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Diary Dates
TV Priest – Tuesday 8 November
Firebug
TV Priest are a band from the outskirts of London who have been firm friends since their youth, first making music together as teenagers. They have been described as ‘….awash in a spectral sound somewhere between post-punk, prog and kraut-rock, the band cite the likes of PiL, Stereolab, Ought and The Fall among their formative influences’.
Six Little Fingers – Friday 11 November
Duffy’s Bar
Although not a tribute act in the truest sense, 6LF perform with the same power and passion that has ensured songs such as Alternative Ulster, Suspect Device, At The Edge and Tin Soldiers (amongst others) have stood the test of time over the past forty-plus years.
Bellowhead – Saturday 12 November
De Montfort Hall
During lockdown in 2020 the 11 members of Bellowhead first re-connected online to remotely record ‘New York Girls – At Home’. That led to re-uniting in person for a one-off performance which was streamed to mark the anniversary of Hedonism. Thousands of fans watched the concert (one of the biggest online streams of 2020) confirming that Bellowhead are still one of the biggest and most in demand UK folk acts despite not performing for nearly 5 years.
The stream led to pleas from fans for more and now the stars have aligned and they are to reunite for a mammoth UK tour to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of their fourth album Broadside!
Baskery – Wednesday 16 November
The Musician
Baskery is a Swedish blues / Southern rock band made up of three sisters and their dad. They started off ‘playing cover songs for drunk people’ and have created their own roots / Americana influenced style with a straightforward punk edge.
Space – Saturday 19 November
The Soundhouse
Cheeky, scouse outfit whose quirky, uplifting brand of indie-pop has produced many smiles, as well as some irresistable tunes (‘Neighbourhood’, ‘Female Of The Species’, ‘Me And You Vs The World’). Record company wrangles led to them being silent at the start of the new millennium, but in 2012 Space were back with a vengeance and playing material from their new albums ‘Attack Of The 50ft Kebab’ and ‘Give Me Your Future’.
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INTERVIEW: Gareth Johns
Jazz artist and big band singer, Gareth John, has crafted his work across Leicester’s smallest and biggest venues and further across the UK. This December he’s back at The Y Theatre for his festive show, The Story of Swing, where you can expect everything from Bobby Darin to Michael Buble (with some festive numbers thrown in too! As well as gearing up for the December show, Gareth has just released his second album, ‘Gareth John & Jazz Colossus – Live at The Deco Theatre’ – 15 tracks with guest performances from Alison Wheeler & Gaz Birtles (formerly of the Beautiful South), Morgan Perkins (UK No.1 Sinatra tribute) and Florence Olivia Pearce.
With so much going on we caught up with Gareth to find out a bit more about it all.
How would you describe your music style?
Predominantly, I’m a jazz artist and big band singer, but that encompasses everything from swing music, soul, latin and pop. I’m also very passionate about funk, with it being a massive part of my ‘training’ as a musician, and have a huge love for reggae and ska music, and I like to think they’re all incorporated to varying degrees in my live shows and albums. They definitely are with my main band, King Brasstards, we’ve been known to put our spin on everything from old school garage tracks to writing salsa numbers and heavy funk!
What can people expect from The Story of Swing?
Above all, you can expect to be entertained, it’s the big thing that I pride myself on and what I love most about my job, it’s showtime in every sense of the word. Forget about whatever else is going on and immerse yourself in an entertaining evening at the theatre. You can also expect a top class band, phenomenal guest singers and some surprises here and there, as we take you on a journey telling the story of big band and swing music, from Bobby Darin to Sinatra, to Michael Buble and others.
Who is your favourite swing performer?
That’s a very tough one! I saw Michael Buble live recently and it was actually spooky how much I realised that he has influenced me as a vocalist, performer and entertainer. I’m also a big Jamie Cullum fan. I love the fact that each album and even each track he plays live are so different, yet their unmistakably his sound. I’d have to say those two for modern day, current swing performers, with Harry Connick Jr getting an honourable mention for his silky smooth voice, cool demeanour and incredible piano playing! Going back to years past, Bobby Darin is probably number one for me. He was a truly great multi-instrumentalist, one of the few singers of that time who actually wrote his own songs, and an unstoppable performer live. Of course, Frank Sinatra was massively formidable, Sammy Davis Jr was a huge undeniable talent and Dean Martin’s songs are some of my favourite to perform live. I love what Matt Monro brought to the genre from our side of the pond, and I was also lucky enough to see Tony Bennett live just before lockdown. What a voice that man has, even at 93 years old at the time!
What first inspired you in this style of music?
It goes right back to my Grandma and Grandad, who lived with us in the family home for the first six/seven years of my life and stayed very involved in my life, especially musically after that. Grandma was really passionate about the great jazz singers, and was a very good vocalist herself, despite lacking confidence, and Grandad always lived and breathed trad, dixieland style jazz and loved the big bands of Ted Heath and Glen Miller. Sadly, Grandma never got to see me sing live, but it was a special moment seeing Grandad in the front row of my first big band gig as a singer a few years back.
How has swing changed through the ages, from Bobby to Buble?
I think production has changed dramatically, and I discovered this when for myself when working on the most recent live album with Benjamin Dady as my producer. The next studio album is also in process, and recording techniques are so different to the albums of Bobby Darin, Sinatra and the other singers of that time. Much of this is down to technology, but as this has progressed, so the band arrangements have changed to suit the more modern commercial pop market. On the flip side, there also seem to be less singers performing this music at a decent level of profile live these days. One thing about this style though, is it’s timeless quality, every Christmas we hear it and it warms our hearts and homes, and I believe they are some of the greatest songs ever written. In 50 years time, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if people still know and love ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘Mack The Knife’ or ‘Come Fly With Me’.
The show is taking place at the start of December, will there be some festive numbers in there?
Absolutely, its a festive special and I’ve been working with Morgan, Gaz, Ffion Rebecca and The Vixen Trio on some festive favourites that will sound incredible with Jazz Colossus. We’ve co-ordinated everything from the songs to what we’re wearing on the night to fit that festive vibe, alongside classic swing numbers and new material.
What else have you been working on?
Much of my time of late has been dedicated to the live album (out now!). It’s been a long hard few years for many people, me included and it was tricky working out what the best thing to do was in following up ‘As Long As I’m Singing’, my debut album released in 2018. I truly believe we’ve got the perfect follow-up here, and I’m so excited for you all to hear it.
Where can people hear more from you?
Well, the best way would be live and direct at The Y Theatre on 4th December! In the meantime though, you can keep up to date with what I’m up to on socials – garethjohnmusic on all platforms apart from Instagram with is gareth_johnmusic.
Tickets for The Story of Swing at The Y Theatre on 4 December are on sale now from The Y Theatre website.
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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.