Black Deer Festival 2019 - June 21st (Day One)

July 01, 2019 by David Vousden in Acoustic, Alt-Country, Americana, Blues, Classic Rock, Country Rock, Country, Folk, Hard Rock, Live Review, Singer Songwriter, Southern Rock, Stoner, Psych

For the first day of the annual Black Deer Festival, the gods have been kind and the sun is trying to break through the clouds. The UK is back in love with country music and all things Americana - at least on a musical level. This level of acceptance for the genre has not been seen on our shores since Dolly, Kenny and Tammy topped the charts and the Wembley Country Music festival was a must-see on BBC2. Black Deer is only in its sophomore year but it already feels like a must do on the crowded festival calendar.

Tom Baxter - Union Chapel, London 06/11/2018

November 12, 2018 by Rich Barnard in Acoustic, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

Tom Baxter’s extensive UK and Irish tour in support of his latest album The Other Side of Blue (review) includes only one London appearance: here, at the Union Chapel. The place is perfectly suited to Baxter’s solo setup as it remains one of the capital’s most intimate and reverent mid-sized venues. Baxter has been out of the spotlight for a few years but has evidently lost not a drop of the energy and passion he had when we first saw him play The Borderline as a newcomer to London’s acoustic scene more than fifteen years ago.

Aaron Lee Tasjan - Omeara, London 02/11/2018

November 05, 2018 by David Vousden in Americana, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter, Rock

A typical Friday night in London and unsurprisingly the streets are full of people with things to do and places to go. The London Bridge area is as good a place as any to experience the hustle and bustle of London life with seemingly every other doorway leading into a coffee shop, restaurant or pub, while the imposing 95-story Shard skyscraper looms overhead. Just up the road from London Bridge tube station, we find Omeara a bijou live venue (capacity 350) which opened in 2016 and is the brainchild of Ben Lovett (Mumford & Sons). After two or three near misses this is my first visit to Omeara and I’m immediately impressed with the venue hidden away in Flat Iron Square, an open courtyard type area with galleries, street food etc. The vibe is cool and hip but not annoyingly so, the door and bar staff proved friendly and the venue itself looks like a decaying regency ballroom as imagined by Universal Studios for ‘Poseidon’s Fury’.

Ruston Kelly + Ferris & Sylvester - The Slaughtered Lamb, London 17/09/2018 (Live Review).

September 19, 2018 by David Vousden in Acoustic, Americana, Country, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

Singer-somgwriter Ruston Kelly is in London promoting his excellent debut album ‘Dying Star’ with a low key show at the bijou Slaughtered Lamb. Needless to say the gig is sold-out and it’s pretty obvious the crowd are expecting good things long before Kelly ambles on stage.

Mary Chapin Carpenter + Emily Barker - Barbican Theatre, London (15/05/18)

May 17, 2018 by David Vousden in Americana, Country, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

The Barbican complex in London seems to be undergoing something of a renaissance in recent times as people are able to see past the Brutalist 70’s Architecture and enjoy the large open communal areas, the conservatory (a lush tropical garden in the concrete bowels… who knew), cinemas and a wonderfully varied musical palate. Don’t get me wrong, the covered walk from Barbican Station past the car parks is beyond ugly and the convoluted journey down multiple levels to find the correct area of the actual venue could be a little intimidating, but the concert hall is superb with comfy seats, plenty of legroom (I’m 6’ 2”), great sightlines and impressively clear sound. It was also refreshing to find a ban on photography and mobile phones, people actually had to pay attention to the acts which made a welcome change.

Scott Matthews - The Union Chapel, London (04/05/18)

May 11, 2018 by Rich Barnard in Acoustic, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

As a venue, The Union Chapel rises serenely above the sticky floors of its close neighbours The Hope & Anchor and The Garage. It balances its roles as fully functioning church and celebrated concert hall with ease and, if you’re after a sense of reverence and ceremony, there aren’t many London venues that can match it. On this balmy May evening, Scott Matthews' disciples gather respectfully along the ridiculously up-at-heel Compton Terrace long before doors open and I have the distinct impression that I am in for one of the more civilised gig-going experiences of my modest career. I install myself in pew 77 with a Coke (no alcohol allowed in the church itself) and begin to contemplate my manifold sins.

Son of Town Hall - Cecil Sharp House, London (07/03/18).

March 10, 2018 by Rich Barnard in Acoustic, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

We’re getting increasingly excited at the thought of a full-length debut from transatlantic duo Son of Town Hall. Filled with much hope and a little trepidation, the RGM team head to Cecil Sharp House for the London date on their current UK tour...

Glen Hansard - Royal Festival Hall (09.02.18)

February 19, 2018 by Rich Barnard in Americana, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

I pride myself on never being late for anything. But unavoidably late I am for Glen Hansard’s show at The Royal Festival Hall (it’s a long and boring story involving a room full of teenage guitarists - I will spare you) and I kick myself as I am ushered by torchlight to my seat and Hansard’s eleven-strong band (3 strings, 3 horns, 2 keys, drums, bass and guitar) promptly leave the stage in order that the man himself can take the piano alone. What?! I’ve arrived in the lull?! Dammit! I discover later than I’ve missed eight whole songs but, luckily for me, there’s plenty still to come.

The Texas Gentlemen + Howard Rose - Bush Hall, London (07.02.18)

February 09, 2018 by David Vousden in Alt-Country, Americana, Classic Rock, Country, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

My introduction to the band of musicians that form the Texas Gentlemen was via Paul Cauthen’s excellent ‘My Gospel’ album. Browsing the credits, which is pretty refreshing to be able to do in this digital age, and the names of Beau Patrick Bedford, for his terrific production work, and guitarist Nik Lee stood out. Bedford is effectively the leader of The Texas Gentlemen a band of session musicians who’ve become go-to players for a host of artists including Joe Ely and Kris Kristofferson, which really tells you all you need to know about how good these guys are. With so many great players on tap, eleven Texas Gentlemen worked on ‘TX Jelly’ their debut album; you’re never quite sure who’ll turn up which is bound to keep things interesting.

Randy Houser + Lindsay Ell + Walker McGuire - Bush Hall, London

October 03, 2017 by David Vousden in Acoustic, Americana, Blues, Country, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

London is my usual stomping ground for gigs so the announcement of Country Music Week was most welcome. From October 2nd – 8th some of the best and the brightest artists of the genre are popping up all over town in various musical configurations be it with full bands, acoustic sets or the much loved, and quintessentially Nashville, songwriters circle, CMW had all the bases covered

Chastity Brown + The Black Feathers - The Borderline, London

June 27, 2017 by David Vousden in Acoustic, Americana, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter, Pop

Summer seems to have arrived in London and a trip down to one of my preferred gig venues The Borderline sounded like the ideal thing to do on a Tuesday evening. Well at least I think I'm in The Borderline...the old Mexican Cantina ambience has been replaced with a more upmarket and modern club vibe. We are, most definitely, not in Kansas anymore and it’s so refreshing to see a venue investing in the future with a very cool refit. For those of us who've been visiting the place since the early 90s it might seem a little strange initially but it works for me.

Brent Cobb - Slaughtered Lamb, London UK

January 31, 2017 by David Vousden in Americana, Country, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

For his first shows in the UK the Sold Out signs are up and Brent Cobb finds himself, to his surprise I’m sure, welcomed with open arms for his London debut. The musical grapevine has been working overtime and Brent is playing to full houses two months before the UK release of his debut album ‘Shine On Rainy Day’ (March 24th is the date). A respectful and knowledgeable crowd obviously knows the album, which was released stateside late in 2016, and have an appreciation for good songs well played and sung. Brent Cobb covers all these bases with aplomb which, when coupled with the relaxed Southern charm he demonstrated on the night, ensures artist and audience are on the same page and destined to have a great time.

Ian Hunter & The Rant Band - O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, London UK

November 17, 2016 by David Vousden in Live Review, Rock, Singer Songwriter, Classic Rock

Earlier this year Ian Hunter released his first record in four years the excellent ‘Fingers Crossed’ which displayed that the former Mott The Hoople frontman had lost none of his ability to recognise a good tune and coin an interesting phrase. The album really is terrific and still gets regular spins at RGM towers (check out our review of the album here). The announcement of a date at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire had me very keen to pop along and check out the man and his Rant Band in the flesh.

Sara Watkins - Bush Hall, London UK

November 15, 2016 by Rich Barnard in Bluegrass, Americana, Country, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

Having chairs set in rows tends to have a civilising effect on a crowd but tonight at Bush Hall the attendees need no reminders when it comes to audience etiquette. A respectful silence falls over them long before support act Dietrich Strause has got himself comfy behind the mic and we're sat so still and expectant I suspect we're actually starting to freak him out. Undeterred, Strause paddles through his set of deftly fingerpicked and tender folk songs perhaps a little too apologetically but is nonetheless warmly received.

John Paul White - Bush Hall, London UK

November 14, 2016 by David Vousden in Americana, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter, Southern Rock, Country

The opportunity to catch John Paul White in the intimate confines of Bush Hall where the acoustics pretty much guarantee a lovely vocal sound was one not to be missed. Obviously plenty more people were following my line of thinking as the website claimed Sold Out and there was definitely a healthy crowd on the night.

Gitta De Ridder - Servant Jazz Quarters, London

October 14, 2016 by David Vousden in Acoustic, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

The general opinion seems to be that the live music venue is an endangered species these days. Even ex Beatles recently bemoaned the issue (Ringo with rather more energy than that other bloke) and this may well be true, but dig a little deeper and there are great venues playing host to fabulous performances every night of the week in London town which brings us to Dalston on a surprisingly chilly Monday night in October.

Darlingside - The Slaughtered Lamb, London UK

August 11, 2016 by David Vousden in Acoustic, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter, Pop

Every now and again here at Red Guitar Music we are lucky enough to receive a CD in the post that turns out to be just a little bit special. Darlingside and their ‘Birds Say’ album was a case in point, I was keen, but fellow RGM scribe Rich Barnard won the lottery, got to work and his resulting review concluded “Darlingside have stories to tell, mysteries to solve and journeys to take us on. Birds Say manages the impossible; it is humble and bold; it is familiar and strange; it is slick and fragile. It is, in short, a total delight”. To support the UK release of the album the band had a slot booked at the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival before they embarked on a short run of intimate UK shows concluding with the Slaughtered Lamb in London.

David Berkeley + Jack Harris - Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney London

June 22, 2016 by David Vousden in Acoustic, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

Paper Dress Vintage is one of the more interesting venues on the London circuit. Located opposite Hackney Central Station this retro clothes boutique by day transforms into a cool and bijou live music venue by night. The intimate venue itself is upstairs and the small room has just a few tables doted about so I took up a position at the small rear bar to check out the evening’s entertainment. I was immediately struck by the rather imposing mixing desk which seemed a little incongruous in such a small venue but it did bless us with excellent sound on the night.

Ruth Theodore + Linah Rocio - Green Note, London UK

June 14, 2016 by David Vousden in Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter

Green Note in Camden is fast becoming one of my favourite places to see a band in London. The Camden venue won a prestigious Time Out Magazine award ‘London Venue of the Year’ in 2015 so I’d guess I’m not alone in my view. The venue is, as they say, intimate which makes it fantastic to get up close to a quality artist or two. One such artist is Ruth Theodore and her visit to Camden was to introduce her very fine new single ‘You Can’t Help Who You Love’ and a whole lot more

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.