A Exuberant Evening!- Ben Mcewan, JJ Rosa, Soul Saboteur and Brother & Bones @ Jabez Clegg - 25/04/13.
One fine Thursday evening Em Music Matters and lovely fellow presenter on Hive Radio Manchester, Kate Quinn where invited by acoustic-rock/electric-blues band Soul Saboteur to their mere yet marvelous second gig at Jabez Clegg (event presented by Dusty Pop Entertainment), alongside an exuberance of other exceptional acts: soothing Ben Mcewan, funky soul-sister JJ Rosa and rocky-folk boys Brother & Bones. We were also graced with the pleasure to chat with James Stone, lead singer of Soul Saboteur. Four fantastic musical artists in just the one evening left the crowd in contentment...
The initial delight of the night came from opening singer-songwriter Ben Mcewan armed with his 7 piece band and a delectable mixture of instruments; including a puzzling flat Cello (which upon sensible consideration must have simply been an electric adaptation), keyboard, guitar, double bass and more. The down to earth, lulling cozy and gentle sounds brought the event off to a soothing start, treating the crowd to an early glimpse of charity single Eyes Of A Soldier available June 29th, meaningful and moving.
(Serving one: a chilled slice of Ben Mcewan.)
Our second course of entertainment came from a favorite lady of Hive Radio Manchester: JJ Rosa (read a previous blog on the unfathomable female here: http://hiveradio.co.uk/2013/02/24/jj-rosa-the-deaf-institute-manchester-05022013/). A saucy and soulful distinctive diva, Jessie performed a little differently for us this evening, presenting an acoustic set, stripped back and solo. The unique noise of this talented lady were not to fault without her band however, Jessie's rock-pop/hip-hoppy vibe even more invigorating undressed down to its capable core. A mistress of the guitar and with a poignant voice and individual style, she indulged us in new demo Cry Out, captivating and catchy number with the earthiest of authentic beats, alongside emotive Talk To Me, oozing with cool-girl-power Step Aside and spine-tingling, room-silencing, touching cover of Hendrix's Little Wing.
(Next up a flavorsome set from fantastic songstress: JJ Rosa.)
The band we had our eye on for the night next braced the stage for what was just their second gig but alarmingly gratifying. Having 'only been together for like three months' tonight's performance is more than impressive, though Soul Saboteur may be a new venture, it'smembers it seems are each massively musically experienced. They collaborate strongly to generate bluesy and impassioned rock, the backbone of the bands craft James Stone (Stoney) who's powerful lyrics and soulful vocals place a unique and distinctive mark on the bands work.
We are fortunate enough to chat to Stone, the front-man and youngest in the band backstage, 'I'm 28, not like the rest of the band, (I won't say their ages but they're quite old', he cheekily jokes as he tells us the band came together through auditions for artists with 'the same idea.' Residing in Preston and Manchester so far the band from have already an impressive EP: Clip Your Wings (recorded at West Orange Studio, Preston) under their belts and have been busy booking gigs and getting their newborn yet notable band out there.
(Thirdly a helping of fresh, both electric and soothing Soul Saboteur.)
Manchester based musician Stonie previously worked in The Loaded Dice for eight cultivating years, currently studying a degree in Popular Music. This may explain his outstanding flair as a lyricist, his vocals consisting somewhat of poetry and soul, his spirit bringing a soothing ambience to the band. The endowed front-man explains his words are 'all autobiographical, people I see, experiences... but if the tenants in the lyric is me I often make it someone else... I don't know it's quite scary I think, if everyone knew exactly what you were saying about yourself...' Careful not to bear his soul but creative and emotive Stonie claims: 'I'm all for a good lyric but I wouldn't go and explain exactly what it was about so they could see inside me.' Stone may be the brains behind the exceptional song-writing but, 'everyone brings their own bit to the table,' he explains...
Lead guitarist Carl Morgan demonstrates his years of capable experience, once a session musician and music teacher, rocking out at The Royal Albert Hall in 1990. Whilst drummer Jason Griffiths makes evident his skills on the kit from the very young age of 11! The band are recently to appoint (I am sure another talented member) new bassist Andy Hall.
The set list from these edgy, marvelously melancholy blues brothers consists of tracks from their first EP. The title track Clip Your Wings a slow, restful enchantment with a solid beat and blissful melody is received well as Stone sings 'Clip your wings tonight, you don't deserve to fly. It's never falling out of love that bites,' both haunting and a little bit beautiful. A second favorite of Em Music Matters Dark After Dark, mysterious and moody vocals alongside professional accompaniment.
So, we ask it's lead what's to come of this blossoming band? 'I could sit here and do we'll be at Wembley next week or expect to be watching countdown and eating a pack of peanuts, you know what I mean?... I hope to be moving as fast as we can... but steady progress will do me.' Well from Em Music Matters viewpoint, a punishment of day-time TV definitely isn't on the cards for Soul Saboteur, but who knows what the future holds for this talented bunch.
(A final course: some heavy folk rock from Brother & Bones.)
Finally but not lastly the night introduced a Mumford & Sons meets heavy hair-swishing, head-banging rock band Brother & Bones. Though Em Music Matters has to admit mid assignments she had to rush off for the train, only catching a glimpse of the set, one track of heel bashing, guitar hammering and folksy vocals was enough to win her over. Be sure to check them out as she certainly will be further!
Check out Em Music Matters chat with Soul Saboteur….
http://www.mixcloud.com/HiveRadioManchester/emily-schofield-the-indie-buzz-interviews-james-stone-soul-saboteur-at-jabez-clegg-manchester/
Listen out for music from all these artists and further chat on Hive Radio Manchester’s The Indie Buzz 10-12 Wednesdays!
Blog written by Emily Schofield.
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