Monthly Archives: June 2008

Katie Melua live @ at Powderham Castle

The Big Stage, ,

katieIn the summer of 2003, aged just 18 and still studying at the Brit School of Performing Arts in leafy Surrey, no-one, least of all Katie, would have predicted what the next few years would hold for the teenager. 4 years later, Katie has sold more than 7.5 million albums becoming, in 2006, the year’s best selling British female in the world along the way.

Georgian born Katie relocated from Tbilisi to Belfast at the age of 8 due to her father’s profession as a heart surgeon and 5 years later moved to South East London. After her GCSEs Katie joined the Brit School for Performing Arts where she undertook a BTEC and Music A-level and discovered different styles of music including Queen, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Irish folk music and Indian music. On hearing an Eva Cassidy song Katie was blown away and when she discovered that Eva was no longer alive wrote the song ‘Faraway Voice’ as a tribute to her. It was this song that attracted the attention of the composer and producer Mike Batt. Katie signed to Batt’s record label Dramatico but stayed at the Brit School to complete her studies – she graduated with distinction in July 2003.

During the summer of 2003 her debut single, ‘The Closest Thing To Crazy’, attracted the attention of British station BBC Radio 2 and upon its release entered the charts at number 10. Released in November, Katie’s debut album ‘Call Off The Search’ hit the UK number 1 spot in January 2004 and has subsequently scored top 10 positions throughout Europe. The album has since been certified gold in Holland, Hong Kong and Switzerland, platinum in Denmark, New Zealand and Australia, 2 x platinum in Germany, Ireland, Norway and South Africa and received the IFPI Double Platinum Award for 2 million European Sales. In March 2005 ‘Call Off The Search’ hit the number 1 spot in Denmark, a year after its initial release and became a top five album in Japan.  Katie was awarded Best International Newcomer at Germany’s ECHO Awards in April 2005. In Britain, Katie was the highest selling female artist in 2004 – ‘Call Off The Search’ has now sold 1.8 million copies and is 6 x platinum (in Britain alone) and worldwide sales exceed 3.5 million.

Katie joined the line up for the Band Aid 20 single to record a new version of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’. As an ambassador for Save The Children this was particularly poignant for Katie. In March 2005 Katie was invited by Nelson Mandela to perform at his 46664 concert in aid of Mandela’s AIDS foundation. In addition to performing a full live set, Katie joined Queen on stage to perform a moving version of ‘Too Much Love Will Kill You’. Katie flew from South Africa to Sri Lanka where she experienced the work that is being done by Save The Children, particularly with child soldiers.

In August 2005 Katie and her family swore allegiance to The Queen and became British Citizens following a ceremony in Surrey, England. Katie was asked to perform at the Royal Wedding of Prince Pieter-Christiaan in Holland and at the Norwegian Royal Gala Concert in the presence of the Crown Prince Of Norway. Continuing the royal theme, the American TV show ‘Good Morning America’ broadcast live from Buckingham Palace and Katie was invited by the show to perform ‘Nine Million Bicycles’ and ‘The Closest Thing To Crazy’. Katie performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Norway.

In between her overseas travel Katie recorded her new album, ‘Piece By Piece’, which was released in Europe on September 26th 2005. The album comprises more self-penned songs including the title track as well as a cover of the 1987 Cure hit ‘Just Like Heaven’ that Katie recorded for a new DreamWorks film starring Reese Witherspoon. The first single, ‘Nine Million Bicycles’, preceded the album release and gave Katie her highest UK single chart entry at number 5. 1 week later and Katie entered the UK album charts at number 1 and Europe swiftly followed with the album reaching #1 in Norway, Denmark and Holland, #2 in Ireland, #2 in Iceland, #3 in South Africa, #4 in Poland and #2 in Germany giving an overall chart position of #2 on the Billboard European Top 100 Chart.

Katie was nominated for two Brit Awards in the “Best Female” and “Pop” categories, for the “Best International Female” at the Edison Awards in Holland and was awarded “Best International Female (Rock & Pop)” at the Echo Awards in Germany. Once again Katie was pronounced the highest selling female artist in Britain in 2005 selling more than 1 million albums.

It is fair to say that 2006 was yet another extraordinary year for 22 year old Katie. In addition to the awards nominations, Katie had a Dutch tulip named in her honour, toured America coast to coast, raced at 160mph round Grand Prix circuit Silverstone, flew a plane, launched Save The Children’s ‘Rewrite The Future’ campaign, made the headlines with a Guinness World Record for the deepest concert when she performed 303 meters beneath the North Sea in the leg of a gas rig and was awarded the World Music Award for Britain’s Biggest Selling Female. Whilst in 2004 and 2005 Katie was the greatest selling female artist in Britain, in 2006 Katie was the highest selling European female artist in the world selling more than 3 million copies of her second album ‘Piece By Piece’.

Awarded the Golden Camera Award for International Pop Artist at the start of 2007 Katie was presented with the Echo Award for International Female Artist in March 2007.

October 2007 saw the release of Katie’s third album ‘Pictures’ – a record that delighted her legions of fans,  confirmed Katie’s status as a unique and remarkable vocalist and revealed the third chapter in what is destined to be a long musical career.

Katie will play at  ‘Summer Nights’ at Powderham Castle on the  27th July 2008

For information & Bookings tel: 0871 424 4444

Newton Faulkner Live in Exeter

The Big Stage,

newton2After the multi platinum album ‘Hand Built by Robots’ Newton Faulkner takes to the road.  Tonight at Exeter is the opening night of his UK Tour.  Tonight was a complete sell out and if you were lucky enough to get a ticket you would have seen first hand why this guy is the next biggest thing is British music.

The Great Hall is situated on Exeter University Campus under the shadow of the Northcott Theatre,  it is one of these wonderful venues where regardless of how full it is it is almost impossible to get a bad view.

The stage set in itself was very basic with a lot of focus on atmospheric lighting, which personally I do like a lot as all the emphasis was on the music.  The support for tonight show came from Angus and Julia Stone a wonderfully talented brother and sister, which was the perfect opening act.  There music has very strong folk routes typically two acoustic guitarist with Julia playing blistering solos on the trumpet and harmonica.  Very earthy and their vocals together was very reminiscent of Ricky Ross & Loraine Macintosh of Deacon Blue.  The harmonies were haunting and their brief set elevated nicely.  At the bottom of this review there is the link for their myspace site.

Newton Faulkner took to the stage to an absolute thunderous reception, armed with just his acoustic guitar.  He started the show with a brief instrumental which was the opening track of the album.  Right from the offset Newton was using his acoustic guitar for percussion which was met by a rapturous applause.  It was amazing to watch a solo singer captivate an audience, mesmerised and hypnotic, something I have only witnessed when I saw Bob Dylan, yet the strength of the songs and how cleverly thought out the concert was equally jaw dropping as it was inspiring.  You could hear murmurs of people stood next to you just saying ‘how the hell does he do that’.  Most of the songs the crowd were singing them word for word, which for a relatively new artist speaks volumes of just how big this gentleman is going to be.  The new album was played in its entirety and 80% acoustically.  ‘I Need Something’ & ‘ Dream Catch Me’ were some of the highlights along with ‘Teardrop’ which is a cult classic from the masters of trip hop Massive Attack.  Occasionally he would bring on a bass player and a drummer just to lift some songs.

Along with captivating the audience, Newton injected a lot of humour, not so much jokes just satires and irony about life, music and what inspired him to do what he does so well.  He played a funny rendition of ‘no-limits’ which was by Dutch techno outfit 2-unlimited along with the Dead or Alive classis ‘You Spin me Round’.  One of the most loveable things about Newton Faulkner is that he is not just another casualty of Brit pop and he doesn’t take himself too seriously.  The night before the show he was at the Brit awards and he made a few references where he simply didn’t know how to act on an occasion of such pompousness and ego!  The sense of irony is that half of the bands there weren’t fit to hold his guitar!  Most of the bands today use an acoustic guitar to work out a song – this show is about that acoustic guitar and I have never seen anyone use a guitar like he does.  Some of the songs were deeply intense like ‘Uncomfortably Slow’ and ‘People Should Smile More’.  It was almost a journey between laughter and tears and the great thing was that there wasn’t a single person in the room that couldn’t associate to what he was doing.

For the first night of the tour this night was an absolute out and out success.  The last song to be played was the Queen classic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.  A very hard and complexed song to play on any instrument but he played it start to finish with just his acoustic guitar.  A very very hard song to play yet Newton made it look as simple as can be.

This evening was a dream of a concert and how it is supposed to be.  To be overwhelmed by the quality of talent and music yet totally captivated, one minute fixated and then almost crying with laughter.  At the end of the show it was evident to see the departure of 2000 very happy people.

If you have ever lost your faith in live music  or if pure talent still exists – this is the only person that I have seen in a long time how will restore your passion in full.  Over the next few years you watch Newton Faulkner as the best British talent we have to offer, the envy of the world.

For more information about Newton Faulkner please visit his website www.newtonfaulkner.com

Support Band Myspace http://www.myspace.com/angusandjuliastone

Jimmy Carr @ Plymouth Pavilions

Uncategorized, ,

Jimmy_Carr1In June 2007 he sold out his debut appearance at Plymouth Pavilions; and now within a flash he has already sold out his return visit this July.

Now due to popular demand the funniest man in comedy, British Comedy Award winner Jimmy Carr has added a 2nd date to his UK tour, heading to Plymouth Pavilions for a sell out show on Friday 4 July and the new date of Sunday 20 July 2008.

You can also catch Jimmy Carr at the Princess Theatre, Torquay on the 5th & 6th July 2008

The tour named ‘Repeat Offender’ follows the completion of his 5th series of 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), writing his first book (The Naked Jape: co-written by Lucy Greeves, released back in September 2007) and recording his 3rd DVD (Comedian: released back in November 2007), Jimmy Carr is at his comedy prime.

Jimmy’s first two DVDs have sold well in excess of 300,000 copies.

With conventional media conquered, Jimmy is also a pioneer of digital comedy, topping the album charts on iTunes and the MySpace comedy rankings, with over 18,000 fans online. In fact, Jimmy has just become the first major comedian to perform within the online world of Second Life, gaining a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first comedian in cyberspace.

To book tickets at Plymouth Pavilions contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com where it is cheaper to book online rather than over the phone.

Or

To book tickets at The Princess Theatre, Torquay contact the Box Office on 0844 847 2315  or visit the website Website www.livenation.co.uk/torquay

Live and Kicking @ Home Park

The Big Stage, , ,

TWO of the biggest acts in the world of pop and rock will headline a quality music festival weekend at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park this summer.

‘Live and Kicking at Home Park’ will feature multi-million-selling superstars Westlife and Meat Loaf in back-to-back concerts.

loafThe double-header is sure to be the highlight of the summer in Plymouth, and follows last year’s megagigs at Argyle featuring two more world stars, Elton John and George Michael.

Meat Loaf, famous for his iconic Bat Out of Hell series of albums, will kick off the weekend with a high-octane gig on Friday, June 27. Meat Loaf has recorded some of the biggest-selling albums in history – none more so that his debut, Bat Out of Hell, which holds several records for chart duration. It stayed on the charts for more than nine years following its 1977 release, has sold more than 37 million copies, and, after almost 30 years, still sells around 200,000 copies annually

Just 24 hours later, Irish supergroup Westlife willwestlife take to the stage for what promises to be a second successive night-to-remember at Home Park.  Westlife have had 14 number one singles in the United Kingdom, the third-highest in UK history, tying with Cliff Richard and tailing behind Elvis Presley and the Beatles.  They are the fifth-biggest selling artist of the 21st century in the UK, and have sold more than 40 million records worldwide.

Tickets for the two Live and Kicking at Home Park’ gigs are available from the Argyle Box Office. They can also be booked over the phone at Home Park on 0845 338 7232 or from Ticket Master on 0844 844 0444. A booking fee of 10% of the ticket value will apply to bookings. Tickets may also be purchased on-line www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Please note, tickets will be limited to six per person.

TICKETS AVAILABLE Home Park on 0845 338 7232

The Romance

Local Music, ,

romance5We’re having fun.

We spent a long time writing songs and recently started gigging.  We’re still writing though, trying to take the sound to where it’s supposed to go as well as avoid the boredom of playing the same songs over and over.

One of our first proper gigs was a heat of the battle of the bands at The Lime Tree, we won and got all the way to the final where they asked us to play the VW festival.

When we started we were really inspired by our singer Alex’s voice which reminded us of post-punk and new-wave bands like Joy Division, Gang of Four and Cabaret Voltaire but we’ve taken those influences in a quite a different direction, although like those bands the content of the songs is usually about modern life.

I think it’s more interesting to consider us from the point of view of the feedback we’ve received rather than how we hope we sound.  People have said all kinds of things about us, that we’re psychedelic, that the guitar sounds like Link Wray, that the singer sounds like Jarvis Cocker, Ian Curtis, or Jim Morrison, in short we seem to sound very different from most of the bands around here.  The main thing we are really proud of is the fact we are playing a set that is entirely our own material, we don’t do any covers, which is an achievement in such a town as Torquay as generally people expect it.

The name ‘The Romance’ was coined by our singer while he was drunk before we’d even started writing songs,  at the time we all thought that it was quite funny but all the same it seems to work.

At the moment we’re just looking to gig as much and as widely as possible, so if you’re reading this and fancy putting us on then get in touch.  One other thing, we really want a keyboard player, so again if that’s you, get in touch!

www.myspace.com/therowmance

[email protected]

tel: 07967964155

Too Hot

Local Music, ,

P6130018Catchy Ska, rock steady and reggae with a bit of everything else thrown in for good measure, that’s our recipe. If you love British Ska, American (Third Wave), and especially British 80′s Ska , you ‘ll fall in love, It’s Ska, it’s reggae and definitely a move up and on from your Trad SKA.

Too Hot have been playing there original SKA for the past 16 years.  They have recorded 3 full albums – Nice & Easy (2000), Wise Up (2002) and Time Flies (2006) and 2 EPs – Kicking Off (1993) and Big Time (1999).  Two of (Nice ‘N’ Easy and Wise UP) were recorded, mixed and produced by Grammy Award Winner Roger Lomas.

They have been playing Ska and reggae, from 1992 and have dominated the local, regional and national and international Ska Scene now for over ten Years. Working along side The Selector, The Beat, Bad Manners, The Satellites, and Desmond Decker, and Specials Guitarist Mr. Roddy himself (also making an appearance on the “Wise Up” album) as well as appearances on the BBC,  TOO HOT can also be fund on such compilation albums with bands from all round the world, Skannibal Party 5, Punk Ska Party, Stay Sharp Vol.2, Global Ska Vol.2, United Colors of Ska Vol.3, United Colors of Ska Vol.2, United Colors of Ska Vol.3, United Colors of Ska Vol.2, We Don’t Skare – A Modern Ska Compilation, Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Krishna Colors on the Wall, Pop compilation 2000-2001 with more enquiries to appear on another compilation album due to be released in the USA. This already compliments the three albums done so far. Too Hot have also proved themselves to be formidable to be recon with on the open Music Festival scene all over the UK also.

They are a fairly big band 9 members in all, full horn section featuring 3 Nearly Bold Guys on Trumpet, T Bone, and Tenor Sax. They do play a couple of excellent covers by Toots, The Skatalites and Bad Manners but they mainly play their own stuff – and loads of it and wow is it good. They ARE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2008 GIVE SPUD A PHONE ON (MOBILE) UK 07772711591 or Dave on (MOBILE) UK 07958023805 or email us at [email protected] or come visit us at www.myspace.com/toohotska for sights and sounds.

From the top TOO HOT are Spud (Lead & Rhythm Guitar) Doc (Keys) Kev Big (Drums) Dave (Bass) Dubb-Zee (Tenor Sax) Thomo (Lead & Backing Vocals) JT (Lead & Backing Vocals) Fester (Trumpet) & Easy Spider (Trombone)

The Argentz

Local Music, ,

dave-1Dave and Josie have been playing the local music scene for a good few years now.  Their act has gone from strength to strength and gained a very healthy reputation, singing live in a variety of venues all over the South West.  Their repertoire is amazing with a set that can span over 4 decades of timeless classics from rock ballards, hits from the musicals and up to date top 40 hits.

One of the great attributes behind their success is where a lot of acts suffer these days – you can’t just sit in the corner of a pub/club singing song after song – you also need the ability to read a room and interact with the audience – which involves a lot of talent and humour.  This is an area that these guys have well and truly mastered and this will end up contributing to the downfall of the modern talent shows.  It is not just about hitting the notes and singing the songs – it is about making peoples evenings enjoyable, full of humour and laughter.  After all without this you would just be a jukebox.

Dave has a positive reputation spanning over 30 years through getting involved with the local music scene.  Josie, who I have also known for many years, has put countless hours of solid effort into becoming a good quality vocalist.  Together they make a winning combination and I am sure that every venue that they have played at will agree!

Their set is very professional and varied – Josie has mastered favourites from  Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Shania Twain just to mention a few.  Dave brings a lot of power to the set picking off songs from when he used to do an extremely successful, highly acclaimed Neil Diamond tribute act.  When they duo together their harmonies are powerful and in some instances very touching.  As I said before it is one thing to sing a song – but to keep a crowd fully entertained from start to finish is something that you just can’t learn – you either have it or you don’t!

Dave and Josie use backtracks so they are available for bookings even in the smallest intimate venue. Don’t be put off by backing tracks – these are some of the most up to date, well composed tracks – more often than not recorded by a full live band.

Dave is also the front man to the infamous Spiny Norman and Josie does a fantastic Rock performance in the middle of their set. In the next edition we will be doing a full review of Spiny Norman – but I warn you now it is not for the faint hearted!

These guys are truly what live entertainment is all about – long may it continue!  For bookings and further information please contact Dave Willcocks on 07866571403 or email Josie at [email protected]

14th June The Argentz – The Railway – Newton Abbot,

27th June Spiny Norman  Plus Josie – TheYacht, Torquay.

28th June The Argentz – The British legion Soc Club Newton abbot,

12th July Spiny Norman Plus Josie – Brixham Music Festival

13th July Spiny Norman Plus Josie – The Railway – Newton Abbot

The Quails

Local Music, ,

quailsFasten your seatbelts it’s take off time!

After the success of Muse – the most famous band from Teignmouth in the planet, it was only a matter of time before South Devon unleashed it’s next instalment of the unprecedented music talent that graces this part of the world, and at the moment in the race of top bands The Quails are in pole position.  Over the next few editions of That’s Entertainment we will be taking a look at the progress of this next potential super group, but to start with lets find out a little bit about The Quails.

The Quails have come a long way since getting together in March 2006. All of the members had played in local bands before, but found they had a great rapport and really enjoyed playing together. The band began by playing a mix of covers and their own numbers, but the fans were increasingly singing along at gigs to Dan Steer’s catchy tunes and original lyrics, so the band have now committed almost exclusively to their own material. The Quails recently won the final in the Hub in Plymouth’s South West Battle of the Bands competition, winning over the crowd, many of whom had not heard the band before. The Quails began playing in local pubs around Teignmouth to loyal fans, but they have recently spread their wings playing at a private party in a barn in Salcombe and performing in front of 1,400 people at the after match party at the Royal Polo Ground in Windsor when Eton played Harrow and Oxford played Cambridge! On both occasions the band brought the house down with the crowd dancing the night away, and as a result of their great performances, they have been offered the opportunity to play in the Alps at ski and snowboard competitions this winter. They impressed sponsors Jack Wills clothing so much that they will be having them back at future events and a major support slot is shortly to be announced!

Here are some live dates that have been confirmed but for more up to date information please visit their myspace site www.myspace.com/thequailsband

7 June 2008 –   VW festival 2008 Paignton  (tickets only)

25 June 2008 -  The Acorn Penzance, Southwest

27 June 2008 –  Hole In The Wall Exeter

5 July 2008  – The Barfly Camden London

19 July 2008 – The Oystercatcher Polzeath

26 July 2008 -  Teignmouth Carnival w/Hey molly and /The Outfit Teignmouth

2 Aug 2008 – Shaldon Water Carnival with special guests Shaldon

12 Aug 2008 – Paignton Green/Firework show Paignton

15 Aug 2008 – The koola Club, pre CD lauch party / With Special guests Newquay, Southwest

16 Aug 2008 – The Green /Snooky Trust Charity Gig Dawlish

17 Aug 2008 -  VW festival 2008 Paignton

4 Oct 2008 -  The River Teign Rowing Bash Finlake

15 Nov 2008 – The Standard, Shaldon

Colin Leslie (Palm FM Presenter)

Local Radio,

colinSouth Devon boy Colin Leslie has been heavily involved with radio, nightclubs, promotions, concerts and ‘mad’ antics all around Devon for nearly 25 years.

There is no doubt that Colin certainly has a ‘maverick’ personality with a fun attitude to life and people are constantly asking, “How does he keep sounding so cheerful all the time?” – Well that’s Colin for you!

He has been a professional night club DJ in and around Torbay and Exeter for nearly 3 decades. Still in great demand, Colin contributes his continued success and popularity with his ability to adapt to the audience in front of him and basically have fun!!

One thing you’ll never see is Colin sitting around idle – he loves many kinds of sports including his main passions, kite-surfing and surfing and being a bit of a beach bum at heart he and his family are often away in their VW camper van, usually at Gwithian in Cornwall or Croyde in North Devon. Bantham and Goodrington are also big favourites of his.

His move into radio 10 years ago was a real turning point in his personal life and it has really spurred him on to entertain an ever-increasing Devon audience with a real passion.

Colin began his career in radio with Gemini FM as the Black Thunder co-ordinator and was responsible for the many and varied stunts all around South Devon in years gone by. “They were great years”, he said “I met some amazing people and it never ever felt like work. Stunts included everything from secretly waking people up at 6am with an air horn for £100, to stopping people at traffic lights to see if they could win a competition before the lights went green!! I dressed up as a gorilla, a penguin and even, the sin of sins, wore Speedo’s on Torquay’s harbour side.”

January 2007 saw a move to neighbouring South Devon radio station Palm FM. Colin said “I felt a change was needed as I felt I wanted to be more local and get more involved with local events, something which Palm supports 100%.” He further pointed out “I feel like I’m speaking to a large family when I’m on air. I don’t take myself too seriously but I am passionate about the area I live in and if I mention something that I like or something I disagree with, the switchboard instantly lights up with the ‘family’ wanting to share their opinion.. and that’s what I love about local radio!”

As well as presenting the popular lunch time show each week day, Colin is invited to host and compare at many local events like the Brixham Happnin’, BMAD festival, Torbay Youth Service awards, Miss Torbay, Dartmouth Regatta Rock to name just a few plus of course at many of the Carnivals, Summer fetes and Regattas in and around South Devon.

For a little taste of Colin Leslie – tune in to South Devon’s most talked about radio station ….Palm 105.5 FM between 10am and 2pm.