Nu Roots to Bridgwater

Eleanor McEvoy
& The Tim Edey Band
Bar 27
Bridgwater
10 February

A Sunday lunchtime date with Eleanor McEvoy. prior to her forthcoming Australian tour.
A very light a spacious bar, with plenty of tables, easy chairs and stools, greeted us when we arrived. These were quickly filled as other music lovers came in willing to forgo their Sunday roast. in exchange for Sarnie's' and a pint or two, And good Folk and roots music. The Show promoted locally by Midnight Mango is part of Nu-Routes.
A network of folk music promoters dedicated to bring together outstanding musicians.

We were warmed up gently for the first 40 minutes, with some superb flamenco guitar work by Terence Vaughn. Very relaxing for a Sunday afternoon.



After a short break, the 4 musicians were invited on stage. Eleanor took centre stage and after the customary "How you all doing"
They opened up with the Tim Edey composition 'Radio 2 comes to Kerry' A lively opening number to introduce us to the themselves & their instruments.

Fiddle, Harmonica, Guitar & Cajon Drum.

We then had the infamous reel, ( the on in 'E') Wrong So Wrong, and
a lovely piece, called Loraine's Dream. Which had everybody moved.
Before Eleanor left the stage.

We were taken on a world tour courtesy of 'The Odyssey' taken from the excellent album 'Farrago'

Brendan Power, then took centre stage giving us a couple of bluesy numbers. One dedicated to Eleanor. Saying It's not only women who have hearts. Two more reels then from Tim Edey on accordion and Lucy Randall on Bodhran. before Brendan joined for last one before another interval.

'Real Blues Reel'



After a short break. Eleanor returned on her own to give us 'I'll be Willing' and 'Ave Maria'

And then re; reference A "plastic soup" of waste floating in the Pacific Ocean is growing at an alarming rate and now covers an area twice the size of the continental United States.



We were treated to a brilliant cover (with an extra verse penned by Eleanor) of Barry McGuire's

'The Eve of Destruction'



Tim, Lucy, & Brendan then rejoined to perform 'To Sweep Away A Fool' and a new one, from the next and 7th Album. 'Old New Borrowed and Blue' wittily penned by the brilliant Dave Rotheray.
Finishing off with Dylan's 'I'll be your baby tonight'

And for the encore after excellent reception. from an enthusiastic and knowledgeable audience. They then pulled out the stops with
'Trad 'N' Blues'



A couple of friends said to me after the Brewhouse gig last May. How they would of preferred her with a band. Well folks this was it.
Four brilliant musicians in their own right. (we had touches of magic from them all individually) came together. And it married perfectly.



What a way to spend your Sunday afternoon. (I'm usually watching the football) The Promotion of this event, & future presentations, tell me that I'll be spending more time at Bar 27. and finding -
Nu routes to Bridgwater.


The Musicians

Eleanor McEvoy - Vocals, Fiddle & Electric Guitar
Tim Edey - Acoustic/Bass Guitar & Accordion
Brendan Power - Vocals, & Harmonica
Lucy Randall - Bodhran, Cajon, & Tambourine

Links to this post;

Eleanor McEvoy
Eleanor on MySpace
Tim Edey
Midnight Mango

Dancing Tony comes to Somerset

The Monaros
The Wunder Bar
Midsomer Norton
9 February

Oh woe is me. Our friend (Pete) and main source of transport, is taken ill. So our (Jon & myself) Saturday evening's entertainment began at 15:30. A train to Bath. (Stopping off for a pint and a bite) continuing by bus to the North Somerset town of Midsomer Norton.



The object of this expedition, was the debut 'Live' gig of a Bristol/Taunton based band, from the same family. 'The Monaros'.

Four middle-aged wannabe popstars. Spawned from the much lamented Judges Children, Lazenby, & The Mighty Stars. They have now teamed up with their younger sister, (aka Paula Aaronson) to create their own brand of easy listening Pop-Rock indie tunes.

The Wunder Bar is a small basement venue. Dedicated to bring live music to the folks of rural Somerset. In attendance tonight were Simon & Anna from 'Fabric'. With 'the family' not playing till late, it was great to catch up with all their news. They are very rarely on the punters side of the stage.


By the time the band came on (10:15) the place was comfortably packed. A few drunken guys from the Midsomer Norton Polish gay scene tried to spoil it. but they soon calmed down When Aero Monaro started to sing.

The 4 brothers all looked dapper in sharp suits. And, Aero looked simply stunning in her ball gown.

Aero & Little Nicky at The Wunder Bar

The set consisted of 12 songs with one reprised at the end for an encore. All bar one number coming from 'Little Nicky's' rich and bulging song book. Superb lyrics (some surreal) based on his life & loves. together with wonderful catchy tunes. The one song they did as a cover was 'Heart of Glass' very apt. As their repertoire and look was akin to the Blondie of old.
You could say on Parallel Lines.

They were well received by an enthusiastic crowd. Plus they were welcomed back, which is always a good sign for a band, especially one their first outing. As Timmy Monaro said to me, afterwards.

"That was a tight set" Crisp and easy to listen to.

And if I did say they were middle aged, then I apologise. The vibe from this band would put a lot of younger wannabes to shame.

Go and see them soon.


They're playing next in Bristol, at The Louisiana on the 26 Feb. and,

Mr Wolf's on the 29th.





The Monaros are.....
Aero Monaro - Vocals
Little Nicky Monaro - Guitar
Bobby "the fish" Monaro - Keyboards
Timmy Monaro - Drums & backing vocals
Tony Monaro - Bass

The Set List.
Mia Keep Moving
20,000 Leagues
Hot Love
Ultramarine
Cowboy
Heart Of Glass
Here's One For Later
Birthday
Velcro
Dancing Tony
All That Matters
In The Space
Cowboy (reprise)

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The Wunder Bar

The Louisiana

Mr Wolfs

Fabric