming gig you would like me to review, 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. Pictures by Laura Mumby