The Bishops Stortford Acoustic Club

at South Mill Arts Centre

1-3, South Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts. CM23 3JG

 

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THURSDAY 19th SEPTEMBER 2024

AT THE BELGIAN BREWER

6 Acts 4 Songs

Last time we were delighted to be back at the Belgian Brewer for 6 Acts in one evening.

The Function Room at the Brewer is a lovely musical space and we are always made so welcome by Nick and his team and last time was no different.

We were delighted to welcome 6 varied and distinctive acts who combined to make a wonderful evening of Live Music

One After 909

Father and Son duo Colin and James Frid are always crowd pleasers and revel in that reputation. Colin has a distinctive voice and James is one of the stand out acoustic guitarists around. Their rendition of Eleanor Ribgy will stay long in the memory. As ever an accomplished set

 

 

Rhys Wilson

Rhys is a long term favourite with the AC audience. He is a compulsive songwriter as well as a remarkable guitarist and his sets combine these two major attributes remarkably.

He performed with equal vim and vigour on both 12 String and 6 String guitar and treated us to a remarkable version of Wonderwall as a tribute to Ticketmaster and their unstoppable greed in selling Oasis Tickets.

Ryan Thwaits

Ryan Thwait has been MIA for a little while, but he has a reason for this. He has been concentrating on recording and completing his latest release ’Here With You’ and he reliably informs us it can be bootlegged from almost anywhere!

His performance was typically Ryan and filled with new songs and he proves again he is a performer we should listen to.

 

 

Trina Read

Trina is developing into a songwriter and performer who will very shortly gain the attention of some of those “Men in Suits” who take songs and put them into the public spotlight. Her output of material is prodigious and stunning, every song has meaning and purpose. A tremendous set and we hope she remembers us when those big money moguls take her under their wing and make her famous!

Peter Crossley

Peter is a multi faceted musician who brings a joy to all who listen to his songs. He is a talented finger style guitarist but when you combine the words of a poet with his prodigious musical talent you end up with songs you want to hear again and again.

 

Richard Stubbs

Richard is one of the driving forces of Runaway Jukebox, Stubsie proved that he is a gifted singer songwriter in his own right and we had the opportunity to hear what he wants and likes. Always refreshing and one of those players you will want to hear again and again.

Many thanks to Nik and the Staff at the Belgian Brewer for making us so welcome and introducing many of the audience to his fine selection of Belgian Beers

 

THURSDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 2024

CONCERT SHOWCASE

Featuring

THE EXILE CLUB ALBUM LAUNCH

  

Chained To Ruins & Rust

Hello Acoustic Clubbers

Last time was a series of firsts for The Acoustic Club. It’s fair to say we have been with The Exile Club over the last couple of years. We have watched their development from a collection of musicians who instantly bonded into a real musical force. Their collective talents merge into something bigger and better than the sum of the parts. The driving force of the band is Joe Hazell and gazing backwards for a minute we have seen his development as both a man and a musician and watched in awe.

 

When Joe came to us with his newest musical venture we were delighted to welcome him and his band The Exile Club to the Club and offer our help in providing the stage that they so obviously deserved. Of course, some of our motivation was selfish, when offered the opportunity to help launch such a strong collective musical talent, which music venue would not want to be the “The Place Where They Started Out”!

 

The Exile Club was made up of five musicians who were at a bit of a loose end. Joe Hazell (guitar, vocals and song writing) and Neil Findlay (drums) had just finished a stint with Curse of Lono, Abi Middleton was singing and teaching, Daisy Pepper was session working and occasional gigs on bass and Callum Drinkwater was gigging, depping, recording and showing what a talent on keyboards he is.

 

The Exile Club

Tom Poutney, Daisy Pepper, Neil Findlay, Joe Hazell and Abi Middleton

 

Move forward just 2 years, with many hours of writing, rehearsing and performing, Joe let us know that their debut album was progressing and the launch was planned for September 2024.

 

All the signs were encouraging as the early tracks released as a series of singles indicated that they had that something that marks a band out from the rest. It cannot be denied that Joe writes some cracking songs – great and excitingly varied melodies and meaningful words bound together with that necessary style that distinguishes them from the others but it is the delivery of the songs that counts.

 

In the build up to the launch a small hiccup occurred that was a change of line up in the band. From the formation of the band an essential ingredient was the contribution of keyboard player Callum Drinkwater. Lives change and Callum has recently relocated to Scotland which makes performing in a southern based band a tad challenging. After the usual chat amongst those in the know, Joe was directed towards Tom Poutney. Tom is a serious musical student who has an exceptional talent for keyboards. One very quick introduction to the repertoire of The Exile Club and Tom was installed as the keyboard section of the band.

So back to a 5 piece and ready to rock!!

 

All were delivered and we waited for Launch Day to arrive.

 

Then came the first of a series surprises. The plan was to hold the launch at the South Mill Arts Centre in the bar area. This is a fantastic space for music. A comfortable bar area with plenty of seats, comfortable sofas around the perimeter and a sound system that allows everyone to hear without being overwhelmed. The audience is very close to the performers and a real sense of intimacy pervades the room.

 

However, there is a price to pay for popularity. On the Monday before the launch, we were told that we were fast approaching the safe limit for the bar area. The solution was simple as far as we were concerned, move into the main auditorium. Well simple for the promoter, but a huge shock to the Band. Not only is the Auditorium a huge space with a full size stage and sound system to match but “that stage” has some history. The list of bands who have performed from the early 1960’s onwards is legion. Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Who and dozens of bands and artists have made the trip from London into the provinces and gone on to stun the world – all from the stage of what was then called The Rhodes Centre. It has been a colossus of a venue for 60 odd years.

 

Joe expressed his concerns to Geoff – “That stage and the size of the room they are huge. Would it overwhelm the audience as it will be a tall order fill the room” he asked. Geoff’s gentle reassurance helped (he had seen the advance tickets sales) but it would be necessary for the band to reset their mindset for the gig. No longer a small and an almost discrete gig. 90 minutes playing to close friends and families, this was now growing like topsy in significance, not only to the band but to the local music scene and beyond.

 

By 7.00pm and during sound check, the bar area was filling. The anticipation was palpable. Friends and family of the band chatted together with their anticipation for the evening rising. “Names” from the local music scene had arrived and joined their fellow players in earnest discussion about what was about to be. There was an air of expectation that could almost be tasted.

 

Doors opened and immediately the rush to get the best seats began, albeit in a highly civilised manner, but a rush none the less. At 7.58 introductions began to nothing less than a full house with around 90 in the main body of the hall.

 

The choice of support act was deliberate and perhaps inevitable. Many years ago, when Joe began his musical journey, he was aided and abetted by one man, his singing partner, playing partner and as close to a brother as two men can get without blood ties, Tom Ryder.

Tom’s musical journey has run parallel to Joes over the years. They first played the Acoustic Club at 13 under the guidance and with the encouragement of Keef and Annie. They developed into the Kazans and Koasis as well numerous outings as Ryder and Hazell building a reputation of being much sought after performers and collaborators.

As the years have passed Tom has developed into the all around performer we saw last time. His song writing is founded on his experience of life with all its ups and down, his guitar playing has progressed to the point where he is one hell of an acoustic guitarist with that innate ability to construct delightful and almost hypnotic rifts that beautifully underpin his carefully crafted words. His voice is the key part of his performance. He has a vocal range which is impressive from a mid-range timbre that causes the hairs to rise on the back of the listeners neck to that higher range which is both effortless and soaring.

 

Supporting Tom in his performance was saxophone and all things that need blowing maestro Greg Camburn. Greg demonstrates the virtuosity that comes from years of experience. This allows him the freedom to play when the performance demands and to equally allow the singer the space to deliver the song unhindered. His reason d’etre is to enhance the music not dominate it. Together they performed to a level that is rarely achieved.

 

It would be a fair assessment to say that the packed audience will be eager for more music from Tom’s latest musical offering, The Tom Ryder Trio whose next outing is the Retune Evening at the South Mill Arts Centre on 24th September.

By the end of the superb support set by Tom Ryder and Greg Camburn the balcony was half full with the audience ready to rock. The first set by The Exile Club started with a little natural hesitation and built quickly to a confident finale. A short break for beer and we were soon back on the road. By the end of the gig the auditorium was bouncing, the balcony dancing to the good old fashioned music people had come to hear.

 

The set list was unsurprisingly the album, with a few extras thrown in. The first step started tentatively, but as the set progressed the confidence level grew as the famous five became accustomed to both the stage and the venue. The set finished on a high, the audience moved towards the merchandise stand as well as the bar!

 

15 minutes later the second set started, no first time nerves and the band progressed authoritatively through the set adding one cover that has been a hall mark of their live performances “Angel from Montgomery” cementing their Americana credentials firmly. Being joined by Tom Ryder and Greg Camburn for a rousing anthem, all too soon it was the last song. Vocalist and MC for the evening Abi taught everyone how to both sing and get into expressive dance with a fantastic rendition of their signature single “Some Of That Sweet Tea”.

 

Long and generous applause followed and the obligatory encore ensured the audience went home with happy memories of a brilliant launch of a remarkable debut album with signed copies as a keepsake worthy of the occasion.

 

 

Many thanks must go to the Staff and Volunteers of the SMAC. They helped enormously get this launch. The staff behind the bar, the ticket sellers, the ushers within the auditorium but especially to Jayden the Sound Man. He is unflappable and gave us the music as it was intended by the artists. Clean and clear with a balance between music and vocals that was a treat for the audience.

 

 

THURSDAY 29th AUGUST 2024

DOUBLE HEADINE SHOWCASE

Featuring

JONO and ABELA BROTHERS

 

Last time we were delighted to welcome two Headline Acts from diametrically opposite ends of the musical spectrum. We were also delighted to welcome a roster of supporting players who were all very new and young players which is always a delight to hear new young talent

JONO are a huge part of the bedrock of the local music scene and are one of the longest lasting Bands around. There is a very good reason for that longevity – they are damned good at what they do. Which is acoustic soft rock, americana and acoustic hard rock. Mike Johnstone has one of those voices that really represents the hey day of soft and hard rock. Kris Ambrose is a stunning guitarist and provided his usual superlative backing vocals as well stunning lead guitarwork. Cormac O’Prey is a quiet man who stands at the back of the stage and lays down an irrepressible back beat. With Ed Johnstone away, the band were delighted to welcome the drummer form the Lolli-B Band to add a full kit percussion vibe.

The Abela Brothers a a musical treat. They are writers performers and all-around musical talents that have a stunning ability to produce some of the finest original songs as well as the occasional cover and produce a unique and compelling musical set.

Having taken a bit of a sabbatical from performing over the past couple of years, it was a delight to welcome them back to the Acoustic Club after a break of quite a few years. During that time they have developed a talent for producing and writing principally for other artists but their welcome return was a triumph. Their close harmonies and exquisite melodies are the product of talent, hard work and brilliance.

We were joined by a limited number of support artists including a welcome return of Max Lavergne and first timers Michael Bennett and Emily Piercy.

 

Many thanks to all our players, the staff and volunteers at the SMA who make us so welcome

 

THURSDAY 15th AUGUST 2024

7 Acts 4 Songs

 

Back again after Bish Bash Acoustic over the long hot weekend to a great evening of music at the South Mill Arts. To a packed audience, we were delighted to welcome some old friends back to the stage.

With Bill away in a very sunny Hungary our host and M/C for the evening was the incomparable Greg Camburn who has so often played and helped with keeping the Club on the straight and narrow as well as his involvement with the excellent Retune project that does so much good in helping youngsters find space and peace through music.

 

Martin Day

Martin is a proud songwriter. This time he performed two up beat songs and two slower, more reflective ones as well. His songs have undoubted energy and a pleasure to listen to.

 

 

 

Troi

Another gifted songwriter who has a wonderful delivery as well as an engaging personality, that comes through with every performance.

Bill Johnson

Bill is a highly experienced performer with a huge repertoire of songs. This time he chose a set of lesser known songs that really engaged with the audience. A man who knows his audience and continues to keep them entertained.

 

 

Conor Andrews

About 10 years ago Conor was a regular performer, but since his last performance he has worked in so many musical genres and setups gaining confidence and experience. He returned the Acoustic Club to give us a set of originals and a cover. With his strong voice and great guitar work he was a hit for his home town crowd.

Steve Ingrey

Steve is the master of a very particular sub set within the Blues. His finger picking and claw hammer style coupled with his choice of traditional blues makes him a must watch feature on the music scene, and he delivered, as ever, a cracking set.

 

The Archduke

Tom has spent many years refining and honing his musical talents, of which there are many. He is a true original songwriter with the depth of personality to produce thought provoking and highly listenable songs. His performance of songs from his latest planned release proves that he is still at the very top of his game.

 

Wild Roses

Annatt & Will are distinctive and highly professional duo. They have a diverse musical background which combines to produce wonderful and distinctive songs. Will’s guitar work is a joy and Annatt voice one of the very best.

 

Many thanks to Greg for Hosting and to the staff of the SMAC for their continued great work.

 

THURSDAY 1st AUGUST 2024

DOUBLE HEADINE SHOWCASE

Featuring

ROMY GENSALE and

KIMBEREY STOKER

 

We were delighted to feature two wonderful performers for our Double Headline Showcase Night.

 

Last time we brought two opposite performers, but linked by that thread of being fantastic players. One, a prolific songwriter and performer who has proved her absolute brilliance as one of the most listenable players around and the other, with one of the most distinctive and enthralling voices who is a brilliant interpreter of classics as well as modern.

Romy Gensale brought her reputation as one of the most sought after performers on the current music scene. To list her achievements would be a job that would take forever as she remains one of the busiest people around. Her set was top full with her brilliant songs that made the audience sat in rapt attention. She writes from her life and her experience and has that conversational style that engages the audience as she introduces each song. Her playing suits her style and the set passed in the blink of an eye. Thanks Romy.

 

The second side of our double header was the wonderful Kimberley Stoker. Having taken a couple of years off from playing as she concentrated on her young family, Kim has returned with a stronger and more diverse approach to her music. Her voice is the most appeared a few years ago as a fresh faced player with remarkable keyboard skills and a voice that literally tears at your heart. Since then, her performances have been limited by circumstance as well as just living her life. We were delighted that we were able to convince her to play.

 

Kimberley not only plays the blues, but soul and R&B as well she complements the performance with her take on almost any genre that takes her fancy. Her performance is a complete experience.

 

Many thanks to our supporting players Bill Tarran, Richard Holder and Emilia Payne Smith.

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers from the SMAC for their usual dedication to their jobs. They make the evening run so smoothly.

 

 

18th JULY 2024

6 ACTS – 4 SONGS

 

Last time we were delighted to welcome 6 acts to the Acoustic Club Stage. We were amazed by the breadth and sheer musical range of our acts, all of whom gave us 4 brilliant songs.

 

Sheri Kershaw Band

Opening our evening was a much anticipated return to the stage of the Sheri Kershaw Band.

It is great to welcome Sheri and the Band back because she has been suffering with a very painful arm problem, so it is a real treat to be able to hear her. It is sometimes easy to forget just how much a fixture Sheri has been on the local music scene and how important her influence is. The Band switches from original to covers with an ease that only comes from excellence. Martins lead guitar and Phils bass provide a platform that Sheri excels in. What a way to start the evening!

 

 

Chris Rivet

Due to a serious, possibly life threatening illness (probably man flu according to Chris) Richard was MIA, so Chris took to the stage on his own and treated us to what can only be described as a typical Riv Set. Chris has an ear for lesser known songs from sometime less well known Top 20 bands, but such is his talent, he always surprises and delights us with a classic “One Man with a guitar and voice” set. He has one of those instantly likeable voices and unfairly disparages his guitar playing, but in truth he is a wonderful performer and delivered a smashing set. Thanks again mate.

Paul Booth Trio

Since this highly entertaining and seriously good trio first took to the Acoustic Club stage just over a year ago, they have been pestered (mainly by Bill) for a more catchy and relevant name. Well after threatening they will become P.S.V in all future listings, they have now relented are now to be known as the Paul Booth Trio.

Which takes nothing away from the fact that they are 3 musicians who blend seamlessly and produce a sum greater than the three parts. Paul is the powerhouse providing the songs and interpretation and Verna the vocal counterpoint. Si is not only a cracking bassist but has also ambitions to play lead guitar, which he does brilliantly on his bass. All in all, one of the best 3 pieces around!

Rhys Wilson

Rhys is always a welcome visitor to the Acoustic Club. A well established songwriter and the best purveyor of “Dad” jokes imaginable, he has a history of entertaining. However, he has a habit of finding those songs he likes from other sources and performs them from his perspective. He is, like many, a real fan of the much-missed Gordon Lightfoot, who made such an impression back in the very early days of singer songwriters. As a template you will struggle to find better. Rhys’s originals have a real touch of Lightfoot about many of them and that is to be treasured. As ever, a subtle and engaging performance from one of the best around.

 

Mike Johnson

Mike is better known at the Club for his leading role within JONO, his 4 piece soft rock combo. However as a solo performer he is just as prolific. Everyone who knows Mike, understands he is a perfectionist. This is reflected in his music and whilst the songs he plays are invariably exactly what you would expect, his delivery is all his own. Every song is crafted to reflect the meaning of the original but performed one voice, one guitar.

A ever his set was brilliant but his version of the Jagger/Richards song Angie bears comparison with any!!

 

 

 

Sandy Mclelland

Sandy has spent a lifetime honing his songs, tunes and performance and having heard him play in the past was a fitting end to a terrific evening of live music. He demonstrated his relaxed and easy-going approach to his music and then demonstrated just how damn good he is (accompanied by his wife of vocals and percussion). His songs were a mixture of his past experience and sometimes touched with a hint of whimsey. A fantastic set no doubt.

 

 

Many, many thanks to Jayden for his brilliant sound. Every single player commented that they wish they could take him to every gig.

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers from the SMAC who make our exceptional audience so welcome.

 

 

11th JULY 2024

TENNESSEE TWIN

Last time at the SMAC we were delighted to welcome back TENNESSEE TWIN to the stage to give us a great set of authentic Americana/New Country. We were also treated to a combined set from Vic Lennard and Paul Simmonds who decided that by combining their talent would result in a fantastic prelude to our Headline Showcase.

As a Headline Showcase Tennessee Twin have few equals. Victoria and Geoff are one of the reasons that live music will always be relevant. They write songs and perform those songs with a clarity of vocal performance with a musical background which is just a perfect counterpoint. They are the epitome of Americana/New Country.

 

The packed audience were entranced by not only the performance but also the narrative of how the songs came from an idea into the complete song.

 

They are engaging performers, who have lives outside of music and these influences guide their music.

 

Geoff and Victoria gave us full 45 minutes of their music to the absolute delight of the audience, which was packed to the rafters.

 

Earlier we had two regular support spots and one “Super support” spot. Many thanks to Stuart Nicholson and John and Danny McCarthy for brilliant spots including a fantastic Beatles Medley. However, the highlight was the surprise combination of Vic Lennard and Paul Simmonds. We had them down to do 4 songs each but they decided that they would like to share the stage and spread a little combined music.

Once you get to know a little about them, the duo was not that much of a surprise. They have known each other for 35 odd years with Vic producing an album for Paul many years ago. Quite frankly their combined spot was musical brilliance with Paul, who has spent his life as a professional pianist and singer, demonstrating that there is no substitute for talent. Vic’s songwriting and performance is always a delight. Coupling their songwriting talents, the performance rushed by and we hope we see them both individually and as a duo again.

 

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers from the SMAC who make our exceptional audience so welcome.