2024

August 01, 2024 by David Vousden in Acoustic, Folk, Live, Live Review, Singer Songwriter, Ambient

The unpredictable UK weather has taken a turn for the better, and it’s positively steamy in the Green Note basement. For those yet to sample the charms of this most intimate of venues, imagine your living room with a bar at one end, but probably smaller. A sold-out venue makes for a cosy experience, so we grab a beer and a spot by the bar in preparation for this evening's entertainment brought to us by Brian and the good folks at Dimple Discs.

Jesse Malin + Trapper Schoepp - The Garage, London 17/02/2023

February 23, 2023 by David Vousden in Americana, Alternative Rock, Country, Folk, Singer Songwriter, Live

The Garage in London’s Highbury area is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, and there are few better places to see a live band in the capital. Originally a Temperance Billiard Hall, the venue supposedly served great pies but was typical of such establishments back in the day attracted an interestingly varied clientele (In my head, I’m picturing a scene from Get Carter or The Krays). It became a venue in 1993, hence the anniversary, with Pulp as one of the first big-name acts to appear. On my arrival, a decent-sized, yet orderly, queue is snaking its way down the street, but I’m still able to get in for an unfathomable, to me, early start to find Trapper Schoepp is already in full swing. I’d forgotten how good The Garage was until this evening, as it’s been a few years since we’ve crossed paths, but with friendly door staff and clear as a bell sound, things are definitely looking good.

Vega - The Underworld, London 09/10/21

October 12, 2021 by David Vousden in Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Live, Rock, Melodic Rock, AOR

As it had been eighteen months since my last, pre-pandemic, live gig, I jumped at the chance to check out melodic rockers Vega on their return to touring at London’s Underworld. Eighteen months seemed like a very long time until I realised Vega and I last crossed paths, in the live arena, ten long years ago (March 2011) at London’s (sorely missed) Borderline. Vega were newcomers in those days opening for Houston, an act coincidentally now also on the Frontiers label.

BluesFest - Zac Brown Band + Beth Hart, The O2 London 27/10/2018

October 29, 2018 by David Vousden in Americana, Blues, Country, Live

On what feels like the first cold night of the year your RGM scribe is at the O2 in London for the Zac Brown Band and Beth Hart. Tonight's show is part of the annual BluesFest which has found a home at the O2 and is now in its sixth year. With ticket in hand, airport-style security negotiated and a sharp intake of breath at the beer prices I'm in my seat bright and early for Beth Hart to get things started.

Joana Serrat with Ellie Ford - The Slaughtered Lamb, London, UK

May 19, 2016 by David Vousden in Acoustic, Folk, Live, Singer Songwriter, Country

Spanish singer-songwriter Joana Serrat recently released her latest album ‘Cross The Verge’ on the Loose Music imprint in the UK and visited our shores for a short run of dates which included a show at the charmingly named Slaughtered Lamb in the heart of London. In stark contrast to the name The Lamb turned out to be a large pub with comfy leather sofas far removed from the image that the name might imply. Fans of the classic movie ‘An American Werewolf In London’ will be disappointed to find that there is no connection, at least initially, to the film but venture downstairs into the venue proper and the neon Slaughtered Lamb / pentagram logo is behind the stage. I must admit this did impress the inner film geek in me.

Glen Hansard - The 100 Club, London

April 21, 2016 by David Vousden in Acoustic, Folk, Singer Songwriter, Live

Sometimes you really do just strike it lucky. On this occasion a last minute invitation down to the legendary 100 club in London on a Sunday night resulted in the opportunity to witness an artist with the confidence in his ability, and the ability of his band, to freewheel through a two hour plus set without the aid of a safety net, or a set list.

Gretchen Peters - The Old Town Hall, High Wycombe, UK

February 21, 2016 by David Vousden in Country, Singer Songwriter, Live, folk

As luck would have it Gretchen Peters and her three piece band found their way to High Wycombe for a date on her 20th Anniversary tour. The Old Town Hall is a short walk from Red Guitar Music HQ so it was an opportunity too good to miss to go along and check out the show. The Town Hall is not really that well known on the touring circuit and with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it entrance door (I did and I wasn’t the only one) I wasn’t sure quite what to expect. Luckily the venue, better known locally for the odd play and many a Tea Dance, turned out to be a good choice to hold, what would be a very enjoyable and civilised evening. The team of friendly dark suited ushers were quick to sort out my ticket and direct me to the bar where the local Rebellion brewery helped to get things off to a good start. The attendance for tonight was very impressive and I hope more acts will add High Wycombe to their tour

Colleen Brown - The Dublin Castle, London UK.

June 28, 2015 by Rich Barnard in Live, Rock, Folk, Singer Songwriter

Having been very impressed by the video for ‘Soap & Denim’, the RGM team headed out to Camden to see Canadian songstress Colleen Brown, who is here touring in support of her new album Direction…

Sam Baker - Dingwalls, London UK

November 12, 2014 by David Vousden in Country, folk, Live

‘Say Grace’ is one of those albums with the ability to creep up on you and worm its way into your subconscious, resulting in you returning to it on a regular basis, and each time it revels something new. With this in mind a trip to London for an intimate show at Dingwalls, hidden away in the bowels of Camden market, was high on my list of priorities.

Police Dog Hogan with Lucas & King - Borderline, London UK

October 03, 2014 by David Vousden in folk, Country, Acoustic, Live

The Borderline in London is such a great little venue, tucked away in a backstreet in the shadow of the Centre Point tower and surrounded by the seemingly never-ending demolition / construction work. It is an oasis of calm and good music and the ideal location to launch ‘Westward Ho!’ the new album from Police Dog Hogan.