blues – Page 2 – The Drawingroom

Gig 13th Feb Sean Taylor and Amrit Sond 2016

Posted by Richard on January 4, 2016

13th Sean Taylor George Corby (14) who like Grammy award winning artist Amrit Sond and Sean has performed here before.Grammy Award Winner Amrit Sond has graced the same billing as some of the world’s most renowned Guitarists on the scene today: Dominic Miller (Sting), Hugh Burns (George Michael), Ronnie Johnson (Van Morrison, Leo Sawyer).

Of Indian origin but born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Amrit was exposed to both Indian music and African folk music at a very early age. As a young teenager, he moved with his family to Kuwait, where he developed an interest in Arabic and Eastern music. This, coupled with the earlier Indian and African influences, has helped to shape his unique compositions. Only last week Amrit was the GSMC’s 1st Choice as Instrumental Artist of 2016. He takes guitar playing into an artform of its own…breath-taking.

Headlining will be Sean Taylor. ”An absolutely superb guitarist … reminiscent of John Martyn” Bob Harris, Radio 2 ”Articulate, compelling … brilliant” (Four stars) Mojo Magazine ”A bluesy devotional intensity that rightly draws comparisons to John Martyn” Q Magazine ‘A fine blues guitarist … Taylor is a man to watch’ Guardian ”the lyrics are absolulety amazing” BBC Introducing “My main listen today – Springsteen and Taylor are cheering my day…brilliant, stunning songs. Great album.’ Mike Harding “Formidable and skilled…recalls Chris Isaak.’ (Four Stars) Uncut ‘Sean Taylor’s work just gets classier … his talent might yet puncture the mainstream’ Classic Rock 8/10 ”A star in the making …a superb talent” Metro “Sean Taylor is a wonderfully talented modern troubadour whose sincere, thoughtful songs pull you in. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him. He swings. Check him out!” Eric Bibb “Sean Taylor is the king of the singer-songwriter styling … A classic album” Maverick Magazine ”bold and brilliant masterpiece” Folk Radio UK ”Remarkable” Danny Thompson….nuff said!

NEW YEARS EVE-2015-16

Posted by Richard on November 23, 2015

There will be a gathering of Drawingroom folk….kids welcome, usual prices, just add £5 to usual ticket prices(20/10/free)…with (byo) Fireworks…Soups…music, bring a hat or wear a moustache ! (more info to follow)

Gig 12/12/15 Jasmine Rodgers & Jazz Morley

Posted by Richard on November 23, 2015

Jazz Morley WE LOVE HER:

“Haunting vocals, oozing with the pain of heartache and beautifully humble production make Jazz’s records an enthralling listen. A storming live presence leaves no excuse to miss the experience of seeing her live.” Music Week

“She produces rich, powerful, emotive tunes that hush the atmosphere ’til everyone’s too scared to breathe in case it breaks the spell.” The Huffington Post

“Haunting and soulful singer songwriter ” Time Out, London. You can follow Jazz on Spotify for new music and playlists.https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oRBiqxwxW8BYQdWYtktZo
Jasmine Rodgers…what can I say…we love her, she’s played here for many a year now….she is very special …‘her grassroots music reflected both quality composition and ease of delivery. It was a pleasure to hear the song ‘Seamless’ from her eponymously titled 2010 solo album performed live. Jasmine offers a distinctive blend of touching melodic material, executed with ethereal musical beauty. The notable set highlight was the melancholy ‘Drinking’, a song she has also performed with dad Paul Rodgers and brother Steve’. Did I tell you? She’s from Rock Royalty..daughter to Paul Rodgers of Free and Bad company..and this life long exposure to music shines out of Jasmine like a bright light….and NOW…she’s bringing a new album…years in the making and now its here…so be sure to witness it’s second outing following a star studded SOLD OUT ALBUM launch party…which I’m going to!

Sat 19/12/15 Kezia & Three Pilgrims

Posted by Richard on November 23, 2015

: I hear exciting things about this girl. ‘Kezia stopped me in my tracks. She has a truly beautiful voice, like Anne Briggs but Cornish’ said Neil Halstead ..and “I think she is exceptional – one of the most original and exciting artists to come out of Cornwall” no less than Ralph McTell! Kezia is a singer/songwriter who’s sound drifts between folk and blues with a tinge of country. Her lyric based songs are accompanied by thoughtful melodies on the guitar and piano. Kezia’s mature voice sings heartfelt lyrics of matters that many can relate to, conveying a certain melancholy that is heard throughout her music. & Three Pilgrims Our favourite party people whom we love so much have already played three times this year…it’s like the Traveling Wilberies ..musicians whom have formed bringing all their combined talent, experience and beautiful sounds in a new band.

Gig sat 12th Dec: Jazz Morley & Jasmine Rodgers

Posted by Richard on November 21, 2015

Sat 12/12/2015 Jazz Morley WE LOVE HER:

“Haunting vocals, oozing with the pain of heartache and beautifully humble production make Jazz’s records an enthralling listen. A storming live presence leaves no excuse to miss the experience of seeing her live.” Music Week

“She produces rich, powerful, emotive tunes that hush the atmosphere ’til everyone’s too scared to breathe in case it breaks the spell.” The Huffington Post

“Haunting and soulful singer songwriter ” Time Out, London. You can follow Jazz on Spotify for new music and playlists.https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oRBiqxwxW8BYQdWYtktZo
Jasmine Rodgers…what can I say…we love her, she’s played here for many a year now….she is very special …‘her grassroots music reflected both quality composition and ease of delivery. It was a pleasure to hear the song ‘Seamless’ from her eponymously titled 2010 solo album performed live. Jasmine offers a distinctive blend of touching melodic material, executed with ethereal musical beauty. The notable set highlight was the melancholy ‘Drinking’, a song she has also performed with dad Paul Rodgers and brother Steve’. Did I tell you? She’s from Rock Royalty..daughter to Paul Rodgers of Free and Bad company..and this life long exposure to music shines out of Jasmine like a bright light….and NOW…she’s bringing a new album…years in the making and now its here…so be sure to witness it’s second outing following a star studded SOLD OUT ALBUM launch party…which I’m going to!

Gig 21st Nov: Hattie Briggs-Henry Fraser& George Corby

Posted by Richard on November 19, 2015

Sat 21/11/2015 Hattie Briggs & Henry Fraser
I am eagerly awaiting the return of these two artists. They performed here in June 2015 (see this gig) Hattie Briggs is a Gloucestershire based singer-songwriter and BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Nominee 2014. The 22 year-old quit Oxford University in the 2nd year of her Russian degree to concentrate on her musical career in January 2014. Since then, her music has been played on TV, on BBC Radio 1, 2 and 6Music as well as many regional BBC radio stations. She released her debut album ‘Red & Gold’ on 6th April 2015 with a single ‘A Beautiful Mind’ on the same day. The album includes a cover of Eva Cassidy’s version of ‘Fields Of Gold’, produced by Eva’s brother, Dan Cassidy, who also plays a violin solo on the record. (Click here to go to the dedicated ‘Red & Gold’ page where you can read the latest reviews including Q magazine, the Maverick & R2, and order the album.)Henry Fraser An Australian, now based in London, Henry loves to play with different genres and sounds. Henry launched his first solo EP, “Quickly” in March 2012. “Quickly”, takes a distinctly folk bent. It is a cosy little thing, full of pretty tunes and layered harmonies. Henry’s eclectic musical upbringing includes a mix of self-taught instruments and classical singing, and he reflects this blend of simplicity and sophistication in his songwriting. An arresting, intense performer, Henry’s regular appearances in Sydney, London and Oxford have gathered him a loyal and growing fan base. Henry began playing duo sets with Hattie in mid 2013 and features on 3 tracks of Hattie’s debut EP, “My Shepherd’s Hut.” Henry now plays with Hattie and Asha at many of the gigs all around the UK and features on the new album. For more info go to: www.henryfraser.com.

Gig- Sam Sallon & Black Feathers 7th Nov

Posted by Richard on October 28, 2015

Sat 07/11/2015 Black Feathers

The Black Feathers are an award winning duo from Gloucestershire in England.
The perfectly paired voices of Sian Chandler and Ray Hughes intertwine effortlessly to create a genre-defying sound, combining elements of folk, roots, americana, and southern rock. The duo have been touring all over the UK for the past 2 years, winning over new fans of all ages everywhere they go.

They have performed at festivals all over the country, including the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival,Stroud Folk Festival, and Maverick. They were awarded the 5 Valleys Folk Award in September of 2013, and theFolkstock Arts Foundation award for Best Live Performance in February the following year.

2014 also saw the release of Strangers We Meet, the duo’s debut 5 track EP, garnering national airplay on BBC Radio2, as well as regional play across the country and warm reviews from the music press, including The Telegraph, fRoots Magazine, and Acoustic Magazine.

Sam Sallon Making his second performance here, 2013 saw the release of One For The Road, Sam Sallon’s debut album. A genuine labour of love, it took Sam and his producer David Watsonover two years, working strange hours on downtime out of several studios, to create this record of twelve songs and an orchestral afterword.

Sam Sallon was born in London and raised mostly in Manchester as the fourth child of eight. He started writing songs while still at school and played throughout his teens around Manchester at venues like Night and Day, Band On The Wall and the Roadhouse.

Outside the studio, Sam has spent the last few years perfecting his delivery and finding fans on tour with a diverse set of homegrown and international talents including Paul Kelly, Pete Doherty, Mark Fry, Dot Allison,Lucy Rose, Johnny Flynn, Son of Dave, Fionn Regan, Nick Harper, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Kami Thompson(Rails),Johnny Bramwell, Lyle Lovett, Nouvelle Vague, Paul Wassif (Three Pilgrims) and the Neil Cowley Trio. Sam recently completed his second UK radio tour.

Gig 15th Aug Beth Rowley & Mark Abis

Posted by Richard on July 28, 2015

Sat 15/08/2015 Beth Rowley and Mark Abis Beth is an artist I have followed and known of for a few years. She has appeared on stage with some giants of the music world including Burt Bacharach, David Arnold (James Bond) and as Angelo Badalamenti‘s personal guest (David Lynch’s right hand man) at Ghent film Festival.

Following her top 10 album ‘Little Dreamer‘ (nominated for a Brit Award) her much awaited second album is just around the corner! This is such a coup for The Drawingroom as Beth has only performed at handful of select sell-out shows each year. The last time I saw this British Blues and Soul singer/songwriter, was in front of 20,000 people. Beth told me ‘I’ve been close to releasing new music a few times, but it hasn’t been ready so I’ve waited.” Recently she teamed up with the acclaimed Producer Abrahams, (Paolo Nutini, Nick Cave and Brian Eno) she continued “Now, working with Leo I feel like its finally ready. I cant wait to start performing it live’…so this is a pre-album, preview gig and only those in the know will be here! Opening for Beth on the night is a Drawingroom darling, Mark Abis, an artist in his own right whose music was made famous in Buffy the Vampire and Mark is one of Three Pilgrims: Mark was described as ‘one to watch’ by rock legend Joe Boyd (Nick Drake, Pink Floyd, REM) “My vote for one of the best of the new generation.”