TIN ROBOT RECORDS

London-based Tin Robot Records are a new indie label forging links throughout the UK, including the Yorkshire music-scene. Tin Robot networks with people from all sorts of artistic and professional disciplines who share their belief that new music should be invested in. They help them to work with musicians by working for free, allowing them to release material on a shoestring budget. Their recent releases include;

Pete Briley who has been a favourite of the Leeds music scene for the past 3 years and which included being named as one of the 15 best acts in Leeds in 2008, has now released his first single with Tin Robot Records titled “Semantics”. His distinctive voice and guitar and lyric-writing skills shine though and will hopefully provide the platform for great things both for Pete and Tin Robot Records.

Kent’s Kaleidophone are sure to make people stand up and take notice with the release of their Abbey Road mastered single ‘Fat Cats’. The single has a raw energy and passion which will no doubt make it an anthem for the talented four-piece for many years to come and attract fans from far beyond their south-coast base.

www.petebriley.com
www.myspace.com/wearekaleidophone
www.tinrobotrecords.co.uk

LAU HIT THE HEIGHTS IN LEEDS

LAU

When the winner’s of the Best Group award at both the 2008 and 2009 BBC Folk awards ceremonies arrive in town, you know something very different is to be witnessed. The return to Leeds for the three-piece Scottish-based band was greeted with excited anticipation at the wonderfully appointed Brudenell Social Club. With a performance starting with some entertaining Jigs, the audience of all ages, were carried along on a wave of original musicianship of the grandest order throughout the evening. It is very easy to see why Kris Drever (Guitar and Vocal), Martin Green (Piano Accordion) and Aidan O’Rourke (Fiddle) are regarded by many as the finest exponents of their genre for a very long time. The mood of the compositions changes, but the enjoyment and entertaining banter between the musicians added even more to the performance. With an intense playing style coupled with expressive freedom, if that’s not a contradiction in terms, this was a very special nights entertainment which will live long in the memories of all who attended yet another impressive and well-organised event by Hee-Haw Promotions.

www.myspace.com/laumusic

Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts

The sensational evening’s entertainment started with the outstanding duo of Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts. The mercurial talents of both musicians will surely see them performing at many of the big Folk Festivals on a regular basis, for many years to come. Katriona (Violin, Mandolin and vocals) and Jamie (Guitar and vocals) produced a mesmerizing performance of both traditional and original work, which set the stage perfectly for the magnificent trio from Scotland. With an announcement of a UK tour planned for next year, this talented duo should soon be receiving the critical plaudits their talents deserve.

www.myspace.com/gilmoreroberts

For the latest news of promotions from the Hee-Haw sessions, please visit;
www.myspace.com/heehawsessions

STEPH STEPHENSON

The debut EP from West Yorkshire's Steph Stephenson heralds a new face to the ever-burgeoning number of female singer-songwriters. With a distinctive voice which separates her from many of the “bland” over-hyped media favourites, her 6 track EP is a welcome addition to anyone with a penchant for female acoustic music. Already gaining an enthusiastic fan-base, Steph was recently requested to play at the prestigious Marsh Insurance Charity Event in Leeds. With lyrics which are meaningful and a style easy to enjoy, its “Safe To Say” that you will hear a lot more of this talented songwriter in the future.

For more details please visit;
www.myspace.com/stephstephensonmusic

MMC 3rd ANNUAL CHARITY GIG

The annual MMC Charity gig details have now been announced.

This year’s charities to benefit from this spectacular night of entertainment including raffles and charity auction, are St. Gemma’s Hospice and Martin House Children’s Hospice.

The Date; Thursday 26th November
The Venue; Tiger Tiger, The Light, 117, Albion Street, Leeds.
Time; 1800 ‘til late!
Tickets; £10 including free buffet.
Featuring; The Big Fat Kill, Dave Middleton and Liz Reynolds

www.myspace.com/bigfatkilluk
www.myspace.com/davidjmmusic
www.myspace.com/lizreynoldsmusic

Please support this very worthy cause.

FOXES AND CONVICTS PROMOTION

Hope House Records and March of Dimes have started a monthly live music night at Milo on Call Lane. The inaugural event in September and the follow up in October ‘09 were a storming success, and now Jonathan Moss, the lead singer of March of Dimes and Sean Murricane, the band’s bassist are gearing up to make November’s event even bigger and better.

The night was born from a desire to seek out new and exciting talent for the record label and from Hope House Records’ ethos of doing things for themselves. Both the label and the band had got tired of chasing others for gigs or publicity so they decided to do something about it. Thanks to Dave Knowlson at Milo, Foxes & Convicts was set up.

Here is some information about The highly impressive acts playing on November 18th are;

Chris Selman
Chris Selman is a singer/songwriter in the classic style of the early 70’s troubadours.
www.myspace.com/chrisselman

State of Georgia
The State of Georgia is Georgia, and her piano. She is sometimes joined by cellist Hannah, when she's not travelling the world, and a new drummer called Gary Stewart. Blending her influences of Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell and Regina Spektor, Georgia makes tunes of strength, beauty and originality.
www.myspace.com/stateofgeorgiamusic

Gary Stewart and Band
Regarded by many as the "Paul Simon of the 21st Century",Scottish singer/songwriter Gary Stewart has been catching the attention and imagination of music lovers up and down the UK.
www.myspace.com/garystewartband


The event starts at 20-00 and further details can be found on;
www.foxesandconvicts.co.uk
www.hopehouserecords.co.uk
www.myspace.com/foxesandconvicts
www.myspace.com/marchofdimesleeds

THE COOL MICKY.P.KERR TO HEADLINE AT RPC

The highly talented and one of Leeds’ favourite performers, Micky.P. Kerr will headline a five act line-up at the Royal Park Cellars, Queens Road, Hyde Park in Leeds next week.

The exciting details are as follows;

Thurs 12th November

Time - 8-11pm.

Admission - £5.

The Line-up;
Micky.P.Kerr
Ryan Spendlove
Rodina
Nicky Phillips
Daimo Moore

For more details please visit;www.myspace.com/coolacousticspromotions

This is going to be a superb night of "Live" music, don't miss it!

MUSIC NIGHT RAISES FUNDS FOR LEEDS WOMENS AID

The recent Charity Gig for the hard-working and valuable Leeds Womens Aid Charity was hailed a success by all who performed or supported the event at the Royal Park Cellars. The impressive line-up started with locally-based Steph Stephenson, who despite being on her first tentative steps as a singer-songwriter, her distinctive vocals and original songs of relationships good and bad, set a standard for the whole evening. Liz Reynolds followed and provided evidence why her name is on many people’s lips in the local music-scene. With an easy going persona which then delivers a voice which is relaxing, hypnotic and at times haunting, there is no chance of Liz not being noticed as one of her songs predicts. The interestingly named I Am Minty sang with a voice which could have been made out of pure velvet. With a collection of songs which contained issues which were very relevant to the nights cause she added more substance to an already impressive night. Royal Park favourite Nicky Phillips continued adding to her fan-base as she matures with every performance and continued the high standard of singer-songwriters performing on the night and included her classic and fans favourite “Time”. The pocket dynamo of acoustic singer-songwriters, Pippa Lloyd gave her usual powerful performance with a set which can never be described as being one dimensional and also raises the question why someone small in stature and enormous in talent doesn’t receive the acclaim she deserves. Ending the night and giving the event some domestic harmony were Man ‘N’ Wife who bounce off each other musically like very few other duo’s can and create a laid-back but professional set at every gig they perform. Top marks to David Anderson-Steel for all the hard work and determination in organizing a great night for a great cause.

LEEDS WOMENS AID
Their mission is to protect women and children in Leeds from the damage that domestic violence can inflict on their lives. They will do this because they believe that all women and children have the right to live their lives free from fear and harm. They will achieve this by providing women with choices from a range of services including temporary supported housing, outreach support, telephone support and floating support.

Leeds Womens Aid offers safe, emergency, temporary accommodation and support to any woman - with or without children - experiencing domestic violence. They define domestic violence as physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse by a partner, ex-partner, or any family member, this includes forced marriage and forced prostitution. They do not include neighbourhood violence or stranger rape.

Women do not have to flee the violence or go into refuge to receive their support. The Outreach and Telephone Support teams support women currently experiencing violence.
The addresses of their refuges, dispersed houses and the city office are all confidential and they do not give out any information about women without their consent.

To contact Leeds Womens Aid, their details are as follows;

Postal Address – Leeds Womens Aid, PO Box 555, Leeds, LS1 4WL

Telephone
Helpline 0113 246 0401 (24 Hours)
Floating Support 0113 380 4795 (Mon to Fri 9-30 to 17-00)

Leeds Womens Aid is a registered UK charity (number: 1005884)

ROGER DAVIES - "THE BUSKER"

A man proud of his roots, a humourist, social commentator, an unpaid worker of the Brighouse tourist board, all could be labelled at Roger Davies and much more besides. The recent release of his 11 track album “The Busker” is a kaleidoscope of his musical talent, moving from pathos to eye-watering humour, with the ease that only someone at the top of his profession could achieve. Each track stands alone on its own merits and without a dip in quality throughout the entire album. Starting with “Brighouse on Saturday night” which covers his local pride, young mothers and the wonderful Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, who add their own special northern talents to the track, through to bringing water to the eyes of the male listener on “The Ballard of knockin’ Nelly,” and his appreciation of great artists and his own particular favourite in “Peter Brook’s Paintings.” The pictures he himself paints, through his incredible selection of lyrics throughout the album will surely see musical destiny calling, for the very special talent that is Roger Davies, the pride of Brighouse should soon be the pride of Britain.

For more details please visit;

www.rogerdaviesmusic.com
www.myspace.com/rogerdaviesmusic

YORKSHIRE WELCOMES BACK ABI MOORE

After a triumphant nationwide tour of every Caffé Nero venue in the UK, the music connoisseurs’ of Yorkshire can enjoy the incredible talented Abi Moore performing once again in the white rose county next week.

Her well received CDs “The Aftermath of 96” and “Things We Should Have Said” will be available PLUS, the just released and critically acclaimed concert DVD “Live at Lincoln Drill Hall"

If you have not seen Abi before then please check out the reviews posted on this site on August 13th and 25th

27th October – Roman Bath, York – 21.00
28th October – The Wardrobe, Leeds – 21-00
29th October – Henry Boons, Wakefield – 20-00

www.myspace.com/thisisabimoore
www.abimoore.com

LEEDS WOMEN'S AID CHARITY GIG

Cool Acoustics have announced a superb SIX act line-up for their next Charity promotion at the Royal Park Cellars in Leeds, the exciting details to raise much needed money for Leeds Women’s Aid are as follows;

When - Thurs 19th October
Time - 8.00-11pm.
Admission - £3.50p
The Line-up -
Man & Wife
Pippa Lloyd
Nicky Phillips
I Am Minty
Liz Reynolds
Steph Stephenson

For more details please visit; www.myspace.com/coolacousticspromotions

This is going to be a superb night of "Live" music while raising money for an excellent cause……PLEASE SUPPORT

COOL ACOUSTICS "ACOUSTIC SELECTION BOX" DVD

The latest DVD released by Cool Acoustics, titled “Acoustic Selection Box” gives the viewer over 2 hours of hidden gems from the acoustic music diamond mine. With each artist being given the freedom and opportunity to showcase their many varied, but always consistant talents, the various styles produce an entertaining collection. The ever highly-energetic Gary Stewart and his band had the venue rocking with a set of old and new favourites which get the DVD off to flying start. Rosie Doonan, confirming why she is one of Yorkshires finest and versatile female-performers, as she plays keyboards, guitar and ukulele in a set, which, with her Snap Dragons of the highly talented cellist Sarah Smout and violinist Katriona Gilmore provide a warm and poignant set to take the viewer down a different musical road and raises the expectations of what the rest of this “selection box” has to offer. A visit to Eastern Europe follows in the shape of Hungarian songstress Laura Toth, who provides confirmation that good music is universal and appreciated by music-lovers of whatever preferred genre. Nicky Phillips showing her prodigious talent, is the next to saviour, as she leaves the audience/viewer in no doubt that she is going to be a massive influence on the music-scene for many years to come. Surely a certainty for any new/young singer-songwriter of 2009 award. Rodina, featuring the impressive vocals of lead singer Aoife, allows the soulful jazz/lounge style to create a chilled out but not superficial sound in a memorable set. The evocative and richly composed performance from Liverpool-based Ragz adds yet another dimension before Gina Dootson completes the DVD with a performance which shows what the music scene in the UK has been missing while Gina has had her base in Germany, thankfully now returned to the UK, the performance is awesome, and finishes the enjoyable “Selection Box” in fine style.

The sincere hope is that in years to come, these artists will have the exposure they deserve and Cool Acoustics have received the recognition for all the hard work, dedication and vision in providing the opportunity to spread the acoustic family they have built, to a bigger and hopefully national audience.

For more details of the DVD, and where to purchase it from, please visit;

www.myspace.com/coolacousticspromotions

JON PALMER – WALK INTO YOUR DREAMS

Normally the front-man and driving force behind “The Big Fat Kill” Jon Palmer has now produced his first solo album in the form of “Walk into your dreams”. Whether fronting a band and singing about a northern town’s pubs or the southern sands, or performing solo and diversifying into vampire lovers or the realisation of no happy ending, Jon Palmer enthuses with such passion, and charisma throughout his performances, it leaves the listener spell-bound and desperate for more. This is a bare-bones acoustic album, simply a man and his guitar which produces a wonderful pure sound and ambience. There will be few, if any better male solo albums produced in 2009 than this first album from one of the finest singer-songwriters plying his trade at present.

www.myspace.com/thebigfatkilluk

LEESUN - DIS ILLUSION

Born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Canada, LeeSun has an engaging and uplifting personality which constantly shines through her first EP, Dis illusion. The EP’s first track “Mickey Mouse” has a Jazzie-Lounge Bar with fun feel to it, and brings an instant smile to all who hear it. LeeSun’s vocal-control in holding a singular note is in evidence on “Always That Way” while “Wise” brings an upbeat Americana style to an EP which finishes off with a brassy sound accompanying the quirky lyrics of “Without Me.” The first of a proposed series of EP’s, this is wonderful introduction to a performer and song-writer who has a very fresh uniqueness which will allow her, to have a special niche within the musical landscape.

For more information please visit the following website;

www.myspace.com/leesun

THIS WEEK IS BRADFORD MUSIC WEEK

This is your opportunity to be involved in music in the city of Bradford.

Factory Street Studios are running sessions every day aimed at musicians at all levels whether you are new to music or have an up and coming band or work in the creative arts come and join us. Aimed at musicians, visual artists and any one in the creative industries.

Monday: Band Factory create your own band in 10 hours
Tuesday and Sunday: Blues Master classes
Wednesday: Photography workshop
Thursday: Press pack workshop
Friday: Tours and demonstration of the recording studio and music week party with local bands The Rudiments, SSHP and Motus. Followed by funk, dance dj’s and mc’s.

For more details please visit;
www.myspace.com/factoryststudios

COOL ACOUSTICS DVD LAUNCH NIGHT

The eagerly awaited launch of the new “Cool Acoustics Selection Box” DVD, will be held at a special night of acoustic entertainment at The Royal Park Cellars on Thursday 24th September. The evening will include performances from Gary Stewart Band, Man & Wife, Nicky Phillips, Sam Airey and Duncan Welsh. The DVD will be available at a very special launch night price of £5-00, and showcases 7 superb acts from the memorable Cool Acoustics nights at the popular venue.

Royal Park Pub Cellars
Queens Road
Hyde Park
Leeds
LS6 1NY

Time; 20-00 to 23-00

Admission £3-50

For more details please visit;
www.myspace.com/coolacousticspromotions

STUNNING SERIES OF GIGS ANNOUNCED

The exciting announcement that promoters, the Hee Haw Sessions and Le Gente Presente have joined forces to promote a series of dynamic gigs is good news for all wishing to see “Live Music” flourish in West Yorkshire. With the venues being the much loved and popular, The Faversham, The Brudenell Social club and The Library the fans are sure to be well catered for.

The lists of artists performing from both the US and UK signals the intent which the promotional duo have, in bringing the very best Americana / Folk Rock musicians to Leeds at a price which fans can afford.

Head of the Hee Haw Sessions, Tre enthused “This will be a stunning showcase over the next few weeks. We wanted to bring recognised musicians’ from North America to Leeds and are delighted with the response of fans already. This is a musical embryo which is getting bigger and bigger by the day”.


The Duke and The King
The new project from Simone Felice (Felice Brothers)
Support from The Croshaw Family and Neil McSweeney
Wednesday 16th September 2009
The Brudenell Social Club
33,Queens Road, Leeds LS6 1NY
£8 adv (STBF)
www.myspace.com/dukeandtheking
www.myspace.com/thecroshawfamily
www.myspace.com/neilmcsweeney

Willard Grant Conspiracy (full band)
Support from Doghouse Roses
Saturday 19th September
The Faversham
1-5,Springfield Mount, Leeds LS2 9NG
£10 adv (STBF)
www.myspace.com/willardgrantconspiracy
www.myspace.com/ukdoghouseroses

David Thomas Broughton
Support from Twi The Humble Feather
Monday 21st September 2009
The Faversham
1-5,Springfield Mount, Leeds LS2 9NG
£8 adv (STBF)
www.myspace.com/davidthomasbroughton
www.myspace.com/twiandhumblefeather

The Miserable Rich
Support from Babel and The Random Family
Friday 15th October 2009
The Library
229,Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 3AP
www.myspace.com/themiserablerich
www.myspace.com/babelbristol
www.myspace.com/therandomfamily1

James Yorkston and The Big Eyes Family Players
Supported by Alasdair Robert, Mary Hampton and David A Jaycock
Thursday 22nd October 2009
The Faversham
1-5,Springfield Mount, Leeds LS2 9NG
£10 adv (STBF)
www.myspace.com/jamesyorkston
www.myspace.com/alsadairroberts.com
www.myspace.com/maryhampton
www.myspace.com/davidjaycockmusic


For more information please visit;

www.myspace.com/heehawsessions

THE DUCK & DRAKE FLYING AGAIN

The lovers of “Live Music” in West Yorkshire are rejoicing after the music institution, know as the Duck & Drake in Leeds, has been taken over by the owners of the celebrated Blues Bar in Harrogate. After months of rumours that the venue was being turned into apartments or a wine bar, the good times are sure to roll for one of the most unique and historical real ale venues in Leeds. The new owners are currently working on a new website and planning to make the venue throb again to the sound of the very best in “live” music. Keep checking our site for further updates.

*** Live music at the Duck & Drake every Sunday at 5-00 ***

CHANTEL CONQUERS COLNE

Chantel McGregor’s first appearance on the main British stage at the Colne Blues Festival, left a lasting impression on everyone who saw her outstanding performance. For the people in the hall who have followed Chantel’s rise from the days of "Brother Eamon’s" Melborn Jam Sessions in Bradford, to now see her receiving the biggest cheers of the day from the massed audience at the British Stage, this was a proud moment.

www.myspace.com/chantelmcgregor

FACTORY STREET RECORDING STUDIO

The Factory Street Studios have announced that they have now opened their impressive new recording studio.

The large “live” room has acoustically isolated zones, vocal booth, digital capabilities and extensive analogue mixing and mastering facilities.

Contemporary interior design with furniture from bmw and deep shag pile carpets, provided together with excellent engineers, affordable rates, fresh coffee and a private terrace, they have created one of the best studios in the north of England, to provide quality recording facilities for both solo artists and bands alike.

Contact 01274 682125 for more details or visit
www.myspace.com/factoryststudios
www.factorystreet.co.uk

ABI MOORE - NERO TO HERO

Abi’s Caffe Nero tour continues to go from strength to strength as her intelligent, thoughtful lyrics and personality shine through like a beacon. Having seen Abi perform her finely-tuned set at one of her Leeds lunch-time gigs, it was clear to see why she becomes an instant hit wherever she plays. She has a warmth and charm that is very rare in these modern times and makes her performance of the track "Has The Whole World Come Undone?" become very surreal and even more thought-provoking. However miserable or depressed you may feel as you take your place in the espresso coffee queue, by the time you have spent 30 minutes in the company of Abi Moore, you leave uplifted and surrounded by your own feel-good body-armour, supplied by a very special person and performer.

Hopefully this tour will launch Abi to new heights, and her soon to be released DVD "Live at Lincoln Drill Hall" is sure to be on many discerning music-lovers Christmas List.

For more details please visit;

www.abimoore.com
www.myspace.com/thisisabimoore

ELLIOTT MURPHY

Thirty years after releasing his first and iconic album “Aquashow” Elliott Murphy has now released his 30th album with the highly acclaimed “Notes of the Underground”.
With an impressive list of musicians on the album including guitarist Olivier Durand, keyboardist Kenny Margolis and Murphy’s touring band of drummer Alan Fatras and bassist Laurent Pardo plus Elliott’s talented son Gaspard on guitar, this allows Elliott the opportunity to give a complete rock-surround feel to the album. The combination of great lyric-writing and a vocal delivery which varies to accommodate, but never fails to deliver, allows Elliott to be foot-tapping or introspective as and when he feels, and it is easy to see why Bruce Springsteen always asks him on stage whenever the “Boss” is touring Europe. Often regarded as one of the greatest undiscovered artists, this is an album which hopefully will result in Elliott Murphy being discovered by a new generation of listeners.

For more information please visit;

www.elliottmurphy.com

COLNE CALLS FOR CROSSCUT SAW

Leeds’ favourite “Blues” band Crosscut Saw have announced a series of gigs in August including appearances at the prestigious British Blues Festival at Colne. With front man Alex Eden, who was named Blues Musician of the Year in 2003, on vocals, guitar and harmonica plus a rhythm section comprising the two Richards – Ferdinando on drums, Green on bass – Crosscut Saw have the experience to create classic “live” performances. Having seen the band many times over the years, I can honestly say they never disappoint their audiences and produce “Blues” at its absolute best.

20 Aug 9 PM - The Wardrobe Leeds LS9 8AH
27 Aug 9 PM - The Zephyr Huddersfield HD1 2QT
28 Aug 7 PM - Colne R&B Festival @ The Colne & Nelson Rugby Club Colne BB8 9SJ
28 Aug 10 PM - Colne R&B Festival @ The Crown Hotel Colne BB8 0QD
29 Aug 5 PM - Rodley Beer & Music Festival, The Owl Leeds LS13 1LB

For more details please visit;

www.myspace.com/crosscutsaw

ABI MOORE - THINGS WE SHOULD'VE SAID

The release of Abi Moore’s second album “Things we should’ve said” and her tour of all 360 Caffe Nero stores in the UK, starting on 1st August and lasting until 30th Sept, will enable new audiences to see why Abi Moore is quickly being regarded as one of the finest female song-writers the UK has produced in a long-time. From the first track, “Let My Ship Sail” which will have audiences joining in for many years to come, followed by “Has The Whole World Come Undone?” where Abi raises a relevant message on the “instant” culture and fame obsessed world we presently live in and leaves you thinking and nodding your approval. The piano intro of “Just Breathe Out” is perfect for a song praising fulfilment and counting your blessings while “World Leaders and Power Seekers” has a 1960’s go-go dancing type feel to it. After Abi produces a powerful vocal performance throughout “The Way It Is” she then gives a poppie/ska dimension to the CD with an interesting finish on the track “Found My Voice” before moving on to even more thoughtful and heart-felt tracks to finish a very polished and impressive album. Abi’s ship is definitely sailing to the sea of success.

West Yorkshire music-lovers can catch Abi live at the following Tour venues;

Monday 24th August, 10.00am: Caffe Nero, Wakefield
Monday 24th August, 11.15am: Caffe Nero, Huddersfield
Monday 24th August, 2.30pm: Caffe Nero, Halifax
Monday 24th August, 4.30pm: Caffe Nero, Bradford
Tuesday 25th August, 10.00am: Caffe Nero, Bond St, Leeds
Tuesday 25th August, 12.00 noon: Caffe Nero, Albion Place, Leeds
Tuesday 25th August, 2.00pm: Caffe Nero, Boar Lane, Leeds
Tuesday 25th August, 4.00pm: Caffe Nero, The Headrow, Leeds

For more details please visit;
www.abimoore.com
www.caffenero.com

BROTHERS ON THE SLIDE

Lead singer of Leeds-based soul band, Brothers on the Slide, Pete Huckerby is a big guy with an even bigger voice, who is at times so chilled out he’s reaching freezing point. However this is not a one-man band, without the superb musicians of Keyboard player Wayne Pollock, Bassist Kenny Higgins, Chris Sharkey on Guitar and top drummer Tom Hendricks the quality renditions, of Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye and Nielson would not have the audience dancing to the wonderful soulful performances. Any band who can have an audience chilling, dancing and above all, having the time of their lives, in the same evening, has to be worth seeing.

For more information please check out;

www.myspace.com/officialbrothersontheslide

THE LISTENERS

The Listeners are an acoustic/electric duo consisiting of Emma Thorpe providing the main vocals and Robert Cook, who adds his rootsy rock guitar as well as adding baritonal vocals to the preceedings. With an ever growing following around Yorkshire the duo have produced a 5 track EP. The first track “Love, It Stays The Same” gives a very Americana/Wild West theme combining a strong story supported by a constant beat. “The Journey” and “Beyond Forgiveness” include quality percussion added to Emma’s strong but pure vocals. The track “Deadbeat” is definitely not a dead track with its upbeat tempo and classic guitar playing, while the EP finishes with the very melodic “Burn” this is a duo which is going places and definitely worth a listen.

For more information please visit;

www.myspace.com/thelisteners

IT - DEPARTURE

With an ever-expanding fan-base, music-industry and public acclaim on both sides of the atlantic, IT, pronounced, it not I.T. are a band who must be close to the breakthrough they deserve. Featuring Nick Jackson (Vocals/Guitar) with Craig West (Bass/Vocals) Andy Rowberry (Lead Guitar) Alex Inglis (Drums) Brian Holmes (keyboards) Rob Archibald (keyboards) Bryan Beleau (Lead Guitar) Ed Young (Drums), this is Prog-Rock with attitude, and many a message to get the listener thinking. While, I’ll let you discover for yourself, the reason why IT will probably not feature on George W Bush’s ipod, the track I refer to has a ‘Frankie Goes to Hollywood’ dark humorous feel within its message, while “Killing Me” could well become a stadium/arena tour anthem, should the band reach the levels which their style and class warrant. The genre may be a departure from your usual playlist, but, you will definitely not be disappointed with this innovative and finely tuned group.

For more information please check out the following websites;

www.myspace.com/spacehouse
www.myspace.com/sonicvista

TIME TO CATCH THE BIG FISH BAND

The first Sunday tea-time “live” music session at the Fenton, set a standard that will be difficult to maintain, as the Big Fish Band had the venue rocking constantly before finally finishing after a three encore response. Fans of the media-loved young pretenders, aka Duffy, Adele, Lily Allen and Little Boots, would be wise to check out Kendra, and see how an experienced performer can have the audience eating out of her hand and spellbound at the same time. To try and explain the incredible performance by Kendra and her band, would take a months study of the Penguin Thesaurus and yet you would still struggle to convey words to describe what an incredible musical performance was given. Great credit must also to go to the band members Gary, Jez and Steady, who could easily have been overshadowed by the powerful and charismatic lead-singer. While “live music” can be described as a ‘Mans World’ many, many male lead vocalists would die for a voice as powerful and as accurate as a laser-beam. Should there be a modern day equivalent of the movie “Breaking Glass” then there can be only one person who could get anywhere near Hazel O’Connor’s memorable performance. Having seen Kendra perform ad-hoc at the much-missed Melbourn at Bradford, and with the recent demise of the Duck and Drake in Leeds, this was a performance that brought a warm musical glow back to the dedicated followers of “live” music in West Yorkshire.

For more information please visit;

www.myspace.com/bigfishband2

ANGIE SHAW - THE OTHER SIDE OF BLUE

Harrogate-based singer-songwriter Angie Shaw’s debut album ‘The Other Side Of Blue’ is a tribute to a very talented artist. With an incredible sound, reminiscent of an early Kate Bush on “Sea of sky,” to the tracks such as “You were loving me” and “Stars” which give you the feel of a laid-back lounge/jazz venue, include a rockier track with "Brave new sky” and a richer vocal style throughout “Angel from the blue” and “Chapters,” before a haunting Celtic sound of “Waiting for the day” and a finish with the delicate “Boy,” and you have experienced the whole plethora of styles and emotions within a single album. An excellent CD, which very few artists could equal vocally, emotionally and with a deliverance that will surely place the name Angie Shaw on many music aficionados’ lips.

For more information please visit;

www.myspace.com/angieshawband

PETER PAUL PARKER - STEPPING UP

As the church bell chimes on the opening of this album you realise that this could be a special album, fifty-five minutes later you have definitely not been disappointed. However good an artist, an album usually has highlights, but the odd weaker track, this is not the case with London-Based Peter Paul Parker’s 16 track album “Stepping Up”. Peter’s strong vocals allow him to express emotions of varying degrees and take the listener to a rocky or acoustic plain with equal adeptness. An easy cop-out for a reviewer is to pronounce that it would be difficult to pick a favourite track as the whole play-list is of the highest quality, but this is exactly what Peter has achieved, and is a testament to his vast experiences starting with punk, moving to rock and now as an accomplished acoustic performer. With plans to set-up a band and a tour to promote this superb album, hopefully the tour will be throughout the UK to give music-lovers of Britain to catch this talented song-writer “live”.

For more information please visit;

www.myspace.com/peterpaulparkeronline
www.peterpaulpaker.com

ARMLEY MUSIC FEAST - SATURDAY 18TH JULY

If music be the food of love, there's a feast coming to west Leeds this summer!

The first Armley Music Feast will take place on Saturday, July 18, and it promises a packed menu featuring some top homegrown talent. Up and coming local musicians will play alongside established artists, with indie, folk, blues, funk and even a bit of beatboxing all in the mix.

The event is organised by a group of music-loving nurses based at the local St Mary's Hospital, which looks after learning-disabled people.

The idea, they say, is to put on a fun event which will bring learning-disabled people and the local community together. The day is being organised completely on a voluntary basis and any money raised will go to various learning disability projects.

Among the nine musical groups and artists playing will be ex-Blueskins frontman Ryan Spendlove, the energetic L-Mo and up and coming young Leeds band Alaisdair Dinnewell and the 3-D Glasses.

Organiser Andrew Sugden, a St Mary's staff nurse, said: "The idea is to include learning-disabled individuals and the community while enjoying, respecting and celebrating our individual differences as human beings and expressing this through music."

The day starts with a summer fair and family fun day featuring dozens of stalls. The musical highlight will be a workshop run by the 'Soul Daddy of Leeds', preacher turned singing powerhouse "Rev Chunky" Cleve Freckleton. The family day will be followed by the main event, an evening of local music.


The summer fair during the day is free to all. The concert starts at 5pm and tickets are £5 (free for learning-disabled people).

For more information please check out;
http://www.armleymusicfeast.com/

ROCK SCHOOL - FREE PLACES

Factory Street studios have announced that there are some free places available for Rock School, due to funding through Education Bradford.

For details of this opportunity to learn from highly talented music professionals, please contact;

www.myspace.com/factoryststudios
www.myspace.com/rockschoolfactorystreet