This was one of those spur of the moment need for live music things, the other half came home from work and told about me about Tiger Lilly performing on our local high street and the urge of live music and the temptation of all night coffee drinking was a little too strong to resist. Singer-songwriter Tiger Lilly has been performing up and down the country in support of her brand new album, Memory Lane, taking in a number of Costa's on the way as part of her continuous support for the Costa Foundation, a charity that's helped open a school in Ethiopia in the past as well as showcasing her material to a varied and at times unusual gig-going audience. Tiger accompanied by her acoustic guitar and backing tapes (no room for a full band in a coffee shop!!!) took to the floor with a dazzling set of emotive originals and brilliantly delivered covers, to the delight of the assembled tea sippers and coffee dwellers. She opened her set with a selection of originals taken from her aforementioned new album and her debut, Reflections, from the wonderful acoustic led, Wait For You complete with it's gentle cooing vocals and infectious chorus to the light and breezy jazz infused Chocolate Button Kisses, complimented by catchy scat-like vocals and whistle along hooks, showcasing Tiger's stunning range (and perhaps potentially showcase a new direction). From there we were delivered carefully chosen covers such as a beautiful rendition of Son Of  A Preacher Man and a powerful, rockier Black Velvet, whilst also treated to further original delights such as Chasing Ghosts and Newsflash. Throughout Tiger's performance she playfully interacted with the audience and they responded in kind creating a wonderful atmosphere for a spirited performance, whilst her blend of poppy light rock and big ballads found favour with one and all. Though Costa may not be the perfect venue for Tiger's talents (I'd love to see her in a small club with a full band) she gave her all throughout and few performers can summon up so much passion and emotion in such an odd environment, she possesses a rare vocal talent that manages to simultaneously pull at the heart strings and leave you with a lasting fuzzy feeling inside. Thank the lord for my roving feet, coffee addiction and need for live music, otherwise I may have missed the soul stirring, mesmeric beauty of Tiger Lilly. Rhythm & Booze Rating 9 http://tigerlillymusic.co.uk/

A couple of years back via good old Radio 2 (and my Dad) I was introduced the rather wonderful sounds of singer-songwriter Nell Bryden, her album at the time, What Does It Take, a delightful collection of rootsy blues, soulful Americana and stripped down folk became a firm favourite here at Rhythm & Booze and catching her live at the Academy 3 reaffirmed my faith in a good honest song and an infectious melody. Since then I've had the pleasure in reviewing a couple of singles by Nell, including her brand new effort, the light, poppy Buildings And Treetops (reviewed on this very site) from her forthcoming new album Shake The Trees, so when the opportunity to catch Nell perform live as support to Chris Rea I jumped at the chance. Last time I caught Nell she was accompanied my a full backing band, but this time out much to my surprise she trod the boards alone. Nell performed a short set taking in a few older tracks including the brilliant title track of the aforementioned What Does It Take along with a handful of newbies. Throughout her short tenure on the stage, Nell's warm soulful vocals and crisp electro-acoustic guitar work drew the crowd in, whilst her friendly stage banter and bubbly energy managed to win over a large portion of the Chris Rea disciples. Highlights came thick and fast throughout her delightful stripped down set with the likes of the country soul belter and death row lament Mercy On Me and fellow new track, Sirens both hitting home hard. Nell's intoxicating set has really whetted the appetite for the release of her forthcoming album proving whether with a band or solo, in a small club or massive stage such as the NIA, Nell Bryden is one singer-songwriter never fails to captivate and leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Rhythm & Booze Rating 9 www.nellbryden.com   And so on to Chris Rea, well what can I say, the guy can really play guitar, his backing band are all strong competent musicians and he has written a couple of stone cold classics (Road To Hell, etc). So you'd think that Chris Rea infront of his audience would really lift the roof of the NIA wouldn't you? well actually no, sure he played a few really contagious numbers, he know's his way around his guitar and the assembled masses lapped up every lick, solo and drum roll, but I have to say I was left a little cold by the performance. Chris has no interaction with the audience bar a half mumbled thank you, half his set seemed to meander rather than grab you by the lapels and as for the band, they seemed content to happily move throw the motions. To be honest there seemed to be so little emotion or soul in the entire set and hey when you've seen one Chris Rea solo you've really seen them all. I guess if you like cold, hard musical proficiency, rather than a hook-laden song, Chris can do wrong, but for this viewer I prefer a bit of heart and soul. Rhythm & Booze Rating 6 www.chrisrea.com

A couple of years back via good old Radio 2 (and my Dad) I was introduced the rather wonderful sounds of singer-songwriter Nell Bryden, her album at the time, What Does It Take, a delightful collection of rootsy blues, soulful Americana and stripped down folk became a firm favourite here at Rhythm & Booze and catching her live at the Academy 3 reaffirmed my faith in a good honest song and an infectious melody. Since then I've had the pleasure in reviewing a couple of singles by Nell, including her brand new effort, the light, poppy Buildings And Treetops (reviewed on this very site) from her forthcoming new album Shake The Trees, so when the opportunity to catch Nell perform live as support to Chris Rea I jumped at the chance. Last time I caught Nell she was accompanied my a full backing band, but this time out much to my surprise she trod the boards alone. Nell performed a short set taking in a few older tracks including the brilliant title track of the aforementioned What Does It Take along with a handful of newbies. Throughout her short tenure on the stage, Nell's warm soulful vocals and crisp electro-acoustic guitar work drew the crowd in, whilst her friendly stage banter and bubbly energy managed to win over a large portion of the Chris Rea disciples. Highlights came thick and fast throughout her delightful stripped down set with the likes of the country soul belter and death row lament Mercy On Me and fellow new track, Sirens both hitting home hard. Nell's intoxicating set has really whetted the appetite for the release of her forthcoming album proving whether with a band or solo, in a small club or massive stage such as the NIA, Nell Bryden is one singer-songwriter never fails to captivate and leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Rhythm & Booze Rating 9 www.nellbryden.com   And so on to Chris Rea, well what can I say, the guy can really play guitar, his backing band are all strong competent musicians and he has written a couple of stone cold classics (Road To Hell, etc). So you'd think that Chris Rea infront of his audience would really lift the roof of the NIA wouldn't you? well actually no, sure he played a few really contagious numbers, he know's his way around his guitar and the assembled masses lapped up every lick, solo and drum roll, but I have to say I was left a little cold by the performance. Chris has no interaction with the audience bar a half mumbled thank you, half his set seemed to meander rather than grab you by the lapels and as for the band, they seemed content to happily move throw the motions. To be honest there seemed to be so little emotion or soul in the entire set and hey when you've seen one Chris Rea solo you've really seen them all. I guess if you like cold, hard musical proficiency, rather than a hook-laden song, Chris can do wrong, but for this viewer I prefer a bit of heart and soul. Rhythm & Booze Rating 6 www.chrisrea.com

This was one of those spur of the moment need for live music things, the other half came home from work and told about me about Tiger Lilly performing on our local high street and the urge of live music and the temptation of all night coffee drinking was a little too strong to resist. Singer-songwriter Tiger Lilly has been performing up and down the country in support of her brand new album, Memory Lane, taking in a number of Costa's on the way as part of her continuous support for the Costa Foundation, a charity that's helped open a school in Ethiopia in the past as well as showcasing her material to a varied and at times unusual gig-going audience. Tiger accompanied by her acoustic guitar and backing tapes (no room for a full band in a coffee shop!!!) took to the floor with a dazzling set of emotive originals and brilliantly delivered covers, to the delight of the assembled tea sippers and coffee dwellers. She opened her set with a selection of originals taken from her aforementioned new album and her debut, Reflections, from the wonderful acoustic led, Wait For You complete with it's gentle cooing vocals and infectious chorus to the light and breezy jazz infused Chocolate Button Kisses, complimented by catchy scat-like vocals and whistle along hooks, showcasing Tiger's stunning range (and perhaps potentially showcase a new direction). From there we were delivered carefully chosen covers such as a beautiful rendition of Son Of  A Preacher Man and a powerful, rockier Black Velvet, whilst also treated to further original delights such as Chasing Ghosts and Newsflash. Throughout Tiger's performance she playfully interacted with the audience and they responded in kind creating a wonderful atmosphere for a spirited performance, whilst her blend of poppy light rock and big ballads found favour with one and all. Though Costa may not be the perfect venue for Tiger's talents (I'd love to see her in a small club with a full band) she gave her all throughout and few performers can summon up so much passion and emotion in such an odd environment, she possesses a rare vocal talent that manages to simultaneously pull at the heart strings and leave you with a lasting fuzzy feeling inside. Thank the lord for my roving feet, coffee addiction and need for live music, otherwise I may have missed the soul stirring, mesmeric beauty of Tiger Lilly. Rhythm & Booze Rating 9 http://tigerlillymusic.co.uk/

A couple of years back via good old Radio 2 (and my Dad) I was introduced the rather wonderful sounds of singer-songwriter Nell Bryden, her album at the time, What Does It Take, a delightful collection of rootsy blues, soulful Americana and stripped down folk became a firm favourite here at Rhythm & Booze and catching her live at the Academy 3 reaffirmed my faith in a good honest song and an infectious melody. Since then I've had the pleasure in reviewing a couple of singles by Nell, including her brand new effort, the light, poppy Buildings And Treetops (reviewed on this very site) from her forthcoming new album Shake The Trees, so when the opportunity to catch Nell perform live as support to Chris Rea I jumped at the chance. Last time I caught Nell she was accompanied my a full backing band, but this time out much to my surprise she trod the boards alone. Nell performed a short set taking in a few older tracks including the brilliant title track of the aforementioned What Does It Take along with a handful of newbies. Throughout her short tenure on the stage, Nell's warm soulful vocals and crisp electro-acoustic guitar work drew the crowd in, whilst her friendly stage banter and bubbly energy managed to win over a large portion of the Chris Rea disciples. Highlights came thick and fast throughout her delightful stripped down set with the likes of the country soul belter and death row lament Mercy On Me and fellow new track, Sirens both hitting home hard. Nell's intoxicating set has really whetted the appetite for the release of her forthcoming album proving whether with a band or solo, in a small club or massive stage such as the NIA, Nell Bryden is one singer-songwriter never fails to captivate and leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Rhythm & Booze Rating 9 www.nellbryden.com   And so on to Chris Rea, well what can I say, the guy can really play guitar, his backing band are all strong competent musicians and he has written a couple of stone cold classics (Road To Hell, etc). So you'd think that Chris Rea infront of his audience would really lift the roof of the NIA wouldn't you? well actually no, sure he played a few really contagious numbers, he know's his way around his guitar and the assembled masses lapped up every lick, solo and drum roll, but I have to say I was left a little cold by the performance. Chris has no interaction with the audience bar a half mumbled thank you, half his set seemed to meander rather than grab you by the lapels and as for the band, they seemed content to happily move throw the motions. To be honest there seemed to be so little emotion or soul in the entire set and hey when you've seen one Chris Rea solo you've really seen them all. I guess if you like cold, hard musical proficiency, rather than a hook-laden song, Chris can do wrong, but for this viewer I prefer a bit of heart and soul. Rhythm & Booze Rating 6 www.chrisrea.com

This was one of those spur of the moment need for live music things, the other half came home from work and told about me about Tiger Lilly performing on our local high street and the urge of live music and the temptation of all night coffee drinking was a little too strong to resist. Singer-songwriter Tiger Lilly has been performing up and down the country in support of her brand new album, Memory Lane, taking in a number of Costa's on the way as part of her continuous support for the Costa Foundation, a charity that's helped open a school in Ethiopia in the past as well as showcasing her material to a varied and at times unusual gig-going audience. Tiger accompanied by her acoustic guitar and backing tapes (no room for a full band in a coffee shop!!!) took to the floor with a dazzling set of emotive originals and brilliantly delivered covers, to the delight of the assembled tea sippers and coffee dwellers. She opened her set with a selection of originals taken from her aforementioned new album and her debut, Reflections, from the wonderful acoustic led, Wait For You complete with it's gentle cooing vocals and infectious chorus to the light and breezy jazz infused Chocolate Button Kisses, complimented by catchy scat-like vocals and whistle along hooks, showcasing Tiger's stunning range (and perhaps potentially showcase a new direction). From there we were delivered carefully chosen covers such as a beautiful rendition of Son Of  A Preacher Man and a powerful, rockier Black Velvet, whilst also treated to further original delights such as Chasing Ghosts and Newsflash. Throughout Tiger's performance she playfully interacted with the audience and they responded in kind creating a wonderful atmosphere for a spirited performance, whilst her blend of poppy light rock and big ballads found favour with one and all. Though Costa may not be the perfect venue for Tiger's talents (I'd love to see her in a small club with a full band) she gave her all throughout and few performers can summon up so much passion and emotion in such an odd environment, she possesses a rare vocal talent that manages to simultaneously pull at the heart strings and leave you with a lasting fuzzy feeling inside. Thank the lord for my roving feet, coffee addiction and need for live music, otherwise I may have missed the soul stirring, mesmeric beauty of Tiger Lilly. Rhythm & Booze Rating 9 http://tigerlillymusic.co.uk/

A couple of years back via good old Radio 2 (and my Dad) I was introduced the rather wonderful sounds of singer-songwriter Nell Bryden, her album at the time, What Does It Take, a delightful collection of rootsy blues, soulful Americana and stripped down folk became a firm favourite here at Rhythm & Booze and catching her live at the Academy 3 reaffirmed my faith in a good honest song and an infectious melody. Since then I've had the pleasure in reviewing a couple of singles by Nell, including her brand new effort, the light, poppy Buildings And Treetops (reviewed on this very site) from her forthcoming new album Shake The Trees, so when the opportunity to catch Nell perform live as support to Chris Rea I jumped at the chance. Last time I caught Nell she was accompanied my a full backing band, but this time out much to my surprise she trod the boards alone. Nell performed a short set taking in a few older tracks including the brilliant title track of the aforementioned What Does It Take along with a handful of newbies. Throughout her short tenure on the stage, Nell's warm soulful vocals and crisp electro-acoustic guitar work drew the crowd in, whilst her friendly stage banter and bubbly energy managed to win over a large portion of the Chris Rea disciples. Highlights came thick and fast throughout her delightful stripped down set with the likes of the country soul belter and death row lament Mercy On Me and fellow new track, Sirens both hitting home hard. Nell's intoxicating set has really whetted the appetite for the release of her forthcoming album proving whether with a band or solo, in a small club or massive stage such as the NIA, Nell Bryden is one singer-songwriter never fails to captivate and leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Rhythm & Booze Rating 9 www.nellbryden.com   And so on to Chris Rea, well what can I say, the guy can really play guitar, his backing band are all strong competent musicians and he has written a couple of stone cold classics (Road To Hell, etc). So you'd think that Chris Rea infront of his audience would really lift the roof of the NIA wouldn't you? well actually no, sure he played a few really contagious numbers, he know's his way around his guitar and the assembled masses lapped up every lick, solo and drum roll, but I have to say I was left a little cold by the performance. Chris has no interaction with the audience bar a half mumbled thank you, half his set seemed to meander rather than grab you by the lapels and as for the band, they seemed content to happily move throw the motions. To be honest there seemed to be so little emotion or soul in the entire set and hey when you've seen one Chris Rea solo you've really seen them all. I guess if you like cold, hard musical proficiency, rather than a hook-laden song, Chris can do wrong, but for this viewer I prefer a bit of heart and soul. Rhythm & Booze Rating 6 www.chrisrea.com

Anyone who know's me (or works in retail), will probably appreciate the fact that I have a serious disliking for Christmas and the general lead up, stress levels at work increase, everyone gets a little cranky and I have so little free time to write, listen or even breathe. Once again I found myself working every day, every hour with the day itself the only exception, but now with the new year well and truly begun things should settle down a little. Enough of my whining about the day job, let me instead tell you of one of the gigs of the year. Irish punk legends The Undertones recently released a best of....double CD affair and with it took to the road in order to promote their wares and bring a smile to the faces of old time punks and new found fans alike. Now Gloucester Guildhall may not be the likeliest of places to catch an old school punk gig, with it's lovely snug bar, tasty menu and modern design but as it turns out the small, yet rammed auditorium with it's lively sound and non sticky floor was pretty damn perfect for The Undertones to tread the boards and hey who would have known that Gloucester would have so many boisterous yet well mannered punk loving fans. Before the main course was served support act Doyle And The Fourfathers attempted (and largely) succeeded in warming up the crowd with a nice starter of instant hook-laden indie pop, imagine if you will a frontman that combines the foppish charms of Morrisery and the quirky stage mannerisms of Jarvis Cocker, leading an ensemble of catchy riffs and infectious beats. The band provided an impressive set that any lover of well crafted, straight to the heart indie would find hard pressed to fault, songs such as Welcome To Austerity and Obsolete Vernacular, despite their titles proved to be instantly memorable with their hummable hooks and contagious refrains. The Undertones were welcomed to the stage like conquering heroes, an eager crowd ready to be entertained, ready to be unleashed, almost like a coiled spring waiting for that first signal to release that stored energy. And then the first chord strikes and we're off like a frenzied mob, baying for more, we want the classics and goddamn it The Undertones know it, feeding our hunger with energetic blasts of Jimmy Jimmy, My Perfect Cousin and the holler along classic You've Got My Number. And there I am in the entangled thong, right at the front, my fist in the air, shouting along to every number, inhibitions left at the door, I'm 16 again and I've discovered punk for the first time and I feel alive. Ok so I might be going off on a tangent but despite the fact that I may have been in an aging audience and the band may be no spring chickens (and christ I'm 34 now) the atmosphere and the energy was simply electric and when the band delivered Teenage Kicks (twice in, for good measure), every voice in the room was one in unison, everyone had that surge of adrenaline racing through their veins, everyone channeled that inner youth and that's what gigs are supposed to be like, none of that nice nodding along, fuck that I want to kick out the jams and The Undertones did just that. I could go on about how they played this and played that, in fact I could probably list most of their greatest hits, but hey all you need to know is The Undertones played lean mean frantic three chord punk, they played like their lives depended on it and by the end we all left sweaty and fully satisfied. Rhythm & Booze Rating 10