Coming to The Musician in October 2019

Three parts English, one part Orkney, Looma play acoustic roots and folk music from the swamps of Louisiana to the Swedish midnight sun, and everywhere in between. Bringing together folk, blues, cajun, bluegrass and country traditions, as well as original songs, Looma mix driving energy with strong vocals and foot-tapping tunes.

Liz Logie (piano/ accordion/percussion) is an Orcadian who has played the accordion since she was ten, being inspired by her father who was a well-known Orkney accordion player.

Mark Theobald (harmonica/ukelele/vocals) was a National Harmonica League 'Player of the Year' in 2013 and 2014, playing Irish and blues music.

Bob Gilmour-Evans (guitar/vocals) has been performing and writing songs since he was a teenager, recording his own album and guesting on many others.

Tim Garland (cittern/fiddle/vocals) has been performing traditional and self penned material for over thirty years, both as a founder member of radical folk group Fieldwork and with Kasutima Ceilidh band, playing nationally at clubs and festivals. He has also performed regularly as a solo artist and in a duo with Indian percussionist Nitin Odedra.

'Spellbinding... Hannah and Ben were born to play and sing together’ FRoots

Huddled round a single microphone, singing intimate duets with just mountain dulcimer, dobro and guitar, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage are an acoustic duo that sound classically timeless, yet their music is unique. Since emerging in 2016, the duo recorded two studio albums, Before the Sun (2016) and Awake (2018), produced by award winning producer David Travers-Smith in Toronto. Both albums have gathered praise for the craft and skill of their musical writing and arranging.

‘Awesome… a supremely divine album.’ Americana UK

The duo have toured the UK, North America and mainland Europe, enrapturing audiences at shows and on festival stages with the sparkling beauty of their acoustic style.

'Dreamy reveries, softly warm vocals, stirring guitar arrangements - Sanders & Savage wield an elusive sort of magic' MOJO

Not just the notes – but the sound, energy and feel of Rory Gallagher, delivered by people who helped define it…

Gerry McAvoy formed Band of friends in 2012 having played with Rory Gallagher for 20 years and was on every record with Rory from 1971 to 1991. The band consists of Brendan O'Neill drums (Rory Gallagher 1981-1991) and Marcel Scherpenzeel on vocals & guitar.

Hailing from Leicester, the Midnight Dogs have evolved into a formidable rock outfit, delivering their own brand of down and dirty rock and roll. With a nod to the retro sounds of the 70s, their lyrical stories are punctuated with catchy riffs and killer basslines, all wrapped up tightly with a rhythmic bow.

Their self-titled debut album was released in 2016 to rave reviews and resulted in special guest appearances with the likes of The Quireboys, Stacie Collins, Dan Baird, Spear of Destiny and The Dogs D’Amour.

Special guest Tony Wright is best known as the singer for Bradford rock band Terrorvision. However, when he's not touring with Terrorvision, he writes, records and tours under his own name with a set-list made up of songs he has written on his acoustic guitar - some upbeat, some melancholic, but all thought-provoking.

Tonight sees the Midnight Dogs celebrate the release of their eagerly awaited new album and together with Tony Wright and a stellar support line-up, it promises to be one hell of a party!

An Evening With Keston Cobblers Club

The 10 Year Anniversary Special

Join The Cobblers for a one-of-a-kind concert, celebrating their ten years of making and performing music together.

With two halves of the Cobblers (no support), all of the favourite tracks from the past ten years in chronological order and a few surprises along the way; expect an evening of rambunctious, instrument switching, toe tapping, smile inducing indie folk.

We Will Heel Your Soles.

“What a fantastic discovery” Bob Harris, BBC / legend
“Rambunctious folk and joyous elemental pop” The Guardian
“Ear-worm melodies” Financial Times
“Wondrous….hugely accomplished” fRoots
“Every song is an absolute killer…They’re terrific” Dermot O’Leary, BBC Radio 2
“One of the best new discoveries I’ve made” Steve Lamacq, BBC 6 Music

Jonas and Jane are an Americana Duo from the UK who consist of harmony driven and bluegrass influenced folk. They have toured Texas, Colorado and Arizona and have played many UK festivals including the main stage and second stage at Beverley Folk Festival 2017, Noshville 2017, Beer and Bluegrass 2016 & 2017, two stages at Maverick Americana Festival in 2015 and the main stage at Carfest South 2015 to over 35,000 people, following a live performance of their song ‘Whispered’ on the Chris Evans BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show in August 2015.

"Brilliant! Some serious tricky finger picking!"
Chris Evans, BBC Radio 2

"Absolutely beautiful, right up my street. They are superb."
Steve Cherelle, BBC Essex

8/10
Seamless harmony vocals, sweetest of sounds
Americana UK (review of their 2015 EP 'Whispered')

MASCHINE are thrilled to be back for a four-date UK stint doing what they do best: tearing grooves, melting faces and delivering high-octane live performances. 'Colour of Man' will be the band's 3rd studio album (to be released later this year), and they are set to perform some brand-new material for the upcoming live shows. Co-headlining with MASCHINE for the four UK dates are the incredible US progressive band DISTRICT 97.

MASCHINE are a progressive band without boundaries. The group seamlessly fuses their rock roots with modern and innovative textures shaping their sound into its own unique statement; reflecting the unflinching vision of composer, lead guitarist and vocalist, Luke Machin.
The band in recent years have received “Best new/unsigned band” award in Prog Magazine, also voted Prog Mag’s “No.1 tip”, Classic Rock Society's “Best New Band” Award. Machin has also been in the Top 10 “Best Guitarist” list in Prog Magazine four years running, reaching #5 in 2018. Machin has collaborated and worked with Jeff Beck, Francis Dunnery (It Bites), Pain of Salvation, Guthrie Govan, Chris Difford (Squeeze), Steve Hogarth (Marillion), Tom Brislin (YES) and Robert Plant. These few rare shows are going to be some of the tastiest, eye-catching, musically virtuosic performances from two of the finest young progressive acts around.

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DISTRICT 97 are delighted to be returning to the UK in October 2019, for the first time in over four years, to support their upcoming fourth studio album 'SCREENS' (to be released September 2019 via Cherry Red). Their UK 'SCREENING TOUR' will consist of five shows: the first of which takes place at the 'Summer's End festival' in Chepstow, Wales. The band will then join forces with UK powerhouse 'MASCHINE' for four further shows across the country.

DISTRICT 97 are undoubtedly the most musically adventurous rock band in the world to feature an American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist. For over a decade, this quintet from Chicago has melded an adventurous instrumental prowess with the look, sound, and stage presence of vocalist Leslie Hunt. Through world tours and a stream of studio/live releases, the band has garnered a worldwide fanbase, collaborating with John Wetton and also drawing praise from Bill Bruford and other rock luminaries along the way. Their forthcoming album 'SCREENS' and its accompanying live show promises to be their most ambitious effort to date.

More info at http://www.district97.net/ and https://www.maschineuk.com/

Unfortunately tonight's Special Providence gig has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and refunds are now available from all points of purchase,

7Storeysoul played their first gig at The Musician in January 2006. 18 years on, with the core of that original line up in tact, the 9 piece band return for an evening of feelgood funk and smooth soul. Founder member and prolific songwriter Mark Poole first formed the band in 2005 whilst researching his PhD, which focused on the Leicester music scene!

Now fronted by the powerhouse soul voice of Chrissie Riedhofer, 7Storeysoul blend Mark's imaginative, smooth soul originals with classic funky 70s tunes from Stevie Wonder to George Benson, Quincy Jones and Earth Wind and Fire. For fans of feelgood funk and smooth soul this is a gig not to miss!

“With the Seahorses over his shoulder, Helme continues to create glorious music in his own name.”

Chris Helme first rose to prominence as the front man of John Squire’s post-Stone Roses band ‘The Seahorses’ which saw him touring extensively and sharing the stage with The Rolling Stones, U2 and Oasis in numerous support slots. Now solo- he is still rightfully remembered for Britpop classics ‘Love Is The Law’ and ‘Blinded By The Sun’ – songs that evoked everything the 90’s stood for, the excitement, the culture and the bands that provided a voice in a period of political and social imbalance.
Chris’ enviable back catalogue, is bolstered further by his acclaimed works with The Yards, but it’s his last solo album ‘The Rookery’ that portrays him at his very best. The album combines melody with imaginative, intricate, three-way guitar interplay that brings each track to a lush, blossoming climax. Add to this Chris’ keen ear for arranging, plus some brooding string passages and it becomes the perfect platform for his wonderful songs. Melodies rooted in traditional folk are reimagined on an album of rich variation, testament to his most powerful weapon – his voice.

Ultimate Leppard are the U.K’s truest tribute to Def Leppard. Based in Leppard’s hometown of Sheffield, they re-create the most authentic sound yet, providing audiences with the ultimate Def Leppard experience.

Experience an engaging and authentic musical feast featuring awesome vocal abilities, monster guitar riffs and a sound akin to the real thing. Costumes, mannerisms and the Def Leppard look are all re-created, although you won’t find any comedy wigs or gimmicks. These guys go all the way and guarantee the audience always get rocked!

Ultimate Leppard deliver atmosphere and authenticity in spades making this a show fans of the band won't want to miss.

Currently living in Zurich, Switzerland, Attila Vural never leaves home without his guitar:
Since his very first arrangements, dating back to the early nineties, a creative mixture of influences characterizes the music written by Attila Vural. His percussive mode of guitar playing is inspired by the German guitarist Claus Boesser-Ferrari. Other important inputs came from the experimental pieces by Andy Summers (Police).
Whether you join him live or on CD: A musical journey with Attila Vural will take you to places that you would not have thought possible on a guitar.

''A truly amazing live performer - He will knock your socks off and blow your mind ''

Originally hailing from Guildford, Cascade are a band cut through the noise of the current rock scene to provide uncompromisingly direct and catchy songs that will be sure to help them build on their already dedicated following.

4 Piece alternative British rock band


"Britpop as f*ck, enough said."

Damian Wilson is a songwriter and vocalist who has appeared on over 70 separate album releases.

Damian is widely known in the rock genre, for bands and projects such as Headspace, Threshold, Ayreon and Rick Wakemans English Rock Ensemble. As a solo artist he has released 5 solo albums. To celebrate his 50th birthday, Damian is playing shows all over Europe in October.

During this tour Damian is joined by different guests. At this acoustic performance he will be joined by long-time collaborator Andrew Holdsworth on piano. 

"The man is a phenomenon - Rock Hard Magazine
Literally breathtaking - Classic Rock Magazine
Is there a better singer on the live circuit today? Quite possibly not" - PROG Magazine

Following the success of his tour in early this year, Gaz Brookfield takes to the road once more.

Celebrating 15 years of belligerently refusing to give in!

Since winning Acoustic magazine's 2010 Singer Songwriter of the year, he has spent his time on the road, touring the UK and Europe. In this time he has shared the stage with the likes of Levellers, Seth Lakeman, Frank Turner, New Model Army, Nick Harper, Newton Faulkner, Miles Hunt, and many more, racking up over 1000 gigs to date.

Gaz remains the only unsigned solo artist to sell out The Fleece, Bristol. A feat he as now achieved 5 times. The last three times selling out over 6 months in advance.

Often playing as many as 200 gigs a year, Gaz's relentless and never-ending tour schedule takes him to every corner of the country and beyond. The last few years have seen Brookfield play at over 100 UK festivals, including Glastonbury, Beautiful Days, Bearded Theory, and many more, firmly cementing him as a festival favourite.

Originally a four-piece featuring brothers Ben (vocals) and Liam Sargent (guitar), Jason Green (bass) and Luke Morley (drums), Leicester's own Hell’s Addiction formed as a four piece in 2010, with their first album, the triumphant Raise Your Glass arriving in 2013.

They have always grafted hard to fine tune their craft and toured extensively leading up to 2015 at which point they started work on their most recent album – ‘Broken’. Released in July 2016 it received critical acclaim across the board. Describing Hell's Addiction as the "Bastard child of an illicit three-way between Skid Row, early Guns N' Roses and AC/DC", pretty much sums up their balls-out approach to Rock ‘n’ Roll.

In 2016, the line-up was augmented by Dan Weir (guitar) and timed perfectly for their appearance opening the 2016 Download Boardie Takeover stage. Dan has helped push their writing and sound even further, growing from strength to strength, as they work on a series of EPs beginning with their recent EP V1.0 release.

Magic Teapot and Concrete Meat Press are proud to present “Transatlantic Transmission - Poetry Across The Pond” featuring John Dorsey with Adrian Manning at The Musician, Leicester on Saturday 19th October at 1pm.

John Dorsey is a hugely acclaimed American poet, currently residing in Toledo, Ohio. With countless books and poems published around the world and a track record of hitting the road to bring his poetry to the people, he is a dominant figure in the world of the small presses. This reading is one if a handful on his first visit to the UK and should not be missed.

Adrian Manning is one of Leicester’s own. His poems have been published widely in chapbooks and journals across the globe. He is also editor of Concrete Meat Press and a collaborator with local musicians from time to time.

Who knows when Dorsey will make it back to these shores? Catch him while you can.

Kings of Lyon are the most astounding, vibrant tribute to Kings of Leon, playing an inspired and often surprising collection of Kings of Leon tracks with an energy and quality which, has gained them a massive, enviable reputation as the definitive tribute to Kings Of Leon.
The band play an untouchable live set encompassing all the hits and fans’ favourites from Kings of Leon’s last seven albums.

A live performance featuring the music of the original Byrds and Crosby Stills Nash and Young, the band have a remarkable take on a remarkable era which in so many ways remains unsurpassed even today. The band delivers a magnificent full electric and acoustic show with archival footage and costume effect.

Turn Turn Turn, Eight Miles High, Mr Tambourine Man, So You Want to be a Rock and Roll Star, through to Woodstock, Guinevere, Down By The River, Ohio and many more classics songs from the time when America delivered its response to the British Invasion.

The only show of its kind anywhere in the world today and a truly brilliant night's entertainment.

Gordon Haskell has often been described as a brilliant mix of Bill Withers and James Taylor with the feel of J.J Cale; but ultimately Haskell is a craftsman with his own unique style and presence, who has been consistently winning audiences with his warmth and golden voice for decades.

After 35 years of dedication to developing his craft of the singer-songwriter, Gordon Haskell finally broke through in 2001 with his hugely popular song ‘How Wonderful You Are’ reaching No. 2 in the UK chart and top chart positions right across Europe.

In 2002 his albums ‘Harry’s Bar’ and ‘Shadows on the Wall’ reached No. 2 and No 44 in the UK chart, and in the top 20 in Germany, France, Poland, Finland and the Netherlands. Both albums reached Gold status with the single selling 400,000+.

Since then he has continued to perform and record mostly in Europe, travelling from his home in Greece, and released book ‘The Road to Harry’s Bar’.
Having had a handful of sporadic concerts (& hugely successful) live appearances since, Gordon returns to the road in 2019 to bring his jazz/blues-influenced songbook and golden voice back to theatre audiences nationwide; up-close, intimate evenings with Gordon Haskell – the master singer-songwriter.

The Hiding Magpies are an Americana/Rock'N'Roll band. Their first album covers all aspects of love, loss, heartache and redemption. With a slight nod to groups such as Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Steve Earle, The Black Crowes and The Band, The Hiding Magpies are a band to see!

Nick Harper is one the UK’s best kept musical secrets. Those who have witnessed the spellbinding, one-man show will tell you this. A childhood growing up surrounded by the musical prowess of some of the 60’s most revered songwriters & musicians, not to mention being son of Roy Harper, along with decades of crafting songs and touring has spawned a truly one-off, original guitarist and songwriter who stands alone as a UK great, to be cherished & revered.

To call Nick a superlative singer/songwriter could put his highly lauded guitar talent in the shade, and to call him a guitarist's guitarist might slight his distinctive, soulful voice and passionate songs. Not forgetting the wild ride that is one of his live shows - from personal introspection to biting political satire via a charmingly caustic wit that would make Groucho Marx proud. He often segues from his own compositions to well-loved covers he makes his own - he takes on Prince, Presley, Zappa, Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin, Monty Python and Public Enemy (yes, on an acoustic guitar). He also has the alarming ability to break guitar strings almost by sheer force of will… and then change them without dropping a beat.

23 year old Matt Long has carved himself as a stellar front man of award-winning British Blues band Catfish and is now on the road with his own band with new riff-influenced blues/rock material. Their first performances were to a sold-out crowd at The Tuesday Night Music Club in Coulsdon and Bluesrockfest in Gravesend. Both performances received glowingly positive reviews from press and fans alike. With Catfish, Matt was awarded Blues Act of the Year in England and both of their albums have reached no 1 in the IBBA Blues Airplay Charts. This year Catfish has already completed successful tours of Holland, Spain and the UK. This new band allows him flex his songwriting muscles with a new project focused on rockier riffs and showcasing his impeccable guitar wizardry. The band consists of Catfish band-mate Adam Pyke on bass and critically acclaimed ex-RavenEye drummer Kev Hickman on drums who is no stranger to the world stage. Kev has performed regularly across three continents and supported acts such as Slash, Deep Purple, Joe Satriani and The Darkness

Terry Slesser, one of the country’s finest rock and blues vocalists, performing in tribute to his bandmate and friend the late, great Paul Kossoff - one of the greatest rock blues guitarists of all time. Celebrating Paul Kossoff’s entire career, the show features songs from his early days in FREE (including rock classics ALL RIGHT NOW, WISHING WELL, FIRE AND WATER etc.) through to songs from BACK STREET CRAWLER, the band Kossoff formed alongside Terry Slesser. Terry Slesser remains both a star and a master craftsman. As Paul Kossoff’s close friend and vocalist of choice, he has every right to sing every song performed by this band. Terry has assembled a great team of musicians to willingly assist him in keeping alive the memory of Paul Kossoff.

The band also features: John ‘Rhino’ Edwards, bassist with the world-famous Status Quo, Judie Tzuke, Dexy’s and Peter Green. Drummer Clive Edwards, whose resumé includes UFO, Wild Horses, Uli Jon Roth, Pat Travers. Guitarist John Buckton is relatively unknown in comparison to his band mates, but was recently reviewed as "one of the very best guitarists in British rock blues today, with a style that’s tasteful and subtle, yet which wails with true blues aggression". SIMON KIRKE himself has already said that were FREE ever to reform, John would be his choice. This is no two-bit collection of raggle-taggle pub-rock wannabes playing cover versions. This an authentic supergroup, and to all intents and purposes a direct continuation of BACK STREET CRAWLER.

One of the country’s most consistently admired songwriters’ Folk Radio UK

"If I could write books that sounded like this, I'd be...maybe not happy, but very, very fulfilled" Nick Hornby, author of Fever Pitch and High Fidelity

The new recordings on ‘Before’ are a perfect contrast of mood and theme to the gloriously rich, full band pop sound of 2017’s acclaimed ‘Swimming in Mercury’ album. This new album finds Boo focused on the art of reduction, consumed by fine details and found sound, songs where the fragility and beauty of life are laid bear with a stark emotive honesty.

‘Before’ was recorded in the first weeks of 2019, with supreme Danish multi-instrumentalist Gustaf Ljungren Boo’s only collaborator on the set. Whilst this is an album for the times (that echoes the darkness and confusion in Europe surrounding it’s pre-Brexit conception) Before is also a timely reminder of the power of simplicity, Hewerdine’s lyricism set to a subtle backdrop of vintage instrumentation.
For over 30 years Boo Hewerdine has been considered one of the UK's finest singer-songwriters. As lead singer of seminal band, The Bible, through his subsequent solo work and his long-time collaboration with the incredible Eddi Reader he has become something of a national treasure. He is in demand as a writer, producer and performer. This Autumn he will be undertaking an extensive tour, singing songs from his new album ‘Before’ and his extensive back catalogue. A naturally gifted raconteur his gigs are always a total joy.

For up to date info and news please join The City Acoustic Club Facebook group!

Worry Dolls are a compelling duo born out of the joint talents of multi-instrumentalists Zoe Nicol and Rosie Jones. Serendipity brought them together at an open mic night when they were 18, both studying music in Liverpool. Both redheads with guitars, on their chosen path of becoming solo singer songwriters, and both falling under the spell of ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’. Paired by their teachers for an opportunity to have their songwriting critiqued by Paul McCartney, they were inspired to start co-writing, and could now be described as an almost telepathically linked songwriting force.? ?

T?hey set off? from University? together?,? making music as Worry Dolls. It was a new sound, blending the tender urgency of Zoe’s Irish-influenced voice with the fiery integrity of Rosie’s vocals and rhythmic guitar. Zoe transferred her fingerpicking skills to ukulele, followed by Earl Scruggs-style banjo, motivated by players like Emily Robison (Dixie Chicks).? These days playing piano has been added to the live performances and Worry Dolls frequently perform with a band.? They have also started touring in Europe spreading the special blend of UK Americana folk rock.

The duo signed to Bread & Butter, who released their debut LP, Go Get Gone, ?2017. A ‘Song of the Year’ nomination lead to them performing at London’s historic Hackney Empire with Ethan Johns at the UK Americana Awards earlier this year, alongside Robert Plant and Mumford and Sons. The duo will flying back to Nashville to showcase at AmericanaFest this September? in support of their album release Stateside this summer 2018. ?

“Zoe Nicol’s fleet banjo picking and warm, country tones weave into Rosie Jones’ grittier, pastoral-punk overtures on nostalgic songs of longing hearts and leaving trains” – MOJO

“London duo Worry Dolls lit up the main stage with their harmony driven indie-pop in their most prestigious performance to date” – Rob Bridge (Folk Radio UK), Cambridge Folk Festival

“Felt lucky to be there” – Helen Jerome (Country Music Magazine), St Pancras Old Church Album launch

Gorgeous harmonies and sassy lyrics – Laura Cooney (Entertainment-Focus) C2C 2017

“Worry Dolls combine a great sensibility of American Country music with their own English folk influences to create a warm and infectious sound” – Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

“Bisection” launch in support of MIND.

Author and musician Kenton Hall (ist) is launching his book “Bisection” – a funny, moving and honest take on living with bipolar disorder (and children) with a special gig in support of MIND, the mental health charity.

Join us for an evening of music, spoken word, comedy and, possibly, unicorn wrestling.

To celebrate the launch of Bisection by Kenton Hall, we present a mental health cabaret, with all proceeds going to support MIND - the mental health charity.

Rock veteran Otway dubbed himself "rock'n'roll's greatest failure" after many unsuccessful attempts to produce a second hit single to follow his 1977 classic (Cor Baby, That's) Really Free with Wild Willy Barrett.

However, a mere quarter century later, he was back on Top of The Pops with the wonderful disco pastiche, ‘Bunsen Burner’ and back in the charts as a birthday present from his adoring and patient fans.

And, more recently, his "Beware Of The Flowers Cause I'm Sure They're Going To Get You Yeah" voted the seventh greatest lyric of all time in a BBC poll.

As ever, Otway attacks his favourite set list with gusto, leaving plenty of room for anarchy, fun and acrobatics that are his trademark.

"He's a cabaret act masquerading as a rock act. He is gleeful, anecdotal, funny and life-enhancing." -
Canterbury Fayre Review.