Rum Thief held his single launch at Mono in Chorlton Manchester. he had described the venue as intimate. I was looking forward to the night for several reasons including knowing all 3 acts and how good they are, meeting up with a friend I had not seen for 20 years and taking some shots.

I met my friend had a chat and then headed into the venue, I found my way downstairs into a nice green room complete with drum kit. I was thinking that it was good for drummers to be able to warm up prior to playing when I realised this was the performance area. Rum thief had booked a small venue as he was not sure who would turn up.

He underestimated the number of people who appreciate a great band and with 3 quality acts the place was rammed. I also noticed the main man of Manchester promotions MR Peeps hiding at the back. Jess Kemp another musical talent I have photographed was also amongst the crowd.

The first act I had heard before and he plays a great blues set. Jackson Wolf instantly had the crowd onside with his quality guitar and blues voice. I was stood next to 'The Harmonica Guy' Guy Fiddler who played brilliantly on the Marivaux songs. I feel he was stitched up when the Wolf asked if anyone could join him and play blues harp. Guy did not let him down the pair played together and almost competed to show their respective skills.

Jackson WolfJackson Wolf Blues as it should be.

 The next band The Marivaux are one that I have followed and photographed on numerous occasions including during the making their video. The main man and actor from their videos Jack Johnson also down to support them. Have a look on you tube for their videos.

The marivaux played a great set to a very full, hot, sweaty but appreciate house. It was great to hear so many people singing along to their well known songs. I have never known them play a bad gig and they didn't start at Mono.

Matt from The Marivaux

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The main man and band Rum Thief played their usual style. He explains that he does not do precise accurate playing with delicate vocals but plays and sings in his style. It is refreshing to watch such an honest all out performance. He nailed every song and we could listened for another hour except the room may not have survived. If you want to watch and sing along to an honest singer songwriter he is your man.

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As with all great gigs there are people in the background grafting to make it happen and Rum Thief gave a special mention to Sara Smith who helped put the night on.

Congratulations to all three performers for a memorable night.

The title of this post is credited to my friend who when the room reached capacity declared that "It is so packed in here I had better apologise incase I get anyone pregnant"

I was asked by "Faith in Fools" to take some shots for the release of their new EP. I have liked this band for some time and was pleased to be asked to take the shots for them.

As with all things it was never as simple as I first thought! I only had 25 minutes to get the shots. They had an idea for the shoot and a great setting. I thought that the shots turned out ok due to the time we had. I would really like to do the shoot again with an extra two hours.

As ever let me know your thoughts. The bands EP is available on www.reverbnation under faith in fools

Faith In Fools Poker NightFaith in Fools shoot for the new EP

We spent the weekend at Carfest North. I shared a tent with my 2 boys and the boss shared with my daughter. Friday and Saturday consisted of very heavy rain and as I can't afford a replacement the camera stayed safely in the car.

I was looking forward to Sea Sick Steve and so took the camera and my son and headed for the front 20 minutes before he was due on. We managed to get a spot to one side of the stage but right at the front.

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I then spent the entire set singing along and merrily snapping away. I found it a bit frustrating as I could only shoot from one position the shots came out ok. Steve put on a great performance and lived up to all expectations.

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After his set I took my son back to the tent and bored the boss with a description of the set complete with photos and reconstruction. She was very keen that I went back and took more shots rather than singing to her, very generous.

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I fought my way back to the same spot and took shots of Simple Minds. I have never been a big fan was surprised how many of the songs I knew.

The set went down well with many of the songs sung back to the stage by the delicate mass voice of middle aged men.

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