February's edition of The Wagon's Wheels is quite frankly shaping up to be a belter. Doors open at 8pm and entry will be £5.
Neil McSweeney
Neil McSweeney is a songwriter from Sheffield who performs his material on his own or with a five-piece band.
December saw the release of digital only single 'A Rope To Hang' on the KIDS label, following on from the debut single ‘Postcards’, also released through KIDS in the summer of 2007. The powerful 'Postcards' struck a nerve with all who came across it. Radio support from Zane Lowe (Radio 1) — including a prestigious ‘Sunsetter’ play — Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Jonathan Ross (Radio 2) and Mark Radcliffe (BBC 6Music) was bolstered further by a slot on the XFM Playlist. The track was supported heavily by respected indie stores across the land, particularly Piccadilly Records and Rough Trade, both of whom made it their single of the week.
‘A Rope To Hang’ is music at its most sparse, yet most affecting. Neil’s huge voice — which has drawn favourable comparisons to Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley or a male Tracy Chapman — is supported solely by the most delicate of acoustic backing, showcasing its intensity and raw power to the full. The track brings to mind Jose Gonzales’ ‘Heartbeats’ and Scott Matthews’ ‘Elusive’ in both its haunting performance and sheer songwriting quality.
McSweeney started writing his Americana-tinged, folksy solo material while teaching English in Italy. Upon returning to his native Sheffield, he continued to write songs inspired by the likes of Low and Papa M, and his intense, brooding live performances lead to him being voted ‘Sheffielder Most Likely To kill Himself’ on one internet forum, and described as ‘the most miserable man alive’ on another.
We're delighted to be welcoming Neil back to The Grapes, where he supported Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Rutledge last March. A top class performer with songs to match, much is expected from the follow up to his wonderful debut album 'Remember To Smile'.
“Deeply felt, brooding songs rich in imagery…he has the tools to make a real impact” – The Guardian
http://www.myspace.com/neilmcsweeney
Wilful Missing
Bradford's Wilful Missing have existed for 4 years. During 2006 the four piece cultivated their sound. Having flirted with various indie-type genres they are now focusing on their mellower side with acoustic guitar and mandolin more to the fore, a change of direction that has helped them shine out from the crowd. Although with strong indie roots, the influence of the likes of The Byrds, Neil Young and Bright Eyes show through. They recently expanded to a five piece having added a cello player to their line up (and then promptly reverted to a 4 piece following the departure of their drummer).
In 2007 the band were recording their latest songs, between road testing them live around Yorkshire with gigs mostly in Bradford, Leeds, York and Sheffield and festival appearances in Bradford and the Yorkshire Dales. The band have previously supported New Yorkers Dufus and Jeffrey Lewis, as well as appearing several times with Neil McSweeney, who recommended the band to us last year.
"Bradford's Wilful Missing seem to be instinctive elaborators of melody, and a rewarding texture appears to develop effortlessly in their work." (
www.LeedsMusicScene.net)
"If you see the name Wilful Missing, definitely check them out" Shaun Buswell, of Swindon's Buswell who appeared alongside Wilful Missing at our July Americana Night
http://www.myspace.com/wilfulmissing
Jacob Fletcher
London based singer/songwriter Jacob Fletcher first came to our attention last year when we saw him playing on the same bill as Neil McSweeney. Recent album 'All The Dead Roads To The Kingdom' was written and recorded whilst travelling through Eastern Europe, Russia and the USA. The record draws heavily on influences from all of those places, from the bleak sad beautiful world of 'Burn' to the edgy chaotic rhythmic pulse of 'Don't Go Down'. Featuring members of The Earlies and Ladytron, the album's recordings showcase Jacob's haunting voice and interest in variations of mood dynamics & instrumentation.
http://www.myspace.com/jacobfletcher