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Diary Dates
Dan Whitehouse – Monday 3 October
The Musician
Touring his album, The Glass Age, these are songs that look at how our human experience and ways of connecting have changed through the ‘glass’ of virtual communication. All of the incredible new songs lean into minimal electronica as much as the beautiful clean tones of Dan’s guitar and exceptional story-telling. In this, The International Year of Glass, catching Dan live seems even more irresistible.
All Ears Avow – Thursday 6 October
The Shed
A four piece, female fronted alternative rock band from Swindon who are influenced by bands including Deftones, Arcane Roots and Incubus. Forming in early 2013, they have devised their own brand of alternative rock dipping their toes into pop punk and also heavier styles with melodic choruses and fist pumping anthems that leave crowds begging for more.
Tom Chaplin – Thursday 6 October
De Montfort Hall
Former Keane frontman, Tom Chaplin is touring his stunning new album, Midpoint, which is released on September 2nd, his first on BMG. Produced by Ethan Johns, this emotionally charged collection features thirteen brand new songs sung with beauty and grace. Coming as Tom enters mid-life, Midpoint is like nothing else. “There’s space for something nuanced that explores a part of life that everyone goes through,” Tom says. “If I can get some of that across and it can resonate with something people are feeling in in their lives-well, I’d be more than happy with that.”
John E Vistic – Saturday 8 October
Duffy’s Bar
‘
Very original blues-rock, not dissimilar to an electric version of Dylan or Tom Waits’ (The Prom). Like Johnny Cash in a gun fight with the Libertines.
Public Service Broadcasting – Tuesday 11 October
O2 Academy
J. Willgoose, Esq., his faithful drumming companion Wrigglesworth and now their bass player, keys and horns man extraordinaire, JFAbraham, have made it their mission to inform, educate and entertain throughout their innovative and eye-catching career thus far. Two critically lauded and top 20 selling LP releases, as well as a thrilling live show have paved the way for the band to make a profound mark on the current musical climate, astounding fans and critics across the globe.
The Soap Girls – Thursday 20 October
The Soundhouse
Don’t miss this alternative / pop punk duo touring the UK over from Cape Town.
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INTERVIEW: Brick & Beam
Brick & Beam is one of Leicester’s hidden gems. The loft style bar with rooftop terrace tucked away in the Cultural Quarter offers live music every weekend, which is totally free for you to enjoy. With a mix of jazz musicians and laid back R ‘n’ B, they’re bringing a different edge to your Friday and Saturday nights, all mixed with great cocktails too. We caught up with the Brick & Beam team to find out what’s coming up.
How would you describe Brick & Beam’s music style?
Our playlists and DJs largely play R&B, Soul, and Hip-hop classics, but we predominantly curate our live music nights under the “Jazz” umbrella, with our artists often playing swing, bebop and jazz fusion, or performing music that is heavily influenced by these genres. Quite often we bring in musicians from around the country to bring a contemporary edge.
Tell us about your regular music nights?
Our regular music nights tend to feature Jamie Sykes on drums, alongside a range of different artists from across the UK. Barry Lee quite often performs with Jamie, and we love the diverse array of jazz-influenced songs that this duo play. We also bring in trios and like to make sure audiences have a great experience. The nights are relaxed and are perfect for nights out, date nights and catch ups. The music is different every time and it is not only great to see customers coming back to watch each week, but also seeing new audiences of all ages coming to enjoy the atmosphere. There no admission fee and we’re open until late, usually with a DJ following the jazz band.
What sets Brick & Beam apart from other venues?
Apart from the impeccable soundtrack and delectable live music, our loft bar features an industrial chic aesthetic with old school charm. The apex ceiling creates a wonderful acoustic for the live musicians to be heard in alongside our tasty sips and food that are on offer throughout the night.
What do you think makes Leicester’s music scene so special?
There is a real companionship and interest in collaboration within Leicester’s music scene, and that means that the city has a lot of fantastic original events. Musicians turn out for each other’s shows and tend to really value quality whilst also really pushing into new dimensions, so things in Leicester seem fresh and engaging rather than formulaic and repetitive. The music scene also spans age, culture, gender and more – music is such a uniting force within the city and means that audiences are diverse, respectful and open.
What would you say to someone who’s new to jazz?
It is such a historically rich genre, and so expansive that I think that almost everyone would be able to find a sub-genre that they feel really connected to. So much of Hip Hop, R&B, house and other styles take influence from jazz music, and it is really exciting to stumble across phrases that are sampled in modern music whilst listening to classic jazz records. In short, if someone was new to jazz I would tell them to enjoy the ride.
What events do you have coming up?
We have live jazz every Saturday with Jamie Sykes, Barry Lee and special guest. We’re also host to an R&B Jazz night starting this Friday (30th September) and will continue on the last friday of each month. We’re proud to be the host of an album launch by Moja, a contemporary jazz quintet lead by Gary Reader on 7th October. The winter season will see the return of our ever popular christmas jazz nights, which will be listed on our social media and website soon.
Brick & Beam
12 Queen Street
Leicester
LE1 1QW
For more information on Brick & Beam please visit http://www.brickandbeam.co.uk/contact-us
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WEEKLY PLAYLIST
This week we’re having a listen to some of the acts you can see live in Leicester over the coming weeks.
Have a listen and get in touch to tell us which tracks you’re loving.