May's Americana Night brings us Powerpop from Tulsa via Essex in the shape of Bob Collum, some dark Countryesque ballads from The Listeners and we welcome back singer/songwriter Neil McLarty with his new band Roseville Grand. Doors open 8pm and entry is £3.
***BOB COLLUM***
When Bob Collum released his last album 'The Boy Most Likely To..' in 2004, one reviewer remarked that this is what the pop charts in heaven must sound like. The pleasures of the afterlife became even more attainable with the release of its follow up, 'Set The Stupid Free', in January 2008... and you don't even have to die for the privilege!
Having released two albums stateside (1997's 'More Tragic Songs of Life' and 2000's 'Low Rent Romeo'), at the turn of the millennium Bob waved a fond farewell to his Tulsa Oklahoma abode, and exiled himself in South Essex, conveniently on the fringes of the capital and the underground Americana music scene. He then set about commandeering the Welfare Mothers (Bob's band) to give his new songs the tougher propulsive edge they demanded. The Welfare Mothers were born and through gigging extensively, began to build a following both around and outside the UK.
After a few cracked-hearts, snapped guitar strings & many memorable live shows along the way, we find ourselves in 2008…..'Set The Stupid Free' opens with one of those attention-grabbing simple statements of intent, and a brief invitation to what follows. A simple guitar crash, understating the bands Who-like comprehension of exciting rock dynamics, before being swiftly seduced by the playful crying steel guitar (provided by the legendary BJ Cole), and a melodic, Byrds-ian country-edged soul, so central to Bob & the Mothers sound.
Elsewhere on this emancipation ride, the breadth of Bob's song-writing and the band's reach takes in earthy rock grooves (Virgina Mystery), intimate yet universal confessionals (Katie I Agree) and a hypnotic musing on the likelihood of second-coming quitting all that sanctity lark and setting up a mobile karaoke unit (Disco Jesus).
Ultimately, 'Set The Stupid Free' marks a turning point, where a promising talented band steps up to command attention. Inviting, compelling you to sign up for the cause.
Tonight Bob plays solo, taking the songs back to basics.
"Collum is a lyricist of note, and can turn his hand to heartbreak, pain, love and loss with equal facility, all the time while displaying his penchant for the slightly skewed view of things." Maverick Magazine
"Anyone who wants to hear what Top 40 sounds like in a perfect world should pick up The Boy Most Likely Too... and turn it up!" Being There
"A turn of phrase to rank with Nick Lowe's, and an instinct for hook and melody mean you're thinking of the Byrd's with a country edge to boot." Bucketfull Of Brains
http://www.myspace.com/bobcollumthewelfaremother
http://www.bobcollumonline.com
***THE LISTENERS***
The Listeners are an acoustic duo from the North of England. They have been together for two years having played on the same circuit for several years in different bands. Emma Thorpe provides the main voice, a velvet glove softening the punch, delivering her songs with, in turn, uncompromising invective and heart on sleeve insight. Robert Cook, as well as adding a dark baritone voice, brings his rootsy rock guitar credentials to The Listeners feast. The Listeners have won over audiences from many genres...surf punk, rock and folk music.The band have a growing reputation on the acoustic underground scene in the North of England and have been favourites of BBC radio presenters and University radio DJ's, having performed many live sessions. The duo have recently been working on a collection of songs 'Magnus Colorado' which has just gone to press. The project has been produced by Ewan Davies who has worked with many artists, from Arctic Monkeys to The Editors.
"Like P.J Harvey......pissed off, unplugged and wearing a kaftan!" Music Mart Magazine 2007
"the listeners were f**king brilliant i really enjoyed last night!" Richard Hawley (on there appearance at one of our March shows at The Grapes)
http://www.myspace.com/thelisteners
***ROSEVILLE GRAND***
Roseville Grand are the new band from singer/songwriter Neil McLarty. Expanded to feature electric guitar, pedal steel, bass and drums (from fellow Silver Tree Club man Ged Creffin) the band started gigging in early 2008 and have dates coming up around the country, including a support slot with former Grand Drive man Danny George Wilson's new outfit, Danny & The Champions Of The World.
Heavily influenced by all things Americana, Neil's song writing has been described by Shut Eye Records as "somewhere between Ryan Adams and Van Morrison." A comparison that is not totally unjustified. Whilst solo Neil played with people like former HaveNot Liam Dullaghan, New Orleans blues/folk singer Grayson Capps and upcoming Glasgow band The Endrick Brothers. Having been building a reputation for himself as a quality performer and song writer, that only looks set to be enhanced further with the new bands old school brand of Alt-Country rock.
http://www.myspace.com/rosevillegrand
Facebook event page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=13925936371