'Lustre' at The Soho Theatre

Went to see Justin Bond's show, 'Lustre', at the Soho Theatre again last night and I'm pleased we did - he was on top form, in good voice and mad as a hatter with tales of pagan rituals, not snorting coke and causing the current financial meltdown. The weight on his soul must be truly terrible with all this responsibility he carries. And that's not mentioning the frocks. It seemed full last night, with people budging up to get more onto the pews - the show's only on for a couple more nights so see it while you can.

Justin is a surprisingly calming person to listen to (considering he's all over the place) and it made me wonder how much is carefully scripted, how much simply falls into place naturally because it's proven it works and how much is really improvised? Whichever, it's nice to hear him talk and just go with the flow. The theme of the current show is all things 'trans' which leaves him a wide canvas to play with. He also has a gift for choosing interesting and thoughtful songs and arranging them to fit his voice and delivery. Justin introduced me to the mad, bad and probably not very nice to know Bambi Lake a few years ago and now he's introduced me to the unfortunately dead Benjamin Smoke via his painful song, 'Clean White Bed' (he's someone I need to investigate further).

Our Lady J was, again, very glamorous on piano and sung 'Pink Prada Purse' to great applause. She had a slight accident when she slipped and fell off the stage when leaving for the guest act but seemed to be ok on return. She is an excellent piano player - mad and exuberent one minute, introspective and evocative the next - and mentioned that she's a music teacher in New York, so that explains it. Justin said he'd also had some accidents and blamed the ghosts of the theatre.

And, of course, Novice Theory was there on cue to sing the strange, 'About The Dream' with his accordion. Justin mentioned that he was plucked from the theatre the other night to record for 'Later... with Jools Holland' which will be shown tonight. I *like* Novice Theory, with his raggamuffin approach, big voice, odd lyrics and an overall wonderfully dramatic sound. I meant to buy his CD the first time we went to the show but he was busy chatting so didn't disturb him but I missed my chance since he's now sold them all - which is great for him, but bad for me since I wanted one. Still, the album's now on iTunes so I downloaded it (he'd earn more money if he printed more CDs though). I'll definitely be watching out for young Geo in future.

The guest act was a singer called Scotty who was new to me. I'm not sure what to make of him - he has a nice voice in a stage-school kind of way and I liked his cartoon jacket but he didn't really engage one way or another and, oddly enough, didn't join the rest of the cast for the final bow.

On the way out it was nice to see our three Lustre stars at the exit with a table and their CDs (except Novice Theory had a handwritten sign on a scrap of paper referring us to iTunes). Even Justin was there with the Kiki & Herb CD. I will say again, he really ought to record his own. I had a very brief chat to Novice Theory but forgot to ask him why he chose that name, so answers on a postcard to me please. And out in the cold Soho night ...

Alphabeat at Shepherds Bush

Chris treated me to an evening with the 'saviours of pop music', those smiley, colourful Danes, Alphabeat. Now, try as I might, I've never really 'got' Alphabeat and thought the best thing about their first album is that at least John Lydon gets some royalties from their atrocious - but brave - cover of 'Public Image' (they whistle in it, *shudders*). Thankfully, they didn't play it.

First up was Pandering & The Golddiggers (yes, double-d), a sort of sparkley, dancey, disco-y type of act, two girls/one boy singers, a drummer and keyboardist (I suspect backing tapes as well). They're being tarted as the next thing with free badges on offer for joining their email list. They were entertaining enough and made a lot of noise. The lad should lose the haircut though, it just looked retro-daft.

Then we were treated to something a bit more polished in the form of Das Pop from Belgium who are probably more used to headlining on the Continent. They bounced on one at a time, three skinny lads and one more hefty beardy guitar player in dungarees (they need style advice badly). They produced some nice punky-pop sounds and the lead singer got the audience singing along to a couple of set pieces that worked well. They were quite fun with some good bouncey songs but, unfortunately, their mates or record company people (or whoever) were standing behind our seats and yakked throughout their set and went on talking throughout the main set as well (I think one of them was trying to chat up a 'bird' or summat - didn't look like the lanky streak of wotsit was having much success when we left). The beardy dungareed guitar lad had a drink with them later so that marks them as Das Pop people. Negative mark for that, lads.


And then on bounced Alphabeat. All colour and smiles, well practiced songs, moving non-stop across the stage, singing their little hearts out and giving their fans a great time. I only recognised one song towards the end ('Touch Me Touching You') so spent most of the gig observing and looking around at the audience which was a very mixed bag, from youngish kids there with parents to oldsters like me and everything inbetween. The band stormed round the stage putting on the show and, even though I'm not a fan, felt they'd earned their pay and adulation that night with their boundless energy and sheer giving of themselves. That was nice.

I worried about the bass player who did the traditional bass-stomp on a platform and every time he stomped backwards I worried he'd go flying off the platform. The girl singer's mic was too low and should've been turned up - I could hardly hear her singing. The lightshow was excellent, bathing the stage in every colour imaginable to match their colourful backdrop and it was great fun at the encore when the glitter-cannon erupted and flooded the place with sparkley stuff. I had to cheer and clap with everyone else by that time, as a thank you for all their hard work and fan-pleasing over the previous hour or so.

Since I was slightly disengaged from the whole affair it left me time to think while Chris was grinning and singing and clapping away to his heart's content (see his review here). I wondered what the younger contingent in the audience felt and thought. For some of them that will be their first ever gig. I still remember my first time in 1973, seeing my gods bestride the stage. For some kids in the audience that night will, possibly, be something they remember forever. I think they'll have good memories - a full bill with three bands, great lights ending with the glitter downpour, loud music and their heroes on stage. Maybe it will inspire some of them to start their own bands or at least start going to more live gigs. I hope so, and then Alphabeat's job will be done.

GB by NF

I'm not going to mention the current madness over Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand (oops, I just have) which is getting far more attention than it deserves. What about all their previous "pranks" and those of other c'lebs which have been ignored or lauded as good fun? There's no justification for it but is it really front page news?

My two-penneth is much more mundane. The lady at the centre of it is called Georgina Baillie. Has no-one remembered that hit of yesteryear by Noosha Fox about Georgina Bailey who grew up with her uncle and fell in love with him, only to discover that 'he keeps company with a man from gay Paree, you see Georgina, that's his way ...'



I thank you.

Amanda Palmer - 'Oasis'

That'll teach you for spreading rumours, Melissa!

Rave-Up Blues

My Alex Harvey record collection expanded today with the arrival of the much sought after 'Hair Rave-Up' and 'The Blues'. Now, I've mentioned Alex quite a few times on here, usually when I find a new CD to buy and get all excited, and today is no exception. Don't you love it when the post arrives early?

'Hair Rave-Up: Live From The Shaftesbury Theatre, London' (1969)

Alex played in the Hair Band for a few years in the late '60s, after being Scotland's Tommy Steele in the late '50s, a soul and blues singer in Germany in the early '60s and before creating one of the hardest rocking bands ever to grace this earth, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, the first band I ever saw back in 1973.

Now, Alex played guitar in the Hair Band and one night they recorded the 'Rave-Up' live, a sort of big after show party in the theatre, and this record is the result. It's a mix of songs from the musical 'Hair', some covers and some songs written by the band themselves, a mix of psychedelic instrumentals (like 'Hare Krishna') and rather fun ditties with Alex on vocals, like the mad 'Royal International Love-In'. There's a great version of 'All Along The Watchtower' with Alex's trademarked dramatic vocals backed with loud brass, totally changing it from Dylan or 'Hendrix's versions.

Two of the tracks are available on the anthology, 'Considering The Situation' (but, strangely, not available to download on iTunes although the rest of the album is there) - 'Hair' and 'Birthday' - and these give a flavour of the album, euphoric and way over the top. Alex's tracks have the same kind of brass sound as some of the songs on 'Roman Wall Blues', a big sound pushing their way on top of the guitars that just isn't made these days. It sounds good to these ears. As does Alex's vocal delivery and dramatic phrasing - what a great interpretive singer he was.

The 'Rave-Up' vinyl record appears on eBay every now and then and usually goes for around £60+. I didn't know there was a CD version put out by Castle Music in 2001 (part of the Sanctuary Group of labels). I've never seen it anywhere before, but found it last week through a lovely little online shop in Finland called Hippie Shake Records and they sent it to me most speedily, for which I am grateful. It sounds good and comes with a great fold-out booklet with loads of photos and artwork from 'Hair' as well as a brief history of the Hair Band.

Cor, I've got the 'Hair Rave-Up' by the Hair Band, a record I never expected to hear, let alone have.

Tracklisting:

Hair
El Pussy Cat
Royal International Love-In
Bond Street Baby
Hare Krishna
All Along The Watchtower
Birthday
Keep Out
Candy
Movin' In The Right Direction
I Know Where You Are

'The Blues' (1964)

This record is a collection of various bluesy recordings Alex made in 1964 with his brother, Leslie (who later played with Stone The Crows) on guitar. The CD is on Walhalla Records in Germany and was released in 2006.

The sound is very stripped down and minimalist with Alex in full-on blues wail for many of the songs. The mood is lightened by a few songs, like 'Waltzing Matilda' (yes, *that* song) and 'The Big Rock Candy Mountain', and a couple stray into folk/country territory. His version of 'Strange Fruit' is harrowing, just voice and guitar. There are no credits to the songs so I don't know if any are Alex originals. It's definitely an album for completists.

Tracklisting:

Trouble In Mind
Honey Bee
I Learned About Woman
Danger Zone
The Riddle Song
Waltzing Matilda
TB Blues
The Big Rock Candy Mountain
The Michigan Massacre
No Peace
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
St James Infirmary
Strange Fruit
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
Good God Almighty

I'm pleased with both CDs but I'm sure I'll play 'Hair Rave-Up' more than 'The Blues' - it's well groovy, has energy and life, a euphoric lift that pleases the ear and the heart and you just know that they're having fun on that stage. Rave on Alex.

Kitchen Appliances

I've finally entered the Twentieth Century. I am now the curious owner of a microwave. I know everyone else had one 20 years ago and these days people use them without thinking but I'm never one to jump aboard a bandwagon. I'd much rather consider my options, work through the implications and then make a tentative step forward. And, since we don't seem to have created a generation of microwaved mutants, then I suppose they're safe (-ish).

My microwave-thingy does all sorts of things but I just wanted to know where the on/off button was, the timer and how to open the front door. Not for me the glorious culinary extravaganzas of the recipe books, I just want something to heat stuff up on a cold winter's evening.

It's nice and shiny (that's a good thing). Now, how do I move into the Twenty First Century?

Linda Lewis at The Jazz Cafe

The legendary Linda Lewis was playing a couple of nights at The Jazz Cafe in Camden so it was mandatory to attend. I was a bit of a fan of Linda back in the mid-70s when her strange brew of folk, jazz, soul, rock and (later) disco made her a voice to listen to, starting as a singer-songwriter and morphing into disco queen with 'It's In His Kiss'. Linda has also worked with virtually everybody who was anybody and (as Chris keeps reminding me) did the background screeching on Bowie's 'Panic In Detroit' (one of my favourites). She also knew Marc Bolan and delivered stonking versions of 'Children Of The Revolution' and 'Metal Guru' at the Bolan celebration last year (now available on DVD so you can enjoy her performance live). So, getting tickets was essential.

I've seen Linda three times before and heard her twice. I saw her leave the stage door at the Royal Festival Hall after The Funk Brothers gig a few years ago where she must've been a back-stage guest. Someone asked 'are you Linda Lewis' as she left, she said 'yes' smiled and kept on walking and people standing there all stood with mouths open in amazement. I saw and heard her at the Soul Britannia concert at The Barbican that was recorded by the BBC for telly at the start of 2007. She only sang two songs but it was a great thrill just seeing her after all these years. Then I saw her again at the Bolan celebration a year ago where she was one of the highlights of the night, helping to bring the event to life and add some sparkle.

Linda walked on stage wreathed in smiles and the most gorgeously elaborate and colourful silk jacket the world has ever seen (it deserved a round of applause itself) and opened her mouth for those high notes and those deep, deep low notes (she has a wide range). She did a nicely paced set with music from across her career and some nice friendly chatter in-between songs showing her cheeky sense of humour that kept us all smiling, a consummate professional. About two thirds of the way through the band left the stage and Linda picked up her guitar for a couple of solo acoustic songs. That was a nice touch, reminding us of her beginnings as a folkie troubadour.

My favourite songs were those from the olden days, that I remember from sitting in my bedroom with the record player - 'Rock A Doodle Doo', 'Remember The Days Of the Old School Yard', 'My Grandaddy Could Reggae' (re-named 'My Grandaddy Could Calypso' for the evening with calypso beats) and, of course, 'It's In His Kiss'. She did excellent, extended versions of 'Reach For The Truth', 'Old Smokey' and 'Sideways Shuffle'. She also sang a lovely song I hadn't heard before, 'I Keep A Wish' ('I keep a wish under my pillow, I sleep on it at night...'). It was great hearing those songs live but the real thrill was having Linda right there in front of me singing for me after 30 years. How time flies.

And Linda was fun on that stage, laughing and joking with the audience, pogoing across the stage and grasping us in her small hand and not letting go until the end and she came back (in a peacock styled jacket this time, for you fashionistas out there) for the encore. She saluted us a with a glass of red wine and, when the band were late coming back on stage after her acoustic set, said they were probably sharing a spliff outside. I was smiling and singing throughout and left with the glow of having seen someone special (yes, in full-on fan-boy mode). I've seen Linda Lewis play a full set after all these years ... wow!

Beth Rowley At St James's Church

Last night we went to see Beth Rowley play at St James's Church, just off Piccadilly (which was, apparently designed by Sir Christopher Wren and the church where William Blake was baptised). It's an odd venue for a gig, the main church laid out for a Sunday service with old pews, and upstairs the balcony (where we went) was full of fixed pews with little chance to see the singer in front of the altar (well, you don't necessarily want to stare at a vicar, do you?). Beth didn't always seem that comfortable, with everyone sitting on pews and not moving while she was on the little platform in front of the altar. It was an impressive sight, all lit up, but not necessarily the best place for a gig. I used to work round the corner from the church in St James's Square back in the '80s.

Beth was supported by two folkie acts, Vashti and a bloke who flew in from Los Angeles the day before. Neither inspired me to buy their CDs afterwards. Beth came on at 9pm and looked nervous and fidgety, fidgeting with her strapless frock and not knowing whether to move or to stand still. But when she opened her mouth we all listened and marvelled at her strong and flexible voice. She didn't seem comfortable at all during the first few songs and only settled down a bit when Vashti came on to sing backing vocals - I wonder if also having somone at the front of the 'stage' is what helped her calm down a bit, so she wasn't necessarily carrying everything herself? But, of course, she still was.

She sang about half of the tracks from her album, 'Little Dreamer' (plus the song, 'Little Dreamer' which, strangely, isn't on the album), some new songs (which sounded a lot more cheerful and poppier than the album) and some spirituals. It was an odd selection of songs in some respects and strangely put together with a stonking extended version of 'Only One Cloud' finishing the main act and then playing a couple of comparaively downbeat spirituals for the encore - always leave 'em on a high, Beth, leave 'em wanting more (as Mama Rose says in 'Gypsy').

Beth has the voice of an angel but just doesn't seem comfortable out front as the star of the show. The band was tight and going down a bluesy route which perfectly fits Beth's voice, but it still needs her doing her stuff at the front. And if the new songs are planned for the next album it'll be a corker, since they were really good. It'll be interesting to see how she develops - Beth's clearly a very talented singer but where's she going?

Amanda On Q

According to the latest newsletter from those nice people at Q, Amanda Palmer will appear on Q internet radio next Wednesday on the 'Q The Jury' show at 9:00pm. I've never listened to it but the blurb says that, 'Q editor Paul Rees is joined by guests from the music world to review and rate the latest releases and chat about their work.'

I wonder how many times Amanda will have to stop herself from swearing and whether she manages a plug for the 'Leeds United' single or for 'Who Killed Amanda Palmer'. It all adds to her charm.

Buffy's New Album, DVD And Tour

Rumour and misinformation abound about Buffy Sainte-Marie's new album, DVD and tour. Buffy starts a tour across Canada with Richie Havens on 31 October (Richie's playing in London this week) and some bits of the press are reporting that some dates are cancelled because Buffy's new album's not out. What's going on?

I don't know, but, in a message published on the Buffy wires, Maria Starblanket, Buffy's right-hand-woman, say's the tour is going ahead between 31 October and 14 November in Canada and (get *this*) in the USA and Europe in 2009 (to be arranged)! Am I pleased with this information? O yes.

And to top it off, I went a-hunting for any news about the new album and finally found what looks like the record cover for 'Running For The Drum'. It's a teeny picture, but it's on EMI Canada's website so I'm assuming it's real. It quotes the tracklisting for the limited edition CD/DVD as:

DISC 1 1. No No Keshagesh 2. Cho Cho Fire 3. Workin' for the Government 4. Little Wheel Spin and Spin 5. Too Much is Never Enough 6. To the Ends of the World 7. When I Had You 8. Bet My Heart on You 9. Blue Sunday 10. Easy Like the Snow Falls Down 11. America the Beautiful 12. Still This Love Goes On DISC 2 1. Opening 2. Greenwich Village (Chapter 1) 3. Growing Up (Chapter 2) 4. Consciousness Raising (Chapter 3) 5. Until It’s Time For You To Go (Chapter 4) 6. Hawaii Retreat (Chapter 5) 7. Digital Art (Chapter 6) 8. Sesame Street (Chapter 7) 9. Up Where We Belong (Chapter 8) 10. Buffy And Chuck (Chapter 9) 11. Cradleboard (Chapter 10) 12. Between Two Worlds (Chapter 10) 13. Going Home (Chapter 12) 14. Ending

I heard Buffy play some of those songs live in New York earlier this year - they sounded great live and will, no doubt, sound even better in pristine studio recordings. The only downside to this joy is confirmation of the release date, and whether it'll be available in the UK.