The Mid Ulster Mails Niall Kerr Revies some past gigs @ The Cellar

Skruff
Coda
Junior Johnson

Sat. 12th May 2007

Another G Session and another perfect blend of styles and influences from Skruff, Coda and Junior Johnson. The sessions are fast becoming a hot ticket for bands right across the province and tonight’s performers are a varying mix of eclectic uplifting sounds a la Skruff and the hard hitting, in your face style of Coda. I was a little too late to catch the Junior Johnson experience but I did witness his show the previous night in Bryson’s when he supported John Bramwell.

Now a regular native of Spain he displays all the wit and composure of a man who has fought the world and is ready for his next challenge. Resembling the likes of Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Johnson blends charismatic, feel good lyrics with a divine sense of musicianship that can at times lift you from the pits of despair only to plunge you backwards in equal measures. And in I waltz between his show and Coda, a four piece female fronted alternative rock band who are just perfect for this sort of venue.
Providing a substantially large movement away from the show’s opener, Coda are a heavy hitting but masterful outfit.

Front woman Julianne Shawe’s commitment and passion is evident throughout in both her lyrics and phenomenal guitar work. When she joins forces with Adam Shirlow, provider of backing vocals, this is when they really shine. Safety Automatic and End Of The Line are prime examples of the power that the two possess. Although they’ve only been playing for about the last two years, it is safe to imagine that Coda will make it big. It’s hard to define any band but I think particularly more so when they’re fronted by a female.

At times like Bloc Party circa Silent Alarm and early Queens Of The Stone Age is a vague claim because they really have carved out their own niche of sound. Catch them if you can and you’ll know what I mean. Friend and photographer Graham Smith shoots the band regularly and watch out for a forthcoming documentary from him later in the year.

Derry lads Skruff, recent supporters of The Twang and Kharma 45 and with gigs in England under their belt are fast becoming Northern Ireland’s hottest ticket.
They’re funky, soulful, energetic and anything else you can think of that’s generally happy and uplifting. Latest 6 track EP Hot Robot is a treat and I recommend that you check out their website to download a few tracks. The track Hot Robot in particular is a Franz Ferdinand influenced little number which Connor McGowan belts out with true dynamism.

In truth it is McGowan and his stage presence that hold the show together so well and When bassist McLaughlin has a few technical glitches, McGowan and Eastwood improvise with a cover of Sting’s An English Man In New York. It’s the type of music that you can easily have a boogie around to especially when Subliminilia and Fabulous Weapon kick in and if you find your feet aren’t tapping, then you must be dead. I urge you to check them out when they play at a venue near you, they’ve got my stamp of approval if that means anything to you.

Sat. 21st April 2007

Sporting new ‘Cellar Live’ t-shirts, music aficionados Paddy and Ryan who enticed tonight’s performer to our humble corner of the world, were clearly enthusiastic about Bap Kennedy’s appearance at The Cellar Bar as were the many new faces lighting up the back room.

Mr Glasgow, inventor of these wonderful musical extravaganzas beams a smile that would blind the sun as he proudly introduces Bap Kennedy to the G Sessions.
Many a reader were present (hello all) and a few had their own take on tonight’s proceedings which included a support slot from Cellar regular Paddy Nash and his entourage.

The Derry man joined by regulars Diane, Liam and Angela and Celine Murphy, combined violin, piano, guitars, harmonica and shakers with trade mark vocals to unlock the night’s entertainment in style. Opening with new song Wish, a call of youth and love, Nash gives off the impression that if you don’t leave impressed that you maybe shouldn’t leave at all. And with a catalogue of songs that includes Girlfriend, the superbly catchy Brave and the emotionally powerful Martin (which I defy anyone not to appreciate), there is little chance of anyone going home disappointed.

It is a relatively small crowd, even Diane recognises that the noise levels aren’t exactly lifting the roof but it’s that sort of a night when noise and numbers are immaterial in comparison to the music provided. Ex Energy Orchard front-man Kennedy, in contrast to his support, has a much different style to performing as he and fellow guitarist Pete O’Hanlon take a seat throughout their routine.

Heavy undercurrents of blues are mixed with elements of country and early rock n’ roll influences throughout, with Bap on acoustic and Pete on electric.
The crowd thickens little as the night progresses but enthusiasm is high and the appreciative following are happy to find a bit of space to be able to boogie on down with their bad selves. Bap meanwhile is happy to dish out the tunes and the talented marksmanship of O’Hanlon on electric guitar is an absolute joy to listen to.
Opener Long Time A Coming and On A Mighty Ocean Of Alcohol are particularly well employed, the latter being a song written for Shane McGowan whom Bap had the pleasure of playing with the night before on English soil.

All in all it was a comfortable performance played with gusto and a clear sense of passion that is all too often lacking. Unfortunately I had to leave early, so if McGowan popped out from the back for a quick number I’m sorry not to be able to tell you about it.
So while the older crowd may have more resonance with the blues driven performance than us young bucks (“He got better as the night went on,” said one particular punter, “but Paddy Nash was better.”), there’s no denying both the songwriting and musical expertise on show tonight.

Sat. 7th April 2007

Currently riding on the crest of a wave (apologies), The Tides kicked off this year's G Sessions in some style as the young three piece (minus new guitarist Leaky) thrilled an appreciative crowd. Playing a gig which saw them back on familiar territory as opposed to their recent gigs across the province, especially Belfast, they seemed really excited to be thrilling local fans yet again.

Support on the night came in the form of Furlo, a Limavady four piece who turned a few heads with their ultimately lengthy and very confident support slot. Jonny Everett, lead vocalist has an air of distinguished accomplishment about him and as a band Furlo aren't afraid of trying something new as their set rages long into the night.

The Tides took over duties soon after and the packed venue was testament to how excited fans were to see their favourite local lads get in on the act. They told us earlier in the year that they generally like to practice the day before a gig but shamefully admitted before this gig that they hadn't lifted a finger. It didn't show. Belting out songs from debut album 'One For The Man Over There', the local lads showed with a confident swagger that they are destined for bigger and better things.

Links to Oasis have been professed since their inception which is no bad thing. Rhythm and Soul is one of the best songs I've heard this year and they show that they can lighten the mood too with a song like 'Still Worth Fighting For'. The album which was released earlier this year to critical acclaim is definitely a treat to hear live and the crowd felt the full force of The Tides arsenal. They're off to Manchester soon to give the rest of the world an idea of just how great the music scene in Northern Ireland really is. Here's hoping they decide to come back.

Sat. 10th March 2007

A strong crowd of mixed denominations and genders filled the Cellar Bar in Draperstown for this solo acoustic gig to see the Derry bluesy singer/songwriter strut his stuff. Up first however, Ruairi O’Doherty, formerly of Little Hooks fame treated the appreciative audience to the first hearing of what is sure to be a promising solo career.

Playing five songs, one named after each number, the Christy Moore like performer (in song and stature) did little wrong. Any nerves for his first exhibition were non-existent as he rattled through the songs powerfully. Keep an eye on any future dates, Little Hooks may be gone but the music is not.

Paul Casey tool to the stage soon after belting out songs from his two albums Songs In Open Tuning and Slow Water, the latter released in November of last year. Derry born Casey, who has risen to prominence thanks in large part to mentor and idol Chris Rea, displays an excellent slide guitar playing ability and his songs are at times brilliantly beautiful and at others strikingly powerful.

The word unique maybe often over-used, particularly when it comes to singer/songwriters, but in this instance there is no doubting that Casey is a sublimely original talent. Such is the scope of Casey’s vocal and musical abilities that at times you could imagine yourself on a sunny beach and at others in the heart of America’s deep south. Casey will himself admit that he is most at home playing with a full band but on this small and intimate stage he looks equally as comfortable.

She Could Be and Thanks For Letting Me Crash were particular highlights on the night, not least for the stories behind them (the latter involving a house party, copious amounts of alcohol and a cupboard). Different Planet was introduced soon after as a song written just two days after the September 11 attacks. Not only does it rank with Leaders Of The Free World as one of the best views of our modern society but again highlights Casey’s far-reaching scope.

Renditions from Slow Water were also well received but in all honesty sound much more powerful and deliver a hell of a bigger punch on the album. Sounding at times like Stephen Fretwell thrown into the melting pot with Chris Rea and Dave Matthews, Casey’s second album is well worth a listen. Stay, a song co-written with Rea and my particular favourite, the eight minute long Slow Water show just what he can do with the full force of a band and at times a choir.

Not only does Casey have the ability to be unique but is also widely accessible, as highlighted by Storm In A Teacup which would even have your granny kicking her heels up. Lyla, You Said and Help You Swim are equally slow and emotive and harrowing and beautiful. The album also boasts a twenty minute DVD of Paul’s solo performance filmed at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham as part of the Chris Rea farewell tour.

Sat 3rd February 2007

"Everybody just smile and keep clapping,” said an animated Paddy Glasgow as he introduced last week’s Mid-Ulster Mail gig of the week – Jack L at the Cellar Bar. Oh how I had been looking forward to this night after the first show was cancelled due to illness and I suspect many others were a little excited too.

The intimate Draperstown venue was a surprise location for the Dublin troubadour who has been known to pack out venues across the land such as the Olympia in Dublin as well as some of London’s finer establishments. The 100 strong appreciative crowd reflected that, queuing in anticipation for what was sure to be a great night’s entertainment which never failed to impress.

First support act on the night was Derry singer/songwriter Paddy Nash, who as well as having a fellow full-time singer and various instrument player in the form of Diane, was also joined on stage by local musicians Liam, Angela and Celine who played piano, violin and guitar/harmonica both respectively and brilliantly. A short set was met with positive reactions on the night given the fact that the crowd were still streaming in and had not yet settled but was nonetheless performed with the vigour and stamina of a man who was clearly eager to impress.
A mixture of songs ranging from issues such as the state of Northern Ireland’s politics (Brave) to the personal and touching story of a past friend (Martin) and the obligatory love song (Another Love Song), were all executed admirably.

The stage was then vacated for yet another singer/songwriter this time in Belfast performer Paddy McKeown, who while sticking to some of the conventional aspects of song writing and playing obviously added his own unique twist to the proceedings. Although previously known as Paddy McKeown, a recent band meeting with his fellow musicians must have gone against him and the six piece group (just three on the night) are now known as Catoan.

Violin and guitars were also the main features of this performance and although some sound and guitar problems were evident early on, the experimental brand of music was in truth not entirely well received but was played with the gusto of a band that would not go down without a fight. Again a short set was in line and a mixture of passionate solo acoustic performances were inter-cut by the more experimental and tentative pieces as heard in Femme Fatale and the energetic Leo

Finally after making us wait for two months Jack L kept his word and was ready to make up for lost time as he bounded softly onto stage in the Cellar Bar, looking almost out of place in the petite surroundings but ecstatic “to be playing in a smoky bar again.”
Combining songs from Universe, Metropolis Blue and most recent release Broken Songs Mr Lukeman provided not only a rendition of his most beloved songs, but grabbed the audience by the scruff of the neck with his amazing vocal abilities and understanding of what makes his fans tick.

At one point in the evening he went for a wee wander and proceeded to take the audience back “to a time when speakers and amplifiers didn’t exist” circulating amongst the admiring congregation in darkness with a miniature accordion style instrument all the while belting out the lyrics. Even when on stage it was hard for the audience not to be caught up in the theatrical element of the performance which moved between solo acoustic renditions, to being joined on stage by fellow performer Andy and even to audience participation in Wicked Way which had the crowd begging for more.

And more they got. A 15+ song set had elements of country music, as heard in a rendition of the Johnny Cash song Folsom Prison Blues and even an exclusive cover version of the number one chart hit Crazy as performed by Gnarls Barkley which showcased Jack’s talents to the max and would put up a strong fight with the original.
It was this and similar solo versions that had the most impact and allowed Jack to use his voice to its full potential which far exceeded expectations. Hitting the high notes came as naturally as the lyrics with which they were entangled.

Ending the second encore and the night was Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah, a trademark ending to a perfect night and we can only hope that when he said “I’ll see you all real soon”, that he meant it.