Naively, I had always assumed the UK folk scene was very insular and predominantly British. The unexpected arrival of the Icelandic volcanic ash soon proved how old-fashioned that idea was.
An early morning departure from Cardiff ensured we arrived at the Town Hall in time for the Noon set. Our disappointment on discovering that the French based group Torivaki were trapped in Europe was offset by the news that Spiers and Boden were also unable to reach their destination and were able to play an unexpectedly replacement gig. This theme continued throughout the day with Sam Proctor being unable to accompany Luke Daniels and Cara Dillon similarly thwarted. However,as ever the Folk community rallied round and no-one could complain they were short-changed.
Today's proceedings were started by the Gael Academy, one of the Luke Daniels projects involving younger players. Any concerns I may have had regarding embarrassing school concerts were instantly allayed with an impressive range of musicians who played equally well individually and as an ensemble. Definitely some talent worth nurturing and following.
Once they departed the stage Luke Daniels was able to dominate proceedings with his own set albeit with a variety of impromptu musicians to compensate for his absent muscial partner. As ever his Squeezebox skills produced a highly enjoyable if, traditional performance.
With Bellowhead producing another storming headline concert last evening the organisers obviously knew that Spiers and Boden were available to fill the missing lunchtime slot. The two Jon's appear to be at the top of the their game with their set of traditional reels and folk ballads, generally of yesteryear. They are of course both completely in each other's company and half the enjoyment from an audience's point of view is seeing Jon Spier's waiting for signals as when to produce another scintillating accordion solo. It always helps a show when the artistes are clearly having as much fun as those watching with both showing a great sense of humour. This was particularly shown when Spiers failed to provide suitable accompaniment as his partner was plugging future dates he pleaded that the melodion " had only one note but you don't know where I am going next".
Buoyed up with the unexpected high level of musical entertainent provided in the lunchtime session coupled with the equally unexpected glorious sunshine outside we returned to the Town Hall for the afternoon concert with an additional spring in out step. We weren't disappointed.
Roots Union are a collection of young musicians from the South of England. When they started Iwasn't sure they belonged in a Folk festival, producing quite loud pop-type music with some lack-lustre lyrics. However, as they ( and probably our ears) settled down they produced some highly enjoyable and lively songs. Lead singer Tobias Ben Jacob was a suitably impressive front man although he was happy to share the talking with Philip Henry an extremely accomplished player of unusual and exotic looking instruments, especially a variety of guitars played from above. They also boasted a special guest appearance with Judy Dyble appearing to sing one of the songs from her Fairport Convention days. Together they literally upped the tempo from what preceeded them and set the right tone for what was to follow.
To say that the Demon Barbers roadshow stole the day is an understatement. As usual the compere tried to set the scene for their appearence but nothing could prepare us for what the audience were about to witness.
Again, when they started Iwasn't certain I could cope with a sustained session of nasal traditional Norfolk folk. However, they quickly changed style especially when fiddle player Bryony Griffith began to sing. The combination of this extraordinary voice and lively personality took the group to a different level. The arrival of 4 clog dancers ( with the legs miked for full effect) followed by 2 Morris dancers showing their links to the English folk heritage before a beatboxer seamlessly transported it to the 21st century.
Just when we thought there were no surprises remaining the majority of the group vanished leaving Bryony onstage. A quick change and the musicians ( lacking drummer Ben Griffith) returned to provide a morris dance so dramatic and innovative with moves were so fast the eye could barely capture them all. Truly one of the most spectacular dances I have ever seen ( & I am old enough to have seen Ginger Rogers, Michael Jackson and Torvill and Dean). For this to have been performed by a group of extremely talented musicians was truly astonishing. We danced out on a cloud of euphoria following a set lasting ninety minutes not a minute too long.
The Demon Barbers Roadshow easily the best act I have witnessed at the Oxford Folk festival.
Whether by design or not the organisers managed to arrange each set by themes. We started with 3 fairly traditional acts followed by 2 strong lively groups and now we ended with 2 gentle female singers.
First was Megan Henwood the winner of the 2009 BBC2 young folk awards with her brother. Tonight, she performed alone and charmed her audience with a variety of self-penned personal songs from her forthcoming first album Making Waves. Although her song-writing and style will undoubtedly develop and mature she already seemed at ease on stage chatting away. Another one to look forward to in the future, especially on her upcoming tour supporting Eric Bibb.
And so to the Saturday night headline act, Cara Dillon. Perhaps 7 acts in one day was too much for me, but she was the one disappointment of an exceptional day. Her voice was beautiful to listen to with the musicianship of her husband Sam Lakeman and a few replacement musicians ( including Luke Daniels third apearance of the day) produced a good sound. However, I found the material rather similar and I began to lose interest halfway through the concert. It didn't help that a performer who relies on the lyrics of a song to convey a story was often drowned out by her band.
Despite my thoughts she was well received by a rapturous crowd and perhaps she suffered purely by the quality of what preceeded her. Still, though a wondrous day.
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Real Deal Comedy Jam - Millenium Music Hall - 23rd April 2010
Thanks to those nice people at Remote Goat I was able to attend my first event as a proper review. I would not have attended this show otherwise so I am obliged to them for allowing me to witness this unique and ultimately, enjoyable event.
Originally launched in 2002 the Real Deal Comedy Jam made its first appearance in Cardiff last night. A predominantly London group of comedians were expertly hosted by the experienced Kat. After unexpectedly opening with Bruce Forsythe and Max Boyce catchphrases he quickly won over a rowdy Friday night audience by making a second row heckler officially apologise for calling people in the front row "losers". After sensibly making nice comments about Cardiff he limited his sheep remarks to complimenting the Welsh capital on the freshness of its food - eg a lamb walking off his plate.
The first act, Little Man soon showed why he is an up and coming comedian with a hilarious set around his experiences of trying to be gangster in South East London. A set up about choosing the right music to seduce a girl failed when he a DJ played the wrong tune, an event amusingly referred to throughout the night.
The content of this show then took a surprise turn with the appearance of Twist and Pulse, a two man dance act featured in last year' s Britain's Got Talent. Their energetic routine combined rhythmic dexterity, split second-timing and flashes of comedy. An enjoyable and impressive diversion ( worth catching on Youtube).
Glenda Jackson may not be the slimmest comedian on the bill but she certainly filled up the stage with her talent. Showing complete control of her material and the audience she upped the level of laughter with her tales of sexual conquests. A perfect way to end the first half.
Undoubtedly the main reason for such a big turnout was a rare Cardiff outing for Richard Blackwod. Billed as the most successful UK urban stand-up comedian he was mobbed ( by both
sexes) when spotted in the interval. This rapture continued when he came on stage in the second act, leading him to repeat his entrance claiming that since he was no longer on television he rarely received such attention. Every joke or gesture was duly greeted with the obligatory whoops and cheers ( whether deserved or not) and the applause he received going off would have thrown most comics who had to follow him.
Not top of the bill Tiger though. The New York based comedian took up the challenge and soon won over an increasingly lively crowd. He was the only act to make any kind of topical eference by claiming a round of applause for arriving despite the volcanic ash cloud. He then launched into a forceful rant about New York rats, " they are now so self-confident they wear the same clothes as us" and made it relevant by claiming that Welsh sheep were just fluffy rats. A strong physical presence, including bulging eyes added to his full-on delivery style, including one fantastic story about enjoying listening to sex from adjoining hotel rooms. With a vociferous crowd in the palm of his hand it was closest I have ever come to experience the atmosphere of a New York comedy club.
As the evening came to a close Kat brought all the comedians back on stage ( the Real Deal Comedy Jam family) along with the two promoters responsible for bringing this unique event to Cardiff to receive deserved rapturous applause.
Looking back at the evening as a whole three themes ran through most of the acts. Predictably, sex and colour ( always funny, relevant and never aggressive )and surprisingly, Primark!!
Credit most also go to the resident DJs " Urban Fusions" for providing impressive music, before during and after the set and the Millenium Music Hall itself. Cardiff is crying out for an intimate comedy and music venue and this seems to fit the bill nicely. And the drinks are reasonably priced.
A great and successful night. Good luck for the future to all concerned.
Originally launched in 2002 the Real Deal Comedy Jam made its first appearance in Cardiff last night. A predominantly London group of comedians were expertly hosted by the experienced Kat. After unexpectedly opening with Bruce Forsythe and Max Boyce catchphrases he quickly won over a rowdy Friday night audience by making a second row heckler officially apologise for calling people in the front row "losers". After sensibly making nice comments about Cardiff he limited his sheep remarks to complimenting the Welsh capital on the freshness of its food - eg a lamb walking off his plate.
The first act, Little Man soon showed why he is an up and coming comedian with a hilarious set around his experiences of trying to be gangster in South East London. A set up about choosing the right music to seduce a girl failed when he a DJ played the wrong tune, an event amusingly referred to throughout the night.
The content of this show then took a surprise turn with the appearance of Twist and Pulse, a two man dance act featured in last year' s Britain's Got Talent. Their energetic routine combined rhythmic dexterity, split second-timing and flashes of comedy. An enjoyable and impressive diversion ( worth catching on Youtube).
Glenda Jackson may not be the slimmest comedian on the bill but she certainly filled up the stage with her talent. Showing complete control of her material and the audience she upped the level of laughter with her tales of sexual conquests. A perfect way to end the first half.
Undoubtedly the main reason for such a big turnout was a rare Cardiff outing for Richard Blackwod. Billed as the most successful UK urban stand-up comedian he was mobbed ( by both
sexes) when spotted in the interval. This rapture continued when he came on stage in the second act, leading him to repeat his entrance claiming that since he was no longer on television he rarely received such attention. Every joke or gesture was duly greeted with the obligatory whoops and cheers ( whether deserved or not) and the applause he received going off would have thrown most comics who had to follow him.
Not top of the bill Tiger though. The New York based comedian took up the challenge and soon won over an increasingly lively crowd. He was the only act to make any kind of topical eference by claiming a round of applause for arriving despite the volcanic ash cloud. He then launched into a forceful rant about New York rats, " they are now so self-confident they wear the same clothes as us" and made it relevant by claiming that Welsh sheep were just fluffy rats. A strong physical presence, including bulging eyes added to his full-on delivery style, including one fantastic story about enjoying listening to sex from adjoining hotel rooms. With a vociferous crowd in the palm of his hand it was closest I have ever come to experience the atmosphere of a New York comedy club.
As the evening came to a close Kat brought all the comedians back on stage ( the Real Deal Comedy Jam family) along with the two promoters responsible for bringing this unique event to Cardiff to receive deserved rapturous applause.
Looking back at the evening as a whole three themes ran through most of the acts. Predictably, sex and colour ( always funny, relevant and never aggressive )and surprisingly, Primark!!
Credit most also go to the resident DJs " Urban Fusions" for providing impressive music, before during and after the set and the Millenium Music Hall itself. Cardiff is crying out for an intimate comedy and music venue and this seems to fit the bill nicely. And the drinks are reasonably priced.
A great and successful night. Good luck for the future to all concerned.
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
What's the Story? - Reardon Smith Theatre 15th April 2010
A sparce but enthusiastic audience attended the latest recording of the Radio Wales comedy show " What's the story?". Ironically broadcasting this topical quiz the same day as the opening pre-election debate on ITV may have lost them the support of any floating comedy supporters.
A warm up from the director Gareth began this show, basically think of a gentle Welsh version of Radio 4's " The News Quiz" with host Justin Waite trying ( but failing) to fill the shoes of Sandi Toksvig.
The questions naturally included the election debate rules and the volcanic ash invasion but were obviously chosen merely to allow the participants to show their ability to produce scripted one-liners.
Team captain Frank Honeybone showed why he is such a funny writer, especially with his continuous stream of celebrity animals, Leopard Rossiter and Elephants Gerald were my favourites. Fellow comedian Ben Partridge scored with his boyish charm despite not looking old enough to grow his beard but claiming he could legally vote & get a lady in the audience pregnant.
TV weatherman Derek Brockway again stated his claim to be a Welsh national treasure with most of his utterances being cheered by an adoring public. In contrast journalist Hannah Jones most telling contribution occurred when she confused the SNP with Nick Griffin's party and began an irrelevant diatribe.
For a free show it definitely provided value for money and if you fancy a night away from watching TV soaps it is recommended. Also, it was much funnier than the election debate.
A warm up from the director Gareth began this show, basically think of a gentle Welsh version of Radio 4's " The News Quiz" with host Justin Waite trying ( but failing) to fill the shoes of Sandi Toksvig.
The questions naturally included the election debate rules and the volcanic ash invasion but were obviously chosen merely to allow the participants to show their ability to produce scripted one-liners.
Team captain Frank Honeybone showed why he is such a funny writer, especially with his continuous stream of celebrity animals, Leopard Rossiter and Elephants Gerald were my favourites. Fellow comedian Ben Partridge scored with his boyish charm despite not looking old enough to grow his beard but claiming he could legally vote & get a lady in the audience pregnant.
TV weatherman Derek Brockway again stated his claim to be a Welsh national treasure with most of his utterances being cheered by an adoring public. In contrast journalist Hannah Jones most telling contribution occurred when she confused the SNP with Nick Griffin's party and began an irrelevant diatribe.
For a free show it definitely provided value for money and if you fancy a night away from watching TV soaps it is recommended. Also, it was much funnier than the election debate.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Cerys Matthews - Glee Club April 12th
Cardiff was entranced by the sight of 2 rays of sunlight at the bay. Firstly, saw the long-awaited appearance of some much-needed sunshine, Secondly, was the equally welcome return of local born Cerys Matthews. Even if she hadn't sung one note the sold-out adoring audience would have been entranced by her humour (well she was in a comedy club and kept pointing out a giant Glee sign) and relaxed, rambling banter,
This,of course, is just a bonus. What people came to hear was that distinctive voice, which sounded better than ever. Performing predominantly from "Cockahoop"/ "Never Said Goodbye"/ and " Don't Look Down" she captivated her audience with songs mainly connected with her new American roots. Mainly seated she was brilliantly accompanied by two musicians, fully intune with her idiosyncratic style.
Proving that she is now comfortable fully with her past she even allowed herself a couple of Catatonia songs, a B-side and then " Mulder and Scully". You can take the girl out of Wales but you can't take Wales out of the girl. This perfectly applied to the former Llanelli girl who showed an unexpected interest in Welsh music root, singing a few entrancing songs from her forthcoming album containing traditional Welsh songs, ending with a rousing version of "Sospan Fach".
Monday is not normally a good night for music but her talent and vitality ensured EVERYONE left with a broad grin on her face. As a friend said " one of the best concerts I have ever seen". Yes, it was that good.
And credit to the Glee Club for providing the intimate music venue the Welsh capital desperately
needs.
This,of course, is just a bonus. What people came to hear was that distinctive voice, which sounded better than ever. Performing predominantly from "Cockahoop"/ "Never Said Goodbye"/ and " Don't Look Down" she captivated her audience with songs mainly connected with her new American roots. Mainly seated she was brilliantly accompanied by two musicians, fully intune with her idiosyncratic style.
Proving that she is now comfortable fully with her past she even allowed herself a couple of Catatonia songs, a B-side and then " Mulder and Scully". You can take the girl out of Wales but you can't take Wales out of the girl. This perfectly applied to the former Llanelli girl who showed an unexpected interest in Welsh music root, singing a few entrancing songs from her forthcoming album containing traditional Welsh songs, ending with a rousing version of "Sospan Fach".
Monday is not normally a good night for music but her talent and vitality ensured EVERYONE left with a broad grin on her face. As a friend said " one of the best concerts I have ever seen". Yes, it was that good.
And credit to the Glee Club for providing the intimate music venue the Welsh capital desperately
needs.
Monday, 5 April 2010
Pappy's Fun Club - Weston Studio Millenium Centre - 31st March 2010
Stars of the last couple of Edinburgh festivals Pappy's Fun Club have embarked upon a short tour spreading the word of that rare live event nowadays, sketch comedy. While the Scottish capital delivers shows tailored to last only one hour, regional audiences need a longer performance to lure them out.
This, however, can often lead to material being aired which is little more than "filling". There was plenty of this in the (luckily short first half) including an overlong Bob Dylan sketch which wouldn't have been funny forty years ago.
Fortunately, the second half was a different matter. This was last year's comedy show attempting to achieve a world record of 200 sketches in an hour, never a realistic target but allowing the talented trio preformers to revel in hilarious silliness.
As ever with sketches ( and personal taste) some are funnier than others but what was never at doubt was the level of comic brilliance amongst the performers. If the material sagged, the audience was lifted by a variety of local references ( especially comments about "Hairspray" playing in the bigger venue) or just watching the three performers thoroughly enjoying themselves on stage.
They also struck the perfect balance between the quick throw-aways sketches and the use of returning characters eg the World's tallest man and Dino the Dinosaur who were increasingly loved by the adoring audience each time they appeared.
Not as slick as The Penny Dreadfuls and Idiots of Ants but a comic troupe to follow.
This, however, can often lead to material being aired which is little more than "filling". There was plenty of this in the (luckily short first half) including an overlong Bob Dylan sketch which wouldn't have been funny forty years ago.
Fortunately, the second half was a different matter. This was last year's comedy show attempting to achieve a world record of 200 sketches in an hour, never a realistic target but allowing the talented trio preformers to revel in hilarious silliness.
As ever with sketches ( and personal taste) some are funnier than others but what was never at doubt was the level of comic brilliance amongst the performers. If the material sagged, the audience was lifted by a variety of local references ( especially comments about "Hairspray" playing in the bigger venue) or just watching the three performers thoroughly enjoying themselves on stage.
They also struck the perfect balance between the quick throw-aways sketches and the use of returning characters eg the World's tallest man and Dino the Dinosaur who were increasingly loved by the adoring audience each time they appeared.
Not as slick as The Penny Dreadfuls and Idiots of Ants but a comic troupe to follow.
The Hurt Locker
The film may have been released in 2009 but thanks to successes this year at the BAFTA's and Oscars Kathryn Bigelow's Iraq war film has received a short cinema re-release.
The strength of " The Hurt Locker" is it's unremitting tension from beginning to end as we watch a bomb disposal unit battling against a variety of unexploded bombs in Baghdad. A largely unknown cast ( aside from cameos from Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes and Evangelina Lilly) stokes up the tension with strong performances creating likeable characters that you increasingly care about.
It avoids the obvious route of apportioning blame or attempting any kind of politic comment instead purely concentrating upon their efforts of surviving each day and returning home intact at the end of each tour of duty.
In many ways the monotony of each day helped to increase the tension although the undoubted find of the film is Jeremy Renner. It was his ability to convey his character as a man who only came alive through the adrenalin rush his job provided that made the film its focal point.
Not my idea of the best picture of the year but still an interesting and riveting film.
The strength of " The Hurt Locker" is it's unremitting tension from beginning to end as we watch a bomb disposal unit battling against a variety of unexploded bombs in Baghdad. A largely unknown cast ( aside from cameos from Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes and Evangelina Lilly) stokes up the tension with strong performances creating likeable characters that you increasingly care about.
It avoids the obvious route of apportioning blame or attempting any kind of politic comment instead purely concentrating upon their efforts of surviving each day and returning home intact at the end of each tour of duty.
In many ways the monotony of each day helped to increase the tension although the undoubted find of the film is Jeremy Renner. It was his ability to convey his character as a man who only came alive through the adrenalin rush his job provided that made the film its focal point.
Not my idea of the best picture of the year but still an interesting and riveting film.
Sunday, 4 April 2010
The State of the Art - Artes Mundi 04 - National Museum Cardiff
Arriving at the Museum at 4.00pm I haven't yet had time to enjoy the whole exhibition so far. However, the quality of the 3 pieces I have so far encountered ensures that I will return to complete the collection.
Artes Mundi 4 is the latest of the UK's largest Art exhibition prize featuring 8 emerging artists from around the world who discuss the human condition. Entering the first room you are immediately surrounded by the work of Peruvian Fernando Bryce. His Weltkarte Kopie and Die Welt are a collection of Indian Ink drawings relating to events from the mid to late 19th century
to show how visual and written media records represent these historical occurences. An unusual
and interesting piece.
A further room takes you to Israeli Yael Bartana whose film Mary Koszmary invites the souls of the 3 million Jews who died in the second world war to return to Poland and help the country move forward and become a modern European country. This message is strengthened by two piles of impressive help-yourself posters containing the same theme in manifest form. At nearly eleven minutes long this is a time-consuming exhibition but as I was totally engulfed and moved by the concept I would recommend everyone to make the full commitment of time and emotional energy in such a thought-provoking piece. One tip though to avoid spending that time standing up listening on headphones go around the corner to watch it in comfort from some much-needed seats.
Another room further and a film from Bulgarian Ergin Cavusoglu. At first sight this is a gentle recording of a boatman transporting a tree to a small rock denoting the Israeli flag. However, it is attempting to explore the wider, relevant issues of mobility and migration today. Very watchable but for me not as involving as the previous two pieces.
With the gallery closing around me I shall have to make a further journey to investigate the four remaining exhibitions. If they match the quality, diversity and interest of the opening three pieces I shall be impressed.
Artes Mundi 4 is the latest of the UK's largest Art exhibition prize featuring 8 emerging artists from around the world who discuss the human condition. Entering the first room you are immediately surrounded by the work of Peruvian Fernando Bryce. His Weltkarte Kopie and Die Welt are a collection of Indian Ink drawings relating to events from the mid to late 19th century
to show how visual and written media records represent these historical occurences. An unusual
and interesting piece.
A further room takes you to Israeli Yael Bartana whose film Mary Koszmary invites the souls of the 3 million Jews who died in the second world war to return to Poland and help the country move forward and become a modern European country. This message is strengthened by two piles of impressive help-yourself posters containing the same theme in manifest form. At nearly eleven minutes long this is a time-consuming exhibition but as I was totally engulfed and moved by the concept I would recommend everyone to make the full commitment of time and emotional energy in such a thought-provoking piece. One tip though to avoid spending that time standing up listening on headphones go around the corner to watch it in comfort from some much-needed seats.
Another room further and a film from Bulgarian Ergin Cavusoglu. At first sight this is a gentle recording of a boatman transporting a tree to a small rock denoting the Israeli flag. However, it is attempting to explore the wider, relevant issues of mobility and migration today. Very watchable but for me not as involving as the previous two pieces.
With the gallery closing around me I shall have to make a further journey to investigate the four remaining exhibitions. If they match the quality, diversity and interest of the opening three pieces I shall be impressed.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Fans of Wallender should seek out this high quality Swedish film. They will recognise the unrushed narrative, bleak scenery and even bleaker scenes.
Michael Nyqvist plays Mikeal Blomkvist an investigative journalist imprisoned after being found guilty of libelling a Swedish multi-millionare. Down on his luck he takes a job investigating a long-missing (presumed dead) girl. This assignment in the wilderness takes him into a world of helpful and unhelpful relatives and a computer hacker with issues of her own.
The strength of this film is that director Niels Arden Opley allows time for the plot and the two leads to develop naturally without the usual time restraints and need for constant chases found in Hollywood. This produces a more leisurely story than you often find in the cinema but the director (rightly) has confidence that it will draw the audience into its ever tightening spider's web of a plot.
One cautious word. Although I was advised by the ticket seller that the film had subtitles it was not felt necessary to mention a variety of rape, torture and violent scenes some viewers may find disturbing.
Despite that , this is still a film worth searching for!
Michael Nyqvist plays Mikeal Blomkvist an investigative journalist imprisoned after being found guilty of libelling a Swedish multi-millionare. Down on his luck he takes a job investigating a long-missing (presumed dead) girl. This assignment in the wilderness takes him into a world of helpful and unhelpful relatives and a computer hacker with issues of her own.
The strength of this film is that director Niels Arden Opley allows time for the plot and the two leads to develop naturally without the usual time restraints and need for constant chases found in Hollywood. This produces a more leisurely story than you often find in the cinema but the director (rightly) has confidence that it will draw the audience into its ever tightening spider's web of a plot.
One cautious word. Although I was advised by the ticket seller that the film had subtitles it was not felt necessary to mention a variety of rape, torture and violent scenes some viewers may find disturbing.
Despite that , this is still a film worth searching for!
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