The Bishops Stortford Acoustic Club
at South Mill Arts Centre
1-3, South Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts.
CM23 3JG
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AT THE BELGIAN BREWER
6 Acts 4 Songs
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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CONCERT SHOWCASE
Featuring
THE EXILE CLUB ALBUM LAUNCH
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Chained To Ruins & Rust |
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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. |
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The Exile Club Tom Poutney, Daisy Pepper, Neil Findlay, Joe Hazell and Abi
Middleton |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Featuring
JONO and ABELA
BROTHERS
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Troi Another gifted songwriter who has a
wonderful delivery as well as an engaging personality, that comes through
with every performance. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Many thanks to Greg for Hosting and to the
staff of the SMAC for their continued great work. |
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THURSDAY
1st AUGUST 2024
DOUBLE
HEADINE SHOWCASE
Featuring
ROMY
GENSALE and
KIMBEREY
STOKER
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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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! |
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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. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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!! |
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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. |
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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. |
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11th
JULY 2024
TENNESSEE
TWIN
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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. |
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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. |
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Many thanks to the staff and volunteers
from the SMAC who make our exceptional audience so welcome. |
