REVIEW: Lady Winwoods Maggot- 7th April 2008 -Thomas Tripp, Christchurch - by Tina Pope

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I regularly go to the Thomas Tripp in Christchurch to check out the bands on a sunday eve.Tonight I stumbled across a band like no other I have seen before.Upon arriving at the pub, I struggled to find a place close to the band.The pub was completely packed out, and a space near the front, not easy to obtain.These guys are popular with many of all ages and I can see why. Sometimes it helps having a camera & as usual I had my camera with me & poised ready to catch that ever elusive shot.
This band consists of 3 guitar players & thats not all. With a varied assortment of guitars, this band kept the the pub busy, throwing what I can only describe as a western country style rock vibe,almost hillbilly but with a modern punk attitude thrown in, but what do I know? Ask them, they are the only ones who can tell you the proper name. If tappin your feet is all you can usually manage in an eve, this band will make you feel like pushing yourself further, the crowds were jumping. Want an uplifting eve ? Then these guys will certainly deliver just that! A mixture of slightly Irish Celtic melody & American Rock, adds so much flavour! Banjo /Guitar player Rob, one drummer called Aide & lots of vocals & guitar action from Tony ( lead singer) & Mark.
This band is not to be missed. I have not seen anything quite like this before.
Not only is their style of music very unique but their choice of songs includes well known covers & their own material. This band is enough to keep you rocking for hours, & the overall entertainment from their performance is something you won't forget.
With a large following, these guys are pretty busy gigging, allover Dorset, and there is no escape of their magnetism and charismatic & slightly wild attitude pulling you in. Hooked !
I can quite easily see this band being a big name for the future & quite easily imagine them popping up at an event like Glastonbury ( nice )

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http://www.forest-friends.co.uk

Transforming quite a large live music venue into a close and intimate acoustic session Mr Kyps played host to three exceptionally talented acts this Halloween.

Dani Wilde was first to the stage and impressed the audience with her strong, raucous vocal talent and also ably accompanied herself on guitar. The first song was a solo and then her younger brother on harp and a bassist joined her. The trio gave the audience some renditions of both original and cover songs of traditional blues with some great solos from Dani’s brother. Dani told us that she is about to start recording her new album in Germany and copies of the demo that got her a record deal were on sale on the night. Dani’s voice is quite amazing, very versatile and she showed great vocal control throughout the session, in spite of having a slight cold!

Next was singer/songwriter James Harrison. James’s father formed a band called the Saraband who were a’70s Folk Rock group, and James started his set with “Summer has gone” – a Saraband cover. Accompaniment was from the amazing Si Genero on harp who did a very melodic solo and also accompanied James on vocals on Loving Flame, the next song for which James moved from keyboards to guitar. My favourite song of the set was “Bye Bye Baby” which James told was about an ex-girlfriend of his who has inspired many of his songs. His performance was polished but may have been improved by more eye contact with the audience while he was singing and more interaction with the audience between songs. His songs are fantastic though and he is an amazing local talent here in Bournemouth.

Headlining after James was the incredible Eddie Martin. I have not seen him live before and it was great to see such a consummate performer in such close proximity. Eddie was playing “Goldie” – his steel guitar, and accompanying himself with rhythm suitcase and harmonica. Eddie played some Sunhouse and Muddy Waters and some new material from his forthcoming album. The whole place went quite whilst he played a slow blues… He got the audience involved with “Don do it, I dun did it” – an old number from the ‘40’s and did a great solo on the harp and the suitcase! The atmosphere was warm and inspired and the audience was with him. It was a really fun performance and his guitar playing wonderful to see and hear.
Another great night’s entertainment from Mr Kyps!

The album is true to its title and carries you to far off places and back again. The artwork on the CD also deserves a mention – original and well produced – visit Pentangled Designs www.pentangled.co.uk

CuRioSiTy - Wed 18th July

Review courtesy of Ellie Cowley, Daily Echo

The range of bands at Kyps on Wednesday night may have meant not all the music on offer was to your palate, but even if that were the case, you could not help but appreciate what this venue is trying to achieve with their monthly CuRioSiTy night. I had an exceptionally good time listening to all three distinctly different and talented bands. Though I had been drawn to the night by the promised presence of Vincent Vincent & the Villains, I was pleased to see Bournemouth based ensemble Betika. With their folksy sound complete with glockenspiel, trumpet and varied percussion blended with rocky riffs and meaty vocals, Betika are what would have happened if Belle and Sebastian had been introduced formally to rock n' roll, and it works.

It's been a long time since I heard something as truly original as follow act Gabby Young & Other Animals. Infused with jazz undertones and deviating into variations reminiscent of Tori Amos and, at times, Jeff Buckley, Gabby's unique voice lends power to the band's unique brand of alternate rock. Final act Vincent Vincent and the Villains were nothing less than pure drama. With the nostalgic glamour of Elvis, Billy Fury and Eddie Cochran rolled into one, Vincent and company rock n' roll with gusto. Not to be confused with any kind of cheesy almost tribute 50s band, Vincent Vincent & the Villians have just enough of that cynical today's world edge to keep them firmly placed in this decade. Raucous, recycled, rambunctious rock n' roll.
Review courtesy of Ellie Cowley, Daily Echo

Mr Kyps Live Music Venue
8a Parr Street, Poole BH14 0JY
website: www.mrkyps.net
email: info@mrkyps.net
myspace: www.myspace.com/curiosityrocks
telephone: 01202 748945

Venue: Mr Kyps Big Blues Party

Date: Wednesday 27th December 2006

Stuffed with Christmas fair and wanting to avoid the post Christmas anti-climax, an exceedingly good tonic is a visit to Mr Kyps for the Big Blues Party. This show has been running for 3 years now and consistently provides a good evenings entertainment in between Christmas and New Year.

The show is put on by our local Blues man, Hugh Budden who pulls together some of the best blues musicians in the area for a night of traditional blues, rock and roll and the ever popular Blues Brothers Review.

The evening started with Blues Etc. Who mainly play in Southampton so it was a real treat to see them performing in Poole. Chris Collins (vox, guitar) fronts the band with Elrad Mathews (drums), Darren Stevens (bass) and Hugh on the harp (harmonica.) The show kicked off with their rendition of Shake for Me and was followed by some great slide on Rules of this House. Gavin Whitlock on baritone sax and James Waite on keys soon joined the band and Blues Etc played straight blues with some funky numbers like Pawnshop Bound and Just a Little Bit thrown in. Then came the first surprise of the night – a showcase song by a new singer called Jane Young who sang Rather go Blind. Jane’s voice was an instant hit and I’m sure that more performances will follow. Then it was all change and The Ju-Ju Men hit the stage. Guitarist Pete K virtually tore his guitar apart with his playing on Wait on Time, sung by Hugh. The Ju-Ju Men rocked it up some more with Stupid Girl, sung by Rockin’ Roj, and Route 66 featuring Merv on drums and PP on bass. Hugh took to the vocals again for A Cold day in Hell, which was a spectacular performance of passion and angst both on the vocal and the harp. Then it was straight into Riding on the L & N – a speciality for blues harp players and Hugh did it every bit of justice in his playing.

Blues Etc along with James and Gavin returned to the stage to become the Blues Brothers band heralding the arrival of the amazing Terry Nash (from Stars in Their Eyes fame) who proceeded to give his all in the role of Jake Blues with Hugh donning the hat and shades as his brother Elwood. They started with Everybody, then Minnie the Moocher, Midnight Hour and Flip Flop Fly. The finale saw every performer back on stage for Hound Dog, Johnny B Good (featuring Chris Collins playing excellent lead guitar) and finishing with the classic Sweet Home Chicago during which Terry came off stage into the audience and made them form a circle into which he was pulling members of the audience to dance with him.

During the song Hugh gradually said goodbye to each musician until their was only himself and Chris left on stage for 8 bars together and then WHUMP! Finish! Memorable moments to finish a fantastic show – if you missed it this year make a date for 2007 now!

Visit www.mrkyps.net for more live gigs! For more info about Hugh, click on

Hugh's Blues and check out our live gigs page for his full gig listing

See our Gallery for photos - for gig bookings email hugh@dolfinmusic.com

The evening was chilly outside but warm inside with candles and low lighting around the blue-lit stage at Mr Kyps. James opened for the night showing us his accomplished pianist skills and melodic song writing talent with the song “She’s only in my head”. James is wonderful to see live! His voice is strong and smooth and the songs flow in gorgeous arrangements and melodies. Following this was “Every Candle”, “I will come to you” and “Loving Flame”.

His lyrical prowess is something to respect also with original ideas and strong messages about relationships and life. He sang some old favourites (The Clown) and one of the first songs he ever wrote on the piano, “Hand of Time.” He alternated between the guitar and piano with ease and it gave a nice variety to the performance.

His songs remind me of the song writing team that was famous in the ‘60’s although I can’t remember who they were! If you have a chance to see James live then please make it a date – you won’t be disappointed!

www.jamesharrison.org

www.myspace.com/jamesharrisonuk

Happy With You - James Harrison

The opening title track, "Happy with You" has a brilliant overdriving lead rock guitar running through it backed by simple drums, bass and acoustic guitar. The song reminds me faintly of the Everly Brothers, mainly due to the melodic harmonies and country style sound. The second song, one of my personal favourites, is "Loving Flame", an original title and lyric with a poignant perspective of a lover's acknowledgement of his inspiration. The track features James and his guitar only and seems all the better for it as this gives space for the lyric and the listeners' imagination.
Following this is "It's just a dream" - a slight hint of Chris de Burgh keyboards with a lullaby melody. The mood changes for "I need you" which has been produced with slightly overdriven guitars which give a raw sound feel, complemented by harmonies. One of the strongest songs on the album follows, with "Tell me Why" - a New York style piano shuffle and a mature sound reminding me of that supreme talent Billy Joel. "She's only in my Head" also has a nice piano intro; it is a ballad and has a clever lyric and good arrangement.

The whole album shows with out doubt James's talent for writing original, good commercial songs, in a variety of styles and rhythms. It is a mood album, taking you through highs and lows of personal relationships and subtle in its simplicity. It also inspires you to go and see him live. The album shows James potential as a songwriter and performer and that it may not be that long before he becomes a major artist.

Check out James on the web at http://www.jamesharrison.org and http://www.myspace.com/jamesharrisonuk

Jim Burgess hails from the North, in Leicester where he has been playing now for 11 years. Formerly with The Undergrade, Jim has now gone solo and "Get Back in ya Cadillac" is his first demo as himself.

The title track gets started with a rock-a-bye rhythm, simple melodic riffs on the guitar and raw, edgy vocals. The song is in a laid back country style but strong on syncopation and the lyric is good.

Jim's edgy style of vocal continues with the next song, "Cause I like you Girl" which is a more rock orientated sound full of the angst of rejection in love and about the ironic situations that often result in relationship struggles.

The third song, and my personal favourite, is "Ghost Rider" where Jim abandons the band and plays solo guitar with great talent, playing both the rhythm and lead with the guitar sounding banjo like at times. The song has a great beat and melody and again is strong on the lyric. The vocal style on this song is completely different from the other two, being strong but gentler in tone.

Jim is an adept songwriter and these songs are more than evidence of his talent both vocally and musically. The songs scan well and his musicianship is well honed. The production with the band is interesting on the first two songs and his talent for playing comes through on the last song as being something special that could work commercially with the right people behind him.

www.jimburgess.co.uk

Review

Mr Kyps played host to some of the finest blues musicians in the south on Thursday 29th December 2005 with the advent of the Big Blues Party organised by Hugh Budden -one of the south's premier harp players.

There was a good crowd and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, the evening kicking off with a tight set from Southampton based blues band Blues Etc. Chris Collins fronts the band with Elrad Mathews on drums, Darren Stevens on bass and Hugh on the harp. The groove started to flow right from the start with a little number called "Shake for me". Hugh picked up the vocals for "Pawnshop Bound" - a very funky William Clarke song which saw the introduction of Gavin Whitlock on baritone sax and James Waite on the keys.

The rock 'n' roll dance crew were out in force and showing us how it's done. There was a change of drummer with Reid Coltrane from Arecibo Blues House getting onto the kit for "Rock with Me" and then moving to lead vocals for "Before You Accuse Me", another change then saw the Ju-Ju Men take the stage.

Things really began to rock with Rockin' Roj on vocals and Pete K on lead guitar. Hugh gave us an excellent rendition of "Riding on the L&N" and we then boogied senseless to a groovy dance number called "Dirty Water".

Another appearance from Reid on the drums and vocals doing "Bullfrog Blues" and then we were introduced to the spectacular Terry Nash as Jake Blues with his sidekick Elwood! (Hugh) doing "Everybody Needs Somebody" and other Blues Bros numbers. By this point the dance floor was packed and Mr Kyps was really jumping with excitement. Hugh got everyone on stage for the finale (Sweet Home Chicago) with all the bands together.

Hugh was playing throughout the evening with all the bands and several costume changes! To gather all that talent together in one room for an evening was quite an achievement and the result was a superb evening of entertainment and fun - I would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys listening to live music and dancing - can't wait for next year!

Go to Hugh's Blues or the Gigs page for more information on where Hugh's music and where he is playing next.

The Crazy Serum - Kat Man Don't

This is an album you can relax to - definitely! Lie down somewhere comfortable and float away...

The album is a journey through atmospheric sounds and cultures. It falls in the realm of ambient chill out dance music - think Cafe Del Mar/Buddha Bar series influence by The Ozric Tenticles to get an idea.

My favourite tune is Raja than Life which has some brilliant sound effects and atmosphere. The first track on the album sets the mood, slowly building with keyboards and some nice delay guitar into a bluesy rhythm. Track 3 is the title track which changes tack a little into a folksy style whilst It's Up to You is a mellow hip hop beat.

The songs are quite long - the longest is 6.16 mins (Track 1: "Live a Little (Anyway)". The album transists from the mellow ambient tracks through bluesy moments to quite moody ("It's Up to You") and on from that the rave beat in "So Lonely".

The main feelings that come across are dreamy/funky/flowing and interesting!

e:mail Gary at email2gary@btinternet.com

Long Orange by Long Orange - Album Review by Dolfin Music

The album opens with a deep throbbing bass line of Hi Wire, a funky atmospheric number with a smooth subtle guitar arrangement peppered with trumpet samples - do you know a "whisky priest"?(!)

We move onwards with Soul Survivor, a pop/rock guitar number and then to Haunted, which has a wonderful opening guitar riff. This song slowly builds and has a thought provoking lyric, "my ship could run tighter" - oh yes!

The album is a varied mix of simple pop grooves and more intuitive melodies, such as "Heartsong" which stood out as one of the strongest songs on the album. The song opens with lovely acoustic picking coloured with jazzy chord progressions. The vocals are soft and gentle with folk like percussion.

"Astounded" has a melancholic acoustic guitar and mellow feel. Throughout the album, the strong vocals are revealed in the melodic riffs and production. The last track, "Just A Breath" is a strong finisher - a very sexy lounge funk styli with a fantastic instrumental.

Long Orange hail from the south of the UK and this is their debut album which took nearly three years to make. The band are now playing current and new material at live gigs in Bournemouth and surrounding areas and have developed a live act that demonstrates their talent and enthusiasm for making good music. At a recent gig in Poole, (at The Central), the audience were given a breathtaking performance of lead guitar playing ably supported by a strong back line - a must for any live performance! The album has a professional sound and production and is certainly a good listen - an exciting and polished debut.

www.longorange.com

Kira - Dream On: The CD

The album starts with a reggae styly number "Naked" which is boppy and sensitive. The album has a very acoustic feel, with guitars and percussion making the main sound. Kira does vocals, harmonies and plays acoustic guitar on the album. Her brazillian heritage shines through in the production with husky vocals and delicate guitar melodies. My favourite song was "Caveman".

The songs are personnal "notelets" describing Kira's journey, often describing intense relationship experiences. She is backed by a strong band producing both raw electric rhythms and a very acoustic feel. Kira somtimes performs at Bournemouth's Solid Air and the Shennanigens folk club on Sundays - keep checking our site for details.. The CD has 13 songs on it, is professionally produced and of good quality. To buy it go to www.kira-kira.co.uk

What makes something beautiful? The answer is quite succinctly put together throughout this album by eden.Strong, commercial melodies, tempered with deeply moving lyrics are worked into a definitive groove, giving a strangely upbeat fell to the melancholy stories etched out in the songs.

The album opens with the gorgeous main riff of the song “Beautiful” - the song speaks the emotions of the main character, giving a unique perspective on his journey through tortuous emotions inspired by what has to be love. “The fingerprints of sadness are dusted on your face, but I still think you’re beautiful” is just one of the many superb lyrics on the album.

Musically, eden produce a wonderfully balanced experience with carefully placed licks, riffs and rhythms giving the songs sparkle, bop and groove.Showing first-class musicianship, eden find their space with superb moments such as the bridge bass riff on “Black Day” and the philosophically tempered “A Temporary Thing”.

Toph’s guitar compliments Carl’s with delicate finger picking and melodic solos.The sheer frustration of the main character virtually floods from the stereo – this is no light-hearted pop fluff! Listen to learn, empathise and explore the avenues of the darker side to love we all fear and invite with anxious yearning.

The windows that open with each song bring into focus the agony and ecstasy, passion and intrigue caused by love affairs. The album has been produced with classic tenderness and harmony. A joy! Buy it!

The Chase @ Mr Smiths 21/11/03

The Chase, (formerly known as Solsits) are one of the most refreshing and original bands to come out of Bournemouth - ever! From Ringwood, Greg, (Vocals/guitar), Si, (keys/guitar), Hugh, (harmonica), Lee, (bass/backing vocals) and Gavin, (drums) are a tight unit, pushing out a range of supberb original indie-rock tunes.

The songs are vibrant and they play them with youthful passion. This band live their music and give it everything. The powerful melodies sweep over you and each song stands in its own right as testiment that the art of good songwriting is not dead. Greg, who writes most of the bands material himself, has developed a rich and varied reportoire, from thumping grunge ("Greatest Moment"/ "Time of your life") to the gentle tune of "Primrose".

Lyrically, the songs probe and expose darkest moments and insecurities but illustrate strength of heart in the same moment. Unfortunately, The Chase have now split due to personnal commitments. However, Greg is continuing to write up in London. Update: Greg's new band is called ChurchillBlack and can be reached at www.churchillblack.com