| MontysMusic Acoustic Club - Open Mic & Guests Aug. 4th |
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| Sunday, July 27, 2008 |
"Help for Heroes Day" A Family Fun Day in aid of Hep for Heroes is being planned for Saturday 6th September from 12 noon onwards at The Horse & Groom Rearsby,Leicestershire.
A great family day is assured with attractions for all the family, Live Music, Hog Roast, Childrens Entertainment, Side Stalls, Fancy Dress Competitions and much much more.
Members from the Montysmusic Acoustic Club will be making appearnces live on stage during the day.
For more help & information on the days events Contact The Horse & Groom 01664 424242 and Help for Heroes info is available on www.helpforheroes.org.uk
More Artist information will be listed soon
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Stamford Weekend Festival 2008 The 10th Stamford Guitar Folk & Blues Weekend June 6/7 & 8th turned out to be a cracker as predicted.
Appearances by Award Winning Martin Simpson, Rachel Harrington & Zak Bowden (Seatle) Guy Buttery & Nibs van der Spuy (South Africa) Kevin Brown (UK) Michael Chapman (UK) Steve Hicks (UK)Michael Gray (UK) The Hulabluebirds (UK) and living legend Andy Fairwather Low and his Band made in a very memorable occasion.
Here's to 2009 !!
Why not visit www.stamfordscentre.com and check out the many great Musical and Entertaining events on during the year.
| Diane Ponzio In ConcertFriday October 17th John Montague and The High Sierras with be presenting the much awaited return of the brilliant Diane Ponzio.
Guitar maestro Diane is world ambassador for the legendary Martin Guitar Co of Nazereth USA. On stage she blends many different music styles, mixing emotions to produce one of the most compelling music sets you will ever whitness. Two great acts and Dinner what more do you want?
So for More information about this quality event held within The Lakeview Room , Beedles Lake Golf Club Leicestershire contact John on 0116 2607307 or john@montysmusic.com | Maverick Magazine Review Leicestershire’s John Montague shines on a fine set of classic country tunes, recorded on a sojourn to Nashville’s Music Row!
The idea of Englishmen tackling classic country material isn’t new; but few can carry it off with conviction or panache. There are the odd distinguished exceptions like Albert Lee, Wes McGhee and Mark Knopfler, while major artists like Elvis Costello and more recently Van Morrison, have dabbled in country with mixed results.
John Montague is a stalwart of the Leicestershire music scene; running acoustic clubs where he regularly puts on talent like Bob Cheevers and Clive Gregson as well as focusing on new talent. He is a superior guitar player with a real feel for the classic country genre.
For this project John flew to Nashville to record on Music Row with local session pickers. Nine songs were recorded live there with a bass player and drummer; before the tracks were sweetened with some sublime steel guitar and a little lead picking. The feel of the album is very spontaneous and organic sounding; the musicians were encouraged to perform what they heard in their heads.
The set opens with the sound of a locomotive thundering down the line before a twanging guitar introduces the classic She Still Thinks I Care. Montague’s vocals are smooth, deep and tuneful. Dylan’s You Ain’t Going Nowhere is reworked with echoes of the Byrds classic version, the steel playing being particularly noteworthy. The familiar standard Tennessee Waltz is followed by the first real highlight of the CD; a superb version of David and Hampton’s Sea Of Heartbreak. I’ve always liked this song and the sprightly mandolin and quicker pace works a treat. This is followed by the standout track, a sublime Bob Cheevers ballad; Help Me With My Heart featuring great electric and steel work.
It isn’t merely coincidence that the more obscure compositions stand out, because the listener often empathises with an original or earlier version of classic songs. However, Montague adds some interesting twists to the classic material he has chosen. Hank Williams’ standard Hey Good Looking, swings while Hank Locklin’s Please Help Me I’m Falling works well with John’s acoustic playing to the fore backed with some lovely mandolin and piano work.
The remainder of the Nashville tracks are a fine You, Me and Bobby McGee and Don Williams’ You’re My Best Friend, a real high point with a lovely acoustic arrangement backed by some weeping steel.
The set concludes with a live take of the Allison gem He’ll Have To Go, recorded live on the BBC’s Mick Smith’s Country show (Nottingham). Light and airy it features friends Dan Britton on guitar and The Last Shot Country Music Duo on harmonies.
This is a joyous, good time record performed with a lot of love and verve. John Montague can feel justifiably proud of his Nashville adventure.
John Brindle
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Big Session Folk Festival at The De Montfort Hall Leicester The Big Session Folk Festival takes place at the De Montfort Hall Friday 13th Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June 2008. This Event has sold out early for the last three years, so do'nt mess about, get your Tickets now on 0116 2333111 and Information on www.bigsessionfestival.com
Come and bring your instruments and join John Montague in the Informal Sessions Tent. Friday 6-9.30pm Saturday 1-5pm & Sunday 12-2pm.
| High Sierras Overnight DriveThe High Sierras
Overnight Drive
www.montysmusic.com
* * * 1/2
Three gentlemen from Leicestershire serve up an enjoyable cocktail of country, blues, jazz and … fun.
John Montague, Peter Turnpenney and Martin Burch, collectively known as The High Sierras, are all excellent guitarists. The trio gig frequently on home turf but have also forged links in Germany, performing to appreciative audiences there.
The pleasing thing about the Sierras is that they don’t take themselves too seriously. There is an easy, laid back vibe to their debut CD which puts one in mind of Mark Knopfler’s former side project; The Notting Hillbillies.
John Montague has been an ambassador for live music for over 30 years as musician, promoter and producer. Some of the artists he has been involved with include Tom Paxton, Bob Cheevers, John Mayall and Ralph McTell. A born entertainer, John handles lead vocals; his voice has a relaxed, warm timbre ideally suited to the material here. His originals, the excellent Flat Top Ford and Balance Sheet Blues reveal a flair for country and blues respectively. Good songs played with flair. One suspects the trio approach their music in s spontaneous fashion; improvising solos and runs. Nothing appears too formulised, which is appealing.
Then there are choice covers; a jazzy, swinging reworking of Lennon and McCartney’s You Can’t Do That or a surprising version of Chris Rea’s Road To Hell, a slow burning acoustic version containing a stunning solo from Martin Burch. Mr Burch also supplies If This Isn’t Love, a fine ballad.
Perhaps the standout cut here is Canadian Bill Bourne’s Voodoo King, a real gem which contains a killer hook, sinewy slide guitar and a fine vocal from Mr Montague. Not far behind is Sometimes, written by one G Evans. Guests Alan Hankinson (bass) and Nigel Upton (drums) beef up the sound for this country number revealing the live potential of the outfit.
Like all good musicians The High Sierras don’t overplay, there is an understated feel to much of the material. Peter Turnpenney excels throughout playing his one of a kind Magnatone Singer Delulxe Guitar, a handmade instrument, which provides the trio with a unique sound.
Cool versions of Blue Moon Of Kentucky and Borderline round off an enjoyable set. This home recorded set was designed as a promotional tool, however it is so much more than that.
Good job boys.
John Brindle
| Great Blues Legends Come to the UKShakedown presents:
Mojo Burford
LIVE at Castor Village Hall,
Peterborough Road,
Castor,
Peterborough
PE5 7AX
Friday 25th April 2008
The wonderful Travis Haddix is bringing his band across from Cleveland USA to play a couple of Shakedown gigs 26 & 27th September
- The legendary Tommy Brown is flying over from Atlanta, Georgia to play two Shakedown gigs of 'Jump and Jive' 24/25th October
- The brilliant soul/blues artist David Dee from St. Louis will play a Shakedown Village Hall gig on the 13th December
For full Information & biography please visit our website at www.shakedownblues.co.uk
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