Sandi Thom, Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
Sandi Thom started the summer going for great British blues musicianship with her extraordinary album Flesh and Blood and where she led, others have followed and produced stunning works of art. So much so that to keep ahead of the likes of Beverley McClennan and Joanne Shaw Taylor, her live set has had to be something exceptional and at Eric’s in Liverpool she delivered.
Ste Reid of The Mono LPs at Eric’s. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
To hear the Mono LPs on stage at Eric’s on Mathew Street creating the type of penetrating and powerful sound as they supported Sandi Thom for the night, it might have blown you away and a lot of pre-conceived ideas about how an acoustic set works. Not only was it bouncy, brash and passionate but at one point it did look as though Ste Reid and Vicky Mutch, along with her cello were going like the clappers on stage.
Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
Ragnhild Nordset or Ragz to her fans and friends alike has been sadly absent from the loving scrutiny of those that come along to watch her perform for 18 months.
All that was soon forgotten as the young Nordic woman with the voice of a siren and the heart of an angel stepped on stage at Leaf on Bold Street and performed as if she had never been away. It might have been a short set but to Ragz and no doubt the assembled crowd, who must have been overjoyed to witness the ‘surprise guest’ make her appearance, every moment that she was once more in the spotlight was to savour and enjoy.
Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
There is something about the dreaming spires of Oxford that can sometimes bring out the very best and noble intentions in a musician.
For the musician that hails from Liverpool, The Mersey can be a constant source of inspiration and intrigue. The way it feeds into the local psyche is nothing short of admirable, the same can be said for the city of Oxford, its river, the Isis as it is known locally may not be as world renowned but it also carries the dreams of all those that enter the city’s safety.
photograph by Ian D. Hall
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
When the Wicked Whispers play their music on stage, the most advisable thing to do is stand back, close your eyes and wallow in the excellent atmosphere and dream of more halcyon days.
One of the most unique bands to have come from the Liverpool area, the Wicked Whispers, have just finished a tour that has taken in London and Newcastle and now the group have come back home to show just exactly why the word is spreading beyond the confines of the home of popular music.
Fiona Skelly, part of The Sundowners. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
If you only remember one thing about 2012, consider this for as long as it takes, that the music of Liverpool has once again become a powerhouse, a powder keg of new bands that have come along and reminded music lovers of the city that there is much talent out there ready to be heard. Add to this the phenomenal and unbelievable aptitude that lies at the heart of The Sundowners.
Glenn Gregory providing Temptation at the o2 Academy, Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Originally published by Liverpool Live. October 2012.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
For Heaven 17’s remaining members, to come out on tour and perform the whole of their colossal 1983 hit album, The Luxury Gap, must be a double edged sword. One of the biggest, boldest and outstandingly self-confident albums to come out the Steel city for many years, it deserves to be played in its entirety and there would be no dissenters to this fact.
Photograph by Ian D. Hall
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
There is something very enjoyable and musically intense about a Deacon Blue concert in Liverpool. Whether it is part of the Liverpool Summer Pops Festival or as part of a national tour in support of a major anniversary, there is always a huge appreciative and very vocal audience that welcomes them to the Liverpool Echo Arena.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
To be confirmed as support for a band whose very appearance on any stage in Liverpool can send audiences into a state of apoplexy is a daunting prospect but for young singer/songwriter Azadeh it was just another step on a road that has so far been paved with exquisite and well written music.
Photograph by Ian D. Hall
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Add a dash of the exotic and mysterious Faroe Islands to a band and already the thought of the type of music you might expect from one of the young groups in the city of Liverpool creating a huge amount of talk, the exceptionally good Clean Cut Kid, and you have a group worthy of taking a huge interest in.
Clean Cut Kid are Jake Ford, Tom Ashbrook, Oliver Hardakre, Michael Halls and Greta Svabo Bech and together they appeared on stage at Leaf ready to win over a new audience and spread the ever growing word on their excellent music.