Happy Christmas

I would like wish all my readers a very merry Christmas.

Especially Cheeks'n'Paste for the laughs,

Parry:Matthews for the music,

E~Marie for the Glamour,
and to

Graham for his friendship and the use of his Shed.

And A Happy New Year To One And All!

Wrong Song Right Tune. A My Space Bash

The My Space Christmas Bash,
The Invention Studios,
Bath,
2nd December 2006

Having enrolled in MySpace earlier this year. One of the first things to do obviously, is to get some 'friends.' Scrolling through the music section of the site, I came across the Band Parry:Matthews. Their music sounded great, and I loved the profile and their witty, tongue in cheek influences. When the chance came to see them 'Live' at a MySpace Christmas Bash in Bath, I could not refuse.
So, along with friends Pete and Tracey, we headed up the M5 for the evening's event.

We Found The Invention Studios, possibly a converted church tucked away in a small back street after fighting our way through the late night shoppers and tourist. Thankfully just 20 yards from tonight's entertainment was the conveniently situated Lamb and Lion Pub. And after a repast of a few beers and nosh, we made our way across.

We walked into a small foyer with the Main Hall just to our left. Though to get to the acoustic room, it was downstairs two right turns and a left. and at the end of a corridor. Appearing tonight were 14 artiste, all who are on MySpace,all showcasing their talent.

We couldn't see every turn obviously, but, like most people there,
we still were up and down like Yo-Yo's through out the night.

Starting in the acoustic room was guitarist for Parry:Matthews, Rob Phillips. just a three/four of gentle numbers with Anna Parry putting vocals to one. I unfortunately missed Dizzie Drummers set, though she was acting tirelessly as MC and adding percussion to any artist who needed it. Tessa Bickers set was a Little bit of a let down, pity, an accomplished singer/songwriter with a soft voice was drowned out by the pumping beat from the stage upstairs.

The best of the acoustic set was 'The Little Girl Blues' with Leanne on Guitar and vocals and Trisha on Cello. First impressions you'd think Leanne fronts a rock band, but she has a great voice and written some excellent tunes. The wonderful haunting 'Laugh When it Rains'

is an absolute joy.

So Moving upstairs Matt Prosac aka the 'Cabaret Rat' gets first mention. His lyrics are coarse disgusting say what you will. but that aside this man did three 15 minute sets on his own and commanded the stage. Powerful, rude, a little bit comical, but I absolutely loved it. I met him afterwards he's a real diamond, and certainly well worth seeing live.

Now the stars of the evening where the band that made us come

to Bath in the first place. Parry:Matthews. You always wonder when you've heard a band's recording, whether they can match up to it live . Well the answer with this band is a resounding YES.
In a sadly curtailed set, due to a previous act over running. They had us spellbound. Anna Parry's voice hits you in a similar way Stevie Nicks does.

Simon Matthews is all energy on lead guitar and the supporting cast of Rob Phillipson Guitar Erica Crawford, backing vocals. Not forgetting Tom Hammond and Neil Swift.
'Do Ya Love Me?' is so hypnotic, you can not help but move to it.
'Let it hurt' another powerful song. I read a review recently where the reviewer said their daughter cried after being played it.

I can well believe it. It's a beautiful track.
Then their set was over, way far too short.

'Wrong Song' didn't get played, but the music is all right.
But THANK YOU guys for putting this night together

And we still we had time to pop downstairs to see a very attractive, although looking a tiny bit nervous Hollie James, and then back upstairs for 'The Heys' to play out the night.
An excellent night. Super music and to finally realise that the icon's on my profile ARE actually real people. MySpace really does create friends. Some of whom, I'm looking forward to seeing again.

Other Links for your Listening Pleasure

The Heys

Red Light Go

Tessa Bickers

Hollie James