Rock'n The Box

Photo by Tim Lee

A gig at Crewe's proper rock n' roll beautifully 'distressed', graffiti-bejeweled much loved venue, The Box. A fantastic team in operation here from Glyn, the captain of the good ship Colossus Productions at the helm to Tess, Harry, Stevie P who was recording it all (and interviewing us) for The Cat Radio and not least Adrian on the sound. 

This was significantly the best sound we have ever had at this venue on stage, and presumably out front 'in the room', given how good the other acts sounded. If you're in a band, you will know that sometimes you have to deal with terrible sound-scenarios on stage. Imagine singing but not being able to hear your own voice other than perhaps a faint, heavily echoed, fractured effect off the back wall of the venue which is now out of time with the 'live' instruments around you. Imagine hearing only one instrument where you are, harshly drowning everything else out. imagine not being able to hear another instrument that provides vital cues to where you are going next, musically. It shouldn't happen but it still does. 

If, like at this event, you have a great sound on stage, it means you can really dig into the sound, really enjoy it, and it gives you the confidence to perform really well. So often, a good performance is so much to do with having a good sound on stage. If it sounds crap on stage, no matter what 'form' you are on as a musician, or how well you might be communicating as a band, you're probably screwed, but the public probably won't why, and will think it's you.  I think I've made my point, thanks team - thanks Adrian!

We, that is of course The Blue Yellows, were there to support our stoner-rock friends Brave New World who were on the best form I've seen (heard) them in, do check them out! Again sound-guy Adrian would certainly have helped with their fab sound (and everyone was talking about the sitar effect afterwards)! They're onwards to The Cavern Club, no less, next. You can read more about their night from the point of view of their ace-of-bass (not to mention incredible songwriter and producer guy) Tim Lee on his blog at https://timleesongs.wordpress.com/2017/04/01/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-middle-aged-rock-n-roll-bass-player/

Also in support role was the brilliant James Johnston, sporting a Bob Dylan T shirt, a powerful, gritty vocal and superb songs. Inspiring stuff. Do yourself a favour, go to the bottom of this post and listen to his new EP, Before I Lose My Mind.

Photo by  Kirst of KRPR Services

The rest of my gang enjoying a truly rock n' roll pre-gig ritual

Great to have such smiley company in the Green Room

Scouting for the Lost Chord.

Thanks to Brave New World for this photo.

2am set-list writing to save set-up time the next day.

17th Sept' 2016

Setting; the beautiful village of Audlem, the venue, Audlem's Scout Hall, the scene of many a cool gig by all accounts.
This was a charity day of live music and stalls, successfully raising a decent amount of dosh for The Christie and The UK Scouting Association.

We had gone into this seriously under-rehearsed to be honest but our mojos appeared to be working, it being an 'in-the-zone performance after a couple of songs anyway. Also playing were an eclectic range of fabulous acts including Rivers and Kidd, Brave New Word and Bash and Strum, all very enjoyable. It was just really sad that friends of ours, Kit and The Icefish didn't get to play and were understandably upset after making the significant effort and sacrificed involved in turning up, waiting around and getting  themselves and their equipment ready. There was good will all round however, and this was no-ones intention, and it was lovely for us that some really good friends came some considerable distance to show their support. Thank you!

Set List;

Killing Me
Flamingos
Big Low Copper Moon
Where the Sky Meets the Sea
There She Moves
The Owl & the Willow
Love Limpet
Toast the Night
Love is the Answer
These Boots are Made for Walking
No Tobacco, No Jesus!

Brave New Worlds

23rd July 2016

I had the potentially daunting prospect of standing in for the regular front-man in an established band. Psychedelic rockers Brave New World being the band, Chris the regular lead-singer/guitar-slinger being on his honeymoon. So I was brave enough to join The Braves (or rather it seemed so far away when I agreed to it but time soon sped by far too quickly). 
In the end, I had needn't been so nervous, the band are a lovely bunch and, in spite of a few technical issues in the first part of the set, we rocked our proverbial socks off. I know that I certainly was far from my technical best, being severely under-rehearsed for this,  but we certainly made a beautiful noise, and lots of it. It was also really well run by a friendly lot, and the bands were well looked after (which is sadly not always the case at such events).
Great fun!

Addendum, 26/07/2016; A net  £1698.72 raised for Guide Dogs for the blind, top work everyone!

Happy Campers near the front of the stage.

Backstage at Castlewood Rocks...

BNW guitarist Derek tunes up
in the back-stage area.

Love is the Answer.

Bit of pedal-envy.
Derek from Brave New World's effects,
& the feet that will operate them.

13/11/2015

To get back from a fun gig to the horrific news of the butchery in Paris last night was deeply upsetting. 

We should though perhaps have in our minds, the thought that actually most people have good intentions to one another most of the time, and such was the case surrounding this event, and no doubt many others around our planet that night. This was a fundraising event for The Alzheimer's Society. An area that is 'unsexy', underfunded and drastically affected by severe government cuts to care recently. 

All the more wonderful then that so many turned up to Willaston Club,  donated their money, brought their children or gave their time in support of this cause. My gang and our stage-sharers for the evening, Brave New World, provided the live music, plus Kirsty & Chris from The Cat Radio spun some indie-discs & did some announcing.

Many thanks to all who came out to support this, I heard from the organiser that hundreds of pounds were raised.

You can also read a local news report about the event by Jonathan White, HERE.

Brave New World & The Blue Yellows share the stage.
Photo by Jonathan White.

Singing Rockin in the Free World together for a grade finale.
Photo by Jonathan White.

A bit of our setlist.

Easy like a Sunday Morning.

This morning I braved the now more November-like weather to pop onto Redshift Radio to chat to presenter Paul Boniface on his regular show, 'Easy Like Sunday Morning'.

This was to chat specifically about Friday's upcoming gig.

The gig will be a fundraiser for The Alzheimer's Society, a cause which not only does vital work, but is increasingly important during this era of an aging population and severe cuts to care funding. My gang, The Blue Yellows and Psychedelic Indie-rocksters Brave New World will be playing, there will also be Indie tunes both before and in between bands from DJ (plus presenter and journalist) Kirsty Rollings. 

It's this Friday, November 13th at Willaston Club, Near Nantwich (7 Wistaston Rd, Nantwich CW5 6PU).

Doors are at 6.30pm, Live Music from 7.30pm

Tickets £5 adults, children Free!

You can text Derek on 07852300101 to reserve tickets (in case of the show selling out) or pay on the door. 

Listen again to the radio show here (I'm on from about 1hr 33mins in).

08/11/15 Easy Like Sunday Morning on RedShift Radio by Sunday Brunch - Redshift Radio on Mixcloud

Tickets.

Official poster.