Preserving The Performance: [Feb Recap 2023 ] 002
This month there were slightly fewer gigs than last month, which is odd as it normally starts to pick up after the January break. The 7th of Feb was the first gig of the month, the so-called "Secret Talent Banq Gig." But if you have been going to Talentbanq gigs for a while, you would have known who was playing based on the title: "The Road to Madison Square Gig." Ray Jones' famous words about the two artists playing: Morganway with Isabella Coulstock supporting. I turned up to queue as you normally do for a good spot at Green Note Gig. It was just after 5:30, and I was about 8th in the queue - no surprise there. The talent playing last time Morganway played here achieved the record for the loudest ever act on stage.
Isabella opened the show, a great opener with a wide range of songs and styles, even playing a few on the piano i have been watching her for a few years now the growth as an artist it great to see . Next, Morganway headlined with the absence of Steady Eddy, their drummer. It might have helped with them all squeezing on stage last time; it was a push with Nicole on the edge.
They played a set full of new songs from their upcoming album, of which I have pre-ordered a limited edition red copy. The singalong moments, as standard from them, and a standing ovation to finish.
Next, a whole 12 days went by, but for me, that's a long time without a gig. But there was nothing on. It was the 18th Feb, and the "Girls Night In" tour at the Camden Club - I'll add, even arriving at 4:45, I was around 9th in the queue. People had been there since 2 pm, which is crazy.
The night was with Kezia Gill, Jade Helliwell, Demi Marriner, Jess Thristan. The whole night was a writer's round with them playing a mixture of their own songs.
About 5 minutes in, the banter between them and connection was amazing to see. They all have their styles of music, and we got songs from Demi's and Kezia's forthcoming albums and hits from Jade & Jess. The story of how the "In the Round" came to be: it all started last year with their annual girls' holiday. On the night, the room was packed 200+,
which is amazing to see for 4 independent artists pack out a room. It did sell out in less than 24 hours. One standout song was an unreleased Jade and Kezia duet, which received a standing ovation. At the ending of the song, Jade just lets the vocals run on. They definitely should release it one day.
Next up were 2 gigs back to back. Kyle Price played at The Green Note on the 21st - you can read all about it here. It was one of my favorite gigs of the year.
On the 22nd, Katy Hurt played at Pizza Express Live with support from Dave Sutherland. He had that raw storyteller voice similar to Springsteen, and played off a small amp to give an outstanding sound.
We had a guest slot from Fred Wilhelm the hits he had written just wow
. The headline act was Katy, playing to a sold-out room with the band. I pretty much knew the entire front row from going to gigs. Katy played her usual outstanding set with a few brand-new songs thrown in for freshness. It's February and it's my first Katy Hurt show. i joked with her after Will I definitely be able to break last year's record of 10? She mentioned the album was coming, and to be fair, I'm more than happy to wait - it's going to be epic. "Before the Ice Melts" (featured below) was played - one of my favorite songs of hers.
I'll add that the great thing about Pizza Express is that the earlier you book, the better seat you get. I'll probably end up doing a whole roundup piece at the end of the year about every Katy Hurt show because why not?
Friday came, and it was back to another Talented Banq hosted gig at 229. It was the turn of the powerhouse that is Jenny Colquitt, making her full band debut in London, with support from new artist Rachel Croft, who blew me away with her powerful vocals and the space her music creates in the moment.
Jenny's debut full band show was just outstanding. I had only seen her once before with a band at the launch gig. The craft and flow of the set, and the tightness of all the band - the set was split in two parts, with a middle section of just
Jenny playing a few songs on her own, and then back rocking it out with the band. A standing ovation at the end was thoroughly deserved. Ray remarked what a gig it had been. The power and presence that Jenny gives off is outstanding.
Jennys Full 229 gig will posted on youtube soon
The final gig of the month was off to The Grace to catch the final night of the Welsh songstress that is Laura Evans, playing the final night of her tour with support from Brook Law. An excellent stage presence and mix of rocky and slower songs the crowd definitely knew some of her songs
, Laura took to the stage with a packed-out room. The full band brought the high energy, and Laura's band sound is always one of my favorites. The drums are a heavy part of her songs, creating a steady flow. Her vocals were on fine form - the soft silky tone. I'm not a massive fan of The Grace, though, due to lighting and even having an awkward camera policy, even for small independent artists. Fortunately, I was listed with a photo pass, only finding this out after being refused the camera in and then seeing my name on the list.
February also saw the announcement of Adele and Andy's brand new single "That Look In Your Eye" being available for pre-save and pre-order, which I manage.
Sparks are flying as dynamic UK country duo Adele & Andy release their highly anticipated new single "That Look in Your Eye". The foot-tapping track is an upbeat bop that is sure to lift the spirits of anyone who has given up on finding their soulmate.
In contrast to their previous single "No More Goodbyes", "That Look in Your Eye" takes a lighter approach, focusing on the hope and excitement of finding that special someone. With a driving guitar riff and catchy lyrics, the track is sure to get stuck in your head for days.
See all soon for the next blog
