The Iguana's are back in their Pen

Louis and the Iguanas
The Pen & Quill,
Taunton,
14 October.


It was good to see the Bar packed prior to the Set. In attendance tonight. To see Taunton's premier 'Covers Band' were, The usual posse, The Wolfette's, Steve Knight, Danny Corrick, and Caroline, Glen, The family Garbutt, plus myself, and many others.

The background music stopped the lights were dimmed, lead singer Russ growls into the Mike. The usual refrain. " There is no Louis. There are no Iguanas. WE ARE Louis and the Iguanas"

Then, with the familiar opening chords it was straight into Van Morrison's "Moon Dance" This super catchy number got many people on to the dance floor instantly. Next up, I would like to say seamlessly, but I'd be lying. Was the equally familiar Bass riff that welcomes in " Turn on Tune in Cop out" by Freak Power. Harry Proctor on Sax, and Neil 'JJ' Woods on percussion are really on song tonight, and it is belted out, wonderfully.

Regular Louis followers did, however, notice a change in the line-up tonight. Too which Russ notified us prior to the next number. New, and also on Sax. Mr Chris Brown.

Chris is replacing Neil who is quitting the band later this month. I talked to 'JJ' after the gig. He doesn't think so, but I think he's going to be missed. Also tonight, as Russ pointed out they were a singer short tonight Mr Joe O'Sullivan is still recovering from an operation. Get well soon Joe, Louis needs you. And as Russ eloquently said, when introducing the next number.
"What is Life".

And so the set continued an excellent fusion of sound. A mixture of Ska, Reggae and 70's Pop.

The second set opens with a stunning cover. A Fleetwood Mac song, although better known as a hit for Santana, "Black Magic Woman." Julian Saxby, the Sandi Shaw of the band, (bare feet) shows with his Guitar solo in this number, the quality of musicianship within the local band circuit.

More sounds came blasting at us. Music from the pen's of Junior Kelly, Eddie Cochrane, Frederick 'Toots' Hibbert, & Stevie Wonder. Their closing number is a real hoot, Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London"
With a Madness classic as an encore.

True, the sound was a little fuzzy at times. (possibly the PA set-up or the atmospherics of venue) It wasn't really noticed, and no one would of minded anyway. It was Saturday night and everybody was dancing.
It could be said that some of the band may look like aging Hippies, but they sure know how to pull in a crowd.

This band bill themselves as "Cold Blooded Groovers." But I can truthfully state, we were all Hot Blooded by the end of the night, and maybe just a little bit sweaty. A crackin' night.


The Band:
Russ Needham - Vocals,
Harry Proctor, and Chris Brown - Saxophones,
Neil "JJ" Woods - Trumpet & Percussion,
Julian Saxby - Guitar,
Andrew "Greta" Garbutt - Bass Guitar,
Rocking Robbie Howlett - Keyboard,
Colin Mansfield - Drums,
& apologies for absence - Joe O'Sullivan.


The Set:

Moondance
Turn on Tune in Cop out
What is Life
Johnny B Goode
New Bell
Low Rider
Mustang Sally
I Feel Good
Last Night
Smooth.

Black Magic Woman
54 46 (what's my number)
Rudi, A Message to You
Receive
Reggae to the Rescue
Pick up the Pieces
Somethin' Else
20 Flight Rock
Play That Funky Music
Superstition
Werewolves of London

One Step Beyond
Wooly Bully

And if you would like to have "Your Socks Rocked Off!"
Head for The Anchor Inn, Hillfarrance, Nr Taunton.
on Saturday 28th October

If you would like to book these Cold Blooded Groovers,
Please contact Glen.

Out There, One Night In October

Eleanor McEvoy,

The Little Civic,

Wolverhampton.

12 October 2006

Having arrived early in Wolverhampton. I checked into my so called Hotel. Why I always seem to choose grotty dives to stay, I don't suffer so well. It was, however, central and within easy reach of the Railway and The Little Civic. Which I found easily.

And where tonight I will be willing to see Eleanor McEvoy.

Days have rolled by, One year since I saw this Irish song'stress, and with her new album just released ( see Review) Call it biochemistry, but I knew I had to be there.

I made my way to the venue an hour prior to the time stated on my ticket of 7.30. I stepped inside to a very sparse bar/ booking hall. but when I made my way upstairs to where Eleanor was finishing her sound check, I walked in to a room that had the feel of a well used music venue. Stage at the front, with tables and chairs in close proximity. A dimly lit chandelier overhead and small bar at the back. But what gave this venue it's feel was all the posters of bands past and present, bringing back memories in some, and who? in others.

Inside I met fellow followers Martin and Sue, who I knew from previous Gigs, along with Clare, who recognised me from another. Prior to the start and we positioned ourselves at the front.

As I have read in a previous review of this tour. All her instruments were placed in various parts of the stage. Eleanor bounded on to it at 8.50 picked up her Acoustic Guitar, and after a blast of feedback, and, a request for the background music to be switched off,

( at least we could tell it was live) The Evening commenced.

After her second number. "It's Mine", one I hadn't heard live in a while, Eleanor stopped and said "I must show you this" and she produced a gift bag from behind her on stage.

It was a present from Martin and Sue.

They had been to every gig on this tour and had given her this gift containing Items contained in her lyrics. First out of the bag was a bottle of Beaujolais Wine, mentioned in the last song, then a bottle of Jameson's, and a bottle of Champagne. together with some bread and tea. Eleanor gave references to each item as the evening progressed.

And progress it did with her moving seamlessly from number to number, instrument to instrument. There was one moment when she had to pause to re-tune. She said we were so kind, to which one wag shouted, "Get on with it" which brought a smile to everyone there.

One thing this lass doesn't do is stop. Even during the break she was selling her albums at the back. Signing, and chatting to us all. which wasn't difficult as there were only 30-35 people here, (poor promoting) but it had a wonderful intimacy about it.

Just a shame the record company wouldn't let her sell the new album, but there was plenty from the back catalogue, and a lots were sold.

The evening, like most of her sets, is over too soon, finishing tonight with a Bob Dylan song. No Encore tonight...shame. But It was one of my most enjoyable in her company. Her versatility on so many different instruments, the lyrics and the stories. So quote unquote.

I Hope it ' isn't too late' before I see her again.

I can only apologise for the blatant use of song titles in the making

of this review. Oh and one last thing.

If ever you're needing accommodation in the Wolverhampton area, Don't stay at the Fox Hotel.

That was the only negative thing during my stay.

The Little Civic Set List.

PART ONE

Acoustic Guitar

1. I’ll Be Willing
2. It's Mine
3. Non Smoking Single Female
4. Quote I Love You Unquote
5. Memphis Tennessee

Bass Guitar

6. Little Look

Electric Guitar

7. Mercy Mercy Me
8. My Own Sweet Bed Tonight
9. Territory Of Poets
10. The Way You Wear Your Troubles

PART TWO

Acoustic Guitar

11. Fields Of Dublin 4
12. Did You Tell Him
13. Biochemistry


A cappella

14. Stray Thoughts

Mandolin

15. Suffer So Well

Fiddle

16. Driving Home From Butlers
17 Paddy Cathy's Reel
18 Wrong So Wrong

Acoustic Guitar

19 Isn’t It A Little Late
20 Only A Woman’s Heart
21 I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight

Chester 5 October Review By Graham Ashmore

Eleanor on MySpace

The Night Crewkerne Went Still

The Reg Meuross Band,
Crewkerne,
6th October
2006

Reg Meuross bought his brand of gentle Country numbers home last night at the official launch of his new album "Still",

(although available since July)

The venue, in Reg's home town, was the grand sounding venue of

The Victoria Hall in Crewkerne's Town Hall.

Grand it may of sounded. Small it was. The upstairs venue, looking just like one of the village halls he has been visiting over the past year but with a high curved ceiling. It was a sell out. At least 200 of us there. After the usual house rules, Reg was invited on stage.

Warm applause, and brief "Hello nice to be here", before starting off with a couple of solo acoustic numbers. The first tune was a new one to me "Dragonfly." I believe it is a cover of one of the fellow artist.

Miranda Sykes, Roy Dodds and Howard Hughes (not the recluse, the one who used to play with Ron Sexsmith) then joined for the next three numbers. Those there expecting John 'Rabbit' Bundrick tonight were not surprised to find he was still in America playing with Messer's Townsend & Daltry.

Reg. Clearly enjoying his night, playing with friends, then invited

Phil Beer (Show of Hands) and Jackie Oates ( Rachel Unthank and

The Winterset) on stage for a rousing version of "And They Danced"
The first set concluded with the bonus track from Still,

"Is it me or Elvis" which did encourage some audience participation. Ending the set with the jolly lilt of "Man in the Moon".

I could be a bit critical now. Reg was having a ball. We in the audience were appreciative. But you wouldn't know it. When they played "And They Danced", I wanted to, but it is hard to do so

when 90% of the audience sit arms folded and just clap at the end.

After a longish break (CD buying, Fag smoking and Raffle)

Reg and Phil sneaked back on stage Sitting down, for a couple of soft tunes, with Guitar and Fiddle. Phil is a versatile musician and although he's only heard these tunes a couple of times, and not his usual style. He played with a great feel and enthusiasm .
Jackie then joining them for a lovely rendition of "Jealous"
Jackie Oates doing Country there's first.

When the rest of the ensemble re entered the stage they were joined by Vashti a singer/songwriter in her own right, who was lauded by Reg. Difficult to make my mind up here. It could of been where I was sat. Miranda's backing vocals are so strong and clear.

(You could say Bliss, but that's just shameless promoting)

But I couldn't make out Vashti's voice. Which is a shame, because after visiting her Myspace site, I found out, the lass can sing.

My favourite number of the night was, to my ears. "My Nirvana."
And I want to be the first to say this,

"Reg Rocks."

The Evening finished with probably Reg's best known song

"The Goodbye Hat" and two encore numbers, that could of in my eyes, been a little bit more stronger. I know this is selfish of me, but I feel the set list could of done with a bit of re jigging.

All in all though. I thoroughly enjoyed the night. The hall with it's high curved ceiling lent itself to excellent acoustics. And Reg who does get many talented musicians to play with him, performed to their usual high standard. It was lovely afterwards talking Phil. Show of Hands used to play in my local. (before they were famous) Jackie, who I know quite well from The Winterset. And Reg, my MySpace friend.

I also met fans of his there, who had travelled from far and wide for the concert. He's getting quite a following.

Reg Meuross lyrics always do tell a Short Story. Still.

1st Set
Dragonfly
Good with his Hands
You Left me Crying
Edward Hoppers Bar
Down To The River
And They Danced
Something New
Me Or Elvis
Man In The Moon

2nd Set
The Poacher
Jelous
Days Like These
I'll Come Back
Don't Give Up
All I Want
Worry No More
My Nirvana
You Face
Goodbye Hat

Encore
Backdoor Man
Back Home To Me

The Band & Links

Reg Meuross, Guitar

Miranda Sykes, Double Bass & Harmonies

Roy Dodds, Drums

Howard Hughes, Keyboard,

Phil Beer, Fiddle, Guitar & Mandolin

Jackie Oates, Fiddle

Vashti, Harmonies

The Whole Wide World

Tim Symes