During the day, the streets that surround and hem in the business quarter into a hive of monetary activity, is awash with people going about their trades in the hope that the next big thing will come along and kick start a beleaguered and flat-lining economy. So many companies going bust and making more and more people unemployed and yet the pain goes on and the money continues to be looked for. Liverpool is better placed than many cities and towns in the U.K., for one the streets of the city also carry the hopes of the artistes, musicians and actors, painters, prophets and poets in a way that is unrivalled by any other city.
Not far from the spiritual home of Liverpool’s music down on Mathew Street and where stand the iconic venue of Eric’s The Cavern and even the Cavern Club where they celebrate its Monday night music laden extravaganza under the caring eyes of Amsterdam’s and Pele’s Ian Prowse, another club, hosted by Steve Khan, Mary McCombs and the musical pairing of Nighthowl, the Cornmarket Acoustic Club has firmly taken root and continues to grow. Its philosophy of good music framed within the warm welcoming atmosphere of the Cornmarket public house off Fenwick Street seems so very simple, so relaxed and genuine that even just popping in for quiet drink after a long day in your job is soon overtaken by wanting to hear more of the artists that are on offer that evening.
It can be a bit of a shock to find out that in amongst the office buildings, the bankers and history of the area there is this creative hub, a community that has grown together and stands its ground musically as well as ethically to bring some of the great acoustic talent of the city and beyond through the doors of the Cornmarket. The photographs and portraits that hang on the walls point to the city’s affiliation and long standing history with the River Mersey, the black and white images of the past could be seen as daunting as the country goes through its worst economic times since the Great Depression and the horrors that came after it but the very talented and interesting people that occupy the lower part of the Cornmarket add a ray of colour in amongst the homage to the city’s past glories.
With those getting there early able to bag a seat in which to watch the music unfold, any late comers had to make do and enjoy, and they did, the spectacle unfold from over the shoulders of those in front of them. They may have been extremely tired after a long day but they were soon revitalised as Steve Khan introduced musicians whose voices and skill are so adept and brilliant that they can reduce any room to complete stunned silence. Amongst them this month were the likes of Liverpool’s Matt Breen, Sean Redmond who performed the sensational Sea shanty of Liverpool Town, 14 year old Ella Fradgley who is one to watch over the coming years and the excellent Jonathan Coley, a Chester student whose talent is blindingly exceptional.
Tearing yourself away from this group of musicians who not only sound good but have a lot of fun and take a great deal of pleasure in doing what they do is heart warming, is a hard job to do. However even a couple of hours there proves yet again that Liverpool is the natural home of creativity and music.