Category Archives: Live

Katy Alex, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

For those making their way to Studio 2 on Parr Street, dodging the fireworks, skilfully avoiding the booming tones of the November air and the threatening drizzle with the hopeful keen anticipation of Vanessa Murray’s E.P. launch, the thought of support would naturally cross their mind. For many the names Dominic Dunn and Shannen Bamford are as easily recognised and lauded as a good fish supper from The Lobster Pot or a night out down at The Cavern, for they have served their time in front of the audiences, yet for Katy Alex, sensuous, creative and poised, the name might not mean anything to many yet, but on the strength of this performance will no doubt be one to be considered with glowing terms.

Katy Alex, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool. full post

(352 words, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)

Vanessa Murray, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool.

Vanessa Murray, Studio2, Liverpool. November 2015. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

Time is such a precious commodity that to waste it, to allow the night to fall away into the arms of Morpheus without having seen something remarkable, something thrilling, something cool and loved without exception, could almost feel like a crime has taken place. To allow the night to just wander into obscurity, to fade away without falling in love, artistically or humanly seems a sad state of affairs to be in and in the words of the eternal prophet, something must be done; for it’s About Time.

Vanessa Murray, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool. full post

(477 words, 1 image, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)

Shannen Bamford, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool.

Shannen Bamford at Studio 2, Liverpool. November 2015. Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Shannen Bamford is nobody’s fool and the sweet reflections of life she offers wherever there is a microphone with the right properties to care for her haunting and sensual voice should be heeded with big smiles of enjoyment and truth of life thrust into any day.

Shannen Bamford, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool. full post

(430 words, 1 image, estimated 1:43 mins reading time)

Dominic Dunn, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The solution that eludes some people is normally the one that sits patiently infront of them and stirs their passions without them realising. For many of a certain generation, those coming up behind them, those that should be entrusted with the flag, they see nothing new, nothing to get excited about, for in their minds they will only ever believe that their generation has the right to argue for a specific golden era to be heard, that anything that comes from the mouths of the young is either filled with X Factor wannabe celebratory or teenage angst that cannot be fathomed.

Dominic Dunn, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool. full post

(439 words, estimated 1:45 mins reading time)

The Proclaimers, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

The Proclaimers, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. October 2015. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9.5/10

There was an expectant hush that gathered momentum as the wave of the Philharmonic Hall’s house lights were slowly turned down to a point where sunshine could not have penetrated even the deepest unforgiving shadow. Yet through the gathered together dark, the heart beats of eager musical premonition lit up and took notice, the strength of such force welling up and the tangible, almost pregnant explosion of what was to come almost feeling as if this was not a concert given by maestros of the popular music scene but of Gods walking on stage; such was the clamour to be audibly heard in the whispered voices of the venue’s audience.

The Proclaimers, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. full post

(488 words, 1 image, estimated 1:57 mins reading time)

Pete Williams, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Pete Williams at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. October 2015. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Nerves are something you wouldn’t associate with Pete Williams, however genuine affection for a crowd’s enjoyment is something that comes across in waves, not just as a solo performer, or part as a band. Whether it is his own fused cocktail or the ever impressive Dexys but afterwards, where to many it matters just as much, away from the stage, in the even harsher glare of the spotlight when people can corner you and shake your hand and get a thousand questions in; the smile remains open, it flourishes with greeting and makes what has been on stage even more impressive.

Pete Williams, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. full post

(475 words, 1 image, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)

Bella Hardy, Gig Review. The Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

The laughter inside the Philharmonic Hall would have been bordering on the intense as Bill Bailey regaled his fans for the second night running, yet tucked away but as bold as anything inside the newly opened Music Room of the hallowed Philharmonic Hall, a different type of evening was taking place, one that flowed with a touch of the regal, the harmonious fusing of haunting vocals and instruments and all times the serenity of the Folk machine. With Bella Hardy in Liverpool for one night only there really was no comparison to be made; the sweet lingering voice of Ms. Hardy was always going to be the most captivating event to be fortunate to witness.

Bella Hardy, Gig Review. The Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. full post

(484 words, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

Steve Hackett, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. (2015).

Steve Hackett at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. October 2015. Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9.5/10

The sound of the call to Prayers, the resonance afforded by the subtle backdrop of the mysticism of a far off land and strangely enticing colourful culture fills the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool to the point where is such things were possible, you would swear that the smells and sounds of the welcoming East were about to land in the middle of the stage where graduates have smiled and guitars have been played and would dominate the night.

Steve Hackett, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. (2015). full post

(634 words, 1 image, estimated 2:32 mins reading time)

Darline, Gig Review. 02 Academy, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The rigours of the day, the small, petty and the otherwise inconsequential can mount up to the point where the meaning of life is clouded, it becomes fogged up with bruising and baffling irritation that it can offend the very sensibility of music and it can something very unexpected to soothe the day over; something that might have been missed.

Darline, Gig Review. 02 Academy, Liverpool. full post

(437 words, estimated 1:45 mins reading time)

The Christians, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. (2015).

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

The last night of the tour is always a reason to celebrate. For the fans it can be a vindication that their band, in some cases their whole reason for being, has proved yet again just how important their music is and that the country shares their love for certain songs. For the band, for the artists, it’s a chance to breathe for a while before the circus starts again, to perhaps sample a semblance of normal life once more with family and friends, and a glass of champagne supplied by the support never goes a miss.

The Christians, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. (2015). full post

(455 words, estimated 1:49 mins reading time)