Plug ‘N’ Play

Bob Brozman

By Andy Johnson

There are some people who, if you really want them at Plug & Play, you pull out all the stops to book. Such is the case with Bob Brozman, who appeared at a special show arranged by the P&P group.

It therefore came to pass, that on a cold windswept night next to “The Aggi”, a little bit of sunshine was provided by one of the best guitar strummers/fingerpickers/beaters around today. Immediately getting everyone who braved the elements participating with songs ranging from calypso, through reggae, blues, jazz and even heavy metal, all on various types of acoustic including a 22 string Indian style thing which looked particularly frightening.

I am normally quite methodical in noting down particular songs or parts of the show but, because of Bobs audience grabbing abilities, I completely forgot to write down anything but a few words… “Sack him!!” I hear you say, but wait! Anyone who was there would forgive me for this oversight as they would have been as impressed as I was…anyone who wasn’t there, doesn’t have the right to say such things. If you couldn’t be bothered to turn up and see one of the most entertaining people on the scene because of a little rain (skin’s waterproof you know!!), and at the same time support  a music scene ran entirely by volunteers then I suggest you stay at home and play with your x-boxes or whatever!

Right, rant over.

Songs covered all aspects of  life, taking snapshots of past and present from George “Dubbya” Bushes’ world crusade against evil, growing up, relationships and going home after a long tour. All were given the Brozman treatment with the skill and dexterity you would expect from such a seasoned performer. It still amazes me how he plays a bit, throws his guitar around, catches it and still manages to carry on playing without dropping a note (or the guitar)! Mind you, the front row looked worried from time to time.

Next time you see Bob advertised…SEE HIM!! Wherever he is. You won’t be disappointed by his show.

Next up at Plug & Play…Samsa with Jamie and Lucy Deakin in support.

Be there, or be a non-round object!!!

Singer - Songwriter

By Andy Johnson

Put a crowded bar, ten players and over thirty songs together and what do you get? A fantastic, if what frenetic, evening of entertainment, that’s what!!

Plug & Plays showcase of local songwriters is getting a regular feature of the season’s line-up and is proving as popular as ever with supporters of all the artists enjoying the night and giving well deserved applause to each of the acts.

Tony Carson was first on the stage with a Latin version of “Fame”. Not an original song, but a very original version. Finishing up with “Gena” and “Blues for Bessy”. John Brake was next up with four soulful numbers “Sky West and Crooked”, “Sweet 16” about a teenage suicide bomber (very topical!), “Beating Heart” and “Despair and Wonder”, all allowing his voice and harmonica playing to come through to good effect. Phil Caton without his trusty ukulele but with keyboards entertained us to “Coming Back”, “Never Learn” about the crisis in Darfor, the humorous “Dickie-Dow-Dow” and “Constant Alibi”.

With the crowd now well warmed up, Bruce aka “The Electronic Pimp” gave what must be the most unique style of bass player/singer combination ever. Full overdrive, drum machine and table-top dancing made “Woodpecker Soup”, “Second Thoughts” and “Some People” part of the evening that not many will forget in a hurry. Andy Halsey then brought us all nicely down to earth with “A Love Song”, “The Fugitive” and finishing off with “Give the Game Away”. All showing his fingerpicking technique off to great effect. The bluesy “Lonely Sober”, I Got You” and “Get Up” were the songs from Phil Saunders giving full rein to his blues harmonica and easy playing, which sort of led us into Banjo Bill giving the audience a completely alternate take on how to play a banjo and sing a song at the same time. His strong voice and laid-back style of playing had the crowd applauding strongly at the end of “To Be A Rover” the Turkish influenced “Obard” and “Moon On The Water” co-penned with Pat Simmons.

There was a strong contingent from Kendal in the players and they now took to the stage to show the home crowd how they do it down south!! Some beautiful drop tune playing from Dave M. with “Not Sweet 16” and “The Tall Tree” had the crowd loudly applauding. Kirk McIlhenney then took to the stage to give a tapping, hammer-on, double-stop style performance of “What Are We Fighting For”, “Eyes For You” and Black-Eyed Dog-Gimme Love”. Very reminiscent of John Gomm who, incidentally, is playing here next month. Check the Plug & Play web site!!

Last but not least was the very versatile Paul Harrison, making a welcome return to Plug & Play showing off his dexterous style of playing and knowledge of the fingerboard to fine effect. “Home”, “Driftin’” and “Hellhound” (with words by Robert Johnson), all had the audience wanting more. He duly obliged with the instrumental “The Traveller” finishing the night off in great style and leaving the audience with the feeling of having had a great night out.

Special mention should go to Tom Corda-Stanley who plugged in and out the various players throughout the evening and who got a well deserved round of applause at the end. Part of the great response to the evening was due to the web site www.mostlyaccousticcumbria.co.uk, which promotes interest in this type of event across the region. Check out their web site for details of more to come in the area.

Hasta la November. Baby!!   Keep it live!!

Keiran Halpin

By Andy Johnson

The long awaited Plug & Play season at the Penrith Players theatre got off to a cracking start with a good crowd and great playing.

The traditional “plug in and play” slot started the proceedings off with the highly talented and versatile Bill Turner taking to the stage. The warm tone from his 12-string guitar complementing his voice through his renditions of “Pretty in pink”, Mike Hardings wonderfully poignant “No Mans Land” about the England v Germany football match on the Somme and, finally, the Eagles “Take it easy”.

Next up was Ken Wilcock with two fine instrumental pieces on Dobro. “Working on the new railroad” and “Rosalie” showing his fingerpicking style off to great effect. He was then joined on stage by Jackie Knox, Andy Johnson on stick bass, Keith Knox on mandolin in their guise of “Mrs Knox and the Good Time Boys”, belting out three numbers in their jug band style. “Rich Girl”, “Don’t you ease me in” and “I’m gonna get it” all had the audience tapping their feet and applauding.

Finally, Phil Caton with his trusty ukulele, played a self penned blues number “Dead Cat Blues” giving ample scope to show his unique take on “Uke” playing to great effect.

After a short break, the man who people had come to see took to the stage and didn’t disappoint. Kieran Halpin has a fantastic ability of grabbing the audience as soon as he plays.

Most of the songs in the first half were from his latest album “Box of words and tunes”, of which the title song was warmly applauded. From the autobiographical “A bitter pill” to the powerful “Letter to America” about George W. Bush’s jaunt into world policing, all the songs were sung with tremendous feeling and his guitar playing, from light picking to full on in-your-face strumming was, as always, just right for the song. He finished the first set off with “Angel of Paradise” from the “Moving Air” album, a personal favourite of mine.

The second set continued in the same vein with songs from his back catalogue including “Raglan Road” from the Akoustik album and “Berlin Calling” and “Closing time in Paradise” from the “Moving Air” album. Kieran dedicated “Glory Days” to guitarist Chris Jones, who played with him for many years and appeared on the Moving Air album, who unfortunately died recently. Roared back on stage for an encore, Kieran left the audience with the feeling of having seen a great man play great songs.

See you in October.

Keep it live!!