So inconspicuous is Phase One, one of Liverpool’s newest music venues, I initially walk right past. When I eventually spot the white neon sign hanging over the door on my way back down Seel Street, I am overcome with a sudden anxiety about the size of the place. But as I look in, over theContinue reading “Laura Oakes – Spring Tour Review”
Category Archives: Gig Reviews
CC Smugglers – How High Tour
What a melting pot of genres CC Smugglers are. Bubbling over during their red-hot set at Manchester’s Soup Kitchen were sounds as diverse as jazz, country, funk, swing, soul, folk, and blues. It was like a hoedown one minute, a jazz club the next. There really is something for everyone with this band. And you’dContinue reading “CC Smugglers – How High Tour”
Midland – On the Rocks Tour
They were one of the highlights at Country 2 Country 2018. And now Midland are ending the year on a high here in the UK with their first headline tour a complete sell out. Last night, they stopped off at Gorilla in Manchester to perform to a packed and raucous crowd. They delivered a stunningContinue reading “Midland – On the Rocks Tour”
CMA Songwriters Series – St George’s Hall, Liverpool
I hope that the doorman who greeted me at St George’s Hall for the CMA Songwriters Series got to sit in on the show. When I asked him if I was in the right place, he responded hesitantly with “for the Country & Western thing? Yeah, just through here”. The way he said it madeContinue reading “CMA Songwriters Series – St George’s Hall, Liverpool”
Summer’s End Songwriters Show – Ty Pawb, Wrexham
Many have judged Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham’s new arts hub, to be a lame duck. Since its unveiling six months ago, the ‘Comments’ section of the local press has been filled with negativity towards it. A lack of atmosphere, disappointing architecture, and few events taking place there have led many, it seems, to dismiss it asContinue reading “Summer’s End Songwriters Show – Ty Pawb, Wrexham”
Catherine McGrath – Talk of This Town Tour
I wasn’t quite blown away by the wind and rain of Storm Bronagh on the way to Manchester. But I was blown away by the performance of one Catherine McGrath when I arrived. The Irish singer-songwriter stopped off at Gorilla as part of her first headline tour. And she was every bit as good asContinue reading “Catherine McGrath – Talk of This Town Tour”
Americana Night @ The Llangollen Fringe
It may be stripped down and laid bare compared to its international predecessor, the Eisteddfod, but the Llangollen Fringe has much to offer. After the big guns of Alfie Boe, Kaiser Chiefs and Van Morrison took to the stage at the Pavilion in front of hundreds last week, this week sees a host of muchContinue reading “Americana Night @ The Llangollen Fringe”
The Shires – Accidentally On Purpose Tour
The Shires were welcomed back with thunderous applause and rapturous whooping on their second visit to North Wales this week. After a sold-out debut as part of the My Universe tour 18 months ago, the country duo returned to Venue Cymru with a bigger, bolder and brasher set as part of their Accidentally on PurposeContinue reading “The Shires – Accidentally On Purpose Tour”
Ward Thomas – Cartwheels Tour
Walking the streets of Manchester on Wednesday evening, it felt like any other visit to the city. With the exception of some TV cameras and a clear police presence, it seemed like business as usual for residents, commuters and tourists. Outside The Ritz, the popular music venue opposite Oxford Road station, heightened security meant thatContinue reading “Ward Thomas – Cartwheels Tour”
The Shires – My Universe Tour
The UK’s top country music act The Shires paid a visit to Venue Cymru with a fantastic set as part of their My Universe tour. With a packed audience of Welsh country music fans eager to hear their latest material, Ben and Chrissie (along with their band) certainly gave them an unforgettable night. Opening withContinue reading “The Shires – My Universe Tour”
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