Originally published by the Birmingham Mail. March 2009.
Every time Hugh Cornwell plays a gig, he seems to defy age and convention with a host of great songs, either from his days as the frontman of The Stranglers or his equally long solo career.
The first part of the set was taken up with Cornwell playing his brilliant new album Hooverdam in its entirety, which included the opener Wrong Side of the Tracks and Going to the City before going into some truly memorable songs.
Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. February 28th 2009
Once in a while you are treated to a genuine star of the British music scene who takes your breath away.
Paul Carrack opened up a crammed and diverse set with Just A Little Lie and Stay Awake, the latter from his new album I Know That Name. Paul then went onto showcase the new album by playing some of the songs that appear on it, including It Ain’t Easy (To Love Somebody) and the brilliant song written for The Eagles on their last album I Don’t Want To Hear Anymore.
Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Originally published By The Birmingham Mail. February 2009.
Go West kicked off a strong night of soulful rock with their smash hit Don’t Look Down before powering through fan selected songs, including Black and Gold and the beautiful Goodbye Girl, during the first of two sets.
Despite being over 20 years older since Go West burst onto the scene, singer Peter Cox still has one of the greatest voices in music, If anything, his strong and subtle vocals are even better now.
Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. February 2009.
China Crisis stood out in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s for their intelligent songs and almost whimsical lyrics which kept them in the hearts of their dedicated fans.
The duo, Eddie Lunden and Gary Daly, are two of the nicest people in pop, very laid back and happy to play to an appreciative audience.
They opened a very good set with The Soul Awakening and the ironic Best Kept Secret when Gary Daly teased the crowd by politely ordering a glass of Chardonnay to sip during the show.
John Mitchell at the Robin 2 in Bilston. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. October 2008.
With a brand new studio album, the first in 19 years, due out later this month, It Bites answered the critics over whether they are still a relevant force in rock music with a resounding yes.
By playing virtually all their new album, The Tall Ships, you could almost see the reinvention taking place before your eyes as John Mitchell’s superb guitar work fitted in perfectly with keyboard player John Beck, drummer Bob Dalton and session bassist Lee Pomeroy.
There could have been no better act to be a part of the Robin’s tenth year anniversary celebrations than local rock icons, Magnum. Coming off the back of a long tour might have daunted some bands but Bob Catley, Tony Clarkin, Mark Stanway, Al Barrow and drummer Harry James took to the stage with consummate ease.
Opening with Back to Earth and the storming When We Were Younger from the last studio album Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow, Magnum had all guns blazing and delivered a set list that was strong on performance and high on audience participation.
Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. September 2008.
The acclaimed Robin 2 venue began its week of 10th anniversary shows with an impressive performance by Alannah Myles.
Opening with Comment Ca Va? From the new album Black Velvet and old favourite Love Is, it was plain to see she was suffering from flu and the after-effects of a major whiplash injury in a car accident. However, she battled through the pain to give a first rate performance to an appreciative audience.
Whilst only being two albums into their career, Breathing Space are being seen by some as natural successors to the Kings of Prog title that gets bandied about so often.
Much credit for this must go to the sublime vocals of Olivia Spearman, whose range and strength belies the years of only being credited as a backing singer and the single mindedness and creativity of ex-Mostly Autumn keyboard player Iain Jennings.
Opening the night with the title song of their last album Coming Up For Air and The Senses, Breathing Space treated the audience to a night of fine musicianship and superb vocals, which was very much in evidence in the songs Time Tells All The Unknown and the beautiful Rain Song.
Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. August 2008.
For someone who has worked with some of the great guitarists of the last 30 years, Andy Fairweather Low is not too proud to go back to his roots and play music for the sheer joy.
With his love of blues and a wonderful back catalogue to choose from, the former Amen Corner frontman managed to keep a dedicated audience hanging on his every word throughout this two-set gig.
After opening with Champagne Melody and the upbeat Zazzy, Andy charmed the crowd with songs from his Best Of album and a few surprises, including a terrific version of The Beatles’ Rocky Raccoon.
Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. August 2008.
During the last few years, there has been an abundance of 70’s and 80’s bands making comebacks but one act resisting the clamour to reform was the Boomtown Rats – until now.
With no chance of Bob Geldolf rejoining, it has been left to original members Simon Crowe back to doing what he does best on drums and Garry Roberts on guitar, they were joined by Peter Barton on vocals and the impressive Darren Beale on guitar.