Ten out of ten for High Nines
Good Bye to High Nines Hello to Feed the Kid
The gig was held in Academy 3 which I like as it as has good sound and more than 1 light!
I had seen one of the bands before and seen the name of the headline band quite a few times. I smiled at the lady on the reception desk and requested my photo pass only to be told a polite version of your names not down! Thankfully a revised list appeared and I was issued the wristband of photo happiness.
I went into the hall and smiled and chatted with security staff next to the pit. If any security staff read this I think you are all wonderful. I'm sorry that I can't always count to three when you tell me it's first three songs only. I'm sure that it was a long intro and not 2 songs.
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The venue was already looking full and the first band took to the stage. I had not heard of the first band on. Hotspur Press played a great set with a couple of memorable elated acoustic numbers. The lead singer has a great voice which was enjoyable to listen too. They also played some more rock numbers to show off their versatility but it was the slower numbers that really impressed me.
They finished their set and took the time to say hello to their fans the number of which I'm sure had increased after this performance. They also handed out copies of a 6 track CD which is a favourite in the car at the moment. Well done boys professional start to finish.
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The second band are called Second Hand Guns. I'm now concerned that I may be getting special branch knocking on my door to ask questions after google searches for the band resulted in some very strange results.
Again another solid set with skilled musicians and good songs.
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It was a strange night for High Nines as they had announced that this was to be their last gig together. I had seen them before and listened to their tracks a lot. Despite the obvious emotion they played all their great tracks and smashed a classic cover for their final song.
It may just be me but their was a long look into the crowd from the lead singer at the end of a couple of the tracks. There must have been some real mixed emotions.
I know that some of the friends of the band are feeling sad about the end of the nines but I'm sure that the members will be back on stage in some role soon.
All the best for the future boys and keep in touch.
Feed the Kid great band name and obviously popular by the size of the crowd at the gig. The lead singer had a slight Russell Brand appearance but thankfully was better to watch and I understood his words. They played a confident set with many of the songs being song back at them from the crowd. They already have a good following and Im sure it will increase with gigs like this.
Thanks to Manchester Academy for the hospitality.
Thanks to the bands for a great performance.
Thanks to Scruff of the Neck promotions for a great night.
In print
Today I received a CD in the post. Is it sad that I still get excited when I get a package to open!
The Cd inside was from the band Knighhood and was their new album Bad Habits. I first met Knighthood when I watched them play at Bootleggers bar Kendal. I have seen them several times since and really enjoy their company as well as their music. All the band are great musicians or singers and they work hard on every track they produce.
I was really pleased when they asked if they could use some of the shots that I had taken at the gigs for the CD inlay. Im now looking forward to seeing the boys in manchester and kendal
30 Nov Manchester Bierkeller
6 Dec Lounge 41 Workington
11 Dec Bootleggers Bar Kendal
Luis GutarraAn amazing player and great entertainer.
Paul CurtisLead guitar player.
Frank KnightThe voice behind Knighthood.
Just good Kraak
"Sherlocks Army.. Sherlocks Army" rang out at the Kraak Club before they played a note. It was fair to say that the crowd were up for it.
Glyn Sharpe usually plays with his band over at the dark side (Yorkshire) but had agreed to play a solo set at Kraak. He decided to play Paul Weller songs and reminded me of how many good songs this includes. Just prior to him going on the dj played Underground and the crowd had song along so this was a good sign.
He played and sang all the classics including a great version of English Rose and had the crowd singing along to Underground. There were really good numbers in the club and they really appreciated the playing and voice that so suited these songs. Im nearly tempted to travel to the other side to listen to him with his band.
I had seen the Sherlocks play in Manchester before and had enjoyed their set. This was different this was their gig, their crowd and they were really up for it. As they climbed onto the stage the shout went up for Sherlocks Army and this repeated at every opportunity. There was not much chance as the band stormed through an impressive list of songs including 'One of a Kind', Time to Go' and Chasing Shadows.
I took a step to on side to review the shots that I had and spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Mr Peeps who is a promoter and true supporter of live music and all things manchester. If he has taken time out to see the band they must be on the up.
On stage the boys are really enjoying themselves and smashing song after song. The crowd started to go a little crazy this involved stage diving and surging to get to touch of the band.
I have never seen the Kraak club go for it like this and I don't think it will be long before The Sherlocks are back in Manchester.
Thanks to the Kraak for looking after me, Sherlocks for inviting me down and the Sherlocks family and friends for making me so welcome.
Chewing the Steering Wheel
2 hours, 2 long boring frustrating hours, 2 hours reading the details on the van in front, how many safety and quality scheme can a builder belong to?
It should take 45 minutes but roadworks on M6 changed that and now I really wish that I had not drunk a large travel mug of coffee!
I was really annoyed that I missed In Quarantine We Trust as I heard him play and photographed him at the Antwerp Mansion and it was a really solid acoustic performance with a great voice. Im really sorry mate.
It always catches your eye when there is an unusual line up on stage like a bit of brass or harmonica but with Sipsmith and Twyne I was spoilt. They are a four piece consisting of guitar, drums, violin and cello from Manchester. Unfortunately I only caught the last two songs but they sounded great and got a good reception from the Night and Day crowd. It was really refreshing to hear a different sound especially when it sounded like this.
Saytr Play were still on a high from a gig at 53 degrees in Preston and the energy was high not just for their set but as they sang and danced to all the other acts. They have some really good tunes that are played well and simply make you grin and want more. They have an EP on soundcloud 'Day Saver' have a listen then go see them live.
I hope the Ragamuffins won't be offended when I say they look like a strange mixture of musicians waiting in line for an audition. Then they start to play and somehow it works. I have never seen a trumpet player stood with a guitar around their neck. I was slightly disappointed that he didn't try to play both at the same time. They play indie pop with slightly manic style that I loved. They have a large set of songs on sound cloud going back 3 years and it is worth checking out.
Host should have been poor. I say this because you would not expect 5 top class bands to perform before the headline act. I was wrong another set that you would have gone home happy if they were the only band that you watched. Some clever lyrics and nice guitar work came together well.
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All followers of my blog will know that I have been shooting the Marivaux for a long time. It was good to see so many familiar faces at the club ready to support their boys. A lesson here for all new bands when you finnish your set grab a drink and talk to the people who have watched you. It will build you a solid fan base who will be there for you.
I must say it was good to see that the friend of the Marivaux Jack Johnson made it to the gig. He is an actor and model who had the lead role in the bands videos. I know that he is busy as he has some exciting projects on the cards. Good to see you again Jack
Guy Fidler played the first notes of Altitude and the room bounced. The timeless blues sound of his harmonica sounded amazing against the guitar and drums of the Marivaux band. It was then Marivaux classics for the rest of the set. The room seemed filled with people who know every word, chord and drum beat of their songs. The boys responded as a band should and it turned into one of those had to be there nights.
The sweat was dripping from all the band members as well as the crowd who had been dancing from the first song. Unfortunately the time was called and the band staggered off the stage. I listened as people headed out into the Manchester air still singing to themselves.
The band are now off a quick european tour that I have no doubts will be a great success. Check out the details on their web page and give a heads up to anyone that you know in the areas they are playing.
As ever thanks to all the staff at Night and Day for their hospitality, the bands for all putting on such a great night and the extended Marivaux family for the welcome.
Caption Competition
Caption CompetitionBlack Sonic Revolver played the Ruby Lounge and I took this shot.
I will post out a print or 2 (UK only sorry) for the best caption to this photograph. It was taken during their gig at the Ruby Lounge. Please leave me a message with your caption and I will ask the band to choose the best one. Entries must be left by 17:00 Sunday 26th October.